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1 May 2026, 11:03

SAND Technical Analysis May 1, 2026: RSI MACD Momentum

SAND momentum analysis with RSI 39.68 neutral-bearish, MACD negative histogram confirms selling pressure. While downtrend continues below EMA20, support levels are of critical importance.

1 May 2026, 11:02

Korea Is Set to Replace SWIFT. XRP Is the SWIFT Competitor In Korea

Three major Korean companies have signed a deal that could reshape how international payments work. Technical analyst AllInCrypto (@RealAllinCrypto) was quick to highlight the significance. POSCO International, Hana Financial Group, and blockchain firm Dunamu signed a memorandum of understanding at Hana Financial Group’s headquarters in Seoul on April 29. The agreement targets blockchain-based overseas remittances and intercompany fund transfers. POSCO International President Lee Kye-in, Hana Financial Group Vice Chairman Lee Eun-hyung, and Dunamu CEO Oh Kyung-seok all attended the signing. Under the agreement, the three companies will cooperate on blockchain-based remittances , build financial infrastructure to improve global cash-management efficiency, and explore digital finance business opportunities. KOREA TO REPLACE SWIFT In Korea 3 parties have signed a deal to try replace SWIFT with blockchain for payments Let’s not forget @Ripple has signed some BIG deals in Korea this month and has a large presence in Asia. $XRP is THE SWIFT competitor. Do they turn to $XRP ? pic.twitter.com/S78gUksLnA — ALLINCRYPTO (@RealAllinCrypto) April 29, 2026 The Problem With SWIFT The partnership takes direct aim at SWIFT, the dominant global payments network. The companies stated that traditional remittances routed through SWIFT “typically process payment instructions and settlement separately, which can lead to delays and higher costs.” The new partnership aims to link instructions and settlement in real time using blockchain technology to improve speed, transaction transparency, and cost efficiency. This is a significant move. SWIFT has operated as the backbone of international banking for decades. A blockchain-based alternative promises faster processing and lower fees for businesses and consumers moving money across borders. Where XRP Enters the Conversation AllInCrypto pointed directly to XRP’s position in this shift. He noted that Ripple has signed major deals in Korea this month and maintains a large presence across Asia. He noted that XRP is SWIFT’s competition, and questioned whether this new coalition will turn to XRP. Ripple’s network is built for cross-border payments and positions itself as a faster, cheaper alternative to SWIFT. Korea’s move signals growing institutional appetite for exactly that kind of infrastructure. Ripple and XRP’s Momentum in Korea Ripple’s activity in Korea this month adds context to the partnership announcement. The company has been expanding its footprint across Asia, and Korea represents one of the most crypto-forward markets in the world. Institutional engagement with XRP in the region has been growing. XRP has also surpassed Bitcoin in trading volume on South Korea’s largest exchange multiple times. AllInCrypto’s post connects these dots. Korea is not just experimenting with blockchain payments in isolation. It is doing so at a time when one of the most prominent SWIFT competitors is actively building relationships there. What Comes Next? The MOU between these major players is a starting point. The real question is which blockchain infrastructure these companies ultimately adopt at scale. XRP’s existing rails, institutional partnerships, track record in cross-border settlements, and strong demand in the region make it a logical candidate. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Korea Is Set to Replace SWIFT. XRP Is the SWIFT Competitor In Korea appeared first on Times Tabloid .

1 May 2026, 11:00

SEC Approval Raises IBIT Option Position Limit to 1M Contracts: A Game-Changer for Bitcoin ETF Options

BitcoinWorld SEC Approval Raises IBIT Option Position Limit to 1M Contracts: A Game-Changer for Bitcoin ETF Options The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a pivotal rule change for the Nasdaq ISE. This decision dramatically raises the position and exercise limits for options on BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT). The new limit jumps from 250,000 to 1 million contracts. According to BlockBeats, this measure applies on a same-side basis. This landmark approval marks a significant expansion in the Bitcoin ETF options market. Understanding the IBIT Option Position Limit Increase The SEC’s approval directly addresses a key demand from institutional investors. Previously, a cap of 250,000 contracts limited large-scale hedging and trading strategies. Now, with the limit raised to 1 million contracts, market participants gain far greater flexibility. This change applies to options on the same side of the market. For example, it covers all call options or all put options combined. This rule is designed to prevent market manipulation while allowing for substantial market depth. What This Means for BlackRock’s IBIT ETF BlackRock’s IBIT has become a dominant force in the spot Bitcoin ETF space. Since its launch, it has attracted billions in assets under management. The higher position limit directly supports its growing liquidity. Options traders can now execute larger block trades without immediately hitting regulatory ceilings. This fosters a more efficient price discovery mechanism. Consequently, the spread between bid and ask prices may narrow, benefiting all participants. Impact on Bitcoin ETF Options Market Liquidity Liquidity is the lifeblood of any options market. By raising the IBIT option position limit, the SEC injects a new level of depth. Market makers can now provide tighter quotes for larger orders. This reduces slippage for institutional clients. Moreover, it encourages the creation of more complex strategies. Investors can now combine options with the underlying ETF shares more effectively. This development aligns with the broader trend of Bitcoin becoming a mainstream asset class. Comparing Old vs. New Position Limits To fully grasp the scale of this change, consider the following comparison: Metric Previous Limit New Limit Position Limit (Contracts) 250,000 1,000,000 Same-Side Aggregate Limit 250,000 1,000,000 Potential Notional Value (at $60k BTC) $15 billion $60 billion This table illustrates a 4x increase in capacity. The potential notional value now reaches $60 billion. This provides a robust framework for large-scale hedging and speculation. Regulatory Context and SEC’s Rationale The SEC’s decision did not occur in a vacuum. The agency has consistently monitored the crypto derivatives space. The approval follows a period of extensive public comment and market analysis. Regulators considered the risk of excessive speculation versus the need for market efficiency. By applying the limit on a same-side basis, the SEC maintains a safeguard against concentrated risk. This approach mirrors limits seen in traditional equity options markets. It demonstrates a measured, data-driven regulatory philosophy. Timeline of Key Events Leading to Approval January 2024: SEC approves spot Bitcoin ETFs, including BlackRock’s IBIT. March 2024: Nasdaq ISE files proposal to raise IBIT option position limits. June 2024: SEC seeks public comment on the proposal. September 2024: SEC approves the rule change, effective immediately. This timeline shows a deliberate, transparent process. The SEC engaged with stakeholders before finalizing the rule. Institutional Adoption and Market Implications The raised limit is a strong signal for institutional adoption. Pension funds, endowments, and insurance companies often require deep liquidity. They need to execute large trades without moving the market. The new limit facilitates this. It also enables more sophisticated risk management. For instance, an institution holding a large Bitcoin position can now hedge with a proportional number of put options. This reduces the cost of portfolio protection. Expert Perspectives on the Rule Change Market analysts view this as a positive development. James Seyffart, a Bloomberg ETF analyst, noted that the move aligns with the maturation of the crypto ETF ecosystem. He emphasized that higher limits attract more professional capital. Another expert, from the CBOE, highlighted the importance of standardized position limits. They ensure fair access while preventing market abuse. These expert views reinforce the credibility of the SEC’s decision. Technical Details: Same-Side Basis Explained The term ‘same-side basis’ requires clarification. It means the limit applies to all contracts with the same underlying direction. For example, all call options count toward the same limit. Similarly, all put options count separately. This prevents traders from circumventing the cap by using different strike prices or expiration dates. It is a common regulatory tool in options markets. This structure maintains market integrity while allowing for growth. Comparison with Other Bitcoin ETF Options BlackRock’s IBIT is not the only Bitcoin ETF with options. However, it is the largest. Other ETFs, like Fidelity’s FBTC, may seek similar limit increases. The SEC’s decision sets a precedent. It signals that the agency is willing to accommodate growth in this sector. This could lead to a wave of similar proposals from other exchanges. The competitive landscape will likely shift as a result. Conclusion The SEC’s approval to raise the IBIT option position limit to 1 million contracts is a landmark event. It directly enhances liquidity and institutional access in the Bitcoin ETF options market. This decision reflects a mature regulatory approach. It balances risk with the need for market efficiency. As BlackRock’s IBIT continues to grow, this rule change will support its evolution. Investors can now execute larger, more complex strategies with confidence. The future of Bitcoin ETF options looks brighter than ever. FAQs Q1: What does the SEC approval for IBIT option position limit mean? The SEC approved raising the position limit for options on BlackRock’s IBIT ETF from 250,000 to 1 million contracts. This allows traders to hold larger positions, increasing market depth and liquidity. Q2: Why did the SEC raise the limit to 1 million contracts? The SEC aimed to accommodate growing institutional demand. A higher limit enables large-scale hedging and trading strategies without regulatory friction. It also aligns with the IBIT ETF’s expanding assets under management. Q3: How does the same-side basis rule work? The limit applies separately to all call options and all put options. For example, a trader can hold up to 1 million call contracts and another 1 million put contracts. This prevents manipulation while allowing flexibility. Q4: What is the impact on Bitcoin ETF options liquidity? Higher position limits attract more market makers and institutional participants. This leads to tighter spreads, larger trade sizes, and more efficient price discovery. Liquidity improves across the board. Q5: Will other Bitcoin ETFs get similar limit increases? It is likely. The SEC’s decision sets a precedent. Other exchanges and ETF issuers may file similar proposals. This could standardize higher position limits across the industry. This post SEC Approval Raises IBIT Option Position Limit to 1M Contracts: A Game-Changer for Bitcoin ETF Options first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

1 May 2026, 10:55

Bitcoin up 12 percent in April as S&P 500 hits record

🚀 Bitcoin jumped nearly 12 percent in April to $77,500. Strong earnings from tech giants drove S&P 500 to a record peak. 👏 Investing in $BTC stayed appealing despite rising US inflation. ⚠️ Key point: Uncertainty persists as technical resistance holds firm. Continue Reading: Bitcoin up 12 percent in April as S&P 500 hits record The post Bitcoin up 12 percent in April as S&P 500 hits record appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

1 May 2026, 10:48

Bitcoin (BTC) Holds Above $76,000 With 13 Percent April Gain as Fed Rate Hold and Iran Risk Keep Bulls Cautious

Bitcoin (BTC) is entering May 2026 having delivered one of its strongest monthly performances of the current cycle, gaining approximately 13 percent across April from lows near $68,000 in early February to the current trading range of $76,000 to $77,500, while simultaneously struggling to break above the $80,000 resistance level that has now rejected the cryptocurrency on multiple attempts and become the most watched technical threshold in the digital asset market. The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady at the April 29 meeting while signalling a “higher-for-longer” trajectory was the most significant domestic macro event of the week for Bitcoin, removing what would have been a near-term positive catalyst in a rate cut while also limiting the downside risk of a hawkish surprise, leaving the cryptocurrency in the same range-trading environment that has characterised the past two weeks. Prediction markets on Kalshi are pricing a 64 percent probability that Bitcoin will hold above $76,000 entering May 1, with contracts tied to a recovery above $77,000 showing only a 37 percent implied probability, suggesting the market-implied view among active traders is one of stable consolidation at current levels rather than either a decisive break higher or a meaningful pullback in the immediate term. The liquidation data adds texture to that cautious consensus, with more than $110 million in Bitcoin leveraged positions being wiped out across the most recent reporting period as the market cleared out the most aggressive bullish positioning that had built up during April’s recovery, a deleveraging episode that has historically served to create a cleaner base from which more sustainable upside moves develop once the overleveraged speculative positions are removed. The $76,200 level, aligned with the 23.6 percent Fibonacci retracement of the move from the February lows to the April high of approximately $79,500, has emerged as the key near-term support that technical analysts are watching, with a sustained hold above that level expected to produce continued consolidation in the $76,200 to $79,000 range while a break below it risks a sharper move toward $73,500 if elevated oil prices from the Iran conflict continue to weigh on risk appetite broadly. The Iran conflict remains the most persistent macro headwind for Bitcoin’s recovery, with oil prices holding above $100 per barrel following Trump’s rejection of Iran’s offer to end the US naval blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the associated risk aversion flowing into crypto markets through the modest 18 percent correlation with the S&P 500 that characterises Bitcoin’s current positioning. Strategy’s 815,061 BTC holding, accumulated at an average cost of $75,528 per coin, sits in positive territory at current prices and represents a commercial vindication for Michael Saylor’s accumulation model that is not lost on the institutional community watching how the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder has navigated one of the more volatile quarters in recent digital asset market history. Bitcoin ETF inflows have remained constructive through the consolidation period, with US spot Bitcoin ETFs extending their pattern of sustained net positive flows that has been one of the defining structural features of the 2025 to 2026 market cycle and that provides a more reliable floor beneath prices than the purely speculative capital that drove previous cycle highs. The broader crypto market is showing the classic consolidation pattern that follows a significant recovery rally, with the CoinMarketCap altcoin season indicator sitting in neutral territory and capital concentration in Bitcoin and Ethereum rather than the broader altcoin space suggesting that the most sophisticated money is not yet confident enough in the macro environment to extend into higher-beta positions. Looking forward into May, the catalysts that could break the current range in either direction include any meaningful development in the Iran ceasefire negotiations, any shift in the Federal Reserve’s communication about the rate path, further Strategy Bitcoin purchases that Saylor has pre-announced through his characteristic social media tracker posts, and the continued conversion of the White House’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve framework from conceptual to operational.

1 May 2026, 10:43

RAY Technical Analysis May 1, 2026: Strong Rally and Critical Resistance Test Market Commentary

RAY reached $0.85 with a daily increase of over 10%, but RSI at 76 indicates an overbought signal. Critical resistance at $0.8582 and BTC's sideways trend may limit the rally.