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20 May 2026, 08:30

Wintermute Says Bitcoin Rally Was A Squeeze, Low $70,000s Loom

Wintermute said Bitcoin’s latest rally has failed its first major macro test, arguing that the move was driven more by leverage and short covering than by durable spot demand. In its May 18 market update, the trading firm pointed to hot inflation, rising Treasury yields, ETF outflows and renewed rate-hike pricing as the backdrop behind a sharp reversal across digital assets. “Last week we said we’d find out fast what kind of rally this was. We found out,” Wintermute wrote. “BTC failed at the 200-day on the first real macro shock, which tells you it was the squeeze driving it all along.” The firm’s update framed the week as a macro-led repricing. April CPI came in at 3.8% year over year, above the 3.7% consensus estimate, while core CPI rose 0.4% month over month. Wintermute said the inflation shock has become harder for markets to dismiss, noting that the prolonged energy shock is now moving into core inflation and that real wages turned negative for the first time in three years. Related Reading: Bitcoin Hits ‘Wall Of Resistance,’ CryptoQuant Research Head Warns Rates responded quickly. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 28 basis points on the week to 4.58%, its highest level since September 2025, while fed funds futures erased all expected cuts for 2026 and began pricing a 44% chance of a rate hike by December, up from 22.5% a week earlier. Wintermute said the market narrative shifted from “when do they cut” to “do they hike” in only five trading days. That repricing hit long-duration assets. Wintermute said 20-year-plus Treasuries fell 2.8%, while gold dropped 3.8% despite the geopolitical backdrop. Brent crude rose 8.6%, leaving the firm to conclude that “the only things that worked were the things causing the problem.” Why $75,000 Bitcoin Is The Line In The Sand Bitcoin briefly moved above $82,000 after the CLARITY Act vote, but then reversed sharply and closed Friday near $78,000, down 5.7% for the week. A weekend slide toward $77,000 triggered $657 million in liquidations, including $584 million from long positions. Ethereum underperformed even more, falling 10.2% on the week. Wintermute said ETH continued to weaken across both spot and derivatives markets, with ETH/BTC pressing 0.0275, funding softer and relative implied volatility elevated. The firm described ETH as the “wrong asset for this macro.” ETF flows also turned against the market. Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $1 billion of outflows for the week, ending six consecutive weeks of inflows, while ETH ETFs saw $255 million leave the products. Wintermute cited Glassnode data showing institutions were “selling into strength,” with the seven-day moving average of net flows at negative $88 million per day, the weakest level since mid-February. “When leverage is the marginal buyer, the unwind is fast,” Wintermute wrote. Related Reading: Strategy Wants 1,000,000 Bitcoin Treasury And This Is How They Plan To Get To That Number The firm said Bitcoin remains below its 200-day moving average near $82,200 after being rejected five times this month. The immediate support zone is $76,000 to $78,000, according to the update, while a break of $75,000 could open the way toward $70,000 to $72,000. Wintermute did not dismiss the broader structural case for Bitcoin. It noted that exchange reserves remain near multi-year lows, long-term holders are still accumulating, and the CLARITY Act continues to move forward after clearing the Senate banking committee. The firm also said tokenized Treasuries reached $15 billion onchain, describing the segment as an area of continued growth. Still, Wintermute argued that short-term flows matter more than the structural story for now. “The flow data shows institutions used the rally to take profit rather than add, and in the short term that matters more than the structural story,” the firm wrote. The next test, according to the update, is whether Bitcoin can hold the $76,000 to $78,000 area through Nvidia earnings on Wednesday, May 20. A hold would “rebuild some confidence,” Wintermute said, but a break below $75,000 with funding resetting and ETF flows negative could bring the low $70,000s back into view quickly. At press time, BTC traded at $77,297. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

20 May 2026, 08:25

Coinone to Delist Portal To Bitcoin (PTB) on June 22 After Disclosure Failures

BitcoinWorld Coinone to Delist Portal To Bitcoin (PTB) on June 22 After Disclosure Failures South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinone has confirmed it will delist Portal To Bitcoin (PTB) on June 22 at 6:00 a.m. UTC, following a review that found the token’s issuer failed to resolve earlier disclosure violations. Background of the Delisting Decision Coinone first placed PTB on its delisting watchlist on March 23 after the project’s issuer either failed to disclose or arbitrarily changed material information that could significantly affect the token’s value. Under Coinone’s listing maintenance policy, tokens are monitored for compliance with disclosure obligations, including timely and accurate reporting of key developments. After reviewing the materials submitted by the issuer during the watchlist period, Coinone determined that the reasons for the initial designation had not been adequately addressed. The exchange stated that the issuer’s failure to correct the disclosure issues left it with no alternative but to proceed with delisting. Implications for PTB Holders Trading of PTB on Coinone will cease at the scheduled time on June 22. Holders of the token are advised to withdraw their assets from the exchange before the delisting takes effect. After the delisting, Coinone will no longer support deposits, withdrawals, or trading of PTB, and remaining balances may become inaccessible. Regulatory Context in South Korea South Korean exchanges operate under strict regulatory oversight, particularly after the implementation of the Specific Financial Information Act. Exchanges like Coinone are required to conduct regular reviews of listed assets and enforce delisting when issuers fail to meet disclosure standards. This case reflects the broader trend of increased scrutiny on token issuers to maintain transparency with investors. Conclusion The delisting of PTB by Coinone underscores the importance of regulatory compliance for cryptocurrency projects operating in South Korea. For investors, the event serves as a reminder to monitor exchange announcements and understand the risks associated with tokens that fail to meet disclosure obligations. Coinone’s decision is final, and PTB holders should act promptly to secure their assets. FAQs Q1: When will Coinone delist PTB? Coinone will delist PTB on June 22 at 6:00 a.m. UTC. Trading will stop at that time. Q2: Why did Coinone decide to delist PTB? The token was placed on a watchlist in March after its issuer failed to disclose or arbitrarily changed important information. After review, the exchange found the issues were not resolved. Q3: What should PTB holders do before the delisting? Holders should withdraw their PTB tokens from Coinone before the delisting date. After June 22, the exchange will no longer support the token. This post Coinone to Delist Portal To Bitcoin (PTB) on June 22 After Disclosure Failures first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 08:20

New Zealand Dollar Holds Steady Below 0.5850 as Risk Aversion Weighs on Markets

BitcoinWorld New Zealand Dollar Holds Steady Below 0.5850 as Risk Aversion Weighs on Markets The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) traded in a narrow range on Tuesday, remaining flat below the 0.5850 mark against the US Dollar as heightened risk aversion continued to dominate global currency markets. Investors remained cautious amid renewed trade policy uncertainty and mixed economic signals from China, a key trading partner for New Zealand. Risk-Off Mood Caps Kiwi Gains The NZD/USD pair struggled to find upward momentum as safe-haven flows supported the US Dollar. The risk-sensitive Kiwi has been under pressure since early March, when escalating trade tensions between the United States and its major partners triggered a broad shift away from higher-yielding currencies. The lack of a clear catalyst for recovery has left the pair trading in a tight band between 0.5800 and 0.5860 over the past week. Market participants are closely watching developments in US trade policy, particularly the potential for new tariffs on Chinese goods. Any escalation could further dampen demand for currencies tied to commodity exports, including the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand’s dairy sector, a major driver of export revenues, remains sensitive to shifts in global trade flows and Chinese demand. RBNZ Policy Outlook in Focus The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has maintained a cautious stance, with markets pricing in a potential rate cut later this year if economic conditions deteriorate. The central bank’s next policy meeting is scheduled for May, and recent data showing softer inflation and slowing retail sales have reinforced expectations of a more accommodative approach. In contrast, the Federal Reserve has signaled a patient approach to rate adjustments, keeping the US Dollar supported. The divergence in monetary policy expectations between the RBNZ and the Fed continues to weigh on NZD/USD, limiting any sustained recovery. Key Levels to Watch Technical analysts note that the 0.5800 level serves as immediate support for NZD/USD, with a break below that opening the door to the 0.5750 region. On the upside, resistance is seen near 0.5880, followed by the psychologically important 0.5900 handle. A sustained move above that level would require a significant shift in risk sentiment or a weaker US Dollar. Broader Market Context The New Zealand Dollar’s performance is also tied to broader commodity price trends. Recent weakness in global dairy prices, as reflected in the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, has added to headwinds. Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar, often seen as a proxy for the Kiwi, has faced similar pressures, highlighting the broader challenge facing commodity-linked currencies in a risk-off environment. Investors are also monitoring China’s economic recovery, as any signs of slowing growth could further reduce demand for New Zealand exports. Recent Chinese manufacturing data has been mixed, adding to uncertainty. Conclusion The New Zealand Dollar remains anchored below 0.5850 as risk aversion and a strong US Dollar limit upside potential. With no immediate catalysts for a reversal, the pair is likely to remain range-bound in the near term. Traders will focus on upcoming US economic data and any shifts in trade policy rhetoric for direction. The RBNZ’s May meeting will be a key event for the Kiwi’s medium-term trajectory. FAQs Q1: Why is the New Zealand Dollar weak against the US Dollar? The NZD is under pressure due to heightened global risk aversion, a strong US Dollar supported by the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance, and uncertainty over US trade policy that weighs on demand for commodity-linked currencies. Q2: What key level should NZD/USD traders watch? The immediate support is at 0.5800. A break below that could lead to a test of 0.5750. On the upside, resistance is at 0.5880 and then 0.5900. Q3: How does the RBNZ’s policy affect the New Zealand Dollar? Markets expect the RBNZ to potentially cut interest rates later this year if economic conditions weaken. This divergence from the Fed’s steady stance makes the NZD less attractive to yield-seeking investors, contributing to its recent weakness. This post New Zealand Dollar Holds Steady Below 0.5850 as Risk Aversion Weighs on Markets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 08:15

K33 Research Says Bitcoin’s $60K Bottom Was Bear Market’s Maximum Drawdown

Research firm K33 Research says the bitcoin bear market of 2026 is structurally different from previous cycles, with the February low near $60,000 likely representing the deepest pullback this downturn will produce. Bitcoin’s Downside Capped at $60K In a research note published this week, K33’s head of research, Vetle Lunde, argued that the conditions defining

20 May 2026, 08:15

Vitalik Buterin Details Short-Term Roadmap for Native Privacy on Ethereum

BitcoinWorld Vitalik Buterin Details Short-Term Roadmap for Native Privacy on Ethereum Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined a set of short-term technical goals aimed at introducing native privacy features to the Ethereum network. The announcement, made in response to community criticism on X (formerly Twitter), addresses a long-standing gap in the network’s functionality: the lack of built-in privacy for transactions. Key Short-Term Privacy Goals Buterin detailed three primary objectives to enhance privacy without compromising network security or decentralization. The first involves supporting privacy protocol transactions through Account Abstraction (AA) and a censorship resistance mechanism known as FOCIL. This approach would allow users to execute private transactions more seamlessly while preventing censorship by block proposers. The second goal focuses on restructuring frame transaction structures to support independent processing via the new Ethereum Improvement Proposal, EIP-8250. This proposal is designed to make privacy-preserving transactions more efficient by enabling them to be processed independently within the network’s architecture. The third objective is to enable simultaneous withdrawals from shared senders in privacy protocols. By using nullifiers as keys, the system would allow multiple users to withdraw funds from a shared privacy pool at the same time, a critical feature for user experience and scalability. EIP-8250 and the Hegota Upgrade Buterin confirmed that EIP-8250 is slated for inclusion in the next major network upgrade, tentatively named Hegota. While no specific timeline has been provided, the inclusion of this proposal signals a concrete step toward integrating privacy at the protocol level, moving beyond reliance on third-party solutions like Tornado Cash. Parallel efforts are also underway for the data query stage. Buterin mentioned solutions like Kohaku and Private Read, which aim to protect user privacy when querying blockchain data, a often-overlooked aspect of on-chain privacy. Why This Matters for Ethereum Users Privacy has been a contentious topic in the Ethereum ecosystem. While the network offers pseudonymity, all transactions are publicly visible on the ledger, creating risks for individuals and institutions that require financial confidentiality. Buterin’s roadmap directly addresses this by proposing native solutions rather than relying solely on external protocols, which have faced regulatory and technical challenges. For developers and users, these changes could unlock new use cases in decentralized finance (DeFi), supply chain management, and identity verification, where privacy is not just a preference but a requirement. The integration of Account Abstraction and FOCIL also suggests a broader push toward user-friendly, secure, and censorship-resistant interactions with the network. Conclusion Vitalik Buterin’s latest outline represents a significant shift in Ethereum’s approach to privacy, moving from reactive, third-party solutions to proactive, native integration. With EIP-8250 scheduled for the Hegota upgrade and parallel initiatives like Kohaku and Private Read, the Ethereum network is positioning itself to offer more robust privacy protections. While the timeline remains fluid, the direction is clear: native privacy is becoming a core priority for Ethereum’s development roadmap. FAQs Q1: What is the main goal of Buterin’s privacy roadmap? A1: The primary goal is to introduce native privacy features to Ethereum, enabling private transactions directly on the network rather than relying on external protocols. Q2: What is EIP-8250 and when will it be implemented? A2: EIP-8250 is an Ethereum Improvement Proposal that restructures frame transactions for independent processing in privacy protocols. It is slated for inclusion in the next network upgrade, Hegota. Q3: How will these changes affect everyday Ethereum users? A3: Users will gain the ability to conduct private transactions and withdrawals without exposing their financial activity on the public ledger, improving security and usability for DeFi and other applications. This post Vitalik Buterin Details Short-Term Roadmap for Native Privacy on Ethereum first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 08:11

Solana plunges 15 percent after failing at 98 dollars

🚨 Solana nosedived 15 percent after being rejected at 98 dollars. High selling pressure drove $SOL down to the 85 dollar level. Continue Reading: Solana plunges 15 percent after failing at 98 dollars The post Solana plunges 15 percent after failing at 98 dollars appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .