hodler

21 Mar 2026, 15:04

Wall Street's Friday selloff hits Mag 7 along with S&P 500’s other 493 stocks

Wall Street turned on almost everything Friday, as traders dumped the Magnificent Seven and a huge chunk of the rest of the market too. The clearest sign came from the Russell 2000, which fell more than 2% on the day and ended 10.9% below its all-time high. That made it the first major U.S. stock benchmark to enter correction territory in 2026. In plain terms, a correction means a drop of more than 10% but less than 20% from all-time high, even as Cryptopolitan earlier reported that small caps started the year in better shape than many expected. Earlier in 2026, the Russell 2000 was down only about 2% as hopes for easier monetary policy and a rotation away from mega-cap stocks gave smaller companies some room to run. The small-cap index is down more than 7% this month as the Iran war has sent Brent crude oil futures up more than 50%. Small-cap stocks tend to have more exposure to cyclical parts of the economy, so they get hit harder when oil jumps, and growth starts to look weaker. Wall Street clearly treated that risk as real. US and Israel’s war in Iran and surging oil prices keep dragging Wall Street Stocks swung hard through Friday’s session as the conflict involving Iran and Israel kept getting worse and oil kept climbing. Overnight, Iran and Israel exchanged more strikes. Iran also launched fresh attacks on energy sites in the Persian Gulf. The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported that the Pentagon was sending thousands of additional Marines to the Middle East. CBS News also reported that “heavy preparations” were being made for possible ground troop deployment to Iran, citing multiple sources. The selling got worse later in the day after Reuters reported that Iraq had declared force majeure on all oil fields operated by foreign companies. That headline pushed energy prices even higher. Brent crude topped $113 a barrel at its high of the day, while WTI crude traded above $98. For Wall Street, that was a direct hit to risk appetite. Traders were already nervous about war, and higher oil only added another problem. It raised fresh fears that inflation could heat up again just as investors were hoping price pressure might cool. That fear spilled into the bond market too. Treasury yields rose Friday as investors pulled back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Higher yields added more stress to stocks and made the day even worse for sectors that usually do better when rates are calm. By the close, the major averages had posted their fourth straight losing week. Even though the S&P 500 has held up better than the other big indexes, it is still down about 7% from its recent high. Wall Street did not get much comfort from that. Four out of five S&P 500 stocks fall as traders hit nearly every sector By the end of trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had dropped 443.96 points, or 0.96%, to 45,577.47. The S&P 500 fell 1.51% to 6,506.48. The Nasdaq Composite lost 2.01% and closed at 21,647.61. At their intraday lows, both the Dow and the Nasdaq had traded in correction territory, though each finished just above that level. The Russell 2000 was the one that fully crossed the line. The pain was spread almost everywhere. About four out of every five S&P 500 stocks fell on Friday. Roughly 400 companies in the index were trading lower during afternoon action while the full benchmark was down more than 1.5%. The bull market’s top tech winners were not spared. Nvidia and Tesla each fell 3%. Sector losses were harsh too. Utilities dropped more than 3.5%. Real estate and information technology each fell more than 2%. Even the defensive corners of Wall Street got hit as yields moved higher. The monthly damage is starting to pile up. With this week’s losses, the Dow is down about 6% in March. If that holds through month-end, it would be the Dow’s worst monthly drop since 2022. Still, UBS Global Wealth Management said in a Friday note that it was keeping its bullish call for the end of the year. Strategist Sagar Khandelwal wrote:- “For the future, we maintain a constructive view on markets, and expect global equities to rise by end-2026 but with periodic bouts of volatility, as investors digest economic, technological, and geopolitical developments.” Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

21 Mar 2026, 15:00

Ethereum retail demand rises, yet ETH’s rally looks weak: Here’s why

Ethereum’s structure now leans on retail demand as whales step back, keeping price steady but leaving momentum weak and breakouts uncertain.

21 Mar 2026, 14:52

ARB Technical Analysis March 21, 2026: Market Structure

ARB market structure confirms the LH/LL downtrend, BOS above $0.1015 brings a bullish shift. A break below $0.0985 opens the path to the $0.0504 target.

21 Mar 2026, 14:42

Strive Asset Management: Sustained Dip Reflects Flawed Bitcoin As A Treasury Push

Summary Strive Asset Management is rated Sell due to persistent underperformance and a flawed BTC treasury model. ASST holds 13,628 BTC, but is underwater by 32% with an average purchase price of $104,367 per BTC. Operational costs, rising preferred dividend expenses, and a narrow premium to BTC NAV erode the investment case. ASST’s ability to issue new shares for BTC will be constrained, making direct BTC ownership more attractive. Strive Asset Management ( ASST ) has seen a previously unhinged premium to its Bitcoin ( BTC-USD ) holdings erode over the last 6 months, with the stock down 88%. This has underperformed by more than 2x the 40% dip in BTC over the same time period. The security and its preferreds offer an easy way for retail investors to add BTC exposure directly to their investment accounts. Bears flag that it's difficult to build a bullish case beyond this for ASST versus buying BTC directly. ASST currently holds 13,628 BTC, with the cryptocurrency currently trading for $71,091 per BTC, to place the total value of this position at $968 million. ASST had 69,158,785 basic average common shares outstanding as of the end of its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter, for a market cap of around $700 million as it is currently trading hands for $10.26 per share. I last covered the ticker with a Hold rating. Data by YCharts Strive Asset Management Website Strive Asset Management Website Critically, ASST bought its BTC at a markedly average higher price of $104,367 per BTC , which means it is underwater by around $454 million on its holdings. This is a loss of around 32%. This difference between its average price and current market price reflected across its total BTC reserve is shareholder value lost on a business model that I think will find it hard to replicate the success championed by Microstrategy ( MSTR ). This hinged on the common shares of the BTC holder trading at a premium to its BTC reserve to provide a backdrop for the sustained issuance of new common shares to buy more BTC. ASST is currently trading at an enterprise value to BTC NAV ratio ("mNAV") of just 1.05x. For some context, this metric would have been well north of 10x against ASST's previous 52-week high. The current ratio is still above 1x, which means ASST can issue new common shares through its ongoing at-the-market ("ATM") capacity at a pace that optimises its BTC yield. To be clear, the company held total cash of $67.4 million as of the end of its fourth quarter. New BTC purchases have to be made with newly issued shares, with the company also tapping its Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock ( SATA ) as currency for BTC purchases. Strive Asset Management Fiscal 2025 Form 10-K Operational Layer, Financing Costs, And Risk A key drawback of owning BTC via a treasury company centers on adding a layer of costs to cryptocurrency. ASST has between 11 and 50 employees according to its LinkedIn profile, with its recently filed Form 10-K providing a more granular figure of 28 full-time employees ("FTEs") as of the end of the fourth quarter. Critically, the company completed its all-stock acquisition of Semler Scientific post-period end. Semler was an early adopter of BTC as a reserve. The company is in the healthcare space, providing medical technology and software to enable point-of-care testing for early chronic disease detection. Semler has around 79 FTEs as per the last filed Form 10-K for its 2024. ASST's selling, general, and administrative expenses ("SG&A") came in at $5 million for its recent fourth quarter, which, in aggregate with Semler's SG&A expenses, convey the layer of cost above and beyond just holding BTC directly that holders will have to take on. YCharts Buying ASST at this level strictly for its BTC exposure would be a belief that the company will proportionally outperform BTC. This was the prior bull case for MSTR, but I believe this zeitgeist has come to an end with the proliferation of BTC as a treasury companies. There is at least 65 publicly listed U.S. companies buying and holding BTC directly on their balance sheets. ASST also spent $4.3 million on dividend payments to SATA shareholders in the period from September 12, 2025 to December 31, 2025. This is set to rise with the closing of a January follow-on offering of 1,320,000 shares of SATA at a price of $90 per share. The combination of financing expenses, an operational layer, and a negative return on an average BTC buying price that's materially higher than the current range of the currency portends a fundamental erosion of the need to own ASST versus buying BTC directly. This is not to say BTC is a bad investment, but that owning BTC via ASST is setting up for a negative investment base. For SATA holders, ASST held a dividend reserve of 18 months as of March. Strive Asset Management Website The BTC Price Bulls would highlight that the malaise with the stock reflects BTC prices that have dropped, and a recovery of this still represents upside for the stock, especially with it already trading at such a narrow range. This means that any rally in BTC presents a significant risk factor for bears, with the scale of this risk magnified exponentially if this rally is overlayed with a recovery in ASST's mNAV. To be clear, ASST could see its stock price double even if BTC moves up less than this amount if its mNAV sees strong growth in addition to the price of BTC moving up. Conclusion ASST's BTC as a treasury model will find it difficult to replicate the historical success of MSTR, with a narrow premium as per mNAV set to constrain the overall cadence of capital market access via common shares, instead forcing the use of more expensive preferreds with SATA currently with a 12.75% coupon. I am rating ASST as a Sell.

21 Mar 2026, 14:35

Satoshi Era Bitcoin Whale Awakens as BTC Demand Stalls, Dip to $65K Looming?

A long-dormant Bitcoin wallet dating back to 2012 has resumed activity after more than 14 years, drawing attention during a period of weakening market demand. On-chain data shows the address holds 2,100 BTC valued at approximately $148 million. The wallet executed a small transaction of about $55, marking its first activity since receiving the funds when Bitcoin traded near $6.6. At that time, the total value of the holdings was roughly $14,000. The reactivation comes as early Bitcoin holders increase selling activity. Blockchain data indicates that over 1,650 BTC, worth more than $117 million, was recently offloaded by long-term holders. These transactions followed a shift in market sentiment after the Federal Reserve signaled a slower pace of rate cuts, which contributed to a pullback in Bitcoin’s price from recent highs. Bitcoin is currently trading near $70,000 after falling below $69,000 earlier in the week and recovering modestly. The asset had reached a local high near $76,000 before the decline. The rebound has provided short-term stability, but broader conditions continue to show limited demand strength. Bitcoin On-Chain Metrics Show Profit-Taking Pressure Recent on-chain indicators suggest that upward momentum has been met with consistent selling. The 24-hour moving average of net realized profit and loss rose to approximately $17 million per hour before price momentum weakened. This pattern has appeared across multiple attempts to move higher, indicating that profit-taking continues to absorb buying pressure at elevated levels. Source: Glassnode Transaction activity has also increased during price declines, reflecting repositioning among market participants. Higher coin movement typically signals adjustments in positioning rather than sustained accumulation. Combined with ongoing macro uncertainty, this has reduced the market’s ability to maintain upward trends. Sentiment indicators reflect the same trend. The crypto Fear and Greed Index remains in the “fear” zone, showing that participants remain cautious despite recent attempts to stabilize price above key support levels. BTC Derivatives Data Reflects Defensive Positioning Options market data provides further insight into current positioning. At-the-money implied volatility has declined, with one-week contracts falling from 70% to 53%, while longer-term volatility has also decreased. This suggests reduced expectations for large short-term BTC price swings even as uncertainty remains in the broader market. At the same time, the 25 delta skew has shifted back into the 15% to 20% range, indicating stronger demand for downside protection. The shift followed Bitcoin’s rejection near the $75,000 level and reflects increased caution among traders. Flow data shows that put options accounted for approximately 30.7% of activity, compared to about 10% for calls, confirming a preference for hedging against further declines. Source: X The put-to-call ratio also indicated limited momentum above $72,000, where options flows were dominated by protective positioning. As price pulled back, short-lived call buying appeared but did not alter the broader defensive stance. Gamma Unwind Signals Reduced Support Additional derivatives data shows a decline in gamma exposure near key levels. Short gamma around the $75,000 strike dropped from $3.9 billion to $2.4 billion within two days, representing a $1.5 billion reduction. This change indicates that positions were closed as price moved away from the strike, reducing the need for dealer hedging activity. Source: Glassnode Lower gamma exposure can lead to weaker support during price moves, as fewer hedging flows are present to stabilize volatility. This dynamic has coincided with Bitcoin’s recent pullback and reduced ability to sustain BTC upward momentum after failed breakout attempts. Bitcoin has since returned to its previous trading range after failing to hold above $75,000. With demand conditions showing signs of exhaustion and derivatives positioning turning defensive, attention remains on support levels near current prices. If these levels weaken, the next area of interest is around $65,000.

21 Mar 2026, 14:35

Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surges Above $71,000 Milestone in Major Rally

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surges Above $71,000 Milestone in Major Rally In a significant market movement, the price of Bitcoin has surged above the $71,000 threshold, trading at $71,073.65 on the Binance USDT market according to real-time monitoring data. This pivotal moment marks a crucial test of resistance levels not seen in recent months, consequently drawing intense scrutiny from investors and analysts globally. The rally underscores Bitcoin’s persistent volatility and its evolving role within the broader financial landscape. Bitcoin Price Breaks Key Resistance at $71,000 Market data confirms Bitcoin’s ascent past the $71,000 mark represents a notable technical achievement. Furthermore, this price point acts as a critical psychological barrier for traders. The move follows a period of consolidation and suggests renewed institutional and retail interest. Historically, breaking such round-number resistances has often preceded extended bullish trends, although past performance never guarantees future results. Several concurrent factors appear to have contributed to this upward momentum. Firstly, recent regulatory clarifications in major economies have provided a more stable framework. Secondly, increased adoption by traditional payment networks continues to bolster utility narratives. Thirdly, macroeconomic conditions, including currency fluctuations and inflation data, often influence capital flows into perceived stores of value. Market analysts consistently monitor trading volume alongside price, as volume validates the strength of a price move. The current volume profile suggests sustained buying pressure, rather than a short-lived spike. Analyzing the Drivers Behind the Cryptocurrency Rally Understanding the context of this rally requires examining multiple interconnected drivers. The digital asset market does not operate in a vacuum; instead, it reacts to a complex web of global financial signals. For instance, shifting expectations around central bank monetary policy can directly impact risk asset appetites. Similarly, developments in blockchain technology, such as network upgrades improving scalability, enhance fundamental value propositions. Expert commentary frequently cites the following catalysts for the current strength: Institutional Investment: Continued filings for spot Bitcoin ETFs and increased allocation from corporate treasuries. Macro Hedge: Growing use of crypto assets as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainty and currency devaluation. Network Activity: Sustained high levels of active addresses and transaction settlement, indicating robust underlying usage. Supply Dynamics: The approaching Bitcoin halving event in 2024 continues to influence long-term supply narratives. Historical Context and Market Cycle Perspective Placing the $71,000 price in a historical context offers valuable perspective. Bitcoin first reached this general vicinity during the bull market of late 2021, subsequently experiencing a significant correction. Therefore, reclaiming this level is a technically and psychologically important event for the market structure. Analysts often compare current metrics—such as the MVRV ratio or exchange net flows—to previous cycle data to assess relative market health. Current on-chain data suggests a different holder composition than in 2021, with a notably higher proportion of long-term holders, which typically indicates stronger conviction and reduced selling pressure. Impact on the Broader Digital Asset Ecosystem Bitcoin’s price action invariably influences the entire cryptocurrency sector. As the largest digital asset by market capitalization, it often sets the tone for altcoin performance. A strong Bitcoin typically boosts overall market sentiment and liquidity. However, analysts also watch the ‘Bitcoin Dominance’ metric, which measures BTC’s share of the total crypto market cap. Movements in this metric can signal whether capital is rotating into Bitcoin specifically or flowing out into smaller-cap assets. The rally also impacts related financial products and services. Derivatives markets see increased activity in futures and options, while lending protocols may experience changing collateral values. For regulators and traditional financial institutions, sustained high prices accelerate discussions about integration, custody solutions, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks. The price milestone thus acts as a catalyst for broader industry development and mainstream financial engagement. Conclusion Bitcoin’s rise above $71,000 marks a significant moment for the cryptocurrency market, reflecting a confluence of technical, fundamental, and macroeconomic factors. This Bitcoin price movement provides a clear signal of renewed market strength and investor confidence. While volatility remains an inherent characteristic, achieving and sustaining this level could pave the way for further exploration of higher valuations. Market participants will closely watch for follow-through buying and stability above this key level in the coming sessions. FAQs Q1: What was the exact Bitcoin price reported? The price was reported at $71,073.65 on the Binance USDT trading pair, according to market monitoring data. Q2: Why is the $71,000 level significant for Bitcoin? It represents a major psychological and technical resistance level, last approached during the previous market cycle’s peak, making its reclamation a notable event for market structure. Q3: What are common factors that drive Bitcoin’s price up? Key drivers include institutional investment flows, macroeconomic conditions, regulatory developments, network adoption metrics, and broader risk sentiment in global markets. Q4: How does Bitcoin’s performance affect other cryptocurrencies? Bitcoin often leads market sentiment. A strong rally can increase overall liquidity and positive sentiment, frequently lifting prices across the broader digital asset ecosystem. Q5: Where can investors find reliable Bitcoin price data? Reliable data comes from major, regulated exchanges with high liquidity, aggregated price indices from multiple sources, and transparent on-chain analytics platforms that track network activity. This post Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surges Above $71,000 Milestone in Major Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .