hodler

15 Apr 2026, 14:00

Goldman Sachs files for Bitcoin Income ETF Strategy – But with a catch

Will Goldman Sachs be able to stand strong against the overall Bitcoin ETF market?

15 Apr 2026, 14:00

Market Brief: Bitcoin Rebounds To $76K, 3 Scenarios For What Comes Next

Summary BTC surged to $76K, its highest since the Feb crash, as the Fear & Greed Index hit a five-month high of 55, signaling a meaningful recovery in market confidence. Geopolitical de-escalation and accelerating institutional inflows are driving the rebound. We lay out three scenarios to assess where this rally stands and what comes next. Current Market: Quick Analysis BTC ( BTC-USD ) is staging its strongest rally since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in late Feb., briefly piercing $76K on April 14 before pulling back to the $74K range. Sentiment has shifted meaningfully. The CMC Fear & Greed Index reached 55 alongside the $76K touch, its highest in five months, and has stayed in "Neutral" for the past seven days. For context, the index was in single digits in early April and spent most of March in "Extreme Fear." The market is no longer pricing in worst-case outcomes. MVRV at 1.369 (Fair) shows holders modestly above breakeven without euphoria. The BTC Volatility Index tells a clearer story about market temperature. When BTC traded above $100,000 last year, DVOL consistently stayed below 45, bottoming out at 33 near the all-time high. It briefly spiked above 64 during the October–November sell-off and surged to 90 at the peak of the Iran war panic. DVOL has now fallen back to 43 and continues to decline, tracking a gradual return toward the calmer conditions associated with a healthier market. Short liquidations provided much of the fuel for this rally. Perpetual futures funding rates had been negative for 46 consecutive days, the longest since the post-FTX bottom in late 2022. Short positioning was deeply crowded. When geopolitical conditions shifted, shorts were forced to cover. Within 12 hours on April 13–14, ~$530 million in crypto positions were liquidated, with 80% ($425M+) from shorts at a 4:1 ratio. However, there are some notes that this rally is derivatives-led, not driven by new spot demand. Whether the squeeze translates into sustained buying will define the next two weeks. What's Driving Bitcoin Geopolitical de-escalation is the primary catalyst for this rally, driven by two developments: A new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations is expected before the ceasefire expires on April 22. The Hormuz blockade proved far narrower than feared. Oil prices dropped sharply in response; WTI fell ~6% to $93/barrel on April 14, retreating below $100 for the first time in weeks. Crude oil perpetual futures volume across crypto exchanges tells a similar story, peaking above $6 billion in early April and declining to roughly $2–3 billion since. As oil-related positioning unwinds on these platforms, freed-up margin becomes available for redeployment into crypto tokens, contributing to the broader bid behind this rebound. Institutional flows are providing structural support from multiple directions. Strategy added 13,927 BTC in a single week, deploying over $1 billion in a single purchase, the largest by any corporate buyer so far this year. Morgan Stanley launched its MSBT Bitcoin ETF ( MSBT ), pulling in $34 million on day one at a 0.14% fee that undercuts BlackRock's IBIT. ETH spot ETFs logged four consecutive days of net inflows, totaling $212M. BTC spot ETFs recorded three days of $300M+ inflows within the past five days. Softer PPI. March PPI rose 4.0% YoY versus 4.7% expected. The below-consensus print gave markets room to reprice rate-cut expectations more favorably. Next Scenario Analysis Three stress tests in two weeks could drive three different outcomes: Apr 15 U.S. tax filing deadline, an estimated $2.8B in crypto-related selling Apr 22 U.S.-Iran ceasefire expiry Apr 28–29 FOMC interest rate decision Additional wildcard: Q1 earnings season. The next two weeks are a peak period for U.S. corporate earnings releases. Surprises in either direction could move equity markets and spill over into crypto sentiment, though the direction is difficult to predict in advance. Disclaimer: The information provided herein does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice, and should not be treated as such. All content set out below is for informational purposes only. Original Post

15 Apr 2026, 13:57

Big Move for Shiba Inu: Wallet Listing Opens Real World Payments in Japan

New listing will see SHIB step into everyday payments.

15 Apr 2026, 13:53

Will XRP Ledger Lose the 500 Million Threshold? Network's Activity Decreases

XRP is very unlikely to recover in the foreseeable future as key metrics on the network suggest weakness rather than strength.

15 Apr 2026, 13:46

XRP Wallets Holding 1,000 to 100,000 Coins Hit 1.1M, Highest Level in History

The number of XRP wallets holding between 1,000 and 100,000 tokens has climbed to 1.1 million, marking a new historical peak. This milestone comes amid increased retail participation in the XRP market despite declining prices. Visit Website

15 Apr 2026, 13:45

Bitcoin’s Quantum Defense: BIP-361 Proposal Unveils Critical Plan to Secure the Network

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin’s Quantum Defense: BIP-361 Proposal Unveils Critical Plan to Secure the Network In a pivotal move for global digital finance, a new technical proposal aims to fortify the Bitcoin network against a looming technological frontier. The BIP-361 proposal, introduced to the Bitcoin developer community, outlines a strategic defense against the potential threat of quantum computing. This initiative calls for the gradual phasing out of current cryptographic signature methods, marking a significant evolution in the protocol’s foundational security. The transition plan, reportedly scheduled to begin around 2029, represents one of the most forward-looking upgrades in Bitcoin’s history. Understanding the BIP-361 Quantum Defense Proposal The Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 361 directly addresses a vulnerability that cryptographers have monitored for years. Currently, Bitcoin relies on the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) and its more recent counterpart, Schnorr signatures. These algorithms secure every transaction by proving ownership of private keys. However, theoretical advances in quantum computing suggest that sufficiently powerful machines could one day break these cryptographic schemes. Consequently, the BIP-361 proposal initiates a carefully planned migration to quantum-resistant algorithms. This process would not be an abrupt change. Instead, the plan involves an initial restriction on new transactions sent to vulnerable, non-upgraded addresses. Following this restriction, the network would implement a multi-year grace period. This grace period allows users ample time to move their assets from old addresses to new, quantum-secure ones. Ultimately, assets remaining in vulnerable addresses after the grace period would become invalid. This staged approach prioritizes network security while minimizing disruption for users. The Cryptographic Foundation: ECDSA and the Quantum Threat To appreciate the necessity of BIP-361, one must understand the technology it seeks to replace. ECDSA is the cryptographic workhorse for both Bitcoin and Ethereum. It creates a digital signature using a private key, which anyone can verify with a corresponding public key without revealing the secret. The security of ECDSA rests on the extreme mathematical difficulty of deriving the private key from the public key, a problem known as the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem. Quantum computers, however, leverage principles of quantum mechanics to solve specific mathematical problems exponentially faster than classical computers. Shor’s algorithm, a famous quantum algorithm, could theoretically solve the discrete logarithm problem that secures ECDSA. While a quantum computer capable of this feat does not exist today, its potential development drives proactive security measures. The goal of BIP-361 is to transition the network before such a machine becomes operational, thereby protecting trillions of dollars in value. Expert Perspectives on the Quantum Timeline Cryptography experts consistently emphasize the distinction between theoretical risk and immediate danger. Most researchers estimate that a quantum computer powerful enough to threaten ECDSA is likely a decade or more away. This timeline provides a crucial window for preparation. The proposed 2029 start date for BIP-361’s activation aligns with conservative estimates within the academic community. Furthermore, the multi-year grace period embedded in the proposal accounts for the slow pace of user adoption and the complexity of upgrading global financial infrastructure. Industry analysts note that this proactive stance offers Bitcoin a significant advantage. Unlike traditional financial systems with centralized upgrade paths, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature requires broad consensus for such a fundamental change. Starting the discussion and planning now ensures that when a quantum threat materializes, the network will be prepared. This forward-thinking approach enhances Bitcoin’s long-term credibility as a robust store of value. Comparative Analysis: Bitcoin’s Path Versus Other Networks Bitcoin is not the only blockchain considering quantum resistance. Several newer projects have built quantum-resistant algorithms into their foundation from the start. However, Bitcoin’s challenge is unique due to its massive, established user base and immutable transaction history. The BIP-361 proposal must safeguard existing funds while enabling a secure future. This requires a backward-compatible transition strategy, which is far more complex than building a new system from scratch. The table below outlines key differences between the current state and the post-transition goal: Feature Current System (Pre-BIP-361) Target System (Post-Transition) Primary Signature Algorithm ECDSA / Schnorr Quantum-Resistant Algorithm (TBD) Quantum Attack Vulnerability Theoretically Vulnerable Designed to Be Resistant Address Format Legacy (e.g., 1…), SegWit (bc1q…) New, Quantum-Secure Format User Action Required None Move funds to new address type Activation Timeline N/A Proposed start ~2029 This transition highlights Bitcoin’s evolutionary capacity. The network has successfully navigated major upgrades before, such as the adoption of Segregated Witness (SegWit). Each upgrade required extensive technical debate and community coordination. The BIP-361 proposal follows this established tradition of rigorous, consensus-driven development. The Implementation Roadmap and Potential Impacts The reported roadmap for BIP-361 involves several clear phases. First, developers must agree on and standardize a new quantum-resistant signature algorithm. Candidates include lattice-based, hash-based, or multivariate cryptography. Next, the Bitcoin Core software and other node implementations would need to support the new standard through a soft fork, ensuring network consensus. Finally, wallet providers, exchanges, and custody services must update their software to generate and recognize the new address types. The impacts of this upgrade will be widespread: For Users: Individuals will need to move their Bitcoin from old addresses to new, quantum-resistant addresses during the grace period. This action will be similar to past upgrades. For Businesses: Exchanges, payment processors, and financial services must update their systems to handle new transaction types and educate their customers. For the Network: Successfully navigating this transition would represent a monumental achievement in decentralized governance and long-term planning, potentially increasing institutional confidence. For Security: The upgrade would neutralize a major future threat, securing Bitcoin’s position for the coming decades. Critically, the proposal aims to make this transition as seamless as possible. The long lead time and grace period are central to this goal. Developers understand that user experience and security are equally important for a network that serves as global digital infrastructure. Conclusion The BIP-361 proposal marks a critical juncture in Bitcoin’s development, shifting focus from present-day challenges to future-proof security. By proactively addressing the quantum computing threat, the Bitcoin community demonstrates its commitment to preserving the network’s integrity as a decentralized financial system. This planned, gradual transition from ECDSA to quantum-resistant cryptography underscores the sophisticated and resilient nature of Bitcoin’s open-source development model. While the technical work and community consensus-building will be substantial, the successful implementation of this quantum defense plan would secure Bitcoin’s foundational value proposition for generations to come. FAQs Q1: What is the main goal of the BIP-361 proposal? The primary goal of BIP-361 is to protect the Bitcoin network from the future threat of quantum computing by phasing out the currently used ECDSA and Schnorr signature algorithms and replacing them with quantum-resistant cryptographic standards. Q2: Do I need to do anything with my Bitcoin right now because of this proposal? No, immediate action is not required. The proposal outlines a transition starting around 2029, followed by a grace period of several years. Users will have ample time to move their funds to new, secure addresses when wallet software supports the upgrade. Q3: Is quantum computing an immediate threat to Bitcoin today? No, it is not an immediate threat. Experts consensus suggests a capable quantum computer is likely years or decades away. BIP-361 is a proactive, preventative measure to ensure Bitcoin’s security long before such technology becomes a reality. Q4: How does this proposal affect other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum? Ethereum also uses ECDSA and faces the same theoretical quantum threat. While BIP-361 is specific to Bitcoin, its discussion and potential implementation will likely influence research and planning across the entire cryptocurrency industry. Q5: What happens to Bitcoin in old addresses after the grace period? According to the proposal’s reported details, Bitcoin held in addresses that use the old, vulnerable signature scheme after the multi-year grace period would become invalid and unspendable. This mechanism incentivizes users to migrate to the new, secure system. This post Bitcoin’s Quantum Defense: BIP-361 Proposal Unveils Critical Plan to Secure the Network first appeared on BitcoinWorld .