hodler

13 May 2026, 05:00

XRP Ledger wallets holding over 10,000 XRP reach record high

More and more large holder wallets have continued to accumulate XRP, and this has ultimately led to the number of XRP Ledger wallets holding at least 10,000 XRP hitting a record 332,230, according to on-chain data from Santiment. This steady accumulation of XRP by XRP Ledger wallets is a trend that began in mid-2024, and has extended till present. Santiment posted on X about the milestone, noting that wallets holding 10,000 or more XRP tokens have seen a consistent increase since June 2024. These increases have come without any sharp wallet spikes that usually signal purchases driven by speculation. The XRP Ledger data is visible on Santiment’s dashboard , which tracks XRP supply distribution by the amount of XRP owned. XRPL wallet grows despite price decline The XRP accumulation trend by XRP Ledger wallets continues despite XRP trading well below its mid-2025 peak of about $3.65, a drop of around 60% from ATH levels. According to an April report from Cryptopolitan, fewer than half of all XRP holders (43.4% of supply) were in profit at the time, and daily realized losses ranged between $20 million and $110 million since late 2025. This price dynamic often drives a switch-up in the holder base. Weaker hands sell at a loss while more patient participants absorb the supply at lower prices and continue to accumulate. The steady climb in high-balance wallets is consistent with that pattern. Total XRP Ledger wallets surpassed 8.1 million in early April, according to Cryptopolitan’s reporting at the time, though this figure counts all account creations rather than strictly active users. Retail holders still make up the majority of accounts, with most wallets containing smaller balances. What’s next for XRPL The growth rate of on-chain wallets for any network or blockchain is an important metric used by analysts to assess holders’ long-term conviction. A rising count of high-balance addresses suggests that participants with meaningful capital continue to add to their positions even during periods of flat or declining prices. XRP’s 24-hour trading volume reached $3.86 billion in early April, and historically, rising holder counts and trading volumes have usually come before price increases. Uncertainties, however, still remain that the wallet accumulation trend would translate into positive XRP price movement . Larger XRP holders are expected to keep building positions at current levels, though, and should continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

13 May 2026, 04:50

Australian Dollar Steadies Near 0.7250 as RBA Hawkish Tone Supports, Trump-Xi Summit in Focus

BitcoinWorld Australian Dollar Steadies Near 0.7250 as RBA Hawkish Tone Supports, Trump-Xi Summit in Focus The Australian dollar (AUD/USD) edged higher on Wednesday, trading near the 0.7250 mark, supported by a hawkish tone from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The currency’s modest gains come as market participants look ahead to the upcoming summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which could influence trade and currency markets. RBA’s Hawkish Stance Lifts AUD The RBA’s latest policy minutes revealed a more cautious yet firm approach to inflation, with board members emphasizing the need to keep monetary policy restrictive until price pressures sustainably ease. This hawkish tilt has bolstered the Australian dollar, as traders interpret the central bank’s language as signaling no imminent rate cuts. Market pricing now reflects a lower probability of RBA easing in the near term, which has narrowed the interest rate differential between Australia and other major economies. The AUD/USD pair has gained roughly 1.5% over the past week, recovering from a low near 0.7150. Trump-Xi Summit: A Key Catalyst Investor attention is now squarely on the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected to take place later this week. The summit is widely seen as a potential turning point for trade relations between the world’s two largest economies. A constructive dialogue could ease trade tensions, boosting risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian dollar. Conversely, any escalation in rhetoric or new tariff announcements could trigger a flight to safe-haven assets, weighing on the AUD. Analysts at major banks have flagged the event as a high-impact risk for forex markets. The outcome could set the tone for currency movements in the coming weeks, particularly for commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar, which is sensitive to Chinese demand for raw materials. Broader Market Implications The AUD/USD pair’s recent resilience also reflects a broader improvement in risk appetite, supported by stabilizing commodity prices and a softer U.S. dollar. Iron ore, a key Australian export, has held above $100 per tonne, providing additional support to the currency. However, the outlook remains uncertain. The Federal Reserve’s own policy trajectory, U.S. economic data, and geopolitical developments will continue to influence the pair. The 0.7250 level represents a technical resistance zone, and a clear break above could open the door to the 0.7300 handle. Conclusion The Australian dollar’s move toward 0.7250 reflects a combination of domestic monetary policy support and cautious optimism ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. While the RBA’s hawkish tone provides a near-term tailwind, the currency’s direction will largely depend on the outcome of high-level trade talks. Traders should remain vigilant, as any surprises could trigger sharp moves in the AUD/USD pair. FAQs Q1: Why is the Australian dollar rising? The Australian dollar is rising due to a hawkish tone from the Reserve Bank of Australia, which signaled that interest rates will remain restrictive to combat inflation. This has reduced expectations of near-term rate cuts, supporting the currency. Q2: How could the Trump-Xi summit affect the AUD/USD? The summit could ease or escalate trade tensions between the U.S. and China. A positive outcome would likely boost risk appetite and support the Australian dollar, while a negative outcome could trigger a safe-haven move, weakening the AUD. Q3: What is the next key level for AUD/USD? The 0.7250 level is a near-term resistance. A sustained break above this level could target 0.7300. On the downside, support lies around 0.7200 and then 0.7150. This post Australian Dollar Steadies Near 0.7250 as RBA Hawkish Tone Supports, Trump-Xi Summit in Focus first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 04:40

British Pound Holds Above 1.3500 but Remains Vulnerable Near Two-Week Low

BitcoinWorld British Pound Holds Above 1.3500 but Remains Vulnerable Near Two-Week Low The British pound is trading near a two-week low against the US dollar, with the GBP/USD pair holding just above the 1.3500 psychological level. The currency remains under pressure as markets weigh diverging monetary policy expectations between the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve. Key Drivers Behind the Pound’s Weakness The pound’s recent decline is primarily driven by a strengthening US dollar, which has rallied on the back of robust US economic data and hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve. Markets are now pricing in a slower pace of rate cuts from the Fed compared to earlier expectations, providing a tailwind for the greenback. On the UK side, the Bank of England has maintained a cautious tone, with recent economic indicators showing mixed signals. While inflation remains above the BoE’s 2% target, growth data has been sluggish, complicating the central bank’s policy path. This uncertainty has left the pound exposed to further downside if US economic outperformance continues. Technical Outlook for GBP/USD From a technical perspective, the 1.3500 level is acting as a key support zone. A decisive break below this level could open the door for a move toward the 1.3400 region, which represents a major support area from earlier this year. On the upside, resistance is seen near 1.3600, followed by the 1.3650 level. Traders are closely watching upcoming UK GDP data and US non-farm payrolls for the next directional catalyst. Any downside surprise in US jobs data could trigger a relief rally for the pound, while strong UK growth figures might provide a temporary boost. Market Implications for Traders For forex traders, the current environment demands caution. The pound’s vulnerability suggests that short-term bounces may be selling opportunities unless there is a clear shift in the fundamental backdrop. The 1.3500 level is critical; a daily close below this level would signal a bearish breakout, potentially accelerating selling pressure. Longer-term, the pound’s trajectory will depend on whether the BoE can maintain a hawkish stance relative to the Fed. If UK inflation proves sticky, the BoE may be forced to keep rates higher for longer, which could support the pound. However, if the US economy continues to outperform, the dollar is likely to remain dominant. Conclusion The British pound remains under pressure near a two-week low, with the 1.3500 level serving as a critical near-term support. The currency’s fate hinges on upcoming economic data and central bank guidance. While a bounce from current levels is possible, the broader trend favors the US dollar unless UK fundamentals improve significantly. FAQs Q1: Why is the British pound falling against the US dollar? The pound is under pressure due to a stronger US dollar, driven by robust US economic data and hawkish Federal Reserve signals. Additionally, mixed UK economic data and uncertainty about the Bank of England’s policy path have weighed on sterling. Q2: What is the key support level for GBP/USD? The 1.3500 level is the immediate support. A break below this could lead to a move toward 1.3400. On the upside, resistance is at 1.3600 and 1.3650. Q3: What should traders watch for next? Traders should monitor upcoming UK GDP data and US non-farm payrolls. Any surprise in either data set could provide the next significant move for the pair. Central bank commentary from the BoE and Fed will also be crucial. This post British Pound Holds Above 1.3500 but Remains Vulnerable Near Two-Week Low first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 04:35

India Hikes Import Tariffs on Gold and Silver to 15%, Impacting Consumers and Industry

BitcoinWorld India Hikes Import Tariffs on Gold and Silver to 15%, Impacting Consumers and Industry India has raised import tariffs on gold and silver to 15%, a move that is expected to affect domestic prices, consumer demand, and the country’s sizable jewelry industry. The decision, reported by Reuters, marks a significant increase from previous rates and reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to manage the trade deficit and curb imports of precious metals. Policy Details and Rationale The revised tariff, which applies to both gold and silver, brings the import duty to a uniform 15%. Previously, gold imports were subject to a 12.5% duty, while silver was at 10.75%. The hike is part of a broader strategy to reduce the country’s current account deficit by discouraging non-essential imports. Gold is one of India’s largest import items by value, and the government has historically used tariff adjustments to influence demand and conserve foreign exchange reserves. Impact on Domestic Market and Consumers For Indian consumers, the immediate effect is likely to be higher retail prices for gold and silver. Jewelers anticipate a slowdown in purchases, particularly in the wedding season, which is a peak period for gold buying. Industry bodies have expressed concern that the tariff increase could push buyers toward the unofficial market, where gold is smuggled to avoid duties. In 2023, India imported over 800 tonnes of gold, making it one of the world’s largest consumers. The tariff hike may also temper demand ahead of the festive season, a critical period for the jewelry trade. Market Reactions and Analyst Views Financial markets have reacted cautiously. Domestic gold futures rose immediately after the announcement, reflecting the pass-through of higher import costs. Analysts suggest that while the tariff hike may reduce official imports in the short term, it could also encourage recycling of existing gold holdings. The silver market, though smaller in volume, is similarly affected, with industrial users of silver facing higher input costs. Broader Economic Context The tariff adjustment comes amid a global environment of fluctuating commodity prices and a strong US dollar. India’s trade deficit widened in recent months, and the government is seeking measures to stabilize the rupee. The gold import tariff has been a recurring policy lever; it was cut in 2021 to boost demand during the pandemic and has now been raised to address fiscal priorities. The move also aligns with efforts to promote domestic gold recycling and reduce dependence on imports. Conclusion India’s decision to raise import tariffs on gold and silver to 15% is a significant policy shift with direct implications for consumers, the jewelry industry, and the broader economy. While aimed at curbing imports and supporting the trade balance, the hike risks dampening demand and potentially fueling illicit trade. The coming months will reveal how effectively the policy achieves its goals without disrupting the domestic market. FAQs Q1: When did the new 15% import tariff on gold and silver take effect? The tariff hike was announced recently and took effect immediately upon the government notification, as reported by Reuters. The exact date of implementation aligns with the official notification. Q2: How will this tariff increase affect gold prices in India? Domestic gold prices are expected to rise as importers pass on the higher duty to consumers. The extent of the price increase will depend on global gold prices, the rupee-dollar exchange rate, and market demand. Q3: Is there any exemption or relief for the jewelry industry? As of the current policy, no specific exemptions have been announced for the jewelry industry. The uniform 15% duty applies to all imports of gold and silver, including those used for manufacturing jewelry for export. This post India Hikes Import Tariffs on Gold and Silver to 15%, Impacting Consumers and Industry first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 04:15

US SPR release and EIA demand revision cool WTI price rally expectations

BitcoinWorld US SPR release and EIA demand revision cool WTI price rally expectations The outlook for a sustained rally in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices has softened following two key developments: the release of crude from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and a downward revision of this year’s global oil demand forecast by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Traders on the decentralized prediction market Polymarket are now pricing in a 53.5% probability that WTI will exceed $105 per barrel during the second week of May — a sharp decline of 21 percentage points from earlier expectations. What changed the market sentiment The U.S. Department of Energy confirmed a new release of crude from the SPR, adding supply to a market that had been pricing in tighter conditions. Simultaneously, the EIA revised its 2025 global oil demand growth forecast downward, citing weaker-than-expected economic activity in key consuming regions. These two factors combined to dampen speculative enthusiasm that had driven WTI futures higher in recent weeks. Polymarket odds reflect shifting sentiment Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market, has become a closely watched barometer for oil price sentiment. The probability of WTI reaching $105 by early May dropped from nearly 75% in late March to 53.5% as of press time. The shift suggests that traders are reassessing the balance of supply and demand, with the SPR release acting as a near-term supply buffer. On-chain futures confirm the trend Data from Aster shows that CLUSDT, an on-chain WTI crude oil perpetual futures contract, is currently trading at $98.00 per barrel. This level is below the psychologically important $100 mark and reflects a market that is consolidating rather than rallying. The perpetual futures structure indicates that leveraged traders are reducing their long positions, adding to the bearish near-term signal. What this means for energy markets The SPR release is a reminder that the U.S. government retains tools to influence crude prices when it deems necessary. For traders and hedgers, the combination of government intervention and softer demand forecasts creates a more uncertain outlook for the second quarter. While geopolitical risks remain elevated, the immediate catalyst for a breakout above $105 appears to have weakened. Conclusion The convergence of U.S. strategic reserve releases and a more cautious demand forecast from the EIA has tempered the bullish case for WTI crude oil. Prediction markets and on-chain futures data both point to a market that is recalibrating expectations. For readers tracking energy prices, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether this is a temporary pullback or the beginning of a broader trend reversal. FAQs Q1: What is the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve? The SPR is an emergency stockpile of crude oil maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy. It is used to mitigate supply disruptions and can be released to influence market prices during periods of perceived imbalance. Q2: How does the EIA demand forecast affect oil prices? The EIA’s monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook provides supply, demand, and price projections that are widely used by traders and analysts. A downward revision in demand growth can reduce upward pressure on prices by signaling weaker consumption. Q3: What is CLUSDT and why does it matter? CLUSDT is an on-chain perpetual futures contract that tracks the price of WTI crude oil. It allows traders to gain leveraged exposure to oil price movements without traditional exchange infrastructure. Its price provides real-time, decentralized market sentiment data. This post US SPR release and EIA demand revision cool WTI price rally expectations first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 04:10

New Zealand Dollar Holds Steady After RBNZ Inflation Expectations Data Release

BitcoinWorld New Zealand Dollar Holds Steady After RBNZ Inflation Expectations Data Release The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) remained under pressure against major peers on Wednesday, holding onto recent losses following the release of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) latest inflation expectations survey. The data, which offers a forward-looking gauge of price pressures, did little to alter the prevailing bearish sentiment surrounding the Kiwi. RBNZ Inflation Expectations Data Weighs on Sentiment The RBNZ’s quarterly survey of expectations showed a slight easing in inflation forecasts for the year ahead. Market participants interpreted the figures as reinforcing the case for a more accommodative monetary policy stance, potentially including further interest rate cuts later in 2025. This outlook has reduced the yield appeal of the NZD, contributing to its recent weakness. The survey’s two-year-ahead inflation expectations, a key metric closely watched by policymakers, edged lower, aligning with the central bank’s target range but failing to provide any upside surprise that could have supported the currency. Traders had been looking for signs that inflation might prove stickier, which would have reduced the urgency for additional easing. NZD/USD Technical and Market Context The NZD/USD pair traded near session lows, hovering around the 0.5850 handle, a level that has acted as both support and resistance in recent weeks. The pair has shed more than 2% over the past month, pressured by a broadly stronger US Dollar and deteriorating risk appetite in global markets. From a technical perspective, the NZD/USD remains below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, a configuration typically seen as bearish. The next major support level lies near 0.5800, a psychological barrier that, if breached, could open the door to further declines toward the 0.5750 region. Broader Market Pressures Beyond domestic data, the New Zealand Dollar is also being influenced by external factors. A hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve, coupled with ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, has bolstered demand for the US Dollar as a safe haven. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s status as a commodity-linked currency means that weaker-than-expected demand from key trading partner China is adding to headwinds. The combination of domestic monetary policy expectations and external risk-off sentiment creates a challenging environment for the Kiwi. Analysts suggest that a clear catalyst—such as a stronger-than-expected domestic economic data print or a shift in Fed rhetoric—would be needed to reverse the current trend. Conclusion The New Zealand Dollar’s inability to recover from recent losses, even after a data release that offered no new surprises, underscores the prevailing bearish sentiment. With the RBNZ’s inflation expectations pointing to a potential path for further easing, and global risk appetite remaining fragile, the near-term outlook for the NZD appears cautious. Traders will now turn their attention to upcoming New Zealand GDP figures and global trade developments for the next directional cues. FAQs Q1: What is the RBNZ Inflation Expectations survey? The RBNZ Inflation Expectations survey is a quarterly report that measures the inflation expectations of businesses and households. It is a key input for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand when setting monetary policy, as it helps gauge whether inflation is likely to stay within the target range. Q2: Why did the NZD fall after the data release? The data showed inflation expectations easing slightly, which reinforced market expectations that the RBNZ may cut interest rates further. Lower interest rates reduce the yield appeal of a currency, making it less attractive to investors, which typically leads to depreciation. Q3: What are the key support levels for NZD/USD? The immediate support level is around 0.5800, a psychological round number. A break below that could see the pair test the 0.5750 region. On the upside, resistance is seen near 0.5900 and then the 50-day moving average around 0.5950. This post New Zealand Dollar Holds Steady After RBNZ Inflation Expectations Data Release first appeared on BitcoinWorld .