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18 May 2026, 12:53
MSTR Stock Forecast: Strategy Buys 24,869 Bitcoin for $2B to Hit 843,738 BTC Holdings

Michael Saylor’s Strategy added 24,869 Bitcoin last week for about $2.01 billion, extending its role as one of the largest corporate holders of the digital asset. The company bought the Bitcoin at an average price of $80,985 per coin, including fees and expenses, according to a regulatory filing. The latest purchase lifted Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings to 843,738 BTC as of May 17, 2026. The company said its aggregate purchase cost now stands at about $63.87 billion, equal to an average price of $75,700 per Bitcoin. Strategy also reported a BTC Yield of 12.6% year to date in 2026. The metric is used by the company to measure Bitcoin growth relative to its diluted share base. Strategy Funds Bitcoin Purchase Through ATM Sales The company said the acquisition was funded through proceeds from its at-the-market offering programs. Between May 11 and May 17, Strategy sold 19.95 million shares of STRC preferred stock, generating about $1.95 billion in net proceeds. During the same period, it also sold 430,344 shares of MSTR Class A common stock, raising about $83.7 million. Total net proceeds from the share sales reached about $2.03 billion, which was used to fund the Bitcoin purchase . Strategy still has a large remaining capacity under its ATM programs. The company reported available issuance of $26.3 billion for MSTR stock, $17.5 billion for STRC, $4.0 billion for STRD, $2.1 billion for STRK, and $1.6 billion for STRF. As we reported, Michael Saylor’s Strategy may purchase about $30 billion worth of Bitcoin in 2026 if it continues buying at its current pace, according to analysts at JPMorgan. MSTR Stock Falls as Balance Sheet Moves Continue MSTR stock was trading at $172.65, down 7.66%, after the company disclosed its latest Bitcoin purchase and financing activity. The stock continues to trade closely with Bitcoin price movements because of Strategy’s large crypto treasury. Concurrently, amid its Bitcoin buying spree, BlackRock has increased its position in Strategy during the first quarter of 2026, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data. The asset manager acquired an additional 3.14 million MSTR shares at a cost of about $535.6 million. The purchase raised BlackRock’s reported stake to 17.75 million MSTR shares, valued at about $3.02 billion. The latest addition represented a 21.5% increase in its holdings of the Bitcoin-focused company. At press time, Bitcoin was trading near $76,600, which was below Strategy’s latest purchase price of $80,985 per BTC, but above the company’s overall average acquisition price of $75,700. Strategy’s equity issuance has become a core part of its Bitcoin accumulation plan. The company has used common stock, preferred stock, and other securities to raise capital for additional Bitcoin purchases. This approach has kept investor attention on dilution, Bitcoin price volatility, and treasury growth. Meanwhile, as we reported , the company has also disclosed plans to repurchase about $1.5 billion in principal amount of its 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 for an estimated $1.38 billion in cash.
18 May 2026, 12:52
XRPL Flips Ethereum in RWA Inflows

XRP Ledger begins to move past Ethereum in the fast-growing world of tokenization, surpassing a massive $1.5 billion in net flows while Ethereum stays in the red.
18 May 2026, 12:50
Dollar Index Dips to 99.10 as Market Optimism Grows Over Potential US-Iran Peace Deal

BitcoinWorld Dollar Index Dips to 99.10 as Market Optimism Grows Over Potential US-Iran Peace Deal The US Dollar Index (DXY), a key measure of the greenback’s value against a basket of major currencies, eased to 99.10 on Tuesday, marking a notable decline as market sentiment shifted on growing expectations of a potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran. The move reflects a broader reassessment of geopolitical risk and its implications for global currency markets. Geopolitical Optimism Weighs on Safe-Haven Demand The dollar’s retreat comes amid reports of renewed diplomatic channels and preliminary talks aimed at de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Traders have interpreted these developments as a signal that the risk of a broader regional conflict may be receding, reducing the safe-haven premium that had been supporting the dollar in recent weeks. Historically, the dollar strengthens during periods of geopolitical uncertainty as investors flock to liquid, low-risk assets. A potential thaw in US-Iran relations reverses that dynamic, prompting a repositioning of capital toward riskier currencies and assets. Market Reaction and Broader Implications The DXY’s slide to 99.10 represents a break below recent support levels, with some analysts pointing to 98.80 as the next key floor. The move has been accompanied by a modest uptick in emerging market currencies and commodities, particularly oil, which had been priced with a conflict premium. A peace deal could lead to increased Iranian oil exports, potentially lowering global energy prices and further influencing currency valuations. For currency traders, the focus now shifts to whether this diplomatic momentum is sustainable or merely a temporary reprieve. The US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance remains a critical backdrop, but the geopolitical factor has taken center stage in the near term. What This Means for Investors For investors holding dollar-denominated assets or exposed to currency risk, the DXY’s decline signals a potential shift in the macro environment. A weaker dollar typically benefits multinational corporations with overseas revenue, as well as commodities priced in dollars. Conversely, it may pressure import-dependent sectors. The key takeaway is that currency markets are increasingly pricing in a less confrontational US foreign policy posture toward Iran, which could have ripple effects across trade, energy, and global risk appetite. As with any diplomatic development, the situation remains fluid, and traders should monitor official statements and negotiation outcomes closely. Conclusion The DXY’s drop to 99.10 underscores how quickly geopolitical narratives can reshape currency markets. While the prospect of a US-Iran peace deal has injected a dose of optimism, the sustainability of this move depends on concrete diplomatic progress. For now, the dollar is ceding ground as risk appetite improves, but any setback in negotiations could quickly reverse the trend. Investors and analysts alike will be watching for further clarity from Washington and Tehran in the days ahead. FAQs Q1: What is the DXY and why does it matter? The DXY, or US Dollar Index, measures the value of the US dollar against a basket of six major currencies: the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc. It is a widely used benchmark for the dollar’s overall strength in global markets. Q2: How does a US-Iran peace deal affect the dollar? A peace deal reduces geopolitical risk, which typically lowers demand for safe-haven assets like the US dollar. Investors become more willing to take on risk, moving capital into higher-yielding or emerging market currencies, which can push the DXY lower. Q3: Could the DXY fall further? If diplomatic progress continues and a formal agreement appears likely, the DXY could test lower support levels, possibly around 98.50 or 98.00. However, any breakdown in talks or renewed tensions could trigger a sharp reversal, driving the dollar higher again. This post Dollar Index Dips to 99.10 as Market Optimism Grows Over Potential US-Iran Peace Deal first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:47
Strategy made mammoth $2 billion bitcoin purchase last week

Michael Saylor and team added 24,869 BTC last week, bringing total holdings to 843,738 coins.
18 May 2026, 12:45
US Dollar: DBS Flags Structural Risks Beneath Yield-Driven Rally

BitcoinWorld US Dollar: DBS Flags Structural Risks Beneath Yield-Driven Rally The US dollar has drawn support from elevated Treasury yields in recent months, but analysts at DBS Bank are cautioning that the currency’s strength may be built on an increasingly fragile foundation. In a new research note, the bank’s strategists highlight that while yield differentials have favored the greenback, structural risks tied to the US fiscal trajectory and debt sustainability could undermine the rally over the medium term. Yield advantage masks deeper concerns The dollar has benefited from the Federal Reserve’s relatively high interest rate stance compared to other major central banks, attracting yield-seeking capital. However, DBS argues that this dynamic is not without limits. The widening US fiscal deficit and rising national debt levels are creating what the bank describes as a “structural risk premium” that may eventually offset the yield advantage. If global investors begin to demand higher compensation for holding US assets due to debt concerns, the dollar could face downward pressure even if yields remain elevated. Fiscal trajectory under scrutiny The US government’s debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed sharply in recent years, driven by pandemic-era spending and persistent budget shortfalls. DBS notes that without credible fiscal consolidation, the risk of a gradual loss of confidence in US sovereign creditworthiness could grow. This is not an immediate threat, but the bank warns that markets may start pricing in these risks more aggressively if political gridlock delays meaningful deficit reduction. The Congressional Budget Office projects the deficit to remain above 5% of GDP for the foreseeable future, adding to the debt stock. Implications for the dollar’s outlook For currency markets, the DBS analysis suggests that the dollar’s yield-driven strength may become increasingly volatile. If risk sentiment shifts and investors pivot toward safe-haven currencies with stronger fiscal fundamentals, such as the Swiss franc or Japanese yen, the dollar could lose ground. The bank also points out that the Federal Reserve’s eventual pivot to rate cuts would remove a key pillar of support, leaving the dollar more exposed to its structural vulnerabilities. Conclusion While the US dollar remains supported by yield advantages in the near term, DBS’s assessment underscores that the currency’s longer-term trajectory depends on more than just interest rate differentials. Fiscal discipline and debt management are emerging as critical factors that could reshape the dollar’s role in global markets. Investors would be wise to monitor these structural risks alongside traditional yield metrics. FAQs Q1: What are the main structural risks facing the US dollar according to DBS? DBS highlights the US fiscal deficit and rising national debt as key structural risks that could undermine the dollar’s yield-driven strength over the medium term. Q2: How could US fiscal policy affect the dollar’s value? If investors lose confidence in US fiscal sustainability, they may demand a higher risk premium for holding US assets, which could weaken the dollar even if Treasury yields remain high. Q3: Is the dollar’s decline imminent? No, DBS does not predict an immediate decline, but warns that the risks are growing and could materialize as markets reassess US fiscal credibility or if the Fed cuts rates. This post US Dollar: DBS Flags Structural Risks Beneath Yield-Driven Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:41
Iran Reportedly Launches Bitcoin-Based Shipping Insurance for Hormuz Passage

Although there’s no clear resolution in sight for the ongoing war between the US and Iran, and the impact on crypto markets has been predominantly negative, new reports have doubled down that passage through the Strait of Hormuz could involve bitcoin. Citing new information from the semi-official Fars News Agency, Walter Bloomberg indicated that Iran has introduced a BTC-settled insurance service for vessels passing through the Hormuz. IRAN LAUNCHES BITCOIN-BASED SHIPPING INSURANCE FOR HORMUZ Iran has introduced a Bitcoin-settled insurance service for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. The “Hormuz Safe” system is reportedly designed to cover ships… pic.twitter.com/FyOmWL32Wz — *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) May 18, 2026 This Hormuz Safe is designed to cover ships transiting the strategic waterway and could generate over $10 billion in revenue, some sources added. The Kobeissi Letter added that the service will be for “Iranian shipping companies and cargo owners.” The shipment will be covered from the moment of confirmation, and a signed receipt will be given to the owner, read the reports. Recall that previous reports from over a month ago claimed that Iran planned to charge passing ships with up to $2 million in bitcoin. The new update didn’t shed any light on that particular matter, as it remains unclear if the insurance service will be charged in addition to tolls. Bitcoin’s price reacted with an immediate surge after the previous report, and it’s already up by a grand since its local low charted earlier today. BTC now trades at $77,700 after it dipped below $76,600 earlier. The post Iran Reportedly Launches Bitcoin-Based Shipping Insurance for Hormuz Passage appeared first on CryptoPotato .















































