hodler

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 .

30 Apr 2026, 14:16

Eric Trump Claims Bitcoin’s Greatest Era; Here’s What Data Shows

At Bitcoin 2026, Eric Trump states that Bitcoin is currently in its “greatest period ever”. Market data shows a contrasting picture. The phase may reflect a structural shift and not a peak bull cycle. Eric Trump, founder of American Bitcoin, has been very vocal about his support for cryptocurrency since 2025, especially as the Trump family expanded into crypto ventures that included mining and token projects. Recently, at the Bitcoin 2026, Eric Trump made one of the strongest statements yet. According to him, Bitcoin is currently in its “greatest period ever.” Trump argued that the last six months have been more transformative than the previous three years combined. To back his own statements he relied on the following points: Major banks have started to offer Bitcoin-backed mortgages and custody services. There has been huge success with spot Bitcoin ETFs. Institutions have shown a great interest within the crypto industry and there has been an increasing participation as well. There has been a growing tendency among holders to not sell, making Bitcoin more “sticky.” “What Bitcoin has done in the last six months relative to the previous three years is transformational. “We are in the greatest period I’ve ever seen.” -Eric Trump at Bitcoin 2026 Backing part of this view, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that Bitcoin ETFs rank among the most successful product launches in ETF history, dramatically expanding access for retail investors. If one looks at the surface, this argument is actually compelling. But when this argument is placed against actual market data since late 2025, the picture becomes a little more complex. Bitcoin’s Peak in 2025 and What Followed Bitcoin rallied through the first few months of 2025. The rally was driven by ETF demand, institutional inflows and macro optimism (Donald Trump announcing to make America the crypto capital of the planet), and with all of this the asset surged to an all-time high above $126,000 as per CoinMarketCap . However then hit the October 10, 2025 crash (also known as 10/10 crash). Since this crash, the entire crypto market has entered a correction phase that extended into 2026. Bitcoin since then has not been able to reclaim its highs and has been moving into prolonged consolidation and decline. At its weakest points, the asset has traded as low as $60,000 which has been almost 40-50% below its all-time high. At press time, the price of the BTC -0.57% token stands at $76,423.96 with a dip of 0.17% in the last 24-hours as per CoinMarketCap. BTC 24-hours chart The core contradiction here is to know if the current situation is still the greatest period ever for Bitcoin and the overall crypto market or not. ETF Flows: Strong Start and then Sustained Outflows One of the pillars of Trump’s argument is institutional adoption through ETFs. And early data did support that narrative, at least initially. According to the data collected from SoSoValue, AI-powered cryptocurrency and investment and research platform, there have been significant outflows and inflows since the crypto crash. Attached is the image of the same below: Monthly Bitcoin spot ETF Data as per SoSoValue From the numbers, one can see that there definitely is a pattern. After a strong inflow in October 2025, the market saw four consecutive months of outflows, which indicated hesitation from the institutional players, profit-taking, or simply risk-off behaviour. However, the last two months, March 2026 and April 2026 did see inflows and the momentum started to recover. This data contradicts what Eric Trump has said regarding the best phase of Bitcoin . If BTC was truly in its strongest phase, then there would have been consistent accumulation, not a sharp reversal followed by partial recovery. Sentiment Shift: From Euphoria to Fear Market sentiment adds another layer to the analysis. During Bitcoin’s peak in October 2025, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index reflected 71 which indicated that the market sentiment was greedy. However, as the prices declined, sentiment shifted to neutral and then entered the fear territory in early 2026. The downturn in sentiment was not purely technical but it was macro driven. Rising geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz added a great amount of pressure on the global risk assets, including crypto. The uncertainty around energy markets and trade flows spilled over into investor behavior, accelerating risk-off sentiment. At its lowest point, around February 12, 2026, the Fear & Greed Index plunged to as low as 5, an extreme reading even by crypto standards. To put things into perspective, this level of fear was lower than during major market shocks, which includes the FTX collapse in 2022 and the global market panic during the COVID-19 crash in 2020. This matters because sentiment usually leads the price. A “greatest era” narrative typically aligns with sustained optimism, aggressive drip-buying, and strong investor conviction. Instead, the market has shown hesitation and fragility, with participants reacting cautiously to volatility rather than embracing it. Bitcoin Dominance: Strength or Defensive Positioning? Bitcoin dominance has remained relatively elevated since late 2025, with a yearly high of 65.1% on June 27, 2025, and currently hovering around 59.9%, as per CoinMarketCap . While this marks a decline, the level is still high compared to typical altcoin-driven bull phases, where dominance tends to fall sharply. BTC Dominance as per CoinMarketCap as of April 30, 2026 Instead of signalling broad market expansion, this trend suggests cautious capital behavior, with investors preferring Bitcoin over riskier altcoins. In that sense, the current dominance levels reflect defensive positioning within crypto rather than a full-scale bullish rotation. Is This Really Bitcoin’s “Greatest Period”? The answer depends entirely on perspective. If one focuses on structure, the argument by Eric Trump becomes much more stronger. Institutional adoption is at an all-time high, financial products around Bitcoin are expanding at a great speed, and regulatory as well as political alignment is improving as well. Moreover, market access has broadened dramatically through ETFs and traditional financial channels. However, if one looks at the other side and focuses on the market data, the picture looks less convincing. Bitcoin remains significantly below its peak, ETF flows have been inconsistent with multiple months of huge outflows, and overall sentiment has cooled from extreme greed to periods of fear. Capital rotation trends also point toward caution rather than aggressive expansion, with investors favoring Bitcoin over altcoins instead of deploying risk across the broader market. From this standpoint, calling the current phase the “greatest period ever” feels premature. Final Thought The statement made by Eric Trump at Bitcoin 2026 captures a powerful narrative where Bitcoin is no longer a fringe asset, but one that is steadily embedding itself into mainstream finance. Yet the data since October 2025 tells a more cautious story. The market has experienced a sharp drawdown from its highs, endured months of institutional outflow, and seen sentiment shift from greed to fear. All of this suggests that while Bitcoin may be entering its most important structural phase, it is not, at least for now, its strongest terms of market performance and that distinction matters. Also Read: Bitcoin Slips Below $78K as BTC Liquidations Shake Crypto Market

30 Apr 2026, 14:15

CAD Growth Momentum Powers Steady Bank of Canada Decision: RBC’s Expert 2025 Outlook

BitcoinWorld CAD Growth Momentum Powers Steady Bank of Canada Decision: RBC’s Expert 2025 Outlook RBC Economics confirms that Canada’s steady economic growth momentum supports the Bank of Canada’s current cautious stance. The CAD growth momentum remains a key factor for the central bank’s decision to hold rates steady. This analysis arrives as markets watch for any shift in monetary policy direction. CAD Growth Momentum: The Core Driver of BoC’s Steady Hand The Bank of Canada’s recent decision to maintain its policy rate reflects a careful assessment of the domestic economy. RBC’s latest report highlights that Canada’s GDP expansion continues at a sustainable pace. This steady growth reduces the immediate need for rate adjustments. The central bank prioritizes data dependency over speculative moves. As a result, the Canadian dollar maintains relative stability against major peers. RBC’s Detailed Economic Analysis RBC economists point to several indicators supporting their view. Consumer spending remains resilient. Business investment shows modest but consistent gains. The labor market stays tight, with unemployment near historic lows. These factors collectively create a favorable environment for a steady policy. The bank’s cautious approach helps manage inflation without stifling growth. Bank of Canada Rate Decision: Context and Implications The BoC’s decision aligns with its mandate to control inflation while supporting employment. Current inflation readings hover near the 2% target. This allows the central bank to maintain its current rate without aggressive action. The decision also considers global uncertainties, including trade dynamics and commodity price fluctuations. Canada’s export-driven economy benefits from stable monetary conditions. Timeline of Recent BoC Actions Since early 2024, the BoC has held rates steady after a series of hikes. The pause allows previous tightening to fully impact the economy. Markets now anticipate the next move based on incoming data. The central bank’s communication emphasizes patience and vigilance. This approach builds credibility and reduces market volatility. Canadian Dollar Forecast: Steady Amid Global Shifts The Canadian dollar’s performance reflects the BoC’s steady policy. The currency trades within a narrow range against the US dollar. RBC forecasts the CAD to remain supported by strong economic fundamentals. Commodity prices, particularly oil, provide additional support. However, external risks like US monetary policy and geopolitical tensions could influence the outlook. Impact on Businesses and Consumers Stable rates benefit borrowers with variable-rate mortgages. Businesses enjoy predictable borrowing costs. Consumers face less uncertainty in their financial planning. However, savers see lower returns on deposits. The balance between these groups shapes the overall economic sentiment. RBC’s analysis suggests the current environment favors gradual growth. Key Economic Indicators to Watch Several metrics will guide the BoC’s next steps. GDP growth rates, employment figures, and inflation data remain critical. The bank also monitors wage growth and productivity trends. Housing market activity provides additional context. RBC advises clients to watch these indicators for policy signals. The bank’s data-driven approach ensures informed decision-making. Comparison with Other Central Banks The BoC’s steady stance contrasts with the Federal Reserve’s more cautious approach. The European Central Bank maintains a similar wait-and-see posture. This divergence creates opportunities for currency traders. However, RBC emphasizes that Canada’s unique economic structure warrants its own policy path. The country’s resource-based economy responds differently to global shocks. Expert Insights from RBC Economics RBC’s team of economists provides regular updates on the Canadian economy. Their analysis combines macroeconomic models with on-the-ground observations. The bank’s reputation for accuracy makes its reports influential. Investors and policymakers rely on these insights for strategic planning. The current report reinforces confidence in the BoC’s approach. Risks and Uncertainties Despite the positive outlook, risks remain. A global recession could dampen Canadian exports. Trade tensions with the US pose a persistent threat. Domestic housing market corrections might require policy intervention. The BoC stands ready to adjust its stance if conditions change. This flexibility ensures the economy remains resilient. Conclusion Canada’s steady growth momentum provides the Bank of Canada with a solid foundation for its current policy. RBC’s analysis confirms that the CAD outlook remains stable in the near term. The central bank’s cautious approach balances inflation control with economic support. Investors and businesses should monitor key indicators for future shifts. The Canadian economy’s resilience continues to inspire confidence. FAQs Q1: What is the Bank of Canada’s current interest rate? The Bank of Canada’s current policy rate is 4.5%, held steady since early 2024. Q2: How does CAD growth momentum affect the Canadian dollar? Steady growth supports the CAD by attracting investment and maintaining confidence in the currency. Q3: What factors could prompt a BoC rate change? Significant shifts in inflation, employment, or global economic conditions could trigger a rate adjustment. Q4: How does RBC’s analysis influence market expectations? RBC’s reputation provides credible guidance, helping markets anticipate BoC moves. Q5: What is the outlook for the Canadian dollar in 2025? RBC forecasts the CAD to remain stable, supported by strong fundamentals and steady policy. This post CAD Growth Momentum Powers Steady Bank of Canada Decision: RBC’s Expert 2025 Outlook first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

30 Apr 2026, 14:10

Twenty One Capital: A Bitcoin Treasury Company Under Scrutiny

Summary Twenty One Capital completed its reverse merger but remains opaque, with minimal public information and no operational progress beyond holding 43,500 BTC. Executive stock grants to CEO Mallers and CFO Meehan, despite lacking business achievements, have intensified shareholder criticism and scrutiny. XXI's primary investment thesis rests on impressive backing from Tether, iFinex, and SoftBank, rather than operational fundamentals or business execution. Twenty One Capital ( XXI ) officially completed its reverse merger from Cantor Equity Partners (formerly trading under ticker CEP) on December 9, 2025. In my previous coverage , I was bullish on the prospect of a new major Bitcoin treasury player. However, since the ticker change, the waters have muddied. For several months, news about the company has been sparse. The company's inaugural earnings report was uneventful—unsurprising for a firm whose primary activity is holding Bitcoin—and its website remains unusually void of any useful information. Nonetheless, April 2026 has brought a development that should draw investor attention. Executive Stock Grants Then, in April 2026, Twenty One Capital disclosed equity compensation packages for its top leadership. This included a massive grant of 1,607,866 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to CEO Jack Mallers and 204,223 RSUs to CFO Steven Meehan . SEC filings revealed that a portion of these units—roughly 321,573 for Mallers and 25% for Meehan—vested immediately as of April 1st. The remainder are scheduled to vest quarterly over the next three to four years. Additionally, Mallers received 35,579 shares as part of his 2025 annual bonus, valued at a fair market price of $6.64 per share. These grants have drawn sharp criticism from investors. Effectively the company's list of accomplishments to date is very little except to hold 43,500 BTC on its balance sheet. And yet, the executive compensation package rewards two executives as if they have already accomplished some incredible milestones. Granted, the company reported a massive $217.3 million net loss only due to bitcoin's price dropping in a mark-to-market accounting loss. It's important to understand that this was not due to some operational misstep. Regardless, the company reports that there are about 346 million shares outstanding, which means these two executives, when their shares vest, will have over half a percent ownership of the company. When Jack Mallers was named CEO of the new company, he stated , Bitcoin is honest money. That's why people choose it, and that's why we built Twenty One on top of it. Listing on the NYSE is about giving Bitcoin the place it deserves in global markets and giving investors the best of Bitcoin: its strength as a reserve and the upside of a business built on it. Bitcoin may indeed be a form of "honest money." Investors are hoping that honesty and transparency will also be this company's default mode of operating. Time will tell if these two executives can build a viable business on top of bitcoin in which they create happy investors. Twenty-One Capital Backing As I did in my first article, it is important to emphasize Twenty-One's financial backing. Twenty One Capital is primarily backed by an alliance of major cryptocurrency and traditional finance entities, with Tether (the world’s largest stablecoin issuer) and iFinex, parent company of the Bitfinex exchange, collectively holding over 62% of the company. A significant minority stake of approximately 25.7% is held by SoftBank Group, which provided nearly $900 million in initial funding to support the firm’s aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy. The company’s institutional foundation is further reinforced by Cantor Fitzgerald, which sponsored the SPAC that took the firm public, while the board of directors features prominent industry figures like Paolo Ardoino (CEO of Tether) and representatives from SoftBank. This heavyweight backing—complemented by smaller institutional holdings from firms like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard—could help create some interesting strategies for growth. If a person were to invest in Twenty-One Capital, the primary reason at the moment would be the impressive list of companies and people that back the company. Technical Analysis From a technical analysis perspective, I like to view XXI in relation to the company whose ideas brought it into existence. That company would be MicroStrategy, or Strategy ( MSTR ), as it is now called. Without Strategy, there would be no Twenty-One Capital. With the platform known as TradingView, you are able to look at stock charts in relation to other stock charts. In other words, instead of XXI's stock value being denominated in dollars, you can denominate it in shares of Strategy. Here is what that looks like in log view. There is a potential channel, and XXI is trading near the low of the channel. This is by no means a fail-safe way to look at it, but based on this channel, we may be near a time period where XXI begins to appreciate relative to the OG parent of the bitcoin treasury, Strategy. This is simply just another data point to consider. XXI denominated in MSTR - Log Chart (TradingView.com) This is XXI's chart in logarithmic view denominated in dollars. You can see that it has been trading sharply downward in a narrow channel. It is such a narrow channel that it's difficult to make any assertions based on this. The only thing I will say is that the decline has slowed, and it may be forming a bottoming pattern at the moment. XXI Denominated in Dollars - Log Chart (TradingView.com) Conclusion Is Twenty-One Capital a company worth buying? At this time, I don't know, and therefore, I can only rate it a Hold. What alpha will the company deliver above and beyond simply holding bitcoin? If you don't know the answer to that question, investors may be better off just holding bitcoin. That said, I do think that the company's impressive backing, including the two handsomely paid executives, is probably cooking up something in the background, similar to the way Strategy has figured out how to deliver alpha on its bitcoin stack. In another point of analysis, the company holds 43,500 bitcoin on its balance sheet with a balance sheet book value of around $3.4 billion, while the company is currently valued with a market cap of $2.7 billion. This disconnect between the company's balance sheet book value and its market value might be enough to entice some speculators. I will also note that although I am critical of the executive compensation plan, it could also be a driver of growth, as it should provide extreme incentives. That said, is there a point where money no longer becomes a motivating factor for someone and the incentive breaks down? I don't know, but it will be interesting to watch and see what Twenty-One Capital and their team do in the coming years.

30 Apr 2026, 14:10

Spain Leads Europe in EURC Stablecoin Retail Adoption: A Seamless Payment Revolution

BitcoinWorld Spain Leads Europe in EURC Stablecoin Retail Adoption: A Seamless Payment Revolution Spain has emerged as the undisputed leader in Europe for retail payments using Circle’s euro-pegged stablecoin, EURC. According to recent data from the crypto banking platform Brighty, reported by Cointelegraph, Spain accounts for approximately 36% of all EURC transactions and 25% of the total transaction volume across the continent. This significant market share, spanning from 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, positions Spain at the forefront of stablecoin adoption in the European retail sector. Spain’s Dominance in EURC Stablecoin Transactions The data reveals a clear trend: Spanish consumers are embracing EURC for everyday purchases. The average payment amount per transaction sits at around €49 ($57), indicating its use for routine, low-value retail payments. This contrasts with other regions where stablecoins are often used for larger transfers or trading. The high volume of smaller transactions suggests that EURC is integrating into daily life in Spain, functioning as a digital euro for millions of users. Why Spain Leads the EURC Revolution Several factors contribute to Spain’s leading position. The country has a strong existing culture of digital payments and a tech-savvy population. Additionally, the regulatory environment in Spain, under the Bank of Spain, has been relatively progressive, providing clarity for crypto companies. Brighty co-founder Nick Denisenko highlighted a key driver: for Spanish users, EURC functions just like a regular euro. The frictionless exchange between EURC and USDC, another major Circle stablecoin, further enhances its utility. This seamless interoperability makes it a practical tool for both spending and trading. The Role of Brighty and Crypto Banking Platforms Platforms like Brighty are crucial to this adoption. They provide the infrastructure that allows users to hold, spend, and exchange stablecoins with ease. Brighty’s integration of EURC into its banking app enables instant payments, currency conversion, and even interest-earning features. This user-friendly approach removes the technical barriers that often hinder crypto adoption. The data from Brighty offers a clear, real-world snapshot of how stablecoins are moving beyond speculative trading into genuine economic utility. EURC Market Cap and the Euro-Pegged Stablecoin Landscape According to CoinGecko data, EURC currently represents a commanding 49% of the total market capitalization for all euro-pegged stablecoins. The entire market for euro-denominated stablecoins stands at approximately $887 million. This dominance underscores Circle’s strong position in the European stablecoin market. While other euro stablecoins exist, EURC’s integration with major exchanges and payment platforms gives it a significant network effect. The growth of this market is directly tied to real-world adoption, and Spain is proving to be the key proving ground. Impact on Retail Payments and the European Economy The rise of EURC in Spain signals a broader shift in how Europeans interact with digital currencies. For merchants, accepting EURC can reduce transaction fees compared to traditional card networks and eliminate currency conversion costs for international customers. For consumers, it offers a stable store of value that can be used across borders without the volatility of other cryptocurrencies. This has the potential to streamline e-commerce, remittances, and peer-to-peer payments across the Eurozone. Comparison with Other European Markets While Spain leads, other European markets are also showing growth. However, none match Spain’s concentration of retail transactions. This could be due to a combination of factors including marketing efforts by Brighty, the Spanish government’s openness to fintech innovation, and a cultural readiness to adopt new payment methods. The following table illustrates the comparative data: Market Share of EURC Transactions Share of EURC Volume Spain 36% 25% France 18% 20% Germany 15% 18% Italy 12% 14% Rest of Europe 19% 23% The Future of EURC and Stablecoin Payments in Europe The success of EURC in Spain provides a powerful case study for the rest of Europe. As the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation comes into full effect, it provides a clear legal framework for stablecoin issuers. This regulatory clarity is expected to boost confidence and further accelerate adoption. Circle, as a compliant issuer, is well-positioned to benefit. The trend suggests that stablecoins are not just a niche product but are becoming a mainstream financial tool. Challenges and Considerations Despite the positive data, challenges remain. The overall market cap for euro-pegged stablecoins is still small compared to dollar-pegged stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Widespread merchant adoption is still in its early stages. Furthermore, the reliance on platforms like Brighty means that adoption is somewhat concentrated. For EURC to truly become a universal payment method, it needs broader integration with traditional point-of-sale systems and online checkout processes. Conclusion Spain’s leadership in retail EURC adoption is a landmark moment for the European stablecoin market. With 36% of all transactions and a clear path to everyday use, Spain demonstrates that stablecoins can function as a practical digital currency. The data from Brighty, supported by CoinGecko’s market cap analysis, paints a picture of a market in transition. As regulatory frameworks solidify and user-friendly platforms expand, the EURC stablecoin is poised to reshape retail payments not just in Spain, but across the entire European continent. The journey from speculative asset to everyday payment tool is well underway, and Spain is leading the charge. FAQs Q1: What is the EURC stablecoin? A: EURC is a euro-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. It is designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the euro, making it a stable digital currency for payments, trading, and savings. It operates on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum and Solana. Q2: Why is Spain the leading market for EURC? A: Spain leads due to a combination of a tech-savvy population, a progressive regulatory environment, and the effective integration of EURC by platforms like Brighty. The ease of use and frictionless exchange with USDC have made it a popular choice for everyday transactions. Q3: How does EURC compare to other euro-pegged stablecoins? A: EURC holds 49% of the total market capitalization for all euro-pegged stablecoins, which is approximately $887 million. This makes it the dominant player in the space, with a significant lead over competitors. Q4: What is the average transaction value for EURC in Spain? A: The average payment amount per transaction in Spain is around €49 ($57). This indicates that EURC is being used for routine, low-value retail purchases rather than large-scale transfers. Q5: What is the impact of MiCA regulation on EURC? A: The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation provides a clear legal framework for stablecoin issuers. This regulatory clarity is expected to boost confidence in EURC and accelerate its adoption across Europe, benefiting compliant issuers like Circle. This post Spain Leads Europe in EURC Stablecoin Retail Adoption: A Seamless Payment Revolution first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

30 Apr 2026, 14:05

Bitcoin Falls to $75K as Eric Trump Predicts $1M Price Target