News
25 Mar 2026, 16:40
Unusual market bets before Trump’s Iran comments spark insider trading allegations

Traders appear to have known something the public did not, and they placed their bets accordingly. Lawmakers, economists, and market observers have once again accused President Donald Trump of insider trading after a series of oddly timed trades on prediction markets and oil futures were made shortly before the president made remarks regarding the Iran war. On Polymarket, a website where users bet real money on the outcome of world events, eight newly created accounts placed a combined $70,000 in wagers on whether a ceasefire would be declared in Iran before the end of March. If that outcome comes true, those bets could pay out $820,000. All eight accounts were created around March 21, the same period when Trump posted on social media suggesting the U.S. was thinking about “winding down our great Military efforts,” marking a significant shift in his position on the conflict. Following this activity, Polymarket’s own odds on a ceasefire happening before March 31 jumped sharply, from 6% on March 21 to 24% by Monday. It is currently at 11% . More than $21 million is currently being wagered on that outcome. Oil markets surge minutes before Trump’s announcement The concerns grew sharper after unusual activity was spotted in global oil markets just minutes before Trump announced a temporary halt to airstrikes. On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities” over the previous two days. But market data shows that trading activity had already spiked nearly 15 minutes earlier, as traders placed 734 bets on WTI crude oil contracts. Within one minute, that figure jumped to 2,168, worth around $170 million. In the same two-minute window, Brent crude trades surged from 20 to more than 1,650, totaling roughly $150 million in contracts. Rachel Winter, a partner at the wealth management firm Killik & Co., told the BB C th e timing was hard to ignore. “Just before he posted on social media, quite a lot of people took out contracts that would allow them to profit from the oil price falling,” she said. “So there has been some speculation about insider trading. We don’t know if that’s true, but hopefully there will be some sort of investigation into that.” Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy went further, claiming that around five minutes before Trump’s post, someone bought $1.5 billion in S&P 500 futures while selling $192 million in oil futures. He publicly asked: “Who was it?” Murphy, along with Texas Representative Greg Casar, introduced the BETS OFF Act last week, legislation that would make it illegal to bet on war or government decisions when the person placing the wager already knows the outcome. Senator Chris Murphy accuses Trump of insider trading as Polymarket odds surged. Source: @ChrisMurphyCT on X The White House rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. A spokesperson said: “The White House does not tolerate any administration official illegally profiteering off of insider knowledge, and any implication that officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless.” Polymarket pulls nuclear betting contract This is not the first time Polymarket has come under the spotlight. According to a Cryptopolitan report , the platform quietly removed a contract that allowed users to bet on whether a nuclear weapon would be detonated this year. The page now simply reads: “The event has been archived.” Before it was pulled, the market had already generated more than $650,000 in trading volume. The platform also deleted an X post that had put the probability of a nuclear detonation in 2026 at 22%. The removal came after a troubling episode on February 28, when the U.S. launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, and hours before those strikes began, six anonymous Polymarket accounts had already placed “Yes” bets on whether the U.S. would attack Iran. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .
25 Mar 2026, 16:27
XRP Futures Activity Surges As Traders Increase Long Exposure Amid Drop

XRP futures market recorded increased long positions as the token’s price fell. Analysts outlined potential support and accumulation zones amid continued volatility. Continue Reading: XRP Futures Activity Surges As Traders Increase Long Exposure Amid Drop The post XRP Futures Activity Surges As Traders Increase Long Exposure Amid Drop appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
25 Mar 2026, 16:24
Bitcoin pinned under $72K as four network metrics show 'weaker demand'

Bitcoin price remains stuck below $72,000, as investor distribution, low whale activity, and declining network growth cast doubt on BTC's short term prospects.
25 Mar 2026, 16:21
Crypto market cap jumps $52 billion in 24 hours as fear begins to fade

The total crypto market capitalization rose by $52 billion in the past 24 hours, hitting $2.53 trillion on March 25, as market sentiment eased from recent fear levels. During the past 24 hours, the net cryptocurrency valuation climbed over 2% from $2.479 trillion, as per data from CoinGecko . Total crypto market cap change over the past 24 hours. Source: CoinGecko Trading volume also increased by about $5.5 billion to roughly $102.6 billion at press time. The total cryptocurrency market cap saw notable gains, driven by Bitcoin’s ( BTC ) 2.35% rise to approximately $71,253 by the time of this publication. Crypto market cap gains on reduced capitulation fear The crypto industry’s increase in value today coincided with ongoing relief from fears of further capitulation. At the time of publication, the Fear and Greed Index was at 36/100, indicating traders’ fear of a further selloff, according to metrics from CoinMarketCap . Fear and Greed Index 30-day chart. Source: CoinMarketCap However, the index has surged from 11/100 on February 24, 2026, a period of extreme fear, suggesting growing confidence in a bullish reversal. The post Crypto market cap jumps $52 billion in 24 hours as fear begins to fade appeared first on Finbold .
25 Mar 2026, 16:15
Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Launch Imminent: Bloomberg Analyst Confirms Crucial NYSE Listing

BitcoinWorld Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Launch Imminent: Bloomberg Analyst Confirms Crucial NYSE Listing NEW YORK, April 2025 – The long-anticipated launch of a Morgan Stanley spot Bitcoin ETF appears imminent, according to a significant update from a leading Bloomberg analyst. This development marks a pivotal moment for institutional cryptocurrency adoption within traditional finance. Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Receives Crucial NYSE Listing Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst, Eric Balchunas, reported via social media platform X that Morgan Stanley has officially secured a listing for its proposed spot Bitcoin ETF, named MSBT, on the New York Stock Exchange. Consequently, this procedural step strongly indicates a launch is forthcoming. The filing of an amended S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20 preceded this listing announcement. Furthermore, this action demonstrates Morgan Stanley’s commitment to navigating the regulatory pathway. The NYSE listing represents a formal administrative step. However, it carries substantial symbolic weight. Major financial institutions traditionally list significant products on premier exchanges. Therefore, this move signals serious intent. The listing process involves coordination between the issuer, the exchange, and regulatory bodies. Ultimately, it paves the way for the ETF to begin trading upon final SEC approval. Understanding the Spot Bitcoin ETF Regulatory Journey The journey for a spot Bitcoin ETF involves multiple regulatory checkpoints. Initially, the issuer must file a registration statement with the SEC. This document details the fund’s structure, risks, and strategy. Subsequently, the exchange where the ETF will trade must file a proposed rule change. The SEC then reviews both filings concurrently. Approval of both is mandatory before trading can commence. Morgan Stanley’s recent S-1 amendment on March 20 was its second. Typically, amendments address SEC staff comments and refine details. Common areas for refinement include: Surveillance-Sharing Agreements: Details with regulated crypto exchanges to monitor trading. Custody Arrangements: Clarification on how the underlying Bitcoin is stored securely. Risk Disclosures: Elaboration on cryptocurrency market volatility and cybersecurity threats. The table below outlines the key differences between a spot ETF and other crypto investment vehicles: Vehicle Type Underlying Asset Primary Mechanism Investor Exposure Spot Bitcoin ETF (e.g., MSBT) Physical Bitcoin Holds actual Bitcoin in custody Direct price of Bitcoin Bitcoin Futures ETF Futures Contracts Holds derivatives contracts Futures price, involves roll costs Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) Physical Bitcoin Closed-end trust structure Direct price, often trades at premium/discount Expert Analysis on the Filing Process Financial analysts closely monitor S-1 amendment cycles. Multiple amendments often signal active dialogue with regulators. This dialogue is generally viewed as a positive sign. It shows the applicant is working diligently to meet regulatory standards. Eric Balchunas and his colleague James Seyffart maintain the Bloomberg ETF analyst team. They have a track record of accurately interpreting SEC signals. Their analysis suggests the NYSE listing is a definitive procedural milestone. Other analysts note that while not a guarantee, it is a necessary step firms typically complete when launch readiness is high. The Broader Impact on Institutional Cryptocurrency Adoption Morgan Stanley’s entry into the spot Bitcoin ETF space carries significant implications. As a premier global investment bank, its actions influence peer institutions. A successful launch would provide its massive client base with a familiar, regulated conduit for Bitcoin exposure. This client base includes high-net-worth individuals and large institutions. Moreover, it could accelerate competitive filings from other major wirehouses and asset managers. The existing spot Bitcoin ETF market, launched in early 2024, has seen substantial inflows. Products from firms like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Ark Invest have gathered billions in assets. Morgan Stanley’s product would enter a maturing but competitive landscape. Its differentiator may lie in its existing wealth management distribution network. Financial advisors who already use Morgan Stanley’s platform may find it easier to allocate to MSBT. Market structure experts point to several potential effects: Increased Liquidity: Another large issuer adds depth to the overall ETF market. Enhanced Legitimacy: Further validates the asset class for conservative investors. Price Discovery: Could contribute to more efficient Bitcoin pricing through arbitrage mechanisms. Conclusion The confirmation of a NYSE listing for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF, MSBT, represents a critical step toward its launch. Analysis from Bloomberg’s expert team interprets this move as signaling an imminent debut. This development follows the firm’s second amended SEC filing and fits within the established regulatory process for spot cryptocurrency ETFs. The potential launch of MSBT would mark a major expansion of institutional access to Bitcoin, leveraging Morgan Stanley’s vast distribution network and further integrating digital assets into the traditional financial system. The market now awaits the final regulatory approval from the SEC to begin trading. FAQs Q1: What is a spot Bitcoin ETF? A spot Bitcoin ETF is an exchange-traded fund that holds actual Bitcoin. It allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements through a traditional brokerage account without needing to directly buy, store, or secure the cryptocurrency themselves. Q2: What does an NYSE listing mean for the Morgan Stanley ETF? The NYSE listing means the exchange has agreed to list and trade the MSBT ETF shares. It is a necessary administrative step that typically occurs when an issuer is in the final stages of preparing for launch, pending final SEC approval. Q3: What is an S-1 filing? An S-1 is a registration statement filed with the SEC by companies planning to go public or launch a new securities offering, like an ETF. It provides essential details about the fund’s objectives, strategies, fees, and risks for potential investors. Q4: Has the SEC approved the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF? As of this report, the SEC has not yet granted final approval. The NYSE listing and amended S-1 filing are parts of the process. Final approval requires the SEC to sign off on both the ETF’s registration statement and the NYSE’s rule change proposal. Q5: How is MSBT different from buying Bitcoin directly? Investing in MSBT would occur through a traditional brokerage account, similar to buying a stock. It offers regulatory protections, professional custody of the assets, and integration with existing investment portfolios, which differs from the technical and security responsibilities of holding Bitcoin in a private digital wallet. This post Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Launch Imminent: Bloomberg Analyst Confirms Crucial NYSE Listing first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
25 Mar 2026, 16:06
Shiba Inu Team Shares Vital Ecosystem Update as SHIB’s Price Plunges 15% YTD

Shiba Inu continues to attract new holders, but most investors have joined the ecosystem for more than a year. Nonetheless, the meme coin’s price has slipped by double digits since the start of 2026, while stalled activity on Shibarium suggests the downtrend may not be over. Significant Progress or? Earlier today (March 25), the X account Shibarium | SHIB.IO issued an important update related to the entire Shiba Inu ecosystem. The team revealed that the total number of addresses holding the meme coin has reached 1,558,200. Additionally, it reported steady monthly growth of over 8,500 new wallets, noted that 78% of all SHIB holders have hopped on the bandwagon more than a year ago, and that the amount of tokens sitting on exchanges has dropped below 81 trillion. The last part is particularly important, as it suggests that investors continue to abandon centralized platforms in favor of self-custody, thereby reducing immediate selling pressure. Data from CryptoQuant, though, shows a slightly different story. According to the analytics company, the figure plunged to a five-year low of around 80.1 trillion on March 9, but since then it has been heading north and currently hovers around 81.2 trillion. SHIB Exchange Reserve, Source: CryptoQuant The X account also reminded that approximately 410 trillion SHIB tokens have been burned, thus permanently removed from circulation. It is important to note that in 2021, Vitalik Buterin contributed a huge chunk of that figure, while recent burns have been far less impressive. In fact, Shibburn – an X account dedicated to showing the progress in that field – hasn’t provided any updates since late February. SHIB Stuggles The ongoing bear market, the fading hype surrounding the meme coin sector, and other factors have caused Shiba Inu’s price to plummet by roughly 15% since the beginning of 2026. As of this writing, it trades at approximately $0.000006174 (per CoinGecko’s data), while its market cap hovers around $3.6 billion. SHIB was once undisputedly the second-largest meme coin and even had ambitions to overthrow Dogecoin (DOGE) from the top spot. Nowadays, though, it has strong contenders such as Meme Core (M), whose capitalization has soared past $3.2 billion. Meanwhile, further weakness from SHIB will not come as a surprise, considering the stalled activity on Shibarium. The layer-2 blockchain solution suffered an exploit last year, which severely damaged investor confidence as daily transactions (once in the millions) plummeted to mere hundreds afterward. Shibarium is crucial for Shiba Inu’s ecosystem as it is designed to lower transaction fees, boost speed, and improve scalability. Some prominent industry participants, including the Bitcoin advocate Jeremie Davinci, have argued over the years that a potential SHIB rally would heavily depend on Shibarium’s advancement: “I think Shiba Inu has a lot of utility now that they have Shibarium, and basically, it’s a chain that you can actually run all kinds of applications. However, nobody is using it, and there are no applications for using your tokens on Shibarium yet. If they get that solved, Shiba Inu will go to the moon.” The post Shiba Inu Team Shares Vital Ecosystem Update as SHIB’s Price Plunges 15% YTD appeared first on CryptoPotato .














































