hodler

30 Apr 2026, 08:58

Rakuten lets 44 million users convert points to XRP

🚀 Rakuten's 44 million users can now swap reward points for $XRP instantly. XRP is now spendable at over 5 million locations in Japan. 🥇 Social media interest in XRP just hit a two-year high. 📢 Critical data: XRP’s price remains down 55% over the last 9 months. Continue Reading: Rakuten lets 44 million users convert points to XRP The post Rakuten lets 44 million users convert points to XRP appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

30 Apr 2026, 07:30

Who Owns the Stack: From Bitcoin to AI, the Race for Power Is Going Off-Grid

The AI boom has increased demand exponentially, requiring cutting-edge infrastructure and high-efficiency technology to support grid resilience, ultimately reshaping how the digital future is built. This article first appeared in The Energy Mag. The original article can be viewed here. The Energy Mag (formerly The Miner Mag) provides news, data, and insights on the energy–compute–markets

30 Apr 2026, 00:35

Amazon Cloud Business Surges: AWS Growth Drives Record AI Capital Spending

BitcoinWorld Amazon Cloud Business Surges: AWS Growth Drives Record AI Capital Spending Amazon’s cloud business is surging, driven by unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company reported first-quarter earnings on Wednesday that beat Wall Street expectations, highlighting a 28% year-over-year increase in AWS net sales to $37.6 billion. This marks the fastest growth rate for Amazon Web Services in 15 quarters, according to CEO Andy Jassy. Amazon Cloud Business: AWS Growth Accelerates AWS continues to dominate the cloud computing market. Its role as a primary provider of compute power for AI workloads fuels this expansion. Jassy noted that this growth is extraordinary for such a large base. “It’s very unusual for business to grow this fast on a base this large,” he said during the earnings call. “The last time we saw growth at this clip, AWS was roughly half the size.” He compared the current AI wave to the early days of AWS. Three years after AWS launched, its revenue run rate was $58 million. In contrast, the first three years of the AI wave have produced an AI revenue run rate exceeding $15 billion. That is nearly 260 times larger. This comparison underscores the massive scale of the opportunity. AI Capital Spending Reaches New Heights Even as money flows into its cloud business, Amazon is investing heavily in infrastructure. Capital expenditure growth will continue in the near term, Jassy stated. “The faster AWS grows, the more short-term capex we’ll spend,” he explained. AWS must lay out cash for land, power, buildings, chips, servers, and networking gear before monetizing it. This spending directly impacts free cash flow. Amazon reported free cash flow of $1.2 billion for the trailing twelve months. That represents a 95% drop from $25.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The primary driver is a $59.3 billion year-over-year increase in purchases of property and equipment, much of it related to AI. Long-Term Payoff vs. Short-Term Cash Burn Jassy positioned these investments as short-term cash burn for a long-term payoff. He noted that capital expenditures fund assets like data centers that last more than 30 years. Chips, servers, and networking gear have a useful life of five to six years. He attempted to quell investor fears about overspending. “In times of very high growth like now — where the capex growth meaningfully outpaces the revenue growth — the early years, free cash flow is challenged,” he said. He drew parallels to the first big AWS growth wave. “We’ve been through this cycle with the first big AWS growth wave, and like the results. We expect to feel similarly about this next wave with much larger potential downstream revenue and free cash flow,” he added. Overall Sales Performance and Global Reach Amazon’s overall sales rose 17% to $181.5 billion year-over-year. North America sales grew 12%, while international sales increased 19%. This broad-based growth reinforces the company’s strong market position. The e-commerce giant continues to benefit from both its retail and cloud segments. The AWS growth rate is particularly notable given the competitive landscape. Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud also reported strong quarters. However, AWS maintains its lead in market share. Its ability to scale with AI demand provides a significant advantage. Infrastructure Investments Drive Future Growth The capital spending surge reflects a strategic bet on AI’s long-term potential. Amazon is building data centers, purchasing advanced chips, and expanding its network infrastructure. These investments position AWS to capture more AI workloads as enterprises accelerate adoption. Jassy emphasized that AWS has never seen a technology grow as rapidly as AI. Companies continue to choose AWS for AI workloads. This trend is expected to persist as AI becomes more integrated into business operations. The infrastructure spending, while heavy now, should generate substantial returns over time. Conclusion Amazon’s cloud business is surging, driven by AI demand and massive capital spending. AWS growth is accelerating, with revenue reaching $37.6 billion in Q1. The company is investing heavily in infrastructure, impacting short-term free cash flow. However, CEO Andy Jassy views this as a necessary step for long-term growth. Amazon’s overall sales rose 17%, reflecting strong performance across segments. The AI boom continues to reward companies that supply the picks and shovels, and Amazon is leading the charge. FAQs Q1: What drove Amazon’s cloud business growth in Q1? Amazon’s cloud business growth was driven by strong demand for AI compute power. AWS net sales increased 28% year-over-year to $37.6 billion. Q2: How much is Amazon spending on capital expenditures? Amazon’s capital spending surged, with a $59.3 billion increase in property and equipment purchases. This contributed to a 95% drop in free cash flow. Q3: Why is Amazon spending so much on infrastructure? Amazon is investing in data centers, chips, servers, and networking gear to support AI workloads. CEO Andy Jassy views this as a short-term cash burn for long-term payoff. Q4: How does AWS growth compare to its early days? AWS’s AI revenue run rate after three years is over $15 billion, nearly 260 times larger than its early revenue run rate of $58 million three years after launch. Q5: What is the outlook for Amazon’s free cash flow? Free cash flow is currently challenged due to high capital spending. However, Amazon expects downstream revenue and free cash flow to improve as investments mature. This post Amazon Cloud Business Surges: AWS Growth Drives Record AI Capital Spending first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 23:15

Tether Merger Vote: Twenty One Capital and Strike Deal Could Reshape Bitcoin Strategy

BitcoinWorld Tether Merger Vote: Twenty One Capital and Strike Deal Could Reshape Bitcoin Strategy Tether Investments has announced its decision to vote in favor of the proposed merger between Twenty One Capital and Strike. This Bitcoin strategy merger could significantly impact the cryptocurrency landscape. Tether’s stablecoin issuer arm made this announcement on April 29. Tether Merger Vote: A Strategic Move for Bitcoin Adoption Tether Investments, the investment arm of the stablecoin giant, will support the merger of Twenty One Capital and Strike. Twenty One Capital is a publicly listed Bitcoin strategy firm. Strike is a leading Bitcoin financial services provider. The proposal also includes a subsequent merger with Electron Energy, a large-scale Bitcoin mining platform. This series of transactions aims to improve the financial condition of the resulting company. Tether believes it will also enhance profitability and accelerate Bitcoin adoption. The stablecoin issuer views this as a critical step for the broader crypto ecosystem. According to Tether’s official statement, the mergers could create a more robust entity. This entity would have greater resources to promote Bitcoin use worldwide. The company’s financial health is expected to improve significantly. Understanding the Key Players in This Bitcoin Strategy Merger Twenty One Capital is a well-known Bitcoin strategy firm. It focuses on integrating Bitcoin into corporate treasuries. Strike provides Bitcoin financial services, including payments and banking. Electron Energy operates large-scale Bitcoin mining operations. The merger brings together three distinct sectors: strategy, services, and mining. This combination creates a vertically integrated Bitcoin company. It can handle everything from mining to financial products. Twenty One Capital : Publicly listed Bitcoin strategy firm Strike : Bitcoin financial services provider Electron Energy : Large-scale Bitcoin mining platform Each entity brings unique strengths. Twenty One Capital offers market expertise. Strike provides user-facing services. Electron Energy ensures mining infrastructure. Potential Impact of the Tether Merger Vote on the Market The Tether merger vote could have wide-ranging effects. It signals strong institutional support for Bitcoin. Tether’s involvement adds credibility to the deal. The stablecoin issuer has significant influence in the crypto market. If the merger succeeds, the new company will have substantial resources. It can invest in new technologies. It can also expand its customer base. This could lead to increased Bitcoin adoption globally. Market analysts are watching closely. Many see this as a positive sign for Bitcoin’s future. The merger could set a precedent for similar deals. Other companies may follow this model. Leadership Changes: Raphael Zagury as President Tether has recommended Raphael Zagury for a key role. He is the founder and CEO of Electron Energy. If the mergers are successful, Tether will recommend him to serve as president of the new company. Zagury has extensive experience in Bitcoin mining. He understands the technical and operational aspects. His leadership could drive the new company’s success. Tether trusts his vision for accelerating Bitcoin adoption. This recommendation shows Tether’s confidence in Zagury. It also highlights the importance of mining expertise. The new company will need strong leadership to integrate its operations. Timeline and Next Steps for the Merger The merger process is still in its early stages. Tether’s vote is a crucial step. Shareholders of Twenty One Capital and Strike must also vote. Regulatory approvals may be required. A timeline for completion has not been announced. However, the process could take several months. Key milestones include shareholder meetings and regulatory reviews. Tether’s support increases the likelihood of approval. The stablecoin issuer holds significant voting power. Its endorsement could sway other shareholders. Broader Implications for the Cryptocurrency Industry This Bitcoin strategy merger reflects a growing trend. Companies are consolidating to create stronger entities. They aim to compete more effectively in the crypto space. Tether’s involvement is particularly notable. The company is the largest stablecoin issuer. Its backing adds financial stability to the deal. This could attract more institutional investors to Bitcoin. The merger also highlights the importance of integration. Combining strategy, services, and mining creates a powerful ecosystem. This model could become more common in the future. Expert Analysis on the Tether Merger Vote Industry experts have weighed in on the merger. Many see it as a positive development. It shows that major players are committed to Bitcoin’s growth. “This merger could create a new standard for Bitcoin companies,” said one analyst. “It combines expertise from different areas. This makes the resulting company more resilient.” Others note the potential risks. Integration can be challenging. Different corporate cultures may clash. However, Tether’s involvement mitigates some of these risks. Conclusion The Tether merger vote for Twenty One Capital and Strike is a landmark event. It could accelerate Bitcoin adoption by creating a stronger, integrated company. Tether’s support adds credibility and financial stability. The merger’s success could set a new precedent for the cryptocurrency industry. Investors and enthusiasts should watch this development closely. FAQs Q1: What is the Tether merger vote about? Tether Investments is voting in favor of a merger between Twenty One Capital and Strike, with a subsequent merger involving Electron Energy. Q2: Why is Tether supporting this Bitcoin strategy merger? Tether believes the merger will improve the resulting company’s financial condition, profitability, and ability to accelerate Bitcoin adoption. Q3: Who is Raphael Zagury? Raphael Zagury is the founder and CEO of Electron Energy. Tether has recommended him to serve as president of the new company after the merger. Q4: How will this merger affect Bitcoin adoption? The merger creates a vertically integrated company with resources to expand Bitcoin services and mining, potentially increasing global adoption. Q5: When will the merger be completed? A specific timeline has not been announced. The process requires shareholder and regulatory approvals, which could take several months. This post Tether Merger Vote: Twenty One Capital and Strike Deal Could Reshape Bitcoin Strategy first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 23:00

Bitcoin’s Most Trusted Miner Stress Indicator Just Flashed a Buy Signal: Should You Trust It?

Bitcoin is holding above $76,000 as the market tests resistance and the broader environment remains uncertain. The price is constructive, but the forces operating beneath it tell a more complicated story — and top analyst Darkfost has identified a signal in the Hash Ribbons that adds a specific layer of structural context to where Bitcoin stands right now. The Hash Ribbons is an indicator that functions as a barometer of miner activity, comparing the 30-day and 60-day moving averages of Bitcoin’s hashrate to identify when mining operations are genuinely under stress. Understanding why that reading matters requires a brief look at the economics pressing on miners right now. Today’s block reward is 3.125 BTC — a number that sounds meaningful at current prices but represents a fraction of the 50 BTC that early miners received per block. The dollar value of that reward has grown enormously over time, but so has the cost and complexity of earning it. Rising mining difficulty demands increasingly efficient and expensive hardware. Energy costs remain high and volatile. Fixed operational expenses do not adjust when prices fall. Infrastructure disruptions — from weather events to geopolitical pressures on energy markets — can force shutdowns that have nothing to do with Bitcoin’s underlying health. When these pressures stack simultaneously, miners face a choice: scale back, find efficiencies, or capitulate. The Hash Ribbons are what make that choice visible in the data — and right now, it is signaling something that demands attention. The Signal Is Real. The Question Is What Caused It. The Hash Ribbons is built to detect a specific sequence. When mining becomes unprofitable enough that operators are forced to shut down machines, hashrate falls. As hashrate falls, difficulty eventually adjusts lower, improving the economics for the miners who survived. Forced selling eases. Machines come back online. Network conditions normalize. That recovery phase — the transition from capitulation to stabilization — is where the Hash Ribbons has historically identified some of Bitcoin’s most asymmetric entry points. The current signal fits that pattern on the surface. But Darkfost’s caution is grounded in a precedent that occurred earlier this year. When ice storms forced temporary miner shutdowns across parts of the United States, the Hash Ribbons fired a buy signal that had nothing to do with genuine capitulation. The hashrate drop was weather-driven, not economics-driven. The difficulty adjustment that followed reflected a temporary infrastructure disruption rather than the kind of sustained stress that historically precedes meaningful recoveries. Similar false signals appeared during China’s mining ban in 2021 and in June 2022. The pattern has not broken. But the signal has become harder to read cleanly. With block rewards at 3.125 BTC and shrinking every four years, mining operations are increasingly sensitive to external shocks — geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets, supply chain disruptions affecting hardware, weather events affecting infrastructure. Each of these can trigger the same hashrate decline that genuine capitulation produces, without the same underlying conditions that make that capitulation a meaningful buying opportunity. Hash Ribbons flashing a buy signal is significant. Understanding whether miners stopped because they had to or because they were forced to by something external is the distinction that determines whether the signal should be trusted or treated with caution. Bitcoin Reclaims Range but Faces Overhead Resistance Bitcoin is trading near $77,500 on the weekly chart, recovering from the sharp breakdown that followed the rejection near $120,000. The recent structure shows a stabilization phase after the capitulation into the $62,000–$65,000 demand zone, where strong buying interest previously entered the market. That area now stands as a confirmed macro support. The current recovery has pushed prices back above the $70,000–$74,000 range, which had acted as resistance during March. This reclaim is technically constructive and suggests the market has absorbed a portion of the prior selling pressure. However, the recovery is now approaching a more complex resistance cluster. The 50-week and 100-week moving averages are converging between $80,000 and $90,000, creating a dense supply zone overhead. These levels previously acted as support during the uptrend and are now likely to function as resistance. The slope of these averages has flattened, indicating the trend is transitioning rather than trending cleanly. Volume confirms the shift in regime. The capitulation phase showed elevated participation, while the recovery has developed on lower volume, suggesting a more cautious re-entry of buyers. Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

29 Apr 2026, 19:35

Bhutan reduces BTC reserves to 3,400 holding after major sales

🚨 Bhutan sells off massive BTC reserves, leaving just 3,400 in $BTC. Bhutan once held around 13,000 Bitcoin from energy-powered mining operations. Continue Reading: Bhutan reduces BTC reserves to 3,400 holding after major sales The post Bhutan reduces BTC reserves to 3,400 holding after major sales appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .