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13 May 2026, 23:36

Is XRP Security Status Protected by the CLARITY Act Section 105?

XRP security status has returned to the center of the U.S. crypto policy debate as supporters point to Section 105 of the latest CLARITY Act draft and say it could strengthen the legal position of XRP secondary market sales. The debate grew after XRP-focused accounts cited pages 110 to 112 of the draft, arguing that Section 105 includes language tied to prior court rulings. Their view is that if a court has already ruled that a digital asset transaction was not a security before the bill becomes law, that transaction should not later be reclassified as a security under the same framework. XRP supporters immediately connected that language to the 2023 ruling by Judge Analisa Torres, which found that XRP secondary market sales were not securities transactions. They argue that Section 105 could create a federal legal shield around that part of the Ripple case if the bill passes in its current form. The claim remains tied to draft legislation, not enacted law. The CLARITY Act still has to pass through committee, survive amendments, move through the Senate, and possibly be reconciled with other legislation before becoming law. Section 105 Brings XRP Security Status Back Into Focus Section 105 is drawing attention because it introduces a decentralization test and language around “network tokens.” XRP supporters say this category could fit XRP because the XRP Ledger operates independently of Ripple and is used for payments, settlement, and utility-based transactions. The argument from XRP advocates is that XRP’s value is linked to network usage rather than direct claims on Ripple’s profits. They also say the XRP Ledger continues to run even if Ripple is not directly involved, which they believe supports the case for XRP being treated differently from a company-issued security. Critics may still challenge that reading. The draft language would need legal interpretation, and regulators could still examine specific transactions, issuer conduct, or market activity depending on how the final bill is written. For XRP holders, the main point is whether the CLARITY Act can reduce the risk of future SEC action over secondary market trading. Supporters say Section 105 may help prevent a future administration or SEC chair from reopening the same security classification fight. Ripple Executives Back CLARITY Act Progress Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has praised the Senate Banking Committee for advancing the CLARITY Act and said millions of Americans already participate in crypto markets. He said Ripple supports the bill because crypto users deserve rules and protections similar to other asset classes. Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty also cited data from the National Crypto Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, which said 67 million Americans hold cryptocurrency. According to the report, California leads with 9.5 million holders, followed by Texas with 5.94 million and Florida with 4.71 million. Ripple’s support for the bill comes as the company and XRP remain tied to broader U.S. digital asset regulation. Clearer rules around token classification, exchange oversight, and market structure could affect XRP, Solana, Litecoin, Hedera, Dogecoin, Chainlink, and other major tokens. The Senate Banking Committee markup is expected to be closely watched by crypto firms, banks, investors, and policy groups. Senator Warren Amendments Add New Uncertainty Senator Elizabeth Warren has submitted more than 40 amendments to the CLARITY Act, according to reports cited by crypto market observers. One reported amendment would strike language described by supporters as a grandfather clause, which could affect tokens with prior court rulings or established trading status. Warren has argued that the bill puts investors, national security, and the financial system at risk. She has also criticized the lack of conflict-of-interest provisions tied to President Donald Trump and his family’s crypto ventures. Source: X Another Warren amendment would block the Federal Reserve from granting master accounts to crypto firms. Companies linked to the debate include Ripple, Anchorage Digital, Circle, and Custodia Bank, while Kraken has reportedly received a Fed master account. Other Democratic proposals from Senators Jack Reed and Tina Smith reportedly address stablecoin yield restrictions and the use of crypto assets such as Bitcoin and XRP for tax payments. Consequently, tomorrow’s markup may therefore become a test of how much support remains for the CLARITY Act in its current form.

13 May 2026, 23:25

Australian Dollar Retreats from Session Highs After Hot US PPI Print

BitcoinWorld Australian Dollar Retreats from Session Highs After Hot US PPI Print The Australian dollar (AUD) pulled back from its session highs during Thursday’s North American trading session after the latest US Producer Price Index (PPI) data came in significantly hotter than market expectations. The currency pair, which had been attempting to extend gains earlier in the day, reversed course as the stronger-than-anticipated inflation print reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may need to maintain a tighter monetary policy stance for longer. US PPI Data Surprises to the Upside The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the headline PPI rose 0.6% month-over-month in January, sharply above the consensus estimate of 0.3%. On an annual basis, PPI accelerated to 3.2%, compared to the 2.9% forecast. Core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also came in above expectations at 0.5% month-over-month versus the 0.2% forecast. The data suggests that pipeline inflationary pressures remain stubborn, complicating the Fed’s path toward rate cuts. Market Reaction and AUD/USD Dynamics Following the release, the US Dollar Index (DXY) jumped, and the AUD/USD pair fell from an intraday high near 0.6515 to trade around 0.6480. The Australian dollar had been supported earlier by a modest improvement in risk sentiment and higher commodity prices, but the PPI surprise quickly overshadowed those factors. The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note also rose, further weighing on the Aussie. Implications for Traders For forex traders, the key takeaway is that the disinflation narrative in the US is facing headwinds. A hotter PPI reading often precedes higher Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, which could delay the timing of the first Fed rate cut. This dynamic is dollar-positive in the near term and likely to keep the AUD/USD under pressure. The next major test for the pair will be the upcoming US CPI release and any commentary from Fed officials. Broader Context and Outlook The Australian dollar remains sensitive to global risk appetite, China’s economic outlook, and domestic data. However, the immediate driver remains US interest rate expectations. Until there is clearer evidence that US inflation is sustainably moving toward the Fed’s 2% target, the Aussie may struggle to mount a sustained rally against the greenback. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has also signaled caution, keeping its own policy outlook data-dependent. Conclusion Thursday’s US PPI data delivered a clear reminder that the battle against inflation is not yet won. The Australian dollar’s retreat from session highs reflects the market’s rapid repricing of Fed rate expectations. Traders should remain alert for further volatility as additional inflation data and Fed communications emerge in the coming weeks. FAQs Q1: What is the US PPI and why does it matter for the Australian dollar? PPI measures the average change in selling prices received by domestic producers. It matters because it is a leading indicator of consumer inflation. A higher PPI suggests rising inflation, which may prompt the Fed to keep interest rates higher for longer, strengthening the US dollar and weakening the Australian dollar. Q2: How did the market react to the PPI data? The US dollar rallied, Treasury yields rose, and the AUD/USD pair dropped from its session high. The market now sees a lower probability of a Fed rate cut in the near term. Q3: What should traders watch next? Traders should monitor the upcoming US CPI report, any Fed speeches, and Australian employment data. These releases will provide further clues on the relative monetary policy paths and direction for AUD/USD. This post Australian Dollar Retreats from Session Highs After Hot US PPI Print first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 23:22

Peter Brandt Forecasts Bitcoin Price to Witness More Decline If This Happens

Bitcoin price's recent rebound above the $79,000 area has not yet confirmed a durable bottom, according to veteran trader Peter Brandt, who warned that BTC remains inside a broader corrective structure rather than a verified reversal pattern. Brandt said Bitcoin has “NOT NOT NOT” completed a recognizable bottom, pointing to a daily chart structure that resembles a bear channel developing from the February low. In his view, the latest rise should be treated as a rally within that channel until price delivers a decisive daily close above the upper boundary. Bitcoin was trading near $79,660 after testing resistance close to the upper side of the channel. The level has become important because the recent rally from April lows has pushed price directly into a zone where sellers previously regained control. Brandt identified $79,145 as the key level to watch. He said an ATR close below $79,145 would suggest that the recent advance is losing momentum and that rejection from the channel resistance is becoming more relevant. Peter Brandt Says Bitcoin Bulls Need Clean Breakout Brandt’s technical view centers on whether Bitcoin can break above the upper boundary of the current channel. Without that move, the market remains inside a structure that can still favor lower levels. If Bitcoin closes below $79,145 on an ATR basis, the next area to watch would be the midpoint of the channel. That level could act as the next support zone if buyers try to defend the broader recovery. Source: X If the midpoint fails, the lower boundary of the channel would become the next downside objective. In that scenario, Bitcoin could revisit lower price zones before a stronger base forms. Brandt’s warning comes as Bitcoin tests its 200-day moving average near $82,400. On-chain analysts have compared the current setup with March 2022, when BTC rallied 43% before hitting the 200-day moving average and then resumed a broader downtrend. Bitcoin has gained about 37% from its April lows, but resistance near the 200-day moving average has limited follow-through so far. Traders are watching whether the level becomes a breakout point or another rejection zone. Profit-Taking Adds Pressure Near Resistance On-chain data shows that short-term traders are holding elevated unrealized profits after Bitcoin’s rebound. Trader unrealized profit margins reached 17.7% on May 5, the highest reading since June 2025. Higher unrealized profit levels can raise the chance of selling because holders who bought lower may decide to lock in gains as the price reaches resistance. Similar profit margin levels appeared in March 2022 when Bitcoin tested the 200-day moving average before moving lower. Source: CryptoQuant Daily realized profits also increased sharply. Realized profits reached 14.6K BTC on May 4, the highest level since December 10, 2025. That shows more holders have started selling into strength after the recent recovery. The Coinbase Bitcoin Price Premium also turned negative in late April and stayed below zero as Bitcoin moved toward $80,000. A negative Coinbase premium can show weaker U.S. spot demand compared with other markets. Spot apparent demand has improved from a contraction of 91K BTC in April to about 11K BTC, but it remains negative. At the same time, part of the recent demand has come from perpetual futures activity rather than stronger spot accumulation. Inflation Data Supports Cautious Market View Brandt’s warning also comes as U.S. inflation data adds pressure to risk assets. Producer inflation reportedly came in hotter than expected, with PPI year over year rising to 6% compared with a 4.8% forecast. Core PPI year over year rose to 5.2%. Higher inflation can reduce the likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts and keep liquidity conditions tighter for Bitcoin and other risk assets. Markets have already become more cautious after recent CPI data showed inflation at a three-year high. Source: Santiment Despite the short-term warning, Bitcoin has outperformed several major assets over the past three months. BTC has gained about 20%, compared with an 8% gain for the S&P 500 and a 6% decline in gold over the same period.

13 May 2026, 23:20

Pound Sterling Slips as US PPI Data and UK Political Jitters Weigh

BitcoinWorld Pound Sterling Slips as US PPI Data and UK Political Jitters Weigh The British pound gave back earlier gains on Tuesday, pressured by stronger-than-expected US producer price index (PPI) data and renewed political uncertainty in the UK. The currency, which had briefly strengthened against the dollar in early trading, reversed course as traders reassessed the economic outlook on both sides of the Atlantic. US PPI Data Reinforces Inflation Concerns The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Producer Price Index rose 0.4% in January, exceeding market expectations of a 0.3% increase. On an annual basis, PPI climbed 3.5%, the highest reading in over a year. The data suggests that inflationary pressures persist in the US economy, potentially delaying the Federal Reserve’s timeline for interest rate cuts. Higher-than-expected producer prices often signal that consumer inflation may remain elevated, as businesses pass on costs to end users. This has led to a repricing of Fed rate expectations, with traders now pricing in fewer cuts for 2025. A more hawkish Fed typically supports the US dollar, weighing on the pound. UK Political Risk Adds to Sterling’s Woes Domestically, the pound faced additional headwinds from rising political uncertainty in the UK. Reports of internal divisions within the ruling Labour Party over fiscal policy and Brexit-related trade frictions have unsettled investors. The government’s latest budget proposals, which include higher corporate taxes and increased public spending, have drawn criticism from business groups concerned about economic growth. Analysts note that political instability often undermines investor confidence in a currency. The pound’s vulnerability to domestic policy shifts has been a recurring theme since the Brexit referendum, and the current environment is no exception. What This Means for Traders and Businesses For forex traders, the combination of a stronger US dollar and UK political uncertainty creates a challenging environment for sterling. The GBP/USD pair, which briefly touched 1.2850 earlier in the session, fell back to around 1.2770 by late afternoon trading. Key support levels are now being watched at 1.2700, with resistance at 1.2900. Businesses with exposure to currency fluctuations, particularly importers and exporters, should prepare for continued volatility. The pound’s direction will likely depend on upcoming UK economic data, including GDP and inflation figures, as well as any further developments in US trade policy. Conclusion The pound’s reversal highlights the delicate balance between domestic political factors and external economic data. While the UK economy has shown resilience in recent months, persistent inflation in the US and internal political friction are creating headwinds for sterling. Traders and businesses should remain vigilant as both narratives evolve. FAQs Q1: What is US PPI and why does it affect the pound? US PPI measures the average change in selling prices received by domestic producers. It is a leading indicator of consumer inflation. When PPI rises more than expected, it suggests the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer, strengthening the US dollar against other currencies like the pound. Q2: How does UK political risk impact sterling? Political uncertainty, such as internal government divisions or unpopular fiscal policies, can reduce investor confidence in a country’s economic management. This often leads to capital outflows and a weaker currency, as seen with the pound during periods of Brexit-related turmoil. Q3: What should businesses do to manage currency risk? Businesses exposed to currency fluctuations can use hedging strategies such as forward contracts or options to lock in exchange rates. It is also advisable to monitor economic calendars for key data releases and political events that could cause sudden moves in currency markets. This post Pound Sterling Slips as US PPI Data and UK Political Jitters Weigh first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 23:10

New Zealand Dollar Retreats as Hot US PPI Data Offsets Rising RBNZ Rate Hike Bets

BitcoinWorld New Zealand Dollar Retreats as Hot US PPI Data Offsets Rising RBNZ Rate Hike Bets The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) surrendered earlier gains against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, as hotter-than-expected US Producer Price Index (PPI) data for January tempered market optimism surrounding a potential interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). The NZD/USD pair reversed course after briefly touching a session high, highlighting the conflicting pressures on the currency from domestic monetary policy expectations and global inflation dynamics. US PPI Data Reinforces Inflation Concerns The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the headline PPI rose 0.3% month-over-month in January, exceeding the consensus estimate of 0.1%. On an annual basis, producer inflation accelerated to 2.1%, up from a revised 1.8% in December. Core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also came in above expectations, rising 0.4% month-over-month. The data suggests that inflationary pressures in the US economy remain persistent, potentially giving the Federal Reserve less room to cut interest rates in the near term. This development bolstered the US Dollar, as traders reduced bets on imminent Fed easing, weighing on risk-sensitive currencies like the NZD. RBNZ Rate Hike Expectations Rise Earlier in the session, the NZD had found support from growing expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand may be forced to raise interest rates again to combat stubbornly high domestic inflation. Recent data showed New Zealand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) remaining above the RBNZ’s 1-3% target band, and labor market conditions remain tight. Market pricing now reflects a significant probability of a rate hike at the RBNZ’s next policy meeting in April, which had initially provided a tailwind for the Kiwi. However, the strong US PPI print overshadowed these domestic considerations, as global risk appetite soured and the USD broadly strengthened. Market Reaction and Immediate Implications The NZD/USD pair fell from around 0.6140 to 0.6100 following the PPI release, erasing gains made earlier in the day. The immediate reaction underscores the sensitivity of the currency pair to shifts in US interest rate expectations. For traders, the key takeaway is that while domestic factors in New Zealand are supportive of the NZD, the broader global macro environment, particularly US inflation data and Federal Reserve policy, remains the dominant driver. The conflicting signals—a hawkish RBNZ versus a potentially less dovish Fed—create a volatile trading environment for the Kiwi. Investors will now turn their attention to upcoming US consumer inflation data (CPI) and retail sales figures for further clues on the Fed’s policy path. Conclusion The New Zealand Dollar’s retreat highlights the tug-of-war between domestic rate hike expectations and external headwinds from persistent US inflation. While the RBNZ’s hawkish stance provides a floor for the NZD, the currency remains vulnerable to a stronger US Dollar as long as US data continues to surprise to the upside. The near-term direction for NZD/USD will likely depend on the outcome of upcoming US economic releases and any further commentary from RBNZ officials. The market is now pricing in a complex scenario where both central banks may need to maintain restrictive policies for longer than previously anticipated. FAQs Q1: Why did the New Zealand Dollar fall after the US PPI data? The hot US PPI data indicated that inflation in the US is still persistent, reducing the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates soon. This strengthened the US Dollar broadly, causing the NZD/USD pair to give back earlier gains. Q2: What is the RBNZ’s current stance on interest rates? The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has maintained a hawkish tone, with markets now pricing in a potential rate hike at its next meeting in April, as domestic inflation remains above target and the labor market is tight. Q3: How does US inflation data affect the New Zealand Dollar? Higher US inflation data typically strengthens the US Dollar as it reduces expectations for Fed rate cuts. Since the NZD/USD pair is heavily influenced by the relative interest rate outlook between the two countries, a stronger USD usually leads to a weaker NZD, even if New Zealand’s own economic fundamentals are supportive. This post New Zealand Dollar Retreats as Hot US PPI Data Offsets Rising RBNZ Rate Hike Bets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 22:30

Iran’s Hidden Crypto Trails Exposed As Arkham Publishes Public Wallet Map

Blockchain analytics firm Arkham has built a public, searchable map of crypto wallets it links to Iran’s central bank — a move that puts Tehran’s alleged digital holdings in plain sight of investigators and anyone else curious enough to look. How Iran Moves Money Through Crypto The map centers on two Tron-based wallets that were added to the US Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals list on April 24. Treasury identified both addresses as property of Bank Markazi Jomhouri Islami Iran — the country’s central bank — citing ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and Hezbollah. Around $344 million in crypto was frozen as part of the action, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, describing the goal as cutting off Tehran’s ability to generate, move, and bring home funds. Stablecoin issuer Tether confirmed it had frozen the funds at the request of US authorities, citing activity tied to unlawful conduct, without naming Iran directly in its public statement. Arkham published its research on May 11, grouping the sanctioned addresses under a Central Bank of Iran entity page that it says can be used as a starting point to trace connected wallets and transaction flows. The firm said the wallets hold TRC-20 tokens — a token standard that runs on the Tron network and includes USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin. A Layered System Built To Hide The money trail is not simple. According to Chainalysis, Iranian oil revenues passed through brokers, intermediary wallets, cross-chain bridges, and decentralized finance protocols before ending up in accounts linked to Iran’s central bank and IRGC-connected entities. The pipeline was built for concealment, layered step by step to obscure its origins. A TRON spokesperson said the network itself cannot monitor or block individual transactions, but pointed to the T3 Financial Crime Unit — a joint effort between TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs launched in 2024 — as its main tool for flagging abuse. The unit works with law enforcement to freeze hundreds of millions in funds tied to sanctioned groups and terrorism financing, the spokesperson said. Tether declined to comment separately. Iran’s Crypto Activity Runs Deep The exposed wallets are just one piece of a much larger picture. Based on estimates from TRM Labs and Chainalysis, Iran’s total crypto transaction volume reached roughly $11.4 billion in 2024 and $10 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, Iran is said to be looking into charging crypto-denominated tolls to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz — a sign that digital assets are being considered as a revenue channel well beyond sanctions evasion. Featured image from Bitcoin Policy Institute , chart from TradingView