Invest ideasNews
18 May 2026, 12:37
Bitcoin Price Falls Below $77,000 as US-Iran War Trigger $500M Liquidations
Bitcoin price has fallen below $77,000 on Monday as rising geopolitical tension between the United States and Iran weighed on risk assets and triggered a rapid wave of crypto market liquidations. At press time, the BTC price had dropped as much as 2.2% to $76,551 in early trading, its lowest level since May 1, before recovering slightly to trade near $76,800. The selloff came as US President Donald Trump warned Iran that the “clock is ticking,” saying there “won’t be anything left of them” if Tehran does not move quickly toward a peace agreement. The warning followed stalled diplomatic talks aimed at ending the conflict that began after US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. US-Iran Tensions Pressure Bitcoin and Risk Assets Negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked over nuclear activity, sanctions relief, frozen assets, and compensation demands. The US administration has reportedly proposed a framework requiring Iran to transfer its highly enriched uranium stockpiles to the US and limit nuclear operations to one active facility. Iran has sought a full removal of economic sanctions, access to frozen foreign assets, financial reparations, and an end to hostilities involving Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian media described the US proposal as lacking tangible concessions. Reports of possible renewed military action added to market caution. The Pentagon is said to be preparing plans for “Operation Epic Fury 2.0,” while Trump is expected to meet senior national security officials to review military options involving Iranian energy infrastructure. However, as of press time, a source close to Iran’s negotiation team said the US had agreed in a new draft to temporarily waive Iran’s oil sanctions during negotiations. The report said the waiver would be handled through a temporary OFAC exemption until a final agreement is reached. Iran has continued to demand the full removal of all sanctions as part of any deal commitments, the report added. Tehran is also seeking the release of frozen foreign assets, financial compensation linked to war damage, and an end to hostilities, including Israeli strikes connected to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Crypto Liquidations Cross $500 Million Crypto market liquidations rose sharply as the Bitcoin price decline accelerated. Coinglass data cited in the report showed that almost $500 million in bullish crypto positions were liquidated within 15 minutes during early Asian trading. Over the 24 hours leading into early European trading, roughly $590 million in long positions were unwound. The selloff followed several days of pressure on Bitcoin and wider crypto markets. US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded more than $1 billion in weekly net outflows, ending a six-week inflow streak. Spot Ethereum ETFs also posted outflows of about $255 million, while spot Solana and XRP ETFs recorded inflows of $58.12 million and $60.50 million, respectively. Source: X On-chain data also pointed to lower retail activity. Bitcoin inflows to Binance from wallets holding less than 1 BTC reportedly fell to their lowest monthly average on record, near 314 BTC. That compares with around 1,000 BTC in January 2024 and higher levels seen in earlier market cycles. Bitcoin Price Holds Near Key $76,000 Support According to crypto analyst Michael Van De Poppe, Bitcoin's current price trend is best described as a corrective consolidation after a strong rally, not yet a confirmed bearish reversal. The BTC price recently moved from around $65,000 to $82,000, a rally of more than 25%. After that type of move, a pullback toward support is normal. The current weakness below $77,000 shows short-term selling pressure, but the broader structure has not fully broken down unless Bitcoin loses the $76,000 support zone with conviction. Source: X However, if the Bitcoin price holds above $76,000, the market can still be viewed as consolidating inside a healthy range. In that case, BTC could attempt to recover toward the $79,100 CME gap, followed by the $80,000–$82,000 resistance zone. A clean reclaim of $82,000 would shift momentum back in favor of buyers and open the path toward the next major resistance area between $88,000 and $93,000. Nonetheless, if the BTC price closes decisively below $76,000, the structure becomes weaker. That would suggest the recent rally has failed to hold its main support, increasing the risk of a deeper move toward $71,000.
18 May 2026, 12:32
Tokenization push could pull trillions of dollars into DeFi, StanChart says
The bank projects $4 trillion of tokenized assets by 2028, boosting demand for blockchain-native lending and trading infrastructure.
18 May 2026, 12:30
XRP Price At $10,000 Isn’t Possible Now: Pundit Says Only This Move Will Make It Happen
Crypto pundit BarriC has said that an XRP price rally to $10,000 isn’t possible at the moment. He also revealed what needs to happen for the altcoin to potentially reach this level and even rally to $50,000. Pundit Says XRP Price Cannot Rally To $10,000 Now In an X post, BarriC stated that the XRP price cannot reach $10,000 to $50,000 if the altcoin remains purely a retail asset, which investors can buy and trade on exchanges. Instead, he explained that the only way this can happen is if XRP becomes part of the global financial infrastructure. Related Reading: Analyst Says XRP Path To $100 Is Not Straightforward, These Things Will Happen First The pundit further remarked that this could happen if XRP becomes integral to how every bank and financial institution worldwide conducts finance. Once this happens, the pundit predicts that the XRP price will no longer be low and will no longer experience a bear market as it is currently experiencing. BarriC assured that the XRP price will stabilize at a higher level, between $10,000 and $50,000, once trillions of dollars flow directly into and through XRP on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. He declared that this will be the price people must pay for XRP, and that those who diligently accumulated and held will be rewarded for their patience and perseverance. Interestingly, the pundit stated that the XRP price could reach $10,000 this year. This came as he declared that XRP will move from $2 to $10, $10 to $100, $100 to $1,000, $1,000 to $10,000, and that all these price shifts for the altcoin could happen this year. BarriC also mentioned that the shift could happen faster than many expect, with many market participants potentially missing out on life-changing wealth. XRP Still At Risk Of A Major Decline For Now Crypto analyst Egrag Crypto has indicated that the XRP price is still at risk of a major decline at the moment. He noted that the Fib 0.618 at $1.51 is acting as the first major resistance and that so far, the altcoin has failed to provide confirmed closes above this level. Meanwhile, the analyst also mentioned that the next key resistance becomes the Fib 0.702 at $1.83. Related Reading: If You’re Holding XRP, This Pundit Says You Should See This He explained that these two levels are extremely important because they determine whether the XRP price is transitioning into a bullish Wave 5 expansion or remains trapped within a larger corrective structure. Egrag Crypto said that if XRP cannot reclaim these levels, then the technical Elliot Wave measured move still favors a decline to the Fib 0.382 at $0.89 or even the Fib 0.236 at $0.64. At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading at around $1.39, down nearly 2% in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com
18 May 2026, 12:25
IMF Staff: Bank of England Can Hold Rates Steady This Year
BitcoinWorld IMF Staff: Bank of England Can Hold Rates Steady This Year The International Monetary Fund’s staff has indicated that the Bank of England does not need to raise interest rates for the remainder of this year, according to an internal analysis. This assessment, based on current economic data and inflation trends, suggests a period of monetary policy stability that could provide relief to homeowners and businesses alike. What the IMF Analysis Says IMF staff, in their latest Article IV consultation report on the United Kingdom, concluded that the current policy rate is sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation back to the 2% target over the medium term. The analysis points to easing labor market pressures and moderating wage growth as key factors that reduce the urgency for further tightening. The IMF’s view is that the BoE can maintain its current stance without jeopardizing its inflation mandate. Implications for Borrowers and the Economy If the Bank of England follows this advice, it would mark a significant shift after a period of aggressive rate hikes. Mortgage holders on variable-rate deals would see no further increase in their monthly payments, while businesses would face a more predictable borrowing environment. The IMF staff’s assessment also aligns with market expectations, which have recently priced in a lower probability of further rate increases. Why This Matters for Readers For UK households and investors, the IMF’s signal provides a clearer picture of the interest rate trajectory. It suggests that the BoE’s previous rate increases are working to cool demand without triggering a sharp recession. However, the IMF also cautioned that risks remain, including persistent services inflation and geopolitical uncertainties that could reignite price pressures. Conclusion The IMF staff’s recommendation gives the Bank of England room to pause and assess the lagged effects of its past rate decisions. While the final decision rests with the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee, this external analysis reinforces the case for holding rates steady through the end of the year, offering a measure of stability to the UK economic outlook. FAQs Q1: Why does the IMF think the Bank of England doesn’t need to raise rates? The IMF staff’s analysis shows that current rates are restrictive enough to bring inflation down to target, with labor market and wage pressures easing. Q2: What does this mean for my mortgage? If the BoE holds rates, variable-rate mortgage payments would not increase further, though fixed-rate deals depend on longer-term market expectations. Q3: Could the Bank of England still raise rates despite the IMF’s view? Yes, the BoE makes independent decisions based on its own data. The IMF’s analysis is advisory, not binding, and the MPC may act if inflation proves stubborn. This post IMF Staff: Bank of England Can Hold Rates Steady This Year first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:15
IRGC-Linked Crypto Wallets Received Over $3 Billion in 2025, Chainalysis Reports
BitcoinWorld IRGC-Linked Crypto Wallets Received Over $3 Billion in 2025, Chainalysis Reports A new analysis from blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis reveals that cryptocurrency wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) received at least $3 billion in digital assets during 2025. The figure, reported by BeInCrypto, underscores the growing reliance of sanctioned entities on stablecoins rather than Bitcoin for cross-border trade settlements and funding. Stablecoins Become the Preferred Tool The Chainalysis report highlights a significant shift in the IRGC’s crypto strategy. While Bitcoin was once the dominant asset in illicit finance, the analysis indicates that stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar—now account for the majority of the inflows. This transition allows the IRGC to bypass traditional banking channels while maintaining value stability, making it a more practical instrument for large-scale trade settlements. According to the data, the $3 billion figure is a conservative estimate based on publicly traceable on-chain activity. Chainalysis cautioned that the actual volume is likely substantially higher, as the analysis cannot account for transactions conducted through privacy-focused tools, mixers, or off-chain channels. Nearly Half of Iran’s Crypto Trading Volume The $3 billion received by IRGC-linked wallets represents approximately 50% of Iran’s total estimated virtual asset trading volume during the fourth quarter of 2025. This concentration signals that state-aligned actors are not merely participating in the crypto economy but may be dominating it within the country’s borders. Iran has faced increasingly stringent international sanctions, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Crypto assets have emerged as a potential lifeline for the Iranian economy, allowing entities like the IRGC to access global markets and settle trade debts without relying on the U.S. dollar-dominated banking system. Implications for Global Sanctions Enforcement The findings pose fresh challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. Unlike traditional finance, where correspondent banking relationships create natural choke points, blockchain transactions can be initiated from anywhere with an internet connection. While public ledgers offer transparency, the pseudonymous nature of crypto addresses makes attribution difficult without advanced forensic tools. The use of stablecoins complicates enforcement further. Because these tokens are often issued by centralized entities, there is potential for issuers to freeze or blacklist addresses linked to sanctioned groups. However, the IRGC appears to be leveraging decentralized exchanges and peer-to-peer platforms to avoid such controls. Conclusion The Chainalysis report provides the clearest evidence to date that the IRGC has integrated crypto assets—particularly stablecoins—into its financial infrastructure. With $3 billion as a minimum estimate and actual figures likely higher, the trend demands a coordinated policy response. For the crypto industry, it underscores the ongoing tension between financial privacy and the need to prevent illicit finance. FAQs Q1: Why is the IRGC using stablecoins instead of Bitcoin? Stablecoins offer price stability and faster settlement times compared to Bitcoin, making them more practical for large trade transactions. They also allow the IRGC to hold value in a dollar-pegged asset without accessing the U.S. banking system. Q2: How did Chainalysis estimate the $3 billion figure? The estimate is based on publicly visible blockchain transactions linked to wallets previously identified as connected to the IRGC. Chainalysis used clustering algorithms and attribution tags to map the flow of funds, but notes that the actual total is likely higher due to privacy tools and off-chain activity. Q3: Can stablecoin issuers block IRGC-linked wallets? Yes, centralized stablecoin issuers like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) have the technical ability to freeze addresses on their smart contracts. However, the IRGC may use decentralized platforms or peer-to-peer trades to avoid detection and seizure. This post IRGC-Linked Crypto Wallets Received Over $3 Billion in 2025, Chainalysis Reports first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:14
Avalanche (AVAX) And Sui (SUI): After A Rough Monday For Alt‑VM Chains, Do AVAX And SUI Attract Builders On The Cheap Or Stay Stuck In Post‑Hype Ranges?
The digital asset market is recovering from a volatile morning session that saw alternative Virtual Machine (alt-VM) layers absorb the brunt of a sector-wide flush. While Bitcoin and Ethereum defended critical horizontal boundaries, high-beta layer-1 ecosystems experienced rapid air pockets as thin derivatives order books amplified liquidations. The selloff comes at a fascinating time, arriving just weeks after CME Group opened up regulated institutional futures for both Avalanche (AVAX) and Sui (SUI) . For the developer communities operating out of global Web3 hubs, this "Red Monday" strips away the speculative froth and introduces an asymmetric risk-reward profile: Do these depressed token valuations attract teams looking for cost-effective blockspace and runway infrastructure, or do they signal that these chains are doomed to grind inside prolonged post-hype ranges while liquidity cycles back to Ethereum L2s and Solana? Avalanche (AVAX): Subnet Infrastructure Seeking Sticky Inflow Source: tradingview Avalanche ’s structural identity is built entirely around horizontal modularity via its Avalanche9000 engine. By decoupling application-specific subnets from the economic constraints of the primary network, it offers an enterprise-ready environment for dedicated gaming and Real-World Asset (RWA) stacks. The Grant Runway: In a market downtrading on short-term risk, a cheaper AVAX unit price fundamentally alters the mechanics of ecosystem grants. Foundation treasuries can optimize allocation distributions, giving resource-conscious development teams an incentive to deploy custom execution environments while mainnet overhead remains low. Technical Breakdown: AVAX dropped to a local bottom of $9.14 during Monday’s flush, checking back into its core 30-day SMA consolidation zone. The token remains bound in a multi-month repair range, well below its macro resistance levels. The Continuation Signal: Avalanche proves it is attracting builders on the cheap if on-chain subnet deployments and daily transactions climb independently of price. On the daily chart, candles must form a higher-low base above the $9.00 support floor to prevent a structural breakdown toward cycle lows. Sui (SUI): High-Performance Move VM Experiencing High Beta Source: tradingview Sui ’s object-oriented database architecture allows independent actions to settle outside of traditional chronological consensus blocks, yielding sub-500ms finality that operates as a major alternative to Solana's monolithic model. The High-Beta Burden: Because Sui is a newer, less distributed ledger relative to older networks, its native token exhibits significantly higher velocity. During market flushes, SUI acts as a clear liquidity amplifier, dropping 10.2% down to ~$1.15 as speculative perpetual open interest is forcibly purged. The Builder Multiplier: For engineers willing to learn the Move programming language, the correction represents a clean entry window. The ecosystem's focus—re-centered around micro-payment infrastructure for autonomous AI agents following the Sui Live Miami conference—provides a clear fundamental anchor that retail price corrections do not alter. Technical Breakdown: SUI has pulled directly back into its previous late-April breakout corridor near $1.15. The RSI-14 has cooled to 41.2, flushing out overbought conditions and presenting a high-conviction testing phase for long-term spot accumulators. Conclusion: Accumulation on the Cheap or Range-Bound Chop? A rough Monday for alt-VM structures changes the deployment equation from speculative hype to raw capital efficiency. They attract builders on the cheap if: Development teams choose to launch customized subnets or Move protocols due to lowered infrastructure overhead rather than chasing temporary token incentives. Native network metrics—such as total value locked (TVL) and daily active wallets—begin a non-incentivized upward trend despite near-term price consolidation. The charts convert today’s sharp selloff into a definitive higher-low base, paving the way for a high-volume attempt to reclaim macro resistance ceilings. They stay stuck in post-hype ranges if: Production-ready decentralized applications continue to default to the consolidated liquidity of the Ethereum L2 stack or the established network effects of Solana. Every subsequent recovery rally on the daily chart is aggressively sold into by historical allocation holders, keeping indicators locked in neutral-to-weak territory. Final Verdict: Monday's market flush highlights the competitive reality facing alternative infrastructure layers. Both Avalanche and Sui possess the performance baselines and treasury depth required to sustain a lengthy build cycle. Whether they emerge from this correction as structural leaders or remain high-beta rotation targets will depend entirely on if their respective ecosystems can convert cheaper entry costs into sticky, permanent protocol liquidity. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
