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The Strait of Hormuz Isn’t Just an Oil Problem, It’s Now a Food Problem

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Beyond oil, the Strait of Hormuz blockade is now rippling through another critical artery of the global economy: fertilizers.

Analysts warn this disruption could spiral into a multi-country food crisis well beyond the energy markets.

The Iran War’s Quiet Domino Effect

Around one-third of the world’s seaborne fertilizer trade moves through the Strait of Hormuz. Countries exposed to instability in the Persian Gulf export nearly half of the global urea and 30% of the ammonia, two nutrients essential for crop growth.

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Since the conflict began on February 28, shipping through the strait has collapsed by more than 95%, according to UNCTAD. The chain reaction is straightforward and severe: no fertilizer → smaller harvests → spiking food prices → basic staples become unaffordable for millions. 

This is not a distant risk. It is already unfolding. Granular urea prices in Egypt, a major global benchmark for nitrogen fertilizers, have jumped to roughly $700 per metric ton from a pre-war range of $400 to $490.

“Urea fertilizer is up 50% since the Strait closed five weeks ago. 30% of the world’s fertilizer passes through Hormuz. The Gulf produces nearly half of global urea and 30% of ammonia. European and African farm markets are already paying for it,” The Hormuz Letter posted.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects global fertilizer prices will average 15% to 20% higher in the first half of 2026 if the disruption persists. FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero called the blockade one of the most severe shocks to global commodity flows in recent years.

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UBS economist Arend Kapteyn projects fertilizer prices will rise 48% year over year, pushing global food prices up 12%. 

Why Timing Makes This Worse

The timing of the disruption is especially critical. In countries like India, fertilizer shortages directly affect planting decisions during the kharif season. Miss this window, and the consequences are locked in for the rest of the year.

“Procurement for the kharif season typically begins in May, ahead of sowing of crops such as rice and cotton in June and July, leaving a narrow window before fertilizer shortages could start to affect the harvest yield,” The Guardian reported.

The crisis is structural, not just logistical. The Hormuz disruption could have food supply consequences lasting well beyond any ceasefire or resolution.

Shanaka Anslem Perera argues that the 2026 crisis mirrors Sri Lanka’s 2022 collapse, but instead of a policy move, it’s driven by supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz.

“The kharif planting season runs April through June. Seeds not planted in April do not produce rice in October. Fertiliser not applied at sowing does not improve yields at harvest,” he said. “Sri Lanka’s 2022 default took eleven months from fertiliser ban to sovereign collapse. The Hormuz closure is five weeks old. The kharif window closes in June. The trajectory is the same. The velocity is faster. And the number of countries on the path is not one. It is twelve.”

Thus, what started as a geopolitical disruption in oil markets is also shifting into a multi-layered global crisis. Fertilizers sit at the foundation of modern food production. Any sustained shock to their supply could have delayed but compounding effects.

Unlike oil, which can be rerouted or substituted over time, fertilizer shortages are far less flexible. Agricultural cycles are fixed, and missed inputs result in direct losses of output.

If the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained, the world may be facing not just an energy crunch but the early stages of a synchronized global food shock.

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A critical turning point for cryptocurrency investors

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Quantum Computing is approaching: A critical turning point for cryptocurrency investors - 2

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Quantum computing advances raise concerns over crypto security and volatility for major assets.

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Summary

  • Quantum computing advances raise concerns over crypto security and volatility, reshaping investor strategies
  • AI-driven trading gains momentum as investors seek to navigate increasingly complex crypto market conditions
  • ConfluxCapital promotes automated trading bots, highlighting high daily earning potential amid market volatility

Amidst continuous breakthroughs in quantum computing, the cryptocurrency market is entering a phase characterized by heightened complexity and uncertainty. Mainstream assets — exemplified by Bitcoin and Ethereum — may face a dual challenge in the future, grappling with issues of both security and volatility.

Given this trend, relying solely on manual trading has become increasingly inadequate for keeping pace with market dynamics; consequently, AI-driven automated quantitative trading is emerging as the preferred choice for a growing number of investors. Taking the ConfluxCapital fully automated quantitative trading bot as an example, its core advantages and operational steps are outlined below.

Quantum Computing is approaching: A critical turning point for cryptocurrency investors - 2

Core advantages: Why choose AI quantitative trading?

First and foremost, the most significant advantage lies in “24/7 Operation.” The system enables uninterrupted market monitoring around the clock — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — eliminating the need for manual market surveillance and ensuring that no potential trading opportunities are missed. This is particularly critical in the cryptocurrency market, an environment that never closes.

The second advantage is “Execution Speed ​​and Precision.” Quantitative systems can complete data analysis and execute trading decisions within milliseconds — a distinct advantage over manual trading. When the market experiences extreme volatility — such as that potentially triggered by expectations surrounding quantum computing — this difference in speed often directly determines the ultimate profit or loss outcome.

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The third advantage is “Emotional Detachment.” Manual trading is often susceptible to the influence of emotions such as fear and greed; AI systems, however, operate entirely based on data and algorithms. This allows them to maintain consistent strategy execution even during extreme market conditions, thereby preventing irrational decision-making.

Furthermore, these platforms typically possess “Multi-Strategy Synergy Capabilities.” By combining various quantitative models, the system can flexibly switch between strategies to adapt to different market regimes, whether ranging, trending upward, or trending downward, thereby enhancing the stability of overall returns.

Finally, there is the “Intelligent Risk Management System.” The system automatically adjusts position sizing and risk exposure in response to market fluctuations, minimizing drawdown risk as much as possible within highly volatile environments. This feature will be particularly vital in mitigating the potential market shocks that may arise from future advancements in quantum computing.

From a practical operational standpoint, the entire participation process is relatively simple and straightforward:

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Step 1: Account Registration

Visit the ConfluxCapital platform, complete the basic information registration, and set up a personal trading account.

(Sign up now and receive a $20 bonus)

Step 2: Capital Preparation

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Determine an appropriate capital allocation based on personal circumstances, then deposit funds into your account to support the subsequent execution of trading strategies.

Step 3: Strategy Selection or Bot Activation

Select a quantitative strategy that aligns with risk tolerance, or directly activate a fully automated trading bot to initiate system operations.

Step 4: Automated Trade Execution

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The platform will analyze real-time market data to automatically execute buy and sell orders, requiring no manual intervention.

Step 5: Profit Management and Compound Growth

Users can monitor their earnings at any time and, as needed, choose to withdraw profits or reinvest them to facilitate long-term capital growth.

Strategy Name unit price Days Total Revenue
Starter Strategy $100 2 days $100+$6
Basic Strategy $600 5 days $600+$45
Advanced Strategies $5,000 15 days $5,000+$1,215
Elite Strategy $25,000 25 days $25,000+$11,250
Quantum Strategy $90,000 20 days $90,000+$36,000
Infinite Strategy $200,000 25 days $200,000+$110,000

A critical juncture: Why act early?

We are currently at an extremely critical stage: while quantum computing has not yet fully disrupted cryptographic systems, the pace of its development is already accelerating rapidly. This implies that there is still room to capitalize on market opportunities — though this window of opportunity is gradually narrowing.

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By leveraging ConfluxCapital’s fully automated, free trading bot, users can capitalize on current market volatility to unlock a potential daily earning capacity of up to $5,000. Compared to the potentially more complex and volatile market environments that may lie ahead, now could be the most advantageous time to get involved.

Conclusion

When technological change arrives, the market never waits for the hesitant.

Against the backdrop of the continuous advancement of quantum computing, the landscape of cryptocurrency investment is undergoing a profound transformation.

Opting for more efficient tools, and adapting to future trends ahead of the curve, may well be the pivotal step toward seizing certain opportunities amidst an era of uncertainty.

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For more information, visit the official website or download the application.

Email: [email protected]

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.

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Is There a Breakout for LINK to $27?

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Crypto Breaking News

Key Takeaways

  • The number of Chainlink whale wallets holding more than 1 million LINK has increased by 25% year over year.
  • Tighter LINK supply from institutional involvement is pushing prices higher.
  • LINK is trading within a range but may be ready to break out to $27.

Accumulation of Whales Points to Building Confidence

The whales have shown strong activity around Chainlink’s coin in the last year, indicating growing confidence in this asset.

According to statistics, the number of addresses holding at least one million LINK has risen from 100 in April 2025 to 125 in April 2026, a 25% increase.

Although whales have been accumulating LINK tokens, prices have not responded positively.

However, accumulation by whales is generally a positive long-term outlook as opposed to short-term speculation and price increases.

Institutional Adoption Narrows Supply-Demand Dynamics

Other than whale actions, institutional adoption has become key in dictating Chainlink’s future prospects. The Chainlink Reserve fund has increased consistently by over 137,000 LINK tokens worth about $1.17 million. The total amount held in the reserve fund stands at over 2.93 million LINK tokens, thus decreasing the amount of LINK in circulation.

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Moreover, Chainlink’s platform infrastructure keeps gaining traction among enterprises. Applications using Chainlink’s oracle technology are providing fee revenues, thus boosting the ecosystem’s operations. Specifically, token distribution and stablecoin distribution applications are providing enhanced liquidity and higher demand for LINK tokens.

The development of data-based platforms has led to more growth. More transactions have been seen in data feeds and oracle networks, leading to billions of dollars worth of trading volumes with thousands of active users.

Imminent Breakout Hints at Price Consolidation Point

Technically speaking, LINK has been consolidating around $8-$9.40 during the last few weeks after early February.

The period of consolidation means uncertainty in the market when neither bulls nor bears fully control the situation.

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Nonetheless, the creation of a slanting resistance trend line means that the price might soon break out. Currently, the MACD is mildly bearish but the declining red histogram hints that selling strength is fading away.

In general, past history has shown that similar consolidation points have usually been followed by a breakout towards new highs in LINK’s price action. Prior times in which the asset experienced such a consolidation phase ended up in substantial rallies once the resistance was breached.

A potential breakout from the slanting resistance trend line will probably increase the bullish activity as well as the ongoing accumulation among whales.

Will LINK Return to $27?

The $27 level is a crucial resistance point for Chainlink. Although the price currently stands well below this level, it should be noted that there is nothing theoretically stopping LINK from reaching these heights.

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Breaking out of the current consolidation pattern with the help of continued accumulation by whales and institutions would trigger the beginning of an uptrend. Nevertheless, traders must keep in mind other elements, including the state of the cryptocurrency market and the economy as a whole.

Chainlink is currently at an important crossroads, with whales accumulating and institutions adopting the project, but its price failing to rise correspondingly. It is clear that the limited supply and expanding network serve as a great starting point.

Although LINK appears to be in a range-bound situation, it should not be forgotten that technical analysis points toward an eventual breakout. If the momentum rises, achieving new price levels—including $27—becomes a possibility.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Will Solana rally to $93 despite mixed derivatives sentiment

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Will Solana rally to $93 despite mixed derivatives sentiment

Solana (SOL) is trading just above $82 at the time of writing on Monday, marking its fourth consecutive day of recovery. While funding rates for SOL futures have climbed, a simultaneous drop in Open Interest suggests sentiment remains divided. From a technical perspective, the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $88.80 stands out as the key resistance level to watch.

Derivatives signal optimism, but participation declines

Market data points to rising bullish positioning among traders, even as overall participation in SOL futures contracts declines. According to CoinGlass, the OI-weighted funding rate has increased to 0.0067% from 0.0042% on Sunday, indicating that long-position traders are willing to pay a premium—typically a sign of growing confidence in further upside.

However, this optimism is not fully supported by market activity. Open Interest in SOL futures has dropped to $4.97 billion from $5.07 billion on Friday, signaling a reduction in total capital committed to the market. This divergence—rising funding rates alongside falling Open Interest—highlights a mixed sentiment, where bullish bias exists but conviction appears limited.

Institutional demand remains soft

On the institutional side, demand for Solana continues to show weakness. Data from Sosovalue reveals that SOL-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded net weekly outflows of $5.24 million, marking a second straight week of withdrawals. If this trend persists, it could represent the longest streak of weekly outflows so far, potentially adding downward pressure to SOL’s spot price in the near term.

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Will Solana extend its recovery to $93?

The SOL/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and inefficient, with the coin up by nearly 4% in the last 24 hours. At press time, SOL is trading at $82.50 per coin. 

The near-term bias is mixed as SOL holds well below the 50-day and 100-day Exponential Moving Averages, keeping a broader corrective structure.

The momentum indicators have also switched bullish, with further gains in the near term. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line remains above its signal line, signaling persistent buying pressure. 

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 60 is above the neutral 50, signaling a growing bullish momentum.

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If the rally persists, Cardano would meet an immediate resistance at the 50-day EMA near $88.81, which caps rebounds and guards a stronger move toward $98.02, close to the 100-day EMA at $102.18.

SOL/USD 4H Chart

However, if the sellers regain control, the support zone between $75.63 and $77.60 could serve as a bounce-back spot. An extended selling pressure would bring into focus the February 6 low at $67.50.

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China’s Tax Authority Urges Bank Blockchain Implementations for Lending

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China's Tax Authority Urges Bank Blockchain Implementations for Lending

China’s tax and financial regulators on Monday urged banks and local authorities to use blockchain and privacy computing to upgrade the “bank-tax interaction” model and expand financing for small businesses.

The State Administration of Taxation and National Financial Regulatory Administration said in a joint policy notice that banks and taxpayers should standardize data sharing and reduce information asymmetry between tax authorities, banks and enterprises.

The report also urged banks to improve credit models, enhance credit approval efficiency and increase the supply of financing services to “honest, tax-paying enterprises.”

The directive aligns with China’s broader effort to integrate blockchain into data infrastructure, following a National Development and Reform Commission roadmap released in January 2025 targeting nationwide implementation by 2029.

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Shen Zhulin, the deputy director of the National Data Administration, said in a January 2025 press conference that China expects blockchain-based data infrastructure to attract 400 billion yuan (about $58 billion) in yearly investments.

A machine translation of a joint notice from Chinese regulators. Source: Shanghai Municipal Tax Service

Chinese regulators outline data infrastructure push with 400 billion yuan target

While China has issued strict controls on cryptocurrencies and speculative digital asset trading, it also pushed for the incorporation of blockchain initiatives in finance and data infrastructure.

In October 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the technology as an important “breakthrough” for independent innovation of core technologies, urging the acceleration of the development of blockchain-based applications and their integration in the real-world economy.

Related: Trump: US has to ‘make it so that China doesn’t get the hold‘ of crypto

In April 2021, the Shenzhen Tax Bureau expanded the country’s first blockchain electronic invoice system.

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However, in September that same year, China issued a nation-wide ban on crypto transactions and mining as part of a wider crackdown across multiple government agencies.

Top Bitcoin mining countries by hashrate. Source: Compass Mining

Despite the ban, China is still cited as the third-largest Bitcoin (BTC) mining country. In January 2026, it accounted for 11.7% of the global hashrate, according to data from Compass Mining.

Magazine: China’s ‘50x’ blockchain boost, Alibaba-linked AI mines Bitcoin: Asia Express