hodler

15 Apr 2026, 15:49

AI Pivot Pushes Bitcoin Miners Toward a 70% Revenue Milestone

The companies that built billion-dollar businesses mining Bitcoin are on track to generate most of their revenue from artificial intelligence by the end of the year — a milestone that marks an entire industry’s pivot away from the cryptocurrency that created it.

15 Apr 2026, 15:47

Morgan Stanley MSBT ETF Buys $83.6M of BTC Amid Bitcoin Price Recovery

Morgan Stanley’s new Bitcoin exchange-traded fund has purchased $83.6 million worth of BTC since its launch week, adding fresh institutional attention to the market as Bitcoin trades near recent highs. As per Arkham, the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust ETF, trading under the ticker MSBT, currently holds about $64.4 million in on-chain addresses. The product launched last week with a 0.14% fee and has been described as Wall Street’s first bank-issued spot Bitcoin ETF. Source: X The launch came during a broader recovery in Bitcoin and ETF demand. US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs posted $411.5 million in net inflows on Tuesday, marking the second-largest daily inflow total in April so far, according to SoSoValue data referenced in the market reports. Those inflows pushed total net ETF flows for 2026 back into positive territory at about $245 million year to date. Total assets under management across the category also rose above $96.5 billion, the highest level since mid-March. Morgan Stanley’s entry arrived as other major financial firms expanded their Bitcoin plans. Goldman Sachs also filed with US securities regulators to introduce a Bitcoin-linked ETF, adding another large Wall Street name to the digital asset segment. The filing and launch activity point to continued institutional participation in crypto-linked investment products even as Bitcoin price action remains sensitive to macro and geopolitical developments. MSBT Extends Inflow Streak as ETF Demand Builds MSBT recorded inflows for a fifth straight day and accumulated about $84 million over that stretch, based on the figures provided. BlackRock’s IBIT led Tuesday’s ETF flows with roughly $214 million, extending its own five-day inflow run to about $696 million. ARK 21Shares’ ARKB added about $113 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC brought in roughly $45 million. No US spot Bitcoin ETF recorded outflows during the session. The steady inflows came as Bitcoin recovered from earlier weakness and briefly moved above $75,000. As we reported, the BTC price rose as high as $76,000 on Tuesday, its strongest level since February, before easing on Wednesday. At the same time, growing ETF demand has offered a new path for investors seeking Bitcoin exposure without holding the asset directly, a trend that has continued to reshape market structure since spot products entered the US market. Wholecoiner Exchange Flows Continue to Decline On-chain and exchange flow data also pointed to changes in investor behavior. Transfers of at least 1 BTC to exchanges have fallen sharply over time, reflecting a lower number of so-called wholecoiners moving coins onto trading venues. On Binance, the monthly average of these flows has dropped to around 6,000 BTC, a level comparable to 2018 and well below the 15,400 BTC recorded in 2021. Source: CryptoQuant At the global level, transfers of at least 1 BTC to exchanges have declined to around 27,500 BTC, compared with about 80,000 BTC at the 2018 peak. The decline has been linked to several factors, including higher Bitcoin prices, the expansion of ETF access, and an increase in long-term holding strategies. Lower flows to exchanges can reduce near-term selling activity, while ETF adoption gives investors another route to gain exposure. Despite the strong ETF activity, Bitcoin fell nearly 3% on Wednesday to an intraday low of $73,617 after a sharp rally yesterday. This has come about as traders took profits after Bitcoin surged about 7% on Tuesday and reclaimed the $75,000 level. Market sentiment was also shaped by renewed expectations around possible US-Iran peace talks, though delays and continued tension kept volatility elevated.

15 Apr 2026, 15:45

Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Tests Critical Channel Resistance Near One-Month Highs – Crucial Technical Analysis

BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Tests Critical Channel Resistance Near One-Month Highs – Crucial Technical Analysis The silver market presents a compelling technical picture as XAG/USD tests crucial channel resistance near one-month highs on the 4-hour chart, signaling potential volatility ahead for precious metals traders. This development occurs against a complex macroeconomic backdrop that includes shifting central bank policies, industrial demand fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting commodity markets globally. Consequently, market participants closely monitor these technical levels for directional clues about silver’s next significant move. Silver Price Forecast: Technical Structure Analysis Currently, the XAG/USD pair demonstrates clear technical patterns on the 4-hour timeframe that professional traders analyze for strategic positioning. The price action shows silver testing the upper boundary of a well-defined ascending channel that has contained movements since early November. Moreover, this resistance zone coincides with horizontal price levels that previously acted as support during October’s consolidation phase. Therefore, this confluence of technical factors creates a critical juncture for silver’s near-term trajectory. Market analysts observe several key technical indicators that provide context for this resistance test. First, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) approaches overbought territory near the 65-70 level, suggesting potential for a short-term pullback. Second, trading volume patterns show increased activity around these resistance levels, indicating heightened market interest. Finally, moving average alignments reveal the 50-period and 200-period averages providing dynamic support below current prices. Historical Context of Silver Resistance Levels Examining historical price action reveals important context for understanding current resistance significance. Throughout 2024, silver faced similar technical challenges at comparable price levels, with previous resistance tests leading to varied outcomes. For instance, in September, a similar resistance test resulted in a 3.2% correction before renewed buying emerged. However, in July, a breakthrough at comparable levels triggered a sustained 8.5% rally over subsequent weeks. The table below illustrates recent silver resistance tests and their outcomes: Date Resistance Level Outcome Subsequent Move September 15, 2024 $24.85 Rejection -3.2% over 5 days July 22, 2024 $25.10 Breakout +8.5% over 3 weeks May 6, 2024 $24.60 Consolidation Sideways for 2 weeks Fundamental Drivers Supporting Silver’s Movement Beyond technical patterns, fundamental factors significantly influence silver’s price dynamics as XAG/USD approaches resistance. Industrial demand remains robust, particularly from renewable energy sectors where silver serves as a critical component in solar panel manufacturing. Additionally, monetary policy expectations continue to evolve, with market participants adjusting positions based on anticipated interest rate trajectories from major central banks. Several macroeconomic developments warrant attention for silver traders: Industrial Demand: Global solar installation projections show 12% year-over-year growth Monetary Policy: Federal Reserve signaling influences dollar strength and precious metals Geopolitical Factors: Supply chain considerations affect mining and refining operations Inflation Expectations: Real yields and inflation breakevens impact silver’s appeal as a hedge Furthermore, exchange-traded fund (ETF) holdings provide insight into institutional sentiment toward silver. Recent data shows modest inflows into silver-backed ETFs, suggesting cautious but growing institutional interest. Meanwhile, COMEX futures positioning indicates that managed money accounts maintain net-long positions, though at reduced levels compared to earlier in the year. Channel Analysis and Price Projection Scenarios The ascending channel pattern on the 4-hour chart offers clear framework for evaluating potential price movements. This technical structure features parallel trendlines connecting successive higher lows and higher highs since early November. Currently, the upper channel line presents immediate resistance, while the lower channel line provides dynamic support approximately 3.5% below current levels. Market technicians typically consider three primary scenarios when prices test channel boundaries: Respect and Reverse: Price rejects resistance and moves toward channel midline or support Breakout and Retest: Price breaches resistance then retests it as new support False Breakout: Price briefly exceeds resistance before reversing back into channel Each scenario carries distinct trading implications and risk parameters. For instance, a successful breakout above channel resistance would target previous swing highs from October, representing approximately 4.2% upside potential. Conversely, rejection at resistance could see silver retreat toward the channel’s lower boundary, representing potential downside of 3-4%. Volume and Momentum Confirmation Signals Professional traders emphasize the importance of confirmation signals when evaluating resistance tests. Specifically, breakout validity typically requires supporting volume expansion and momentum confirmation. Current volume analysis shows moderate increases during recent approach to resistance, though not yet at levels typically associated with decisive breakouts. Momentum indicators, including the MACD histogram, show positive but decelerating momentum as prices near resistance. Additionally, market breadth within the precious metals complex provides contextual information. Gold’s correlation with silver remains elevated at approximately 0.82 on 30-day rolling basis, suggesting coordinated movements across precious metals. Platinum and palladium prices show mixed signals, with platinum demonstrating relative strength while palladium continues its longer-term downtrend. Risk Management Considerations for Traders As XAG/USD tests critical technical levels, prudent risk management becomes paramount for market participants. Position sizing should account for increased volatility typically associated with resistance tests, while stop-loss placement requires careful consideration of channel structure. Many technical traders utilize the channel’s opposite boundary or recent swing points for stop-loss reference levels. Key risk management principles for current market conditions include: Position Sizing: Reduce size during resistance tests to manage volatility risk Stop Placement: Place stops below channel support or recent swing lows Time Frames: Align trading time frames with chart patterns being traded Correlation Awareness: Monitor related markets (gold, dollar, rates) for confirmation Furthermore, traders should consider upcoming economic events that could influence silver prices. The Federal Reserve’s December meeting minutes release, upcoming inflation data, and manufacturing PMI reports all represent potential catalysts for precious metals markets. These events may provide fundamental justification for technical breakouts or reversals. Comparative Analysis with Historical Patterns Historical analysis reveals that similar technical setups in silver have produced varied outcomes depending on broader market context. During 2023, silver experienced seven comparable resistance tests at channel boundaries on 4-hour charts, with four resulting in breakouts and three leading to rejections. The average magnitude of successful breakouts measured 5.8%, while rejected tests saw average declines of 3.9% before finding support. Seasonal factors also merit consideration in silver price analysis. Historically, December and January have shown mixed seasonal tendencies for silver, with no strong directional bias. However, the first quarter often brings increased industrial demand projections as companies finalize annual budgets and production plans. This fundamental backdrop may provide underlying support even if technical resistance initially holds. Expert Perspectives on Silver’s Technical Outlook Market analysts offer varied perspectives on silver’s technical situation. Some emphasize the importance of dollar strength as primary determinant of precious metals pricing, noting that DXY index levels near 104.50 create headwinds for dollar-denominated commodities. Others highlight silver’s dual nature as both monetary metal and industrial commodity, suggesting that industrial demand fundamentals may ultimately override technical resistance. Technical analysts at major financial institutions generally agree on the significance of current resistance levels but differ on probable outcomes. Several firms publish resistance and support clusters rather than single price levels, recognizing that markets often test zones rather than precise numbers. The current resistance zone for XAG/USD spans approximately $25.00 to $25.30, with particular attention to the $25.15 level where multiple technical factors converge. Conclusion The silver price forecast remains at critical juncture as XAG/USD tests channel resistance near one-month highs on the 4-hour chart. This technical development occurs within broader context of evolving macroeconomic conditions and shifting market sentiment toward precious metals. Traders should monitor confirmation signals including volume patterns, momentum indicators, and related market movements when evaluating potential breakout or rejection scenarios. Ultimately, the resolution of this technical test will provide important information about silver’s near-term trajectory and broader precious metals market dynamics. FAQs Q1: What does it mean when silver tests channel resistance? When silver tests channel resistance, the price approaches the upper boundary of a defined trading range or trend channel. This represents a potential turning point where the market may either break through to higher prices or reverse direction. Q2: How significant are one-month highs for silver pricing? One-month highs represent important psychological and technical levels where previous selling may have emerged. These levels often attract attention from both technical traders and institutional investors, potentially increasing volatility as prices approach them. Q3: What time frame is most relevant for silver traders? Silver traders typically monitor multiple time frames simultaneously. While the 4-hour chart shows intermediate-term trends, traders often reference daily charts for primary direction and hourly charts for entry timing. The 4-hour chart effectively balances noise reduction with timely signals. Q4: How does XAG/USD differ from silver spot pricing? XAG/USD represents the forex pair for trading silver against the US dollar, while silver spot price typically refers to the current market price for immediate delivery. In practice, they track closely, though XAG/USD may incorporate forex market dynamics and leverage availability differences. Q5: What confirmation signals should traders watch during resistance tests? Traders should monitor volume expansion, momentum indicator confirmation, price action on higher time frames, and movements in correlated markets like gold and the US dollar. Multiple confirming signals increase confidence in breakout validity or rejection strength. This post Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Tests Critical Channel Resistance Near One-Month Highs – Crucial Technical Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

15 Apr 2026, 15:40

Oil Supply Shock: Critical Inflation Risks Persist Through 2025 – Rabobank Analysis

BitcoinWorld Oil Supply Shock: Critical Inflation Risks Persist Through 2025 – Rabobank Analysis Global energy markets face renewed pressure as supply disruptions create persistent inflation risks throughout 2025, according to comprehensive analysis from Rabobank’s economic research division. The Dutch multinational banking giant warns that structural vulnerabilities in oil production and distribution continue to threaten economic stability worldwide, particularly affecting emerging markets and energy-dependent industries. Recent geopolitical tensions and production constraints have exacerbated existing supply chain weaknesses, creating what analysts describe as a ‘perfect storm’ for sustained inflationary pressures. Oil Supply Shock Fundamentals and Market Dynamics Rabobank’s research identifies multiple factors contributing to the current oil supply shock. Production cuts among OPEC+ members have significantly reduced global inventories. Simultaneously, geopolitical conflicts in key producing regions have disrupted traditional supply routes. Additionally, underinvestment in conventional oil infrastructure during the energy transition has created capacity constraints. These combined factors have pushed benchmark crude prices to levels that threaten economic recovery efforts. The banking institution’s commodity analysts note that supply elasticity has diminished considerably. Previously, price spikes would trigger rapid production increases. However, current market conditions show slower response times. Investment cycles have lengthened due to environmental considerations and capital discipline. Consequently, supply cannot quickly adjust to demand fluctuations. This structural change creates more persistent price pressures than temporary disruptions. Historical Context and Current Comparisons Comparing current conditions to historical supply shocks reveals important differences. The 1970s oil crises resulted from deliberate embargoes and production cuts. The 2008 price spike followed rapid demand growth and speculative activity. Today’s situation combines elements of both while adding new complexities. Climate policies influence investment decisions across the energy sector. Geopolitical realignments have altered traditional trading patterns. Furthermore, pandemic recovery has created uneven demand patterns across regions. Rabobank’s analysis includes detailed examination of inventory data. Global petroleum stocks have declined to multi-year lows in several key categories. Strategic reserves have seen significant drawdowns among consuming nations. Commercial inventories remain tight across major trading hubs. These conditions leave markets vulnerable to additional disruptions. Even minor supply interruptions can trigger disproportionate price responses under current inventory levels. Inflation Transmission Mechanisms and Economic Impact Higher oil prices transmit inflationary pressures through multiple channels. Direct effects appear in energy costs for consumers and businesses. Transportation expenses increase for goods movement and personal travel. Manufacturing costs rise for petroleum-derived products and energy-intensive processes. These direct impacts then create secondary effects throughout economic systems. Rabobank economists identify three primary transmission mechanisms: Cost-push inflation: Rising production costs force businesses to increase prices Wage-price spiral: Higher living costs trigger wage demands, creating feedback loops Import price inflation: Energy-importing nations face deteriorating trade balances The analysis particularly emphasizes impacts on food prices. Modern agriculture depends heavily on petroleum products. Fertilizers derive from natural gas, but distribution relies on diesel transportation. Farm machinery operates on petroleum fuels. Processing and packaging require substantial energy inputs. Consequently, oil price increases quickly affect food inflation, disproportionately impacting lower-income households. Sector-Specific Vulnerabilities and Responses Different economic sectors exhibit varying sensitivity to oil price movements. Transportation and logistics face immediate cost increases. Airlines must adjust fuel surcharges and ticket pricing. Shipping companies renegotiate contracts with fuel adjustment clauses. Trucking firms pass costs through to customers. Manufacturing sectors show more complex responses depending on energy intensity and pricing power. Rabobank’s sector analysis reveals that energy-intensive industries face particular challenges. Chemical production requires petroleum feedstocks and process energy. Steel manufacturing depends on coking coal but also substantial electricity. Cement production involves high-temperature processes with significant energy requirements. These sectors often cannot quickly pass costs to customers due to competitive pressures and long-term contracts. Geopolitical Factors and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Current supply disruptions stem from multiple geopolitical developments. Production discipline among OPEC+ members maintains output below capacity levels. Sanctions affect traditional suppliers like Russia and Venezuela. Security concerns disrupt operations in several producing regions. Additionally, shipping route vulnerabilities have emerged in critical maritime corridors. The banking analysis highlights specific regional concerns: Region Primary Concern Impact Level Middle East Production cuts and regional tensions High Russia Sanctions and export restrictions High Venezuela Production capacity limitations Medium West Africa Security and investment challenges Medium United States Production growth limitations Medium Supply chain analysis reveals additional vulnerabilities. Refining capacity has declined in several regions due to environmental regulations and economic factors. Pipeline infrastructure faces regulatory challenges and community opposition. Shipping faces environmental regulations and fleet renewal requirements. These structural issues compound immediate geopolitical concerns. Policy Responses and Central Bank Challenges Monetary authorities face difficult policy choices amid sustained oil-driven inflation. Traditional responses to demand-driven inflation involve interest rate increases. However, supply-driven inflation presents different challenges. Raising rates cannot create additional oil production. Instead, it may slow economic activity without addressing root causes. Rabobank’s monetary policy analysis suggests central banks must distinguish between temporary and persistent inflation components. Supply shocks typically create temporary price spikes. However, when shocks become sustained, inflation expectations may become unanchored. This requires policy responses even when tools are imperfect. The analysis notes that many central banks now explicitly acknowledge supply-side limitations in their communications. Fiscal policy responses also face constraints. Energy subsidies can cushion consumer impacts but strain government budgets. Strategic reserve releases provide temporary relief but deplete emergency stocks. Investment incentives for production face environmental and timing challenges. International coordination efforts encounter geopolitical obstacles. Consequently, policymakers navigate complex trade-offs with limited optimal solutions. Energy Transition Considerations The ongoing shift toward renewable energy sources creates additional complexities. Investment has shifted from conventional oil projects to clean energy alternatives. This transition is necessary for climate goals but affects near-term supply dynamics. Renewable energy sources cannot immediately replace petroleum in all applications. Aviation, shipping, and heavy industry require energy-dense fuels that remain challenging for electrification. Rabobank’s energy transition analysis emphasizes the need for balanced approaches. Sudden disinvestment from conventional energy can create supply shortages. However, prolonged investment in fossil infrastructure may delay necessary transitions. The banking institution advocates for managed transitions that maintain energy security while advancing climate objectives. This requires careful policy design and substantial investment in both conventional and alternative energy systems. Market Outlook and Risk Assessment Looking forward to 2025, Rabobank identifies several key risk factors. Geopolitical tensions could further disrupt supplies. Economic recovery patterns may create unexpected demand surges. Climate events could affect production and transportation infrastructure. Policy responses might inadvertently exacerbate market tightness. The interaction of these factors creates substantial uncertainty in price forecasts. The analysis presents multiple scenarios based on different assumptions: Base case: Moderate price levels with periodic volatility Upside risk: Significant supply disruptions driving sustained high prices Downside risk: Economic slowdown reducing demand pressures Transition acceleration: Faster adoption reducing petroleum dependence Each scenario carries different implications for inflation outcomes. The base case suggests continued but manageable inflationary pressures. Upside risks could trigger more aggressive monetary responses. Downside scenarios might alleviate immediate concerns but signal broader economic weakness. Transition acceleration offers long-term benefits but requires substantial near-term investment and adjustment. Conclusion Rabobank’s comprehensive analysis confirms that oil supply shocks continue to sustain significant inflation risks through 2025. Structural changes in energy markets have reduced supply elasticity while geopolitical developments have increased vulnerability to disruptions. These factors combine to create persistent inflationary pressures that challenge policymakers and threaten economic stability. The banking institution emphasizes that addressing these risks requires coordinated responses across multiple policy domains, including energy security, monetary policy, and transition management. Understanding the complex dynamics of the current oil supply shock remains essential for navigating the economic challenges ahead. FAQs Q1: What exactly constitutes an oil supply shock? An oil supply shock refers to a sudden, significant reduction in petroleum availability due to production disruptions, export restrictions, or transportation failures. These events rapidly decrease global supply relative to demand, triggering substantial price increases and economic impacts. Q2: How do oil price increases translate to broader inflation? Higher oil prices increase costs for transportation, manufacturing, and energy production. Businesses often pass these costs to consumers through higher prices for goods and services. This creates ripple effects throughout the economy, particularly affecting energy-intensive sectors and essential items like food. Q3: Why can’t increased production quickly solve current supply issues? Several factors limit production responses: OPEC+ maintains deliberate production cuts, geopolitical constraints affect key producers, underinvestment has reduced spare capacity, and environmental considerations slow new project development. These structural issues prevent rapid supply increases. Q4: How do central banks typically respond to supply-driven inflation? Central banks face challenges with supply-driven inflation since interest rate changes don’t directly affect production. They often focus on preventing inflation expectations from becoming unanchored, sometimes raising rates despite the supply origin of price pressures to maintain credibility. Q5: What role does the energy transition play in current market dynamics? The shift toward renewable energy has diverted investment from conventional oil projects, reducing capacity growth. While necessary for climate goals, this transition creates near-term supply challenges since alternatives cannot immediately replace petroleum in all applications, particularly transportation and industry. This post Oil Supply Shock: Critical Inflation Risks Persist Through 2025 – Rabobank Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

15 Apr 2026, 15:40

ST is available for trading!

We’re thrilled to announce that ST is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading ST trading is live as of April 15, 2026. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’. Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade ST on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset : Sentio (ST) Sentio (ST) is a decentralized data and compute network providing developer-first, AI-powered modular Web3 data infrastructure. The platform offers real-time data indexing, customizable analytics, alerting, transaction debugging, and simulation across multiple blockchain ecosystems including EVM chains, Aptos, Sui, and Solana. Sentio’s SDK is designed for speed and developer ergonomics, with support for advanced triggers, hosted subgraphs, and built-in dashboards. The $ST token is the native utility and governance asset of the Sentio Network, used for payment of data services via Sentio Units (SU), staking by node operators and delegators, and voting on protocol-level parameters and upgrades. Please note: Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched). Geographic restrictions may apply Get started with Kraken Will Kraken make more assets available? Yes! But our policy is to never reveal any details until shortly before launch – including which assets we are considering. All of Kraken’s available tokens can be found here , and all future tokens will be announced on our Listings Roadmap and social media profiles . Our client engagement specialists cannot answer any questions about which assets we may be making available in the future. The post ST is available for trading! appeared first on Kraken Blog .

15 Apr 2026, 15:37

Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp says it's better to freeze 5.6 million BTC than let hackers have them

Lopp says dormant coins could pose systemic risk if quantum computing gives attackers the ability to grab them, intensifying the growing “freeze or not freeze” debate.