Author: Tristan Lodenberg

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a total net outflow of $52.1 million on March 20 (ET), marking the third consecutive day of withdrawals, according to SoSoValue data. The largest outflow came from BlackRock’s IBIT, which saw $45.94 million leave the fund, accounting for the majority of the daily decline. Despite the broader negative trend, some funds recorded gains. VanEck’s HODL ETF posted a net inflow of $2.96 million, showing selective investor interest even as overall sentiment remained cautious. Ethereum ETF Flows Also Remain Negative Spot Ethereum ETFs mirrored Bitcoin’s trend, logging their third straight day of net outflows totaling $41.97 million.…

A pro-technology super PAC, Think Big PAC, has launched a campaign against New York Assemblymember Alex Bores in the crowded NY-12 Democratic primary. Mailers allege Bores received over $100,000 in support from Sam Bankman-Fried’s 2022 political network, linking the first-term legislator to the former FTX CEO. The mailers criticize Bores’ campaign financing and frame him as disconnected from constituents, stating that “Bankman-Fried’s buddies are bankrolling Bores for Congress.” Think Big PAC backs candidates aligned with pro-technology policies and AI innovation, and it has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on digital and television ads targeting Bores, including references to his…

The United States has issued a 30-day waiver allowing the sale of Iranian oil at sea in an effort to reduce rising global energy prices. The decision comes as oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, reaching their highest levels since 2022 amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Treasury officials said the waiver could release approximately 140 million barrels of oil into global markets, easing supply shortages. The authorization permits limited transactions to complete delivery of Iranian oil already in transit, with restrictions excluding regions such as Cuba, North Korea, and Crimea. Energy Markets React to War Disruptions Oil prices…

Gold prices suffered a steep decline this week, falling 3.5% to $4,488 per ounce on Friday and recording an 11% weekly loss the largest weekly drop for the precious metal since 1983. The sharp fall comes as geopolitical instability linked to the ongoing US and Israel–Iran conflict continues to influence global markets and investor positioning. War-Driven Volatility and Oil Disruptions Pressure Gold Prices Gold has dropped more than 15% since Feb. 28, when military strikes on Iran began, reversing part of the strong rally that pushed prices to nearly $5,500 in late January. Market data confirmed that the March 16–20…

President Donald Trump said he is considering winding down the Iran war, stating that the United States is getting close to meeting its military objectives. While speaking before departing Washington, Trump said he did not support a ceasefire at this stage, arguing that ceasefires are not pursued when military pressure is ongoing. Later, he indicated that U.S. forces may reduce operations in the Middle East once objectives against Iran are achieved. Trump said on Truth social; Strait of Hormuz Security Dispute Trump also stated that the Strait of Hormuz should be guarded by nations that rely heavily on the route,…

Arkham On-chain data shows that Ethereum investor Thomasg.eth, who once held $538 million in crypto assets including ETH, WBTC, and DAI at the 2021 market peak, is rebuilding his portfolio. The crypto veteran has recently purchased $3 million worth of ETH, bringing his total accumulated holdings to $19.5 million this week. Accumulation Strategy Signals Confidence Thomasg.eth’s activity indicates renewed confidence in Ethereum as a long-term investment. Despite significant market fluctuations since 2021, the whale’s strategy of steadily stacking ETH suggests belief in potential price recovery and growth within the Ethereum ecosystem. Ethereum Market Context Ethereum “OGs” and long-term holders are…

Solana Foundation President Lily Liu stated that blockchain based gaming is unlikely to return, raising questions about billions invested in the sector. Her comments followed reports that major tech companies, including Meta, scaled back virtual world projects after heavy spending failed to attract sustained users. Blockchain gaming was once seen as central to the web3 and metaverse vision, enabling users to own and trade in game digital assets. Solana was considered a promising network due to its low transaction costs and fast speeds, ideal for real time gameplay. Play-to-Earn Models Face Criticism Critics note that many play-to-earn games focused more…

Rumors indicate that the White House and US lawmakers have reached an “agreement in principle” on the CLARITY Act, focusing on stablecoin yield and interest-bearing tokens. The prospective deal addresses key concerns for the banking industry, including the potential erosion of deposits. Senators Thom Tillis (R) and Angela Alsobrooks (D), members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, are reportedly leading negotiations. Alsobrooks stated the agreement would protect innovation while preventing deposit flight and would prohibit stablecoin yield on passive balances. Specific terms are pending industry review before finalization. Industry and Lawmaker Reactions Senator Cynthia Lummis, a…

Proposed Nasdaq Listing for Hyperliquid-Based ETF Grayscale has filed to launch a new exchange-traded fund designed to track the native token of Hyperliquid, a Layer 1 blockchain focused on decentralized perpetual futures trading. According to the filing, the proposed Grayscale HYPE ETF would trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol GHYP if it receives regulatory approval. The filing states that the fund would rely on Coinbase Custody to safeguard assets, following the structure used in several existing crypto investment products. Pricing data for the fund would be sourced from established crypto benchmark providers. At present, staking of the HYPE…

Bitcoin has remained resilient during recent geopolitical tensions, outperforming traditional assets despite volatility linked to the Middle East conflict. However, a potential surge in oil prices toward $180 per barrel could introduce significant macroeconomic pressure, threatening the cryptocurrency’s upward momentum. Oil Price Shock Could Drive Inflation Higher A sustained spike in crude prices may sharply increase US inflation. Estimates suggest that a 70% rise in oil could push headline inflation close to 5%, well above the Federal Reserve’s target. Higher inflation would likely delay interest rate cuts, tightening financial conditions and reducing liquidity across markets. Historically, such environments weaken demand…