News
18 May 2026, 18:53
Btc slumps to $76,000 as whales scoop up 24,869 coins

🚨 $BTC dropped to $76,000 as big investors bought 24,869 coins. Market saw $1 billion in outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs in one week. 😮 Key point: Rising geopolitical tension and technical breakdowns push investors into a cautious mode. Continue Reading: Btc slumps to $76,000 as whales scoop up 24,869 coins The post Btc slumps to $76,000 as whales scoop up 24,869 coins appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
18 May 2026, 18:45
Bitcoin drops $4,100 in weekend crash as $80 billion wiped

🚨 Bitcoin plunged $4,100 and $80 billion vanished from crypto markets. Most of the weekend drop in $BTC followed intense ETF outflows and heavy liquidations. 🧭 Critical: Market imbalances, not just US regulation worries, fueled the fall. Continue Reading: Bitcoin drops $4,100 in weekend crash as $80 billion wiped The post Bitcoin drops $4,100 in weekend crash as $80 billion wiped appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
18 May 2026, 18:45
Singapore’s K-Shaped NODX Recovery Expected to Persist, Says UOB

BitcoinWorld Singapore’s K-Shaped NODX Recovery Expected to Persist, Says UOB Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) are expected to continue their K-shaped recovery trajectory, according to a recent analysis by United Overseas Bank (UOB). The divergence between high-value sectors like electronics and weaker segments such as petrochemicals is likely to persist, reflecting structural shifts in global demand and supply chains. Understanding the K-Shaped Recovery The K-shaped recovery describes an uneven economic rebound where some sectors surge while others lag behind. In Singapore’s context, UOB notes that electronics and pharmaceutical exports have driven growth, supported by robust global demand for semiconductors and medical devices. Conversely, traditional manufacturing and chemical exports remain subdued, weighed down by weaker industrial activity in key markets. This pattern has been evident since late 2023, and UOB’s latest projections indicate that the trend will continue through 2025. The bank’s economists point to sustained investments in semiconductor fabrication and biomedical manufacturing as key drivers for the outperforming segments. Key Drivers and Sectoral Divergence Electronics exports, particularly integrated circuits and components, have benefited from the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom and the proliferation of data centers. Singapore’s position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing has attracted significant capital inflows. Meanwhile, the petrochemicals sector faces headwinds from oversupply in China and softer demand from Europe. UOB’s analysis highlights that the K-shaped recovery is not merely a cyclical phenomenon but reflects deeper structural changes. The bank expects the divergence to narrow only gradually as other sectors adapt to new trade dynamics. Implications for Businesses and Investors For businesses, the K-shaped recovery means that opportunities are concentrated in high-tech and biomedical fields. Companies in traditional manufacturing may need to pivot or upgrade capabilities to remain competitive. Investors are advised to monitor sector-specific indicators rather than broad trade figures, as aggregate NODX data may mask underlying volatility. The Singapore government has responded with targeted support for R&D and workforce training, aiming to help lagging sectors transition. Trade-dependent small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may benefit from diversification strategies and digitalization initiatives. Conclusion UOB’s forecast reinforces the view that Singapore’s trade recovery will remain uneven in the near term. While the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors provide a strong foundation, the broader economy must navigate persistent challenges in traditional industries. Policymakers and market participants should prepare for a prolonged period of sectoral divergence, with growth concentrated in areas aligned with global technological trends. FAQs Q1: What is a K-shaped recovery in trade? A K-shaped recovery refers to an uneven economic rebound where some sectors grow strongly while others decline or stagnate. In Singapore’s NODX, electronics and pharmaceuticals are the outperforming sectors, while petrochemicals and traditional manufacturing lag. Q2: Why is UOB’s forecast important for Singapore’s economy? UOB is a major Singapore-based bank, and its analysis is closely watched by investors and policymakers. The forecast provides insights into trade trends that affect GDP growth, employment, and business strategy. Q3: How long is the K-shaped recovery expected to last? UOB expects the pattern to persist through 2025, with gradual narrowing only as other sectors adjust to new global demand and supply chain realities. This post Singapore’s K-Shaped NODX Recovery Expected to Persist, Says UOB first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 18:37
Bitcoin Drops to $76K as Middle East War Fears Spark $722M in Liquidations

Bitcoin fell to $76,000 on the morning of May 18, reversing a brief relief rally and causing its total market cap to drop to $1.53 trillion. The nearly 2% decline triggered $722 million in total long liquidations across the crypto economy. Bitcoin Slams into Geopolitical Headwinds Bitcoin slid to $76,000 Monday morning, continuing a trend
18 May 2026, 18:36
Japan plans major cut to crypto tax, drops from 55% to 20%

🚀 Japan to slash crypto tax from 55% down to 20%. Top brokerages are racing to launch investment funds in $BTC and ETH. Continue Reading: Japan plans major cut to crypto tax, drops from 55% to 20% The post Japan plans major cut to crypto tax, drops from 55% to 20% appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
18 May 2026, 18:35
Iran launches a Bitcoin-backed insurance service for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has launched Hormuz Safe, a new Bitcoin-backed insurance service for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran turns one of the world’s busiest energy routes into a crypto-linked shipping product. The service is meant for Iranian shipping companies and cargo owners, and the government says it could bring in more than $10 billion a year. The offer is simple on paper. A cargo owner accompanies a shipment, the insurance cover starts, and the owner gets a signed receipt. Tehran says the full website for Hormuz Safe is still “coming soon,” but Iranian media says the platform has already started offering cover for maritime cargo moving through the strait. The program is expected to include different marine insurance products and encrypted vessel checks. The big question is whether this insurance bill comes on top of transit charges. That matters because some ships have already faced payments of up to $2 million per trip through the same route. Iran puts Hormuz insurance under a new Strait authority On Monday, the Supreme National Security Council of Iran announced that a new organization, known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), will be responsible for providing information regarding the strait. The authority must give live information about operations and new developments at the strait. Iranian state-affiliated media reported that the Hormuz Safe will begin offering insurance services for the maritime transport of goods in the region. The service will also offer encrypted certification for vessels sailing through the strait. According to the report, “cargo is insured starting from the moment of confirmation, with a signed receipt provided to the owner.” The Iranian government also added that the service is “for Iranian shipping companies and cargo owners.” Iran said that it intends to use the proceeds from the tolling system to cover its cost of repairing damages resulting from nearly six weeks of US-Israeli bombing inside Iran. Before the conflict, ships could pass through the strait without paying a fee. Both the US and China have opposed the tolling of the strait. Following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the White House stated that “Xi made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the strait and any efforts to toll its use.” No official denial has come out of China since then. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also called for the opening of the strait. He called for “no tolls” and “no discrimination.” Shipping companies face higher Gulf insurance costs and sanctions risk In addition, the insurance rates for vessels heading to the Persian Gulf are rising significantly. Indeed, the insurance war-risks for ships have become significantly more expensive since the beginning of the military operations nearly two and a half months ago. For example, in March, the insurance rates increased by 5 times within several days following the US and Israeli air raids on Iran. This situation might make any simple voyage very troublesome. Several leading insurance companies ceased their activities in this regard quickly enough. Gard, Skuld, NorthStandard, and the American Club refused to provide war-risk insurance for ships sailing in the Persian Gulf area as soon as the military conflict started. Later on, a number of insurers returned to the market with state guarantees. For example, Chubb Limited has entered a $20 billion program in the USA providing insurance against war risks for hull, cargo, and liability coverage of commercial ships sailing in the Strait of Hormuz. However, shipping companies are cautious with regard to this issue. Some of them continue avoiding navigation in this area due to possible attacks and kidnappings, the threat of vessel seizures, and crew safety issues. According to a March Cryptopolitan report , Iran had already begun to take transit fees from some commercial ships at the start of the war. Some payments were estimated to reach $2 million per voyage. In addition, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea prohibits levying any payments on vessels passing through the international strait or territorial sea. As of press time, no country or shipping company has expressed its interest in using the Iranian Hormuz Safe Service. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .










































