Spokesperson for regulator denies that it put pressure on ARIA Resort & Casino for hosting Predict 2026
Arthur Hayes says Bitcoin’s bull market has already started, arguing that a new wave of dollar and yuan liquidity tied to AI spending, wartime policy and infrastructure rearmament could push BTC back to $126,000. In his May 12 essay, “The Butterfly Touch,” the BitMEX co-founder and Maelstrom chief investment officer framed crypto’s next leg higher as a macro liquidity trade rather than a narrow digital-asset story. His central claim is that governments and banks in the US and China are being pushed toward looser credit conditions by three overlapping forces: the AI arms race, military escalation, and a global shift away from just-in-time supply chains. “The bull market began in earnest when the US attacked Iran on February 28th,” Hayes wrote, tying Bitcoin’s recent outperformance to what he sees as the start of a new political regime for money creation. Hayes Points To AI, War And Fiat Expansion Hayes argued that AI infrastructure spending has become a national-security priority in both Washington and Beijing. In his view, that makes monetary restraint politically difficult, because the US and China both see machine intelligence as strategically decisive. Related Reading: Bitcoin Flashes Signal With 186% Average One-Year Return He said the AI buildout is already moving beyond the cash flows of large technology companies and into the credit channel. That shift matters for crypto, Hayes argued, because banks and central banks will be pressured to support capital expenditure for data centers, electricity generation and AI infrastructure. “But in the here and now, dollar and yuan liquidity will continue to rise. And Bitcoin and crypto will benefit,” Hayes wrote. The essay leans heavily on the idea that AI investment is structurally inflationary and potentially self-reinforcing. Hayes invoked Jevons Paradox, arguing that cheaper intelligence will increase total compute consumption, and the “Red Queen Effect,” under which companies must keep spending because rival model improvements can quickly depreciate previous investment. In Hayes’ reading, the cycle ends only when markets reject a major AI financing event or when political rhetoric in the 2028 US presidential race turns sharply against AI-driven inflation. Until then, he expects credit to keep expanding. Bitcoin Target: $126,000 Hayes said Bitcoin bottomed earlier this year at $60,000 and argued that a return to $126,000 is now “a foregone conclusion.” He also identified $90,000 as a key level where he expects the rally to intensify, claiming that call over-writers could be forced to cover once the strike is breached. “I have no idea how high Bitcoin can go,” he wrote, adding that Maelstrom would take its portfolio to “maximum risk” unless conditions change materially. Related Reading: Bitcoin Exits ‘Panic Zone,’ But Capital Inflows Remain Weak His thesis is not limited to AI. Hayes also argued that the US-Iran conflict and disruptions to commodity flows could push governments outside the US to rethink their dependence on dollar financial assets. According to the essay, countries that previously stored surpluses in Treasuries or US equities may instead redirect capital toward defense, energy, pipelines, food reserves and other physical infrastructure. That shift, he argued, would leave US policymakers with an incentive to keep financial conditions easier than they otherwise would be. Hayes pointed to possible dollar swap lines and looser bank capital rules as tools that could offset foreign selling of dollar assets without forcing an abrupt market repricing. Hayes closed the essay with a more explicit risk-on message for crypto markets. He said it is “time to shitcoin,” naming Hyperliquid’s HYPE and Zcash’s ZEC as already-large positions, while identifying NEAR as his next preferred trade. The NEAR thesis, he said, will be expanded in his next essay and will focus on the privacy narrative combined with Near intents. Hayes argued that this could create “a positive cash flow situation for the protocol” and potentially reverse the token’s weak long-term price performance. At press time, Bitcoin traded at $80,680. Featured image created with DALL.E. chart from TradingView.com
The misinterpretation of Fink's comments highlights the challenges of investing in unstable economies and the importance of accurate information.
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The summit could redefine US-China relations, impacting global trade dynamics, geopolitical stability, and technological competition.
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A leaked list shows Senate Banking Committee members have filed more than 100 amendments to a crypto bill, highlighting the issues likely to be debated at a markup on Thursday.
A prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure could destabilize global oil markets until 2027, impacting energy costs, inflation, and crypto markets.
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Warsh's confirmation could shift Federal Reserve policies, impacting economic strategies and market stability amid leadership transitions.
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Huang's inclusion highlights the strategic importance of tech diplomacy in US-China relations, impacting global semiconductor dynamics.
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The court's decision enables Arbitrum DAO to engage in governance, potentially setting a precedent for legal frameworks in decentralized finance.
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OpenAI's Daybreak could redefine cybersecurity strategies, enhancing defense capabilities and potentially shifting industry standards.
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Nvidia's market confidence reflects optimism for eased tech restrictions, potentially boosting its global standing amid geopolitical shifts.
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Ethereum price started a fresh decline and traded below $2,300. ETH is now consolidating above $2,250 and might struggle to recover. Ethereum started a downside correction below the $2,280 zone. The price is trading below $2,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $2,300 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken). The pair could start a fresh increase if it stays above the $2,320 zone. Ethereum Price Faces Resistance Ethereum price failed to remain stable above $2,320 and started a downside correction, like Bitcoin. ETH price dipped below the $2,300 and $2,280 levels. The price even traded below $2,265. A low was formed at $2,256, and the price is now consolidating losses. There was a minor upward move above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $2,382 swing high to the $2,256 low. Ethereum price is now trading below $2,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. Besides, there is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $2,300 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. If the bulls remain in action above $2,250, the price could attempt another increase. Immediate resistance is seen near the $2,300 level and the trend line. The first key resistance is near the $2,320 level or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $2,382 swing high to the $2,256 low. The next major resistance is near the $2,335 level. A clear move above the $2,335resistance might send the price toward the $2,375 resistance. An upside break above the $2,375 region might call for more gains in the coming days. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $2,420 resistance zone or even $2,440 in the near term. Another Decline In ETH? If Ethereum fails to clear the $2,320 resistance, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $2,265 level. The first major support sits near the $2,250 zone. A clear move below the $2,250 support might push the price toward the $2,200 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $2,150 region. The main support could be $2,120. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone. Major Support Level – $2,250 Major Resistance Level – $2,320
The UAE's covert strike on Iran's refinery risks escalating regional tensions, potentially destabilizing Gulf alliances and energy markets.
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Injective's USDC migration enhances liquidity and regulatory trust but highlights potential governance engagement issues within the ecosystem.
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The incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure oversight, especially as data centers expand, to prevent resource mismanagement.
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Sanctions may drive Iran and China to further embrace decentralized finance, impacting global crypto markets and boosting blockchain analytics demand.
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Bitcoin price started a recovery wave above the $80,500 zone. BTC is consolidating and might aim for more gains if it clears the $81,500 resistance zone. Bitcoin managed to form a base above $80,000 and started a recovery wave. The price is trading above $80,500 and the 100 hourly simple moving average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $81,500 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might gain bullish momentum if it settles above the $81,500 zone. Bitcoin Price Eyes Fresh Upside Break Bitcoin price remained supported above the $80,000 zone. BTC formed a base and settled above $80,500 to start a recovery wave. There was a move above the $80,650 and $80,800 levels. The bulls were able to push the price above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $82,100 swing high to the $79,844 low. However, the bears could be active near $81,250. There is also a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $81,500 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. Bitcoin is now trading above $80,500 and the 100 hourly simple moving average. If the price remains stable above $80,500, it could attempt a fresh increase. Immediate resistance is near the $81,250 level, the trend line, and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $82,100 swing high to the $79,844 low. The first key resistance is near the $82,000 level. A close above the $82,000 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $82,500 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $83,500 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $85,000. Another Decline In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $81,500 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $80,500 level. The first major support is near the $80,000 level. The next support is now near the $79,200 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $78,250 support in the near term. The main support now sits at $77,500, below which BTC might struggle to recover in the near term. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now gaining pace in the bullish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now above the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $80,500, followed by $80,000. Major Resistance Levels – $81,500 and $82,000.
Peter Schiff thinks Strategy executive chairman and co-founder Michael Saylor is misleading retirees. The outspoken economist fired off a warning on X, asking how the SEC could allow Saylor to publicly describe STRC as suitable for retired investors whose main goals are low-risk wealth preservation and steady income. Related Reading: Shiba Inu Bullish Momentum Explodes As Buying Pressure Intensifies Schiff called it a violation of SEC antifraud and marketing rules. Strategy has not publicly responded to the criticism. A Preferred Stock Built Around Bitcoin The debate comes as Strategy pulled in over $206 million through its STRC perpetual preferred stock program. According to data from Bitcoin Treasuries’ ATM tracker on May 11, the company issued 2.12 million shares to generate those proceeds. At an average Bitcoin price of $81,471, that haul could buy roughly 2,536 BTC. The capital raise happened the same day Strategy announced it bought $43 million worth of Bitcoin — its first purchase after a one-week pause. The timing was no coincidence. STRC’s return to its $100 par value earlier in the session reopened the door for fresh share sales under the company’s at-the-money program. Trading volume told the story clearly. STRC recorded close to $445 million in daily volume on May 11, with the stock barely moving — it ranged from $99.99 to $100.01. That kind of price stability was the green light the program needed. How STRC Works The stock’s structure was designed by Saylor himself. Reports indicate STRC is built to hold steady at $100 per share, with dividend payouts that shift depending on where the stock trades. When the price dips below par, yields go up to pull investors back in. When shares trade at or above the target, the company can cut the payout and redirect capital toward Bitcoin purchases. STRC currently yields 11.5% annually, with the next ex-dividend date set for May 15. STRC had already shown signs of recovery on May 8, when it closed at $99.99 and climbed back to $100 in after-hours trading. Volume that day topped $218 million — a signal the stock was regaining footing before Monday’s full rebound. Related Reading: Nearly 80% Of Bitcoin Supply Hasn’t Moved As Long-Term Holders Tighten Grip Schiff’s Challenge Draws Attention Schiff’s objection cuts to a basic question about who STRC is for. The preferred stock is linked, at least indirectly, to Strategy’s ongoing Bitcoin accumulation strategy, which carries its own risks. That tension — between the stock’s structured, fixed-price design and the volatile asset it funds — sits at the center of the dispute. Strategy has built a model around raising equity capital and using the proceeds to buy Bitcoin. The STRC program is one of several instruments the company uses to keep that cycle running. With Monday’s raise added in, the machine is moving again. Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView
Kelp was exploited on April 18 for $292 million from attackers suspected to be part of North Korea's Lazarus Group.
Regulatory clarity could unlock trillions in institutional capital, impacting global crypto competitiveness and encouraging U.S. market participation.
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China's mixed signals on US sanctions highlight the complex geopolitical balancing act, risking economic and legal challenges for global firms.
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JPMorgan’s filing comes nearly three weeks after rival investment bank Morgan Stanley launched its own money market fund, the Stablecoin Reserves Portfolio.
The deployment signifies deepening Israel-UAE military ties, potentially complicating regional peace efforts amid heightened tensions.
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A major piece of US crypto legislation is now in the spotlight with XRP at the center: the CLARITY Act draft text was released Monday night, totaling 309 pages and arriving ahead of a key Senate markup scheduled for Thursday. The bill has been delayed since January, but the appearance of the full draft has already triggered intense attention from XRP analysts who believe important parts of the document could meaningfully improve the altcoin’s regulatory outlook. ‘Legally Favorable’ For XRP According to market expert Bull Winkle, several provisions in the draft point to “significant bullish categories” for XRP. In a post shared after the release, Winkle said his reaction was not only excitement, but a sense that the framework is unusually favorable in legal and structural terms. He began by focusing on the early pages of the draft which creates a new regulatory category for a “network token.” In his reading, the bill defines a network token as a digital asset intrinsically tied to a distributed ledger, where the value comes from the network’s use rather than from any company’s profits. Related Reading: Top Analyst Confirms The Bearish Target: Bitcoin Could Ease Down To $40,000 He argued that this is the type of model XRP fits into, noting that the altcoin’s value, as he describes it, is tied to activity on the XRP Ledger (XRPL)—specifically payments, settlement, and utility—rather than Ripple’s profitability. He also emphasized that, in this view, the XRP Ledger continues running whether Ripple exists or not, and that the “network token” definition appears to be written for an asset with that exact structure. From there, Winkle pointed to what he said was the most striking legal detail he found in the draft. He said Section 105, spanning pages 110 to 112, includes language inside the decentralization test that he believes has major implications. The Best Regulatory Framework For Crypto? The clause he highlighted states that if a court has already determined that a transaction was not a security before the law was enacted, then the asset cannot later be reclassified as a security. In Winkle’s interpretation, this language is directly connected to the Ripple-related court findings that have already been established. He also referenced the legal context he believes matters most: Judge Torres’ ruling that XRP secondary market sales were not securities transactions, which he described as final. He characterized this as the single most important legal protection XRP has ever received, in part because it would put a firm boundary around how future re-interpretations could be handled. Related Reading: Circle Banks $200M From Giants Like BlackRock In Arc Token Presale, CRCL Jumps 15% Winkle’s post also cited Section 401, located on pages 195 through 204, and described it as a provision that explicitly authorizes banks and credit unions—along with their subsidiaries—to use digital assets for payments, custody, clearing, and settlement. In his view, this is not just a general permission slip, but an on-ramp for the banking sector to move forward with the same operational capabilities that XRP advocates have associated with payment infrastructure work. Even with his bullish conclusion, Winkle was careful to note that the CLARITY Act is still a Senate draft and has not passed yet. That means the provisions he highlighted remain subject to change as lawmakers negotiate and vote. Still, he argued that the document already contains the most favorable regulatory framework for XRP that the US government has put on paper to date. Featured image created with OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com
Increased tariffs could drive crypto mining operations overseas, consolidating the industry and potentially stifling domestic innovation.
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The temporary tax suspension highlights prolonged conflict expectations, impacting global markets, inflation, and crypto dynamics significantly.
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Trump's focus on non-proliferation over economic issues may hinder diplomatic progress, increasing geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty.
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The CLARITY Act could reshape crypto regulation by balancing innovation protection with enhanced law enforcement, impacting global digital asset dynamics.
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Strategy's Bitcoin-centric approach highlights potential for institutional crypto adoption but faces volatility and regulatory challenges.
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The boardroom turmoil highlights the fragility of AI governance, potentially reshaping tech partnerships and nonprofit structures in the sector.
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