“Bitcoin needs an easing cycle,” Novogratz has repeatedly emphasized in recent commentary. According to Novogratz, the Federal Reserve’s current stance has kept liquidity constrained, limiting Bitcoin’s ability to break through key psychological price levels. Still, he argues that if the U.S. Federal Reserve were to cut interest rates, the market might come back to see a more balanced picture of the cryptocurrency. Concerns about Bitcoin momentum were also raised by Anthony Scaramucci on the All Things Markets podcast, where he pointed to weakening indicators such as BTC’s Relative Strength Index (RSI), a widely watched measure of market momentum that has recently fallen to unusually low levels.

Galaxy Digital CEO urges BTC traders to be patient

Google searches for Bitcoin have declined in recent years, and market interest is at an all-time low. And people are increasingly concentrated in Bitcoin ownership. Scaramucci said that currently, 79% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply is owned by people who haven’t moved their coins in a long time. That’s a question of whether these trends were a sign of a market bottom or of Bitcoin becoming a “dead asset.” Novogratz rejected that view and urged investors to be patient. “You’ve got to give Bitcoin the benefit of the doubt,” the Galaxy Digital CEO said.

He also added that investors should wait until at least next year before deciding on the asset’s long-term future. The reason for Bitcoin’s recent weakness is that the market expects U.S. interest rates to stay high for a long time, Novogratz said. Investors have been expecting a more aggressive policy stance from the Federal Reserve as it transitions to the new Fed chairmanship. The markets have come to expect higher borrowing costs. And Novogratz said this has also weighed on Bitcoin and other assets, such as gold.

On Bitcoin, he thinks the situation would change if the US economy were weak enough to push the Fed to reverse course and cut interest rates. Low rates generally make risk assets attractive, as borrowing is cheaper and liquidity rises in the financial markets. Many investors may not realize that future rate cuts are likely, Novogratz said. The issue of debt and economic conditions can eventually push the Fed into a more accommodative policy, he said. Bitcoin may attract investors who are still seeking protection against currency debasement and inflation, restoring some of the momentum it has lost in recent months.

Despite his long-term optimism, the Galaxy Digital CEO admitted that the Bitcoin market currently lacks enthusiasm. He said there is little fresh demand entering the market and described the current environment as one with “no energy” and “no new buyers.” This lack of new capital has contributed to Bitcoin’s inability to sustain upward momentum. Novogratz also referenced challenges facing some Bitcoin-focused investment strategies.

The Galaxy Digital CEO pointed to concerns surrounding financing models associated with Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, whose company has become known for aggressively accumulating Bitcoin through debt and capital-raising programs. Even so, Novogratz remains confident that the broader Bitcoin story is not over. He believes investors should focus less on current market sentiment and more on the factors that could emerge over the next several months. According to him, the key catalyst remains a potential shift in Federal Reserve policy.

The post Galaxy Digital CEO says rate cuts could help BTC and silence critics first appeared on Coinfea.

The update moves the platform beyond crypto by adding access to stocks, ETFs, options, tokenized assets, prediction markets, derivatives, and AI-assisted investing.

The company said the redesign includes an SEC-regulated AI investment advisor, unified global liquidity pools, and a wider product suite across crypto and traditional finance. The move builds on Coinbase’s July 2025 roadmap, which later added stock trading, prediction markets, and integrated decentralized trading across dozens of countries.

Coinbase expands Everything Exchange model

The new lineup includes stock and crypto options, pre-IPO perpetual futures, thematic index perpetual contracts, and tokenized stocks. Thematic contracts will cover sectors such as AI and defense.

Coinbase confirmed that crypto derivatives trading is returning for American users. Stock trading and prediction markets began rolling out in December 2025. Commission-free U.S. stock and ETF trading opened to eligible customers in February 2026, while integrated decentralized trading expanded to users in 84 countries in March 2026.

The unified account is designed to let users trade crypto assets, nearly 10,000 stocks and ETFs, prediction markets, perpetual futures, and tokenized assets from one platform. Frank Chaparro described the announcement as a sweeping Coinbase push and noted planned pre-IPO perpetual futures for Anthropic and OpenAI.

Unified liquidity targets order books

A key part of the update is Coinbase’s plan to connect liquidity across its U.S. and international venues. According to Odaily, the liquidity unification applies to spot crypto and derivatives markets.

The company aims to deepen order books, improve execution, and create a more consistent trading experience across platforms. Coinbase said the shared infrastructure will also support cross-margining between perpetual futures and spot positions.

That structure would allow users to manage collateral across products more efficiently. Coinbase also highlighted stock perpetual futures, which will trade 24/7 with leverage of up to 10x on individual stocks and 20x on ETF perpetual futures. Settlement will be handled in the USDC through Crypto Rails.

USDC supports retail trading strategy

The update expands Coinbase’s retail strategy through Coinbase One, rewards, and USDC-linked products. Coinbase One Card members will be able to stake between 500 and 5,000 USDC to qualify for the card and receive 5% Bitcoin back on purchases through a Travel Portal built with Booking.com, according to Odaily.

Coinbase One subscribers can also earn a 3.5% annual return on USDC held as collateral or while waiting for limit orders to execute.

The stock and ETF trading service uses a zero-commission model for eligible U.S. users. Customers can buy fractional shares from $1 and trade equities besides crypto holdings. Coinbase said access will roll out gradually, depending on jurisdiction, approvals, and eligibility.

The post Coinbase Advanced Trading Overhaul Unifies Global Crypto Liquidity first appeared on Coinfea.

Saylor stated the ‘BitVac’, short for BTC vacuum, will be changing away from the usual weekly purchases. The company has held up to $2.5B in cash reserves. The bonds in question refer to a repurchase of older Strategy debt, namely $1.5B in debt due in 2029. This time, Strategy did not outline the financing source of its repurchase operations. The BTC purchase delay may also be due to the US market holiday. The biggest investor fear is that Strategy may have sold some of its BTC to finance debt repurchases, making its playbook unstable.

Strategy pauses BTC purchase to initiate new strategy

The company will still be liable to pay STRC dividends of 11.5%, soon to become bi-weekly. Additional dividends are owed for older issuance of preferred shares STRD and STRK, which have not been used for months as a source of BTC purchases. The market anticipated this week’s pause in BTC purchases, as there was no data on STRC trading in the suitable price range for additional sales.

After a week of $2.2M in total new sales, STRC buyers also hit a pause, on a mix of skepticism and the longer waiting period until the ex-dividend date in June. In the past two months, Strategy fell into a pattern of large purchases ahead of the dividend cut-off date, followed by smaller weekly additions financed by MSTR ATM selling. This time, Strategy did not use its common stock issuance facility, instead focusing on its cash-like reserves.

MSTR fell to $159.89, down from its recent hike above $170. The BTC purchasing pause coincided with a generally lowered demand for MSTR, as the common stock does not act as a multiplier for BTC gains. Strategy changed its playbook after buying over 4% of the total BTC supply. For now, the company remains a strong holder, though it does not try to add BTC at any rate.

The biggest fear around Strategy is that its demand structure reflects the dwindling crypto sentiment. The market is no longer in ‘up only’ mode, even for BTC. As a result, only STRC is attractive for its high monthly payouts. However, Strategy carries a growing dividend burden, sparking fears the company may not be sustainable, especially during a prolonged crypto bear market. STRC will have to show stronger demand, as predicted during the week ahead of June 15.

Until then, skeptics have noted that Strategy may gain only up to 5% in yield on more conservative bonds, while owing 11.5% for STRC. After the week of no purchases, BTC traded at $77,216, sitting just above Strategy’s average price. Selling or stagnant demand may further undermine the trust in Strategy’s playbook, without other factors sparking a BTC bull market.

The post Strategy pauses BTC purchase for another week to focus on bonds first appeared on Coinfea.

Overall, Bitcoin has accrued 12.94% in gains for Q2 to date, leading to more bullish expectations of a price reversal. The recent monthly gains arrived after a five-month streak of net losses. Based on the fear and greed index at 26 points, traders are still not confident to set up large long positions. However, April achieved a reversal, abandoning the ‘extreme fear’ trading from the previous month. Historically, April has mostly been a positive month for BTC, with only five years with a red monthly candle.

Bitcoin posts gains to finish April

Bitcoin made a similar return in April 2025, paving the way for the all-time highs later in the year. May is a more bearish month on a five-year time frame, with deeper losses and shocks. The asset passed several stress tests in April, with both macro factors and crypto insider shocks. April saw a record of hacks and exploits, as Cryptopolitan reported earlier. Oil shocks and the uncertainty of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz also led to fearful trading.

Trader interest also shifted to stocks and oil futures, while Bitcoin attracted mostly whales on the spot and futures markets. The leading coin gained support from ongoing accumulation by whales and some cohorts of retail wallets. Demand also came from treasury companies, with Strategy performing its third-largest weekly purchase in history, adding 34,164 BTC as of April 20. BTC dominance also recovered slightly to 58.2%, as interest in altcoins and tokens remained at historical lows.

The coming months may continue with a sentiment of BTC maximalism, as the rest of the crypto market deals with hacks and the lost trust in DeFi lending. BTC options markets may be the reason for a short-term relief rally. On May 1, a total of $1.74B in BTC options expired, with another $394M in ETH options. The BTC weekly event expired with a put/call ratio of 1.1, suggesting cautious positioning and downside protection. The relatively small event for the new month still suggested prevailing downside protection.

Ahead of the options expiry event, the market was close to the maximum pain point of $76,000 per BTC. Put options have now shifted to $75,500, setting up a higher level of downside protection. The biggest accumulation of call options is at $79,500-$80,000 per BTC, which is seen as a level potentially triggering a breakout. Options markets still signal cautious downside protection rather than an upcoming bull market. The weekly options’ expiry near maximum pain may lead to a gamma squeeze, as traders abandon the attempt to push the price to the maximum pain point, where the most options expire worthless.

The post Bitcoin closes its strongest month for the year to date first appeared on Coinfea.

The company now holds 815,061 BTC with an average price of $75,527 BTC. New BTC purchases accelerated as Strategy’s treasury broke even on average. The recent purchase was expected after Michael Saylor’s preliminary message, which signaled another large-scale addition. The latest purchase arrived as BTC traded above $75,000, though stalling its recent rally at $78,000. Strategy’s move arrives at a time when ETFs and other whales are also accumulating, in expectation of a breakout or long-term growth.

Strategy makes fresh BTC purchase, achieves STRC goal

Last week’s large purchase revealed the growing demand for STRC, as well as new MSTR issues. The strong STRC demand hinged on April’s ex-dividend date, which usually causes a rush to buy the preferred stock and secure the monthly return of 11.5%. For its latest purchase, Strategy sold 21.7M STRC valued at $2.17B, and an additional 2.16M in new MSTR shares, valued at $366M.

STRC achieved $2.17B in volume as of April 14, with a total of $2.2B in proceeds for last week. Currently, STRC trades at $99.36, $0.64 below the ATM rate for new sales. The success of STRC has sparked hopes of another BTC price cycle, this time fueled by digital credit. Starting July 2026, STRC will pay its 11.5% annual dividend bi-weekly, to avoid the crowded sales and spread out raises more evenly, without a big monthly bump in trading.

Strategy also aims for less price volatility around ex-dividend dates. MSTR has returned to its trading pattern of amplifying the BTC price moves. The common stock was not affected by the ongoing dilution and added over 31% to its price in the past week. MSTR is used as a supporting source of liquidity together with STRC.

The common stock expanded to $166.52, securing the recent purchase and enough liquidity for dividend payments. For now, MSTR looks secondary, but Strategy has authorized another $21M. The ATM facility has $26B in new stock issuance, accelerating the Strategy playbook from its previous plans.

The post Strategy makes big BTC purchase amid increase in STRC demand first appeared on Coinfea.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the Global Blockchain Show on June 29 and 30, 2026. The show will bring together some of the world’s most influential and widely recognized voices shaping blockchain, Web3, and the global digital assets ecosystem.

The Global Blockchain Show is produced by VAP Group with support from The Times of Blockchain and represents the world’s foremost Global Blockchain Show, highlighting blockchain innovation, investment, and collaboration among industry leaders in both blockchain and Web3.

The success of the Abu Dhabi event that took place in December 2025 has built strong momentum and attracted the largest delegation of leading blockchain investors and extreme visionaries from throughout the world; it is now launching in Riyadh. The show created numerous record-setting partnerships and established historic milestones for collaborative innovation within the Web3 community.

Attendees can expect more than 100 speakers, over 10,000 attendees, and 100 exhibitors highlighting blockchain innovators and thought leaders, and thus have an opportunity to shape the future of blockchain technology.

Featured speakers include

• Abeer Alhumaimeedy, Associate Professor at King Saud University, Director of Web3 and Blockchain Lab, King Saud University / Advanced Era 
• Sultan Moraished, CTO, Red Sea Global
• Ogle, Co-founder, Glue
• Vit Jedlicka, President, Liberland
• Billal Yamak, Chairman and Co-Founder, Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA)

Program Highlights and Principal Topics Covered at Conference

• Riyadh is the fastest-growing hub in the region, leading the Kingdom with 2,463 new blockchain registrations last quarter alone. We facilitate the direct introductions you need to secure contracts with the government-backed initiatives currently funding the Vision 2030 digital backbone.
• A Concentrated C-Suite Audience: Our floor is strictly curated for business, with 46% of our 10,000+ attendees serving as founders and C-level executives. This ensures you spend your time in Riyadh speaking directly to the decision-makers who control the budget
• Our VC Matchmaking program bridges the gap between your project and the sovereign wealth funds actively scouting for the “utility-era” platforms. This is where you meet the capital required to dominate the Middle Eastern market.
• Cross-Industry Synergy via Co-Location: The Global Blockchain Show is co-located with the Global AI Show and Global Games Show at the same venue. The “One Ticket; Three Shows” option will provide access to all three conferences and encourage collaboration between the three respective sectors of blockchain, AI, and gaming.

“This event is more than a conference; it’s the global intersection of vision, capital, and innovation for Web3. Our speaker lineup reflects the calibre of thinking that will propel the digital-asset ecosystem forward,” said Vishal Parmar, Founder and CEO, VAP Group

Event Details:
Date: 29-30 June
Venue: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Register: Grab Your Tickets Now

About VAP Group: 

VAP Group is a global consulting and media group focused on AI, blockchain, and gaming, with over 13 years of experience driving technology-led growth through strategic PR, marketing, and content platforms.

Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.

Media enquiries: media@globalblockchainshow.com

The post Global Blockchain Show Riyadh Unveils World-Class Speakers Redefining the Future of Web3 and Digital Assets first appeared on Coinfea.

The development, which came on a weekend when other markets are closed, has left the crypto market as the only option to take the brunt of the panic, following the news that Iran’s military had resumed “strict control” over the strait due to the US refusing to stop its blockade. The stock market is closed, and bond traders are off the clock for the weekend, leaving the crypto industry as the only market to absorb volatility.

Bitcoin and the wider market react to the US-Iran conflict

Iran’s military, after Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” on Friday, reversed that declaration from its Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters today, Saturday. A spokesman told Iran’s Tasnim News Agency that the strait is now under “strict management and control by the Armed Forces.” The reason given is that the U.S is continuing its “naval blockade” and engaging in “piracy” against Iranian vessels.

On Friday, markets celebrated the opening of the Strait, and Bitcoin surged to nearly $78,000. According to Cryptopolitan, this jump triggered a massive liquidation event, wiping out roughly $585 million in short positions. Now, less than 24 hours later, the euphoria is gone. Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading near $76,304. This is a notable pattern of global conflicts affecting the crypto market.

For instance, when the war began on February 28, it was Saturday. BTC dropped from roughly $65,500 to $63,000 within hours. Approximately $300 million in leveraged positions were liquidated. When traditional markets reopened on Monday, Gold surged toward $5,400. Oil spiked as much as 13%. The Nikkei 225 dropped 1.35%. The US dollar index (DXY) rose to its highest level in over a month.

In October 2025, “Crypto Black Friday” occurred when President Trump revealed he would impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports. BTC dropped roughly 12% while ETH fell nearly 26%. Some smaller altcoins lost over 50% of their value. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index actually rose over 7% in the following six months. More recently, in March, the Hyperliquid DEX saw its volumes hit $13.6 billion on a weekend as markets reacted to the Iran conflict. This was nearly seven times the previous weekend’s activity.

The current volatility in the price of Bitcoin is a result of the confusion currently gripping global energy markets. Ship-tracking data analyzed by Reuters and Kpler shows a very tense standoff happening right now at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. With the Strait being closed again, these vessels are facing a serious problem. Before the war began on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s LNG trade. If these five ships successfully cross today, it would be the first LNG transit since the war started.

The post Bitcoin rally faces test as Iran closes Hormuz again first appeared on Coinfea.

Traders had positioned for weaker prices, but the conflict triggered a rapid surge. The sudden shift disrupted both financial trades and physical oil flows across key shipping routes.

Traders caught off guard by price surge

Major US commodity trading firms suffered heavy losses after betting that oil prices would decline. Instead, the outbreak of conflict involving Iran pushed crude prices sharply higher. According to a study by Oliver Wyman, early losses across the sector exceeded $10 billion.

Before the conflict, market sentiment leaned heavily toward falling prices. This consensus left many traders exposed when oil reversed direction. Alexander Franke, head of risk and trading at Oliver Wyman, said the scale of the surprise was significant.

The rapid price increase created losses across trading desks. Firms that had built positions expecting declines were forced to absorb immediate financial damage. Some losses were later reduced, but the initial shock remained severe.

Reports indicated that major firms, including Vitol, Trafigura, and Mercuria, were affected during the early phase of the conflict. The losses highlighted how quickly geopolitical risks can overturn market assumptions.

Shipping disruptions amplify losses

The conflict also disrupted physical oil flows across the Gulf region. More than 100 tankers were unable to move as planned, creating logistical challenges for traders and suppliers. Cargoes already sold for future delivery became difficult to fulfill.

Traders were forced to secure replacement shipments at much higher prices. This added another layer of financial pressure. The mismatch between contracted sales and available supply intensified losses across the industry.

Shipping data showed a sharp decline in tanker traffic. Only a few supertankers completed journeys during peak disruption periods. Before the conflict, daily traffic levels were significantly higher.

The situation placed pressure on companies that rely on steady shipping routes. Delays and rerouting increased costs, while uncertainty made planning difficult. The disruption also reduced overall market liquidity.

Margin calls and rising costs hit firms

The surge in oil prices triggered large margin calls for traders holding short futures positions. These positions are often used to hedge physical cargoes. As prices rose, firms had to post significant cash quickly.

Margin calls do not always reflect final losses, but they strain liquidity. Many trading houses faced immediate funding demands as prices climbed. This added to the financial stress already caused by disrupted shipments.

The losses come at a time when industry profits have already cooled. Oliver Wyman reported that trading margins fell to $92 billion last year. This marked a decline from the peak seen in 2022.

Operating costs have also increased. The report noted that seat costs rose by more than 30 percent since 2021. While metals trading showed some growth, oil trading profits declined.

Oil prices surged again as tensions escalated. US crude reached $104.40, while Brent climbed above $102. The rise followed failed diplomatic talks and preparations for a blockade of Iranian ports.

The post Big US commodity houses were wrongfooted by the Iran war, losing over $10 billion in oil first appeared on Coinfea.

The latest purchase is for an average price of $67,718, below the current market price that briefly managed to recover above $71,000. The latest acquisition was hinted at by Michael Saylor’s tweet on Sunday, setting expectations for the buying streak to continue. Strategy’s playbook remains viable as BTC trades in a tight range, still below the average acquisition price of $75,444 per BTC.

Strategy splunges $330 million in latest BTC purchase

For the latest purchase, Strategy raised $227.3M in STRC preferred shares. Those shares have been trading in the $99-$101 range since February, allowing Strategy to sell additional assets. STRC raises depend on the market price, and a price above a certain range means Strategy must issue new credit. The company announced STRC will retain its $11.5% interest in the coming month.

Usually, STRC raises are more active before the ex-dividend date. The next ex-dividend date is April 15, potentially increasing STRC buying interest. STRC trading volume increased in the past two weeks, rising to $211M, up from a local low of $135M. Strategy also sold $72M worth of MSTR common stock, which currently hovers at $119.73. For now, MSTR remains relatively stable, despite the ongoing dilution.

The latest purchase arrived after a recent social media stand-off between Saylor and Peter Schiff, based on Bitcoin’s poor performance compared to gold. Strategy’s playbook still heavily depends on the conviction of BTC expansion in the long term. Saylor has also added that BTC may not move based on the old four-year cycle logic, but on the expansion of available credit. Strategy already holds 3.5% of the BTC supply, almost on par with the BlackRock ETF.

Saylor has warned that BTC has a long-term outlook, but may be at risk due to eventual protocol changes. Meanwhile, Metaplanet has also revived its playbook in 2026, after adding 5,000 BTC in Q1. The company has planned to acquire 100,000 BTC by the end of the year, using its own version of credit placements. At the same time, Strategy’s quarterly purchases were also close to 100,000 BTC, despite more misgivings about BTC treasuries.

The companies may keep buying using available credit, despite the rush of miners and legacy treasury holders to sell some of their BTC. Strategy has over $22B in remaining STRC to issue, as well as $27B in newly authorized MSTR common stock, signaling its playbook aims to outlast the current bear market.

The post Strategy resumes BTC acquisition spree with new $330 million purchase first appeared on Coinfea.

According to reports, residents in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, have lost around $4 million to Bitcoin scams, according to the Murfreesboro Police Department. The scheme relies on impersonation, followed by fear and urgency. Scammers use this approach to target dozens of residents, primarily elderly victims.

Residents in Murfreesboro suffer losses to Bitcoin ATM scammers

According to an official police statement, the scam begins with a phone call claiming to be from law enforcement. The caller tells victims they have missed a court date and have an active arrest warrant, creating extreme fear and urgency. The scammers then provide instructions to resolve the issue, offering a false sense of hope. Victims are told to withdraw large amounts of cash and visit the nearest Bitcoin ATM.

Once at the machine, victims are instructed to deposit the cash into a cryptocurrency wallet. The scammers provide a QR code and demand confirmation of the payment. As soon as the money is deposited into the wallet, it is effectively gone and extremely difficult to recover. The Murfreesboro Police Department issued a warning about cryptocurrency ATM scams.

Tommy Massey told local media, “No local, state, or federal law enforcement officer will ever ask for money to dismiss a warrant.” He added that police do not handle cash. Bitcoin ATM scams are difficult to investigate because scammers often operate outside the United States. Investigators pointed to countries such as India, Pakistan, Ukraine, and several African nations.

Authorities noted the difficulty in recovery

Aside from Murfreesboro, the scam has also been seen in Albemarle County. According to local news outlets, 30 cases were reported in the past 14 months. Victims lost an average of $26,000 per case, based on a statement from the Albemarle County Police Department. Police said every reported victim was either over 60 years old or considered vulnerable. Many victims had worked their entire lives and were living in retirement. Some were forced to rely on family again after losing their savings.

Detective Marcus Baggett described the financial damage as devastating. He continued, “We have elderly folks who have worked their entire career to be retired. And after these types of losses, they may find themselves living with elderly parents.” First Sergeant Adam Culpa said, “If you do put money into a Bitcoin ATM, it prints out a receipt with the address on there.” He added that the receipt is often the only traceable starting point. Without the receipt and wallet data, “it’s nearly impossible to follow the trace.”

Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ranks Virginia 10th based on the number of reported cases. The state is also placed 15th in total losses. Crypto ATM scams are considered new for many law enforcement departments. The increasing scale of victims and losses requires coordination across all jurisdictions. Authorities advise people to actively protect themselves from crypto ATM scams. If someone asks for payment via a crypto kiosk, it’s a major red flag, and the target victim should report the incident to law enforcement quickly.

The post Murfreesboro residents lose $4 million to Bitcoin ATM scammers first appeared on Coinfea.