Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, escalating US tensions and raising concerns about global market stability. The move, reported on April 18, has increased geopolitical risks, with Bitcoin traders closely monitoring the situation for potential volatility. The closure underscores ongoing geopolitical conflicts that could influence cryptocurrency markets in the coming days.
A symmetrical triangle pattern on XRP's 12-hour chart suggests a potential 35% move. Analyst Ali Martinez highlighted the pattern, which indicates possible breakout directions. XRP recently retested the triangle's upper resistance but was rejected. Such patterns often signal trend continuation, with a breakout above or below the triangle hinting at significant price movements.
Charles Schwab has recommended increasing Bitcoin allocation in aggressive investment portfolios, potentially encouraging more institutional investors to follow suit. This endorsement could lead to a rise in Bitcoin investments from asset managers, signaling growing institutional confidence in the cryptocurrency. The move highlights Schwab's evolving stance on digital assets and their role in diversified portfolios.
Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, predicts Bitcoin will fluctuate between $60,000 and $90,000 until the Federal Reserve increases money printing. Bitcoin recently hit $78,000 on April 17 for the first time since February, but Hayes considers this a relief rally rather than a full recovery, emphasizing the need for further monetary stimulus to sustain higher prices.
Bitcoin funds saw inflows of $1.4 billion last week, as BTC broke a two-month trading range and reached its highest since early February. This surge reflects renewed investor interest amid rising prices, with Bitcoin's market dominance strengthening. The inflows contributed to a total of $154.8 billion in crypto assets under management, signaling growing institutional confidence.
Capital B has purchased 12 Bitcoin, increasing its total holdings to 2,937 BTC as of April 2026. The acquisition reflects the company's ongoing strategy to expand its Bitcoin treasury. This move highlights Capital B’s continued commitment to accumulating digital assets, with the latest purchase adding to its substantial Bitcoin reserve.
Quantum computers pose a potential threat to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies. Ripple is actively working to secure the XRP Ledger against this emerging risk. While specific measures and timelines are not detailed, the development highlights ongoing efforts within the crypto community to address future quantum vulnerabilities. The threat underscores the need for enhanced security protocols in the evolving Web3 landscape.
