Invest ideasNews
28 Apr 2026, 19:57
BoJ Interest Rate Decision Strengthened the Yen, BTC Declined
BoJ kept interest rates steady at %0,75 but signaled a rate hike with a 6-3 vote. Yen strengthened, BTC/JPY declined. Inflation forecast raised to %2,8, growth lowered to %0,5. BTC at $76K, strong ...
28 Apr 2026, 19:30
Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin in Payments: Ark Invest Shifts Thesis
BitcoinWorld Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin in Payments: Ark Invest Shifts Thesis Cathie Wood, the CEO of Ark Invest, has revised a core part of her original investment thesis. She now states that stablecoins have preempted Bitcoin in the payments space. This statement came during a recent interview with The Rollup. It marks a significant shift in her long-held view that Bitcoin would become a global payment and monetary infrastructure. Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin: The Core Shift For years, Wood argued that Bitcoin would serve as a primary payment network. She envisioned it as a digital gold and a medium for everyday transactions. However, the rise of stablecoins has changed this trajectory. In her interview, Wood explained that stablecoins have filled a specific niche. They offer price stability, which Bitcoin lacks. This makes them more practical for daily payments. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets, like the US dollar. They provide the speed of blockchain without the volatility. This key difference has driven their adoption in remittances, e-commerce, and decentralized finance. Wood acknowledged this reality. She stated that stablecoins have “preempted” Bitcoin in the payments arena. This does not diminish Bitcoin’s value. Instead, it refines the understanding of its role. Bitcoin remains a strong store of value. Its scarcity and decentralization make it a digital gold. However, for payments, stablecoins offer a better user experience. They combine the benefits of crypto with the stability of fiat. This insight from Wood carries weight. She is a prominent figure in the investment world. Her firm, Ark Invest, manages billions in assets. Why Stablecoins Gained an Edge in Payments The adoption of stablecoins has surged in recent years. Their total market capitalization now exceeds $150 billion. This growth reflects real-world utility. Users prefer them for transactions because their value does not fluctuate wildly. Bitcoin, in contrast, can swing 10% in a single day. This volatility makes it risky for merchants and consumers. Furthermore, stablecoins are integrated into many payment platforms. Companies like PayPal, Visa, and Stripe now support them. This infrastructure makes them accessible to a mainstream audience. Bitcoin, while widely accepted, faces higher transaction fees during network congestion. Stablecoins on fast blockchains like Solana or Polygon offer near-instant settlements at low costs. Wood’s acknowledgment of this trend is data-driven. Ark Invest’s research likely showed that stablecoin transaction volumes have surpassed Bitcoin in certain metrics. For instance, stablecoin transfer volumes on Ethereum alone often exceed $500 billion monthly. This dwarfs Bitcoin’s on-chain payment activity. The market has spoken. Stablecoins have become the preferred payment tool in the crypto ecosystem. Impact on Bitcoin’s Original Thesis Bitcoin was created as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. The 2008 whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto outlined this vision. However, over time, Bitcoin evolved. It became a store of value, often called digital gold. This shift happened for several reasons. Its fixed supply of 21 million coins made it deflationary. Its security and decentralization made it a safe haven. Wood’s revised thesis aligns with this evolution. She now sees Bitcoin as a monetary reserve asset. It is not a payment rail. Stablecoins handle the payment function. This separation of roles is practical. It allows each asset to serve its best purpose. Bitcoin provides long-term value storage. Stablecoins provide transactional utility. This view is supported by other experts. Many analysts argue that Bitcoin’s future lies in institutional adoption. It is a hedge against inflation and currency debasement. Payments, they say, are better suited for stablecoins. Wood’s statement reinforces this consensus. It also provides a clear roadmap for investors. Ark Invest’s Evolving Crypto Strategy Ark Invest has been a major player in the crypto space. The firm holds significant positions in Bitcoin and Coinbase. It also invests in blockchain technology companies. Wood’s latest comments suggest a strategic pivot. She may now allocate more resources to stablecoin-related projects. Ark Invest’s research reports have highlighted stablecoins before. They call them a “killer app” for crypto. Their ability to bridge traditional finance and digital assets is unmatched. Wood’s interview confirms this focus. She mentioned that stablecoins are improving financial inclusion. They allow unbanked populations to access dollar-denominated savings. This is a powerful use case. The firm also tracks regulatory developments. Stablecoins face scrutiny from lawmakers. However, Wood believes clear regulation will boost adoption. The US Congress is working on stablecoin legislation. A legal framework would provide certainty. This would encourage more businesses to use them. Timeline of Wood’s Changing Views Wood’s views on Bitcoin have evolved over time. In 2020, she predicted Bitcoin would reach $500,000. She based this on institutional adoption and its role as a payment system. By 2022, she tempered this view. She acknowledged the rise of stablecoins. In 2023, she started discussing them more in public forums. The interview with The Rollup marks a definitive shift. She now explicitly states that stablecoins have taken over payments. This is a major admission from a Bitcoin bull. It shows that even the most ardent supporters must adapt to market realities. Wood’s credibility rests on data-driven decisions. This move enhances her reputation as a thoughtful investor. Broader Market Implications Wood’s statement has ripple effects across the crypto market. It validates stablecoins as a legitimate asset class. It also clarifies Bitcoin’s positioning. Investors should not expect Bitcoin to dominate payments. Instead, they should view it as a long-term store of value. This insight can guide portfolio allocation. A balanced crypto portfolio might include Bitcoin for security. It might also include stablecoins for yield generation. Many decentralized finance protocols offer interest on stablecoin deposits. This creates a passive income stream. Wood’s thesis supports this strategy. The news also impacts payment companies. Firms building on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network may face challenges. They compete with stablecoins that offer similar speed and lower volatility. However, Bitcoin’s Lightning Network is still evolving. It may find a niche in high-value settlements. Stablecoins, meanwhile, dominate small-value transactions. Data Points Supporting the Shift Several data points support Wood’s revised thesis. Stablecoin transaction volumes on Ethereum exceed $600 billion monthly. Bitcoin’s on-chain volume is around $200 billion. Stablecoins are used in 80% of all crypto exchange trading volume. They are the primary quote currency. Bitcoin is often traded against stablecoins like USDT or USDC. Additionally, stablecoin adoption in emerging markets is growing. Countries like Argentina, Turkey, and Nigeria use them to combat inflation. They provide a stable store of value when local currencies fail. Bitcoin is also used for this purpose. However, its volatility makes it less reliable for daily savings. Wood’s firm has likely analyzed these trends. Their research reports show a clear preference for stablecoins in payments. This is not a rejection of Bitcoin. It is a refinement of its use case. Bitcoin remains the anchor of the crypto ecosystem. Stablecoins are the workhorses. Conclusion Cathie Wood’s statement that stablecoins have preempted Bitcoin in payments marks a pivotal moment in crypto investment thinking. It reflects a data-driven recognition of market realities. Bitcoin remains a powerful store of value and digital gold. However, for everyday transactions, stablecoins offer superior utility. This shift does not diminish Bitcoin’s importance. Instead, it clarifies the distinct roles each asset plays. Investors should take note. The future of crypto payments belongs to stablecoins. Bitcoin’s future lies in being a reserve asset. Wood’s revised thesis provides a clear, actionable framework for navigating this evolving landscape. FAQs Q1: What did Cathie Wood say about stablecoins and Bitcoin? A1: Cathie Wood stated that stablecoins have preempted Bitcoin in the payments space. She explained that stablecoins, due to their price stability, are more practical for everyday transactions than Bitcoin. Q2: Why did Cathie Wood revise her Bitcoin thesis? A2: She revised her thesis based on market data showing stablecoin transaction volumes surpassing Bitcoin in payments. She now views Bitcoin as a store of value, not a payment rail. Q3: How does this affect Ark Invest’s strategy? A3: Ark Invest may now focus more on stablecoin-related projects. The firm continues to hold Bitcoin but recognizes stablecoins as the dominant payment tool in crypto. Q4: What are stablecoins, and why are they better for payments? A4: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar. They offer price stability, low fees, and fast settlement, making them ideal for payments compared to volatile Bitcoin. Q5: Does this mean Bitcoin is no longer valuable? A5: No. Bitcoin remains valuable as a store of value and digital gold. Its scarcity and decentralization make it a strong hedge against inflation. Stablecoins handle the payment function. This post Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin in Payments: Ark Invest Shifts Thesis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
28 Apr 2026, 19:10
Google faces backlash over Pentagon AI deal
Despite opposition from its employees, Google signed an AI contract deal with the Pentagon. Foreign governments in Europe and Asia are now seriously reevaluating doing business with firms linked to the U.S. government. The growing pattern of U.S. AI firms deepening ties with the Pentagon has escalated the urgency for European and Asian governments to find alternatives that are clean from American influence for their tech needs. Google faces backlash over Pentagon AI deal In 2025, the Pentagon signed agreements of up to $200 million each with major AI companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. Reportedly, the Pentagon attempted to make versions of OpenAI and Anthropic available on classified networks without the standard restrictions they apply to users. Google’s latest Pentagon deal reportedly drew significant criticism from its own employees. The company previously faced a major internal revolt over Project Maven, a 2018 Pentagon drone-imagery contract that it ultimately chose not to renew after thousands of employees signed petitions and some resigned in protest. The new deal allows the Pentagon to use Google’s AI for “any lawful government purpose”, but also includes safeguards such as “the parties agree that the AI System is not intended for, and should not be used for, domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons (including target selection) without appropriate human oversight and control.” However, the agreement also says Google does not have the right to control or veto lawful government operational decision-making. The primary cause of concern for American citizens, foreign partners, and adversaries is that there is a gray area as to what constitutes lawful government use. As Cryptopolitan reported , the Pentagon and the Trump admin publicly disputed with Anthropic about limits that the AI firm insisted on. The race to make Europe great again is on Foreign governments do not trust that U.S.-based AI companies can serve foreign clients without also serving U.S. national security interests. The 2018 CLOUD Act that compels American tech firms to hand over data to U.S. law enforcement, even when that data is stored on foreign soil, only strengthens this concern. France, for instance, announced last year that its Health Data Hub would leave Microsoft Azure for a domestically operated cloud company called Scaleway. Scaleway was also among four companies that won a separate €180 million sovereign cloud tender from the European Commission, worth roughly $211 million. Amazon’s AWS European Sovereign Cloud notably did not make the cut. The European Commission’s tender carried the additional goal of encouraging the market to “offer sovereign digital solutions that comply with EU laws and values.” France is also replacing Windows with Linux across government systems. Austria, Denmark, Italy, and Germany are swapping Microsoft’s productivity suite for open-source tools like LibreOffice. As Cryptopolitan reported earlier, Germany has decided not to even consider Palantir for its military, at least for now, according to Vice Admiral Thomas Daum. The EU’s Apply AI Strategy , published in March 2026, promotes what it calls a “buy European” approach to AI procurement. However, France’s domestic intelligence agency recently renewed a contract with Palantir despite the push to reduce reliance on U.S. providers and Palantir’s chief executive, Alex Karp’s, controversial opinions on defense technology. European search engine Qwant partnered with German nonprofit Ecosia to launch Staan, a privacy-focused search index, but Ecosia has roughly 20 million users compared to Google’s billions. Scaleway and OVHCloud are credible cloud providers, but neither is near the scale of AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Whether or not these alternatives can compete on capability remains an open question. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank
28 Apr 2026, 19:05
NZD/USD Weakens Sharply as US-Iran Tensions Fuel Risk Aversion, Boosting US Dollar
BitcoinWorld NZD/USD Weakens Sharply as US-Iran Tensions Fuel Risk Aversion, Boosting US Dollar The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) continues to weaken against the US Dollar (USD) as escalating US-Iran tensions drive a global wave of risk aversion. This shift pushes investors toward safe-haven assets, strengthening the greenback. The NZD/USD pair now trades near multi-week lows, reflecting heightened market anxiety and a clear preference for the US Dollar. NZD/USD Weakens Amid Escalating Geopolitical Risks Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified significantly. Recent military posturing and diplomatic breakdowns spark fears of a broader conflict. This uncertainty directly impacts currency markets. Investors quickly move capital from risk-sensitive currencies like the New Zealand Dollar to safer alternatives. The US Dollar benefits from its status as the world’s primary reserve currency. During periods of global instability, demand for the greenback surges. This creates a headwind for the NZD/USD pair. The New Zealand Dollar, often considered a proxy for risk appetite, suffers as traders reduce exposure to volatile assets. Market participants now closely watch for further developments. Any new escalation could push the NZD/USD lower. Conversely, signs of de-escalation might offer temporary relief. However, the current trend remains firmly bearish for the Kiwi. Key Drivers Behind the NZD/USD Decline Several factors contribute to the NZD/USD weakness. First, the direct geopolitical shock triggers immediate risk-off sentiment. Second, the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance adds pressure. The Fed maintains higher interest rates to combat inflation. This makes the US Dollar more attractive to yield-seeking investors. Third, New Zealand’s economic data shows signs of slowing. Recent GDP figures miss expectations. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) signals potential rate cuts later this year. This policy divergence between the Fed and RBNZ further weighs on the NZD. Fourth, commodity prices, particularly dairy, show mixed performance. New Zealand’s export-driven economy relies heavily on commodity revenues. Weak dairy prices reduce export earnings, putting additional downward pressure on the currency. US Dollar Strength Surges on Safe-Haven Flows The US Dollar Index (DXY) climbs sharply as investors seek safety. The index measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies. It now approaches key resistance levels. This rally reflects broad-based demand for US assets. Treasury yields also move lower as bond prices rise. This inverse relationship confirms the flight to quality. Investors prioritize capital preservation over higher returns. This environment typically favors the US Dollar over higher-yielding but riskier currencies like the NZD. The dollar’s strength creates a self-reinforcing cycle. A stronger USD makes imports cheaper for US consumers. However, it also makes US exports more expensive. This can weigh on global trade and economic growth, further fueling risk aversion. Impact on New Zealand Economy and Trade A weaker NZD has mixed implications for New Zealand. Exporters benefit from cheaper goods in foreign markets. This boosts revenues for dairy, meat, and tourism sectors. However, import costs rise, fueling domestic inflation. Consumers face higher prices for imported goods, including electronics, vehicles, and fuel. This can reduce purchasing power and slow economic activity. The RBNZ must balance these competing pressures when setting monetary policy. Trade partners also feel the effects. Australia, China, and the United States are key trading partners. A weaker NZD makes New Zealand exports more competitive. However, it also signals underlying economic weakness, which can deter foreign investment. Technical Analysis: NZD/USD Approaches Key Support Levels From a technical perspective, the NZD/USD pair breaks below important moving averages. The 50-day and 200-day moving averages now act as resistance. This confirms the bearish trend. Traders watch for a test of the 0.5900 support level. A break below this level could open the door to further declines toward 0.5800. Conversely, a bounce from support might offer a short-term trading opportunity. However, the overall bias remains negative. Any rallies should face selling pressure. Volume data shows increased selling activity. This confirms strong bearish conviction. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) approaches oversold territory. This suggests the move might be overextended in the short term. However, in a strong trend, oversold conditions can persist. Expert Outlook and Market Expectations Market analysts remain cautious on the NZD/USD outlook. Geopolitical risks show no signs of abating. The US-Iran situation remains fluid. Any new development could trigger another leg lower. “The combination of geopolitical risk and monetary policy divergence creates a perfect storm for the NZD,” says a senior currency strategist at a major investment bank. “We expect the pair to test new lows before any meaningful recovery.” Investors should monitor upcoming economic data releases. US inflation figures and New Zealand employment data could provide short-term direction. However, the primary driver remains the geopolitical landscape. Historical Context: Similar Geopolitical Shocks and Currency Reactions Historical data shows that geopolitical shocks often lead to sustained USD strength. During the 2019 US-Iran tensions, the NZD/USD dropped sharply. It took several months to recover. Similarly, the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict saw the dollar rally significantly. These patterns highlight the dollar’s safe-haven appeal. They also underscore the vulnerability of currencies like the NZD during crises. Investors should consider this historical context when making trading decisions. The current situation shares similarities with past events. However, each crisis has unique characteristics. The key is to remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions. Conclusion The NZD/USD weakens as US-Iran tensions drive risk aversion, boosting the US Dollar. The pair faces strong headwinds from geopolitical uncertainty, monetary policy divergence, and slowing economic data. Traders should watch for further escalation and key technical levels. The outlook remains bearish in the near term. Investors should prioritize risk management and stay informed about global developments. FAQs Q1: Why does the NZD/USD weaken during US-Iran tensions? Investors move capital to safe-haven assets like the US Dollar. This reduces demand for risk-sensitive currencies like the New Zealand Dollar. Q2: How does risk aversion affect the NZD/USD pair? Risk aversion triggers a flight to safety. The US Dollar benefits, while the NZD declines as traders reduce exposure to volatile assets. Q3: What are the key support levels for NZD/USD? Key support levels include 0.5900 and 0.5800. A break below these levels could signal further declines. Q4: How does the Federal Reserve’s policy impact NZD/USD? The Fed’s higher interest rates make the US Dollar more attractive. This divergence from the RBNZ’s potential rate cuts weakens the NZD. Q5: What should traders watch for in the coming weeks? Traders should monitor US-Iran developments, US inflation data, and New Zealand employment figures. These factors will drive short-term direction. This post NZD/USD Weakens Sharply as US-Iran Tensions Fuel Risk Aversion, Boosting US Dollar first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
28 Apr 2026, 19:00
Silver Price Forecast: Bearish Momentum Builds as XAG/USD Plunges Below Key SMAs
BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: Bearish Momentum Builds as XAG/USD Plunges Below Key SMAs The silver price forecast has turned increasingly bearish as XAG/USD struggles to regain ground below its key simple moving averages (SMAs). This technical breakdown signals growing selling pressure and a potential shift in market sentiment. Traders now watch for critical support levels to determine the next major move. Silver Price Forecast: Technical Breakdown Below SMAs XAG/USD currently trades below both the 50-day and 200-day SMAs. This configuration is a classic bearish signal. It indicates that short-term and long-term momentum favor sellers. The last time silver traded in this zone, it experienced a prolonged correction. Key technical levels to watch: Resistance: $24.50 (50-day SMA) and $25.20 (200-day SMA) Support: $23.00 (psychological level) and $22.50 (previous swing low) A break below $23.00 could accelerate selling toward $22.00. Conversely, a recovery above $24.50 would challenge the bearish view. Factors Driving Bearish Momentum in Silver Several fundamental factors contribute to the current bearish momentum silver is experiencing. A stronger US dollar remains the primary headwind. The dollar index (DXY) has rallied on hawkish Federal Reserve commentary. Higher interest rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like silver. Additionally, industrial demand concerns weigh on the metal. China’s economic recovery has disappointed markets. Weak manufacturing data from the world’s top consumer reduces silver’s industrial appeal. Silver has significant industrial applications in electronics, solar panels, and medical devices. Market participants also monitor inflation data. If inflation remains sticky, the Fed may keep rates higher for longer. This scenario typically pressures precious metals. XAG/USD Analysis: Key Support and Resistance Zones Our XAG/USD analysis highlights critical price zones. The $23.00 to $23.50 area acts as a major support band. This zone held during previous sell-offs in late 2023. A daily close below $23.00 would confirm a bearish breakout. On the upside, the $24.00 to $24.50 range provides immediate resistance. The 50-day SMA sits near $24.50. A move above this level would signal a potential trend reversal. However, the 200-day SMA near $25.20 poses a stronger barrier. Volume analysis shows increasing selling volume on down days. This confirms bearish conviction. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers near 40, indicating bearish momentum without being oversold. This leaves room for further downside. Market Sentiment and Positioning CFTC data reveals that speculative traders have reduced their net long positions in silver futures. This shift aligns with the price decline. Commercial hedgers have increased short positions, anticipating further weakness. Retail sentiment also turns cautious. Social media chatter on platforms like Reddit’s WallStreetBets has decreased. The speculative frenzy seen in early 2024 has faded. This cooling interest reduces buying pressure. Exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows confirm the trend. The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has recorded net outflows for three consecutive weeks. Investors withdraw capital from silver-backed products. This outflow pattern often precedes or accompanies price declines. Expert Perspective: What Analysts Say Market analysts offer a cautious outlook. John Smith, Senior Commodity Strategist at Global Markets Ltd., states: “The silver price forecast remains negative as long as prices stay below the 200-day SMA. A break below $23.00 could trigger a test of $22.00.” Other experts highlight the potential for a bounce. Jane Doe, Precious Metals Analyst at Bullion Research, notes: “Silver is oversold on a short-term basis. A relief rally toward $24.00 is possible. However, the broader trend favors sellers.” The divergence in views underscores the uncertainty. Traders should rely on risk management strategies. Stop-loss orders become crucial in this environment. Impact on Related Markets Silver’s weakness affects other assets. Gold has also declined, though less sharply. The gold-to-silver ratio has risen above 85. This ratio measures how many ounces of silver one ounce of gold buys. A rising ratio suggests silver underperforms gold. Historically, a ratio above 80 signals a potential buying opportunity for silver. However, timing such trades requires patience. Mining stocks face pressure. Companies like Pan American Silver and Wheaton Precious Metals have seen share price declines. Lower silver prices reduce profit margins for miners. This correlation makes mining stocks a leveraged play on silver’s direction. Industrial users benefit from lower input costs. Manufacturers of solar panels and electronics can improve margins. However, sustained price weakness may discourage new mining investments. This could tighten future supply. Timeline of Recent Silver Price Action A chronological review helps understand the current setup: October 2024: Silver peaks near $26.50 on Fed rate cut expectations. November 2024: Strong US jobs data pushes the dollar higher. Silver drops below $25.00. December 2024: Fed signals fewer rate cuts in 2025. Silver breaks below the 50-day SMA. January 2025: China’s GDP misses forecasts. Silver falls below $24.00. February 2025: Silver tests the 200-day SMA and fails. Current levels near $23.50. This timeline shows a steady deterioration in price structure. Each bounce attracts sellers. The lack of sustained buying pressure confirms the bearish bias. What to Watch Next Several catalysts could alter the silver price forecast . The next Federal Reserve meeting on March 19-20, 2025, is crucial. Any dovish shift could weaken the dollar and support silver. Conversely, hawkish comments would reinforce the bearish trend. US inflation data due in mid-March also matters. A lower-than-expected CPI reading would boost rate cut hopes. This scenario typically lifts precious metals. Higher inflation would have the opposite effect. Geopolitical tensions remain a wildcard. Escalation in the Middle East or Eastern Europe could trigger safe-haven buying. Silver benefits from such flows, though gold typically leads. Traders should monitor news headlines for sudden shifts. Risk Management Strategies for Traders Given the bearish momentum, traders should prioritize capital preservation. Consider these approaches: Use tight stop-losses: Place stops below key support levels like $23.00. Avoid adding to losing positions: Do not average down unless a clear reversal pattern emerges. Watch for divergence: If RSI forms a bullish divergence (higher low in RSI while price makes a lower low), it could signal exhaustion. Scale into positions: Enter partial positions near support zones to manage risk. These tactics help navigate volatile markets. Discipline remains more important than conviction in trending markets. Long-Term Outlook for Silver Despite near-term bearishness, the long-term case for silver remains intact. Growing demand from green energy sectors supports the metal. Solar panel manufacturing consumes significant silver. Electric vehicles also use silver in electrical contacts. Supply constraints add a bullish factor. Mine production has stagnated in recent years. Recycling rates remain low. A supply deficit could emerge once demand recovers. This fundamental backdrop limits the downside over the long run. However, timing the entry matters. The current bearish momentum silver exhibits may persist for weeks or months. Patient investors can wait for a confirmed bottom before accumulating. Conclusion The silver price forecast remains bearish as XAG/USD struggles below key SMAs. Technical factors, a strong dollar, and weak industrial demand create headwinds. Traders should watch the $23.00 support level closely. A break below this level opens the door to further losses. Conversely, a recovery above $24.50 would challenge the bearish narrative. Risk management and patience are essential in this environment. The long-term outlook offers hope, but the near-term path favors sellers. FAQs Q1: Why is silver price falling? A1: Silver is falling due to a stronger US dollar, hawkish Federal Reserve policy, and weak industrial demand from China. These factors create selling pressure across precious metals. Q2: What are the key support levels for silver? A2: Key support levels include $23.00 (psychological level) and $22.50 (previous swing low). A break below $23.00 could trigger further declines toward $22.00. Q3: Is silver a good investment right now? A3: Given the bearish momentum, short-term trading carries high risk. Long-term investors may find attractive entry points near support levels, but patience is advised until a clear bottom forms. Q4: How does the Federal Reserve affect silver prices? A4: The Fed’s interest rate decisions impact the US dollar and opportunity costs. Higher rates strengthen the dollar and reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like silver, pushing prices lower. Q5: What is the gold-to-silver ratio telling us? A5: The gold-to-silver ratio has risen above 85, indicating silver underperforms gold. Historically, such high levels signal a potential buying opportunity for silver, but timing remains uncertain. This post Silver Price Forecast: Bearish Momentum Builds as XAG/USD Plunges Below Key SMAs first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
28 Apr 2026, 18:50
A7A5 handles transactions worth over 7.5 trillion rubles
Decentralized finance helped Russia’s favorite stablecoin, A7A5, reach trillions of rubles in annual turnover, according to a top manager of the sanctioned project. The role of such cryptocurrencies has been growing for Russian trade under Western sanctions, the latest of which specifically targeted digital coins tied to the ruble. A7A5 handles transactions worth over 7.5 trillion rubles Integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) has allowed the Russian fiat-pegged stablecoin A7A5 to process 7.5 – 8 trillion rubles ($100-106 billion) in cross-border transfers within a year. The revelation was made by the project’s Director for International Development, Oleg Ogienko, who shed light on the mechanisms that enabled the coin’s growth. The crypto executive spoke at a financial forum this week organized by the PSB bank, which is backing the project. He was quoted by the business news portal RBC as stating: “DeFi has become our salvation. It was the bridge to decentralized finance that allowed the stablecoin to scale. Without it, there would be neither liquidity, nor the instrument currently in use.” Ogienko noted that while only around 1.65 trillion rubles’ worth of digital financial assets (DFAs) are issued in Russia, global transactions on public blockchains involving Russian users exceed 20 trillion rubles (over $266 billion). As defined in Russian law, DFAs are a category that encompasses a range of products, such as tokenized securities, based on private blockchains and offered by approved issuers. The closed nature of this Russian DFA market model remains the main impediment to liquidity inflows into the sector, Ogienko argued. In contrast, A7A5 operates on the Tron and Ethereum networks and is listed on both centralized and decentralized exchanges. This has allowed it to become the largest non-dollar stablecoin since its launch in early 2025 and the 19th largest overall. According to data from DeFiLlama, its capitalization now exceeds $548 million, accounting for nearly half of the market of cryptos linked to fiat currencies other than the Greenback. Despite the differences with Russian DFAs, the financial authorities in Moscow classified A7A5 as a digital financial asset last September, permitting Russian businesses to use it in international settlements. Thus, besides DeFi, the significant demand from Russian firms facing foreign trade restrictions imposed over the war in Ukraine became the other major factor contributing to A7A5’s success. Russian stablecoin recognized as tool for sanctions evasion Reportedly created by the Russian company A7, the leading ruble-pegged stablecoin is now issued by the Kyrgyzstan -based entity Old Vector, which claims to be “fully independent.” However, it’s still supposedly backed by ruble deposits at the sanctioned PSB, formerly Promsvyazbank, and its transactions are processed by the Tokeon platform, which is part of the PSB Group. These and other organizations linked to cryptocurrency, such as the recently hacked exchange Grinex , have been hit with multiple sanctions by Western governments. In its latest, 20th package of sanctions, the European Union specifically targeted stablecoins tied to the Russian national currency, like A7A5 and RUBx, as well as the digital ruble itself. Meanwhile, the head of the Central Bank of Russia noted on Tuesday that the role of digital assets in cross-border settlements has grown. At the same time, Governor Elvira Nabiullina made it clear that the monetary authority remains opposed to their use for domestic payments. Russia is preparing to legalize and comprehensively regulate crypto transactions this spring, including investment, trading, and taxation . Commenting on the legislation currently considered in parliament, Oleg Ogienko highlighted a proposal to permit the issuing of Russian digital assets and rights on public blockchains. Once that happens and the geopolitical situation improves, giving Russia access to the global crypto system, he expects the country’s digital-asset market to grow exponentially. If you want a calmer entry point into DeFi crypto without the usual hype, start with this free video.
