Invest ideasNews
4 Apr 2026, 15:01
Bitcoin’s Worst Crashes Could Be Over, But There’s A Catch: Cathie Wood
Bitcoin’s most brutal crashes could be a thing of the past, according to ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood, as the cryptocurrency market moves through another bearish phase. Wood argues that Bitcoin is no longer an experimental technology but a maturing asset class. That evolution, she says, is fundamentally changing how the market behaves during downturns. In a recent interview, she noted that even a 50% drop is now viewed differently. In earlier cycles, declines of 85% to 95% were common and widely accepted as part of Bitcoin’s volatility. Today, such extreme losses may no longer define the market. “If it's a 50% decline, that would be considered a victory,” Wood said, pointing to Bitcoin’s growing role as a monetary system and established financial asset. A Different Kind of Bear Market Is Emerging Recent Glassnode data suggests that this shift may already be underway. After peaking near $69,000 in 2021, Bitcoin fell nearly 80% to around $15,600, a move consistent with past cycles. But the current downturn looks different. Since reaching approximately $126,200 in October 2025, Bitcoin has declined by about 52%. While still significant, the drop is notably smaller than historical norms. Analysts are beginning to adjust expectations. Some now estimate that the maximum correction in this cycle could land near 72%, implying a potential bottom around $34,000. That’s lower than the widely anticipated $40,000 to $50,000 range, but still far from the extreme collapses of the past. April Could Mark a Turning Point Seasonal patterns are also drawing attention. Historically, April has often marked the beginning of recovery phases during Bitcoin bear markets. This trend doesn’t guarantee a reversal, but it adds context to the current cycle. March already showed signs of stabilization, with a modest 1.8% gain breaking a five-month losing streak. While subtle, this shift hints that selling pressure may be easing. What’s Really Changing Behind the Scenes The deeper transformation may lie in who holds Bitcoin, and how they hold it. A growing share of long-term investors and institutional players is reshaping market dynamics. These participants tend to move more slowly, adding inertia to price action and reducing extreme volatility. Similar transitions have occurred before. Gold became less volatile after the end of the gold standard, and U.S. equities stabilized as passive investing expanded. Bitcoin may now be entering a comparable phase, moving away from sharp boom-and-bust cycles toward slower, more sustained market movements. If that trend continues, the future of Bitcoin may not be defined by dramatic crashes, but by a more stable, and potentially more predictable, evolution.
4 Apr 2026, 09:30
Bitcoin ETFs Gaining Ground, Could Soon Surpass Gold—Analyst
Gold shed billions in March. Bitcoin quietly pulled in more than a billion. Flows Tell A Diverging Story US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds attracted $1.32 billion in net inflows last month, even as US-based gold ETFs bled $2.92 billion in net outflows over the same period. The gap caught the attention of Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, who said the trend reflects something bigger than a monthly blip — it points to Bitcoin’s growing appeal as a multi-purpose portfolio asset. Related Reading: Standard Chartered Sees Bitcoin Exploding To $500K By 2030 “There are just more use cases of why somebody would put a Bitcoin ETF in a portfolio,” Seyffart said on the Coin Stories podcast, published to YouTube on Friday. Gold’s rough March was punctuated by a single brutal day. On March 4, GLD — the largest US gold-backed ETF — recorded a $3 billion outflow, its steepest single-day withdrawal in over two years. Data from the Bank for International Settlements, cited in mid-March reports, showed Wall Street had been accelerating its gold selling over the prior four months, even as retail buyers were scooping up the metal at triple the pace seen six months earlier. Bitcoin Plays Multiple Roles, Gold Plays One Seyffart’s argument rests on a simple contrast. Gold is widely seen as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement — and not much else. Bitcoin, according to the analyst, gets used differently by different investors. Some buy it as a store of value, similar to gold. Others treat it as a growth asset or a way to bet on liquidity conditions. Still others hold it as a form of digital property or capital. “It can be hot sauce in a portfolio,” Seyffart said, describing how Bitcoin’s volatility and return potential can juice overall performance for investors willing to carry the risk. Based on that reasoning, Seyffart said his outlook is straightforward: Bitcoin ETFs will eventually surpass gold ETFs in total assets under management. US gold ETFs currently hold far more in AUM than their Bitcoin counterparts, so that would represent a significant shift in where big money parks itself. Related Reading: Bitcoin Stumbles Hard: The Worst Q1 In Years Raises Big Questions Both Assets Have Fallen In Tandem Contrasting ETF flows haven’t stopped Bitcoin and gold from falling in tandem. Bitcoin was trading at $66,889 at the time of the original report, off 7.35% over the prior 30 days. Gold was at $4,674, down 8.20% over the same stretch. According to Chris Kuiper, gold and Bitcoin have a history of alternating leadership. With gold outperforming in 2025, Kuiper said it would not be surprising if Bitcoin stepped up next. Whether that rotation plays out remains to be seen. But March’s fund flow data suggests at least some investors are already making their move. Featured image from Meta, chart from TradingView
4 Apr 2026, 09:10
Russian Strike on Nikopol Market: Devastating Attack Kills 5, Injures 19 Civilians
BitcoinWorld Russian Strike on Nikopol Market: Devastating Attack Kills 5, Injures 19 Civilians A devastating Russian missile strike hit a busy civilian market in the front-line Ukrainian city of Nikopol on Tuesday, killing five people and injuring at least 19 others, according to official statements from Ukrainian regional authorities. The attack on the Dnipropetrovsk region city represents one of the deadliest single incidents targeting civilian infrastructure in the area in recent weeks, underscoring the persistent threat to non-combatants in communities near the active front lines. Details of the Nikopol Market Strike Regional Governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed the casualty figures in a public statement on Telegram. He reported that rescue operations continued for several hours after the midday attack. Consequently, emergency services worked to clear rubble and assist the wounded. The strike reportedly involved at least one missile, which impacted directly within the market’s confines during peak shopping hours. Furthermore, Ukrainian air defense systems in the region were active but failed to intercept the incoming projectile. Nikopol, situated on the southern bank of the Dnipro River’s Kakhovka Reservoir, faces the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant directly across the water. This geographical position has made it a frequent target for artillery and missile fire since the early stages of the full-scale invasion. The city’s proximity to a major strategic asset subjects its roughly 100,000 remaining residents to near-daily bombardment. Context of Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure This incident fits a documented pattern of strikes targeting Ukrainian urban centers far from the primary ground combat zones. International observers, including the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), have consistently recorded a high volume of civilian casualties resulting from such attacks. Their data indicates that explosive weapons with wide-area effects used in populated areas cause disproportionate harm to non-combatants. The following table outlines major market attacks in Ukraine since 2022, as documented by independent conflict monitors: Date Location Reported Casualties Weapon Type January 2023 Kramatorsk 3 killed, 30+ injured Ballistic Missile September 2022 Kostiantynivka 17 killed, 32 injured Artillery Shelling April 2022 Kramatorsk Train Station 63 killed, 160+ injured Tochka-U Missile March 2022 Mykolaiv 12 killed, 33 injured Cluster Munitions Military analysts note that targeting patterns often shift in response to battlefield dynamics. For instance, strikes on rear-area cities like Nikopol can intensify during periods of relative stalemate on the front lines. These attacks aim to degrade civilian morale and strain national logistics and emergency response networks. Humanitarian and Legal Implications International humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, establishes clear principles for the protection of civilians during armed conflict. The principle of distinction requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between military objectives and civilian objects. The principle of proportionality prohibits attacks expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life excessive relative to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for investigations into attacks on clearly civilian objects like markets, residential buildings, and energy grids. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has an ongoing investigation into the situation in Ukraine, which includes examining alleged war crimes. Evidence from strikes, including munition fragments, impact sites, and timing data, often forms part of these legal processes. Impact on the Dnipropetrovsk Region The Dnipropetrovsk region, with the city of Dnipro as its administrative center, has served as a critical logistics and humanitarian hub since 2022. It functions as a primary transit point for personnel, equipment, and aid moving to southern and eastern front lines. Consequently, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted its transportation and energy infrastructure. Nikopol’s specific situation remains particularly dire. The city suffers from: Constant Shelling: Daily artillery and drone attacks from Russian positions. Destroyed Critical Infrastructure: Damaged power, water, and heating systems. Mass Displacement: A significant portion of the pre-war population has fled. Economic Collapse: Local industry and agriculture have been severely disrupted. Regional authorities maintain a complex emergency response system. This system coordinates medical evacuations, debris removal, and temporary housing for those displaced by attacks. However, the frequency of strikes steadily depletes local resources and tests the endurance of first responders. Military Analysis of the Strike’s Origin Open-source intelligence analysts, reviewing social media footage and official reports from the Nikopol attack, suggest the weapon used was likely a short-range ballistic missile or guided glide bomb. These weapons are frequently launched from occupied territory in southern Ukraine. The trajectory and impact characteristics often provide clues about the launch location and system employed. Ukrainian military spokespersons have stated that Russia has recently increased its use of Iskander-M ballistic missiles and Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missiles against targets in the Dnipropetrovsk region. These weapons are difficult to intercept with older Soviet-era air defense systems still in Ukraine’s inventory. The promised delivery of more advanced Western air defense systems, like Patriot batteries, aims to address this critical vulnerability. Conclusion The Russian strike on the Nikopol market represents a tragic escalation in the targeting of civilian areas in Ukraine. This attack killed five individuals and injured nineteen others, highlighting the ongoing peril for non-combatants living near the conflict’s front lines. The incident reinforces documented patterns of warfare that have characterized the conflict, drawing continued scrutiny from international legal and human rights bodies. As military analysts assess the tactical rationale, the immediate consequence remains profound human suffering and the further erosion of civilian infrastructure in a region already bearing a heavy burden from the war. FAQs Q1: Where is Nikopol, and why is it frequently targeted? Nikopol is a city in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Region, located on the north bank of the Dnipro River opposite the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Its strategic position near a key facility and as a rear-area logistics node makes it a persistent target for Russian artillery and missile strikes. Q2: What type of weapon was used in the market attack? While official forensic analysis is ongoing, regional authorities and military analysts suggest the attack likely involved a short-range ballistic missile or a precision-guided glide bomb, based on the reported impact and damage characteristics. Q3: How does international law view attacks on civilian markets? International humanitarian law strictly prohibits direct attacks on civilian objects, including markets, under the principles of distinction and proportionality. Deliberate attacks on purely civilian infrastructure where no military objective is present may constitute war crimes. Q4: What is the current humanitarian situation in Nikopol? The situation is severe. The city’s population has drastically declined due to displacement, and remaining residents endure near-daily shelling, leading to widespread damage to homes, power, water systems, and now, central gathering places like markets. Q5: Has there been an international response to this specific attack? As of this reporting, Ukrainian officials have condemned the attack and called for increased military support, specifically enhanced air defense systems. Major international bodies like the UN have not yet issued specific statements on this incident but routinely condemn attacks harming civilians in Ukraine. This post Russian Strike on Nikopol Market: Devastating Attack Kills 5, Injures 19 Civilians first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
4 Apr 2026, 08:20
What Does Charles Schwab’s New Crypto Offering Mean for Bitcoin?
After its CEO, Rick Wurster, commented last year that the financial giant plans to release crypto-focused products in H1 2026, Charles Schwab has introduced a new page dedicated to the industry. Founded in 1971 under a different name, Charles Schwab is one of the largest US banking organizations, with roughly $12 trillion in assets under management. Schwab to Enter Crypto The entity has dabbled with entering the cryptocurrency industry for years, mostly indicating that it plans to launch a Bitcoin ETF once regulations change. Although the regulatory landscape in the US has indeed changed over the past few years, with a dozen spot BTC ETFs already available for trading, Charles Schwab didn’t choose that path. However, it went a different route, at least according to its website. A page dedicated to the cryptocurrency industry shows “Schwab Crypto,” a new product line to be offered through Charles Schwab Premier Bank. It would position it as a gateway for retail investors to get exposure to some of the largest digital assets. CEO Wurster reportedly said clients will soon be able to buy and hold bitcoin and ether directly, and the limited rollout will begin in Q2 before it expands broadly. Wall Street Going All In? With so many different traditional financial giants already operating in the cryptocurrency industry, the community was quick to pick up Charles Schwab’s upcoming involvement. Many highlighted it as a major institutional adoption news that could propel the asset class higher, especially since the Wall Street behemoth has a client base of almost 50 million. WALL STREET GOES ALL IN $12T GIANT CHARLES SCHWAB LAUNCHING SPOT BITCOIN & ETHEREUM TRADING. HE PROMISED LAST YEAR TO LAUNCH WITHIN 12 MONTHS. CLIENTS WILL BE ABLE TO BUY, SELL & HOLD BTC & ETH DIRECTLY. ALL ALONG WITH STOCKS & BONDS IN ONE ACCOUNT. pic.twitter.com/tjRKvWxtUE — Money Ape (@TheMoneyApe) April 3, 2026 However, others were more skeptical, indicating that even though Schwab has a massive clientele, it wouldn’t change the “psychology divide.” They argued that more such participants would mostly increase the number of gamblers and traders, and they tend to chase “the next big thing.” The post warned that crypto investors should brace for “increased volatility and liquidity shifts.” The post What Does Charles Schwab’s New Crypto Offering Mean for Bitcoin? appeared first on CryptoPotato .
4 Apr 2026, 07:52
Bitcoin ETF growth projections intensify after strong inflows and shifting investor sentiment
Spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted significant inflows as gold ETFs see large outflows. Experts highlight Bitcoin’s diverse functions beyond being a digital store of value. Continue Reading: Bitcoin ETF growth projections intensify after strong inflows and shifting investor sentiment The post Bitcoin ETF growth projections intensify after strong inflows and shifting investor sentiment appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
4 Apr 2026, 07:44
Tether may delay fundraising if demand falls short at $500B valuation: Report
The $500 billion valuation would put Tether ahead of every US bank except JPMorgan Chase, surpassing Bank of America and placing it among the world’s largest financial firms.
