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18 May 2026, 15:20

Goldman Sachs exits XRP ETF

Banking giant Goldman Sachs has fully exited its positions in several cryptocurrency -focused exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ) amid subdued performance by the products. In its latest 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the investment banking giant dumped its stakes in XRP – and Solana ( SOL )-related ETFs. The filing shows Goldman Sachs liquidated its holdings in multiple XRP-linked ETFs after previously holding roughly $154 million worth of the products in the fourth quarter of 2025. At the time, the bank was among the largest institutional holders of XRP-related ETFs, with exposure spread across products offered by companies including Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale Investments, and 21Shares. Goldman Sachs also exited its positions in Solana-related investment products, including the Grayscale Solana Trust ETF, Bitwise Solana Staking ETF, and Fidelity Solana Fund, marking a broad retreat from alternative cryptocurrency ETF exposure. Goldman Sachs broader cryptocurrency holding Despite the reduction in XRP and Solana holdings, the bank continues to maintain significant exposure to Bitcoin ( BTC ) ETFs. Goldman Sachs still holds approximately $690 million in BlackRock’s IBIT and around $25 million in Fidelity Investments’ FBTC, although both positions declined by about 10% from the previous quarter. The filing also revealed a sharp reduction in Ethereum ( ETH ) ETF exposure. Goldman Sachs cut its holdings in BlackRock’s ETHA ETF by roughly 70%, leaving about 7.2 million shares valued at approximately $114 million. At the same time, the bank increased its investments in crypto-related equities, adding to positions in Circle Internet Group, Galaxy Digital, Coinbase, Robinhood Markets, and PayPal. Meanwhile, it reduced holdings in crypto mining and infrastructure firms, including Strategy, Bit Digital, Riot Platforms, and IREN. The post Goldman Sachs exits XRP ETF appeared first on Finbold .

18 May 2026, 13:50

USD/CHF Bulls Hold Firm: 0.7850 Support Key to Sustained Uptrend

BitcoinWorld USD/CHF Bulls Hold Firm: 0.7850 Support Key to Sustained Uptrend The USD/CHF pair continues to demonstrate bullish resilience, with the 0.7850 level emerging as a critical floor that buyers have successfully defended in recent trading sessions. This price action suggests that market sentiment remains tilted in favor of the US dollar against the Swiss franc, despite intermittent pressure from risk-off flows and European economic data. Technical Setup: Support Holding Firm From a technical perspective, the 0.7850 mark has acted as a reliable support zone over the past week, coinciding with the 50-day simple moving average (SMA). Each test of this level has attracted buying interest, pushing the pair back toward the 0.7900 resistance area. The repeated defense of this support indicates that bullish momentum is not yet exhausted. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart hovers near 55, suggesting room for further upside before entering overbought territory. Meanwhile, the MACD histogram remains positive, though its slope has flattened slightly, hinting at a potential consolidation phase before the next directional move. Fundamental Drivers: Divergent Monetary Policy Outlook The broader bullish case for USD/CHF rests on the diverging monetary policy trajectories between the Federal Reserve and the Swiss National Bank (SNB). The Fed has maintained a cautious stance, signaling that interest rate cuts are not imminent as inflation remains above target. In contrast, the SNB has already begun easing, cutting its policy rate in March and signaling further accommodation if needed. This policy divergence makes the US dollar more attractive on a yield basis, supporting capital flows into USD-denominated assets. Additionally, recent US economic data, including stronger-than-expected retail sales and industrial production figures, have reinforced the narrative of a resilient US economy. Key Levels to Watch Traders should monitor the following price thresholds in the coming sessions: Support: 0.7850 (immediate), 0.7800 (psychological and 100-day SMA) Resistance: 0.7900 (near-term), 0.7950 (February high), 0.8000 (key psychological barrier) A sustained break above 0.7900 would likely accelerate bullish momentum toward the 0.7950 region. Conversely, a daily close below 0.7850 could signal a shift in sentiment, exposing the 0.7800 handle. Why This Matters for Traders For forex traders, the USD/CHF pair offers a unique window into relative economic strength between the US and Switzerland. The pair is often viewed as a barometer of global risk sentiment, with the Swiss franc attracting safe-haven bids during periods of market stress. The current resilience of USD/CHF suggests that risk appetite remains intact, even as geopolitical uncertainties persist. Understanding these technical and fundamental dynamics helps traders position themselves for potential breakout opportunities or manage risk around key support levels. Conclusion The USD/CHF bulls remain in control as long as the 0.7850 support holds. The combination of a supportive technical structure and favorable monetary policy divergence provides a foundation for further gains, though a break below this level would warrant caution. Traders should watch for a decisive move above 0.7900 to confirm the next leg higher. FAQs Q1: What is the significance of the 0.7850 level for USD/CHF? The 0.7850 level is a key technical support zone, aligning with the 50-day SMA. It has been tested multiple times recently and held, indicating strong buyer interest and a potential floor for the pair. Q2: How does SNB policy affect USD/CHF? The Swiss National Bank has adopted a more dovish stance than the Fed, cutting rates in March. This policy divergence makes the US dollar more attractive on a yield basis, supporting USD/CHF upside. Q3: What could cause a breakdown below 0.7850? A daily close below 0.7850 could be triggered by a sudden risk-off event, such as geopolitical tensions or disappointing US economic data, which would boost safe-haven demand for the Swiss franc. This post USD/CHF Bulls Hold Firm: 0.7850 Support Key to Sustained Uptrend first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

18 May 2026, 13:45

British Pound Under Pressure as Political Uncertainty Weighs on Sterling and Gilts: MUFG

BitcoinWorld British Pound Under Pressure as Political Uncertainty Weighs on Sterling and Gilts: MUFG Analysts at MUFG Bank have issued a note highlighting that ongoing political uncertainty in the United Kingdom is exerting downward pressure on the British pound and UK government bonds, known as gilts. The assessment comes as markets continue to digest shifting policy signals and domestic political developments, adding to the cautious tone surrounding Sterling. Political Headwinds Weigh on Sterling According to MUFG, the primary driver of recent Sterling weakness is a lack of clarity over the UK’s fiscal and political direction. The bank’s currency strategists note that uncertainty surrounding upcoming policy decisions and potential changes in government leadership are creating an environment where investors are reluctant to hold the pound. This has been reflected in a modest but persistent decline in GBP/USD and GBP/EUR exchange rates over recent sessions. The analysts point out that the political landscape, including debates over fiscal responsibility and public spending, is directly impacting investor confidence. When political direction is unclear, foreign capital inflows tend to slow, which in turn pressures the currency and raises borrowing costs for the government. Gilts Feel the Strain The impact is not limited to the currency. UK government bonds, or gilts, have also come under selling pressure. Yields on benchmark 10-year gilts have edged higher as investors demand a greater risk premium to hold UK debt. MUFG attributes this to the same underlying uncertainty: without a clear political and economic roadmap, bond markets reassess the risk of holding UK sovereign debt. Higher gilt yields can have a ripple effect on the broader economy, as they influence mortgage rates, corporate borrowing costs, and the government’s own debt servicing expenses. The MUFG note suggests that until political clarity emerges, gilt yields may remain elevated, adding to the challenges facing the UK Treasury. Market Implications for Investors For investors and market participants, the key takeaway from MUFG’s analysis is that Sterling and gilts are likely to remain sensitive to political headlines in the near term. The bank advises that any resolution of political uncertainty—such as a clear policy framework or a stable government outlook—could provide a catalyst for a rebound in both the pound and bond prices. Conversely, prolonged uncertainty could see further depreciation in Sterling and additional upward pressure on gilt yields. The situation underscores the importance of monitoring UK political developments closely, as they now play a central role in driving market movements. Conclusion MUFG’s assessment reinforces the view that political uncertainty is a material risk factor for UK financial markets. The British pound and gilts are both feeling the strain, and the path forward depends heavily on how political events unfold. Investors should brace for continued volatility until a clearer direction emerges from Westminster. FAQs Q1: Why is political uncertainty affecting the British pound? Political uncertainty makes investors cautious, reducing demand for the currency. When the direction of fiscal or leadership policy is unclear, foreign capital inflows slow, putting downward pressure on Sterling. Q2: What are gilts and why do they matter? Gilts are UK government bonds. They are a key benchmark for borrowing costs in the economy. When gilt yields rise, it becomes more expensive for the government and businesses to borrow, which can slow economic activity. Q3: What could reverse the pressure on Sterling and gilts? A clear and credible policy framework from the UK government, or a resolution of political uncertainty such as a stable leadership outlook, could restore investor confidence and support both the pound and gilt prices. This post British Pound Under Pressure as Political Uncertainty Weighs on Sterling and Gilts: MUFG first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

18 May 2026, 13:22

Standard Chartered to acquire all Zodia Custody shares

🟢 Standard Chartered moves to fully acquire Zodia Custody. All shares will pass to the bank as competitors enter $BTC custody. Continue Reading: Standard Chartered to acquire all Zodia Custody shares The post Standard Chartered to acquire all Zodia Custody shares appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

18 May 2026, 13:15

Bitcoin faces outsized quantum threat as computing breakthroughs accelerate, Citi says

The bank said accelerating advances in quantum computing are compressing the timeline for risks to crypto and broader internet infrastructure, with Bitcoin seen as particularly exposed.

18 May 2026, 12:55

Pound Edges Higher but Stays Near April Low as UK Political Turmoil Deepens

BitcoinWorld Pound Edges Higher but Stays Near April Low as UK Political Turmoil Deepens The British pound inched higher in early trading on Wednesday but remained pinned near its lowest level since April, as ongoing political instability in the United Kingdom continued to undermine investor confidence. Sterling hovered around $1.27 against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a cautious market mood ahead of key parliamentary votes and growing uncertainty over the government’s fiscal direction. Political Uncertainty Weighs on Sterling The pound’s recovery has been tentative at best. After a brief rally in late March, the currency has steadily lost ground amid a series of political shocks that have rattled Westminster. The latest turmoil stems from internal party divisions over economic policy, a weakened prime minister facing a potential leadership challenge, and fresh concerns about the government’s ability to pass a coherent budget through a fractious parliament. Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming confidence vote, which could trigger a snap election or a change in leadership. Such an event would likely delay critical fiscal decisions, including spending reviews and tax reforms, adding to the economic uncertainty that has kept the pound under pressure. Market Reaction and Key Levels Currency traders have responded by pricing in a higher risk premium on UK assets. The pound’s slide toward the April low of $1.26 has been driven by a combination of political risk aversion and a stronger U.S. dollar, which has benefited from robust American economic data and hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve. Technical analysts note that if sterling breaks below the $1.26 support level, it could open the door to further declines toward $1.24, a level not seen since November of last year. On the upside, resistance is seen at $1.28 and $1.30, though a sustained rally would require a clear resolution to the political deadlock. What This Means for Businesses and Consumers A weaker pound has direct implications for UK businesses and households. Import costs rise, pushing up prices for goods ranging from electronics to food. For companies that rely on overseas supply chains, margins are squeezed. On the positive side, exporters and tourism sectors may benefit from more competitive pricing abroad. For consumers, the falling pound adds to inflationary pressures at a time when the cost of living remains elevated. Energy bills, mortgage rates, and grocery prices are all sensitive to currency movements, making the political situation in London a matter of immediate financial concern for millions of households. Outlook and Key Dates The immediate focus for markets is the parliamentary calendar. A confidence vote is expected within the next two weeks, and the outcome will likely determine the pound’s short-term trajectory. If the government survives, a period of relative stability could allow sterling to recover some ground. A defeat, however, would plunge the country into election uncertainty, likely sending the pound lower. The Bank of England’s next monetary policy meeting is also on the horizon. While the central bank is expected to hold rates steady, any shift in its tone regarding inflation or growth could amplify currency moves. For now, the pound remains hostage to political events, with traders watching Westminster more closely than Threadneedle Street. Conclusion The pound’s modest uptick offers little comfort to investors who see deeper structural risks. Until the political fog clears, sterling is likely to remain vulnerable, with the April low acting as a critical test of market confidence. The coming weeks will be decisive, not just for the currency, but for the broader perception of UK economic stability. FAQs Q1: Why is the pound falling despite a small rise today? The pound’s slight uptick is a short-term correction, but it remains near multi-month lows because of deep political uncertainty in the UK, including the risk of a leadership change or snap election, which undermines investor confidence. Q2: What is the key support level for GBP/USD? The immediate support level is around $1.26, the April low. A break below that could lead to further declines toward $1.24, a level not seen since November 2024. Q3: How does a weak pound affect UK consumers? A weaker pound increases the cost of imported goods, contributing to higher inflation. This affects everyday items like food, electronics, and fuel, as well as mortgage rates and energy bills, adding to the cost of living pressures. This post Pound Edges Higher but Stays Near April Low as UK Political Turmoil Deepens first appeared on BitcoinWorld .