Invest ideasNews
18 May 2026, 10:23
Crypto expert predicts ‘most altcoins will die’
Prominent cryptocurrency analyst Michael van de Poppe has warned that most altcoins are unlikely to survive long term, even as anticipation builds for a possible “altseason.” According to Poppe, the upcoming collapse will be driven by the cryptocurrency market moving away from the broad-based altseason rallies seen in previous cycles, he said in an X post on May 16. The analyst stressed that only a small fraction of tokens currently in circulation have genuine utility or sustainable economic value, arguing that many projects were created mainly to benefit founders, venture capital firms, or market makers rather than build meaningful blockchain ecosystems. He noted that the crypto market is becoming increasingly selective, with investors focusing more on projects that demonstrate real-world use cases, ecosystem growth, and value accrual. In his view, only about 1% of existing altcoins have the fundamentals needed to remain relevant over time. At the same time, Poppe predicted that the traditional altseason, where most smaller cryptocurrencies rally simultaneously, may never return in the same form. I don't think we'll ever see altseason back. Most of the altcoins will die and have literally no purpose in this ecosystem. That's just the harsh reality of the market and that's not bad. The teams and protocols that are innovative and provide an ecosystem in which value… — Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) May 16, 2026 Instead, he expects capital to concentrate around a smaller group of stronger projects tied to innovative blockchain ecosystems or dominant market narratives. Bitcoin maintains grip on crypto market His remarks come as the broader crypto market remains firmly under Bitcoin’s ( BTC ) control. As of May 18, the Altcoin Season Index stood at 24, well below the 75 level typically associated with a full altcoin season, indicating that only a limited number of top cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin over the past 90 days. Altcoin Season Index. Source: Blockchain Center Meanwhile, Bitcoin dominance has remained near 60%, supported by continued institutional inflows through exchange-traded funds and growing preference for the asset as a digital store of value amid cautious market sentiment. Although the Altcoin Season Index has fluctuated in the low-to-mid 30s in recent weeks, analysts say the market has yet to show convincing signs of a broad rotation into altcoins. Observers also note that the current cycle differs significantly from the 2017 and 2021 bull runs. Instead of widespread rallies across nearly all digital assets, capital has largely concentrated in established large-cap altcoins and sectors tied to strong narratives such as artificial intelligence and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). Despite the subdued environment, some long-term analysts still see the possibility of an altcoin rotation later in 2026 or into 2027 if Bitcoin stabilizes and its dominance weakens. However, many caution that the market has matured considerably, with thousands of smaller tokens now competing for relevance in an increasingly selective environment. Interestingly, Poppe acknowledged that speculative momentum could still emerge later in the current cycle, potentially near its final phase in late 2027 or 2028. The post Crypto expert predicts ‘most altcoins will die’ appeared first on Finbold .
18 May 2026, 10:20
US Dollar Index Slides Toward 99.15 as Hopes for Hormuz Stability Weigh on Safe-Haven Demand
BitcoinWorld US Dollar Index Slides Toward 99.15 as Hopes for Hormuz Stability Weigh on Safe-Haven Demand The US Dollar Index (DXY) retreated sharply on Tuesday, reversing earlier gains to trade near the 99.15 mark, as growing expectations of a diplomatic resolution in the Strait of Hormuz dampened safe-haven demand for the greenback. The move reflects a shift in market sentiment away from geopolitical risk aversion toward a more optimistic outlook for global trade and energy supply chains. Geopolitical Hopes Drive Dollar Weakness The decline in the Dollar Index came after unconfirmed reports of progress in negotiations aimed at stabilizing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. Traders and investors, who had previously piled into the dollar as a safe haven amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, began unwinding those positions. The prospect of reduced disruption to crude flows also eased upward pressure on oil prices, further reducing the dollar’s appeal as a hedge against inflation. The DXY, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, had briefly touched session highs above 99.50 before the reversal. The index is now testing support levels last seen in early March, with analysts watching for a potential break below the 99.00 psychological barrier. Market Implications and Broader Context The dollar’s pullback has provided relief to other major currencies, with the euro and Japanese yen both gaining ground. Emerging market currencies, particularly those of oil-importing nations, also saw a boost as lower geopolitical risk premiums and stable energy prices improved their trade balances. From a monetary policy perspective, the dollar’s softening may offer the Federal Reserve additional flexibility. A weaker dollar tends to support US exports and can help temper the impact of imported inflation, factors the central bank weighs when considering its next interest rate decision. However, the Fed’s primary focus remains on domestic inflation and employment data, meaning the dollar’s trajectory is unlikely to be the sole driver of policy. Why This Matters to Investors For forex traders and global investors, the DXY’s move toward 99.15 signals a potential shift in the prevailing risk-on/risk-off dynamic. If Hormuz stability holds, the dollar could face further downside as capital flows rotate back into higher-yielding and risk-sensitive assets. Conversely, any deterioration in the situation would likely reverse this move, reinforcing the dollar’s safe-haven status. The key level to watch remains 99.00; a sustained break below that could open the door to a test of the 98.50 region. Conclusion The US Dollar Index’s decline to near 99.15 reflects a market increasingly pricing in a de-escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. While the move is significant, it remains contingent on actual diplomatic outcomes. Investors should monitor official statements from involved parties and crude oil price action for confirmation of the trend. The dollar’s direction in the coming sessions will likely hinge on whether the current optimism translates into tangible stability. FAQs Q1: What is the US Dollar Index (DXY)? The US Dollar Index (DXY) measures the value of the US dollar relative to a basket of six major foreign currencies: the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc. It is widely used as a benchmark for the dollar’s overall strength. Q2: Why does stability in the Strait of Hormuz affect the dollar? The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Instability there raises the risk of supply disruptions, pushing investors toward safe-haven assets like the US dollar. Hopes of stability reduce that risk, prompting investors to move away from the dollar and into other assets. Q3: What level should traders watch on the DXY? Traders are closely watching the 99.00 level. A sustained break below this psychological support could signal further downside toward the 98.50 region. Conversely, a rebound above 99.50 would suggest the dollar’s safe-haven bid remains intact. This post US Dollar Index Slides Toward 99.15 as Hopes for Hormuz Stability Weigh on Safe-Haven Demand first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 10:15
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Against US Dollar: MUFG Analysis
BitcoinWorld Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Against US Dollar: MUFG Analysis The Indian rupee extended its decline against the US dollar on Tuesday, touching a fresh record low, according to analysis from MUFG Bank. The currency’s continued depreciation reflects persistent pressure from global macroeconomic factors and domestic demand for the greenback. Rupee Depreciation Drivers MUFG’s latest note highlights that the rupee’s weakness is driven primarily by a strengthening US dollar, elevated crude oil prices, and sustained foreign portfolio outflows from Indian equity markets. The USD/INR pair breached the psychologically important 83.50 level, marking the lowest point for the Indian currency in history. The Japanese banking giant points out that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been actively intervening in the forex market to curb volatility, but the underlying pressure remains intense. India’s widening trade deficit, exacerbated by high import costs for energy and commodities, continues to weigh on the rupee’s valuation. Market Implications For Indian importers, particularly those reliant on crude oil, electronics, and machinery, a weaker rupee directly increases input costs. This could feed into domestic inflation, potentially complicating the RBI’s monetary policy stance. Conversely, export-oriented sectors such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, and textiles may benefit from improved price competitiveness abroad. Investors holding Indian assets are also feeling the pinch. Foreign portfolio investors have pulled significant capital from Indian equities in recent months, partly due to the rupee’s depreciation eroding returns when converted back to dollars. RBI Policy Response The RBI has deployed multiple tools to manage the currency’s slide, including direct dollar sales, tightening liquidity, and adjusting foreign investment limits. However, analysts at MUFG suggest that without a broader shift in global risk appetite or a decisive pivot in US Federal Reserve policy, the rupee may remain under pressure in the near term. Historical data shows that the RBI typically allows gradual depreciation rather than abrupt moves, aiming to maintain orderly market conditions. The central bank’s foreign exchange reserves, though still substantial, have declined as it deploys dollars to defend the currency. Conclusion The Indian rupee’s record low against the US dollar underscores the challenging external environment facing emerging market currencies. While MUFG’s analysis points to continued near-term weakness, the trajectory will depend on global interest rate expectations, commodity prices, and India’s own economic fundamentals. For businesses and investors, hedging currency risk remains a critical consideration. FAQs Q1: What is the current USD/INR exchange rate? The Indian rupee has touched a record low above 83.50 per US dollar, according to MUFG’s analysis. Exact live rates fluctuate throughout the trading day. Q2: Why is the rupee falling against the dollar? Key factors include a strong US dollar globally, high crude oil prices, foreign capital outflows from Indian markets, and India’s trade deficit. The RBI’s intervention has slowed but not reversed the trend. Q3: How does a weak rupee affect the average Indian consumer? A weaker rupee makes imported goods more expensive, including oil, electronics, and machinery. This can lead to higher prices for fuel, consumer electronics, and other imported products, potentially increasing overall inflation. This post Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Against US Dollar: MUFG Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 10:14
Hyperliquid’s HYPE surges as ETF buzz, SpaceX markets fuel momentum
Hyperliquid’s native token HYPE has continued to draw strong attention after a series of catalysts pushed both trading activity and price momentum higher. HYPE is currently trading at around $45.42, marking a 6.3% gain in the past 24 hours, with an intraday range between $42.69 and $46.94. Over the past week, HYPE has gained more than 8%, extending a broader upward trend that has kept it in focus across crypto markets. Notably, the move comes at a time when Hyperliquid’s ecosystem is seeing an unusual combination of developments, including growing speculation around ETF-related exposure, the introduction of synthetic pre-IPO markets, and increasing institutional attention toward decentralised derivatives platforms. ETF speculation and institutional attention lift sentiment A key driver behind the recent momentum has been growing discussion around potential ETF-linked exposure to Hyperliquid’s ecosystem. Market narratives have increasingly positioned HYPE as a token that could benefit from broader institutional participation if structured products tied to decentralised derivatives gain traction. At the same time, established financial institutions such as CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, have reportedly been engaging regulators on the risks posed by decentralised derivatives platforms. Their focus has been on market integrity concerns and the growing influence of on-chain futures markets on price discovery. While this regulatory attention introduces uncertainty, it also signals that Hyperliquid is now operating in a space large enough to draw scrutiny from traditional market operators. That shift has reinforced its visibility among traders who see regulatory engagement as a sign of scale rather than obscurity. SpaceX pre-IPO markets expand trading activity Another major catalyst has been the launch of synthetic pre-IPO trading markets on Hyperliquid, including a perpetual contract referencing SpaceX valuation expectations. The contract, created through trade infrastructure connected to Hyperliquid, initially referenced a valuation of approximately $1.78 trillion, based on early pricing around the $150 level. Trading activity quickly moved higher, with early sessions pushing implied pricing above $200 as speculative demand increased. More recently, the introduction of this market coincided with a 7% rise in HYPE, even as broader crypto markets showed weakness , including declines in Bitcoin. This divergence highlighted how internal ecosystem developments are now playing a direct role in price behaviour, rather than relying solely on general market direction. These pre-IPO-style markets do not represent equity ownership, but instead function as cash-settled perpetual contracts. Their expansion has increased trading volumes and reinforced Hyperliquid’s positioning as a venue for speculative and narrative-driven derivatives. HYPE’s technical structure remains strongly bullish From a technical perspective, HYPE continues to show a broadly constructive structure. Market data indicates that out of 23 tracked indicators, 14 remain bullish, while only 2 are bearish and 7 neutral, suggesting that momentum remains tilted in favour of bullish continuation rather than reversal. At the same time, the 14-day RSI sits at 59.69, placing it in neutral territory without signs of overheating. A more notable signal comes from moving averages. HYPE is currently trading above all major daily exponential moving averages, including the 10-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs, which are all positioned below current price levels. Hyperliquid price chart This alignment is typically associated with sustained bullish structure in trend-based models. Hyperliquid (HYPE) market outlook The current market structure reflects a combination of strong internal growth drivers and emerging external pressures. On one side, ETF-related speculation and the expansion of pre-IPO synthetic markets are increasing trading activity and reinforcing demand for HYPE exposure. On the other side, growing attention from major traditional exchanges and regulators introduces a layer of uncertainty around future operating conditions. Despite these competing forces, HYPE continues to trade within a clearly defined bullish structure, supported by strong technical alignment and sustained ecosystem activity. The next major directional move is likely to depend on whether the token can maintain momentum above the $45.67 level, or whether it consolidates back toward its $38.86 support zone amid shifting market sentiment. The post Hyperliquid’s HYPE surges as ETF buzz, SpaceX markets fuel momentum appeared first on Invezz
18 May 2026, 10:12
Bitcoin Price Prediction: Bitcoin Faces Critical $75K Test
Bitcoin is retesting a key support area as the weekly bull market support band and the 4-hour Fibonacci pullback point to the same pressure zone. The latest charts show BTC must hold above the $74,917–$76,000 area to avoid turning the recent rebound into a failed breakout. Bitcoin Retests Bull Market Support Band as $75K–$76K Becomes Key Bitcoin is retesting the bull market support band on the weekly chart, with price sitting near the same area that now separates a breakout attempt from a failed move. The chart shared by Daan Crypto Trades shows BTC trading around $78,388 after pulling back into the bull market support band. The band is marked near $75,796 to $78,747, placing Bitcoin directly inside that key weekly zone. Bitcoin Bull Market Support Band Retest. Source: Daan Crypto Trades on X BTC also remains above the weekly 200EMA at $68,800 and the weekly 200MA at $61,106. Those levels sit below the current price and act as broader support if the market loses the support band. Daan said bulls need to see a bounce from this area to confirm a proper breakout. Without that bounce, the move above the support band may not be strong enough to confirm trend continuation. The main level to watch is the $75,000–$76,000 area. If Bitcoin falls back below that zone and closes the weekly candle there, the analyst said the move could look like a deviation or dead cat bounce. For now, the weekly chart shows Bitcoin at a decision point. A bounce from the support band would support the bullish structure, while a weekly close below $75,000–$76,000 would weaken the breakout case. Bitcoin Weakens at 61.8% Fib as $74,917 Support Comes Into Focus Bitcoin is showing a weak reaction from the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level on the 4-hour chart, keeping the risk of another leg lower in focus. The chart shared by Man of Bitcoin shows BTC trading near $78,323 after testing the short-term Fib area around $77,851. The next nearby retracement level sits near $76,549, while the key support level remains at $74,917. Bitcoin 61.8% Fib Pullback Chart. Source: Man of Bitcoin on X The analyst said Bitcoin needs to hold above $74,917 to keep the orange roadmap intact. This level now acts as the main line between a normal pullback and a deeper correction. If BTC loses $74,917, the chart points to a deeper downside zone between $73,357 and $68,433. That area includes the 0.5, 0.618, and 0.786 retracement levels from the lower projected range. On the upside, Bitcoin first needs to reclaim the $78,779 area and then move back toward $81,960. A stronger recovery above that zone could put the higher targets near $86,582, $89,529, and $94,621 back in focus. For now, the chart shows Bitcoin still holding above the key invalidation level, but the bounce from the 61.8% Fib remains weak. That keeps short-term pressure tilted lower unless BTC quickly reclaims the upper Fib levels.
18 May 2026, 10:11
Capital B boosts Bitcoin reserves with $15.2M purchase
The 25th-largest Bitcoin treasury company acquired $15 million worth of BTC as one of only four treasury firms to announce a corporate Bitcoin investment during May.
