hodler

14 Apr 2026, 05:13

Bitcoin breaks $74K as US-Iran deal hopes grow, sparking crypto rally

Bitcoin price has surged past $74,000 to reach a three-week high as traders began pricing the US and Iran coming closer to a deal. The flagship crypto rallied over 5.8% to hit $74,787 at press time after US President Donald Trump said that Iran may be looking to negotiate a new agreement after the American Navy began patrolling vital shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. The US began enforcing its maritime blockade on Monday morning when President Trump threatened to sink any Iranian naval ship or tanker that would look to pass through the strait. “If any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated,” Trump posted on Truth Social. This was in retaliation for Iran refusing to deal with Western powers and having effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the war in February. As a result, oil prices surged above $100 a barrel over the weekend, pressuring risk markets. However, with the news that Iran may concede to prevent further damage to its shattered economy, it has once again reignited hopes of de-escalation. Oil prices, including Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, have consequently fallen back below $100 per barrel. Speaking to reporters outside of the Oval Office, Trump said that “the right people” have reached out to the administration for a deal. Short squeeze supports Bitcoin push As previously speculated by Invezz, this latest rally was not unexpected, as there was a dense concentration of high-leverage liquidation clusters between $72,000 and $73,000. With Bitcoin price hitting its highest level for a month, over 180,985 traders were liquidated, totaling $534.65 million. Of this total, over $430 million were leveraged short positions in Bitcoin and Ether. The carnage is still ongoing as, over the past hour, nearly $3.4 million worth of short positions were liquidated as the rally continues. The next key zone that Bitcoin needs to penetrate is between $75,000 and $76,000, where another massive wall of short liquidity resides. According to the CoinGlass liquidation heatmap, a move into this range could trigger a secondary wave of forced buy-ins. If the bulls can maintain enough momentum to pierce the $76,000 psychological barrier, it would likely clear the path for a retest of the all-time high near $77,739. However, the short-term trajectory would also hinge on the March Producer Price Index (PPI) data, which is set for release at 8:30 AM ET later today. If the data comes in cooler than the forecasted 1.2% (MoM), it could signal a welcome cooling of wholesale inflation, suggesting that the Fed may finally have enough breathing room to consider shifting away from its "higher-for-longer" stance. In that case, Bitcoin is well-positioned to capitalize on the returning risk-on sentiment, potentially fueling the momentum needed to liquidate the $76,000 clusters and propel the price toward new record highs. The post Bitcoin breaks $74K as US-Iran deal hopes grow, sparking crypto rally appeared first on Invezz

14 Apr 2026, 05:13

XRP climbs 3% to $1.37 as accumulation builds, but key breakout still ahead

Strong volume and rising demand contrast with deeply bearish sentiment, setting up a potential move if $1.42 clears.

14 Apr 2026, 05:10

GBP/USD Forecast Soars: Sterling Refreshes Six-Week High Above Critical 1.3500 Level

BitcoinWorld GBP/USD Forecast Soars: Sterling Refreshes Six-Week High Above Critical 1.3500 Level The British pound has staged a significant rally against the US dollar, decisively breaking above the psychologically important 1.3500 level to reach its highest point in six weeks. This move, observed in London and global markets on April 10, 2025, signals a potential shift in momentum for the currency pair commonly known as ‘Cable.’ Market analysts are now scrutinizing the technical charts and fundamental drivers behind this sustained upward pressure. GBP/USD Technical Analysis and Chart Breakout Forex traders witnessed a clear technical breakout as the GBP/USD pair consolidated recent gains. Consequently, the move above 1.3500 represents a breach of a key resistance zone that had capped several rally attempts throughout March. The daily chart shows a series of higher highs and higher lows, forming a constructive pattern. Moreover, momentum indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) have moved firmly into positive territory, though they remain shy of overbought levels. This suggests room for further appreciation. Key technical levels now in focus include: Immediate Support: The previous resistance-turned-support near 1.3480. Next Resistance: The late-February high around 1.3650. 200-Day Moving Average: A critical long-term trend indicator currently near 1.3400, now acting as major support. This technical structure provides a roadmap for traders. However, it is the fundamental backdrop that offers the context for this price action. Fundamental Drivers Behind Sterling’s Strength Several interrelated factors are converging to support the British pound. Primarily, shifting expectations around central bank policy are paramount. Recent communications from the Bank of England have struck a more hawkish tone than anticipated, focusing on persistent services inflation. Conversely, market participants are reassessing the timeline for Federal Reserve rate cuts following robust US employment data. This divergence in monetary policy outlook creates a favorable environment for GBP/USD. Additionally, a broader improvement in global risk sentiment has reduced demand for the US dollar as a safe-haven asset. Furthermore, relative economic data surprises have recently favored the UK, providing underlying support for the currency. Expert Analysis on Market Sentiment and Positioning According to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), speculative positioning on the pound had been net short for several weeks prior to this rally. Therefore, this sharp move higher likely triggered a wave of short covering, where traders who bet against sterling were forced to buy back pounds to close their positions. This mechanistic flow can amplify price movements. Veteran currency strategists note that while the breakout is technically significant, its sustainability hinges on incoming data. “The market is pricing in a policy divergence narrative,” notes a lead analyst from a major investment bank. “Confirmation from upcoming UK inflation prints and Federal Reserve minutes will be crucial for determining if this is a sustained trend or a corrective rally.” This expert perspective underscores the data-dependent nature of the current forex landscape. Comparative Macroeconomic Context and Historical Precedents To understand the potential trajectory, it is useful to examine similar periods. For instance, the GBP/USD pair has historically experienced volatile swings around major psychological levels like 1.3500. The table below summarizes key differentials influencing the pair: Factor Current Influence on GBP/USD Interest Rate Differential Shifting in favor of Sterling Economic Growth (GDP) Relatively balanced Inflation Dynamics UK core inflation proving stickier Political Risk Premium Subdued compared to recent years Meanwhile, the broader Dollar Index (DXY) has shown signs of softening, which typically provides a tailwind for major currency pairs like GBP/USD. This environment differs markedly from the dollar-dominated strength seen in late 2024. Importantly, traders are also monitoring cross-currency flows, particularly against the euro and yen, for secondary effects on cable. Market Impact and Implications for Traders and Businesses The sustained move above 1.3500 has immediate practical consequences. For international businesses, a stronger pound alters import/export dynamics and affects the sterling value of overseas earnings. For retail forex traders, volatility provides opportunity but necessitates rigorous risk management, especially around key data releases. Asset allocators may reconsider UK equity exposure, as a stronger currency can be a headwind for the FTSE 100’s multinational constituents. Ultimately, the price action reflects a market recalibrating its expectations for growth, inflation, and interest rates on both sides of the Atlantic. The coming weeks will test the conviction behind this breakout. Conclusion The GBP/USD forecast has turned notably bullish in the near term following its decisive breakout above the 1.3500 handle. This six-week high is supported by a confluence of technical strength and evolving fundamental drivers, primarily centered on monetary policy expectations. While the breakout is significant, its durability will depend on validating data from both the UK and US economies. Traders should monitor upcoming inflation reports and central bank communications closely. The path toward the next major resistance near 1.3650 appears open, but it will likely require continued confirmation from the underlying economic narrative. FAQs Q1: What does GBP/USD breaking above 1.3500 mean? It signifies a major technical and psychological victory for sterling bulls, suggesting a potential shift to a more positive near-term trend and opening the path toward higher resistance levels. Q2: What are the main reasons for the pound’s strength against the dollar? The primary drivers are a perceived divergence in central bank policy, with the Bank of England seen as more hawkish than the Fed, coupled with improved risk sentiment and short-covering activity in the market. Q3: How might this affect someone traveling or making an international transfer? A higher GBP/USD rate means your British pounds will buy more US dollars, making travel to the US or dollar-denominated purchases cheaper for UK residents. Conversely, US visitors to the UK will find it more expensive. Q4: Could this rally reverse quickly? Yes. Forex markets are highly reactive to data. A surprise uptick in US inflation or a dovish shift from the Bank of England could swiftly reverse the gains, highlighting the importance of key support levels like 1.3480. Q5: What key data should I watch next for GBP/USD direction? Upcoming UK CPI (inflation) and wage growth data, US CPI reports, and minutes from the latest Bank of England and Federal Reserve meetings will be critical for confirming or challenging the current trend. This post GBP/USD Forecast Soars: Sterling Refreshes Six-Week High Above Critical 1.3500 Level first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

14 Apr 2026, 05:00

Bitmine’s Ethereum Holdings Hits 4% Supply Milestone After 71,524 ETH Buy

As Ethereum (ETH) retests a crucial support zone, Bitmine, the second-largest crypto treasury, has announced its latest ETH purchase, which pushed the company’s holdings closer to its ultimate goal. Related Reading: Dogecoin (DOGE) Retreats, Can Bulls Reclaim Upside Momentum? Bitmine Reaches Major 4% ETH Milestone On Monday, the largest Ethereum treasury in the world, Bitmine Immersion Technologies, revealed it had reached a major milestone after purchasing roughly $157 million of ETH in the past week. In its latest update, the company shared that it acquired 71,524 ETH over the past week, its highest pace of buys since the week of December 22, 2025. Bitmine’s Chairman, Tom Lee, detailed that the Ethereum treasury “has maintained the increased pace of ETH buys in each of the past four weeks, as our base case ETH is in the final stages of the ‘mini-crypto winter.’” Notably, the company has been ramping up its bet on the King of Altcoins over the past month, significantly increasing its average of 45,000-50,000 ETH purchases from previous weeks. Now, the company’s crypto and cash holdings have reached $11.8 billion at current prices, comprised of 4,874,858 ETH, 198 Bitcoin (BTC), a $200 million stake in Beast Industries, an $85 million stake in Eightco Holdings as part of its “Moonshots” initiative, and unencumbered cash worth $719 million. In addition, Bitmine’s Ethereum holdings have reached 4% of the total ETH supply. This represents a key milestone toward the company’s goal of controlling 5% of the leading altcoin’s 120.7 million supply, which is currently 81% complete. Last week, the treasury firm announced its uplisting to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) from the NYSE American on April 9, 2026, and the expansion of the share repurchase program to $4 billion. Ethereum Starts Q2 In Green In the weekly update, Lee also discussed ETH’s performance amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, noting that “this war remains the most important driver of global markets.” He highlighted that “ETH is now the best-performing asset since the start of the war, with a 17.4% gain and outperforming the S&P 500 by 1,830 basis points. And we believe ETH beating gold by 2,743 basis points demonstrates ETH is the wartime store of value.” “Ethereum continues to benefit from the dual tailwinds of Wall Street tokenizing on the blockchain and from agentic AI systems increasingly needing public and neutral blockchains,” he continued. Market observer Daan Crypto Trades pointed out that Ethereum started the quarter “slightly in the green so far,” with a 3.7% increase Quarter-to-Date (QTD), according to CoinGlass data. The trader noted that this quarter “is generally the best quarter, together with Q1, for Ethereum,” as it has ended in green eight out of ten times, with an average and median return of 58.3% and 15.3%, respectively. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bulls Must Hold This Level Or Price Could Crash To $65,000 Again Meanwhile, crypto analyst Ted Pillows highlighted that ETH is back in its $2,150-$2,200 support zone after the weekend pump. Per the post, if this zone holds, the King of Altcoins could rally back above $2,250 and potentially move toward last month’s top near $2,400. Nonetheless, they warned investors about a potential drop if momentum doesn’t hold. “We’ve seen that historical price action has not really been in Crypto’s favor the past year, so take everything with a grain of salt,” Daan cautioned. Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com

14 Apr 2026, 05:00

$2.7M Bitcoin Buy: Politician-Backed Stack BTC Expands Treasury

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has become the first sitting British MP and party leader to publicly back Bitcoin — a distinction his own company was quick to highlight when it announced his involvement. A Company Built Around A Single Asset Stack BTC , listed on the Aquis exchange and chaired by former UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, bought 37 Bitcoin on Monday for roughly $2.7 million, or about £2 million. The purchase price worked out to approximately $72,385 per coin. The company now holds 68.19 BTC in total. Stack BTC markets itself as a way for UK investors to gain crypto exposure through public markets — essentially a listed vehicle that holds Bitcoin so ordinary shareholders don’t have to hold it themselves. Its share price climbed 7.3% on Monday, closing at $14.42, up from $13.42 at Friday’s close. BREAKING: Nigel Farage has purchased £2m of Bitcoin for Stack BTC – becoming the first sitting MP and the first UK political party leader in history to publicly buy Bitcoin. A landmark moment for Bitcoin in British politics. $STAK @Nigel_Farage @blockchain @kwasi_stackbtc … pic.twitter.com/O614kKe5TN — Stack BTC (@stackbtc_) April 13, 2026 Farage already had skin in the game before Monday’s announcement. He disclosed a $286,000 equity stake in Stack BTC, giving him a 6.31% minority holding in the company. Kwarteng holds a stake as well. Both investments were disclosed in March. In a video tied to Monday’s purchase, Farage said a Bitcoin treasury company could not function without actually holding BTC. Kwarteng said the firm had made significant progress over recent weeks. Reform UK Pulled In $18M In Crypto Donations Last Year The announcement lands at an awkward moment for Farage politically. Over the past year, Reform UK collected around $18 million in crypto-linked donations — more than either the ruling Labour Party or the Conservatives. That figure drew scrutiny from regulators and transparency groups. The UK government responded by pushing forward plans to temporarily prohibit crypto donations to political parties. UK lawmakers have since called for a moratorium on such contributions. The proposed ban would cut off one of Reform UK’s most productive funding streams. Farage has not publicly addressed that conflict directly. Bitcoin Backing Puts Farage Ahead Of His UK Political Rivals Reports indicate that no other sitting British MP or party leader has taken a comparable financial position in Bitcoin. Stack BTC described Farage’s involvement as a landmark moment for Bitcoin in British politics. Whether that framing holds depends partly on what happens next in Parliament, where the crypto donation restrictions are still working their way through. Featured image from Protos, chart from TradingView

14 Apr 2026, 05:00

Capital B acquires 37 BTC at €2.3 mln despite Bitcoin’s price weakness – Details

Despite minimal addition of BTC to its treasury, why does Capital B's BTC acquisition seem promising?