Invest ideasNews
18 May 2026, 13:00
RWA open interest on Hyperliquid reaches new all-time high at $2.6B
RWA activity on Hyperliquid reached a new record. Open interest doubled in the past two months, reflecting the shifting interests of on-chain traders. Real-world assets (RWA) on Hyperliquid reached open interest of $2.6B, a new all-time peak. Hyperliquid reported constant growth in the past two months, as open interest doubled. The RWA expansion coincides with a general inflow of traders to Hyperliquid, boosting open interest to $8.56B . RWA trading on Hyperliquid reached a new ATH of $2.6B in open interest, double the amount from two months ago. Demand for 24/7, onchain access to real world assets continues to grow. pic.twitter.com/TZi0mm8Q8V — Hyperliquid (@HyperliquidX) May 18, 2026 Hyperliquid is an access hub for multiple real-world assets, reflecting investment trends almost immediately. The exchange, and especially its HIP-3 version , is the easiest way to tokenize trends, while also ensuring significant open interest and liquidity. According to DeFiLlama, total RWA perpetual futures have an open interest of $2.79B , leaving the biggest share to Hyperlilquid. The recent shift in trading activity showed capital flowed out of token markets and into the most easily accessible and liquid RWA platforms . RWA open interest shifts to stocks Around $2.14B of the RWA open interest comes through TradeXYZ, the leading asset pair builder on HIP-3. Currently, Hyperliquid and its native token and coin trading take up 75% of trading activity. TradeXYZ was the main booster to RWA open interest on Hyperliquid. | Source: Dune Analytics TradeXYZ is taking up a larger share as the leading liquidity pair deployer, leading to expanded representation of RWA open interest. The new popularity of permissionless trading and 24/7 settlement led to calls for regulating Hyperliquid, as Cryptopolitan reported earlier. SP500/USDC is now the leading pair, as traders focus on stocks. Oil perpetual futures are still among the top 10 pairs, with some remaining focus on precious metals. Unlike other tokenization platforms, Hyperliquid attracts traders with no-KYC access. The deployment of new pairs also depends on their activity, as TradeXYZ seeks out the most active stocks, commodities, or metals. What are the most active RWA pairs on Hyperliquid? The S&P 500 market on HIP-3 expanded its open interest to $495.74M, also leading with daily trading volumes of over $356M. The XYZ100 index follows as a close second with $352.15M in open interest. The two stock indexes are in the top 5 of Hyperliquid pairs, getting close to the activity of BTC, ETH, and HYPE pairs. The recent RWA expansion was triggered by the rising demand for gold and oil trading starting in Q1. Currently, RWAs take up nearly 25% of DEX trading activity. The deployment of RWA pairs turns Hyperliquid into more than a DEX for pure speculation. Instead, the exchange turns into a hub for testing traditional finance settlement on a separate L1 chain. After the rise in RWA trading, the HYPE token went on a run, breaking above the $45 tier once again. HYPE rose by 6.2% in the past day, to $45.62. Hyperliquid also got a boost from adopting Circle as its stablecoin deployer, moving back to USDC, and decreasing the role of native USDH. The partnership with Coinbase and the regulated stablecoin issuer suggests Hyperliquid seeks compliant counterparties. For now, Hyperliquid will retain its permissionless trading access. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
18 May 2026, 13:00
Justin Sun Deposits Another $1.23 Million in SPK Tokens to HTX Exchange
BitcoinWorld Justin Sun Deposits Another $1.23 Million in SPK Tokens to HTX Exchange Tron founder Justin Sun has moved an additional 41.99 million SPK tokens, valued at approximately $1.23 million, to the cryptocurrency exchange HTX, according to on-chain data shared by analyst ai_9684xtpa. The tokens were acquired through airdrops and staking rewards. Accumulating Deposits Since September 2025 This latest transfer adds to a significant pattern of SPK deposits by Sun over the past several months. Since September 2025, the Tron founder has deposited a total of 610 million SPK tokens to exchanges, with a cumulative value of roughly $19.08 million. The deposits have been made in multiple tranches, suggesting a deliberate strategy rather than a single liquidation event. SPK is a token associated with the Spark ecosystem, a decentralized finance (DeFi) project that rewards users through staking and airdrop programs. Sun’s consistent accumulation and subsequent deposits to HTX have drawn attention from market observers tracking whale movements. Implications for the Market Large deposits to exchanges are often interpreted as a signal of potential selling pressure, as tokens moved from private wallets to trading platforms can be more easily liquidated. However, Sun’s deposits have been spread over weeks, which may indicate a gradual distribution rather than a sudden market dump. The Tron founder has been an active participant in the SPK ecosystem, and his staking activity has generated substantial token rewards. The decision to deposit these rewards to HTX, a Seychelles-based exchange, provides liquidity for trading and potential conversion to other assets. What This Means for SPK Holders For holders of SPK, the continued deposits by a prominent figure like Sun could influence short-term price sentiment. While the deposits themselves do not guarantee a sell-off, they increase the available supply on exchanges, which can put downward pressure on price if demand does not keep pace. Conversely, the fact that Sun is actively staking and earning rewards suggests ongoing engagement with the project. Conclusion Justin Sun’s latest SPK deposit to HTX continues a multi-month trend of moving staking rewards to an exchange. While the total amount is notable, the gradual nature of the deposits suggests a measured approach. Market participants will likely watch for further deposits or any official statements from Sun regarding his plans for the tokens. FAQs Q1: Why is Justin Sun depositing SPK tokens to HTX? A: The exact reason has not been publicly stated. However, depositing tokens to an exchange typically allows for easier trading, selling, or conversion to other cryptocurrencies. Sun has been accumulating SPK through staking and airdrops since at least September 2025. Q2: What is SPK token? A: SPK is a token associated with the Spark ecosystem, a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol. It is distributed through staking rewards and airdrop programs to participants in the network. Q3: How much SPK has Justin Sun deposited in total? A: According to on-chain data, Sun has deposited a total of 610 million SPK tokens to exchanges since September 2025, valued at approximately $19.08 million at current market rates. This post Justin Sun Deposits Another $1.23 Million in SPK Tokens to HTX Exchange first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:55
Pound Edges Higher but Stays Near April Low as UK Political Turmoil Deepens
BitcoinWorld Pound Edges Higher but Stays Near April Low as UK Political Turmoil Deepens The British pound inched higher in early trading on Wednesday but remained pinned near its lowest level since April, as ongoing political instability in the United Kingdom continued to undermine investor confidence. Sterling hovered around $1.27 against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a cautious market mood ahead of key parliamentary votes and growing uncertainty over the government’s fiscal direction. Political Uncertainty Weighs on Sterling The pound’s recovery has been tentative at best. After a brief rally in late March, the currency has steadily lost ground amid a series of political shocks that have rattled Westminster. The latest turmoil stems from internal party divisions over economic policy, a weakened prime minister facing a potential leadership challenge, and fresh concerns about the government’s ability to pass a coherent budget through a fractious parliament. Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming confidence vote, which could trigger a snap election or a change in leadership. Such an event would likely delay critical fiscal decisions, including spending reviews and tax reforms, adding to the economic uncertainty that has kept the pound under pressure. Market Reaction and Key Levels Currency traders have responded by pricing in a higher risk premium on UK assets. The pound’s slide toward the April low of $1.26 has been driven by a combination of political risk aversion and a stronger U.S. dollar, which has benefited from robust American economic data and hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve. Technical analysts note that if sterling breaks below the $1.26 support level, it could open the door to further declines toward $1.24, a level not seen since November of last year. On the upside, resistance is seen at $1.28 and $1.30, though a sustained rally would require a clear resolution to the political deadlock. What This Means for Businesses and Consumers A weaker pound has direct implications for UK businesses and households. Import costs rise, pushing up prices for goods ranging from electronics to food. For companies that rely on overseas supply chains, margins are squeezed. On the positive side, exporters and tourism sectors may benefit from more competitive pricing abroad. For consumers, the falling pound adds to inflationary pressures at a time when the cost of living remains elevated. Energy bills, mortgage rates, and grocery prices are all sensitive to currency movements, making the political situation in London a matter of immediate financial concern for millions of households. Outlook and Key Dates The immediate focus for markets is the parliamentary calendar. A confidence vote is expected within the next two weeks, and the outcome will likely determine the pound’s short-term trajectory. If the government survives, a period of relative stability could allow sterling to recover some ground. A defeat, however, would plunge the country into election uncertainty, likely sending the pound lower. The Bank of England’s next monetary policy meeting is also on the horizon. While the central bank is expected to hold rates steady, any shift in its tone regarding inflation or growth could amplify currency moves. For now, the pound remains hostage to political events, with traders watching Westminster more closely than Threadneedle Street. Conclusion The pound’s modest uptick offers little comfort to investors who see deeper structural risks. Until the political fog clears, sterling is likely to remain vulnerable, with the April low acting as a critical test of market confidence. The coming weeks will be decisive, not just for the currency, but for the broader perception of UK economic stability. FAQs Q1: Why is the pound falling despite a small rise today? The pound’s slight uptick is a short-term correction, but it remains near multi-month lows because of deep political uncertainty in the UK, including the risk of a leadership change or snap election, which undermines investor confidence. Q2: What is the key support level for GBP/USD? The immediate support level is around $1.26, the April low. A break below that could lead to further declines toward $1.24, a level not seen since November 2024. Q3: How does a weak pound affect UK consumers? A weaker pound increases the cost of imported goods, contributing to higher inflation. This affects everyday items like food, electronics, and fuel, as well as mortgage rates and energy bills, adding to the cost of living pressures. This post Pound Edges Higher but Stays Near April Low as UK Political Turmoil Deepens first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:53
MSTR Stock Forecast: Strategy Buys 24,869 Bitcoin for $2B to Hit 843,738 BTC Holdings
Michael Saylor’s Strategy added 24,869 Bitcoin last week for about $2.01 billion, extending its role as one of the largest corporate holders of the digital asset. The company bought the Bitcoin at an average price of $80,985 per coin, including fees and expenses, according to a regulatory filing. The latest purchase lifted Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings to 843,738 BTC as of May 17, 2026. The company said its aggregate purchase cost now stands at about $63.87 billion, equal to an average price of $75,700 per Bitcoin. Strategy also reported a BTC Yield of 12.6% year to date in 2026. The metric is used by the company to measure Bitcoin growth relative to its diluted share base. Strategy Funds Bitcoin Purchase Through ATM Sales The company said the acquisition was funded through proceeds from its at-the-market offering programs. Between May 11 and May 17, Strategy sold 19.95 million shares of STRC preferred stock, generating about $1.95 billion in net proceeds. During the same period, it also sold 430,344 shares of MSTR Class A common stock, raising about $83.7 million. Total net proceeds from the share sales reached about $2.03 billion, which was used to fund the Bitcoin purchase . Strategy still has a large remaining capacity under its ATM programs. The company reported available issuance of $26.3 billion for MSTR stock, $17.5 billion for STRC, $4.0 billion for STRD, $2.1 billion for STRK, and $1.6 billion for STRF. As we reported, Michael Saylor’s Strategy may purchase about $30 billion worth of Bitcoin in 2026 if it continues buying at its current pace, according to analysts at JPMorgan. MSTR Stock Falls as Balance Sheet Moves Continue MSTR stock was trading at $172.65, down 7.66%, after the company disclosed its latest Bitcoin purchase and financing activity. The stock continues to trade closely with Bitcoin price movements because of Strategy’s large crypto treasury. Concurrently, amid its Bitcoin buying spree, BlackRock has increased its position in Strategy during the first quarter of 2026, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data. The asset manager acquired an additional 3.14 million MSTR shares at a cost of about $535.6 million. The purchase raised BlackRock’s reported stake to 17.75 million MSTR shares, valued at about $3.02 billion. The latest addition represented a 21.5% increase in its holdings of the Bitcoin-focused company. At press time, Bitcoin was trading near $76,600, which was below Strategy’s latest purchase price of $80,985 per BTC, but above the company’s overall average acquisition price of $75,700. Strategy’s equity issuance has become a core part of its Bitcoin accumulation plan. The company has used common stock, preferred stock, and other securities to raise capital for additional Bitcoin purchases. This approach has kept investor attention on dilution, Bitcoin price volatility, and treasury growth. Meanwhile, as we reported , the company has also disclosed plans to repurchase about $1.5 billion in principal amount of its 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 for an estimated $1.38 billion in cash.
18 May 2026, 12:45
US Dollar: DBS Flags Structural Risks Beneath Yield-Driven Rally
BitcoinWorld US Dollar: DBS Flags Structural Risks Beneath Yield-Driven Rally The US dollar has drawn support from elevated Treasury yields in recent months, but analysts at DBS Bank are cautioning that the currency’s strength may be built on an increasingly fragile foundation. In a new research note, the bank’s strategists highlight that while yield differentials have favored the greenback, structural risks tied to the US fiscal trajectory and debt sustainability could undermine the rally over the medium term. Yield advantage masks deeper concerns The dollar has benefited from the Federal Reserve’s relatively high interest rate stance compared to other major central banks, attracting yield-seeking capital. However, DBS argues that this dynamic is not without limits. The widening US fiscal deficit and rising national debt levels are creating what the bank describes as a “structural risk premium” that may eventually offset the yield advantage. If global investors begin to demand higher compensation for holding US assets due to debt concerns, the dollar could face downward pressure even if yields remain elevated. Fiscal trajectory under scrutiny The US government’s debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed sharply in recent years, driven by pandemic-era spending and persistent budget shortfalls. DBS notes that without credible fiscal consolidation, the risk of a gradual loss of confidence in US sovereign creditworthiness could grow. This is not an immediate threat, but the bank warns that markets may start pricing in these risks more aggressively if political gridlock delays meaningful deficit reduction. The Congressional Budget Office projects the deficit to remain above 5% of GDP for the foreseeable future, adding to the debt stock. Implications for the dollar’s outlook For currency markets, the DBS analysis suggests that the dollar’s yield-driven strength may become increasingly volatile. If risk sentiment shifts and investors pivot toward safe-haven currencies with stronger fiscal fundamentals, such as the Swiss franc or Japanese yen, the dollar could lose ground. The bank also points out that the Federal Reserve’s eventual pivot to rate cuts would remove a key pillar of support, leaving the dollar more exposed to its structural vulnerabilities. Conclusion While the US dollar remains supported by yield advantages in the near term, DBS’s assessment underscores that the currency’s longer-term trajectory depends on more than just interest rate differentials. Fiscal discipline and debt management are emerging as critical factors that could reshape the dollar’s role in global markets. Investors would be wise to monitor these structural risks alongside traditional yield metrics. FAQs Q1: What are the main structural risks facing the US dollar according to DBS? DBS highlights the US fiscal deficit and rising national debt as key structural risks that could undermine the dollar’s yield-driven strength over the medium term. Q2: How could US fiscal policy affect the dollar’s value? If investors lose confidence in US fiscal sustainability, they may demand a higher risk premium for holding US assets, which could weaken the dollar even if Treasury yields remain high. Q3: Is the dollar’s decline imminent? No, DBS does not predict an immediate decline, but warns that the risks are growing and could materialize as markets reassess US fiscal credibility or if the Fed cuts rates. This post US Dollar: DBS Flags Structural Risks Beneath Yield-Driven Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:41
Iran Reportedly Launches Bitcoin-Based Shipping Insurance for Hormuz Passage
Although there’s no clear resolution in sight for the ongoing war between the US and Iran, and the impact on crypto markets has been predominantly negative, new reports have doubled down that passage through the Strait of Hormuz could involve bitcoin. Citing new information from the semi-official Fars News Agency, Walter Bloomberg indicated that Iran has introduced a BTC-settled insurance service for vessels passing through the Hormuz. IRAN LAUNCHES BITCOIN-BASED SHIPPING INSURANCE FOR HORMUZ Iran has introduced a Bitcoin-settled insurance service for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. The “Hormuz Safe” system is reportedly designed to cover ships… pic.twitter.com/FyOmWL32Wz — *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) May 18, 2026 This Hormuz Safe is designed to cover ships transiting the strategic waterway and could generate over $10 billion in revenue, some sources added. The Kobeissi Letter added that the service will be for “Iranian shipping companies and cargo owners.” The shipment will be covered from the moment of confirmation, and a signed receipt will be given to the owner, read the reports. Recall that previous reports from over a month ago claimed that Iran planned to charge passing ships with up to $2 million in bitcoin. The new update didn’t shed any light on that particular matter, as it remains unclear if the insurance service will be charged in addition to tolls. Bitcoin’s price reacted with an immediate surge after the previous report, and it’s already up by a grand since its local low charted earlier today. BTC now trades at $77,700 after it dipped below $76,600 earlier. The post Iran Reportedly Launches Bitcoin-Based Shipping Insurance for Hormuz Passage appeared first on CryptoPotato .
