Invest ideasNews
23 May 2026, 00:55
Gold makes up 99.8% of the entire tokenized commodity market
Gold now makes up basically the entirety tokenized commodity market, according to data from a16z Crypto, whose latest report put tokenized commodities at about $5.1 billion, while tokenized gold alone sat near $5 billion. Silver and every other commodity product had only $57.6 million combined, which leaves gold with about 98% of the market. Oil, farm products, energy, and compute tokens are still barely present. According to a16z Crypto, the market for tokenized assets, also referred to as RWAs, “has surpassed $30 billion recently and been hovering at $34 billion” without counting the stablecoins. Source: a16z Crypto In mid-2024, the market value was less than $3 billion. This massive increase came about following the passage of the GENIUS Act which provided clearer laws for stablecoins in the USA. Treasurys drive tokenized assets as gold controls the commodity side U.S. Treasury debt has been the biggest driver of recent growth. a16z Crypto said “U.S. Treasury debt has driven most of the market’s recent growth.” Investors can hold a normal yield-paying asset in a faster digital form. Bonds are the largest tokenized asset class at $15.2 billion. “For crypto investors, tokenized Treasurys also provide a way to put idle stablecoins to work while gaining access to traditional money-market yields. BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and a growing number of asset managers have moved quickly to meet the demand, building a multibillion-dollar market around the idea,” said a16z. Not every category grew at the same speed. Asset-backed credit, including tokenized HELOCs and lending vault tokens, reached $1 billion only 185 days after its first recorded onchain activity. Specialty finance came next. That includes tokenized reinsurance contracts and bitcoin mining notes, and it passed $1 billion in under two years. Source: a16z Venture capital took more than seven years to reach $1 billion. Active strategies took almost as long. Government debt and commodities were faster, reaching $1 billion in about two to three years. By early 2024, those two categories had nearly the whole tokenized asset market. Since then, asset-backed credit, specialty finance, stocks, and active strategies have gained share, but Treasurys and commodities still account for around two-thirds of the market. Ethereum leads tokenized assets while most products stay outside DeFi Gold fits tokenization because crypto traders love it, thanks to the gold link because bitcoin was called “digital gold” long before tokenized gold products became common. Tether’s XAUT and Paxos’s PAXG turn claims on vault-held gold into tokens that users can keep in crypto wallets. Ethereum still has the largest share of the full tokenized asset market, with $15.7 billion on the network. BNB Chain has $4 billion, Solana has $2.2 billion, Stellar has $1.7 billion, and Liquid Network has $1.5 billion. XRP Ledger, ZKsync Era, and Arbitrum are each near $1 billion. The usage numbers are not as loud as the market cap numbers. a16z Crypto said bonds are the largest category, but only about 5% of that supply, or around $800 million, is used inside DeFi protocols. Precious metals also have low use in DeFi. Most tokenized gold is held onchain instead of being used as programmable collateral or inside other apps. a16z Crypto said the highest DeFi-use categories were built for onchain use from the start, including products tied to Nexus Mutual and Maple Finance. The a16z report said: “Some assets are freely transferable and usable across onchain applications. Others use blockchains mainly as recordkeeping infrastructure, with limited transferability or composability. ( RWA.xyz , for instance, distinguishes between “distributed” vs. “represented” assets.) Much of what gets called “tokenization” today is actually closer to digitization.” McKinsey sees the tokenized market a $2 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030, Ark Invest expects $11 trillion, BCG and Ripple put it at $9.4 trillion by 2030 and $18.9 trillion by 2033, while Standard Chartered (LON: STAN) projects more than $30 trillion by 2034. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
23 May 2026, 00:02
Bitcoin-owning Kevin Warsh sworn in as Fed chair by Trump at White House
Kevin Warsh took the oath as Federal Reserve chair at the White House on Friday morning, giving President Donald Trump a new Fed chief at a rough time for the U.S. economy. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas swore him in. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh were also at the ceremony. Kevin now has to deal with a president who wants much lower interest rates, a Fed board that does not fully agree on inflation, and traders who think the next rate decision may not be a cut at all. It may be a hike. Kevin takes the Fed job as Trump demands cheaper money and inflation stays hot Trump used the ceremony to say Kevin should make his own calls at the central bank, even though Trump has been loud about wanting lower rates. “I want Kevin to be totally independent. I want him to be independent and just do a great job. Don’t look at me. Don’t look at anybody. Just do your own thing. Do a great job. Okay?” Trump said. “We want to stop inflation, but we don’t want to stop greatness.” Kevin has not been quiet about the Fed’s past mistakes. He has blamed recent Fed leaders for doing too much during and after the coronavirus crisis. His view is that the central bank helped fuel the inflation mess by keeping policy too loose for too long. “Inflation comes from bad policy, not bad luck,” Kevin said in a coming book of Fed interviews. At his confirmation hearing, Kevin said Trump never asked him to promise rate cuts during his time at the Fed. “The president never asked me to commit to interest rate cuts at any particular meeting over the period of my tenure at the Fed. He didn’t ask for it, he didn’t demand it, he didn’t require it, and nor would I have ever done so,” said Kevin. But on politics, Kevin stayed much closer to Trump. He would not say whether Joe Biden won the 2020 election. He also avoided saying whether Trump’s tariffs helped push inflation higher. Kevin brings Bitcoin exposure and deep crypto ties into the Fed chair’s office Kevin holds equity positions in over a dozen crypto companies. He is involved in DeFi lending firms, decentralized derivatives firms, Layer 1/Layer 2 network companies, prediction markets, and Bitcoin payment processors. Financial filings reveal Kevin and his wife had a minimum of $192 million in total assets. It includes speculative ventures related to Solana, Optimism, Dapper Labs, Polychain Capital, and multiple DeFi startups. In regards to his views on Bitcoin, he has taken a fairly unconventional approach, considering he used to be a traditional central banker. He did not refer to it as an alternative form of currency, but rather a warning system for policy makers. “I think of Bitcoin as a good policeman,” Kevin said in a 2025 interview. “It’s an important asset that can help inform policymakers when they are doing things right and wrong.” He also said Bitcoin “does not make him nervous.” Kevin argued that crypto software matters for U.S. innovation and the country’s ability to compete. At his confirmation hearing, Kevin said digital assets were already part of the “fabric” of the U.S. financial-services industry. “I will lead a reform-oriented Federal Reserve, learning from past successes and mistakes, both escaping static frameworks and models and upholding clear standards of integrity and performance,” Kevin said Friday. Trump has spent his second term attacking former Fed chair Jerome Powell for not cutting rates fast enough. He called Jerome a “numbskull” and an “average mentally person.” He also threatened to fire him. Trump said Friday that Kevin has “the temperament and leadership abilities to foster collaboration among the entire board,” adding that he expects debate at the Fed as it tries to keep prices stable and employment high. Trump also said Kevin would have the full support of his administration. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
22 May 2026, 23:38
Bitcoin tests 80,500 dollar resistance in early bull phase
🚀 Bitcoin is testing the 80,500 dollar resistance in a potential early bull market phase. 🟠 Recent charts show a head and shoulders pattern and record-low volatility in $BTC. 🟡 Gold has slowed while Bitcoin leads among safe-haven assets. 🧐 Key point: Market signals suggest a major move could be imminent. Continue Reading: Bitcoin tests 80,500 dollar resistance in early bull phase The post Bitcoin tests 80,500 dollar resistance in early bull phase appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
22 May 2026, 20:50
British Pound Holds Below 1.3450 as Disappointing UK Retail Sales Weigh on Sentiment
BitcoinWorld British Pound Holds Below 1.3450 as Disappointing UK Retail Sales Weigh on Sentiment The British pound remained under pressure on Friday, trading below the 1.3450 level against the U.S. dollar after the release of weaker-than-expected UK retail sales data for July. The figures underscored ongoing fragility in consumer spending, adding to uncertainty about the pace of economic recovery and the Bank of England’s next policy moves. Retail Sales Miss Expectations Data published by the Office for National Statistics on Friday showed UK retail sales volumes fell by 0.6% month-on-month in July, significantly below the consensus forecast of a 0.3% decline. The drop was broad-based, with weakness concentrated in department stores and household goods retailers. On an annual basis, sales volumes were flat compared to July 2024, missing expectations for a modest 0.2% gain. The disappointing figures suggest that consumer confidence remains subdued despite recent improvements in real wage growth and a slight easing in inflation. High borrowing costs and lingering cost-of-living pressures continue to constrain household spending, particularly for discretionary items. GBP/USD Technical Levels in Focus Following the data release, the GBP/USD pair dipped to a session low of 1.3420 before stabilizing near 1.3435. The 1.3450 level has acted as near-term resistance since midweek, with the pair unable to sustain gains above that threshold. Immediate support is seen at the 50-day moving average around 1.3400, with a break below that opening the door toward the 1.3350 area. On the upside, a clear move above 1.3450 would target the 1.3500 psychological level, which has capped rallies in recent sessions. The dollar has found some support from renewed expectations that the Federal Reserve may hold rates steady through the end of the year, contrasting with the BoE’s more cautious stance. Bank of England Policy Implications The weak retail sales data reinforces the case for the Bank of England to proceed cautiously with further rate cuts. The BoE cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points in August, bringing it to 4.50%, but policymakers have signaled that the pace of further easing will depend on incoming data. Soft consumer spending figures may tilt the balance toward a slower normalization cycle, which could weigh on sterling in the near term. Markets are currently pricing in a roughly 50% probability of another rate cut at the BoE’s September meeting, though Friday’s data has increased expectations for a move. Traders will be closely watching next week’s inflation and wage growth figures for further clues. Broader Market Context The pound’s weakness also reflects a broader risk-off tone in currency markets, with the U.S. dollar gaining ground against most major peers on Friday. Geopolitical tensions and uncertainty about global growth have supported safe-haven demand for the greenback. The euro, meanwhile, remained under pressure after eurozone industrial production data also disappointed. For sterling, the outlook hinges on whether the UK economy can demonstrate resilience in the face of still-tight monetary policy. While GDP growth has held up better than expected in the first half of 2025, the retail sales data is a reminder that the consumer-led recovery remains uneven. Conclusion The British pound is likely to remain range-bound in the near term as markets digest the implications of weaker retail sales for BoE policy. The 1.3400–1.3500 range is likely to hold unless a significant catalyst emerges, such as a shift in Fed guidance or a surprise in upcoming UK data. Traders should monitor inflation and wage reports next week for clearer direction. FAQs Q1: Why did the British pound fall after the UK retail sales data? The retail sales figures came in weaker than expected, signaling continued weakness in consumer spending. This raises the likelihood that the Bank of England may cut interest rates again sooner than previously anticipated, which is negative for the pound. Q2: What is the key support level for GBP/USD right now? The immediate support level is around 1.3400, which aligns with the 50-day moving average. A break below that could see the pair test the 1.3350 area. Q3: How might the Bank of England respond to the weak retail sales data? The data increases the probability of a rate cut at the BoE’s September meeting. However, policymakers will also consider upcoming inflation and wage data before making a final decision. A cautious approach is expected. This post British Pound Holds Below 1.3450 as Disappointing UK Retail Sales Weigh on Sentiment first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 May 2026, 20:40
AUD/USD Price Forecast: Stuck Between Key SMAs as RSI Turns Bearish
BitcoinWorld AUD/USD Price Forecast: Stuck Between Key SMAs as RSI Turns Bearish The AUD/USD currency pair continues to trade within a tight range, caught between two key simple moving averages (SMAs) as technical indicators flash a bearish signal. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has turned downward, suggesting that selling pressure may be building in the near term. Technical Overview: SMA Resistance and Support The pair is currently sandwiched between the 50-day SMA, which is acting as resistance near the 0.6620 level, and the 200-day SMA, providing support around 0.6540. This narrowing range reflects indecision among traders, with neither bulls nor bears able to establish a clear directional trend. A decisive break above the 50-day SMA would open the door toward the 0.6680 resistance zone, while a drop below the 200-day SMA could accelerate losses toward the 0.6480 support level. The consolidation pattern has been in place for several sessions, and a breakout may be imminent as volatility compresses. RSI Turns Bearish: What It Means The daily RSI has dipped below the 50 neutral mark, moving toward oversold territory. This shift indicates that momentum is favoring sellers. However, the RSI has not yet reached extreme levels, meaning further downside could still unfold before a potential reversal. Traders should watch for a sustained RSI reading below 40 to confirm bearish momentum, or a bounce back above 50 to signal renewed buying interest. The RSI divergence from price action will be key in the coming sessions. Fundamental Context: External Pressures The Australian dollar has been under pressure from a stronger US dollar, driven by resilient US economic data and hawkish Federal Reserve commentary. Meanwhile, softer commodity prices and uncertainty around China’s economic recovery have added to headwinds for the Aussie. Market participants are now pricing in a higher probability of further Fed rate hikes, which has widened the interest rate differential in favor of the greenback. This macro backdrop is likely to keep AUD/USD capped in the near term. Conclusion The AUD/USD pair remains at a technical crossroads, with key SMAs defining the immediate trading range. The bearish RSI signal adds a downside bias, but a breakout above resistance could quickly shift sentiment. Traders should monitor the 0.6540–0.6620 range for a decisive move, while keeping an eye on US economic data and Fed rhetoric for directional cues. FAQs Q1: What are the key SMA levels for AUD/USD? The 50-day SMA near 0.6620 acts as resistance, while the 200-day SMA around 0.6540 provides support. A break above or below these levels could determine the next trend. Q2: What does a bearish RSI signal mean for AUD/USD? A bearish RSI, especially when it falls below 50, indicates that selling momentum is increasing. It suggests that further downside may be likely in the short term. Q3: What fundamental factors are affecting AUD/USD? The Australian dollar is pressured by a strong US dollar due to hawkish Fed policy, resilient US data, and uncertainty around China’s economic recovery, which weighs on commodity-linked currencies like the Aussie. This post AUD/USD Price Forecast: Stuck Between Key SMAs as RSI Turns Bearish first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 May 2026, 20:20
Dollar Stays Flat as Rate Hike Bets and U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes Create a Standoff
BitcoinWorld Dollar Stays Flat as Rate Hike Bets and U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes Create a Standoff The U.S. dollar ended the week virtually unchanged, caught between two powerful but opposing market forces: escalating bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike and cautious optimism surrounding potential peace negotiations between the United States and Iran. The currency’s inability to break out of its narrow trading range reflects a market that is deeply uncertain about the next major catalyst. Rate Hike Expectations Provide a Floor for the Dollar Throughout the week, a series of stronger-than-expected economic data releases, particularly in the manufacturing and services sectors, fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates again to contain persistent inflation. The CME FedWatch Tool showed a notable increase in the probability of a 25-basis-point hike at the next meeting, providing a solid floor under the dollar. Higher interest rates typically attract foreign capital, boosting the currency’s value. This narrative gave the greenback support against a basket of major currencies, preventing a significant decline. Geopolitical Optimism Caps the Dollar’s Upside Simultaneously, reports of progress in back-channel talks between U.S. and Iranian officials regarding a new nuclear framework injected a dose of risk appetite into global markets. A potential detente could lead to the easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, increasing global supply and lowering energy prices. This geopolitical shift tends to weaken the dollar as a safe-haven asset, as investors move toward higher-yielding and risk-sensitive currencies like the euro, British pound, and emerging market currencies. The peace hopes effectively capped any significant dollar rally, creating a stalemate. Why This Standoff Matters for Traders For forex traders, this dual narrative creates a challenging environment. The dollar’s inability to trend strongly in either direction suggests that the market is pricing in a binary outcome: either the Fed hikes and the dollar strengthens, or peace talks succeed and the dollar weakens. Until one of these narratives gains a clear upper hand, range-bound trading is likely to persist. Investors should watch for Fed commentary and any official confirmation regarding the U.S.-Iran talks as the next potential triggers for a breakout. Conclusion The dollar’s flat performance this week is a textbook example of a market in equilibrium, where bullish and bearish forces are perfectly balanced. The tug-of-war between tightening monetary policy and easing geopolitical tensions is unlikely to resolve quickly. For now, the greenback remains a currency without a clear direction, waiting for a decisive signal from either the Federal Reserve or the diplomatic track with Iran. FAQs Q1: Why did the dollar stay flat this week despite rate hike bets? The dollar was supported by increased expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike, but its upside was capped by growing optimism over potential U.S.-Iran peace talks, which reduced demand for safe-haven currencies. Q2: How do U.S.-Iran peace talks affect the dollar? Successful peace talks could lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, increasing global supply and lowering energy prices. This reduces geopolitical risk and diminishes demand for the dollar as a safe-haven asset, weakening the currency. Q3: What should forex traders watch for next? Traders should monitor Federal Reserve officials’ public statements for hints on future rate policy, and any official announcements or credible leaks regarding the status of U.S.-Iran negotiations. A clear development in either area is likely to break the current stalemate. This post Dollar Stays Flat as Rate Hike Bets and U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes Create a Standoff first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
