hodler

16 Apr 2026, 17:31

Royal Government of Bhutan Sells Another $18.47M as BTC Price Reclaims $74k

The Royal Government of Bhutan moved about 250 BTC worth $18.46 million in the past 24 hours, extending a broader reduction in its publicly tracked Bitcoin holdings. Data cited from Arkham showed multiple transfers, including 162 BTC and 69.7 BTC, sent to new wallet addresses within a short period. The latest movement has added to market focus on Bhutan’s treasury activity at a time when Bitcoin is trading near a key resistance range. Bhutan’s recent transfers are part of a longer selling trend in 2026. The country has moved 3,247 BTC this year, with total outflows valued at roughly $240.4 million at current prices. Other reports placed the sold amount near $198 million depending on the pricing period used. Following the latest transactions, Bhutan’s wallets hold about 3,524 BTC, worth around $260 million to $264 million. That is down sharply from a peak near 13,000 BTC recorded in late 2024. Bhutan’s Bitcoin Treasury Keeps Shrinking Bhutan built much of its Bitcoin reserve through hydropower-backed mining, using surplus energy to support state-linked accumulation. Recent on-chain activity, however, has pointed to reduced inflows and continued outflows. Arkham data indicated that the last Bitcoin inflow above $100,000 to Bhutan-linked wallets took place more than a year ago. That has led to renewed attention on whether the country’s mining operations have slowed or whether policy priorities have shifted toward liquidity. The latest batch of transfers also followed a pattern seen in earlier Bhutan transactions. Some previous movements were linked by analysts to wallets that later routed funds to platforms such as Galaxy Digital and OKX. While the destination of the newest transfers has not been confirmed as an exchange, the size and sequencing of the transactions have kept traders focused on the possibility of further sales. Bitcoin Price Nears Key On-Chain Ceiling Bhutan’s wallet activity is unfolding as Bitcoin trades close to a major resistance zone identified by on-chain analysts. Bitcoin climbed to an intraday high of $76,038 earlier this week before easing back toward the mid-$74,000 area. Glassnode said the market is moving through a resistance band between $74,000 and $76,000, while CryptoQuant placed another closely watched level near $76,800, described as the Traders’ Realized Price. CryptoQuant said Bitcoin holders who accumulated between $65,000 and $76,000 are now in profit, creating a broader pool of unrealized gains. The firm also reported that large deposits rose from less than 10% to more than 40% of total exchange inflows within days, a shift that pointed to heavier activity from larger holders. Daily realized profits were said to be near $500 million on Wednesday, still below the $1 billion level that has often appeared near local tops during bear market rallies. Mining Economics Show Partial Relief Bitcoin’s recent price recovery has also offered some relief to mining operators. The supplied material said the average all-in cost of producing one BTC was around $79,500 as of mid-Wednesday, still above spot price but narrower than the gap seen in recent months. The next network difficulty adjustment , scheduled for April 17, was forecast to fall by nearly 3%, which would take difficulty to just under 135 trillion hashes. At the same time, mining conditions remain under pressure. Reports said the Bitcoin network hash rate fell 4% during the first quarter of 2026, with some observers linking the drop to unprofitable older machines being shut down. Other miners have continued shifting toward AI and high-performance computing services for more stable revenue.

16 Apr 2026, 17:26

Charles Schwab Weighs Prediction Markets Move as Bitcoin, Ethereum Trading Nears

Charles Schwab President and CEO Rick Wurster indicated that America’s largest discount brokerage will likely support prediction markets.

16 Apr 2026, 17:20

Federal Reserve’s Miran Signals Crucial Shift: Backs Three to Four Rate Cuts in 2025

BitcoinWorld Federal Reserve’s Miran Signals Crucial Shift: Backs Three to Four Rate Cuts in 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 15, 2025 – Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Miran has publicly outlined his policy stance, indicating a preference for three, potentially four, interest rate cuts during the current calendar year. This significant declaration provides crucial insight into the internal deliberations at the central bank as it navigates a complex economic landscape marked by moderating inflation and evolving growth indicators. Federal Reserve Governor Miran Details His 2025 Rate Cut Outlook Governor Miran’s comments, made during a moderated discussion at the Brookings Institution, represent one of the most explicit forward guidance signals from a sitting Fed official this year. Consequently, his perspective carries substantial weight within financial markets and among economic analysts. Miran emphasized that his view hinges on continued progress toward the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Specifically, he cited recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data showing a sustained downward trend in core inflation. Furthermore, Miran referenced labor market data indicating a gradual cooling from historically tight conditions. This cooling, he argued, reduces upward wage pressure without signaling a sharp rise in unemployment. His assessment aligns with the Fed’s broader strategy of a “soft landing,” aiming to curb inflation without triggering a recession. Market participants immediately parsed his language, noting the conditional nature of his projection. The phrase “I favor” suggests a policy preference rather than a commitment, leaving room for adjustment based on incoming economic data. Analyzing the Economic Context for Monetary Policy Shifts The potential for multiple rate cuts in 2025 follows an unprecedented tightening cycle that began in 2022. The Fed raised its benchmark federal funds rate from near zero to a restrictive range of 5.25% to 5.50% to combat four-decade-high inflation. Now, with inflation measures approaching the Fed’s 2% target, the discussion has pivoted toward the timing and pace of policy normalization. Miran’s projection of three to four cuts implies a reduction of 75 to 100 basis points over the year, a pace considered moderate by historical standards. Several key data points underpin this potential shift. First, the core PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, has shown consistent monthly declines. Second, consumer spending growth has moderated, and business investment shows signs of caution. Third, global economic headwinds, including slower growth in major economies, provide additional context for a less restrictive U.S. policy stance. The table below summarizes the recent economic indicators cited by policymakers: Indicator Latest Reading Trend Policy Implication Core PCE Inflation (YoY) 2.3% Declining Supports easing Unemployment Rate 4.0% Stable Allows for focus on inflation GDP Growth (Q4 2024) 2.1% Moderating Reduces overheating risk Job Openings (JOLTS) 8.5 million Cooling Eases wage pressure Expert Perspectives on the Fed’s Delicate Balancing Act Economists and former central bankers note the delicate communication strategy required. “Governor Miran is threading a needle,” stated Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Economist at the Peterson Institute. “He must signal openness to easing to avoid overly restrictive policy, but he must also avoid fueling premature expectations that could reignite inflationary psychology.” This view is echoed in market-derived probabilities, which, following Miran’s remarks, showed an increased likelihood of a rate cut at the June FOMC meeting. Historical precedent also informs the current debate. Past cycles of rate cuts have often commenced when core inflation fell decisively below 3% while unemployment remained stable—a scenario mirroring current conditions. However, policymakers remain vigilant against repeating the mistakes of the 1970s, when premature easing allowed inflation to become entrenched. Miran explicitly acknowledged this historical lesson, stating that data dependency remains paramount. Potential Impacts on Financial Markets and the Broader Economy The implications of a three-to-four-cut trajectory are wide-ranging. For financial markets, this outlook typically supports bond prices and can lift equity valuations, particularly for growth-sensitive sectors. However, the yield curve’s reaction will depend on whether cuts are perceived as a response to cooling inflation or weakening growth. For consumers, lower borrowing costs would gradually translate into reduced rates for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, potentially supporting household spending. For businesses, the prospect of lower financing costs could spur capital investment decisions that were previously delayed. The commercial real estate sector, under pressure from high interest rates, would also find some relief. Nevertheless, the Fed’s actions will not occur in a vacuum. Global central banks, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of England, are on similar policy paths, creating a synchronized global shift toward easier monetary conditions after a period of synchronized tightening. Bond Markets: Anticipate a flattening of the yield curve as short-term rates fall. Currency Markets: The U.S. dollar may face downward pressure if U.S. rate cuts outpace those of other major economies. Housing Market: A gradual decline in mortgage rates could improve affordability and transaction volume. Corporate Sector: Reduced interest expenses could boost corporate earnings, especially for highly leveraged firms. Conclusion Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Miran’s clear articulation of a preference for three to four interest rate cuts in 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the post-pandemic policy cycle. It signals a growing consensus within the Fed that the inflation fight is entering a new phase, shifting focus from restriction to careful normalization. While data dependency remains the official mantra, Miran’s guidance provides a valuable framework for understanding the central bank’s reaction function. As the year progresses, each inflation report, jobs number, and GDP estimate will be scrutinized for its alignment with—or deviation from—the path Miran has now outlined, making his commentary a crucial benchmark for the 2025 economic outlook. FAQs Q1: What exactly did Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Miran say about rate cuts? Governor Miran stated, “I favor three, maybe four cuts this year,” indicating his personal policy preference based on current economic data and the projected path toward the Fed’s 2% inflation target. Q2: Does Miran’s view represent the official policy of the entire Federal Reserve? No. While Miran is a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), his statement reflects his individual analysis. The official policy stance is determined by the collective vote of the FOMC, which includes other governors and regional Fed bank presidents. Q3: What economic conditions would justify three to four rate cuts in 2025? Justifying conditions would include sustained evidence that core inflation is moving convincingly toward 2%, a labor market that continues to cool from its extremely tight levels without a sharp rise in unemployment, and economic growth that moderates to a sustainable pace below its potential. Q4: How would multiple rate cuts affect average consumers? Over time, consumers could see lower interest rates on products like mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. This could reduce monthly payments for new loans and adjustable-rate debts, potentially freeing up household income for other spending or saving. Q5: When is the next FOMC meeting, and could a cut happen then? The FOMC meets approximately every six weeks. Following Miran’s comments, market pricing increased the probability of a first rate cut occurring at the June meeting, but this remains contingent on the economic data received between now and then. This post Federal Reserve’s Miran Signals Crucial Shift: Backs Three to Four Rate Cuts in 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

16 Apr 2026, 17:18

Charles Schwab to roll out spot Bitcoin, Ether trading for retail clients

Schwab will introduce direct trading in the two biggest cryptos through a dedicated account, its first move into spot trading as it expands its digital asset offerings.

16 Apr 2026, 17:17

Drift Protocol jumps 20% as Tether backs $127.5M recovery plan

Drift Protocol's governance token, DRIFT, surged 20% on Thursday, rising to intraday highs above $0.061 and touching its highest level since April 1, 2026. DRIFT exploded following an announcement that stablecoin giant Tether has committed $127.5 million in funding to support Drift's rebound from a major cyberattack linked to North Korea. This development has ignited trader enthusiasm, paving the way for Drift's planned revival on Solana using USDT for settlements. Drift secures $127.5 million in key Tether backing Drift Protocol, hit by a sophisticated North Korean-backed hack earlier this month, is set to revive its operations with Tether's USDT serving as the primary settlement asset. The project on Thursday disclosed a nearly $150 million funding package, including $127.5 million from Tether and an additional $20 million from partner backers. https://twitter.com/tether/status/2044765848183722053 According to details, the capital infusion will help in efforts to compensate affected users. The funds will also play a huge role in the relaunch of Drift as a USDT-powered perpetual futures platform on the Solana blockchain. The exchange previously relied on USDC from Circle for settlements. Key components of the package feature a credit line tied to future revenues, grants for ecosystem growth, and financing for market makers. Trading fees generated post-relaunch, combined with the upfront funds, will feed into a dedicated pool to address approximately $295 million in customer losses gradually. “To streamline distribution of recovery assets and provide liquidity for impacted users, Drift will issue a dedicated recovery token - separate from the DRIFT governance token,” the team said in an update. Every token will represent a claim that impacted users will have on the recovery pool, with these tokens set to be transferable. Meanwhile, Drift has emphasized that adopting USDT will anchor its trading ecosystem, offering a clear route to repay users and restart activities. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, noted in a statement: “The focus is on restoring user confidence and supporting a strong relaunch, with a structure that aligns recovery with real activity and long-term growth.” DRIFT price outlook Post-exploit, DRIFT's token cratered to a bottom of $0.024, but it has rebounded. The token was up over 60% in the last seven days at the time of writing, with gains of 20% in the past 24 hours coinciding with Tether’s funding reveal. It’s the bullish pressure that propelled DRIFT past $0.050, with intraday highs of $0.061 coming as bulls tested the pivotal barrier marked by the 50-day exponential moving average. With RSI at around 50 and upsloping, momentum looks healthy. Drift price could have another leg up before hitting overbought conditions. DRIFT price chart by TradingView If volume holds steady, with a 70% surge to over $33 million on the day, bulls could breach $0.075 and target $0.100 next. However, profit-taking remains a hurdle, and primary support could be at $0.040 and potentially $0.030. The post Drift Protocol jumps 20% as Tether backs $127.5M recovery plan appeared first on Invezz

16 Apr 2026, 17:17

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Reaches $75K as Breakout Setup Targets $80K

Bitcoin reached the $75,000 area as traders watched two bullish chart setups take shape across the monthly and daily timeframes. One chart shows BTC holding between old all time high levels, while the other shows pressure building near a breakout path that could open the way toward $80,000. Bitcoin Stays Trapped Between Two Key All Time High Levels Bitcoin is still trading between two major resistance and support zones that come from its old all time highs in 2021 and 2024. The chart from Rekt Capital shows BTC/USD on the monthly timeframe holding above the 2021 peak near $69,185 while still struggling to reclaim the 2024 high around $73,884. As a result, price remains compressed inside a narrow historical range instead of starting a fresh breakout. Bitcoin / U.S. Dollar 1M. Source: Rekt Capital on X At the same time, Bitcoin has already retested the 2021 all time high as support on the weekly chart, according to Rekt Capital. That matters because old resistance often turns into new support during a bullish market structure. However, the monthly chart has not yet confirmed that same retest. Therefore, the market still lacks stronger higher timeframe confirmation. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to reject the 2024 all time high zone. The chart shows price pulling back after reaching above $100,000 and then dropping back into the low $70,000 area. Even though buyers defended the lower band again, BTC has not closed above the 2024 resistance level on a weekly basis. Until that happens, the market remains stuck between support near the 2021 high and resistance near the 2024 high. If Bitcoin secures a weekly close above the 2024 all time high, the next move could push price into the upper $70,000 range. That would signal stronger momentum and a possible shift out of this compression phase. For now, though, the structure remains range bound, with Bitcoin effectively sandwiched between two former record highs. Bitcoin Eyes $80K as Descending Resistance Starts to Break This daily chart shows Bitcoin pressing into a key breakout area after spending months under a falling trendline. That yellow descending resistance capped price since late 2025. Now, however, Bitcoin has pushed back into that zone while also climbing through an upward blue channel. As a result, the structure looks stronger than it did during the earlier part of the downtrend. BTC/USD daily chart. Source: TradingView,Super฿ro on X At the same time, the chart shows Bitcoin reclaiming the 100 day moving average and testing the point where the falling resistance and rising channel meet. That area matters because it can decide whether this recovery continues or stalls again. If buyers hold control and confirm a breakout above that compression zone, the next major area on the chart sits near $80,000. Still, confirmation matters more than anticipation. Until Bitcoin clears that descending trendline with follow through, the move remains a breakout attempt rather than a completed trend shift. Even so, this chart suggests momentum is improving, and bulls are trying to turn a long period of lower highs into a stronger upside structure.