hodler

29 Apr 2026, 20:30

Analyst Reveals Bitcoin Big Picture, Predicts 50% Crash By EOY

Bitcoin’s price structure is starting to look less like a clean recovery to $80,000 and more like a battleground between $76,000 and $78,000, where every rally is being tested, and every dip is being watched. A new technical outlook from a crypto analyst known as Guru is now adding an interesting angle to that uncertainty, outlining a path where Bitcoin could first lure in late buyers before unwinding into a 50% decline before the end of the year. Next Bitcoin Move Bitcoin’s recent price action in April has led to bullish momentum slowly creeping in, and many analysts are now looking at bullish price targets at the end of the year. However, in a post shared on the social media platform X, crypto analyst Guru laid out a revised multi-stage roadmap for Bitcoin that culminates in a crash to as low as $30,000 by year-end, a drawdown of as much as 61% from current levels. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bulls Should Be Wary Of This Level Or Investors Risk Getting Trapped The chart accompanying the post is a weekly timeframe chart that projects the full arc of the move: a compression zone, a rally, and then a terminal decline that would take Bitcoin to price levels last seen in late 2023. According to the weekly chart, Bitcoin is currently transitioning into a high-timeframe redistribution phase. Guru’s original prediction anticipated a simpler two-act sequence involving a flush to $55,000 followed by a direct rally to $80,000. That scenario has now been superseded, though the analyst is clear that the broader conclusion has not changed. The updated plan introduces a higher-timeframe (HTF) consolidation and redistribution phase first, which is likely to trap traders on both sides. The prediction based on this updated plan is that Bitcoin will reverse soon to find a local bottom in the $62,000-$65,000 zone before staging a rally to $85,000. It is that rally, Guru argues, that is the real danger. “The 85k pump will be the ultimate exit liquidity trap,” the analyst wrote. A Year-End Slide To $30,000 The most interesting part of the prediction is what is expected to happen once Bitcoin undergoes the projected rally to $85,000. Once the liquidity above is taken and the market exhausts buying pressure, the analyst anticipates a move lower, targeting a broad range between $50,000 on the higher end and $30,000 on the lower end before the end of the year. Related Reading: Bitcoin To $140,000 And XRP To $7? Here’s When It Will Happen Despite the severity of the forecast, Guru has been explicit about what would invalidate it. A weekly close above $98,000 would render the entire bearish scenario void. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $77,000, which means a drop to $50,000 would represent a decline of roughly 35%, while a deeper slide to $30,000 would translate to an approximate 61% loss from current levels. On the other hand, a move to the analyst’s invalidation level at $98,000 would require a rally of about 27%. Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com

29 Apr 2026, 20:30

XAU/USD Slips Back Sharply as the Post-Powell Bounce Fades — Critical Levels Ahead

BitcoinWorld XAU/USD Slips Back Sharply as the Post-Powell Bounce Fades — Critical Levels Ahead XAU/USD slips back sharply as the post-Powell bounce fades, reversing earlier gains and reigniting bearish sentiment across precious metals markets. Traders now eye key support levels after the Federal Reserve Chair’s comments failed to sustain upward momentum. XAU/USD Slips Back: What Drove the Reversal? The XAU/USD pair experienced a notable decline after a brief rally following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s latest remarks. The initial bounce lifted gold prices above $2,350, but the move proved short-lived. Sellers quickly regained control, pushing the metal back below $2,320. Market participants interpreted Powell’s tone as less dovish than anticipated. While the Fed signaled a potential pause in rate hikes, it stopped short of committing to cuts in 2025. This ambiguity triggered profit-taking among gold bulls. According to data from the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of a rate cut in September dropped to 58%, down from 72% before the speech. This shift weighed heavily on non-yielding assets like gold. Gold Price Analysis: Technical Breakdown After Powell Bounce Fades From a technical perspective, the gold price faces immediate resistance at $2,340. The 50-day simple moving average now acts as a dynamic ceiling. A break below $2,300 could open the door toward the $2,260 support zone. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) slipped from 55 to 48, indicating a shift from neutral to bearish momentum. Volume data shows increased selling pressure during the U.S. session. Resistance levels: $2,340, $2,370, $2,400 Support levels: $2,300, $2,260, $2,220 Key indicator: RSI below 50 signals bearish bias Impact of Powell’s Speech on Precious Metals Powell’s semi-annual testimony before the Senate Banking Committee provided the initial catalyst. He acknowledged progress on inflation but emphasized the need for more evidence before easing policy. This cautious stance disappointed traders expecting a clearer path to rate cuts. The post-Powell bounce lacked conviction from the start. Volume on the COMEX showed only 12,000 contracts traded during the initial spike, compared to an average of 25,000 during similar events. This low participation suggested institutional skepticism. Silver and platinum followed gold lower, with silver dropping 1.8% to $27.40. The broader precious metals complex now reflects a risk-off sentiment tied to interest rate expectations. Real-World Market Reactions Major banks revised their short-term gold forecasts. Goldman Sachs noted that the XAU/USD could test $2,250 if the dollar strengthens further. The U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.3% after Powell’s speech, adding pressure on gold. Physical demand in Asia provided some support. India’s gold imports rose 15% in June, according to the World Gold Council. However, this was insufficient to offset speculative selling in futures markets. Timeline of Key Events Affecting XAU/USD Understanding the sequence helps traders anticipate moves. Here is a timeline of recent catalysts: July 9: Powell’s testimony triggers initial gold rally to $2,355 July 10: Profit-taking begins as traders reassess rate cut timeline July 11: U.S. CPI data shows sticky inflation, accelerating sell-off July 12: XAU/USD slips back below $2,320, testing key support Each event reinforced the narrative that the Powell bounce lacked fundamental backing. The market now prices in a higher-for-longer rate environment. Expert Perspectives on Gold Price Direction Analysts at TD Securities described the move as a classic ‘buy the rumor, sell the fact’ reaction. They noted that speculative long positions had built up ahead of the testimony, leaving the market vulnerable to a reversal. Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, stated: ‘The XAU/USD slip reflects a market recalibrating its expectations. Without a clear dovish signal, gold lacks a fresh catalyst to break higher.’ This view aligns with positioning data from the CFTC. Net long positions in gold futures fell by 8,000 contracts in the latest reporting week, the first decline in three weeks. Comparing XAU/USD Performance Across Timeframes Timeframe High Low Change 1 Week $2,365 $2,305 -1.5% 1 Month $2,390 $2,280 +0.8% 3 Months $2,450 $2,270 -2.0% The table shows that while the long-term trend remains range-bound, short-term volatility has increased. The post-Powell bounce failed to break the month-long consolidation pattern. What This Means for Traders and Investors For day traders, the XAU/USD slip offers opportunities to short near resistance. Swing traders should watch for a daily close below $2,300 to confirm a bearish breakout. Long-term investors may view the pullback as a buying opportunity. Central bank gold purchases remain strong, with China adding 10 tonnes to its reserves in June. This physical demand provides a floor under prices. However, the immediate outlook depends on upcoming U.S. economic data. The Producer Price Index (PPI) release next week could either validate or challenge the current sell-off. Conclusion XAU/USD slips back as the post-Powell bounce fades, highlighting the market’s sensitivity to interest rate expectations. The gold price now faces a critical test at $2,300. A breakdown below this level could accelerate losses toward $2,260. Traders should monitor Powell’s upcoming speeches and U.S. inflation data for further direction. The Powell bounce proved temporary, but the underlying demand for gold as a hedge remains intact. FAQs Q1: Why did XAU/USD slip back after Powell’s speech? The slip occurred because Powell’s comments were less dovish than expected, failing to commit to rate cuts. This triggered profit-taking after an initial bounce. Q2: What is the key support level for gold right now? The immediate support is at $2,300. A break below this level could lead to a test of $2,260. Q3: How does the U.S. dollar affect XAU/USD? A stronger dollar typically pressures gold prices, as seen after Powell’s speech when the dollar index rose 0.3%. Q4: Is the post-Powell bounce completely over? Yes, the bounce has faded as selling pressure resumed. The market now awaits fresh catalysts like PPI data. Q5: Should I buy gold during this dip? Long-term investors may consider buying near support, but short-term traders should wait for confirmation of a bottom. Monitor technical levels and economic data. This post XAU/USD Slips Back Sharply as the Post-Powell Bounce Fades — Critical Levels Ahead first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 20:05

Expert Projects XRP Price After the Clarity Act Is Passed

Few forces shape the crypto market as strongly as regulation. For years, uncertainty around how U.S. authorities classify digital assets has slowed institutional participation and created hesitation among investors. Many analysts believe that once clear legal rules are achieved, assets like XRP could enter a new phase of adoption, liquidity, and price discovery . That view recently gained attention after Ledger Man (@strivex_) shared his XRP price projections if the U.S. CLARITY Act becomes law. In his X post, he explained that stronger regulatory clarity could boost investor confidence, expand institutional adoption, and increase real-world use for XRP, potentially leading to major price movement. Why the CLARITY Act Matters The Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act remains one of the most significant crypto market-structure bills in the US. The legislation aims to define which digital assets fall under the Securities and Exchange Commission and which should be regulated as commodities under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. What will be the price of XRP after the CLARITY ACT passsed? #XRP could benefit if the US CLARITY Act passes because clearer rules may boost investor confidence, institutional adoption, and real-world use. Price targets could range from: $1.50–$6 (conservative) $2.50–$12… pic.twitter.com/o1p7yBPgru — Ledger Man (@strivex_) April 28, 2026 This distinction matters because many crypto companies have operated for years without a clear compliance framework. The lack of certainty has created legal risk, limited institutional participation, and slowed product expansion across the sector. Regulatory clarity matters more for XRP given its long legal and compliance battles. A formal legislative framework could remove major barriers that have prevented broader institutional confidence. Ledger Man’s XRP Price Targets Ledger Man outlined three possible XRP price scenarios if the CLARITY Act passes . His conservative estimate places XRP between $1.50 and $6. His base case puts XRP at $2.50 to $12, while his bull case targets $4 to $25 or higher. These projections reflect the idea that regulation can directly influence capital flow. If institutions gain confidence in compliance pathways, they may increase exposure to assets with stronger utility and clearer market positioning. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 However, Ledger Man also noted that legislation alone would not guarantee price appreciation. Broader market sentiment, adoption speed, and real demand would still determine how far XRP could actually move. Why XRP Could Benefit Strongly XRP differs from many digital assets because of its direct connection to payment infrastructure and cross-border liquidity. Ripple pitches XRP as a bridge for quick cross-currency settlement , making it more institutional than most speculative tokens. If the CLARITY Act creates a stable legal path, XRP could benefit through renewed exchange confidence, stronger institutional onboarding, and deeper liquidity participation across regulated markets. The Bigger Picture for Investors Ledger Man’s projections reflect a wider belief across the XRP community: regulation does not simply remove legal uncertainty—it can unlock growth. No single bill guarantees a specific price target, but the CLARITY Act could mark a major turning point for XRP’s long-term market structure. For investors watching both policy and price action, the next major catalyst may come from Washington rather than the trading chart. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Expert Projects XRP Price After the Clarity Act Is Passed appeared first on Times Tabloid .

29 Apr 2026, 20:00

Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky has been hit with a $4.7 billion penalty

U.S. regulators have imposed a $4.7 billion penalty on Alexander Mashinsky and permanently banned him from the crypto and financial services industries, in one of the strongest enforcement actions since the sector’s 2022 collapse. The move by the Federal Trade Commission adds a major civil penalty to the 12-year prison sentence Mashinsky is already serving. The figure is not arbitrary. When Celsius Network filed for bankruptcy, it owed customers roughly $4.7 billion—making the penalty a direct reflection of user losses. A New York judge, Denise Cote, approved the order. Most of the amount is suspended. Mashinsky must pay $10 million, which can be covered through funds already tied to a separate forfeiture order. But the suspension comes with risk. If regulators later find he concealed assets, the full $4.7 billion could be reinstated. “A warning shot” for crypto Industry voices say the lifetime ban may be more consequential than the financial penalty. “This isn’t just punishment—it’s a warning shot,” said Anthony Pompliano. “Regulators are making it clear that misleading retail investors will end careers, not just companies.” Others see it as part of a broader reset for trust in digital assets. “The market needed accountability after 2022,” said Raoul Pal. “Actions like this rebuild confidence, even if they come late.” The order goes beyond barring Mashinsky from running a crypto firm. He is prohibited from promoting, offering, or operating any service involving deposits, investments, or asset transfers. The restriction spans both crypto and traditional finance. He will also face reporting and compliance requirements for up to 18 years. The collapse that shook the industry Celsius froze withdrawals in 2022, triggering a wave of panic across crypto markets. The company later filed for bankruptcy, revealing a major balance sheet gap. Customers were left with about $4.7 billion in claims. Mashinsky pleaded guilty to commodities fraud—deceptive or manipulative conduct in financial markets—and to manipulating the price of the company’s CEL token, which was used to boost user returns. In 2025, Judge John G. Koeltl sentenced him to 12 years in prison, calling the case one of the largest frauds in crypto history, as Cryptolitan reported. Efforts to recover funds for users are still underway. A consortium backed by VanEck and GXD Labs said Tether agreed to pay nearly $300 million to resolve claims tied to the collapse. The FTC order does not immediately increase payouts. But it preserves a claim tied to total losses and keeps pressure on any remaining assets. What happens next The key question is whether the suspended penalty will ever be enforced in full. That depends on Mashinsky’s financial disclosures in the years ahead. For now, regulators have secured a penalty that mirrors the scale of the damage—and removed a central figure from the industry for good. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .

29 Apr 2026, 20:00

Analyst Says High XRP Price Targets Are Dangerous, Here’s Why

XRP has never lacked ambitious price forecasts, but a warning from crypto analyst ChartNerd is aimed at the extreme end of that optimism. As XRP is trading at $1.39, down over 60% from its all-time high of $3.65 reached in July 2025, the analyst is part of those pushing back hard against a culture of wishful thinking that could become more hazardous than any bearish call ever could be. Extreme XRP Targets Can Trap Investors Across cycles, through lawsuits and legal victories, exchange delistings and regulatory clarity, the XRP community has produced some of the most ambitious price forecasts in the crypto industry. There have been multiple predictions of the altcoin becoming repriced and trading around targets like $100, $1,000, or even as high as $18,000 and $25,000. According to crypto analyst ChartNerd, these price targets being thrown around for XRP are FAR more dangerous and unrealistic than the sub-$1 calls, which are at least grounded in historical data. The point is not that the token cannot rise, but that some of the figures now attached to the cryptocurrency are far above what the chart and its circulating supply are saying. The video attached to his post took the same position. The speaker also noted how the $1,000 price narrative has been around for years without playing out. However, the problem with the possibility of the altcoin trading at $1,000 is not bullishness itself. The problem is when bullishness becomes detached from its actual reality. That concern is especially relevant because several viral forecasts have gone far beyond normal cycle targets. Recent examples include claims that XRP could reach $1,000 if it repeats its 2017 bull run, arguments that institutional usage requires XRP to trade above $1,000, and even discussions of the cryptocurrency at $25,000 based on prophetic claims. Bears Might Be Closer To The Truth According to the analyst, the bearish case for XRP returning below $1 is at least rooted in historical data. The specific framework in this case is the Gaussian channel, which the price has always returned to its lower regression band in every bear market. Therefore, there’s still a chance of the altcoin coming down further to it again. On the basis of this recurring structure, the current cycle’s bottom could form in the $0.70 to $0.91 range. The current fundamental picture for the token is, in many respects, the strongest it has ever been. The SEC enforcement action against Ripple has ended, institutions are buying through Spot XRP ETFs, and Ripple is making moves that could position the cryptocurrency at the forefront of the financial world. However, these developments do not certify that the price will jump to these extravagant price targets. Ripple CTO emeritus David Schwartz, for instance, noted that the rationale is not yet to support a $100 price.

29 Apr 2026, 20:00

150K Bitcoin inflows build pressure – Why BTC price could consolidate

Bitcoin’s rally meets resistance as profit-taking rises and activity cools, keeping momentum fragile.