hodler

28 Apr 2026, 19:42

NFT Rally and AAVE Bad Debt Solution

NFT market closed the week with a rally, CryptoPunks rose 16%. Bitcoin peaked at 78.5k$. AAVE's 200M$ bad debt was resolved with DeFi United. Technical: AAVE 96.73$, support 90$. ETF inflows increa...

28 Apr 2026, 19:30

Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin in Payments: Ark Invest Shifts Thesis

BitcoinWorld Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin in Payments: Ark Invest Shifts Thesis Cathie Wood, the CEO of Ark Invest, has revised a core part of her original investment thesis. She now states that stablecoins have preempted Bitcoin in the payments space. This statement came during a recent interview with The Rollup. It marks a significant shift in her long-held view that Bitcoin would become a global payment and monetary infrastructure. Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin: The Core Shift For years, Wood argued that Bitcoin would serve as a primary payment network. She envisioned it as a digital gold and a medium for everyday transactions. However, the rise of stablecoins has changed this trajectory. In her interview, Wood explained that stablecoins have filled a specific niche. They offer price stability, which Bitcoin lacks. This makes them more practical for daily payments. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets, like the US dollar. They provide the speed of blockchain without the volatility. This key difference has driven their adoption in remittances, e-commerce, and decentralized finance. Wood acknowledged this reality. She stated that stablecoins have “preempted” Bitcoin in the payments arena. This does not diminish Bitcoin’s value. Instead, it refines the understanding of its role. Bitcoin remains a strong store of value. Its scarcity and decentralization make it a digital gold. However, for payments, stablecoins offer a better user experience. They combine the benefits of crypto with the stability of fiat. This insight from Wood carries weight. She is a prominent figure in the investment world. Her firm, Ark Invest, manages billions in assets. Why Stablecoins Gained an Edge in Payments The adoption of stablecoins has surged in recent years. Their total market capitalization now exceeds $150 billion. This growth reflects real-world utility. Users prefer them for transactions because their value does not fluctuate wildly. Bitcoin, in contrast, can swing 10% in a single day. This volatility makes it risky for merchants and consumers. Furthermore, stablecoins are integrated into many payment platforms. Companies like PayPal, Visa, and Stripe now support them. This infrastructure makes them accessible to a mainstream audience. Bitcoin, while widely accepted, faces higher transaction fees during network congestion. Stablecoins on fast blockchains like Solana or Polygon offer near-instant settlements at low costs. Wood’s acknowledgment of this trend is data-driven. Ark Invest’s research likely showed that stablecoin transaction volumes have surpassed Bitcoin in certain metrics. For instance, stablecoin transfer volumes on Ethereum alone often exceed $500 billion monthly. This dwarfs Bitcoin’s on-chain payment activity. The market has spoken. Stablecoins have become the preferred payment tool in the crypto ecosystem. Impact on Bitcoin’s Original Thesis Bitcoin was created as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. The 2008 whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto outlined this vision. However, over time, Bitcoin evolved. It became a store of value, often called digital gold. This shift happened for several reasons. Its fixed supply of 21 million coins made it deflationary. Its security and decentralization made it a safe haven. Wood’s revised thesis aligns with this evolution. She now sees Bitcoin as a monetary reserve asset. It is not a payment rail. Stablecoins handle the payment function. This separation of roles is practical. It allows each asset to serve its best purpose. Bitcoin provides long-term value storage. Stablecoins provide transactional utility. This view is supported by other experts. Many analysts argue that Bitcoin’s future lies in institutional adoption. It is a hedge against inflation and currency debasement. Payments, they say, are better suited for stablecoins. Wood’s statement reinforces this consensus. It also provides a clear roadmap for investors. Ark Invest’s Evolving Crypto Strategy Ark Invest has been a major player in the crypto space. The firm holds significant positions in Bitcoin and Coinbase. It also invests in blockchain technology companies. Wood’s latest comments suggest a strategic pivot. She may now allocate more resources to stablecoin-related projects. Ark Invest’s research reports have highlighted stablecoins before. They call them a “killer app” for crypto. Their ability to bridge traditional finance and digital assets is unmatched. Wood’s interview confirms this focus. She mentioned that stablecoins are improving financial inclusion. They allow unbanked populations to access dollar-denominated savings. This is a powerful use case. The firm also tracks regulatory developments. Stablecoins face scrutiny from lawmakers. However, Wood believes clear regulation will boost adoption. The US Congress is working on stablecoin legislation. A legal framework would provide certainty. This would encourage more businesses to use them. Timeline of Wood’s Changing Views Wood’s views on Bitcoin have evolved over time. In 2020, she predicted Bitcoin would reach $500,000. She based this on institutional adoption and its role as a payment system. By 2022, she tempered this view. She acknowledged the rise of stablecoins. In 2023, she started discussing them more in public forums. The interview with The Rollup marks a definitive shift. She now explicitly states that stablecoins have taken over payments. This is a major admission from a Bitcoin bull. It shows that even the most ardent supporters must adapt to market realities. Wood’s credibility rests on data-driven decisions. This move enhances her reputation as a thoughtful investor. Broader Market Implications Wood’s statement has ripple effects across the crypto market. It validates stablecoins as a legitimate asset class. It also clarifies Bitcoin’s positioning. Investors should not expect Bitcoin to dominate payments. Instead, they should view it as a long-term store of value. This insight can guide portfolio allocation. A balanced crypto portfolio might include Bitcoin for security. It might also include stablecoins for yield generation. Many decentralized finance protocols offer interest on stablecoin deposits. This creates a passive income stream. Wood’s thesis supports this strategy. The news also impacts payment companies. Firms building on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network may face challenges. They compete with stablecoins that offer similar speed and lower volatility. However, Bitcoin’s Lightning Network is still evolving. It may find a niche in high-value settlements. Stablecoins, meanwhile, dominate small-value transactions. Data Points Supporting the Shift Several data points support Wood’s revised thesis. Stablecoin transaction volumes on Ethereum exceed $600 billion monthly. Bitcoin’s on-chain volume is around $200 billion. Stablecoins are used in 80% of all crypto exchange trading volume. They are the primary quote currency. Bitcoin is often traded against stablecoins like USDT or USDC. Additionally, stablecoin adoption in emerging markets is growing. Countries like Argentina, Turkey, and Nigeria use them to combat inflation. They provide a stable store of value when local currencies fail. Bitcoin is also used for this purpose. However, its volatility makes it less reliable for daily savings. Wood’s firm has likely analyzed these trends. Their research reports show a clear preference for stablecoins in payments. This is not a rejection of Bitcoin. It is a refinement of its use case. Bitcoin remains the anchor of the crypto ecosystem. Stablecoins are the workhorses. Conclusion Cathie Wood’s statement that stablecoins have preempted Bitcoin in payments marks a pivotal moment in crypto investment thinking. It reflects a data-driven recognition of market realities. Bitcoin remains a powerful store of value and digital gold. However, for everyday transactions, stablecoins offer superior utility. This shift does not diminish Bitcoin’s importance. Instead, it clarifies the distinct roles each asset plays. Investors should take note. The future of crypto payments belongs to stablecoins. Bitcoin’s future lies in being a reserve asset. Wood’s revised thesis provides a clear, actionable framework for navigating this evolving landscape. FAQs Q1: What did Cathie Wood say about stablecoins and Bitcoin? A1: Cathie Wood stated that stablecoins have preempted Bitcoin in the payments space. She explained that stablecoins, due to their price stability, are more practical for everyday transactions than Bitcoin. Q2: Why did Cathie Wood revise her Bitcoin thesis? A2: She revised her thesis based on market data showing stablecoin transaction volumes surpassing Bitcoin in payments. She now views Bitcoin as a store of value, not a payment rail. Q3: How does this affect Ark Invest’s strategy? A3: Ark Invest may now focus more on stablecoin-related projects. The firm continues to hold Bitcoin but recognizes stablecoins as the dominant payment tool in crypto. Q4: What are stablecoins, and why are they better for payments? A4: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar. They offer price stability, low fees, and fast settlement, making them ideal for payments compared to volatile Bitcoin. Q5: Does this mean Bitcoin is no longer valuable? A5: No. Bitcoin remains valuable as a store of value and digital gold. Its scarcity and decentralization make it a strong hedge against inflation. Stablecoins handle the payment function. This post Cathie Wood Stablecoins Preempt Bitcoin in Payments: Ark Invest Shifts Thesis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 19:30

TON launches open self-custodial wallet standard that gives AI agents their own dedicated on-chain wallets

After riding the tap-to-earn wave and crashing dramatically, TON is making a strategic comeback. The network is placing itself in the race to become the go-to platform for autonomous AI agents by introducing a new open, self-custodial wallet standard, which grants each agent a personal on-chain wallet. Released today, April 28, 2026, the new standard introduced by the TON Tech team is pivotal to the network’s rise after its failed attempt at infiltrating the gaming era. With TON currently trading at $1.29 , the pressure is on the network to find the next credible growth engine. Toncoin price. Source: CoinMarketCap What is the agent wallet standard? TON’S new agentic wallet standard was created to give AI agents their own on-chain financial identity. Each wallet is made up of a smart contract that consists of two separate keys: one for the user and the other for the agent, allowing the agent to approve and carry out transactions using only its own operator key. This means the agent can make swaps, pay fees, and interact with decentralized apps on its own without needing access to the user’s main wallet or exposing user credentials. Additionally, the system is also designed to ensure users keep full control, as any fund placed in the agent’s control is limited to the amount the user chooses. Furthermore, the user can change the agent’s key, remove its access, or withdraw funds whenever they wish through a dedicated dashboard at agents.ton.org . Lastly, there’s no cap on how many agents a user can deploy, so users who wish to have multiple agents can do so, with each agent having access to its own independent wallet and balance. An earlier Cryptopolitan report cited McKinsey analyst projections that AI agents could be running anywhere from $3 trillion to $5 trillion of global consumer commerce by 2030. TON joins the agentic payment wave The agentic AI trend is growing immensely throughout the ecosystem, with TON’s edge in this race being its integration with Telegram , which grants developers direct access to over a billion daily users, an added benefit most chains can’t provide. While the future looks bright, it’s worth noting that the agentic wallet contracts have not yet passed a formal security audit. TON’s own documentation described the current version as a developer preview, hinting that the product needs further testing before being widely adopted. What TON has made clear, however, is that it is no longer counting on casual games to carry the network. However, given what happened with Hamster Kombat and its evident crash, the crypto market is going to need more than a promising architecture before rewarding TON with a sustained recovery. Can TON avoid a repeat of the tap-to-earn era downturn? In 2024, the TON blockchain introduced one of the fastest-growing digital products in history called Hamster Kombat . The project ended up pulling in over 300 million users and was publicly praised as a breakthrough moment in Web3 adoption. After the launch of its native token HMSTR in September 2024, Hamster Kombat lost over 260 million active players, thus shedding 86% of its users within three months. The token itself dropped more than 76% from its launch price, eventually taking a toll on other projects, including Catizen, Tapswap, and other tap-to-earn games. With the lessons from the collapse now in the history books, the question now is whether the TON blockchain can return to those highs. And if it does, how will it avoid returning to its current lows? Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

28 Apr 2026, 19:27

Bitcoin may fall to $57,000 before new highs

🔥 Bitcoin could dip to $57,000 before a major recovery. Institutional inflows in $BTC aren’t enough to confirm a new bull cycle yet. 📉 Critical data: Analysts warn the current dip may not be the true bottom. Continue Reading: Bitcoin may fall to $57,000 before new highs The post Bitcoin may fall to $57,000 before new highs appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

28 Apr 2026, 19:25

Bitwise CIO Reveals STRC Stock as the Surprising Driver Behind Bitcoin’s 20% Rally

BitcoinWorld Bitwise CIO Reveals STRC Stock as the Surprising Driver Behind Bitcoin’s 20% Rally In a recent analysis that has captured the attention of the cryptocurrency market, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has identified Strategy’s preferred stock, STRC, as a primary driver behind Bitcoin’s 20% rally from its February lows. This revelation comes as the digital asset market seeks clarity on the forces propelling its recent upward momentum. Bitwise CIO Pinpoints STRC Stock as Bitcoin Rally Catalyst According to a report from The Block, Hougan asserts that while multiple factors contribute to Bitcoin’s price movement, Strategy stands out as the single largest contributor. The company has aggressively expanded its Bitcoin holdings, acquiring an additional $7.2 billion worth of BTC in the past eight weeks. This buying spree, funded through the issuance of STRC, has created a powerful feedback loop that directly impacts market prices. Hougan explains that Strategy’s capital-raising mechanism through STRC allows it to accumulate Bitcoin at a scale that few other institutions can match. The firm is expected to raise billions more for future purchases, further cementing its role as a dominant market force. This strategy, while bold, relies on the continued performance of Bitcoin to sustain its financial model. How STRC Stock Fuels Bitcoin Demand STRC is a preferred stock issued by Strategy, designed to attract income-focused investors. Unlike common equity, STRC offers a fixed dividend, making it appealing to those seeking steady returns. However, the unique aspect of STRC is that the proceeds from its sale are used to purchase Bitcoin. This creates a direct link between the stock’s performance and the demand for BTC. Hougan notes that this mechanism allows Strategy to operate as a de facto Bitcoin treasury company. By continuously issuing STRC and using the capital to buy Bitcoin, the company amplifies market demand. This process has been particularly effective during periods of price consolidation, as it provides a consistent source of buying pressure. Key Mechanics of the STRC-Bitcoin Connection Capital Raising: Strategy issues STRC to raise cash from investors. Bitcoin Acquisition: The cash is immediately used to purchase Bitcoin. Market Impact: Large-scale purchases drive up BTC prices. Feedback Loop: Higher BTC prices make STRC more attractive, leading to more issuance. This cycle has proven resilient, but it carries inherent risks. If Bitcoin’s price stagnates or declines, the entire model could face significant pressure. Sustainability of Strategy’s Dividend Model Hougan provides a detailed analysis of Strategy’s ability to sustain its dividend payments. He calculates that, in theory, the company could continue paying dividends for 42 years at Bitcoin’s current price. This long runway provides a buffer against short-term market volatility. However, he adds a critical caveat: if the price of Bitcoin remains static until 2068, the company would eventually fail. This scenario assumes no growth in the underlying asset, which would erode the value of the company’s holdings over time. Conversely, an annual price increase of 20% would allow Strategy to pay dividends indefinitely, creating a sustainable model for long-term investors. Financial Projections for STRC and Bitcoin Scenario Dividend Sustainability BTC price static until 2068 Company fails BTC price grows 20% annually Indefinite dividends Current price (2025) 42 years of dividends These projections highlight the importance of Bitcoin’s long-term price trajectory for Strategy’s viability. The company’s success is intrinsically tied to the broader cryptocurrency market’s performance. Market Context and Expert Analysis The Bitcoin rally from February lows has been driven by a confluence of factors, including institutional adoption, macroeconomic uncertainty, and regulatory clarity. However, Hougan’s analysis suggests that Strategy’s actions have been a disproportionate driver of recent gains. This perspective is supported by on-chain data, which shows significant accumulation by large wallets during the same period. The correlation between Strategy’s buying activity and price increases is difficult to ignore. Other analysts have noted similar patterns, reinforcing the idea that institutional capital flows are reshaping the market. Broader Implications for Cryptocurrency Markets The emergence of STRC as a key driver of Bitcoin demand has several implications for the market. First, it demonstrates the growing sophistication of crypto investment vehicles. Second, it highlights the potential for corporate strategies to influence asset prices. Finally, it underscores the need for investors to understand the underlying mechanics of these instruments. As more companies explore similar models, the relationship between equity markets and cryptocurrency prices will likely deepen. This convergence could lead to new forms of risk and opportunity for traders and long-term holders alike. Conclusion The Bitwise CIO’s identification of STRC stock as a primary driver of the Bitcoin rally offers valuable insight into the forces shaping the current market. Strategy’s aggressive accumulation strategy, funded through preferred stock issuance, has created a powerful feedback loop that directly impacts BTC prices. While the model faces risks if Bitcoin’s price stagnates, the company’s ability to sustain dividends for decades provides a significant buffer. Investors should monitor Strategy’s activities closely, as they are likely to remain a key factor in Bitcoin’s price dynamics. FAQs Q1: What is STRC stock and how does it relate to Bitcoin? STRC is a preferred stock issued by Strategy, a company that uses the proceeds from its sale to purchase Bitcoin. This creates a direct link between the stock’s performance and demand for BTC. Q2: How much Bitcoin has Strategy acquired recently? According to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, Strategy has acquired an additional $7.2 billion worth of Bitcoin in the past eight weeks, funded through STRC issuance. Q3: Can Strategy sustain its dividend payments indefinitely? Hougan calculates that at Bitcoin’s current price, Strategy could sustain dividends for 42 years. However, indefinite sustainability requires an annual BTC price increase of 20%. Q4: What happens to Strategy if Bitcoin’s price remains static? If Bitcoin’s price remains static until 2068, Strategy would eventually fail, as the value of its holdings would not generate sufficient returns to cover dividend payments. Q5: Is STRC stock a safe investment? STRC offers a fixed dividend, making it attractive to income-focused investors. However, its safety depends on Bitcoin’s long-term price performance, introducing cryptocurrency market risk. This post Bitwise CIO Reveals STRC Stock as the Surprising Driver Behind Bitcoin’s 20% Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 19:10

Amazon AI Shopping: New Audio Q&A Lets Shoppers Chat with Product Pages

BitcoinWorld Amazon AI Shopping: New Audio Q&A Lets Shoppers Chat with Product Pages Amazon has launched a new AI-powered audio Q&A experience on product pages. This feature lets shoppers ask questions about items and receive conversational audio responses in real time. The company calls these responses “AI-powered shopping experts.” They present information in a natural, discussion-style format. The new “Join the chat” feature aims to save customers time. It provides key product details without requiring them to scroll through lengthy descriptions or reviews. How Amazon’s AI-Powered Audio Q&A Works The AI pulls together insights about product features, customer feedback, and other relevant information. For example, shoppers can ask questions like whether a coffee maker is suited for beginners. They can also ask whether a sweater feels itchy based on customer reviews. Rather than giving generic answers, Amazon says the AI builds on previous responses. It provides more relevant and helpful information. It also makes sure not to repeat anything. This is meant to be a similar experience to speaking with a knowledgeable employee at a store. “Customers can ask questions and actually steer where the conversation goes,” the company writes in a blog post. “Every question they ask influences what comes next, making the experience a conversation customers can join and customize.” Part of a Broader Audio Experience The “Join the chat” feature is part of a broader experience called “Hear the highlights.” This offers short audio summaries on millions of product pages within the Amazon Shopping app. That feature began testing last May. It is currently available in the U.S. However, only select products have audio summaries. To use the feature, customers open a product page in the app. They tap the “Hear the highlights” button, located below the product image. From there, they can listen to a brief overview. They can also tap the “Join the chat” icon to ask specific questions via text or voice. The audio can continue playing even as users browse. Amazon’s Growing AI Shopping Tool Suite The new capability builds on Amazon’s growing lineup of AI-driven shopping tools. These include: Rufus : A generative AI assistant that helps customers research products and compare options. Interests : A tool that continuously tracks and surfaces new items aligned with a shopper’s preferences. Help me decide : A feature that suggests products based on a person’s searches, browsing, and shopping history. These tools represent Amazon’s push toward conversational commerce. The company aims to make shopping more intuitive and personalized. Why This Matters for E-Commerce This launch signals a shift in how consumers interact with online stores. Traditional product pages rely on static text and images. Amazon’s audio Q&A adds a dynamic, human-like layer. It reduces friction for shoppers who want quick answers. It also leverages AI to synthesize large amounts of data into concise responses. Industry experts note that voice and audio interfaces are gaining traction. According to a 2024 report by Voicebot.ai, 45% of U.S. adults use voice assistants for shopping-related tasks. Amazon’s move aligns with this trend. It also differentiates the platform from competitors like Walmart and Shopify. Timeline of Development Amazon first tested audio summaries in May 2024. The feature rolled out to U.S. users later that year. The “Join the chat” expansion launched on Tuesday. It is available on select product pages in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android. The company plans to expand the feature to more products over time. Impact on User Experience Early user feedback indicates that the audio Q&A saves time. Shoppers report that they can get answers without reading reviews or scrolling. The conversational format feels more natural than text-based search. However, some users note that the AI sometimes misses nuanced questions. Amazon says it is continuously improving the model based on user interactions. Expert Perspectives “This is a natural evolution of AI in e-commerce,” says Dr. Elena Martinez, a professor of human-computer interaction at Stanford University. “Amazon is using AI to replicate the in-store expert experience. This could increase conversion rates and reduce returns.” However, privacy advocates raise concerns. The feature collects voice and text queries. Amazon states that it anonymizes data and uses it only to improve the service. Users can opt out of data collection in the app settings. Comparison with Competitors Feature Amazon Walmart Shopify Audio Q&A Yes No No AI Shopping Assistant Rufus Walmart Voice Order Shopify Magic Personalized Recommendations Interests Walmart+ Shopify Audiences Amazon’s audio Q&A gives it a unique edge. No major competitor offers a similar feature on product pages. Technical Implementation The AI uses a combination of natural language processing (NLP) and text-to-speech (TTS) models. It processes user queries in real time. It then generates responses by synthesizing product data, reviews, and FAQs. The system prioritizes accuracy and relevance. It also avoids repeating information from previous responses in the same session. Future Implications Amazon’s audio Q&A could reshape how people shop online. It may lead to higher engagement and longer session times. It also opens the door for more advanced features. For example, the AI could eventually handle multi-product comparisons or suggest complementary items. The technology could also expand to other Amazon services, such as Prime Video or Amazon Fresh. Conclusion Amazon’s new AI-powered audio Q&A experience on product pages represents a significant step forward in conversational commerce. By allowing shoppers to ask questions and receive natural audio responses, the feature saves time and mimics in-store expertise. As part of a broader suite of AI tools, it positions Amazon at the forefront of e-commerce innovation. The feature is currently available in the U.S. on select products. It will likely expand in the coming months. FAQs Q1: How do I access the audio Q&A feature on Amazon? A1: Open the Amazon Shopping app, go to a product page, and tap the “Hear the highlights” button below the product image. Then tap the “Join the chat” icon to ask questions. Q2: Is the audio Q&A feature available on all products? A2: No, it is currently available on select products in the U.S. Amazon plans to expand the feature over time. Q3: Can I type my questions instead of speaking? A3: Yes, you can ask questions via text or voice. The AI responds with audio either way. Q4: Does Amazon store my voice recordings? A4: Amazon says it anonymizes data and uses it only to improve the service. You can opt out of data collection in the app settings. Q5: How is this different from Amazon’s Rufus assistant? A5: Rufus is a general AI shopping assistant for research and comparisons. The audio Q&A is specific to individual product pages and provides conversational audio responses. This post Amazon AI Shopping: New Audio Q&A Lets Shoppers Chat with Product Pages first appeared on BitcoinWorld .