hodler

4 Jun 2026, 08:00

Schwab's Thinkorswim Launches 24/7 XRP Futures Trading

Charles Schwab has significantly expanded its footprint in the digital asset derivatives market by launching 24/7 cryptocurrency futures trading on its popular thinkorswim platform.

4 Jun 2026, 08:00

Bitcoin Bull Michael Saylor Hints At Next Purchase With Cryptic Post

Strategy has about $900 million sitting in its USD reserve account, even as its stock takes a beating on Wall Street following the company’s first Bitcoin sale in years. Stock Slides As Investors Grow Uneasy MSTR shares dropped more than 9% on Tuesday, June 2, and are now down nearly 25% over the past month. The selloff reflects growing investor unease over whether the firm will sell more of its Bitcoin holdings after disclosing a small but symbolically significant liquidation last week. Between May 26 and May 31, Strategy sold 32 BTC at an average price of $77,135 per coin, raising roughly $2.5 million. Proceeds from the sale are expected to go toward covering preferred stock obligations. ₿ack to Work pic.twitter.com/MmDLwySJpn — Michael Saylor (@saylor) June 3, 2026 Saylor Breaks From Routine With Midweek Post On Wednesday morning, Executive Chairman Michael Saylor posted “Back to Work” on X, accompanied by a gif showing him in a Bitcoin-themed setting. The post stood out because it came on a Wednesday rather than his usual Sunday, and it did not include the company’s well-known Bitcoin performance chart, sometimes called the “Orange Dots.” Observers took the post as a signal that Strategy may be preparing to buy Bitcoin again. No announcement has been made. Strategy also raised $128 million through MSTR share sales in the same period. Despite the recent activity, the company remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin in the world, sitting on 843,706 BTC worth more than $56 billion. Coinbase Transfer Adds To Speculation Blockchain watchers recently spotted Strategy moving Bitcoin to Coinbase Prime, which added another layer of speculation about the company’s next move. Earlier, the firm used cash resources to repurchase $1.5 billion in convertible notes at a discount, a move that coincided with a pause in its Bitcoin buying streak that has yet to be reversed. Saylor has long been the face of corporate Bitcoin accumulation , and any deviation from his playbook tends to draw attention fast. The June 3 post is no exception, even if its meaning remains unclear. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

4 Jun 2026, 07:55

Swiss Franc Slips Against US Dollar as Softer Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Speculation

BitcoinWorld Swiss Franc Slips Against US Dollar as Softer Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Speculation The Swiss Franc edged lower against the US Dollar on Thursday, extending modest losses after the release of softer-than-expected inflation data from Switzerland. The USD/CHF pair traded near 0.8850, up from earlier session lows, as market participants reassessed the likelihood of further monetary easing by the Swiss National Bank (SNB). Swiss Inflation Misses Expectations Switzerland’s consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.3% month-on-month in March, below the consensus forecast of 0.5%, according to data published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. On an annual basis, inflation came in at 1.2%, down from 1.4% in February and undershooting the 1.3% expected by economists. The core CPI, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, also moderated to 1.1% year-on-year, its lowest level since early 2022. The softer inflation print reinforces the view that price pressures in Switzerland remain subdued, giving the SNB room to consider additional rate cuts if economic conditions deteriorate. The central bank has already reduced its key policy rate twice since March 2024, bringing it to 1.25%, and markets are now pricing in a roughly 40% chance of a further 25-basis-point cut at the June meeting. USD/CHF Technical Outlook From a technical perspective, the USD/CHF pair is attempting to recover from recent losses, with the 0.8800 level acting as near-term support. A sustained move above 0.8880 could open the door toward the 0.8950 resistance zone, while a break below 0.8750 would signal renewed downside momentum. Traders are closely watching the US dollar’s broader trajectory, which remains influenced by Federal Reserve policy expectations and geopolitical risk sentiment. Market Implications for Forex Traders The softer Swiss inflation data has important implications for forex traders. A more dovish SNB stance would likely keep the franc under pressure, particularly against the US dollar and the euro. However, the franc’s traditional safe-haven status could provide support during periods of heightened global uncertainty. Traders should monitor upcoming Swiss economic data, including retail sales and producer prices, for further clues on the SNB’s policy path. Conclusion The Swiss Franc’s modest decline against the US Dollar reflects a market recalibrating its expectations for SNB policy after softer inflation data. While the immediate reaction has been contained, the trend suggests that the franc may face additional headwinds if inflation continues to undershoot. For forex participants, the evolving interest rate differential between the US and Switzerland will remain a key driver for USD/CHF direction in the weeks ahead. FAQs Q1: Why did the Swiss Franc weaken after the inflation data? The weaker-than-expected inflation data increased expectations that the Swiss National Bank may cut interest rates further, reducing the franc’s yield advantage and making it less attractive to hold. Q2: What is the current SNB interest rate? The Swiss National Bank’s key policy rate is currently 1.25%, following two cuts since March 2024. Markets are pricing in a possible further reduction at the June 2025 meeting. Q3: How does Swiss inflation affect USD/CHF? Lower Swiss inflation makes it more likely the SNB will ease monetary policy, which tends to weaken the franc against the US dollar. Conversely, higher inflation would support a stronger franc by reducing the need for rate cuts. This post Swiss Franc Slips Against US Dollar as Softer Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Speculation first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Jun 2026, 07:40

Gold Forecasts Revised Lower on Rising Bond Yields: OCBC

BitcoinWorld Gold Forecasts Revised Lower on Rising Bond Yields: OCBC OCBC Bank has revised its gold price forecasts downward, citing the persistent pressure from rising bond yields. The adjustment reflects a reassessment of the macroeconomic landscape, where higher yields diminish the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold. Why Bond Yields Are Driving the Revision The relationship between gold and bond yields is a cornerstone of precious metals analysis. When yields rise, the opportunity cost of holding gold—which pays no interest or dividend—increases. Investors can earn a return from bonds, making gold comparatively less attractive. OCBC’s revised outlook acknowledges that the current yield environment is likely to persist, at least in the near term, capping any significant upside for gold prices. The bank’s analysts noted that the recent moves in US Treasury yields have been driven by a combination of resilient economic data and shifting expectations for central bank policy. This has strengthened the dollar and further weighed on gold, which is priced in the US currency. Implications for Precious Metals Investors For investors holding or considering gold, the OCBC revision serves as a reminder to monitor real yields—nominal yields adjusted for inflation. Even with inflation moderating, if nominal yields remain elevated, real yields can stay high, maintaining pressure on gold. Some market participants had anticipated that gold would find support from geopolitical uncertainty and central bank buying. However, OCBC’s analysis suggests that these factors are currently being outweighed by the yield-driven headwinds. The bank’s new forecast levels are lower than previous estimates, though specific price targets were not detailed in the report. What This Means for the Broader Market The revision is not an isolated view. Several other financial institutions have similarly tempered their gold outlooks in recent weeks. The consensus is building that gold may struggle to regain its previous highs unless there is a significant shift in the yield trajectory or a deterioration in the economic outlook that prompts safe-haven buying. For traders, the key levels to watch are the technical support zones that have held during previous yield spikes. A break below these levels could accelerate selling, while any unexpected dovish pivot from central banks could quickly reverse the current sentiment. Conclusion OCBC’s downward revision of gold forecasts underscores the dominant influence of bond yields on the precious metals market. Investors should adjust their expectations and monitor yield movements closely. While gold retains its long-term role as a portfolio diversifier and inflation hedge, the near-term outlook is constrained by the prevailing macroeconomic forces. FAQs Q1: Why do rising bond yields affect gold prices? Gold pays no interest, so when bond yields rise, the opportunity cost of holding gold increases. Investors can earn a return from bonds, making gold less attractive in comparison. Q2: Is OCBC’s revision a signal to sell gold? Not necessarily. The revision indicates a more cautious near-term outlook, but gold can still serve as a long-term hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk. Investors should consider their own portfolio strategy. Q3: What other factors could reverse the current gold outlook? A significant economic downturn, a sudden shift in central bank policy toward rate cuts, or a spike in geopolitical tensions could renew safe-haven demand and support gold prices. This post Gold Forecasts Revised Lower on Rising Bond Yields: OCBC first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Jun 2026, 07:38

MARA Holdings: A $1.5 Billion Acquisition Just Transformed Its Identity

Summary MARA Holdings maintains sector-leading energy costs at $0.04/kWh for owned sites, critical for Bitcoin mining competitiveness. MARA's total cost per acquired Bitcoin rose to $40,047 in Q1 2026, reflecting global hashrate growth, but energy cost discipline remains strong. MARA is pivoting towards AI infrastructure by acquiring Long Ridge Energy & Power, securing a 505 MW gas asset with expansion potential beyond 1 GW. Diversifying into AI data center power provision positions MARA to reduce reliance on volatile Bitcoin mining while retaining industry leadership. Sometimes, the difference between survival and extinction in business all comes down to tiny incremental numbers. This reality is set in stone in a business like Bitcoin mining, and companies like MARA Holdings ( MARA ) are well aware of the fact that they must do everything within their power to force some separation between themselves and the competition. This is why I was so pleased to see this tidbit of news from the company's Q1 2026 earnings report : On the cost side, our cost per kilowatt hour was $0.04 for our owned sites in the first quarter of 2026. For context, we believe this remains among the most competitive in the sector at a larger scale. Salman Khan, Chief Financial Officer for the company, was quoted as saying that. He went on to report that the total cost per acquired Bitcoin had risen to $40,047 in Q1 2026, compared to $35,728 the year prior, but he attributed that to growth in the global hashrate. So, while the cost of acquisition for each Bitcoin was higher than the year before, the company is doing an excellent job of managing its energy costs. That will be increasingly important as energy demand continues to soar . MARA is Working on an AI Transformation I have to hand it to the management team at MARA. They appear to be well aware of the fact that the earth beneath them is shifting, and they need to be reactive to it in order to survive. The steep decline in the value of Bitcoin ( BTC-USD ) over the last year has made it difficult to post positive news for companies that operate in this space: Data by YCharts However, rather than stand pat and simply complain about the changing economics of the space, management at MARA has made the proactive decision to make a shift towards becoming a critical AI infrastructure provider. Namely, the company seeks to provide some of the power that AI data centers and other AI infrastructure require. To take steps in that direction, the company recently closed a deal to acquire Long Ridge Energy & Power LLC from FTAI Infrastructure Inc. ( FIP ). This deal gives MARA access to a facility that is a 505 MW combined-cycle gas asset with 1,600 acres of property and the potential to expand beyond 1 GW of power capacity. This provides MARA with an excellent opportunity to leverage the asset that they acquired in this deal to step in to provide AI data centers with the power capacity that they will require as they continue to expand their operations. Is it a pivot from the type of business that MARA has built its reputation on? Yes. Is it also a timely move that grants MARA the ability to reinvent itself and begin to operate in an industry that is booming? Also, yes. I believe that this is a bold move that can begin to shift MARA out of the volatile Bitcoin business slowly but steadily. While Bitcoin mining will likely always be at least part of MARA's identity, I believe that diversifying revenue streams is always a smart step, and that is the step that MARA is taking. Record Hashrate Expansion Proves That MARA Remains Ahead of Bitcoin Mining Competitors While I have largely focused on how I believe MARA will diversify itself out of the Bitcoin mining business, it is important to note that they do still operate in this realm for the time being. I don't anticipate some massive unwinding of this business entirely at any point in MARA's near future. As such, they must remain ahead of the competition in this space. In Q1 2026 , the company proved once again why it is a leader in the Bitcoin mining arena. In particular, its record hashrate expansion was a shining moment of pride for the company. Here is how Salman Khan reported on that: During the quarter, we delivered record energized hashrate of 72.2 exahash per second, increasing 33% from 54.3 exahash per second in Q1 of 2025. He went on to say: This growth reflects continued fleet optimization and the deployment of approximately 2.4 exahash of new generation ASIC miners at favorable pricing during the quarter. Our share of available mining rewards reached 5.5%, up from 4.8% in Q4 of 2025. Once again, I read this as a company that is focused on operational efficiencies. Given what has happened with the price of Bitcoin over the last year, I believe this is exactly where the attention of all Bitcoin miners should be. If a company can nail down the basics like this, then it stands a better chance of weathering the storm of a Bitcoin decline, and I believe that is precisely what MARA has done. Valuation Figures Suggest That MARA's Story is Just Getting Started One of the interesting things that I noted as I began to explore MARA's valuation figures in relation to those of their competition is that they seem to be a company that has been left behind. On most of the metrics that I checked, MARA's competition showed largely better results. Typically, if I saw this, I would wonder if there was something fundamentally wrong with the company. However, after digging into MARA's story, I don't believe that to be the case. Instead, I believe that as a company that has yet to turn profitable, MARA has been somewhat overlooked by the market even as its peers have seen their share prices soar. A few of MARA's peers that I examined include: IREN Limited ( IREN ) Hut 8 Corp. ( HUT ) Bitdeer Technologies Group ( BTDR ) CleanSpark, Inc. ( CLSK ) Riot Platforms ( RIOT ) Just take a moment to appreciate how much the shares of each of these companies have appreciated in the last year compared to MARA: Data by YCharts They are all flying high while MARA has virtually flatlined. This is notable simply because it seems that the rest of the industry is being rewarded while MARA is being overlooked. While I certainly understand a fair dose of skepticism about MARA's ability to rebound from some pretty devastating Bitcoin price action over the last year, I don't think the market is giving the company its fair respect when it comes to the company's work to transition into the AI infrastructure business. If that segment of the business takes off, and I believe there is a chance that it will, then MARA could see its share price finally begin to behave like that of some of its rivals, in my opinion. Forward P/E Ratio As regular readers already know, I am a big fan of the forward P/E ratio metric as a comparison tool. I find it to be extremely useful in that it helps to show me what kind of future Wall Street projects onto the various companies that I examine. Does it mean that it always pans out just how Wall Street anticipates that it will? No, but it is still useful for at least helping me to better understand what perceptions of various companies look like. When I ran this comparison on these various competitors, here is what I found: Data by YCharts Of this group, one company, Hut 8 Corp., doesn't have earnings to compare its price against. The others largely showed companies with extraordinarily high forward P/E ratios. However, that simply wasn't the case for MARA's figure. Instead, it appears quite reasonable, and dare I say, even attractive at this level. It appears to me that the lack of gains in its share price over the last year might be helping to keep that number in line. Price-to-Book Ratio While I don't typically gravitate towards using price-to-book ratios as a means of comparison, I noticed something interesting while examining MARA. That is that the company boasts of an enterprise value larger than its current market cap. MARA seemingly has significant assets on its books, but it isn't being valued fairly based on that in my view. That led me to run a comparison of the price-to-book ratios of each of these competitors as well, and this was the result: Data by YCharts On this measure, MARA is the runaway winner. My opinion is that they are being undervalued and disrespected by the market given their enterprise value and capital position. The Bearish Take Although I largely see MARA as a value name at this juncture, there are certainly plenty of bearish investors who view the name in a different light. They have certain arguments that they tend to pivot to when debating this stock, and I think it is fair to give them the floor to make those arguments. Here are the bearish takes on this name: MARA is Still Mostly a Bitcoin Proxy As much as management might want to talk about a transformation into an AI infrastructure provider, many still see the company as nothing more than a Bitcoin proxy . This being the case, many investors treat it in exactly that light. They continue to trade the stock based on the value of Bitcoin, and that value is highly volatile. This argument also goes a long way towards explaining why MARA lags competitors so significantly and why, in the minds of bears, that reality won't change anytime soon. The AI Pivot Isn't a Guarantee The move towards becoming an AI power supplier might seem like a brilliant play by management, but bears still question if it will work. There are plenty of bullish takes that say that this is a diversification play, but the bears want to see real proof in the pudding before assigning any value to this move at all. MARA is the Stock That Has Been Left Behind When it was all said and done, after my review of this name, I came to a simple conclusion. That is that MARA feels like a stock that has been left behind. Maybe it is due to the level of Bitcoin exposure that it still has, or perhaps Wall Street is simply too caught up chasing other stories. Whatever the case may be, I believe that this name is undervalued. I understand that the Bitcoin exposure still exists, but I see where the company is making vital efficiency improvements. Also, if MARA has managed to survive this severe decline in Bitcoin's price over the last year, then I believe that it will likely see better days if and when Bitcoin's price recovers. Add to that the fact that the company is making tangible acquisitions in its mission to transform into an AI infrastructure play, and I feel confident in recommending MARA as a buy for any portfolio.

4 Jun 2026, 07:35

Swiss Franc Recovers Losses as April Trade Surplus Holds Steady

BitcoinWorld Swiss Franc Recovers Losses as April Trade Surplus Holds Steady The Swiss franc pared earlier losses against major currencies on Tuesday, after data from the Federal Customs Administration showed the nation’s trade surplus remained stable in April. The reading offered some relief to markets watching for signs of weakness in Switzerland’s export-driven economy. Trade surplus data in focus Switzerland reported a trade surplus of CHF 3.6 billion for April, broadly in line with the revised CHF 3.5 billion surplus recorded in March. Exports edged up 0.4% month-on-month, while imports declined 1.2%, helping to maintain the surplus. The pharmaceutical and chemical sectors continued to drive export growth, offsetting softer demand in machinery and watches. The data comes at a time when the Swiss franc has been under moderate pressure against the euro and the US dollar, partly due to expectations that the Swiss National Bank (SNB) may ease policy further to counter deflationary risks and support the export sector. Market reaction and currency outlook Following the release, USD/CHF retreated from intraday highs near 0.8950 to trade around 0.8920, while EUR/CHF dipped slightly to 0.9630. The franc’s recovery suggests that traders are reassessing the likelihood of aggressive SNB intervention, given that the trade surplus remains healthy. Analysts at UBS noted that while the SNB is expected to keep interest rates on hold at its next meeting, the central bank may continue to use verbal intervention to discourage excessive franc strength. A sustained surplus reduces the urgency for immediate rate cuts, but the broader global economic slowdown remains a risk. What this means for traders and businesses For forex traders, the stable surplus provides a near-term floor for the franc, but the currency’s direction will depend heavily on global risk sentiment and SNB guidance. Exporters, particularly in the watch and machinery sectors, continue to face headwinds from a strong franc, but the surplus data suggests that overall competitiveness has not deteriorated sharply. Importers benefit from the franc’s purchasing power, and consumers may see lower prices on imported goods if the currency remains elevated. However, any sustained appreciation could prompt stronger SNB action, including potential currency sales. Conclusion The April trade surplus data reinforces the resilience of Switzerland’s export sector, even as global demand softens. While the franc’s recovery is modest, it signals that markets are not pricing in an imminent downturn. The SNB will likely maintain a cautious stance, balancing the need to support exports with the risk of imported deflation. Traders should watch for further economic releases and central bank commentary in the weeks ahead. FAQs Q1: What is the Swiss trade surplus and why does it matter? The trade surplus is the difference between the value of exports and imports. A surplus indicates that Switzerland sells more goods abroad than it buys, which supports the economy and the currency. A stable surplus reduces pressure on the SNB to weaken the franc. Q2: How does the trade surplus affect the Swiss franc? A healthy trade surplus generally supports the franc because foreign buyers need to purchase francs to pay for Swiss exports. A surplus also signals economic strength, which can attract foreign investment and further boost the currency. Q3: Could the SNB still cut interest rates despite the stable surplus? Yes. The SNB focuses on overall price stability and economic growth. If inflation remains low and global demand weakens, the SNB may still cut rates or use other tools to prevent deflation and support exporters, even if the trade surplus is steady. This post Swiss Franc Recovers Losses as April Trade Surplus Holds Steady first appeared on BitcoinWorld .