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1 May 2026, 12:30

Bitcoin Gives US Leverage Against China, Defense Secretary Hegseth Says

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that Bitcoin can serve as a tool of US strategic leverage, linking the asset to classified Pentagon efforts and a broader competition with China. The comments mark one of the clearest public signals yet that parts of the US defense establishment now view BTC not only as a financial network, but as a national security domain. The exchange came during an April 30 congressional hearing , when Rep. Lance Gooden pressed Hegseth on whether Bitcoin should be treated as an instrument of power projection. Gooden framed the issue through the lens of adversarial use, arguing that BTC has moved from a marginal asset to a strategic concern for Washington. “Over the past decade, Bitcoin has evolved from a fringe asset into a matter of national security,” Gooden said. “Iran has demanded Bitcoin as a toll for transit through the Strait of Hormuz . North Korean cyber actors have leveraged it in ransomware campaigns, and China is believed to be stockpiling substantial holdings as part of a strategic reserve.” Gooden then linked those concerns directly to the Indo-Pacific theater, citing recent testimony from Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command. He said Paparo had stated that Bitcoin has “direct implications for power projection” and noted that USINDOPACOM was operating a Bitcoin node in furtherance of that mission. Bitcoin Becomes Pentagon Focus That framing put Hegseth in a position to answer a question that would have sounded unusual in a defense hearing only a few years ago: whether Bitcoin is a tool to project power, and whether the department is working to secure a US advantage against China’s “digital authoritarianism.” Hegseth’s answer was brief but unusually direct. “I guess my short answer would be yes and yes,” he said. “Long an enthusiast of Bitcoin and crypto potential. And a lot of the things we’re doing, enabling it or defeating it, are classified efforts that are ongoing inside our department, which do provide us a lot of leverage in a lot of different scenarios. I appreciate that. And I share your views.” The phrase “enabling it or defeating it” is the key policy signal. Hegseth did not describe BTC simply as an asset to be held, regulated, or monitored. He framed the Defense Department’s work around two operational tracks: using the technology where it creates strategic advantage, and countering it where adversaries use it against US interests. The comments also build on Paparo’s earlier testimony . On April 21, Paparo told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Bitcoin can be relevant to American “power projection,” adding that “anything that supports all instruments of national power for the United States of America is to the good.” A day later, Gooden’s office said Paparo told the House Armed Services Committee that the US military was using a Bitcoin node to help “secure and protect networks.” At press time, BTC traded at $77,168.

1 May 2026, 12:30

Riot Stock Gains as AI Pivot Drives New Revenue Growth

While mining revenue declined year-over-year, Riot sold 3,778 BTC and kept 15,679 BTC worth $1.2 billion. The company has already delivered 5 MW under its AMD deal, with further capacity expected in Q2, alongside ongoing expansion in Texas. Riot’s AI Shift Pays Off Riot Platforms is beginning to show tangible progress in its shift beyond Bitcoin mining. The company reported $33.2 million in data center revenue for the first quarter—its first meaningful contribution from the segment. Riot Platforms data center revenue This development comes as the company deepens its relationship with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), which elected to double its contracted capacity with Riot to 50 megawatts during the quarter. The company generated total revenue of $167.2 million in the quarter, with $111.9 million still coming from its core Bitcoin mining operations. However, that segment declined year-over-year due to weaker Bitcoin production and lower average prices. Riot sold 3,778 BTC during the period but still holds a large reserve of 15,680 BTC, valued at close to $1.2 billion at current market prices. This makes it one of the largest public holders of the asset. Top Bitcoin treasury companies (Source: BitcoinTreasuries.NET) The newly established data center segment accounted for roughly 20% of total revenue, largely driven by Riot’s long-term lease agreement with AMD. Much of this revenue came from lower-margin tenant fit-out services, where Riot facilitates the procurement and installation of specialized equipment on a cost-plus basis. While not highly profitable in isolation, this activity reflects early-stage infrastructure buildout and lays the groundwork for higher-margin recurring revenue streams as capacity comes online. Operationally, Riot already delivered 5 MW of capacity tied to the AMD agreement, with the remainder expected to ramp up through the second quarter. Expansion efforts are also ongoing at its Rockdale, Texas facility, while the Corsicana campus is growing into a large-scale site capable of supporting multiple AI and hyperscale tenants. Leadership changes in the data center division, including the appointment of former Google and TA Digital executive Adam Black, suggest the Riot is very much focused on expanding this area even more. RIOT’s price action over the past 24 hours (Source: Google Finance) Investor sentiment seems to be responding positively to these developments. Over the past 24 hours, Riot’s share price climbed approximately 7.9% to $17.24. The upward movement reflects optimism around Riot’s diversification strategy and its positioning in the growing AI infrastructure market.

1 May 2026, 12:27

OpenAI Foundation CFO Joins $1 Billion XRP Treasury; Bitcoin's Worst Case by May 2026 Detailed by Expert Trader; $183 Million 'Capital Flight' Hits Ethereum ETF...

OpenAI CFO joins XRPN: will XRP become the currency of AI? DonAlt expects BTC "chop" at $77,000, while Ethereum ETFs lose $183 million amid a DeFi security crisis.

1 May 2026, 12:21

Crypto Billionaire's 5M£ Gift Scandal to Farage

Nigel Farage received a 5M£ gift from Harborne, a Tether shareholder. 12M£ donation to Reform UK, scandal before crypto ban. Farage defends BTC reserve. BTC: 77.441$, strong support 75.716$. Politi...

1 May 2026, 12:20

Japanese Yen Retreats Sharply Against US Dollar as ISM PMI Data Looms – Key Forex Insights

BitcoinWorld Japanese Yen Retreats Sharply Against US Dollar as ISM PMI Data Looms – Key Forex Insights The Japanese Yen gave back recent gains against the US Dollar during Tuesday’s trading session. Market participants now focus on the upcoming ISM Manufacturing PMI data from the United States. This shift in momentum highlights ongoing uncertainty in the USD/JPY pair. Japanese Yen Weakens After Brief Recovery The Japanese Yen struggled to maintain its upward trajectory. It fell back against the US Dollar after a short-lived recovery. This movement comes as traders reassess the Bank of Japan’s policy stance. The BoJ recently signaled a potential shift away from ultra-loose monetary policy. However, market participants remain skeptical about the timing. On Monday, the Yen gained ground. It benefited from safe-haven flows. Geopolitical tensions and global growth concerns boosted demand for the currency. But the rally proved short-lived. By Tuesday, the US Dollar regained strength. The USD/JPY pair climbed back above the 150.00 level. ISM PMI Data Takes Center Stage Investors now turn their attention to the ISM Manufacturing PMI . This key economic indicator measures the health of the US manufacturing sector. Economists expect a modest improvement. The consensus forecast points to a reading of 48.5. This remains below the 50.0 threshold. A reading below 50 indicates contraction. A stronger-than-expected result could boost the US Dollar . It would signal resilience in the American economy. Conversely, a weak print might renew pressure on the greenback. It could also reignite demand for the Japanese Yen as a safe haven. Key ISM PMI Components to Watch New Orders Index: This sub-index gauges future demand. A rise would indicate improving business conditions. Employment Index: This component reflects hiring trends. It offers clues about the labor market. Prices Paid Index: This measures input costs. It provides insights into inflation pressures. Bank of Japan Policy Divergence Drives Yen Volatility The Bank of Japan maintains its ultra-loose monetary policy. This contrasts sharply with the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance. The Fed has raised interest rates aggressively. It aims to combat stubborn inflation. This policy divergence continues to weigh on the Japanese Yen . BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda recently hinted at a possible policy shift. He suggested that the central bank could end negative interest rates. But he provided no clear timeline. Markets remain divided on when this change might occur. Some analysts expect a move by April 2025. Others believe the BoJ will wait until later in the year. This uncertainty creates volatility in the USD/JPY pair. Traders must navigate conflicting signals. The Japanese Yen remains sensitive to any comments from BoJ officials. US Dollar Strength Driven by Fed Expectations The US Dollar benefits from expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates. The Federal Reserve has maintained a cautious tone. It wants to see more progress on inflation before cutting rates. This stance supports the greenback. Recent economic data from the United States has been mixed. GDP growth remains solid. But the labor market shows signs of cooling. Inflation has moderated but remains above the Fed’s 2% target. This leaves the central bank in a holding pattern. The ISM PMI data will provide fresh clues. A strong reading could reinforce the Fed’s hawkish stance. It would likely push the US Dollar higher. A weak reading might fuel rate cut speculation. This could weigh on the greenback. Technical Analysis: USD/JPY at Key Levels The USD/JPY pair trades near a critical resistance zone. The 150.50 level acts as a key barrier. A break above this point could open the door to 152.00. Support lies at 149.00. A drop below this level would signal further weakness. The 50-day moving average provides additional support. It currently sits around 149.20. The 200-day moving average offers long-term support near 147.50. Traders watch these levels closely. Key Technical Levels for USD/JPY Level Value Significance Resistance 150.50 Key psychological barrier Resistance 152.00 2024 high Support 149.00 Immediate support Support 147.50 200-day moving average Impact of Global Risk Sentiment on Yen The Japanese Yen often moves in tandem with risk sentiment. During times of uncertainty, investors flock to the Yen. It is a traditional safe-haven currency. This dynamic played out earlier this week. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East boosted demand for the Yen. But risk appetite has since improved. Stock markets recovered some losses. This reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Consequently, the Japanese Yen gave back its gains. Looking ahead, the ISM PMI data could shift risk sentiment again. A strong reading would boost risk appetite. It would likely hurt the Yen. A weak reading could reignite fears of an economic slowdown. This would benefit the Yen. Expert Perspectives on USD/JPY Outlook Market analysts offer varied views on the USD/JPY outlook. Some expect the pair to remain range-bound. They cite the policy divergence between the BoJ and the Fed. Others see potential for a breakout. They point to the upcoming data releases. “The Japanese Yen remains under pressure,” says a senior forex strategist. “The BoJ’s cautious approach limits its upside. The Fed’s hawkish stance supports the dollar. This dynamic will likely persist.” Another analyst notes the importance of the ISM PMI . “This data point could be a game-changer. A surprise in either direction would trigger significant volatility. Traders should prepare for sharp moves.” Timeline of Key Events Affecting Japanese Yen December 2024: BoJ keeps rates unchanged. Governor Ueda hints at future policy shift. January 2025: Fed holds rates steady. Signals caution on inflation. February 2025: US jobs data beats expectations. Dollar strengthens. March 2025: BoJ meeting minutes show division among members. April 2025: ISM PMI data release. Market watches closely. Conclusion The Japanese Yen gave back recent gains against the US Dollar . All eyes now turn to the ISM Manufacturing PMI data. This release will shape the near-term outlook for the USD/JPY pair. Traders must navigate policy divergence and shifting risk sentiment. The Japanese Yen remains vulnerable to further losses. But a weak ISM reading could spark a recovery. Stay tuned for the data release and its market impact. FAQs Q1: Why did the Japanese Yen give back gains against the US Dollar? The Yen retreated as risk appetite improved and traders awaited the ISM PMI data. The US Dollar regained strength on expectations of higher-for-longer Fed rates. Q2: What is the ISM Manufacturing PMI and why does it matter for USD/JPY? The ISM PMI measures US manufacturing activity. It influences the US Dollar by providing clues about economic health and Fed policy direction. Q3: How does Bank of Japan policy affect the Japanese Yen? The BoJ’s ultra-loose policy weakens the Yen. Any hints of a shift toward tightening can strengthen the currency. Q4: What are the key support and resistance levels for USD/JPY? Support lies at 149.00 and 147.50. Resistance stands at 150.50 and 152.00. Q5: Could the ISM PMI data trigger a breakout in USD/JPY? Yes. A strong reading could push the pair higher. A weak reading might cause a sharp decline. Volatility is expected. This post Japanese Yen Retreats Sharply Against US Dollar as ISM PMI Data Looms – Key Forex Insights first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

1 May 2026, 12:18

Ethereum drops to $2,241 as FOMC-driven pressure mounts

🚨 $ETH plunged to $2,241 after its latest resistance failure. The downtrend intensified following consecutive FOMC-inspired drops. 📊 Critical data: Four main FOMC meetings saw ETH fall 17.5% to 42.57%. Continue Reading: Ethereum drops to $2,241 as FOMC-driven pressure mounts The post Ethereum drops to $2,241 as FOMC-driven pressure mounts appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .