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13 Apr 2026, 16:24

Bitcoin futures market sees big drop in open interest: What’s next?

The Bitcoin ( BTC ) derivatives market has experienced a heavy leverage flush over the past two weeks through April 13. The Bitcoin Futures Open Interest 7-day change – a metric that shows the weekly shift in aggregate BTC futures open interest – had dropped to approximately -3% at the time of reporting, according to data from CryptoQuant . Essentially, Bitcoin traders have been closing positions or getting liquidated faster than new positions are being opened. Bitcoin Futures Open Interest 7-day change. Source: CryptoQuant Worth noting that the crossover of this metric from positive to negative occurred on April 12, hence signaling an early deleveraging event. What’s next for Bitcoin price amid rising deleveraging? The midterm outlook for Bitcoin price faces a potential short squeeze – a bull rally fueled by short sellers capitulating – catalyzed by the negative funding rate for its futures market amid renewed spot demand. Notably, the Bitcoin 7-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) funding rate – which shows total futures open positions across Binance , Bybit, and OKX – transitioned from a positive zone of 0.33% to a negative zone of 0.17%, according to analytics from CryptoQuant . A negative funding rate means shorts are paying longs, indicating that the market is net short and structurally positioned for a squeeze if spot demand accelerates. BTC Futures Perpetual Funding Rate (7-day SMA). Source: CryptoQuant. Meanwhile, the appetite for Bitcoin in the spot market has risen in the past week, led by institutional investors. For example, the U.S. spot BTC ETFs closed last week with a total net cash inflow of more than $816 million, led by BlackRock’s IBIT . Last week, Strategy Inc. ( MSTR ) acquired 13,927 Bitcoin for over $1 billion, thus increasing its holdings to 780,897 BTC. As such, BTC led last week’s $1.1 billion net cash inflows to digital asset investments with approximately $871 million, according to data from CoinShares . “As long as the spot price holds above $70,000, the divergence between a resilient spot and a bearish derivatives structure keeps the short squeeze potential intact,” analyst Axel Adler from CryptoQuant noted . However, if the institutional spot demand for Bitcoin weakens amid ongoing futures deleveraging, a potential capitulation below $70,000 could be inevitable. The post Bitcoin futures market sees big drop in open interest: What’s next? appeared first on Finbold .

13 Apr 2026, 16:10

GBP/JPY Soars: Six-Day Rally Intensifies as Surging Oil Prices Crush the Yen

BitcoinWorld GBP/JPY Soars: Six-Day Rally Intensifies as Surging Oil Prices Crush the Yen The GBP/JPY currency pair has now extended its relentless advance for a sixth consecutive trading session, marking one of its most sustained rallies this quarter. This significant move, observed in global forex markets on Thursday, is primarily driven by a potent combination of Sterling resilience and acute Japanese Yen weakness, the latter exacerbated by sharply rising global oil prices. Consequently, traders are closely monitoring the 188.00 resistance level as the cross approaches multi-year highs. GBP/JPY Rally Extends on Dual Catalysts Market analysts attribute the prolonged ascent to two concurrent forces. Firstly, the British Pound finds underlying support from a relatively hawkish stance by the Bank of England. While other major central banks have signaled potential rate cuts, the BoE maintains a cautious, data-dependent approach to inflation. Secondly, and more critically for the pair’s momentum, the Japanese Yen is facing intense selling pressure. Japan, as a net energy importer, sees its currency particularly vulnerable to increases in crude oil costs. Therefore, the recent surge in Brent and WTI benchmarks directly increases Japan’s import bill, weakening the Yen’s external position. Key drivers behind the move include: Commodity Correlation: The Yen’s traditional role as a safe-haven currency inversely correlates with risk appetite and commodity prices. Policy Divergence: The widening gap between the Bank of Japan’s ultra-accommodative policy and other central banks’ stances. Technical Breakouts: The pair’s sustained move above key moving averages has triggered algorithmic and momentum-based buying. Oil Price Surge Weighs Heavily on the Yen The direct link between crude oil and the Japanese Yen forms a fundamental pillar of this forex dynamic. Japan imports nearly all of its crude oil requirements. When oil prices climb, the nation must spend more Yen to purchase the same volume of energy, creating a natural outflow of the currency. This phenomenon places immediate downward pressure on the Yen’s exchange rate. Recent geopolitical tensions in key oil-producing regions and OPEC+ supply discipline have conspired to push Brent crude above $90 per barrel, a level that historically triggers Yen sensitivity. Furthermore, the Bank of Japan’s continued commitment to yield curve control keeps domestic interest rates pinned near zero. This policy environment diminishes the appeal of holding Yen-denominated assets, especially when energy-driven inflation erodes purchasing power. As a result, the currency offers little defensive appeal against imported inflation, accelerating its decline against peers like the Pound. Expert Analysis on Central Bank Pathways Financial strategists note that the trajectory of the GBP/JPY cross will likely hinge on upcoming central bank communications. “The market is pricing in a stark divergence,” notes a senior currency analyst at a major European bank. “While the Bank of England is expected to hold rates higher for longer to combat services inflation, the Bank of Japan’s path toward policy normalization remains gradual and fraught with conditions. This interest rate differential is a powerful tailwind for the pair, amplified by the commodity channel.” Historical data supports this view, showing a strong correlation between widening UK-Japan rate spreads and appreciation in the GBP/JPY cross. Technical Charts Signal Bullish Momentum From a technical perspective, the six-day rally presents a clear bullish structure. The pair has consistently found support above its 20-day and 50-day simple moving averages, indicating sustained buying interest. Momentum indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) have entered overbought territory but have not yet shown significant divergence, suggesting the trend may have further room to run. Key resistance levels now sit at the psychological 188.50 and 189.00 handles, areas that previously acted as consolidation zones. GBP/JPY Key Technical Levels Level Type Significance 188.50 Resistance Previous 2024 High 187.20 Support 10-Day Moving Average 186.00 Major Support Psychological & 50-Day MA Volume analysis also confirms the move’s strength, with higher trading volumes on up-days compared to minor pullbacks. This volume profile suggests institutional participation rather than mere retail speculation. However, traders remain cautious of a potential mean-reversion pullback, especially if oil prices stabilize or retreat, offering temporary relief to the beleaguered Yen. Conclusion The GBP/JPY rally to a six-day high underscores a powerful macroeconomic narrative where rising oil prices directly undermine the Japanese Yen. This dynamic, coupled with persistent policy divergence between the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan, creates a fertile environment for further Sterling gains. While technical indicators show the pair is extended in the short term, the fundamental drivers—energy costs and interest rate expectations—remain firmly in place. Market participants will now watch energy inventories, central bank commentary, and key UK inflation data for the next catalyst in this significant GBP/JPY move. FAQs Q1: Why do rising oil prices weaken the Japanese Yen? Japan is a net importer of nearly all its crude oil. Higher oil prices increase the nation’s import bill, leading to a greater outflow of Yen to pay for energy, which depreciates the currency’s value on foreign exchange markets. Q2: How does Bank of Japan policy affect the GBP/JPY pair? The Bank of Japan maintains an ultra-loose monetary policy with near-zero interest rates. This makes Yen-denominated assets less attractive compared to those in currencies with higher yields, like the British Pound, encouraging selling of JPY and buying of GBP. Q3: What is the significance of a six-day rally in forex terms? A sustained, multi-day rally in a major currency pair like GBP/JPY indicates strong, persistent momentum driven by fundamental factors. It often attracts trend-following traders and can break through key technical resistance levels. Q4: Could this GBP/JPY rally reverse quickly? While possible, a sharp reversal would likely require a change in the fundamental drivers—such as a significant drop in oil prices or a surprisingly hawkish shift from the Bank of Japan—neither of which markets currently anticipate. Q5: What other factors support the British Pound in this pair? The Pound finds support from the Bank of England’s relatively higher interest rates, resilient UK economic data compared to forecasts, and a lower immediate risk of aggressive rate cuts than seen in other G10 economies. This post GBP/JPY Soars: Six-Day Rally Intensifies as Surging Oil Prices Crush the Yen first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 Apr 2026, 16:09

Crypto Hacker Mints $1.1 Billion in Polkadot via Ethereum Bridge, But Can Only Cash Out $237K

A hacker exploited a Polkadot bridge, minting $1.1 billion worth of DOT tokens before making a tiny fraction of that tally by selling it.

13 Apr 2026, 16:05

XRP Ledger Just Went Nuclear. Here’s What Just Happened

A sharp acceleration in blockchain activity has drawn renewed attention to the XRP ecosystem, as on-chain metrics signal a surge in real network usage . While price action often dominates public discourse, underlying ledger performance increasingly offers a clearer window into adoption trends and system demand. The latest spike in activity has placed XRP back at the center of market discussion. Crypto commentator Arthur highlighted this development on X, reporting a significant increase in transaction throughput on the XRP Ledger. According to his post, the network recently processed over 5 million transactions in a single day, marking one of the highest daily totals ever recorded and signaling a substantial rise in usage intensity across the system. Transaction Activity Reaches Historic Levels The XRP Ledger functions as a high-speed settlement network designed for efficient value transfer . A surge to over 5 million daily transactions reflects heightened engagement across the ecosystem, including payments, token transfers, and automated financial processes. XRPL just went nuclear Look at this: the number of transactions executed exploded recently, hitting over 5 million in a single day, one of the highest levels ever recorded. #XRP #XRPL #Ripple pic.twitter.com/Yi5uxuwkMF — Arthur (@XrpArthur) April 12, 2026 This level of throughput indicates that the network is operating at elevated capacity. It also suggests that multiple participants, ranging from retail users to infrastructure-level applications, are actively leveraging the ledger’s capabilities for fast and low-cost settlement. Drivers Behind the Surge in Network Usage Several factors can contribute to sudden increases in XRP Ledger activity . Payment corridors may expand their usage during high-volume settlement periods. Developers may deploy new applications that rely on the ledger’s speed and scalability. In some cases, automated systems and liquidity operations can also amplify transaction counts. Arthur’s observation reflects a broader trend in which blockchain networks experience episodic spikes tied to real-world usage cycles rather than purely speculative trading behavior. However, analysts continue to evaluate the composition of this activity to determine how much stems from organic adoption versus system-driven transactions. Price Action Lags Behind On-Chain Strength Despite the surge in network activity, XRP’s price has not mirrored the same momentum. This divergence reflects a common pattern in digital asset markets, where on-chain growth often precedes price discovery. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Market pricing depends heavily on liquidity conditions, investor sentiment, and macroeconomic factors. As a result, strong network usage does not always translate into immediate upward price movement. Instead, it often builds a foundation that markets may later recognize. A Growing Network Under Real-World Pressure Processing over 5 million transactions in a single day places the XRP Ledger among the most active blockchain networks in terms of operational throughput. This performance highlights its ability to handle large-scale financial activity without congestion, reinforcing its positioning as a settlement-focused infrastructure layer. While analysts continue to examine the exact sources of the surge, the broader signal remains clear. Network usage has expanded significantly, suggesting that demand for XRP Ledger functionality continues to grow. As market participants assess these developments, attention now shifts to whether sustained on-chain strength will eventually influence price dynamics. For now, the data confirms a decisive trend: the XRP Ledger is experiencing one of its strongest periods of activity to date. 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 XRP Ledger Just Went Nuclear. Here’s What Just Happened appeared first on Times Tabloid .

13 Apr 2026, 16:05

Gold Price Analysis: Stability Meets Stagnation as Geopolitical Risk Battles Fed Policy

BitcoinWorld Gold Price Analysis: Stability Meets Stagnation as Geopolitical Risk Battles Fed Policy LONDON, April 2025 – Gold prices demonstrate remarkable resilience, holding firm above key technical levels, yet the precious metal struggles to gather decisive bullish momentum. This paradoxical state emerges from a powerful clash between escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a persistently hawkish outlook from the U.S. Federal Reserve. Consequently, traders and investors face a complex landscape where traditional safe-haven demand contends with the formidable headwind of rising real interest rates. Gold Price Analysis: The Current Technical and Fundamental Landscape As of this week’s trading, spot gold consolidates within a narrow range, reflecting the market’s indecision. The metal finds solid support near the $2,150 per ounce level, a zone that has held firm through several recent tests. However, resistance around $2,250 continues to cap significant rallies, creating a defined trading channel. This technical picture mirrors the fundamental tug-of-war. On one side, renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran inject a classic risk-off sentiment into global markets. Conversely, Federal Reserve officials maintain a data-dependent but cautious stance, signaling that interest rate cuts may arrive later than previously anticipated. This dual pressure creates a unique environment for gold, which typically thrives on uncertainty but suffers when the dollar strengthens on higher rate expectations. Geopolitical Tensions: The US-Iran Factor and Safe-Haven Flows Recent developments in the Middle East have reintroduced a significant geopolitical risk premium into commodity markets. Following a series of targeted strikes and counter-strikes, the longstanding tensions between Washington and Tehran have entered a more volatile phase. Historically, such escalations trigger immediate capital flows into perceived safe-haven assets. Gold, alongside the Swiss Franc and U.S. Treasuries, traditionally benefits from this flight to quality. Market analysts observe that options activity for gold has increased, particularly for out-of-the-money calls, indicating some investors are hedging against a potential sharp price spike. However, the flows have been measured rather than frantic. Experts suggest the market has become somewhat desensitized to regional conflicts unless they directly threaten global oil supply chains or involve other major powers. Therefore, while the tension provides a floor for gold prices, it has not yet provided the catalyst for a sustained breakout. Expert Insight: The Limited Scope of Geopolitical Support “The geopolitical bid for gold is real, but it’s currently conditional,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, Head of Commodities Research at Global Macro Advisors. “Our models show a strong correlation between gold volatility and Middle East instability, but the magnitude of the price impact has diminished over the last decade. The market now differentiates between localized conflict and events that disrupt global trade or energy flows. For gold to rally powerfully on geopolitics alone, we would need to see a tangible escalation that forces a recalibration of global growth forecasts or central bank policies.” This analysis underscores why gold holds firm but lacks momentum; the risk is priced in, but not at a panic level. The Federal Reserve Outlook: The Dominant Macroeconomic Headwind Simultaneously, the monetary policy landscape presents a formidable challenge for non-yielding assets like gold. The Federal Reserve’s latest communications emphasize patience, with Chair Jerome Powell reiterating the commitment to returning inflation sustainably to the 2% target. Strong labor market data and sticky services inflation have pushed market expectations for the first rate cut into the latter half of 2025. Higher-for-longer interest rates directly strengthen the U.S. dollar and increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which offers no dividend or interest. The following table illustrates the shifting market expectations for Fed policy, a key driver of gold’s performance: Timeline Market-Implied Probability of Rate Cut Primary Data Driver Q1 2025 15% Persistent Core PCE Inflation Q2 2025 35% Labor Market Resilience Q3 2025 65% Expected Cooling in Housing Data Q4 2025 85% Projected Broad Economic Slowdown This delayed easing timeline keeps real yields—the inflation-adjusted return on Treasury bonds—elevated. Gold, which competes with these yield-bearing assets, naturally struggles to attract massive investment inflows in this environment. Central bank buying, particularly from institutions in emerging markets diversifying reserves, has provided a crucial counterbalance, preventing a more severe decline. Market Structure and Trader Positioning Data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) reveals a nuanced picture in trader commitment. Managed money positions, which include hedge funds and other large speculators, show a net-long stance but one that has been gradually reduced over recent weeks. This suggests professional traders are not convinced of an imminent bullish surge. Conversely, physical demand from key markets like India and China remains seasonally soft but is expected to pick up later in the year, providing underlying support. The market structure therefore points to consolidation. Key technical levels to watch include: Critical Support: $2,120 – $2,150 zone (200-day moving average & prior resistance turned support). Immediate Resistance: $2,230 – $2,250 (year-to-date highs and psychological barrier). Breakout Trigger: A sustained move above $2,280 or below $2,100 would signal a new directional trend. The Role of Alternative Hedges and Cryptocurrency Another factor subtly influencing gold’s momentum is the evolving landscape of alternative inflation hedges and store-of-value assets. Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies have recently exhibited lower correlation with traditional risk assets, with some investors beginning to treat them as a digital safe haven, albeit a highly volatile one. This does not represent a mass exodus from gold, but it does fragment some of the capital that might have flowed exclusively into precious metals during past periods of uncertainty. The competition for ‘hedge’ capital is more diverse than ever, potentially diluting the intensity of gold rallies driven by single factors. Conclusion In conclusion, the gold market is effectively stalemated by powerful opposing forces. Geopolitical risk provides a solid foundation, preventing any significant sell-off, while the Federal Reserve’s patient, hawkish stance caps enthusiastic buying. This gold price analysis reveals a metal in wait-and-see mode, lacking the clear catalyst for a decisive move. The path of least resistance remains sideways consolidation until one of these drivers—either a de-escalation in the Middle East or a dovish pivot from the Fed—gains clear dominance. For investors, this environment underscores the importance of gold’s role as a portfolio diversifier and hedge against tail risks, rather than a short-term momentum trade. FAQs Q1: Why isn’t gold rising more sharply with US-Iran tensions? The market views the current tensions as contained within a known regional framework. For gold to spike, the conflict would need to significantly threaten global oil supplies or draw in other major powers, triggering a broader risk-off event. Q2: How do higher interest rates specifically hurt gold? Higher U.S. interest rates boost the dollar’s value and increase the ‘opportunity cost’ of holding gold, which yields no interest. Investors can earn a real return on Treasury bonds, making them more attractive than non-yielding gold. Q3: Are central banks still buying gold? Yes, central bank demand, particularly from countries aiming to diversify away from the U.S. dollar, remains a structural support for the market. This buying helps offset weakness from other sectors like ETF outflows. Q4: What would trigger a new bullish trend for gold? A clear shift in Fed communication toward imminent rate cuts would be the most powerful catalyst. Alternatively, a severe escalation in geopolitics that disrupts global trade or a sudden loss of confidence in sovereign debt markets could also drive prices higher. Q5: How does the strength of the U.S. dollar affect gold? Gold is priced in U.S. dollars globally. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies, which can dampen international physical demand and put downward pressure on the dollar-denominated price. This post Gold Price Analysis: Stability Meets Stagnation as Geopolitical Risk Battles Fed Policy first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 Apr 2026, 16:00

Ondo Finance seeks SEC green light for tokenized securities on Ethereum with BitGo custody

💥 Ondo Finance requests SEC approval to tokenize securities entitlements on Ethereum Mainnet. OGM products will feature an added blockchain-based layer but keep existing legal records unchanged. Continue Reading: Ondo Finance seeks SEC green light for tokenized securities on Ethereum with BitGo custody The post Ondo Finance seeks SEC green light for tokenized securities on Ethereum with BitGo custody appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .