Bitcoin is hovering near 73000 dollars, leaving investors watching closely to see whether ongoing diplomatic talks could drive further gains.
Only days after both countries agreed to a two week ceasefire, their delegations are now preparing for direct negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement. JD Vance and the US delegation arrived earlier today in Islamabad, while Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is leading the Iranian side.
The administration of Donald Trump has also sent Steve Witkoff along with Jared Kushner to support the discussions. Earlier reports suggested that JD Vance played a significant role in organizing the talks and pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The ceasefire agreement was announced on Tuesday morning, just hours before a deadline set by President Trump. As part of the arrangement, Iran was expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though ship traffic through the route has remained limited so far. President Trump stated earlier today that the passage should be fully reopened soon.
Bitcoin responded quickly to the initial ceasefire news, climbing from around 68000 dollars to nearly 73000 dollars. After a short pullback in the following days, the asset rose again and briefly reached about 73500 dollars today.
Attention is now centered on the outcome of the negotiations. If the talks result in a permanent peace agreement, Bitcoin could continue its upward momentum, as some analysts anticipate renewed bullish movement under improved geopolitical conditions.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
Aethir has confirmed that it remains fully operational after successfully detecting and containing a malicious attack on its bridge infrastructure.
The platform, which provides scalable computing power for artificial intelligence and gaming, revealed that the exploit targeted its ATH bridge contracts connecting Ethereum to other networks.
Attack Contained With Minimal Damage
Aethir stated that all affected contracts were quickly disconnected, effectively stopping the exploit. It emphasized that the main ATH token supply on Ethereum remains secure, while the ETH to ARB bridge on Squid was not impacted.
User losses were kept below 90000 dollars, and the company plans to release a full compensation strategy next week. It also confirmed ongoing collaboration with authorities and partner exchanges to track the attackers and freeze related funds.
Several major exchanges, including Binance, Upbit, Bithumb, and HTX, were credited for rapidly blacklisting suspicious wallets, helping to limit the overall impact.
The company also acknowledged the role of ZeroShadow in analyzing the incident. Aethir noted that a full list of attacker wallets and a detailed report covering the incident, affected users, and compensation process will be shared with the community.
The update came shortly after PeckShield initially flagged the exploit, estimating losses at around 400000 dollars and reporting that funds were moved across multiple addresses from BB Chain to Tron.
Growing Wave of Crypto Attacks
PeckShield recently reported that total losses from crypto security breaches reached approximately 52 million dollars across 20 incidents, nearly double the figures recorded in February. The firm highlighted a growing trend known as shadow contagion, where the effects of a single exploit spread across multiple decentralized finance platforms.
Rather than remaining isolated, attacks are increasingly impacting interconnected systems by creating bad debt, weakening liquidity pools, and placing strain on lending markets beyond the original target.
One notable example involved ResolvLabs, where attackers exploited a flaw in its cloud based key system to mint large amounts of tokens, leading to losses of about 25 million dollars and affecting platforms such as MorphoBlue and Euler Finance.
In another case, Venus Protocol on BB Chain was exploited through a donation related vulnerability. This allowed a trader to exceed collateral limits, borrow millions, and leave unpaid debt despite eventually losing funds.
PeckShield also pointed to targeted attacks on individuals, including a multimillion dollar social engineering incident involving Kraken.
A critical on chain signal suggests that Bitcoin may still face additional downside before forming a lasting bottom.
Bitcoin has seen a short period of relief this week after climbing back above 72000 dollars. However, weak demand and continued investor exits indicate that the asset could come under renewed pressure.
Joao Wedson, founder of Alphractal, highlighted an on chain indicator that points to the possibility of one more decline before the market reaches a cycle low.
A Final Shakeout Phase
Wedson’s analysis, powered by Alpha AI insights, examines the relationship between Investor Price and the Long Term Holder Realized Price. When Investor Price falls below the Long Term Holder Realized Price, it signals a meaningful structural shift in the market, especially in terms of who is shaping Bitcoin’s overall cost basis.
This crossover reflects weakening confidence among newer and more active participants. Investor Price represents the average cost of coins currently in circulation, capturing the behavior of short term holders. When it drops below the Long Term Holder Realized Price, it shows that these investors are willing to sell at levels lower than what long term holders originally paid. This situation often appears after distribution phases when demand begins to fade and marginal buyers step away.
At the same time, long term holders begin to take greater control of the market. Historical patterns show that these participants are less likely to sell when prices approach or fall below their cost basis. As a result, market control gradually shifts from speculative traders to more conviction driven holders. This transition can reduce volatility but also slows upward momentum, keeping price action relatively subdued.
Importantly, this stage is not typically driven by panic selling. Instead, it reflects a rotation of capital where weaker participants exit while stronger holders steadily absorb supply. This process tends to unfold gradually and often results in extended sideways movement or mild declines as the market builds an accumulation range.
Limited Upside in the Short Term
Another effect of this structure is reduced upside potential. Wedson noted that as long as Investor Price remains below the Long Term Holder Realized Price, any upward movement is likely to face selling pressure from investors trying to exit near their breakeven levels.
Looking at the broader cycle, this pattern has historically appeared during mid cycle corrections rather than at the final bottom. It reflects a market that is working through previous excesses, rebuilding its cost structure, and redistributing supply into stronger hands. A more decisive shift in trend is usually confirmed only when Investor Price rises back above the Long Term Holder Realized Price, signaling renewed risk appetite and the potential for stronger upward momentum.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
Ethereum is experiencing a powerful rise in network activity, yet its market price has not responded in the same way.
Ethereum began the second quarter of 2026 down about 55 percent from its August 2025 peak above 4900 dollars, as broader macroeconomic pressures continue to weigh on its price. Despite this decline, new data shows that activity on the network has reached unprecedented levels, with the Total Transfer Count metric hitting record highs.
Ethereum Usage Reaches Record Levels
On chain activity across Ethereum has surged again. Data from CryptoQuant shows that the 7 day average of total transfers has climbed above 1.3 million, matching the previous peak recorded in mid February.
This increase reflects consistent usage of the network, driven by participation in decentralized finance applications, Layer 2 solutions, and other smart contract functions. It highlights that Ethereum is actively being used rather than simply held for speculation.
At the same time, ETH continues to trade around 2100 dollars, far below its all time highs. This gap between rising usage and relatively weak price performance suggests that the network’s real world utility is expanding faster than its market valuation.
Higher transaction activity also leads to increased gas fees, which contributes to more ETH being burned through the network’s fee burning mechanism. Over time, this reduces the circulating supply and may create upward pressure on availability. Overall, the data points to a period where strong usage is not yet reflected in price movement.
If this high level of activity continues, analysts at CryptoQuant believe there is a strong likelihood that Ethereum’s price will eventually align with its solid on chain fundamentals over the medium term.
Key Price Levels to Watch for Ethereum
According to earlier analysis by Ali Martinez, Ethereum’s next major rally could depend on reclaiming the 2500 dollar level, which he views as a key trigger for a bullish phase. He also noted early signs of accumulation, particularly as the 1800 dollar level continues to hold as support. This zone aligns with the 0.80 MVRV band near 1880 dollars, often associated with market stress and potential bottom formation.
However, if market conditions weaken, Ethereum could face further declines, with 1550 dollars and 1070 dollars acting as possible downside targets.
From a broader perspective, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty has added pressure to the market. Analyst Ted Pillows emphasized that the 2150 to 2200 dollar range is now a critical support zone. Holding this level could support another upward move, while losing it may lead to deeper corrections.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
Bitcoin moved back above 72,000 dollars on Friday following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which helped lift sentiment across crypto markets, even though the agreement remains uncertain.
According to on chain analytics firm Santiment, the recent price increase is relatively minor in the bigger picture. However, the firm believes Bitcoin has strong upside potential once the geopolitical situation becomes clearer.
So far this year, Bitcoin has underperformed compared to other major assets. It is down about 20 percent, while the S and P 500 has declined by around 2 percent and gold has gained roughly 9 percent. Despite this gap, analyst Brian Quinlivan views the disparity as an opportunity rather than a concern. He explained that a return to average performance levels could position Bitcoin for stronger gains than traditional markets if conditions improve.
The ceasefire announced on April 8 helped push Bitcoin above 72,000 dollars, with additional momentum coming from reports that Iran may require cryptocurrency payments for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This briefly drove the price closer to 73,000 dollars. However, as doubts emerged about the stability of the agreement, along with continued airstrikes and uncertainty around Israel’s stance, Bitcoin pulled back toward 71,000 dollars.
Quinlivan estimated that as much as 80 percent of Bitcoin’s performance next month could depend on whether the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of ending soon. A resolution, he noted, would likely restore confidence and encourage investors to begin accumulating again.
He also pointed to past market behavior, noting that Bitcoin has historically rebounded strongly after periods of extreme uncertainty. During the early stages of the COVID pandemic in 2020, many expected the asset to collapse, yet it recovered sharply. A similar pattern followed the collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried’s exchange, when Bitcoin dropped below 16,000 dollars before later climbing above 100,000 dollars within two years.
In both instances, investors who bought during periods of widespread pessimism were closest to identifying market bottoms.
Meanwhile, larger Bitcoin holders have remained relatively inactive. Data from Santiment shows that wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC are at a four year low in terms of activity. While this is not necessarily negative, Quinlivan suggested that increased participation from these holders could benefit the market.
On the other hand, smaller investors appear to be taking advantage of price dips. Wallets holding less than 0.01 BTC have been steadily accumulating. Santiment data indicates that the 365 day MVRV sits around minus 24 percent, a level that has historically signaled low risk buying opportunities. Despite this trend, these smaller holders still control only about 0.25 percent of the total Bitcoin supply.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
Bitcoin rose to its highest level in three weeks this week, supported by optimism following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, though questions remain about how long the agreement will hold.
Global attention remained fixed on the escalating situation in the Middle East. The biggest development came when the United States and Iran agreed to a 14 day pause in hostilities, which quickly influenced financial markets, including cryptocurrencies.
Looking back to the weekend, tensions had intensified significantly. The United States and Israel carried out multiple strikes in Iran, while Donald Trump issued a 48 hour ultimatum that was later extended, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or facing further military action.
During that period, Bitcoin traded within a narrow range between 66,000 and 67,000 dollars. Momentum picked up on Monday when reports surfaced about possible negotiations between the United States and Iran, pushing the price to around 70,000 dollars. Later in the day, the asset declined after claims emerged that the discussions had stalled.
As the deadline approached, Trump announced on social media that both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire lasting two weeks, along with the reopening of the Strait. Markets reacted immediately, with Bitcoin jumping to approximately 72,600 dollars while oil prices moved lower.
Despite the announcement, uncertainty remains. The Strait has not fully reopened, and Israel has continued its military actions in Lebanon. Trump also called on Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce the intensity of strikes. Even so, Bitcoin has benefited from the improved sentiment and is currently trading near 72,000 dollars.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is priced at 72,200 dollars, reflecting a weekly gain of 7.4 percent. Ethereum stands at 2,220 dollars with a 6.8 percent increase, while XRP trades at 1.34 dollars, up 1.4 percent.
Key Crypto Developments This Week
Japan has approved new legislation recognizing cryptocurrencies as financial instruments, a move expected to strengthen investor protection and prevent insider trading based on undisclosed information.
Morgan Stanley launched its spot Bitcoin ETF, which recorded nearly 35 million dollars in trading volume on its first day.
Bitcoin also saw additional volatility after reports suggested that Iran may require payments in Bitcoin and other digital assets for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Hong Kong granted its first stablecoin licenses to HSBC and a consortium led by Standard Chartered, allowing the issuance of digital tokens tied to the local currency and enabling cross border transactions.
Large holders of Cardano increased their positions, with whale wallets reaching a four month high. However, the price of ADA has continued to lag and is down around 3 percent over the past month despite broader gains in the altcoin market.
Meanwhile, Michael Saylor resumed Bitcoin accumulation through his company, purchasing 4,871 BTC worth about 330 million dollars. This brings the firm’s total holdings to nearly 767,000 BTC.
Japan has officially taken a major step in regulating digital assets by granting cryptocurrencies the status of financial instruments.
According to a report by Nikkei, the government has approved new legislation that classifies cryptocurrencies under the category of financial instruments, strengthening their legal standing within the country.
The law is designed to revise the existing Financial Instruments and Exchange Act with the goal of improving investor protection and ensuring greater transparency in the market.
Under the new framework, crypto assets will be regulated in a way similar to traditional financial products. The rules will ban insider trading based on non public information and require issuers to provide annual disclosures, helping to create a more transparent and stable market environment.
Previously, Japan’s Financial Services Agency had treated cryptocurrencies under the Payment Services Act, recognizing them mainly as a method of payment.
With the updated regulations, penalties for violations have become much stricter. Individuals or entities operating without proper registration could face prison sentences of up to ten years, compared to the previous maximum of three years. Financial penalties have also been increased significantly, rising from a maximum of three million yen to as much as ten million yen.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
Bitcoin’s price showed immediate movement after the release of the latest Consumer Price Index data for March, which confirmed a notable rise in inflation during the first full month of the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Many analysts had anticipated a surge in inflation figures due to the impact of the ongoing war. The newly released data met those expectations, revealing a clear increase in overall price levels.
Before the announcement, Bitcoin had been trading at around 72,000 dollars. Following the release, the asset experienced short term fluctuations as the market reacted to the news.
For context, February’s inflation data aligned with forecasts, recording a 2.4 percent increase compared to the previous year and a 0.3 percent rise on a monthly basis. March’s figures, however, showed a stronger monthly increase of 0.9 percent, largely driven by a sharp rise in energy prices, particularly fuel.
At the same time, core inflation came in slightly below expectations. It rose by 2.6 percent instead of the 2.7 percent that many experts had predicted.
Despite the higher than expected inflation, Bitcoin has managed to remain above the 72,000 dollar level. This aligns with earlier remarks from Jerome Powell, who indicated that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to reduce interest rates in the coming months.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
A recent analysis suggests that XRP may be less vulnerable to future quantum computing attacks compared to Bitcoin, largely due to how its network handles wallet security.
Data shows that among inactive XRP whale wallets, only two have remained untouched for more than five years while also having their public keys exposed. This indicates that the number of high value wallets at risk is extremely small.
The findings come from on chain research shared on April 8, which highlights a clear difference between XRP and Bitcoin. In Bitcoin’s case, a larger number of dormant wallets and older address formats create more opportunities for exposure if quantum technology becomes advanced enough.
According to researcher Vet, about 300,000 XRP accounts holding a total of 2.4 billion tokens have never sent any transactions. Because of this, their public keys have not been revealed, making them resistant to attacks that depend on accessing such data.
In contrast, only two major XRP wallets holding around 21 million tokens each meet the criteria of being both inactive for over five years and having exposed public keys. Vet noted that vulnerable dormant XRP whale wallets are almost nonexistent, adding that active accounts can still take precautionary steps such as updating their keys when necessary.
This situation differs significantly from Bitcoin, where large inactive holdings remain, including the wallet believed to belong to Satoshi Nakamoto, which contains more than one million BTC.
The difference stems from the design of the XRP Ledger, where public keys are not revealed until a transaction is signed. This contrasts with older Bitcoin address types that expose public keys earlier, making them more susceptible to certain types of attacks.
Even for active XRP accounts, risks can be reduced. The network allows users to rotate their signing keys without changing their accounts, offering an added layer of protection. While not a complete solution, more advanced quantum resistant cryptographic methods could be introduced in the future.
Additional safeguards were also highlighted by Ripple engineer Mayukha Vadari, who explained that escrow features on the network prevent funds from being accessed before a specified time. This holds true regardless of computing power, meaning attackers cannot simply unlock funds early. Although there are rare scenarios where an account could be disrupted, there is little financial incentive since the attacker would not gain access to the funds.
Concerns about quantum computing and crypto security have been growing, especially after a Google research paper published on March 31 suggested that highly advanced machines could potentially break private keys of major Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets within minutes.
Adding to the discussion, crypto analyst Udi Wertheimer pointed out that the Lightning Network may face structural risks because its design requires public keys to be shared between participants, leaving them exposed even when offline.
In response to these challenges, efforts are already underway to improve security. Researchers from Blockstream have introduced post quantum signature schemes on a sidechain, allowing users to adopt stronger protections without making changes to Bitcoin’s core protocol.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
Hong Kong has taken a significant step toward adopting stablecoins after a recent decision by its Monetary Authority.
In a landmark move, the city has issued its first stablecoin licenses to HSBC and a consortium led by Standard Chartered. This development highlights Hong Kong’s growing commitment to one of the most prominent applications in the digital asset space.
Darryl Chan, deputy chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, addressed the decision, noting that the selected applicants bring strong backgrounds in traditional finance and risk management. He explained that this aligns with the core purpose of stablecoins, which is to connect conventional financial systems with digital finance.
The licenses permit the issuance of stablecoins tied to the Hong Kong dollar and enable cross border payment activities.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the approved entities plan to finalize their preparations and begin operations within the coming months.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.nethttps://t.me/coinsignalpublic
