hodler

1 May 2026, 12:30

Bitcoin Gives US Leverage Against China, Defense Secretary Hegseth Says

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that Bitcoin can serve as a tool of US strategic leverage, linking the asset to classified Pentagon efforts and a broader competition with China. The comments mark one of the clearest public signals yet that parts of the US defense establishment now view BTC not only as a financial network, but as a national security domain. The exchange came during an April 30 congressional hearing , when Rep. Lance Gooden pressed Hegseth on whether Bitcoin should be treated as an instrument of power projection. Gooden framed the issue through the lens of adversarial use, arguing that BTC has moved from a marginal asset to a strategic concern for Washington. “Over the past decade, Bitcoin has evolved from a fringe asset into a matter of national security,” Gooden said. “Iran has demanded Bitcoin as a toll for transit through the Strait of Hormuz . North Korean cyber actors have leveraged it in ransomware campaigns, and China is believed to be stockpiling substantial holdings as part of a strategic reserve.” Gooden then linked those concerns directly to the Indo-Pacific theater, citing recent testimony from Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command. He said Paparo had stated that Bitcoin has “direct implications for power projection” and noted that USINDOPACOM was operating a Bitcoin node in furtherance of that mission. Bitcoin Becomes Pentagon Focus That framing put Hegseth in a position to answer a question that would have sounded unusual in a defense hearing only a few years ago: whether Bitcoin is a tool to project power, and whether the department is working to secure a US advantage against China’s “digital authoritarianism.” Hegseth’s answer was brief but unusually direct. “I guess my short answer would be yes and yes,” he said. “Long an enthusiast of Bitcoin and crypto potential. And a lot of the things we’re doing, enabling it or defeating it, are classified efforts that are ongoing inside our department, which do provide us a lot of leverage in a lot of different scenarios. I appreciate that. And I share your views.” The phrase “enabling it or defeating it” is the key policy signal. Hegseth did not describe BTC simply as an asset to be held, regulated, or monitored. He framed the Defense Department’s work around two operational tracks: using the technology where it creates strategic advantage, and countering it where adversaries use it against US interests. The comments also build on Paparo’s earlier testimony . On April 21, Paparo told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Bitcoin can be relevant to American “power projection,” adding that “anything that supports all instruments of national power for the United States of America is to the good.” A day later, Gooden’s office said Paparo told the House Armed Services Committee that the US military was using a Bitcoin node to help “secure and protect networks.” At press time, BTC traded at $77,168.

1 May 2026, 12:21

Crypto Billionaire's 5M£ Gift Scandal to Farage

Nigel Farage received a 5M£ gift from Harborne, a Tether shareholder. 12M£ donation to Reform UK, scandal before crypto ban. Farage defends BTC reserve. BTC: 77.441$, strong support 75.716$. Politi...

1 May 2026, 12:20

Japanese Yen Retreats Sharply Against US Dollar as ISM PMI Data Looms – Key Forex Insights

BitcoinWorld Japanese Yen Retreats Sharply Against US Dollar as ISM PMI Data Looms – Key Forex Insights The Japanese Yen gave back recent gains against the US Dollar during Tuesday’s trading session. Market participants now focus on the upcoming ISM Manufacturing PMI data from the United States. This shift in momentum highlights ongoing uncertainty in the USD/JPY pair. Japanese Yen Weakens After Brief Recovery The Japanese Yen struggled to maintain its upward trajectory. It fell back against the US Dollar after a short-lived recovery. This movement comes as traders reassess the Bank of Japan’s policy stance. The BoJ recently signaled a potential shift away from ultra-loose monetary policy. However, market participants remain skeptical about the timing. On Monday, the Yen gained ground. It benefited from safe-haven flows. Geopolitical tensions and global growth concerns boosted demand for the currency. But the rally proved short-lived. By Tuesday, the US Dollar regained strength. The USD/JPY pair climbed back above the 150.00 level. ISM PMI Data Takes Center Stage Investors now turn their attention to the ISM Manufacturing PMI . This key economic indicator measures the health of the US manufacturing sector. Economists expect a modest improvement. The consensus forecast points to a reading of 48.5. This remains below the 50.0 threshold. A reading below 50 indicates contraction. A stronger-than-expected result could boost the US Dollar . It would signal resilience in the American economy. Conversely, a weak print might renew pressure on the greenback. It could also reignite demand for the Japanese Yen as a safe haven. Key ISM PMI Components to Watch New Orders Index: This sub-index gauges future demand. A rise would indicate improving business conditions. Employment Index: This component reflects hiring trends. It offers clues about the labor market. Prices Paid Index: This measures input costs. It provides insights into inflation pressures. Bank of Japan Policy Divergence Drives Yen Volatility The Bank of Japan maintains its ultra-loose monetary policy. This contrasts sharply with the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance. The Fed has raised interest rates aggressively. It aims to combat stubborn inflation. This policy divergence continues to weigh on the Japanese Yen . BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda recently hinted at a possible policy shift. He suggested that the central bank could end negative interest rates. But he provided no clear timeline. Markets remain divided on when this change might occur. Some analysts expect a move by April 2025. Others believe the BoJ will wait until later in the year. This uncertainty creates volatility in the USD/JPY pair. Traders must navigate conflicting signals. The Japanese Yen remains sensitive to any comments from BoJ officials. US Dollar Strength Driven by Fed Expectations The US Dollar benefits from expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates. The Federal Reserve has maintained a cautious tone. It wants to see more progress on inflation before cutting rates. This stance supports the greenback. Recent economic data from the United States has been mixed. GDP growth remains solid. But the labor market shows signs of cooling. Inflation has moderated but remains above the Fed’s 2% target. This leaves the central bank in a holding pattern. The ISM PMI data will provide fresh clues. A strong reading could reinforce the Fed’s hawkish stance. It would likely push the US Dollar higher. A weak reading might fuel rate cut speculation. This could weigh on the greenback. Technical Analysis: USD/JPY at Key Levels The USD/JPY pair trades near a critical resistance zone. The 150.50 level acts as a key barrier. A break above this point could open the door to 152.00. Support lies at 149.00. A drop below this level would signal further weakness. The 50-day moving average provides additional support. It currently sits around 149.20. The 200-day moving average offers long-term support near 147.50. Traders watch these levels closely. Key Technical Levels for USD/JPY Level Value Significance Resistance 150.50 Key psychological barrier Resistance 152.00 2024 high Support 149.00 Immediate support Support 147.50 200-day moving average Impact of Global Risk Sentiment on Yen The Japanese Yen often moves in tandem with risk sentiment. During times of uncertainty, investors flock to the Yen. It is a traditional safe-haven currency. This dynamic played out earlier this week. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East boosted demand for the Yen. But risk appetite has since improved. Stock markets recovered some losses. This reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Consequently, the Japanese Yen gave back its gains. Looking ahead, the ISM PMI data could shift risk sentiment again. A strong reading would boost risk appetite. It would likely hurt the Yen. A weak reading could reignite fears of an economic slowdown. This would benefit the Yen. Expert Perspectives on USD/JPY Outlook Market analysts offer varied views on the USD/JPY outlook. Some expect the pair to remain range-bound. They cite the policy divergence between the BoJ and the Fed. Others see potential for a breakout. They point to the upcoming data releases. “The Japanese Yen remains under pressure,” says a senior forex strategist. “The BoJ’s cautious approach limits its upside. The Fed’s hawkish stance supports the dollar. This dynamic will likely persist.” Another analyst notes the importance of the ISM PMI . “This data point could be a game-changer. A surprise in either direction would trigger significant volatility. Traders should prepare for sharp moves.” Timeline of Key Events Affecting Japanese Yen December 2024: BoJ keeps rates unchanged. Governor Ueda hints at future policy shift. January 2025: Fed holds rates steady. Signals caution on inflation. February 2025: US jobs data beats expectations. Dollar strengthens. March 2025: BoJ meeting minutes show division among members. April 2025: ISM PMI data release. Market watches closely. Conclusion The Japanese Yen gave back recent gains against the US Dollar . All eyes now turn to the ISM Manufacturing PMI data. This release will shape the near-term outlook for the USD/JPY pair. Traders must navigate policy divergence and shifting risk sentiment. The Japanese Yen remains vulnerable to further losses. But a weak ISM reading could spark a recovery. Stay tuned for the data release and its market impact. FAQs Q1: Why did the Japanese Yen give back gains against the US Dollar? The Yen retreated as risk appetite improved and traders awaited the ISM PMI data. The US Dollar regained strength on expectations of higher-for-longer Fed rates. Q2: What is the ISM Manufacturing PMI and why does it matter for USD/JPY? The ISM PMI measures US manufacturing activity. It influences the US Dollar by providing clues about economic health and Fed policy direction. Q3: How does Bank of Japan policy affect the Japanese Yen? The BoJ’s ultra-loose policy weakens the Yen. Any hints of a shift toward tightening can strengthen the currency. Q4: What are the key support and resistance levels for USD/JPY? Support lies at 149.00 and 147.50. Resistance stands at 150.50 and 152.00. Q5: Could the ISM PMI data trigger a breakout in USD/JPY? Yes. A strong reading could push the pair higher. A weak reading might cause a sharp decline. Volatility is expected. This post Japanese Yen Retreats Sharply Against US Dollar as ISM PMI Data Looms – Key Forex Insights first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

1 May 2026, 12:10

EUR/USD Surges to Weekly Highs at 1.1755 as US Dollar Weakens Sharply

BitcoinWorld EUR/USD Surges to Weekly Highs at 1.1755 as US Dollar Weakens Sharply The EUR/USD currency pair has climbed to its highest level in a week, touching the 1.1755 mark during European trading hours on Wednesday. This surge comes as the US Dollar continues to falter against a basket of major currencies, driven by shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy and renewed risk appetite in global markets. EUR/USD Breaks Resistance as Dollar Index Slides The euro’s rally pushed the pair decisively above the 1.1700 resistance level, a threshold that had capped gains for much of the past fortnight. The US Dollar Index , which measures the greenback against six major peers, slipped to a fresh weekly low near 92.30. This decline reflects a broad-based sell-off in the dollar, with traders reducing their long-dollar positions following weaker-than-expected US economic data. Key support for the euro emerged from a combination of factors: Dovish Fed signals : Recent comments from Federal Reserve officials suggested the central bank may delay tapering its asset purchases. Strong eurozone data : Industrial production figures from Germany and France exceeded forecasts, bolstering confidence in the region’s recovery. Risk-on sentiment : Global equity markets rallied, reducing demand for the safe-haven dollar. US Dollar Weakness: A Deeper Dive The US Dollar has been under sustained pressure since the start of the week. A disappointing non-farm payrolls report for August triggered the initial sell-off, with the headline figure falling far short of market expectations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the US economy added only 235,000 jobs, compared to the consensus estimate of 720,000. This miss has raised questions about the pace of the labor market recovery and, by extension, the timeline for the Fed to normalize monetary policy. Market participants now see a reduced probability of the Fed announcing a taper at its September meeting. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the implied probability of a rate hike by the end of 2022 has dropped below 40%. This dovish repricing has weighed heavily on the dollar, as lower interest rate expectations reduce the currency’s yield appeal. Eurozone Fundamentals Support the Euro On the other side of the Atlantic, the euro has drawn support from a string of encouraging economic releases. The German IFO Business Climate Index rose to 101.2 in August, its highest level since the pandemic began. Similarly, eurozone composite PMI readings have remained firmly in expansionary territory, signaling robust growth in both manufacturing and services sectors. The European Central Bank’s decision to maintain its accommodative stance has also provided a stable backdrop for the single currency. ECB President Christine Lagarde reiterated the bank’s commitment to keeping borrowing costs low until inflation sustainably reaches its target. This clarity has helped anchor market expectations, allowing the euro to benefit from the dollar’s weakness without triggering fears of ECB tightening. Technical Analysis: Key Levels for EUR/USD From a technical perspective, the EUR/USD pair is testing a critical resistance zone. The 1.1750–1.1760 area corresponds to the 50-day moving average, a level that has acted as a pivot point in recent weeks. A sustained break above this region could open the door for a move toward the 1.1800 handle, where the 100-day moving average sits. Key technical levels to watch: Resistance : 1.1760 (50-day MA), 1.1800 (100-day MA), 1.1850 (August high). Support : 1.1700 (psychological level), 1.1650 (20-day MA), 1.1600 (August low). The Relative Strength Index on the daily chart has risen above 60, indicating that bullish momentum is building but the pair is not yet in overbought territory. This suggests there may be room for further upside in the near term. Market Context and Broader Implications The EUR/USD rally is part of a larger shift in the foreign exchange landscape. The dollar’s decline has lifted most major currencies, with the British pound, Australian dollar, and Japanese yen all gaining ground. Commodity-linked currencies, in particular, have benefited from the weaker greenback and rising commodity prices. Gold, which is priced in dollars, has also climbed above the $1,800 per ounce level. For traders and investors, the key question is whether this dollar weakness is a temporary correction or the start of a longer-term trend. The answer hinges on the path of US economic data and the Fed’s policy response. If upcoming reports on consumer prices and retail sales show signs of strength, the dollar could regain its footing. Conversely, continued soft data would likely keep the dollar on the defensive. Expert Perspectives Analysts at major financial institutions have weighed in on the pair’s outlook. A currency strategist at a leading investment bank noted that the market is currently pricing in a very dovish Fed path, which may be overdone. They cautioned that any hawkish surprise from the Fed could trigger a sharp reversal in the dollar. On the other hand, a research note from a European asset manager highlighted that the euro’s fundamentals are improving, making the case for a sustained move higher in EUR/USD . The divergence in central bank policy between the Fed and the ECB remains a central theme. While the Fed is gradually moving toward normalization, the ECB is expected to maintain its ultra-loose policy for years to come. This divergence typically supports the dollar, but the current market dynamic suggests that traders are focusing more on the pace of US data than on long-term policy differences. Impact on Businesses and Consumers The EUR/USD exchange rate has real-world implications for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. A stronger euro makes European exports more expensive in dollar-denominated markets, potentially hurting manufacturers in the eurozone. Conversely, it lowers the cost of imports from the US, benefiting European consumers and companies that rely on American goods and services. For US-based multinational corporations, a weaker dollar boosts the value of overseas earnings when converted back into dollars. This can provide a tailwind for corporate profits in the third quarter. Travelers also feel the impact: Americans visiting Europe will find their dollars stretch further, while Europeans traveling to the US will face higher costs. Conclusion The EUR/USD pair’s ascent to weekly highs near 1.1755 underscores the current market dynamics, where a faltering US dollar is the primary driver. Weak US employment data and dovish Fed expectations have eroded the greenback’s appeal, while solid eurozone fundamentals have provided a lift for the euro. Technical indicators suggest the pair may test higher resistance levels in the coming sessions, but the sustainability of this move depends on incoming economic data and central bank signals. Traders should remain vigilant for potential shifts in market sentiment that could alter the trajectory of this key currency pair. FAQs Q1: Why did EUR/USD rise to 1.1755? A: The pair rose due to broad US Dollar weakness, triggered by weaker-than-expected US jobs data and dovish Federal Reserve comments, combined with strong eurozone economic indicators. Q2: What is the next key resistance level for EUR/USD? A: The next major resistance is at 1.1800, which aligns with the 100-day moving average. A break above that could target the August high near 1.1850. Q3: How does the Federal Reserve policy affect EUR/USD? A: Dovish Fed policy, such as delaying tapering or keeping rates low, weakens the US Dollar as it reduces the currency’s yield appeal, supporting EUR/USD upside. Q4: Is this EUR/USD rally sustainable? A: Sustainability depends on upcoming US economic data. If data remains soft, the dollar may stay weak. However, a strong data surprise could reverse the move. Q5: What impact does a stronger euro have on the eurozone economy? A: A stronger euro makes eurozone exports more expensive, potentially hurting manufacturers, but it lowers import costs, benefiting consumers and companies reliant on foreign goods. This post EUR/USD Surges to Weekly Highs at 1.1755 as US Dollar Weakens Sharply first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

1 May 2026, 12:05

Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision: Powell’s Potentially Final Meeting as Chair Sparks Market Uncertainty

BitcoinWorld Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision: Powell’s Potentially Final Meeting as Chair Sparks Market Uncertainty The Federal Reserve interest rate decision this week carries extra weight. Markets widely expect the central bank to hold rates steady. However, this meeting may be Chair Jerome Powell’s last. This fact injects deep uncertainty into the outlook for monetary policy and risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision: A Pause in the Cycle The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concludes its two-day meeting on Wednesday. The CME FedWatch Tool shows a 97% probability of no rate change. The target range remains at 5.25% to 5.50%. This marks the seventh consecutive meeting without a move. The central bank has maintained this level since July 2023. The decision reflects a cautious approach. Inflation has eased but remains above the 2% target. The labor market stays resilient but shows signs of cooling. This pause is not a surprise. The Fed signaled a data-dependent stance earlier this year. Recent economic data supports inaction. Consumer price index (CPI) readings have been sticky. The core PCE index, the Fed’s preferred gauge, hovers around 2.7%. Job gains remain solid but have slowed. The economy continues to grow at a moderate pace. The Fed needs more evidence that inflation is sustainably moving lower. This meeting provides no such clarity. Jerome Powell Last Meeting: The Political Crosscurrents The real story lies in the political calendar. Chair Powell’s term ends in February 2026. This meeting may be his last if President-elect Donald Trump chooses a replacement. Trump has publicly criticized Powell. He called him a ‘political enemy’ and demanded lower rates. Powell has consistently defended the Fed’s independence. This tension creates an unprecedented backdrop. The White House has not announced a nominee. Potential successors include former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and economist Judy Shelton. Both have expressed dovish views. A new chair could shift the Fed’s direction. Markets are pricing in this uncertainty. The yield curve has steepened. Long-term bond yields have risen on expectations of future rate cuts. The dollar has weakened slightly against major currencies. Powell’s legacy is complex. He took office in 2018. He navigated the pandemic, the inflation surge, and the fastest rate hiking cycle in decades. He maintained the Fed’s credibility through political pressure. His final statement may address this directly. He may emphasize the importance of independence. He may also signal the path forward for the next year. Impact on the Crypto Market: What to Expect The crypto market impact of this meeting could be significant. Bitcoin and other digital assets have shown sensitivity to Fed policy. Higher interest rates reduce liquidity. They also increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like Bitcoin. A hold decision is neutral. However, the forward guidance matters more. If the Fed signals a potential cut in March, risk assets could rally. If it remains hawkish, crypto prices may face headwinds. The market is already pricing in a 60% chance of a cut by June. The dot plot, released quarterly, will be updated in March. This meeting includes no new projections. The statement and press conference are the only guides. Bitcoin has traded in a narrow range between $95,000 and $105,000 this month. Ethereum has shown relative weakness. Altcoins have mixed signals. The total crypto market cap sits at $3.2 trillion. A clear signal from the Fed could break this range. Traders are watching the language closely. Any mention of ‘patience’ or ‘vigilance’ will be parsed. Powell Term End: A Transition Point for Monetary Policy The Powell term end represents a broader transition. The Fed’s leadership has been stable for years. A new chair could bring different priorities. The central bank’s dual mandate remains unchanged. However, the interpretation of that mandate could shift. A more dovish chair might prioritize employment over inflation. This would align with the administration’s goals. The Senate must confirm any nominee. This process could take months. In the interim, Powell remains chair. He will continue to set policy. The transition could create a period of uncertainty. Markets dislike uncertainty. The volatility index (VIX) has risen 15% this month. This reflects broader anxiety about the policy path. The Fed’s credibility is its most valuable asset. A politicized appointment could damage that. The central bank has worked hard to rebuild trust after the inflation missteps of 2021. A smooth transition is critical. The market will watch the confirmation hearings closely. Any hint of political interference could trigger a sell-off. Market Reactions and Expert Perspectives Economists are divided on the implications. Some see the hold as a necessary pause. Others argue the Fed should cut now to support growth. The housing market is particularly sensitive. Mortgage rates remain above 7%. Home sales have stalled. Consumer spending has softened. Business investment is cautious. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warned that cutting too early could reignite inflation. He advocates for patience. On the other side, former Fed Vice Chair Alan Blinder believes the economy needs a cut. He points to falling inflation expectations. The market is caught between these views. The bond market is pricing in a ‘soft landing’ scenario. This means inflation falls without a recession. The yield curve has normalized. Short-term rates remain high. Long-term rates have declined. This is a classic sign of a successful tightening cycle. The Fed must now navigate the final mile. Timeline of Key Events January 2024: Fed holds rates steady for the first time. Powell signals data dependence. July 2024: Inflation ticks up. Markets price out rate cuts. Fed maintains hawkish stance. November 2024: Trump wins election. Powell’s position becomes uncertain. Market volatility rises. December 2024: Fed cuts rates by 25 basis points. Powell faces criticism from both sides. January 2025: This meeting. All eyes on Powell’s statement and press conference. Conclusion The Federal Reserve interest rate decision this week is a pivotal moment. The expected hold is just one part of the story. The Jerome Powell last meeting narrative adds a layer of political and market complexity. The crypto market impact depends on forward guidance. The Powell term end signals a potential shift in monetary policy direction. Investors should watch the press conference closely. The Fed’s next move will shape markets for the rest of the year. FAQs Q1: Will the Federal Reserve raise interest rates at this meeting? No. Markets expect the Fed to hold rates steady at 5.25%-5.50%. There is a 97% probability of no change. Q2: Is this Jerome Powell’s last meeting as Fed chair? It may be. Powell’s term ends in February 2026. President-elect Trump could nominate a replacement soon. This meeting could be his final one. Q3: How does the Fed decision affect Bitcoin and crypto prices? A hold is neutral. However, forward guidance matters. If the Fed signals cuts, crypto may rally. If it stays hawkish, prices could fall. Bitcoin is currently range-bound. Q4: Who might replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair? Potential candidates include Kevin Warsh and Judy Shelton. Both have dovish views. The nomination process requires Senate confirmation. Q5: What is the FOMC dot plot and why does it matter? The dot plot shows each member’s rate projection. It is updated quarterly. The next update is in March. This meeting does not include new dots. Q6: What is the likelihood of a rate cut in 2025? Markets price in a 60% chance of a cut by June. The Fed’s data-dependent stance means the timing depends on inflation and employment data. This post Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision: Powell’s Potentially Final Meeting as Chair Sparks Market Uncertainty first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

1 May 2026, 12:00

Bhutan’s Bitcoin sell-offs hit $200 mln: Is the country letting go of its BTC reserve?

Despite Bitcoin's persistent dumping, broader holding by nations rose by 26%.