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8 Apr 2026, 16:27

Morgan Stanley launches Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca with lowest fee in market

Morgan Stanley launched MSBT, a low-fee spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca targeting advisers. The launch occurs during a market slump, with the bank presenting the move as a potential opportunity. Continue Reading: Morgan Stanley launches Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca with lowest fee in market The post Morgan Stanley launches Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca with lowest fee in market appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

8 Apr 2026, 16:02

Standard Chartered to Fold Zodia Custody Into CIB Crypto Division

Standard Chartered is moving to absorb the core crypto custody operations of its majority-owned subsidiary Zodia Custody into the bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking division, according to sources familiar with the matter. Key Takeaways: Standard Chartered plans to fold Zodia Custody’s core operations into its CIB division as early as April 2026, Bloomberg reported. Zodia

8 Apr 2026, 16:00

French crypto owners to declare self-hosted wallets to the state

Tax authorities in France will be going after cryptocurrency investors under a new law that obliges them to declare any wallet holding a few thousand euros’ worth of coins. The upcoming legislation, which has just overcome a parliamentary hurdle in Paris, is expected to increase state surveillance over the digital assets of the French people. France to boost monitoring of crypto holdings France’s National Assembly has backed a bill “on the fight against social and tax fraud,” which concerns taxpayers, particularly cryptocurrency owners. The draft law was approved by the lower house of parliament on first reading this Tuesday, local media reported, citing the chamber’s announcement . The legislation introduces a new obligation for crypto investors: to declare each self-hosted wallet that holds €5,000 worth of digital coins (nearly $5,900 at the time of writing). This particular provision is meant to reduce the opacity of digital financial flows, which have been harder to trace than fiat transfers through traditional bank accounts, the Journal du Coin noted. By adding it to the legal document, the government hopes to tap into wealth that has been escaping detection until now, the crypto news outlet wrote in an article on Wednesday. The move comes after a successful 2025 for the French tax authority, which increased reported amounts by €249 million and collected over €17 billion in taxes and penalties. This was achieved by improving the monitoring of citizens’ assets, and crypto will now be integrated into the agency’s surveillance mechanisms, boosting its investigative capabilities. When is the end of crypto anonymity coming? Cryptocurrency enthusiasts will have some time before the legislation begins to end the anonymity of their holdings in France. After passing the Assembly, the bill must be reviewed in the Senate, too, and given the nod by a joint committee, possibly in May, before it’s finally adopted. Its implementation will also depend on the introduction of bylaws that will specify the mechanisms and procedures for monitoring and auditing. Thus, the reporting obligation for non-custodial wallets and the respective surveillance mechanism are more likely to be enforced towards the end of this year or in early 2027. France is tightening tax enforcement French authorities have been taking steps to improve tax collection. The implementation of electronic invoicing, aimed at curbing VAT fraud, is one such example. “The 2025 results already show a 148% increase in the results of tax credit refund audits, a sign of an overall tightening of enforcement action,” Journal du Coin pointed out. The addition of cryptocurrencies to the list of assets subject to audit gives the French finance ministry another tool to combat fraud networks, the report highlighted, adding: “Taxpayers will have to anticipate increased transparency regarding their digital assets, under threat of sanctions comparable to those for undeclared work or unreported foreign bank accounts.” France has been moving in that direction for at least a couple of years, and the update of its tax legislation to account for new financial technologies was expected. After audits powered by artificial intelligence proved their effectiveness last year, the integration of new detection tools targeting crypto holdings is likely to be swift and smooth. Under the new legal framework, digital currency wallets will be included in France’s annual tax audit. Pressure on crypto owners to declare all their holdings to the state has been increasing in other jurisdictions as well. A recently proposed bill requires all Russian residents to report their offshore crypto wallets to the country’s tax authority. If you want a calmer entry point into DeFi crypto without the usual hype, start with this free video.

8 Apr 2026, 16:00

Gold Price Soars: Three-Week Highs Fueled by US-Iran Ceasefire and Dollar Weakness

BitcoinWorld Gold Price Soars: Three-Week Highs Fueled by US-Iran Ceasefire and Dollar Weakness LONDON, April 2025 – The gold price is consolidating near three-week highs today, a direct consequence of a newly announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran. This significant geopolitical development has triggered a sharp sell-off in the US Dollar, consequently propelling the precious metal, a traditional safe-haven asset, to its strongest level in over twenty-one days. Market analysts are closely monitoring this inverse correlation, which underscores gold’s enduring role during periods of shifting global risk sentiment. Gold Price Dynamics and the Weakening Dollar The immediate catalyst for gold’s ascent is the formal ceasefire agreement. Consequently, this news has reduced immediate geopolitical risk premiums priced into the US currency. Historically, the US Dollar and gold exhibit a strong inverse relationship. Therefore, when the Dollar weakens, dollar-denominated assets like gold become cheaper for holders of other currencies. This mechanism invariably boosts demand and pushes prices higher. Furthermore, the ceasefire has altered short-term interest rate expectations. Markets now perceive a reduced likelihood of aggressive Federal Reserve action, which was previously anticipated to support the Dollar. This shift in monetary policy outlook applies additional downward pressure on the currency. As a result, investors are reallocating capital into non-yielding bullion as a store of value. Historical Context of Geopolitical Events and Gold This market reaction follows a well-established historical pattern. For instance, during periods of de-escalation following prolonged tensions, initial dollar weakness often benefits gold. However, the sustainability of this rally depends on subsequent economic data and central bank signals. A comparative analysis of past events provides crucial context. Event Initial Gold Reaction Subsequent 30-Day Trend 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal +3.2% -1.8% (as focus shifted to Fed) 2020 US-China Phase One Trade Deal +1.8% +5.1% (due to pandemic fears emerging) This data illustrates that gold’s trajectory is rarely linear. While the initial trigger is clear, other macroeconomic factors quickly reassert their influence on the market. Expert Analysis on Market Sentiment Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Commodities Strategist at Global Markets Insight, provides expert commentary. “The ceasefire is a textbook catalyst for the move we are seeing,” she states. “However, traders are already looking beyond the headline. The key question is whether this marks a structural decline for the Dollar or a temporary adjustment. For now, the technical breakout for gold is valid, but it requires confirmation from sustained physical demand and ETF inflows.” This analysis highlights the multi-faceted evaluation professional investors undertake. The Broader Impact on Precious Metals and Commodities The rally is not isolated to gold alone. Other precious metals are also experiencing positive momentum, albeit to varying degrees. This sector-wide movement confirms the primary driver is macro-financial, not metal-specific. Silver: Often follows gold but with higher volatility, showing a 2.5% gain. Platinum: Reacting more to industrial demand outlooks, posting modest gains. Mining Stocks: The GDX ETF (Gold Miners) is outperforming the spot price, indicating leveraged bullish bets. Simultaneously, the weaker Dollar is providing a broad lift to dollar-priced commodities. For example, crude oil and base metals are also firmer. This creates a complex environment where gold must compete for capital against other cyclical assets now benefiting from the same currency effect. Technical Analysis and Key Price Levels From a chart perspective, gold has convincingly broken above its 50-day moving average, a key technical indicator watched by algorithmic and discretionary traders alike. The next major resistance level sits near the early March high of $2,185 per ounce. Conversely, support has now been established at the previous congestion zone around $2,130. A close above the March high would signal a potential resumption of the longer-term bullish trend, potentially targeting all-time highs. Market volume during this move has been above average, suggesting strong conviction behind the price action. This is a critical detail, as low-volume breakouts are often less reliable. The commitment of traders report will be scrutinized next week to see if managed money positions have shifted from net-short to net-long. Central Bank Policy and the Long-Term Outlook Looking ahead, the trajectory of gold will increasingly hinge on monetary policy. The ceasefire may allow the Federal Reserve to maintain a more patient stance on interest rates if global stability reduces inflationary risks from energy markets. Lower real interest rates are a fundamentally positive environment for gold, which bears no yield. Therefore, upcoming inflation data and Fed meeting minutes will be pivotal. Additionally, central bank gold buying remains a structural support. Institutions in emerging markets have been consistent net buyers, diversifying reserves away from traditional currencies. This demand provides a solid floor for prices, irrespective of short-term speculative flows driven by forex movements. Conclusion The gold price is holding firm near three-week highs, directly fueled by the US-Iran ceasefire and the resultant weakness in the US Dollar. This movement reaffirms the metal’s core dynamics within the global financial system. While the immediate catalyst is geopolitical, the sustainability of the rally will depend on a confluence of factors including central bank policy, real yields, and physical market demand. Investors should monitor these developments closely, as the current breakout presents both opportunity and the need for careful risk assessment in the volatile commodities space. FAQs Q1: Why does a weaker US Dollar make gold prices rise? Gold is priced in US Dollars globally. When the Dollar loses value, it takes fewer units of other currencies (like Euros or Yen) to buy one ounce of gold. This increased purchasing power for international buyers boosts demand and pushes the Dollar price higher. Q2: Is the ceasefire the only reason gold is rising? While the primary short-term catalyst, other factors support gold. These include expectations of slower Federal Reserve rate hikes, persistent central bank buying, and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, which collectively enhance its safe-haven appeal. Q3: How do interest rates affect gold? Gold offers no yield (interest). When interest rates rise, yield-bearing assets like bonds become more attractive relative to gold, often pressuring its price. Conversely, when rate hike expectations diminish or rates fall, gold’s opportunity cost decreases, making it more attractive. Q4: Will other precious metals like silver follow gold higher? Silver often correlates with gold due to its dual role as a precious and industrial metal. It typically exhibits higher volatility. A rising gold price often pulls silver higher, but silver’s performance is also tied to the economic outlook for industrial demand. Q5: What should investors watch next to gauge gold’s direction? Key indicators include: the US Dollar Index (DXY) for forex momentum, real Treasury yields, weekly Commitments of Traders reports for speculative positioning, and physical gold holdings in major ETFs like the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). This post Gold Price Soars: Three-Week Highs Fueled by US-Iran Ceasefire and Dollar Weakness first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

8 Apr 2026, 15:50

Canada’s Tariff Shock Lessons: How Past Pain is Forging a Resilient New Policy Blueprint

BitcoinWorld Canada’s Tariff Shock Lessons: How Past Pain is Forging a Resilient New Policy Blueprint OTTAWA, CANADA – Recent analysis from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) underscores a pivotal shift in the nation’s economic strategy. Consequently, past experiences with disruptive tariff shocks are now actively shaping a more resilient and proactive policy framework for 2025 and beyond. Canada’s Tariff Shock Lessons Inform Current Strategy Economists at RBC have conducted a thorough review of recent global trade tensions. Their analysis reveals critical lessons for Canadian policymakers. Specifically, the unexpected tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018 served as a stark wake-up call. This event exposed vulnerabilities in traditional trade dependencies. Therefore, the federal government has since prioritized diversification and supply chain resilience. Furthermore, subsequent disputes highlighted the need for robust domestic industrial policy. The lessons learned are now codified in several key government initiatives. Data from Global Affairs Canada shows a marked change in trade patterns. For instance, non-U.S. export growth has accelerated significantly since 2020. This strategic pivot aims to mitigate future external shocks. The following table illustrates the shift in key export destinations: Export Destination 2018 Share 2024 Share Change United States 75.4% 70.1% -5.3% European Union 7.8% 10.5% +2.7% Asia-Pacific (ex-China) 6.1% 8.9% +2.8% The RBC Analysis on Economic Policy Adaptation The Royal Bank of Canada’s research team published a comprehensive report this month. It details the evolution of Canada’s trade policy posture. The report identifies three core adaptive strategies now in play. First, the government is accelerating free trade agreement negotiations with non-traditional partners. Second, it is increasing support for critical mineral development and other strategic sectors. Third, a new focus on ‘friend-shoring’ supply chains has emerged. This approach prioritizes trade with allied nations sharing similar regulatory standards. RBC’s Chief Economist, in a recent briefing, emphasized the long-term nature of this shift. “The tariff shocks were not merely a transient disruption,” she stated. “They fundamentally altered the risk calculus for Canadian businesses and the government. As a result, policy is now being built with a much higher assumption of volatility.” This perspective is reflected in recent federal budgets, which allocate substantial funds to trade infrastructure and innovation. From Reactive to Proactive: Building Economic Resilience The transition in policy thinking is significant. Initially, responses to tariffs were largely reactive and defensive. Now, the focus has shifted to proactive capacity building. Key initiatives include the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Global Hypergrowth Project. These programs aim to bolster Canadian competitiveness in high-value sectors. Moreover, the government has established a new early-warning unit within Global Affairs Canada. This unit monitors global trade policy developments to provide advance notice of potential disputes. Industry stakeholders report a changed relationship with government. “The dialogue has moved from damage control to future-proofing,” noted the President of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters association. This collaborative approach is seen as a direct lesson from the isolation felt during past disputes. Consequently, public-private working groups on trade are now a standard operational feature. Impacts on Canadian Industry and Investment The new policy direction carries tangible consequences for the business landscape. Investment patterns show a clear trend. There is increased capital flowing into sectors identified as strategically important and less tariff-exposed. These sectors include clean technology, aerospace, and digital infrastructure. Conversely, industries heavily reliant on single export markets are undergoing restructuring. Many firms have pursued dual-supply chain models or invested in automation to reduce cost pressures. RBC’s analysis highlights several key impacts: Increased R&D Spending: Corporate investment in research and development has risen by 18% since 2020, partly driven by government matching grants. Supply Chain Reconfiguration: Over 40% of major exporters have diversified their supplier base or brought some production closer to home. Workforce Reskilling: Federal and provincial programs are actively retraining workers for jobs in less trade-vulnerable industries. This multifaceted response aims to build a more adaptable economy. The goal is not to retreat from global trade but to engage with it more intelligently and securely. Conclusion The lessons from Canada’s tariff shock experiences are now deeply embedded in national policy. RBC’s analysis confirms that this painful period has catalyzed a more resilient and strategic economic approach. The focus has shifted from mere reaction to building inherent strength and diversification. Ultimately, the evolving policy blueprint seeks to protect Canadian prosperity against an increasingly unpredictable global trade environment. The integration of these hard-learned lessons will likely define Canada’s economic trajectory for the next decade. FAQs Q1: What were the main tariff shocks referenced by RBC? The primary shocks were the U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) imposed under Section 232 in 2018, along with subsequent retaliatory measures and ongoing trade tensions affecting softwood lumber and other sectors. Q2: How is ‘friend-shoring’ different from traditional trade? Friend-shoring intentionally prioritizes building supply chains and trade relationships with politically aligned nations that share similar regulatory and environmental standards. This reduces risk compared to sourcing solely based on cost from potentially adversarial regimes. Q3: What is the Strategic Innovation Fund? It is a Canadian government program that provides funding to businesses for large-scale, transformative projects in key sectors like aerospace, clean tech, and digital industries. Its budget was increased significantly following recent trade disputes. Q4: Has reducing reliance on the U.S. market hurt Canadian exports? Not according to recent data. While the U.S. share of exports has decreased slightly, total export volume has grown as new markets in the EU and Asia-Pacific have been successfully developed, leading to a more balanced and resilient trade portfolio. Q5: What role do provinces play in this new trade policy? Provinces are crucial partners, often leading trade missions and implementing complementary workforce development programs. Federal-provincial collaboration on regulatory alignment and infrastructure investment is now a key component of the national strategy. This post Canada’s Tariff Shock Lessons: How Past Pain is Forging a Resilient New Policy Blueprint first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

8 Apr 2026, 15:12

Gold ETFs see renewed inflows as US-Iran deal eases global tensions

Gold ETFs recorded notable inflows as geopolitical risks eased and oil prices declined. Recent market movements show renewed investor interest in gold, while silver ETF holdings fell. Continue Reading: Gold ETFs see renewed inflows as US-Iran deal eases global tensions The post Gold ETFs see renewed inflows as US-Iran deal eases global tensions appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .