Russia Vows Support for Cuba Amid US 'Blackmail'
Russia has pledged unwavering solidarity and continued humanitarian assistance to Cuba, strongly condemning what it describes as US "blackmail and threats." Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated Moscow rejects foreign policy pressure, viewing Washington's actions as "gross interference" designed to undermine Cuban statehood.
Russia reaffirms its historical commitment to Cuba's independence and its right to self-determination, particularly during this period of "artificially fueled confrontation." This comes after a Russian tanker recently delivered crude oil to the island, challenging a US blockade. The US administration permitted the delivery for "humanitarian" reasons.
Russia has pledged unwavering solidarity and continued humanitarian assistance to Cuba, strongly condemning what it describes as US "blackmail and threats." Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated Moscow rejects foreign policy pressure, viewing Washington's actions as "gross interference" designed to undermine Cuban statehood.
Russia reaffirms its historical commitment to Cuba's independence and its right to self-determination, particularly during this period of "artificially fueled confrontation." This comes after a Russian tanker recently delivered crude oil to the island, challenging a US blockade. The US administration permitted the delivery for "humanitarian" reasons.
Riot Platforms Sells $289M in Bitcoin to Fund AI Infrastructure Shift
Bitcoin mining firm Riot Platforms offloaded 3,778 BTC for $289.5 million in the first three months of the year, averaging $76,626 per coin. This significant sale aims to accelerate its pivot into AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.
While Q1 mining output dipped 4% year-over-year to 1,473 BTC, Riot’s deployed hash rate surged 26% to 42.5 EH/s. The company still retains 15,680 BTC, valued at $1.1 billion.
Riot is leveraging its massive Texas energy capacity beyond traditional mining. A $96 million January BTC sale funded a 200-acre land purchase. A 10-year AMD deal for 25 MW, expandable to 200 MW, is projected to yield $311 million in revenue.
This move reflects a broader trend among miners diverting crypto reserves to AI as Bitcoin mining profitability wanes. Analysts suggest BTC needs to exceed $100,000 for industry stability, with many currently operating at a loss.
Bitcoin mining firm Riot Platforms offloaded 3,778 BTC for $289.5 million in the first three months of the year, averaging $76,626 per coin. This significant sale aims to accelerate its pivot into AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.
While Q1 mining output dipped 4% year-over-year to 1,473 BTC, Riot’s deployed hash rate surged 26% to 42.5 EH/s. The company still retains 15,680 BTC, valued at $1.1 billion.
Riot is leveraging its massive Texas energy capacity beyond traditional mining. A $96 million January BTC sale funded a 200-acre land purchase. A 10-year AMD deal for 25 MW, expandable to 200 MW, is projected to yield $311 million in revenue.
This move reflects a broader trend among miners diverting crypto reserves to AI as Bitcoin mining profitability wanes. Analysts suggest BTC needs to exceed $100,000 for industry stability, with many currently operating at a loss.
Ripple CEO Predicts US Crypto Bill Passage by April
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse estimates a 90% chance the US CLARITY Act will pass by April, potentially ending years of regulatory ambiguity for the crypto sector.
Momentum is reportedly growing in Washington, with a March 1 negotiation deadline for lawmakers on stablecoin provisions. The bill aims to establish clear oversight roles for the CFTC and SEC.
Such regulatory clarity could remove significant barriers for utility tokens and foster greater institutional adoption. For XRP, it would federally affirm its non-security status, attracting substantial capital to the market.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse estimates a 90% chance the US CLARITY Act will pass by April, potentially ending years of regulatory ambiguity for the crypto sector.
Momentum is reportedly growing in Washington, with a March 1 negotiation deadline for lawmakers on stablecoin provisions. The bill aims to establish clear oversight roles for the CFTC and SEC.
Such regulatory clarity could remove significant barriers for utility tokens and foster greater institutional adoption. For XRP, it would federally affirm its non-security status, attracting substantial capital to the market.
Australian Inflation Surges in Q1, Rate Hike Pressure Mounts
Australian consumer prices saw a significant jump in the first quarter, primarily due to rising energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Core inflation also remained stubbornly high, intensifying calls for an interest rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia as early as next week.
Data revealed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed 1.4% for the quarter, marking the sharpest rise since late 2023. Annual CPI accelerated to 4.1% from 3.6%. The key trimmed mean measure of core inflation rose 0.8% quarterly, pushing its annual pace to 3.5%, well above the RBA's 2-3% target band.
Australian consumer prices saw a significant jump in the first quarter, primarily due to rising energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Core inflation also remained stubbornly high, intensifying calls for an interest rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia as early as next week.
Data revealed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed 1.4% for the quarter, marking the sharpest rise since late 2023. Annual CPI accelerated to 4.1% from 3.6%. The key trimmed mean measure of core inflation rose 0.8% quarterly, pushing its annual pace to 3.5%, well above the RBA's 2-3% target band.
BitMine Amasses 3.7% of Ethereum Supply
BitMine acquired 50,928 ETH this week, bringing its total reserves to 4.47 million ETH, representing 3.71% of the market supply. The company targets 5% of ETH emission. Chairman Tom Lee deems the current correction an "attractive" entry, believing ETH's price undervalues its utility. Geopolitical uncertainties are also influencing markets.
BitMine plans to launch its own MAVAN staking solution in Q1. Currently, 3.04 million ETH are staked via third parties, generating an estimated $172 million annually, potentially rising to $253 million if all its ETH is utilized.
Beyond ETH, BitMine holds 193 BTC, $200M in Beast Industries, $17M in Eightco, and $898M cash. Its crypto treasury ranks second among public companies, trailing only Strategy.
Meanwhile, Strategy purchased 3,015 BTC for ~$204.1 million, pushing its total Bitcoin holdings to 720,737 BTC.
BitMine acquired 50,928 ETH this week, bringing its total reserves to 4.47 million ETH, representing 3.71% of the market supply. The company targets 5% of ETH emission. Chairman Tom Lee deems the current correction an "attractive" entry, believing ETH's price undervalues its utility. Geopolitical uncertainties are also influencing markets.
BitMine plans to launch its own MAVAN staking solution in Q1. Currently, 3.04 million ETH are staked via third parties, generating an estimated $172 million annually, potentially rising to $253 million if all its ETH is utilized.
Beyond ETH, BitMine holds 193 BTC, $200M in Beast Industries, $17M in Eightco, and $898M cash. Its crypto treasury ranks second among public companies, trailing only Strategy.
Meanwhile, Strategy purchased 3,015 BTC for ~$204.1 million, pushing its total Bitcoin holdings to 720,737 BTC.
South Korea Tax Service Leaks Seed Phrases, Loses $4.8M Crypto
South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) suffered a major operational blunder, losing $4.8 million in seized cryptocurrency. The agency published press photos featuring legible handwritten recovery phrases for Ledger hardware wallets, effectively publishing private keys to the public.
Opportunistic actors swiftly drained 4 million PRTG tokens within hours. This incident highlights a critical failure in institutional custody, as authorities neglected to transfer assets to secure government custody before publicizing the seizure.
The NTS has apologized and plans to revise procedures, but the event underscores a fundamental misunderstanding of digital asset security. It severely damages the nation's crypto enforcement credibility, with recovery now highly challenging despite police investigations.
South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) suffered a major operational blunder, losing $4.8 million in seized cryptocurrency. The agency published press photos featuring legible handwritten recovery phrases for Ledger hardware wallets, effectively publishing private keys to the public.
Opportunistic actors swiftly drained 4 million PRTG tokens within hours. This incident highlights a critical failure in institutional custody, as authorities neglected to transfer assets to secure government custody before publicizing the seizure.
The NTS has apologized and plans to revise procedures, but the event underscores a fundamental misunderstanding of digital asset security. It severely damages the nation's crypto enforcement credibility, with recovery now highly challenging despite police investigations.
Brazilian Truckers Weigh Strike Amid Diesel Price Surge
Brazilian truck drivers' unions are pushing for a strike as early as this week, citing a significant jump in diesel prices. The Middle East conflict has fueled a nearly 19% rise in S-10 diesel since late February.
A widespread strike could severely impact Brazil, which relies heavily on road transport; a 2018 truckers' strike paralyzed the nation for ten days. Union head Wallace Landim called it a "fight for survival," noting truckers feel the "same pain" as in 2018.
Despite government efforts to mitigate costs by scrapping diesel taxes and fighting price gouging, it remains uncertain if a strike can be averted. Truckers reportedly feel they are "at their limit."
Brazilian truck drivers' unions are pushing for a strike as early as this week, citing a significant jump in diesel prices. The Middle East conflict has fueled a nearly 19% rise in S-10 diesel since late February.
A widespread strike could severely impact Brazil, which relies heavily on road transport; a 2018 truckers' strike paralyzed the nation for ten days. Union head Wallace Landim called it a "fight for survival," noting truckers feel the "same pain" as in 2018.
Despite government efforts to mitigate costs by scrapping diesel taxes and fighting price gouging, it remains uncertain if a strike can be averted. Truckers reportedly feel they are "at their limit."
Citi Cuts Bitcoin & Ethereum Price Outlook
Citigroup has lowered its annual Bitcoin forecast from $143,000 to $112,000, and Ethereum's from $4304 to $3175. This adjustment stems from slower US regulatory progress, reduced on-chain activity, and revised expectations for ETF inflows. Citi now projects $10B for spot BTC ETFs and $2.5B for ETH ETFs, still deeming these inflows vital.
The bank offers scenarios: a bullish one sees BTC at $165k and ETH at $4488 with mass ETF adoption, while a bearish outlook suggests BTC $58k and ETH $1198 during a recession. ETH also faces risks from weak network activity, though stablecoins and tokenization could offer support.
Citigroup has lowered its annual Bitcoin forecast from $143,000 to $112,000, and Ethereum's from $4304 to $3175. This adjustment stems from slower US regulatory progress, reduced on-chain activity, and revised expectations for ETF inflows. Citi now projects $10B for spot BTC ETFs and $2.5B for ETH ETFs, still deeming these inflows vital.
The bank offers scenarios: a bullish one sees BTC at $165k and ETH at $4488 with mass ETF adoption, while a bearish outlook suggests BTC $58k and ETH $1198 during a recession. ETH also faces risks from weak network activity, though stablecoins and tokenization could offer support.
PENGU Crypto Soars as Utility Memecoin Heats Up
Pudgy Penguins' PENGU token is posting significant double-digit gains, outperforming Bitcoin today. Trading near $0.0086, PENGU's rally is fueled by key ecosystem catalysts.
Recent drivers include the Visa Pengu Card launch, the Pudgy Party gaming rollout, and visible whale accumulation. NFT sales are up 23% week-over-week, with trading volumes peaking at $736 million.
PENGU is consolidating between $0.008-$0.009, defending its 20-day EMA. With an RSI of 55 and nearly $200 million in volume, steady accumulation points to institutional interest. A break above critical resistance at $0.009 could open the path to $0.016-$0.019, with analysts eyeing higher targets. Its 870,000+ holder base provides a strong demand floor.
Pudgy Penguins' PENGU token is posting significant double-digit gains, outperforming Bitcoin today. Trading near $0.0086, PENGU's rally is fueled by key ecosystem catalysts.
Recent drivers include the Visa Pengu Card launch, the Pudgy Party gaming rollout, and visible whale accumulation. NFT sales are up 23% week-over-week, with trading volumes peaking at $736 million.
PENGU is consolidating between $0.008-$0.009, defending its 20-day EMA. With an RSI of 55 and nearly $200 million in volume, steady accumulation points to institutional interest. A break above critical resistance at $0.009 could open the path to $0.016-$0.019, with analysts eyeing higher targets. Its 870,000+ holder base provides a strong demand floor.
Bernstein Predicts Stronger Crypto Market Upside
Bernstein's analyst Gautam Chhugani sees "asymmetric upside" returning to crypto, driven by robust institutional inflows, steadfast long-term holders, and blockchain's mainstream integration. Bitcoin is nearing $80,000 after finding a floor at $60,000.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs and major corporate accumulation have fundamentally reshaped BTC's ownership; 60% of supply is now held by "believers" for over a year. Institutional engagement is expanding, with Morgan Stanley's new ETF and Charles Schwab offering direct crypto trading. ETFs recorded $2.7 billion in net inflows over three weeks, holding 6.3% of total BTC.
Bernstein's analyst Gautam Chhugani sees "asymmetric upside" returning to crypto, driven by robust institutional inflows, steadfast long-term holders, and blockchain's mainstream integration. Bitcoin is nearing $80,000 after finding a floor at $60,000.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs and major corporate accumulation have fundamentally reshaped BTC's ownership; 60% of supply is now held by "believers" for over a year. Institutional engagement is expanding, with Morgan Stanley's new ETF and Charles Schwab offering direct crypto trading. ETFs recorded $2.7 billion in net inflows over three weeks, holding 6.3% of total BTC.
OpenAI Unveils Ultra-Fast GPT-5.4 Mini and Nano AI Models
OpenAI has introduced GPT-5.4 mini and nano, its latest AI models engineered for minimal latency and high efficiency. These models are optimized for tasks demanding instant responses.
GPT-5.4 mini is over twice as fast as GPT-5 mini, excelling in coding, multimodal understanding, and subagent operations. It approaches GPT-5.4's capabilities in benchmarks like SWE-Bench Pro, making it ideal for instant AI assistants and complex real-time applications.
For lighter tasks, GPT-5.4 nano is the smallest and most cost-effective, perfect for classification, data extraction, and simple subagent functions. Both are designed for scenarios where speed and low overhead are paramount.
Availability: mini via API, Codex, ChatGPT; nano via API only. Pricing for mini: $0.75/M input, $4.5/M output. Nano: $0.2/M input, $1.25/M output.
OpenAI has introduced GPT-5.4 mini and nano, its latest AI models engineered for minimal latency and high efficiency. These models are optimized for tasks demanding instant responses.
GPT-5.4 mini is over twice as fast as GPT-5 mini, excelling in coding, multimodal understanding, and subagent operations. It approaches GPT-5.4's capabilities in benchmarks like SWE-Bench Pro, making it ideal for instant AI assistants and complex real-time applications.
For lighter tasks, GPT-5.4 nano is the smallest and most cost-effective, perfect for classification, data extraction, and simple subagent functions. Both are designed for scenarios where speed and low overhead are paramount.
Availability: mini via API, Codex, ChatGPT; nano via API only. Pricing for mini: $0.75/M input, $4.5/M output. Nano: $0.2/M input, $1.25/M output.
XRP Outpaces ETH & BTC, Eyes $2 & $10 Targets!
XRP is currently trading at $1.46, up 2% in 24 hours, quietly outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum. This surge follows a decisive breakout above the __$1.43 resistance__, fueled by a significant volume increase to $3.6 billion. The token briefly touched $1.50 before a slight pullback.
Accelerating network activity and growing institutional adoption are providing structural support for this upward momentum. While BTC and ETH consolidate, XRP is holding strong above its __new support zone__ of $1.44-$1.45.
A sustained close above the immediate resistance at $1.50 could propel XRP towards $1.60, then $1.80, with a potential push to $2.35. Some analysts even foresee a trajectory towards $3-$5. A __$10 target__ before 2026 is gaining traction among traders, citing regulatory clarity and expanding RippleNet adoption as key drivers for this __ambitious repricing__.
XRP is currently trading at $1.46, up 2% in 24 hours, quietly outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum. This surge follows a decisive breakout above the __$1.43 resistance__, fueled by a significant volume increase to $3.6 billion. The token briefly touched $1.50 before a slight pullback.
Accelerating network activity and growing institutional adoption are providing structural support for this upward momentum. While BTC and ETH consolidate, XRP is holding strong above its __new support zone__ of $1.44-$1.45.
A sustained close above the immediate resistance at $1.50 could propel XRP towards $1.60, then $1.80, with a potential push to $2.35. Some analysts even foresee a trajectory towards $3-$5. A __$10 target__ before 2026 is gaining traction among traders, citing regulatory clarity and expanding RippleNet adoption as key drivers for this __ambitious repricing__.
Myers Industries Exceeds Q1 Estimates with Strong Performance
Myers Industries (NYSE: MYE) reported Q1 EPS of $0.31, beating the $0.21 analyst estimate by $0.10. Revenue also topped forecasts, reaching $203.97M against the $202.6M consensus.
The stock closed at $21.77, up 17.99% in three months and 74.44% over the past year. With one positive EPS revision recently and a "good performance" financial health rating, the company shows robust momentum.
Myers Industries (NYSE: MYE) reported Q1 EPS of $0.31, beating the $0.21 analyst estimate by $0.10. Revenue also topped forecasts, reaching $203.97M against the $202.6M consensus.
The stock closed at $21.77, up 17.99% in three months and 74.44% over the past year. With one positive EPS revision recently and a "good performance" financial health rating, the company shows robust momentum.
OpenStar Achieves Fusion Breakthrough Amidst AI Energy Demands
New Zealand startup OpenStar Technologies has made a significant advance in fusion energy. They successfully levitated a 500kg magnet within a vacuum chamber containing gas heated to over a million degrees Celsius. This demonstration, witnessed by PM Christopher Luxon, marks a key step for their unique, scalable reactor design.
Despite current prototypes consuming more energy than they produce, CEO Ratu Mātāira sees this as validation for a simpler path to economically viable fusion. This progress is timely, as the rapid expansion of AI is driving an exponential surge in electricity consumption, leading to forecasts of substantial power deficits.
New Zealand startup OpenStar Technologies has made a significant advance in fusion energy. They successfully levitated a 500kg magnet within a vacuum chamber containing gas heated to over a million degrees Celsius. This demonstration, witnessed by PM Christopher Luxon, marks a key step for their unique, scalable reactor design.
Despite current prototypes consuming more energy than they produce, CEO Ratu Mātāira sees this as validation for a simpler path to economically viable fusion. This progress is timely, as the rapid expansion of AI is driving an exponential surge in electricity consumption, leading to forecasts of substantial power deficits.
Solana Battles Critical Levels Amid Shifting Market Focus
Solana (SOL) fights to hold $90-$93 as traders eye a decisive move. Technicals against Bitcoin show potential outperformance, with a tightening wedge and the Alpenglow upgrade targeting sub-second finality. Reclaim $100 or surrender $80?
On-chain activity contraction questions Solana's "casino chain" status. While SOL faces resistance at $92 (then $98), a break below $80 could trigger a slide to $59. RSI is neutral, but an SOL/BTC triangle breakout hints at capital rotation if Bitcoin stabilizes.
Smart money now seeks infrastructure plays with aggressive growth. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), a Bitcoin L2 using SVM, offers sub-second speeds on Bitcoin. Its presale raised $32M, priced at $0.0136 with 36% APY staking.
Solana (SOL) fights to hold $90-$93 as traders eye a decisive move. Technicals against Bitcoin show potential outperformance, with a tightening wedge and the Alpenglow upgrade targeting sub-second finality. Reclaim $100 or surrender $80?
On-chain activity contraction questions Solana's "casino chain" status. While SOL faces resistance at $92 (then $98), a break below $80 could trigger a slide to $59. RSI is neutral, but an SOL/BTC triangle breakout hints at capital rotation if Bitcoin stabilizes.
Smart money now seeks infrastructure plays with aggressive growth. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), a Bitcoin L2 using SVM, offers sub-second speeds on Bitcoin. Its presale raised $32M, priced at $0.0136 with 36% APY staking.
CDK Global Reports 18% Earnings Decline Amid Rising Costs
Brookfield-backed CDK Global, a car dealership software provider, announced an approximately 18% drop in fourth-quarter earnings. The decline, to $127 million pro forma EBITDA, was primarily attributed to increased costs and significant investments made by the privately-held company.
This earnings dip comes as the software sector faces intense scrutiny over the potential impact of artificial intelligence. Investors' growing concerns that AI could displace traditional software firms have fueled a selloff, affecting companies like CDK Global and their financial backers.
Brookfield-backed CDK Global, a car dealership software provider, announced an approximately 18% drop in fourth-quarter earnings. The decline, to $127 million pro forma EBITDA, was primarily attributed to increased costs and significant investments made by the privately-held company.
This earnings dip comes as the software sector faces intense scrutiny over the potential impact of artificial intelligence. Investors' growing concerns that AI could displace traditional software firms have fueled a selloff, affecting companies like CDK Global and their financial backers.
Oil & Silver Futures Surge on Hyperliquid, Outperforming Solana & XRP
Oil and silver futures on Hyperliquid topped $1.3B in 24h volume, surpassing major altcoins. Silver derivatives hit $685M, with WTI and Brent totaling $669M. This surge, pushing open interest to $730M, stems from US-Israel-Iran geopolitical tensions.
Solana traded $181M, XRP $30M. Non-crypto assets on the DEX reflect market shifts. Brent crude jumped 2.4% to $109, WTI 1% to $99 amid Trump's Hormuz ultimatum. Goldman Sachs forecasts Brent at $100 ($135 peak possible), WTI at $79. IEA calls this energy crisis worse than the 1970s.
Silver, however, dropped 6.2% to $63.4/oz. Bitcoin remains Hyperliquid's top asset ($2.1B volume). BTC, around $68,100 after a 1% dip, sees analysts split: some expect a bounce to $70,000, others warn of a fall to $50,000.
Oil and silver futures on Hyperliquid topped $1.3B in 24h volume, surpassing major altcoins. Silver derivatives hit $685M, with WTI and Brent totaling $669M. This surge, pushing open interest to $730M, stems from US-Israel-Iran geopolitical tensions.
Solana traded $181M, XRP $30M. Non-crypto assets on the DEX reflect market shifts. Brent crude jumped 2.4% to $109, WTI 1% to $99 amid Trump's Hormuz ultimatum. Goldman Sachs forecasts Brent at $100 ($135 peak possible), WTI at $79. IEA calls this energy crisis worse than the 1970s.
Silver, however, dropped 6.2% to $63.4/oz. Bitcoin remains Hyperliquid's top asset ($2.1B volume). BTC, around $68,100 after a 1% dip, sees analysts split: some expect a bounce to $70,000, others warn of a fall to $50,000.
Ethereum Faces Make-or-Break Moment: Breakout or Bull Trap?
ETH slammed into critical $2,160 resistance yesterday, rejecting it and now trading near $2,080 after a volatile -1.6% drop. Traders are paralyzed between a potential breakout and a classic bull trap. Bullish signs like RSI divergence and a potential inverse Head and Shoulders pattern (if ETH holds above $2,000) offer hope.
However, many warn of a fakeout. Failure to clear $2,160 and dropping below $2,000 would invalidate the bullish structure, risking a retest of $1,900 or even $1,320 if macro resistance holds.
Despite chart resistance, on-chain data shows massive long-term holder accumulation, indicating buying confidence. Yet, analysts highlight structural risks. A weekly close above $2,300 is crucial to negate the bearish macro trend. This weekend is pivotal for ETH's Q1 2026 direction.
ETH slammed into critical $2,160 resistance yesterday, rejecting it and now trading near $2,080 after a volatile -1.6% drop. Traders are paralyzed between a potential breakout and a classic bull trap. Bullish signs like RSI divergence and a potential inverse Head and Shoulders pattern (if ETH holds above $2,000) offer hope.
However, many warn of a fakeout. Failure to clear $2,160 and dropping below $2,000 would invalidate the bullish structure, risking a retest of $1,900 or even $1,320 if macro resistance holds.
Despite chart resistance, on-chain data shows massive long-term holder accumulation, indicating buying confidence. Yet, analysts highlight structural risks. A weekly close above $2,300 is crucial to negate the bearish macro trend. This weekend is pivotal for ETH's Q1 2026 direction.
Powell: Fed to 'Wait and See' Iran Conflict's Economic Impact
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated monetary policy is well-positioned to "wait and see" the effects of surging oil prices from the Middle East conflict on U.S. inflation and the economy.
He reiterated that monetary policy tools primarily affect demand and offer no meaningful short-term impact on oil supply shocks. Energy shocks tend to be transient, while policy works with long lags.
Raising interest rates to counter oil-driven inflation could weigh on the economy once the shock subsides. The Fed recently held rates steady, acknowledging significant uncertainty.
Despite projections for higher core inflation, policymakers still anticipate at least one rate cut this year. Powell stressed that "nobody knows" the true economic effects, which could vary widely.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated monetary policy is well-positioned to "wait and see" the effects of surging oil prices from the Middle East conflict on U.S. inflation and the economy.
He reiterated that monetary policy tools primarily affect demand and offer no meaningful short-term impact on oil supply shocks. Energy shocks tend to be transient, while policy works with long lags.
Raising interest rates to counter oil-driven inflation could weigh on the economy once the shock subsides. The Fed recently held rates steady, acknowledging significant uncertainty.
Despite projections for higher core inflation, policymakers still anticipate at least one rate cut this year. Powell stressed that "nobody knows" the true economic effects, which could vary widely.
Bitcoin Breaks $82,000, Rally Expected to Continue
Bitcoin soared past $82,000, marking a three-month high. K33 Research analysts see prolonged market pessimism as a catalyst for further gains. Record-long negative funding rates in derivatives, spanning 67 days, historically signal market bottoms and potential "short squeezes."
Though reminiscent of January's $98,000 peak followed by a sharp correction, current fundamentals are robust. April saw $2.44B net inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, and significant institutional accumulation. Corporate demand now outpaces new coin supply 2.5 times.
A break above the critical $83,000-$84,000 resistance, especially the 200-day EMA, would confirm bullish momentum. XWIN Japan targets $93,000, driven by CME price gaps. However, excessive leverage without spot support could trigger a pre-rally dip to clear weak positions. Geopolitical de-escalation also fueled risk-on sentiment.
Bitcoin soared past $82,000, marking a three-month high. K33 Research analysts see prolonged market pessimism as a catalyst for further gains. Record-long negative funding rates in derivatives, spanning 67 days, historically signal market bottoms and potential "short squeezes."
Though reminiscent of January's $98,000 peak followed by a sharp correction, current fundamentals are robust. April saw $2.44B net inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, and significant institutional accumulation. Corporate demand now outpaces new coin supply 2.5 times.
A break above the critical $83,000-$84,000 resistance, especially the 200-day EMA, would confirm bullish momentum. XWIN Japan targets $93,000, driven by CME price gaps. However, excessive leverage without spot support could trigger a pre-rally dip to clear weak positions. Geopolitical de-escalation also fueled risk-on sentiment.