Tag: Bitcoin

  • Strategy hit with lawsuit as Bitcoin holding tops $59B

    Strategy hit with lawsuit as Bitcoin holding tops $59B

    Strategy hit with lawsuit

    • The company’s total Bitcoin holdings now stand at 576,230 BTC.
    • Average cost basis updated to $69,726 per Bitcoin.
    • The lawsuit was filed by Pomerantz LLP in Virginia over alleged investor deception.

    MicroStrategy, now rebranded as Strategy, is once again making waves across financial markets.

    The company, known for holding the largest corporate stash of Bitcoin, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging misleading accounting practices.

    Despite this, it has continued buying more Bitcoin, bringing its total to 576,230 BTC, worth approximately $59 billion.

    $764.9M BTC purchase follows lawsuit filing

    On 19 May 2025, Strategy disclosed it had acquired an additional 7,390 BTC for $764.9 million.

    The average price paid was $103,498 per coin.

    The acquisition was financed via an at-the-market (ATM) equity offering and the issuance of Series A STRK preferred stock.

    This brings its total holdings to 576,230 BTC at a new average cost of $69,726.

    The announcement came just after the firm was hit with a lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Virginia.

    The legal action, initiated by Pomerantz LLP, names both the company and top executives, accusing them of failing to alert investors about the risks posed by updated Bitcoin accounting rules under ASU 2023-08.

    The new standard requires firms to reflect the fair market value of Bitcoin on their balance sheets.

    According to the lawsuit, Strategy downplayed the impact this would have on its financial statements, allegedly resulting in a $5.91 billion fair-value loss that wasn’t adequately communicated to shareholders.

    Use of non-GAAP metrics under scrutiny

    The complaint also highlights Strategy’s use of proprietary, non-GAAP metrics such as “BTC Yield” and “BTC $ Gain”.

    The plaintiffs argue these terms were not standard financial indicators and may have presented an inflated view of the company’s profitability.

    This approach appeared to unravel on 7 April, when the $5.9 billion impairment loss became public.

    MSTR shares fell 8.67 percent that day. By 1 May, earnings reports confirmed the blow to the company’s books, and investors responded negatively.

    While the firm’s defenders point to long-term Bitcoin appreciation and innovation in digital asset strategy, the lawsuit raises questions about regulatory compliance and transparency.

    Accounting experts have noted that non-GAAP metrics must be used carefully, especially when they contradict or obscure established accounting principles.

    No strategic shift despite legal risks

    Despite the financial hit and legal threats, Strategy has shown no sign of changing course.

    Its May filing suggests the firm remains committed to accumulating more Bitcoin, with its latest purchase representing one of the largest single-month acquisitions this year.

    Michael Saylor, the company’s chairman, has consistently positioned Bitcoin as “digital gold” and a long-term asset class.

    His earlier comment — “My formula for success is rise early, work late, and buy Bitcoin” — continues to define the company’s public stance.

    However, the legal case could reshape how other corporations approach digital asset reporting.

    Source link

  • Best crypto to buy as Bitcoin (BTC) surpasses Google in global asset rankings

    Best crypto to buy as Bitcoin (BTC) surpasses Google in global asset rankings

    Best crypto to buy as Bitcoin (BTC) surpasses Goggle (GOOGL) in global asset rankings

    • Bitcoin recently surpassed Google in global market cap rankings.
    • Bitcoin Pepe is quickly approaching $10 million in its ongoing BPEP token presale ahead of exchange listing.
    • Bitcoin Pepe promises to bring meme coins to the Bitcoin network.

    Cryptocurrencies led by Bitcoin (BTC) are making waves as they disrupt the global asset rankings.

    Bitcoin (BTC) recently surged past $106,000, overtaking Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) to become the sixth-largest asset globally by market capitalisation.

    In another sign of crypto’s growing financial footprint, Tether—the largest stablecoin issuer—now holds more in US Treasury securities and gold reserves than Germany.

    According to data from the US Department of the Treasury, Tether’s holdings have exceeded Germany’s $111 billion in US Treasuries.

    These developments underscore the rapid momentum behind digital assets, as they increasingly rival and, in some cases, surpass traditional financial institutions in scale and influence.

    As capital increasingly flows into digital assets, investors are seeking the next high-potential projects that could ride this bullish wave.

    Among them, Bitcoin Pepe is quickly emerging among the best crypto to buy, especially for those looking to enter the market during this market resurgence.

    Bitcoin’s surge above Google in market cap

    On May 19, 2025, Bitcoin overtook Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), in global asset rankings by market capitalisation.

    This came as Bitcoin’s price topped $106,000, lifting its market value past the $1.67 trillion mark.

    This development underscores a broader trend: institutional and sovereign-level confidence in Bitcoin is growing.

    Governments, hedge funds, and publicly traded companies are all adding BTC to their treasuries, with the most recent being Metaplanet, which added 1,004 bitcoins to its holdings.

    While traditional tech stocks have been a staple in investment portfolios for decades, Bitcoin’s narrative as “digital gold” and a decentralised store of value is winning hearts and capital across global markets.

    Its fixed supply, combined with growing demand, continues to push its valuation higher even amid periodic market corrections.

    Moreover, Bitcoin’s performance relative to top-tier equities is shifting perceptions. In previous market cycles, critics dismissed BTC as speculative or too volatile.

    That said, the rapid ascent of Bitcoin is also catalyzing interest in adjacent crypto projects, particularly those aiming to build on Bitcoin’s foundational strength.

    Bitcoin Pepe is emerging as a top buy as BTC surges

    As Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines, Bitcoin Pepe is quickly positioning itself as one of the most promising investment opportunities in the crypto market today.

    Built as the world’s first meme-based Layer-2 for Bitcoin, Bitcoin Pepe is more than just a viral token, it represents an ambitious plan to bring Solana-style speed and scalability to the Bitcoin network.

    Bitcoin Pepe’s native token, BPEP, is currently in the final stages of its presale.

    Having already raised over $9.8 million in the presale, Bitcoin Pepe has drawn significant interest from early backers who see both the narrative and technological edge it brings to the table.

    The current BPEP presale price is $0.0342. Notably, the token has seen a 62.9% price rise since the presale started a few weeks ago, with a 5% increase in each presale stage.

    Bitcoin Pepe’s roadmap is equally ambitious. Once the presale comes to an end, the price of BPEP is expected to rise substantially, especially after it hits centralised exchanges shortly after the presale ends.

    Beyond the presale hype, Bitcoin Pepe has introduced a new token standard by the name of PEP-20 token standard, which allows users to launch their own memecoins on Bitcoin’s blockchain.

    By introducing ultra-fast transactions and negligible fees, Bitcoin Pepe aims to empower a new generation of creators and investors to build directly on the most secure blockchain in existence.

    Despite the broader market experiencing a minor pullback today, the sentiment around Bitcoin Pepe remains overwhelmingly bullish, fueled not only by retail investors but also by crypto influencers and key opinion leaders (KOLs) who recognize the project’s unique positioning at the intersection of memes, Bitcoin, and scalable infrastructure.

    Source link

  • Bitcoin blasts past $106K: is Trump’s remittance tax bill crypto’s new rocket fuel?

    Bitcoin blasts past $106K: is Trump’s remittance tax bill crypto’s new rocket fuel?

    Bitcoin blasts past $106K: is Trump's remittance tax bill crypto's new rocket fuel?

    • Bitcoin price surged to $106,000 on Sunday, May 18, achieving its highest weekly close ever.
    • The rally saw Bitcoin’s market cap reach $2.11 trillion, liquidating over $44M in short positions.
    • Trump’s proposed 5% remittance tax on non-US citizens is seen as a key driver, likely pushing users to crypto.

    Bitcoin surged to a new peak over the weekend, reaching $106,000 per coin on Sunday, May 18, marking its highest valuation since early February of this year.

    This rally propelled the flagship cryptocurrency’s market capitalization to an impressive $2.11 trillion and triggered significant liquidations in the derivatives market.

    The recent price action reportedly culminated in the highest weekly closing price for Bitcoin to date, surpassing a previous benchmark of $104,298.70 set in December of the prior year.

    Reports indicated that this surge led to the liquidation of over $44 million in short positions tied to Bitcoin across various derivatives platforms, underscoring the potent buying pressure.

    Market observers point to two primary catalysts providing the impetus for Bitcoin’s latest ascent.

    A significant factor appears to be a legislative proposal from US President Donald Trump, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill.”

    This package of legislative priorities includes a contentious five percent tax on remittances sent by non-US citizens residing in the US to their home countries.

    The remittance tax ripple effect: a crypto catalyst?

    This proposed remittance tax is projected to affect over 40 million individuals in the US who regularly send portions of their income to support families abroad.

    While the measure has faced opposition from countries like Mexico, President Trump’s bill has reportedly advanced, having been cleared by the US House Budget Committee in a late-night vote on Sunday.

    Analysts have voiced concerns that this bill could inadvertently drive migrants towards alternative, “unauthorised channels” such as cryptocurrencies to make remittances and circumvent the proposed tax.

    Crypto advocacy group Coin Center has noted that self-hosted crypto wallets fall outside the purview of the bill, as they do not meet the definition of remittance-transfer providers.

    This potential shift towards crypto for cross-border payments is seen as a bullish driver for Bitcoin.

    Regulatory horizon: stablecoin bill sparks optimism

    Another significant factor potentially fueling the increased buying interest in Bitcoin is the anticipation of upcoming regulation.

    For years, the cryptocurrency industry has advocated for clear regulatory frameworks as a means to formally integrate digital assets into the established financial system.

    Now, a US bill specifically designed to regulate stablecoin issuers is slated to be taken up by the US Congress this week.

    Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, one of the sponsors of the ‘Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (Genius) Act,’ expressed optimism about the legislative progress.

    “Next week, the Senate will make history when we debate and pass the Genius Act that establishes the first ever pro-growth regulatory framework for payment stablecoins,” Hagerty was quoted as saying.

    According to a report by Coindesk, the bill was reportedly redrafted at the eleventh hour to address concerns raised by Democrats regarding consumer protection and national security elements.

    The prospect of clearer rules for stablecoins, a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem, is likely contributing to broader market confidence.

    A year of volatility: navigating economic crosscurrents

    Bitcoin’s journey this year has been characterized by extreme price swings.

    These fluctuations have occurred amidst broader economic anxieties, including panic over the potential collapse of the US dollar, spurred by President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on China and other nations.

    For instance, in April, Bitcoin’s price experienced a sharp downturn, plummeting by 30 percent from its all-time high of nearly $110,000 to around $75,000 per coin, illustrating the asset’s sensitivity to macroeconomic developments and market sentiment.

    The current rally above $106,000 marks a significant recovery and a renewed wave of bullish momentum.

    Source link

  • Top cryptos to buy as Ukraine eyes Bitcoin

    Top cryptos to buy as Ukraine eyes Bitcoin

    • Ukraine lawmaker to introduce a bill on strategic Bitcoin reserve
    • Analyst says crypto growth opportunity greatly underestimated
    • Bitcoin Pepe soars as investors look for other opportunities

    Ukraine is looking to join the global race towards a strategic Bitcoin reserve, according to a local report citing Ukrainian member of parliament Yaroslav Zhelezniak.

    When introduced, the proposal will seek to establish a Bitcoin reserve with help from global crypto exchange Binance.

    The country’s move comes as the crypto market gets massive traction, with Bitcoin exploding to above $100k again to return bullish belief to the market.

    With geopolitical and global trade tensions cooling off significantly, analysts are calling for new momentum for risk assets.

    Bitcoin and Ethereum, the top two coins by market cap, sit at the top of the narrative.

    This is as investors, buoyed by overall sentiment and regulatory developments in the United States, eye what crypto may be a great buy today.

    A market free of the uncertainty of tariffs and regulations has risk appetite back and Anthony Scarammucci, it may yet be too early for investors.

    Binance backs initiative

    Local reports on Thursday are that Ukraine is eyeing a key proposal that would allow for the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve.

    Binance, which is a major player in the crypto space, will back this strategic Bitcoin reserve.

    While a bill to this effect is yet to make it to the floor of Ukraine’s parliament, its introduction, expected to be soon, will add a new dimension to something that’s already a global trend-  Bitcoin adoption.

    Yaroslav Zhelezniak says the initiative will exclusively be on the hodling of Bitcoin – not a crypto reserve.

    But more importantly, Ukraine could become the first European country to create a SBR.

    But the bill, if passed, has more than a state-owned BTC reserve in place.

    It speaks to a shift that points to regulator clarity.

    This same outlook is getting traction across the US and in other countries. Notable developments have included reports of strategic Bitcoin reserve proposals in Brazil, Russia, Taiwan and Sweden among others.

    Bitcoin and the crypto market: Is it too early to buy?

    The trend, combined with Binance’s growing footprint as a crypto partner for several countries including Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, augurs well for cryptocurrency as a whole.

    Governments focused on regulatory clarity is why some analysts say its early for investors.

    Scaramucci commented on the impact of such an outlook for Solana and Bitcoin while at Consensus 2025. He says the market may not be “bullish enough”on Bitcoin and Solana.

    According to the Skybridge Capital founder, crypto is on the cusp of exposive investment.

    BTC and SOL stand out, with factors such as capital inflows from Wall Street key.

    Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have attracted billions of dollars in inflows sets the bullish tone.

    In Scaramucci’s view, crypto’s growth potential may well be massively underestimated. Whales scooping up millions of coins at recent lows highlight this outlook.

    Bitcoin Pepe soars as investors look for other opportunities

    While countries hone in on national strategic Bitcoin reserves, Interest in crypto goes beyond BTC and ETH.

    The $3 trillion market has major altcoins such as Solana, XRP and Cardano that continue to attract noticeable attention.

    However, interest in new tokens like Bitcoin Pepe is massive due to the potential for turning early bids into staggering returns.

    Investors looking for the next gem leverage predictions for memecoins, decentralized finance, real-world assets, AI and decentralized physical infrastructure.

    Bitcoin Pepe, a project set to bring memecoins to Bitcoin’s $2 trillion market, has accelerated through a presale that so far boasts more than $8.2 million raised.

    As a layer 2 meme for BTC, Bitcoin Pepe has another key feature – it boasts the speed and low fees of Solana.

    In just over two weeks, the Bitcoin Pepe token BPEP will launch on its first crypto exchanges.

    While it may not land on Binance right away, the potential for traction means it will end up on most major exchanges.

    Currently, Bitcoin Pepe’s presale price is $0.0326.

    With the broader risk asset market on track for a new leg up, BPEP could be one of the best coins to buy today. Its presale end on May 31, 2025.



    Source link

  • Bitwise CIO bats for diversified crypto investment, compares Bitcoin to Google

    Bitwise CIO bats for diversified crypto investment, compares Bitcoin to Google

    Crypto news today: Bitcoin nears all-time high; ETH, DOGE, PEPE, ATOM show bullish signs

    • Bitwise CIO makes a case for diversified crypto investment in different assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche.
    • He compares it to 2004, when Google was the leading internet company, though Netflix made the most money for investors in a 21-year period.
    • He equates Blockchain to the internet, saying the technology can be used for different purposes, like the internet.

    Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan makes the case for diversified crypto investment, even as he hails Bitcoin as an important asset. 

    Hougan said that while “Bitcoin is the king of crypto assets”, citing that it is the largest cryptocurrency, while having the most liquidity and being well known.

    He says Bitcoin is the only digital asset that has a shot at being an important global currency. He said the asset is similar to digital gold. 

    Bitwise’s CIO said that despite the important status of Bitcoin, it is wise to invest in other cryptocurrencies, making a comparison with the historical performance of internet companies. 

    Google and Netflix

    Hougan asks the investors to put themselves in 2004. 

    Google was the leading internet company then, and investors would have been tempted to put money into Google as it is the “dominant player”, Hougan said. 

    He points out that while Google has done exceptionally well in the next 21 years, gaining over 6300%, investing in other internet companies would have served investors well, as the internet is a “general purpose technology” with uses in retail, social media, and software.

    Investing in companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Salesforce, which are leading players in other verticals of the internet, would also go on to pay huge gains for investors. 

    Netflix is the highest performing stock in this period with gains of over 50,000%. 

    Amazon and Salesforce also rack up 10,000% and 7,000% gains, respectively, leaving Google as the worst-performing stock among this group during this time. 

    Blockchain is similar to the Internet

    Hougan compares Blockchain technology to the internet, saying the former is also a general-purpose technology with different crypto assets used for different purposes. 

    “You can use a blockchain to create a better form of money (Bitcoin) or to create a programmable network for transferring real-world assets” (Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche).

    You can build new types of applications (DeFi, DePin) or middleware that services other blockchains (Chainlink). 

    You can also build traditional businesses that support the crypto economy (Coinbase, Circle, Marathon Digital)”, Hougan writes.

    Power of passive investing

    It is now a regular occurrence that passive funds are trumping actively managed funds. 

    Hougan points this trend out.

    “Over the past 20 years, actively managed US equity funds have underperformed their benchmark indexes 97% of the time”, he said. 

    It is important to invest in the big picture rather than picking winners, Hougan writes. 

    He adds that after studying history, it makes sense to own a basket of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Chainlink. 

    In the last 4 years, different crypto assets emerged as the number one performer in different years.

    Hougan demonstrates this with data. He points out that it is impossible to predict cryptocurrency winners in 2030. 



    Source link

  • Bitcoin Pepe nears $8.2M on Solana hype

    Bitcoin Pepe nears $8.2M on Solana hype





    Bitcoin Pepe nears $8.2M on Solana hype
















    Bitcoin Pepe

    Source link

  • Injective price jumps as bulls extend gains amid Bitcoin spike

    Injective price jumps as bulls extend gains amid Bitcoin spike

    Injective Bulls Take On Bears

    • Injective price is extending gains above the $10 mark.
    • Bitcoin’s rally above $105k and real-world assets tokenization catalysts could drive the INJ price higher.
    • INJ technical outlook is largely bullish.

    Injective (INJ) is among the top-performing altcoins on Monday as bullish sentiment sweeps through the cryptocurrency market.

    The token is trading above $13.60, lifted by renewed investor confidence following Bitcoin’s surge past $105,000.

    With macroeconomic optimism and progress on regulatory fronts driving broader market momentum, analysts suggest Bitcoin could challenge new all-time highs in the near term.

    This backdrop is fuelling capital rotation into altcoins, with projects like Injective benefiting from increased speculative interest.

    A layer-1 blockchain focused on decentralised finance and real-world asset tokenization, Injective has continued to attract attention as narratives around scalability and use-case-driven growth gain ground.

    Injective price extends gains above $10

    Injective (INJ) price is up 7% in the past 24 hours, gaining as top alts such as Ethereum, BNB, and Solana break to key levels.

    The price of INJ has surged after recently breaking past the $10 mark.

    Currently, it changes hands for around $13.62. However, it hovered at highs of $14.29 on May 12, 2025, to hit its highest level since late February.

    Amid the price gains, Injective’s market cap rose to $1.37 billion, although the 24-hour trading volume remained modest at $172 million.

    Having surged 46% in seven days and 67% in the last 30 days, the overall market interest might see bulls take control.

    Bitcoin rally and RWA tokenization drive INJ price

    While Bitcoin’s rally is fueling further optimism across the market, catalysts for INJ price also include strong institutional demand across its RWA ecosystem.

    Tokenization is a key tailwind for Injective, with a recent Four Pillars report highlighting how this sector is shaping up INJ for traction.

    Recent bull cycles have had DeFi, play-to-earn games, memecoins, and AI tokens explode.

    Now, analysts say while these areas see growth, the RWA market’s growth has blockchains like Injective in the spotlight.

    Injective’s network, optimized for the tokenization of traditional assets like stocks, stablecoins, and commodities, stands as a likely beneficiary.

    Investors eyeing an on-chain opportunity are increasingly seeing it as the go-to platform.

    RWA adoption may further boost INJ’s price momentum.

    Injective price technical outlook

    From a technical perspective, INJ’s daily chart paints a bullish picture.

    INJ chart by TradingView

    The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently hovers in overbought territory.

    However, it’s not overly extended to suggest more room for bulls.

    If it sees a pullback, INJ will likely bounce off support around $11.05 and $10.22.

    This scenario may align with the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), which shows a bullish crossover.

    The histogram indicates an upward momentum. If this happens, bulls will target $16 and then $20.

    Source link

  • Crypto news today: Bitcoin nears all-time high; ETH, DOGE, PEPE, ATOM show bullish signs

    Crypto news today: Bitcoin nears all-time high; ETH, DOGE, PEPE, ATOM show bullish signs

    Crypto news today: Bitcoin nears all-time high; ETH, DOGE, PEPE, ATOM show bullish signs

    • Bitcoin surged past $100K this week, fueled by strong spot ETF inflows of over $1 billion.
    • With Bitcoin nearing its all-time high, key support is now eyed around the $100,000 level.
    • Ether experienced a dramatic price jump, breaking $2,600 and targeting $3,000.

    Bitcoin has decisively reclaimed ground above the psychologically crucial $100,000 mark this week, signaling a resurgence of bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market.

    Supported by substantial inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, particularly BlackRock’s IBIT fund, buyers are now attempting to consolidate these gains and potentially push towards new all-time highs.

    This renewed strength in the market leader is also igniting interest in several altcoins, prompting discussions about the potential onset of an “altseason.”

    The past week saw Bitcoin climb over 10%, with buyers successfully pushing the price through significant resistance levels.

    This rally has been notably backed by consistent institutional demand, exemplified by BlackRock’s IBIT spot Bitcoin ETF extending its inflow streak to 19 days, attracting $1.03 billion in the latest trading week alone, according to Farside Investors data.

    Technically, Bitcoin is gradually inching towards its all-time high of $109,588, indicating a measured but confident advance by the bulls who seem reluctant to book profits prematurely.

    While this strong rally has pushed the Relative Strength Index (RSI) into overbought territory – often a precursor to a short-term correction or consolidation – any pullback is anticipated to find robust support between the $100,000 level and the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), currently around $96,626.

    A successful rebound from this support zone would significantly increase the probability of a breakout above $109,588, potentially targeting $130,000.

    However, bears still have a window to regain control.

    A swift and decisive break below the 20-day EMA could trigger a sharper decline towards the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) near $88,962.

    On shorter timeframes, strong selling pressure is expected in the $107,000 to $109,588 zone.

    A successful defense of the 4-hour 20-EMA on any dip would signal continued bullish strength, while a break below $100,000 could open the door for a deeper correction towards $93,000 or even $83,000.

    Ether (ETH) skyrockets, eyes further upside

    Ether (ETH) experienced a dramatic surge, catapulting from $1,808 on May 8 to $2,600 by May 10, showcasing aggressive buying pressure.

    This rapid ascent also pushed its RSI into overbought territory, suggesting a potential near-term consolidation or minor pullback.

    Key support levels to watch on the downside are $2,320 and then $2,111.

    If Ether finds support at these levels and turns higher, the ETH/USDT pair could extend its rally towards $2,850 and subsequently aim for the $3,000 mark.

    However, a break below the $2,111 support would invalidate the immediate bullish outlook, potentially leading to a period of range-bound trading between $1,754 and $2,600.

    On the 4-hour chart, bulls managed to push above the $2,550 resistance but struggled to sustain those higher levels.

    A positive sign is that buyers haven’t conceded much ground, suggesting they anticipate further upside.

    A break above $2,609 could trigger the rally towards $3,000, while a drop below the 4-hour 20-EMA might initiate a deeper correction towards the $2,111 support.

    Dogecoin (DOGE) breaks resistance, signals trend change

    Dogecoin (DOGE) showed a significant short-term trend change by soaring above the $0.21 overhead resistance on May 10.

    The rally is currently facing selling pressure near $0.26, which could lead to a retest of the $0.21 breakout level.

    If DOGE rebounds strongly from $0.21, it would indicate a shift in market sentiment from “sell the rally” to “buy the dip,” increasing the likelihood of a continued advance towards $0.31.

    To negate this bullish momentum, sellers would need to pull the price back below the 20-day EMA (around $0.19).

    Such a move could trap DOGE within a larger trading range between $0.14 and $0.26 for an extended period.

    Immediate support on any pullback from $0.26 is seen at $0.22 and then $0.21.

    Pepe (PEPE) rallies sharply, tests key levels

    Meme coin Pepe (PEPE) staged a sharp rally from its 50-day SMA (around $0.000008), breaking above the $0.000011 overhead resistance on May 8.

    This aggressive move has also pushed its RSI into overbought territory, signaling a potential pullback. The PEPE/USDT pair might drop to retest the $0.000011 breakout level.

    If this level holds as support, it would strengthen the bullish case for a rally towards $0.000017 and then $0.000020.

    Conversely, a break below the 20-day EMA (around $0.000009) would invalidate this optimistic outlook.

    On the 4-hour chart, bears are aggressively defending the $0.000014 level.

    A pullback to the 4-hour 20-EMA is a critical support to watch; a bounce could lead to another attempt to break $0.000014, while a failure could see PEPE slide back to $0.000011 or even the 50-SMA.

    Cosmos (ATOM) breaks out of base, targets higher levels

    Cosmos (ATOM) signaled a potential trend change by closing above the $5.15 resistance on May 10, breaking out of a large basing pattern.

    However, bears are expected to defend this level strongly.

    If they succeed in pushing the price back below $5.15, aggressive bulls could be trapped, leading to a pullback towards the moving averages.

    If buyers can sustain the price above $5.15, the ATOM/USDT pair could gain significant momentum and rally towards $6.50.

    While sellers will likely attempt to halt the advance there, a successful break above $6.50 could open the path towards $7.50.

    The sharp rally has pushed the 4-hour RSI into overbought territory, suggesting a short-term correction or consolidation.

    Bulls must defend the $5.15 level to maintain momentum towards $6.60. A break below $5.15 could lead to a deeper correction towards the 20-EMA or even $4.70.

    While some analysts debate whether a full-blown “altseason” has truly begun, given the modest recovery of many altcoins from their significant drawdowns, the recent price action across several key cryptocurrencies suggests a renewed bullish appetite in the market.

    Source link

  • Taiwan eyes Bitcoin as hedge against inflation and US Treasury exposure

    Taiwan eyes Bitcoin as hedge against inflation and US Treasury exposure

    Taiwan eyes Bitcoin as hedge against inflation and US Treasury exposure

    • Lawmaker Ko Ju-Chun suggests adding Bitcoin to national reserves.
    • Taiwan has 423 metric tons of gold in its asset base.
    • New Hampshire in the US passed a law to include Bitcoin in state reserves.

    Taiwan is considering a significant policy shift—one that could see Bitcoin join its national reserves.

    Faced with inflationary pressure, global trade tension, and increasing reliance on US Treasury bonds, the country is now questioning whether its financial buffers are truly secure.

    Legislator Ko Ju-Chun recently proposed the inclusion of Bitcoin in the central bank’s reserve mix, citing its decentralised nature and fixed supply as a strategic hedge against future financial instability.

    The proposal reflects a broader reassessment of traditional reserve assets, especially as over 90% of Taiwan’s US$577 billion in foreign exchange reserves are currently tied to US Treasuries, raising concerns about diversification and liquidity during crises.

    Rising currency risks and dependency on US Treasuries

    Taiwan’s export-led economy is particularly sensitive to geopolitical shifts and inflation trends.

    With growing tensions between the US and China and the risk of supply chain disruptions, lawmakers are increasingly alert to the vulnerabilities of the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).

    Currently, Taiwan holds 423 metric tons of gold and nearly all its foreign exchange in US dollar-denominated assets.

    Analysts note that while these have been historically reliable, their over-concentration exposes the country to US monetary policy and potential sanctions should relations deteriorate.

    In an address to parliament, Ko Ju-Chun highlighted that Taiwan needs “strategic flexibility” in how it manages its reserves, especially under scenarios of financial decoupling or restricted access to dollar markets.

    Bitcoin floated as a hedge, not a replacement

    The core of the proposal is not to upend Taiwan’s current reserve strategy but to diversify it.

    Ko’s plan calls for allocating a small percentage of Taiwan’s reserves to Bitcoin, which he argues would provide an uncorrelated asset that is globally accessible and cannot be arbitrarily inflated.

    Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million tokens, combined with its decentralised ledger system, is a key reason why it is being considered.

    According to Professor Liu Yiru of National Taiwan University, these features make it particularly resistant to inflationary dilution—unlike fiat currencies, which central banks can expand during economic shocks.

    Former Premier Chen Cong also weighed in, stating that although Bitcoin may not serve as a transactional currency at scale, its role as a digital store of value could help safeguard Taiwan’s financial sovereignty.

    Global momentum for Bitcoin reserves

    Taiwan’s deliberation comes at a time when other governments are also experimenting with Bitcoin at the state level.

    In the US, New Hampshire recently passed the Bitcoin Reserve Act, allowing the inclusion of the digital asset in its state reserves.

    The move has prompted discussions in other American states and emerging markets facing high inflation or currency instability.

    While Taiwan has yet to formalise any such measure, the conversation signals a shift in how policymakers view crypto-assets, not merely as speculative investments but as potential components of national financial infrastructure.

    In addition to legislative interest, Ko suggested that a task force be set up to study the feasibility, volatility, and custodial risks associated with Bitcoin reserves.

    The central bank has not publicly responded to the proposal, though it is expected to be discussed further in upcoming budget and monetary policy reviews.

    The broader context of these debates also includes Taiwan’s need to balance its strong technological sector with the risks posed by its geopolitical location.

    Diversifying reserve assets may serve not only economic goals but also broader strategic autonomy.

    Source link

  • Steak ‘n Shake to accept Bitcoin at 300 US outlets from May 16

    Steak ‘n Shake to accept Bitcoin at 300 US outlets from May 16

    Steak ‘n Shake to accept Bitcoin at 300 US outlets from May 16

    • All 300+ US locations included in launch. Starbucks.
    • Chipotle use fiat-converted crypto.
    • Venezuela and El Salvador show mixed results.

    Bitcoin is about to face one of its most practical tests yet.

    American fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake announced that it will begin accepting the world’s largest cryptocurrency at all of its US locations starting 16 May.

    With more than 300 outlets and over 100 million customers annually, the rollout positions Steak ‘n Shake as a major player in the push to normalise crypto in everyday transactions.

    The decision also comes at a time when mainstream retailers are under pressure to modernise payment systems.

    For Bitcoin, long seen more as a store of value than a spendable currency, the partnership presents a real-world opportunity to demonstrate its utility—particularly in a low-margin, high-speed retail setting that will challenge its scalability and efficiency.

    Thin margins, high volume

    Fast food chains rely on speed, volume, and efficiency to remain profitable.

    Unlike high-end retail, where large margins allow room to experiment with alternative payment methods, companies like Steak ‘n Shake must ensure any system change is reliable and cost-effective.

    Bitcoin’s integration, therefore, becomes more than a gimmick—it is a stress test for how well the cryptocurrency can perform under retail pressure.

    The announcement was teased in March with a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Steak ‘n Shake asked followers whether it should accept Bitcoin. That post drew attention from high-profile figures, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.

    The company followed up with crypto-themed marketing, including a tweet referencing Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vocal support for both Bitcoin and beef tallow.

    Past attempts and pilots

    The upcoming rollout differs from earlier, limited experiments by other food chains.

    Starbucks enabled BTC wallet top-ups in 2021 through the Bakkt app, though the crypto was converted to dollars before reaching the till.

    Chipotle began accepting over 90 cryptocurrencies in 2022, including Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana, through Flexa—again with automatic conversion to fiat currency.

    Subway was one of the first fast food chains to test Bitcoin payments back in 2013 at select franchises.

    Although some stores in crypto-forward cities later revived the initiative, there was no national implementation.

    Global rollouts and legal tender

    Outside the US, crypto adoption in food retail has typically responded to local economic pressures.

    In Venezuela, Burger King briefly accepted Bitcoin and other digital assets in 2020 via a partnership with Latin American platform Cryptobuyer.

    However, this was limited in scope and short-lived.

    El Salvador went further by declaring Bitcoin legal tender in 2021.

    Major brands like Pizza Hut and Starbucks quickly offered crypto payments in the country.

    Despite the fanfare, national usage has remained low, with some reports citing infrastructure gaps and inconsistent user experiences.

    Native crypto or fiat?

    Steak ‘n Shake has yet to confirm whether it will process Bitcoin natively or convert it to fiat at checkout.

    Previous retail integrations have mostly favoured instant conversion tools to manage volatility.

    The answer could define whether this rollout represents genuine on-chain adoption or simply another workaround.

    If the rollout succeeds, it could prompt other national chains to reassess crypto payments.

    If it fails, it may reinforce doubts about Bitcoin’s use in everyday commerce.

    Source link