hodler

29 Apr 2026, 17:09

Visa stock up with five blockchains added to stablecoin settlement pilot; CRCL, BLSH, GEMI down

More on Visa Why Visa Is A Strong Buy After Posting Second Quarter 2026 Results (Ratings Upgrade) Visa Inc. (V) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript Visa Inc. 2026 Q2 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation Visa outlines full-year net revenue growth of low double-digit to low teens amid $33B total buyback capacity Stocks to watch on Tuesday after hours: STX, SBUX, TMUS, V

29 Apr 2026, 17:05

Pundit: This Major Signal from Ripple Shows Something Big Is Brewing for XRP

Ripple has recently drawn renewed attention across the crypto market as observers track a noticeable rise in branding visibility and public messaging tied to XRP . Market participants often interpret such coordinated activity as a signal of strategic positioning, especially during periods of broader market uncertainty and shifting sentiment. Pundit Cobb highlighted these developments in a post on X, arguing that Ripple’s recent actions suggest something larger may be unfolding for XRP. He flagged XRP’s billboard blitz, louder executive presence on social media, and tighter messaging from Ripple leaders as trends worth watching. The Scale of Recent Ripple Campaigns Cobb noted that Ripple appears to have escalated its public-facing presence in ways that differ from previous cycles. He pointed specifically to the emergence of large XRP electronic billboards in Las Vegas , a location that frequently hosts major crypto industry events and attracts global attention. Listen up, getting a really good feeling here. Have you ever seen Ripple fund a massive XRP electronic billboard in Las Vegas before? Have you ever seen Ripple and Brad so proactive on X with the XRP narrative? (North Star, Lock in) Something is brewing here…… — Cobb (@Cobb_XRPL) April 28, 2026 He also raised the issue of timing and coordination, suggesting that Ripple’s branding push aligns with a broader effort to amplify XRP visibility during high-traffic industry periods. According to Cobb, the scale and placement of these displays have made XRP branding difficult to ignore within key event environments. Stronger Messaging From Ripple Leadership Cobb also observed a more proactive communication style from Ripple executives, particularly on X. He referenced recurring themes such as “North Star” and “Lock in,” which have circulated within the XRP community and among Ripple-affiliated messaging channels. Brad Garlinghouse and other Ripple representatives have increasingly engaged in public commentary that emphasizes long-term focus and ecosystem alignment. The shift in tone suggests a more coordinated strategy to bolster community confidence during market volatility. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Las Vegas Becomes a Strategic Visibility Hub Las Vegas has emerged as a focal point for XRP visibility during major crypto gatherings. Large-scale digital billboards featuring XRP branding have appeared across prominent locations in the city, placing the asset in direct view of conference attendees and industry participants. Cobb pointed to this development as part of a broader pattern rather than an isolated marketing effort. He suggested that the combination of physical branding and digital engagement reflects a deliberate attempt to elevate XRP’s presence within influential crypto environments. Market Observers Watch for Strategic Signals While no official announcement indicates structural changes, the convergence of branding campaigns, leadership messaging, and heightened community activity has attracted attention from analysts and retail investors alike. In crypto markets, participants often interpret such clusters of activity as early indicators of strategic direction. Cobb framed the current environment as one where multiple signals appear to align. He emphasized that the full implications remain uncertain, but he argued that the scale and timing of Ripple’s recent actions warrant attention. For XRP watchers, the question is whether the marketing blitz signals business as usual or a broader strategy shift. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Pundit: This Major Signal from Ripple Shows Something Big Is Brewing for XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .

29 Apr 2026, 17:05

USD/JPY Climbs to One-Month High Above 160 as Fed Decision Nears: A Critical Moment for Yen Traders

BitcoinWorld USD/JPY Climbs to One-Month High Above 160 as Fed Decision Nears: A Critical Moment for Yen Traders The USD/JPY pair surges to a one-month high above 160.00 as traders brace for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision. This significant move highlights persistent yen weakness and growing expectations for tighter US monetary policy. USD/JPY Climbs Above 160: Key Drivers Behind the Surge The USD/JPY climbs above 160 for the first time in a month, driven by a combination of factors. Strong US economic data, including robust employment figures and sticky inflation, reinforces expectations that the Fed will maintain higher rates for longer. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan maintains its ultra-loose monetary policy stance, widening the interest rate differential between the two currencies. This divergence creates a powerful tailwind for the dollar. Traders now price in a 70% probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike at the upcoming Fed meeting. The yen, conversely, suffers from negative real yields in Japan, which discourages capital inflows and weakens the currency further. Technical Analysis: Breaking Key Resistance Levels From a technical perspective, the USD/JPY climbs through multiple resistance levels. The pair breaks above the 159.50 resistance zone, which previously capped gains in early June. The next target lies at 161.00, a level not seen since late April. Momentum indicators support further upside, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading at 68, approaching overbought territory but not yet signaling exhaustion. Key support levels now sit at 159.50 and 158.80. A daily close above 160.20 confirms the breakout. Traders watch the 50-day moving average at 157.80 as a critical floor. Fed Decision Nears: What Markets Expect The Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting concludes on Wednesday. Markets expect the central bank to hold rates steady at 5.25%-5.50%. However, the accompanying statement and dot plot projections carry more weight. Any hawkish signals, such as upward revisions to the terminal rate or fewer rate cuts in 2025, could propel the USD/JPY climbs even higher. Economists at major banks predict the Fed will signal one more rate hike this year. This scenario supports the dollar. Conversely, a dovish surprise, such as acknowledging slowing growth, could trigger a sharp reversal in the pair. Yen Weakness Deepens: BoJ Stance Under Scrutiny The Bank of Japan remains the outlier among major central banks. Governor Kazuo Ueda repeatedly states that the BoJ will maintain its negative interest rate policy until sustainable 2% inflation is achieved. Recent Japanese inflation data shows core CPI at 2.5%, still above target but trending downward. This gives the BoJ little reason to shift policy soon. The widening yield differential between US and Japanese 10-year bonds now exceeds 400 basis points. This gap incentivizes carry trades, where investors borrow yen at low rates and invest in higher-yielding dollar assets. Such flows amplify the USD/JPY climbs. Global Context: Impact on Asian Markets and Trade The yen’s depreciation carries significant implications for Asia. A weaker yen boosts Japanese exports, making Toyota, Sony, and other multinationals more competitive. However, it raises import costs for energy and raw materials, squeezing domestic consumers and small businesses. South Korea and China monitor the situation closely. A sustained yen decline pressures their currencies, potentially triggering competitive devaluations. The People’s Bank of China already sets a weaker yuan fixing, partly in response to yen moves. Historical Perspective: Past USD/JPY Climbs Above 160 The USD/JPY pair last traded above 160 in April 2024, when it touched 160.20 before Japanese authorities intervened. The Ministry of Finance spent an estimated $60 billion to support the yen, temporarily pushing the pair back to 155. However, the effect proved short-lived. The pair rebounded within weeks, highlighting the limits of intervention in the face of fundamental drivers. Previous intervention episodes in 2022 and 2023 showed similar patterns. The BoJ’s inability to sustain yen strength underscores the dominance of monetary policy divergence. Trader Positioning and Sentiment Speculative traders hold record short yen positions, according to CFTC data. This extreme positioning suggests the market is heavily biased toward further USD/JPY climbs. However, crowded trades often precede sharp reversals. A surprise Fed decision or unexpected BoJ intervention could trigger a violent squeeze. Options markets show elevated implied volatility for the week ahead. Traders pay premium for protection against large moves in either direction. The risk-reward profile favors dollar bulls, but caution is warranted at these levels. Key Events to Watch This Week Fed Interest Rate Decision: Wednesday, 2:00 PM ET. Focus on dot plot and Powell’s press conference. US CPI Data: Tuesday morning. A hot print reinforces hawkish Fed expectations. Japanese GDP Revision: Monday. Weak growth supports BoJ dovishness. BoJ Minutes: Thursday. Any hints of policy shift could move yen. Conclusion The USD/JPY climbs to a one-month high above 160 as the Fed decision nears, reflecting deep-seated yen weakness and dollar strength. Traders now await the Fed’s policy signals, which will determine whether the pair extends its rally or reverses sharply. The fundamental backdrop favors further upside, but extreme positioning and intervention risks create a high-stakes environment. Investors should prepare for volatility and manage risk carefully in the coming days. FAQs Q1: Why is the USD/JPY climbing above 160? A1: The USD/JPY climbs due to widening interest rate differentials between the US and Japan, strong US economic data, and the Bank of Japan’s continued ultra-loose monetary policy. Markets expect the Fed to maintain higher rates, boosting the dollar. Q2: Will the Bank of Japan intervene to stop the yen’s decline? A2: The BoJ has intervened in the past when the pair approached 160, spending billions to support the yen. However, intervention effects are often temporary. The central bank may act again if the move becomes disorderly, but it cannot reverse fundamental trends. Q3: How does the Fed decision affect USD/JPY? A3: The Fed’s rate decision and forward guidance directly impact USD/JPY. A hawkish stance, signaling higher rates for longer, supports further USD/JPY climbs. A dovish surprise could weaken the dollar and reverse gains. Q4: What are the risks of trading USD/JPY at current levels? A4: Key risks include potential BoJ intervention, a surprise Fed pivot, and extreme speculative positioning. These factors can trigger sharp, rapid reversals. Traders should use stop-losses and position sizing to manage risk. Q5: Is this a good time to buy or sell USD/JPY? A5: The trend favors buying USD/JPY given the fundamental backdrop. However, the pair is at elevated levels with high volatility expected. Conservative traders may wait for a pullback to support levels, while aggressive traders can follow the trend with tight risk controls. This post USD/JPY Climbs to One-Month High Above 160 as Fed Decision Nears: A Critical Moment for Yen Traders first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 17:05

When Will the Royal Government of Bhutan Stop Selling Bitcoin?

The Royal Government of Bhutan has continued reducing its Bitcoin holdings, raising questions over how long the country’s selling activity may continue after months of steady outflows from state-linked wallets. According to reports, Bhutan has sold more than $200 million worth of Bitcoin since the start of 2026. The kingdom now holds roughly 3,400 to 3,800 BTC, valued near $263 million to $272 million, depending on market prices and wallet-tracking estimates. Bhutan’s Bitcoin position was built through state-backed mining operations linked to its hydroelectric power resources. At its peak in late 2024, the country’s holdings were estimated at nearly 13,000 BTC. Since then, more than 70% of that balance has been moved out through repeated transfers. Bhutan Cuts Bitcoin Holdings From Peak On-chain data shows Bhutan has sold about 9,579 BTC since its peak holdings were recorded. The latest transfer involved 100 BTC, worth nearly $7.8 million, moving from government-linked wallets. The sales have not appeared as a single large liquidation. Instead, Bhutan has moved Bitcoin in smaller batches, often valued between $5 million and $10 million. Some transfers have gone to exchange-linked wallets, trading firms, OTC desks, and unlabelled addresses. Source: Arkham This pattern suggests a managed selling strategy rather than a sudden market exit. Smaller transactions may reduce the chance of sharp price disruption while allowing the government to gradually convert Bitcoin into cash or other assets. Mining Slowdown Changes Reserve Strategy Bhutan’s Bitcoin holdings were unusual among governments because they were mined rather than seized through law enforcement actions. The country used excess hydropower to support mining operations through its sovereign investment arm. That strategy helped Bhutan build one of the largest known government Bitcoin positions. However, wallet data now shows little evidence of major new mining inflows for more than a year. The lack of fresh inflows suggests mining activity has slowed sharply or stopped. Without new production replacing sold coins, each transfer reduces the country’s remaining Bitcoin reserve. Bhutan’s realized profit from Bitcoin is estimated at more than $750 million. Because the coins were mined using domestic hydropower, the cost basis may be far lower than open-market purchases. Remaining BTC Could Last Into Late 2026 At the current pace, analysts are estimating that Bhutan’s remaining Bitcoin could be exhausted by around October 2026. That projection assumes the government continues selling at recent rates and does not restart major mining operations. The final timeline could change if Bitcoin prices rise, sales slow, or authorities decide to retain part of the remaining reserve. A policy shift could also leave Bhutan with a smaller strategic Bitcoin position rather than a full exit. For now, the wallet activity points to continued monetisation, but the government has not issued a detailed public explanation of its long-term Bitcoin plan.

29 Apr 2026, 17:02

Bitcoin lags 43 percent behind AI stocks surge

🚨 Bitcoin trades at a 43 percent discount compared to leading AI stocks. $BTC lags behind even as investor focus shifts sharply towards AI. 📊 Key point: Major institutions still keep their distance from crypto, setting the stage for future demand. Continue Reading: Bitcoin lags 43 percent behind AI stocks surge The post Bitcoin lags 43 percent behind AI stocks surge appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

29 Apr 2026, 17:02

Bitcoin Headed For A Moonshot Or Crash To Zero, Czech Central Bank Chief Delivers Chilling Call

The Czech Republic’s top central banker, Aleš Michl, used the Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas to make a case for including Bitcoin in central bank reserves.