hodler

1 May 2026, 08:36

Bitcoin Spot CVD Surges 199% as Institutional Inflows Re-Accelerate

Bitcoin BTC Spot CVD, or Cumulative Volume Delta, exploded 199.1% over the prior week, climbing from $18.3 million to $54.8 million, a signal of aggressive spot-market buying . Parallel perpetual CVD rose 174.7% to $315.1 million, confirming the same directional pressure across both markets. ETF inflows are re-accelerating again after weeks of stagnation, providing the absorption layer and holding Bitcoin above $78,000. BlackRock’s IBIT gained 1.33% in yesterday’s session as institutional crypto demand showed renewed aggression following a 3-day period of net outflow pressure. The re-acceleration follows a stretch in which ETF outflows had weighed on spot liquidity. Bitcoin ETFs Flows, Coinglass Open interest recovered to $25 billion, which Bernstein analysts flagged as a sign of returning leverage. Spot-led nature of this move, confirmed by CVD composition, shows that the rally has a different foundation than January’s futures-driven spike. Explore: Bitcoin price prediction – key support and resistance levels to watch Can Bitcoin Finally Breach $80K This May? Bitcoin is sitting at $77,000 intraday after reclaiming the same support level. CVD lines are holding above their moving averages, which is the minimum confirmation for bullish conviction. RSI is elevated but not yet at overbought extremes, leaving room for continuation. BTC/USDT daily chart with Spot CVD overlay – TradingView If $75,000 holds on a weekly close, the structure opens a move toward $80,000 and, beyond that, the $82,000 zone identified by on-chain resistance clustering. If $75,000 breaks, the real floor is closer to $72,000. The risk case is an open interest flush, $25 billion in OI with rising leverage could create a liquidation cascade. The honest read: structure is bullish as long as spot CVD stays positive and ETF inflows don’t reverse. Watch the weekly close. Discover: The best pre-launch token sales Wall Street Backdrop: Market Structure Flips Bullish The macro context is supportive. The Wall Street rally, driven by strong Alphabet and Caterpillar earnings, sent U.S. equities into April’s close with positive momentum, and Bitcoin followed, rising 1.17% in direct correlation with NASDAQ risk-on sentiment. As we know, traditional fund managers are increasingly treating BTC as a high-velocity proxy for high-beta tech exposure, tightening its correlation with equities in trending macro environments. BREAKING: Nasdaq and S&P 500 just hit a NEW ALL TIME HIGH. US stocks have now added over $10 trillion in market cap in the last 30 days. pic.twitter.com/ipimnCw4S5 — Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) April 30, 2026 Bitcoin is now printing higher lows, has reclaimed $77,000 as support, and is holding a bullish market structure. If equities sustain their recovery through the next FOMC decision, BTC’s macro tailwind stays intact and amplifies the spot demand signal. The combined read from CVD, ETF inflows, and on-chain transfer volume points to one conclusion: this is a structurally supported move, not a leverage blip. Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with The post Bitcoin Spot CVD Surges 199% as Institutional Inflows Re-Accelerate appeared first on Cryptonews .

30 Apr 2026, 20:05

Elon said most crypto projects are scams during his OpenAI testimony

Elon Musk called most crypto projects scams while testifying in Oakland this week, pulling Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and an old OpenAI token plan into his court fight with Sam Altman. Inside the courtroom, Elon was asked about OpenAI’s short-lived 2018 plan to raise funds through an initial coin offering, or ICO. He said, “Some of them have merit, but most of them are scams,” based on a post from New York Times reporter Mike Isaac. Elon brings OpenAI’s 2018 token plan into the fight over its charity roots The ICO issue came up because OpenAI once looked at creating a crypto token to help fund the nonprofit. An ICO is when a crypto team sells tokens to raise cash. The term borrows from IPO, but it is not the same thing as selling stock. The late-2010s ICO boom pulled in a lot of risky money, then many of those token projects collapsed after getting funded. Crypto traders remember that period clearly. It was noisy, fast, and full of people pretending a white paper was a business. That old plan now sits inside a much larger legal fight. Elon claims OpenAI broke its founding agreement when it built a commercial business and took a major investment from Microsoft (MSFT). In court, he said OpenAI “[stole] a charity.” His case is built around the idea that the company was created to serve the public, not to become another closed AI power center racing for revenue. OpenAI denies that version of events. The company says Elon knew it might need a for-profit structure to raise enough money. In a company blog post, OpenAI said he supported the ICO plan, which would have included a for-profit arm. That claim is important because it pushes back against his argument that the later business structure came out of nowhere. Later, while answering questions from his own lawyer, Elon said he was “reassured” by OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman and others that the nonprofit would keep acting as a charity. OpenAI and Sam have accused him of harassment. They also say the lawsuit is really aimed at hurting a rival to xAI, the AI company Elon co-founded in 2023. So the court is now dealing with charity promises, AI money, Microsoft, and a crypto fundraising idea from six years earlier. Very normal tech-world disaster menu. Tesla’s Bitcoin numbers show why Elon’s crypto comment landed inside a bigger market story Elon has not always sounded this cold on crypto. During the pandemic bull run, he became one of the loudest public names tied to the market. Tesla (TSLA) bought $1.5 billion of Bitcoin in 2021, putting crypto directly on the balance sheet of a major public company. That made Tesla one of the earlier big corporate buyers at the time. His tweets about Dogecoin also helped turn the meme coin into a giant retail trade. DOGE was already strange by design, but Elon gave it a much bigger audience. Traders watched his posts like price alerts. Some made money. Some got burned. That is crypto. Nobody needs a sermon. Tesla then sold 75% of its Bitcoin in mid-2022. Because of that sale, the company did not fully benefit from the later rally after Donald Trump’s election, when Bitcoin climbed above $125,000 in 2024. Tesla still kept part of its position, but the remaining coins took a hit in the first quarter of 2026. Regulatory filings show Tesla reduced the value of its remaining 11,509 Bitcoin by $222 million in Q1 2026. As of March 31, the company listed $786 million in crypto holdings and reported an after-tax impairment loss of $173 million. Bitcoin was down 10% for the year and traded at $75,350 at the time of writing. Elon finished his testimony on Thursday morning. Sam Altman and Greg Brockman were in court for much of the questioning. After being introduced, Sam and Greg sat behind their lawyers and listened. Greg also took notes on a yellow legal pad. A large part of Elon’s testimony focused on his break with OpenAI’s leaders while they searched for enough money to compete with Alphabet Inc.’s Google (GOOGL) and other for-profit AI companies. “In strict monetary terms, I contributed $38 million,” Elon said this week. After Elon left the stand, Jared Birchall, who runs his family office, testified. Jared told jurors that Elon paid rent for OpenAI’s office in the early years. He also said Elon later told him to stop paying that rent in 2020. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .

30 Apr 2026, 16:37

ICO market slows sharply with only six completions in 2026

According to CryptoRank, only six token sales were completed in 2026 to date, and half are underwater compared to their offering price. Crypto financing is shifting, with VC-funded rounds also slowing down in April. Just six crypto projects chose an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in 2026. The ICO was a staple during the 2017 bull market, but was gradually displaced by other models. Currently, smaller projects have shifted to airdrops or running as tokenless apps, while larger crypto companies look toward initial public offerings (IPO) on traditional exchanges. CryptoRank noted the six ICOs used CoinList or Echo for their sales, instead of staging independent events. CryptoRank noted outflows of VC funding As Cryptopolitan reported, crypto funding accelerated in March, achieving its best score in six months. In April, however, funding rounds slowed down again, coinciding with a more bearish sentiment on crypto markets. For the month of April, only $653M were raised in 61 funding rounds, the smallest total for the past 12 months. In April 2025, VC funds raised over $2B in 89 funding rounds. Funding in April fell to the lowest level for the past 12 months, as big VC backers retreated from the crypto space. | Source: CryptoRank. The VC participants also shifted, with Coinbase Ventures and Animoca Brands falling behind after months of leading the largest number of funding rounds. In April, GSR was the leader with a total of four deals, leading one round. Animoca Brands and Coinbase Ventures took part in just three rounds for the past month. US-based funding also dried up, with just $150M in the past month. Most of the funding rounds were late-stage or undisclosed types, with $594M raised in unknown jurisdictions. Previous European leaders lagged in new project funding or ongoing support for existing crypto startups. Token sales reflect weakening sentiment In total, all types of token sales saw just 21 events for the past month, including platform-based IDO and IEO. Only $25.06M were raised through public sales, even abandoning usually busy chains. One round was completed on Solana, five on Ethereum and Base, and just two on BNB Chain. Most token sales are underwater, and just the BNB Chain achieved 1,269% growth for its offerings in April. Despite this, the IDO and IEO landscape shows an outflow of liquidity, as few investors are ready to hold tokens. The slower fundraising and token sales reflect a shift of crypto investors to other sectors, especially the quick-resolving prediction markets and perpetual futures. The slowdown reflects the shift in crypto narratives. In the past, fundraising was available for launching new L1 and L2 networks. Currently, overall interest has shifted to AI, but crypto startups are not considered reliable builders of AI products. According to CrunchBase, funding is plentiful for AI companies, as 2026 has the largest number of unicorn companies in the history of tech. Funds like Andreessen Horowitz, previously backing multiple crypto projects, switched to AI and robotics. CryptoRank also notes seed stage funding rounds have expanded to $10M for traditional startups, but VC backers are more selective and pick fewer projects. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

30 Apr 2026, 16:15

MEGA TGE Holders Remain Resilient: 50% Still Holding Tokens, Bubblemaps Reveals

BitcoinWorld MEGA TGE Holders Remain Resilient: 50% Still Holding Tokens, Bubblemaps Reveals A recent analysis by blockchain analytics firm Bubblemaps reveals a significant trend among recipients of the MEGA TGE (Token Generation Event) for the Ethereum Layer 2 project Megaether. According to the firm’s data, exactly half of the 8,360 addresses that received tokens on April 30 are still holding their allocations. This finding provides a unique insight into early investor behavior within the crypto market. Bubblemaps Analysis: A Deep Dive into MEGA TGE Data Bubblemaps, a well-known entity in on-chain analytics, shared its findings on X (formerly Twitter). The firm stated that the MEGA TGE on April 30 saw a total of 8,360 addresses receive tokens. The breakdown is stark: 50% of these recipients are still holding their tokens. In contrast, 40% have sold their entire allocation, and the remaining 10% have only partially sold. This data offers a clear snapshot of market sentiment. The high percentage of holders suggests a strong belief in Megaether’s long-term potential. However, the 40% who sold all their tokens indicate significant profit-taking or a lack of confidence. This split is common in early-stage crypto projects. Understanding the Token Generation Event (TGE) A token generation event (TGE) is a crucial milestone for any blockchain project. It marks the creation and initial distribution of a project’s native token. For Megaether, an Ethereum Layer 2 solution, the TGE was a key step in building its ecosystem. Investors and community members receive tokens based on their contributions, such as early participation or liquidity provision. The data from Bubblemaps highlights the immediate aftermath of such an event. The behavior of recipients—whether they hold or sell—can heavily influence the token’s price and liquidity. In this case, the 50% holding rate is relatively high compared to many other projects. Key Factors Influencing Holder Behavior Project Fundamentals: Megaether’s Layer 2 technology aims to scale Ethereum, a critical need in the crypto space. Strong fundamentals often encourage holders to keep their tokens. Market Conditions: The broader crypto market in late April 2025 was volatile. Many investors chose to lock in profits or cut losses. Token Utility: The value of a MEGA token depends on its use within the Megaether ecosystem. If holders see clear utility, they are more likely to retain their tokens. Comparative Analysis: MEGA vs. Other TGEs Comparing the MEGA TGE data with other recent token launches provides context. Many projects see over 60% of recipients sell within the first week. The 50% holding rate for MEGA is therefore notable. It suggests a more committed community or a well-structured tokenomics model. Project Holders After 30 Days Full Sellers Partial Sellers Megaether (MEGA) 50% 40% 10% Project A 35% 55% 10% Project B 45% 40% 15% This table shows that Megaether’s holder retention is above average. This could be a positive signal for future price stability. Implications for the Ethereum Layer 2 Ecosystem Megaether operates as an Ethereum Layer 2 solution. This means it processes transactions off the main Ethereum chain, offering lower fees and faster speeds. The success of its token generation event is crucial for its adoption. A high number of holders can lead to a more decentralized network. The Bubblemaps data also reveals the geographic and behavioral patterns of holders. While the firm did not specify locations, on-chain analysis often shows clusters of holders in regions with strong crypto adoption. This information helps in understanding the project’s global reach. Expert Insights on Token Distribution Industry experts often emphasize the importance of analyzing TGE data. A high sell-off rate can indicate a lack of trust or a pump-and-dump scheme. In contrast, a balanced distribution, as seen with MEGA, suggests a healthier ecosystem. The 50% holding rate is a strong indicator of community confidence. Moreover, the 10% partial sellers show a strategic approach. These holders likely sold a portion to recoup initial investment while keeping the rest for potential gains. This behavior is common among experienced crypto investors. Future Outlook for MEGA Token Looking ahead, the MEGA token price will depend on several factors. These include the project’s development milestones, partnerships, and overall market trends. The current holder data from Bubblemaps provides a solid foundation. If the project delivers on its roadmap, the remaining holders could see significant returns. However, the 40% who sold all their tokens might have done so due to concerns about competition. The Layer 2 space is crowded, with projects like Arbitrum and Optimism dominating. Megaether needs to differentiate itself to attract and retain users. Conclusion In summary, Bubblemaps’ analysis of the MEGA TGE reveals a balanced distribution among 8,360 addresses. Half of the recipients are still holding their tokens, while 40% have sold entirely. This data points to a relatively strong community belief in Megaether’s potential. For investors and analysts, this on-chain information is invaluable for assessing project health. The coming months will be critical for Megaether as it works to establish itself in the competitive Ethereum Layer 2 landscape. FAQs Q1: What is a token generation event (TGE)? A token generation event (TGE) is the process of creating and distributing a new cryptocurrency token to initial supporters. It is similar to an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) but often focuses on community building. Q2: How many addresses received MEGA tokens during the TGE? According to Bubblemaps, 8,360 addresses were allocated MEGA tokens during the token generation event on April 30. Q3: What percentage of MEGA TGE recipients still hold their tokens? Bubblemaps found that 50% of the recipients are still holding their MEGA tokens. This is considered a high retention rate. Q4: Why do some recipients sell their tokens immediately after a TGE? Recipients may sell to lock in profits, due to a lack of confidence in the project, or to reallocate funds to other investments. Market conditions also play a role. Q5: What is Megaether (MEGA)? Megaether is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution. It aims to improve transaction speed and reduce costs on the Ethereum network. The MEGA token is its native cryptocurrency. This post MEGA TGE Holders Remain Resilient: 50% Still Holding Tokens, Bubblemaps Reveals first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

30 Apr 2026, 14:55

Tether-Linked £5 Million Political Donation Draws Regulatory Scrutiny

Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based British businessman holding a 12% stake in Tether, made an undisclosed £5 million personal gift to Nigel Farage, a donation that has now drawn formal scrutiny from Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg. The question this story forces is direct: does a stablecoin stakeholder’s political giving create compliance exposure for Tether itself, and what does that mean for USDT’s standing with regulators? Key Takeaways Donation size: Harborne gave a £5 million undisclosed personal gift to Nigel Farage, on top of £12 million+ in total donations to Reform UK. Tether connection: Harborne holds a 12% stake in Tether, the issuer of USDT – the world’s largest stablecoin by market cap. Regulatory trigger: The Conservatives referred Farage to Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg; Labour accused him of breaking Commons declaration rules. Donation ban: The UK government imposed a moratorium on crypto donations to political parties in March 2025, following the Rycroft review’s warnings on foreign influence risk. Exemption claim: Reform UK classifies the £5 million as a “personal unconditional gift” exempt from declaration requirements – a classification that is now contested. Discover: The best pre-launch token sales Who Is Christopher Harborne and How Does Tether Factor In? Harborne is not a peripheral figure in either crypto or UK politics. He built significant exposure to Tether early, accumulating a 12% stake that makes him one of the stablecoin issuer’s most consequential individual shareholders. His political giving predates Reform UK, he backed multiple Brexit campaigns before directing over £12 million to Farage’s party, including a record-breaking £9 million single donation in late 2024, reported at the time as the largest from a living person to a UK political party. The £5 million gift at the centre of current scrutiny was made before Farage announced his candidacy for the Clacton parliamentary seat in June 2024. Farage confirmed the payment in a Daily Telegraph interview , describing it as intended to keep him “safe and secure for the rest of my life”, framing it as a personal security arrangement rather than political funding. Reform UK classifies the gift as a personal unconditional donation, which under UK Electoral Commission rules falls outside mandatory declaration requirements. That classification is the contested ground. UK political finance law requires that donations to political parties above £7,500 be declared to the Electoral Commission. Personal gifts to individuals, not parties, occupy a different legal category. Whether the £5 million crossed from a personal gift into a political contribution is precisely what the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is now examining. Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with The post Tether-Linked £5 Million Political Donation Draws Regulatory Scrutiny appeared first on Cryptonews .

30 Apr 2026, 14:19

Grayscale’s Zcash Trust Just Doubled Its Volume as Shielded Supply Hit an All-Time High: Is $400 the Next Target?

Grayscale’s Zcash Trust (ZCSH) just doubled its trading volume, pushing daily volume past $2 million as Zcash’s shielded supply reached an all-time high. Two separate signals, one institutional, one on-chain, converging at the same time, is not a coincidence you ignore. Shielded supply now represents approximately 30% of ZEC’s circulating supply, its highest share on record. The question is whether this is a structural shift in how investors and users engage with Zcash, or a short-term spike with nowhere to go in May. Source: TheBlock Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with Can Zcash Price Break Resistance at $400 or Does $220 Come First? ZEC is sitting at $335 on the daily chart, and the most notable thing here is the massive recovery from the February lows near $185, with ZEC price nearly doubling before running into the $400 resistance zone and getting rejected back down. That $400 level marked as the red dotted line is the key ceiling; it rejected price hard in April and is the line that separates the current recovery from a genuine trend reversal attempt. Source: Tradingview Price is now sitting in a consolidation zone between roughly $300 and $380, churning after the initial recovery momentum faded, and the structure suggests it needs to either build another base here or risk sliding back toward the $240 to $260 range, where support sits below. On the upside, reclaiming $400 opens the path toward $457 first, then $527 and $600 as the higher targets marked on the chart, all of which were prior support and resistance zones from the November to December range. The daily chart shows a coin that made a significant bottom and has recovered well, but is now at a decision point where the easy gains from the lows have already been taken, and the next leg requires actually breaking through real resistance rather than just bouncing off a floor. $400 is the level to watch. Until it flips, this is still a recovery trade, not a breakout. Discover: The best pre-launch token sales The post Grayscale’s Zcash Trust Just Doubled Its Volume as Shielded Supply Hit an All-Time High: Is $400 the Next Target? appeared first on Cryptonews .