News
19 May 2026, 18:00
‘Less friendly’ macro backdrop puts Bitcoin under pressure – What next for BTC?

Bitcoin and gold fall together as macro risk rattle investors.
19 May 2026, 18:00
Strategy Wants 1,000,000 Bitcoin Treasury And This Is How They Plan To Get To That Number

Strategy’s Bitcoin playbook is no longer just about buying dips. The company has turned its balance sheet into a capital machine built around one main objective of increasing the amount of Bitcoin it controls without weakening the amount of Bitcoin attached to each share. Recent filings by the company now show that it is planning to repurchase $1.5 billion principal amount of 2029 convertible notes. Strategy Is Getting Closer To 1,000,000 Bitcoin Strategy’s latest reported Bitcoin reserve shows how far the company’s accumulation strategy has come. The firm’s Bitcoin purchase page lists 843,738 BTC, acquired at an average cost of $75,700 per Bitcoin. Related Reading: Strategy Overtakes BlackRock’s Bitcoin Holdings, But Is Saylor Done Buying? This means Strategy now controls about 4.02% of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million supply. The 1,000,000 BTC threshold would raise that share to about 4.76%, making Strategy one of the most important single holders in the Bitcoin market. At the current level, the company does not need to double its holdings. It needs to add about 18.5% more Bitcoin to cross the 1,000,000 BTC line. The pace of buying has also increased in 2026. Strategy said it held 818,334 BTC as of May 3, 2026, representing 22% growth year-to-date, and said it had raised $11.68 billion year-to-date at that point. Less than three weeks later, the company has bought another $2 billion worth of Bitcoin, lifting its holdings to 843,738 BTC. Strategy Repurchasing Convertible Notes Strategy’s path to acquiring 1,000,000 BTC depends on its ability to keep raising capital without damaging the value of its Bitcoin per share. Strategy sells financial instruments like convertible notes to investors who want exposure to its Bitcoin structure, then uses the proceeds to buy more Bitcoin. Related Reading: Analyst Says Avoid Bitcoin At All Costs; Here’s What To Do Instead As 50% Crash Looms If the Bitcoin added is worth more per share than the dilution or cost created by the financing, the company can report a positive Bitcoin yield. At the time of writing, Strategy has a Bitcoin year-to-date yield of 12.6%. The recent plan to repurchase part of the 2029 convertible notes also fits into this larger strategy. Strategy recently revealed that it agreed to repurchase a $1.50 billion principal amount of its 0% convertible senior notes due 2029 for an estimated cash price of about $1.38 billion. The repurchased notes would be cancelled, leaving about $1.50 billion of the 2029 notes outstanding. This matters because convertible notes can become future shares. Strategy reduces the possibility that those notes will eventually increase the number of shares by repurchasing and canceling a portion of that tranche. That can help protect Bitcoin per share, which is central to the company’s long-term treasury. Strategy’s most recent BTC purchase was announced less than 24 hours ago, with the company adding 24,869 BTC for a total cost of $2.014 billion. Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com
19 May 2026, 17:45
Gold Slides to Late-March Lows as US Dollar and Treasury Yields Rally

BitcoinWorld Gold Slides to Late-March Lows as US Dollar and Treasury Yields Rally Gold prices extended their decline on Tuesday, slipping to levels not seen since late March, as a resurgent US Dollar and elevated Treasury yields weighed on demand for the non-yielding precious metal. The move marks a continuation of the metal’s recent pullback from record highs, driven by shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy and global economic resilience. What’s Driving the Gold Sell-Off? The primary catalyst for gold’s weakness is the renewed strength in the US Dollar Index (DXY), which has climbed to multi-week highs. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, dampening international demand. Simultaneously, yields on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note have risen, increasing the opportunity cost of holding gold, which offers no interest or dividend yield. Market participants are reassessing the timeline for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Recent economic data, including stronger-than-expected employment figures and sticky inflation readings, have prompted traders to push back expectations for the first rate reduction. Higher-for-longer interest rates typically diminish gold’s appeal as an alternative investment. Market Context and Timeline Gold had rallied sharply earlier in the year, touching an all-time high above $2,450 per ounce in May, driven by geopolitical tensions and robust central bank buying. However, the metal has since corrected, with the latest leg lower accelerating in the past week as the dollar strengthened. Spot gold was last seen trading near $2,310 per ounce, down approximately 1.5% on the day. Other precious metals followed suit. Silver fell over 2%, while platinum and palladium also posted losses. The broader commodities complex saw mixed trading, with industrial metals like copper holding relatively steady amid ongoing demand concerns from China. Why This Matters to Investors For investors holding gold as a portfolio hedge, the current decline serves as a reminder of the metal’s sensitivity to real yields and currency movements. The correlation between gold and the dollar remains one of the most reliable relationships in financial markets. A sustained dollar rally could push gold toward the $2,250 support level, while any signs of economic weakness that reignite rate-cut bets could reverse the trend. Central bank demand, which has been a key support for gold prices, remains a factor to watch. The People’s Bank of China and other emerging market central banks have been steady buyers, but their activity may slow if prices remain elevated relative to historical averages. Conclusion Gold’s slide to late-March lows reflects a broader market repricing of monetary policy expectations. With the dollar firm and yields elevated, the path of least resistance for gold appears lower in the near term. However, the medium-term outlook remains tied to economic data releases and Fed commentary, which could quickly shift sentiment. Investors should monitor the upcoming US consumer price index (CPI) report for further direction. FAQs Q1: Why does gold fall when the US Dollar strengthens? Gold is priced in US Dollars. When the dollar rises, it takes fewer dollars to buy the same amount of gold, pushing the quoted price lower. Additionally, a stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for international buyers, reducing demand. Q2: How do Treasury yields affect gold prices? Higher Treasury yields increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest or dividends. Investors may sell gold to buy bonds offering attractive returns, putting downward pressure on gold prices. Q3: Is this gold decline a buying opportunity? That depends on individual risk tolerance and outlook. Some analysts view pullbacks as entry points for long-term holders, especially given ongoing central bank buying and geopolitical risks. However, if the dollar continues to strengthen, further downside is possible. It’s advisable to consult a financial advisor. This post Gold Slides to Late-March Lows as US Dollar and Treasury Yields Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
19 May 2026, 17:40
Stablecoin Supply Tops $300 Billion But Growth Stalls as Capital Rotates Into Tether

BitcoinWorld Stablecoin Supply Tops $300 Billion But Growth Stalls as Capital Rotates Into Tether The total supply of stablecoins has crossed the $300 billion threshold for the first time, but the milestone masks a significant slowdown in market-wide growth. According to data reported by The Block, the stablecoin market expanded by less than $1 billion over the past month, a net increase of just 0.3% of total supply. Growth Deceleration Masks Shift in Market Structure While the headline figure of $300 billion suggests a thriving market, the underlying data reveals a different story. Tether (USDT) alone added more than $5 billion to its supply during the period. However, the combined supply of three other major stablecoins — USD Coin (USDC), Ethena’s USDe, and PayPal’s PYUSD — declined by $4.2 billion. This left the overall market with a net gain of only approximately $900 million. The divergence points to a clear trend: existing stablecoin capital is rotating into USDT rather than new money entering the ecosystem. This pattern suggests that investors and institutions are consolidating their stablecoin holdings into the largest and most liquid option, rather than deploying fresh capital into the market. Tether’s Dominance Grows Amid Broader Caution Tether’s supply increase of over $5 billion in a single month reinforces its position as the dominant stablecoin by market capitalization. The concurrent outflows from USDC, USDe, and PYUSD indicate that users are favoring USDT for its liquidity and widespread exchange support, particularly in regions where it is the primary trading pair. The decline in USDe supply is notable given that Ethena’s yield-bearing stablecoin had attracted significant attention earlier in 2025. PYUSD, PayPal’s stablecoin, also saw reduced supply, suggesting limited retail adoption beyond its initial launch period. What This Means for the Broader Crypto Market Stablecoin supply is often viewed as a proxy for capital ready to be deployed into cryptocurrencies. A slowing growth rate, combined with capital rotation rather than fresh inflows, may signal cautious sentiment among traders and institutional participants. Without new capital entering the stablecoin ecosystem, the potential for a broad-based rally in digital assets could be constrained in the near term. However, the data does not necessarily indicate bearishness. It may reflect a period of consolidation, where market participants are repositioning into USDT as a safe haven within the stablecoin market itself, awaiting clearer macroeconomic or regulatory signals. Conclusion The stablecoin market surpassing $300 billion in total supply is a significant milestone, but the sharp deceleration in growth and the concentration of capital into Tether warrant attention. The data suggests that the market is not expanding rapidly; rather, existing capital is being reshuffled. For investors and observers, the trend underscores the importance of looking beyond headline numbers to understand the true state of crypto market liquidity. FAQs Q1: Why did the stablecoin market grow so slowly despite crossing $300 billion? The net increase was only about $900 million because Tether’s $5 billion gain was largely offset by a combined $4.2 billion decline in USDC, USDe, and PYUSD supply, indicating capital rotation rather than fresh inflows. Q2: What does capital rotation into Tether mean for the crypto market? It suggests that existing stablecoin holders are consolidating into USDT for its liquidity and exchange support, rather than new money entering the market. This can signal cautious sentiment and limited immediate buying pressure for cryptocurrencies. Q3: Is the slowdown in stablecoin growth a bearish signal? Not necessarily bearish, but it indicates a period of consolidation. Without new capital entering the stablecoin ecosystem, the potential for a broad market rally may be limited in the short term. It could also reflect market participants waiting for clearer signals before deploying capital. This post Stablecoin Supply Tops $300 Billion But Growth Stalls as Capital Rotates Into Tether first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
19 May 2026, 17:38
XRP or Bitcoin? Crypto markets predict which asset will record highest returns in 2026

Cryptocurrency prediction markets are showing a tight race between Bitcoin ( BTC ) and XRP over which asset is likely to record the highest returns in 2026. In this regard, odds indicate Bitcoin retains a slight edge, attracting about 27% positive return expectations compared to XRP’s 26%, according to insights retrieved from Kalshi by Finbold on May 19. 2026 crypto returns prediction. Source: Kalshi Notably, Bitcoin continues to anchor the broader cryptocurrency market as institutional capital increasingly flows through spot ETFs and long-term adoption themes. Analysts expect the asset to reclaim $100,000 in 2026 under favorable liquidity conditions, supported by sustained ETF inflows, corporate treasury demand, and its role as a digital store of value. More bullish forecasts place Bitcoin above $150,000 if the post-halving rally extends beyond historical cycles. At the same time, Bitcoin also continues to influence the broader market, including XRP. At press time, Bitcoin traded at $76,891, down more than 12% year-to-date. Meanwhile, XRP is increasingly viewed as a leading contender to outperform Bitcoin on a percentage basis. Optimism around the token is driven by Ripple’s expanding cross-border payments network, institutional settlement ambitions, and expectations that clearer U.S. regulations could accelerate adoption. To this end, analysts have linked XRP’s outlook to developments surrounding the proposed CLARITY Act and possible spot XRP ETF approvals. Some forecasts place XRP between $2.50 and $5 by the end of 2026 under favorable conditions, with more aggressive targets emerging if institutional demand strengthens. Additionally, there is growing confidence in XRP’s long-term potential, with discussions focusing on whether the spot ETFs could attract institutional inflows similar to Bitcoin’s ETF-driven rally. At the time of reporting, XRP traded at $1.37, down more than 25% year-to-date. Other 2026 crypto market top contenders On the other hand, prediction markets also show investors diversifying beyond Bitcoin and XRP. Chainlink ( LINK ) leads sentiment rankings with 33% positive return expectations, while Dogecoin follows at 32%, supported by strong retail demand and online community activity. Ethereum ( ETH ) and Solana ( SOL ) each recorded 23% positive sentiment amid continued interest in decentralized finance and layer-1 competition. Shiba Inu (SHIB) posted 22%, Litecoin (LTC) 19%, and Stellar 16%, while Polkadot (DOT) ranked last at 11%. Overall, the rankings highlight continued investor interest across payment tokens, meme coins, smart-contract platforms, and blockchain infrastructure projects. The post XRP or Bitcoin? Crypto markets predict which asset will record highest returns in 2026 appeared first on Finbold .
19 May 2026, 17:35
Lolli and Kard tap Bitcoin cashback in push to dominate booming crypto card payment sector

Lolli, the Bitcoin rewards platform that is part of Thesis*’s growing portfolio of Bitcoin-native products, has partnered with Kard, an independent commerce media network, to offer card-linked Bitcoin cashback rewards to its users. The integration is supposed to allow Lolli’s more than 600,000 account holders to earn Bitcoin automatically on qualifying purchases across Kard’s network of merchants, including Dropbox, Hydro Flask, and Stanley 1913, among others. The deal is reportedly Lolli’s biggest product upgrade since joining the Thesis* portfolio and expands its merchant offer catalog by thousands of listings without adding more operational overhead on Lolli’s side. “Most people don’t want to think about earning Bitcoin. They want to live their lives and have it happen,” Thesis*’s cofounder Matt Luongo shared in a statement, explaining how its partner, Kard, lets them deliver that service. “Our users link a card once, and Bitcoin shows up in their wallet from spending they were already going to do,” he stated. How can users link cards to Lolli? The Bitcoin cashback program comes with popular demand as users have pushed their card providers and platforms to launch similar products in the past. The only difference is that these platforms are the ones providing the cards , with some offering debit cards while others offer credit cards that give users cashback when they transact with the cards. Lolli and Kard’s partnership does not involve issuing cards; it leverages existing cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Users can link their Visa or Mastercard to the Lolli app. Purchases that qualify for cashback at participating merchants automatically trigger Bitcoin rewards that are posted directly to the user’s Lolli wallet. The rewards can be withdrawn from the wallet via Lightning Network or routed into other products within the Thesis* stack, one of which is Mezo, its Bitcoin borrowing and yield layer, that offers a fixed 1% APR. Kard’s infrastructure runs the merchant side as it utilizes first-party transaction data drawn from tens of millions of cardholders. Its predictive AI layer personalizes offers at scale, and this gives merchant partners access to a Bitcoin-native consumer base that they wouldn’t have been able to reach via conventional rewards programs. According to Kard’s CEO Ben Mackinnon, “Lolli’s audience is one of the most distinctive consumer cohorts in the rewards space.” He added that they are excited to power infrastructure that lets them earn Bitcoin in the background of their everyday spending. What does this mean for the Thesis* ecosystem? For Thesis*, Lolli is functioning as the consumer entry point to what it calls a circular Bitcoin economy, which is a closed-loop system where users accumulate Bitcoin through Lolli, borrow against it on Mezo, and spend it through integrations, including Bitrefill, all without liquidating their holdings, and this partnership is a way to get more users into that loop. The partnership with Kard is expected to help them achieve this at a larger scale. Lolli and Kard leverage simple Bitcoin cashback for mass adoption Cashbacks have long been used as user acquisition and retention tools, and in Lolli’s case, card-link rewards make it easier for people who were likely to be turned off from the whole process of engaging in crypto loyalty programs. Lolli and Kard are also banking on the straightforwardness of their passive accumulation model to differentiate their Bitcoin cashback program from earlier models that required users to activate offers individually, install browser extensions, alter purchasing habits to capture rewards, or perform a series of actions before activating the reward. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
















































