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Startale and SBI launch Strium for institutional FX, RWA trading

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Startale Group and SBI Holdings have unveiled Strium, a layer-1 blockchain designed to underpin exchange-layer and settlement infrastructure for institutional trading of foreign exchange, tokenized equities, and real-world assets. Positioned as an exchange-layer network, Strium aims to streamline the movement between traditional off-chain finance and on-chain processes, including compliant dividend and royalty payments within the ecosystem. This launch marks a concrete milestone following an August 2025 strategic partnership between the two firms and comes alongside a set of proof-of-concept demonstrations intended to validate Strium’s technical foundations before broader deployment.

Key takeaways

  • Strium is a dedicated layer-1 platform built to support institutional trading channels for FX, tokenized equities, and real-world assets, with a focus on settlement efficiency and cross-system interoperability.
  • The initial phase will offer synthetic versions of US and Japanese stocks and commodities, functioning as derivative-like instruments rather than direct ownership of underlying assets.
  • Longer-term plans include tokenized representations of real shares and asset-backed tokens, accessible through a compliant path after identity checks and regulatory adherence, plus an open layer for broader participation.
  • The venture couples Startale Group’s tech vision with SBI Holdings’ regulated financial infrastructure and licensed entities, including exploration of a yen-stablecoin structure tied to Shinsei Trust & Banking and SBI VC Trade.
  • Proof-of-concept work focuses on settlement throughput, system resilience under heavy load, and interoperability with legacy financial systems and other blockchain networks, with a public testnet anticipated en route to commercial deployment.

Market context: The Strium initiative arrives amid a broader industry push toward tokenization of traditional assets and exchange-traded products. In parallel, public disclosures have highlighted moves by traditional exchanges toward blockchain-enabled post-trade workflows, signaling a gradual convergence of regulated finance and on-chain infrastructure. Industry observers have also noted rising attention from banks and asset managers toward tokenized asset classes as liquidity and regulatory clarity evolve, a dynamic reinforced by industry reports suggesting tokenization could become more mainstream in coming years.

Market context: The broader market backdrop includes ongoing discussions about tokenized equity offerings and infrastructure upgrades, with institutions increasingly evaluating how blockchain-native settlement can complement existing trading workflows. This environment creates opportunities for joint ventures that combine regulated rails with on-chain programmability, especially for assets that require complex settlement patterns or cross-border compliance.

Market context: Industry developments around tokenized stocks and ETFs, as well as regulatory dialogues, continue to shape the pace at which platforms like Strium might scale. Notably, major exchange groups have publicly explored 24/7 trading and instant settlement via blockchain layers, underscoring a trend toward more fluid, cross-border access to tokenized assets.

Why it matters

The Strium project embodies a significant attempt to bring traditional asset classes into a regulated, on-chain settlement framework. By focusing on institutional-grade settlement infrastructure, the venture seeks to reduce counterparty risk, improve settlement latency, and enable more efficient dividend and royalty distributions within tokenized instruments. The emphasis on compliance-driven access—while also offering an open layer for broader participation—reflects a deliberate attempt to balance prudence with innovation as tokenization deepens its footprint in mainstream finance.

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For investors and asset managers, Strium could lower the friction involved in trading tokenized foreign exchange and equities by consolidating liquidity, settlement, and custody under a single, regulated umbrella. The alliance between Startale Group and SBI Holdings brings together a technology-forward approach with deeply regulated financial infrastructure, potentially accelerating institutional comfort with on-chain representations of off-chain assets. If successful, the platform could serve as a blueprint for other cross-border tokenization efforts, including the layering of real-world assets onto blockchain rails while maintaining regulatory guardrails and governance standards.

From a market structure perspective, Strium signals how exchange-layer networks may evolve to support new forms of collateral, settlement, and asset representation. The project explicitly contends with the challenge of reconciling on-chain settlement with legacy financial systems, a task that has traditionally posed interoperability hurdles. Demonstrating robust performance under heavy transaction loads and ensuring resilience will be critical to gaining broader participation from custodians, asset managers, and regulated entities. The narrative around tokenized assets continues to hinge on the ability to deliver trust, transparency, and speed—a combination Strium targets to deliver through its PoC program.

Finally, the collaboration’s strategic components—bridging regulated finance with tokenized finance, exploring a yen-stablecoin framework, and engaging with regulators as markets scale—reflect a deliberate, phased approach to expansion. The plan to deploy a public testnet marks a tangible next step, offering researchers and practitioners a sandbox to stress-test settlement workflows and cross-network interoperability before commercial rollout.

What to watch next

  • Public testnet launch and the results of the initial PoC demonstrations, including settlement throughput metrics and inter-network interoperability tests.
  • Regulatory dialogues in Japan and other target markets as Strium expands its geographic footprint and moves toward live asset tokenization.
  • Progress on tokenized representations of real shares and asset-backed tokens, and the criteria for access through compliant versus open layers.
  • Updates on the yen-stablecoin initiative involving Shinsei Trust & Banking and SBI VC Trade, including any regulatory approvals and governance arrangements.
  • Related infrastructure developments from traditional exchanges exploring tokenized platforms, including 24/7 trading and instant settlement capabilities.

Sources & verification

  • Official statements from Startale Group and SBI Holdings regarding the Strium launch and its objectives.
  • Strategic partnership announcement between Startale Group and SBI Holdings, dated August 2025.
  • Details on the yen-stablecoin structure involving Shinsei Trust & Banking and SBI VC Trade.
  • Public reports and announcements about NYSE/ICE exploring tokenized stocks and ETFs with 24/7 settlement capability.
  • Sygnum’s report noting that tokenization is expected to gain mainstream traction in 2026.

Strium launches institutional-grade layer-1 for tokenized assets

Startale Group and SBI Holdings have unveiled Strium, a dedicated layer-1 blockchain engineered to support institutional participation in exchange-layer markets and the settlement of tokenized assets. The project targets three core asset classes—foreign exchange, tokenized equities, and real-world assets (RWAs)—and seeks to bridge the gap between traditional finance and on-chain ecosystems by enabling regulated dividend and royalty flows within a compliant framework. The platform’s architecture is described as an exchange-layer network designed to act as a scalable, interoperable substrate for institutional trading and settlement, rather than a consumer-oriented decentralized finance product.

In outlining the rationale behind Strium, Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group, framed tokenization as an inevitable trend and highlighted equities tokenization as the next major market. The leadership intends Strium to function as a connective tissue between off-chain financial infrastructure and on-chain participants, thereby facilitating compliant distributions and payments that align with existing regulatory expectations. This emphasis on compliance is a throughline of the project, reflecting the participants’ intent to build a system that can operate within established financial markets while leveraging the advantages of tokenized representations.

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The launch follows the two firms’ strategic partnership announced in August 2025, which laid the groundwork for joint development and resource sharing. The current phase includes proof-of-concept demonstrations designed to validate the platform’s core technical capabilities, particularly around settlement efficiency and cross-network interoperability. By focusing on these technical pillars, the teams aim to demonstrate that Strium can sustain high transaction volumes and complex settlement workflows typical of institutional trading environments.

Trading on Strium is set to begin with synthetic versions of U.S. and Japanese stocks and commodities. These synthetic instruments are described as derivative-like constructs rather than direct ownership of underlying assets. The approach serves as a controlled environment to refine settlement mechanics, governance protocols, and regulatory-compliant pathways before broader asset classes are introduced. As the platform scales, the plan is to extend tokenized representations to real shares and asset-backed tokens, contingent on identity verification and adherence to local regulatory regimes. An open layer is planned to accommodate participants who may not meet the stringent verification requirements, expanding access while preserving a compliant core.

The proof-of-concept phase is designed to stress-test settlement efficiency, resilience under peak loads, and interoperability with legacy financial systems and other blockchain networks. A public testnet—an essential step toward commercial deployment—will follow the initial demonstrations, providing a sandbox for independent researchers and potential users to assess operational readiness and security considerations. The project’s leadership emphasizes that regulatory engagement will evolve in step with geographic expansion, noting that discussions with Japanese authorities and other regulators will intensify as Strium moves from PoC toward market rollout.

From SBI Holdings’ perspective, the collaboration brings regulated financial infrastructure and licensed entities into the joint venture. Watanabe underscored that the group already participates in regulated digital-asset initiatives, including a yen-stablecoin concept involving Shinsei Trust & Banking and SBI VC Trade. While regulatory conversations remain a future priority, the emphasis remains on delivering a robust, compliant platform capable of supporting tokenized trading at scale. This approach reflects a broader industry pattern wherein traditional financial institutions seek to connect with blockchain-based settlement rails while maintaining governance and risk controls aligned with existing supervisory expectations.

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Beyond Strium, the broader market context shows continued interest in tokenized finance across major exchanges. Notably, public disclosures indicate that the New York Stock Exchange and its parent company, Intercontinental Exchange, are pursuing a platform for tokenized stocks and ETFs with 24/7 access and instant settlement, signaling a shift toward faster, more flexible settlement workflows that could complement regulated tokenized products. Industry observers also point to a growing consensus among traditional institutions that tokenization will become more mainstream in the coming years, as highlighted by market analyses that anticipate broader adoption of blockchain-enabled infrastructure in traditional finance.

In sum, Strium represents a measured, regulatory-friendly foray into asset tokenization, with a clear focus on institutional usability and cross-system compatibility. If successful, the project could help standardize how tokenized FX, equities, and RWAs are traded and settled on a scalable, compliant platform, potentially accelerating the pace at which real-world assets enter the digital economy. The next steps—the public testnet, regulatory engagement, and the staged expansion into real assets—will be critical to determining whether Strium can deliver on its promise of a robust, institutionally viable tokenized asset ecosystem.

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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AVAX Tests Key Support as Descending Triangle Signals Possible Trend Reversal Ahead

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • AVAX trades near $9 as price consolidates above key support within a multi-year descending triangle structure
  • Strong buyer activity appears around $8–$10, with reduced volatility signaling a possible accumulation phase
  • Resistance between $13 and $16 remains critical, with a breakout needed to shift short-term momentum
  • A confirmed move above the descending trendline could open a path toward the $60–$80 price range

Avalanche (AVAX) is trading near a key support zone as its weekly chart shows a long-term descending triangle. Price action suggests buyers are stepping in, with consolidation forming near the lower boundary of the structure.

AVAX Holds Key Support as Buyers Step In

AVAX has remained within a broad downtrend since its 2021 peak above $130. The weekly chart shows a clear pattern of lower highs, guided by a descending resistance trendline. This structure has kept selling pressure active during each rally attempt.

According to analyst Butterfly on X, AVAX is bouncing from the lower edge of the triangle. The post added that buyers are showing interest near this support, with early signs of control shifting toward bulls.

Price is now hovering around $9.18, just above a strong support zone between $10.5 and $11. This area has been tested several times, making it a key level for market participants. Below this, the $8 to $9 range has acted as a short-term accumulation zone.

The chart also shows reduced volatility within this range. Price movement has tightened, forming a consolidation pattern. This behavior often appears when selling pressure slows and buyers begin absorbing available supply.

Volume data supports this view. Larger spikes appeared during earlier sell-offs and rebounds. More recently, volume has stabilized, with no sharp increase in selling activity. This trend suggests that the market may be entering a transition phase.

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Resistance Levels Define Next Direction

While support has held, several resistance levels remain in focus. The first barrier sits between $13.5 and $16.5, where recent price rejection occurred. A move above this range could shift short-term momentum.

Beyond that, the $20.5 to $25.5 range represents a mid-level resistance zone. This area aligns with the previous price structure and could slow movement upward if reached. The descending trendline near $30 remains the most critical level.

A breakout above this trendline would change the long-term structure. It would end the pattern of lower highs and open the path for a broader recovery. Projections from the chart suggest that such a move could push the price toward the $60 to $80 range.

On the downside, a break below $8 would weaken the current setup. In that case, price could move toward the $6 to $7.5 region. This level has served as support in the past and may attract new buying interest.

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For now, AVAX remains in a narrow range between $8 and $12. This zone has become a key area where both buyers and sellers are active. The longer the price stays within this band, the stronger the next move could be.

Market participants are watching closely as the structure approaches a decision point. The repeated defense of support suggests ongoing demand. At the same time, resistance levels continue to cap upward movement.

The weekly chart reflects a market in balance, with both sides waiting for confirmation. A move beyond these defined levels will likely set the next direction for AVAX.

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Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History

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Bitcoin Price Performance.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $75,000 on April 19 as the Strait of Hormuz shut down entirely and Iran rejected a second round of negotiations with the United States.

The developments mark a sharp escalation in the US-Iran standoff, with zero oil tankers passing through the strait and diplomatic channels appearing to collapse.

Strait of Hormuz Shuts Down as Diplomacy Stalls

No oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the waterway that handles roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade.

“It appears that the Strait of Hormuz is now completely closed for the first time in history. The US “blockade” and Iran’s closure are in full force,” wrote The Kobeissi Letter.

Reportedly, thirteen tankers had already turned back mid-route the day before, freezing shipping flows through the critical chokepoint.

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Iran’s state media confirmed that Tehran rejected participating in a second round of talks with Washington. Iranian officials cited what they called “deception” from President Trump, pointing to “inconsistency with what is actually happening” during negotiations.

The rejection came after the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement last week.

Trump Escalates Threats Against Iran

President Trump accused Iran of firing on ships in the strait in violation of the ceasefire agreement. He threatened to “knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran” if Tehran refuses a deal.

General sentiment is that both countries are on the verge of a new round of escalation, with futures markets set to open within hours.

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Bitcoin has faced sustained pressure from the US-Iran conflict since February 28. The pioneer crypto previously fell from above $100,000 when Iran first moved to close the strait earlier this year. Amid Sunday’s risk-off sentiment, the king of crypto fell below $75,000 for yet another time.

Bitcoin Price Performance.
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: TradingView

Rising oil prices and inflation fears have repeatedly pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets over crypto.

The coming hours may prove critical as futures markets open and traders price in the diplomatic breakdown.

The post Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Solana Holds Cup and Handle Structure as Price Trades Within Key Consolidation Range

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Solana’s monthly chart shows a cup-and-handle pattern forming after a long recovery from 2023 lows.
  • Price remains inside a descending channel, with $70–$80 support acting as a key short-term level.
  • Resistance between $240–$280 marks the breakout zone needed to confirm the bullish continuation pattern.
  • A breakdown below $70 may weaken the structure, while holding support keeps the consolidation phase active.

Solana’s monthly price structure is drawing attention as it continues to form a classic cup-and-handle pattern. The asset remains within a consolidation phase, with price currently moving inside the handle range after a strong recovery from earlier lows.

Long-Term Structure Shows Gradual Recovery

Solana’s macro chart reflects a rounded bottom that formed between 2021 and 2024. Price peaked near $240–$260 in 2021 before entering a prolonged decline. It later found support near $10–$12 in early 2023, marking the cycle low.

Bitcoinsensus describes this structure as a developing cup-and-handle pattern on the monthly timeframe.

The post notes that the recovery from the 2023 lows formed a rounded base, which is often linked to steady accumulation rather than rapid speculation.

From that bottom, price climbed steadily toward the previous highs, completing the cup formation. This move established a broader bullish structure, supported by higher highs during the recovery phase. The return to the $240–$260 range defined the upper boundary of the cup.

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Since reaching that zone, the price has not broken out. Instead, it has entered a controlled pullback. This phase forms the handle portion of the structure, which typically follows a rounded recovery.

The handle appears as a downward-sloping channel. Current price action remains within this range, with resistance near $180–$200 and support around $70–$80. At the time of observation, the price traded near $89.97, closer to the lower boundary.

Consolidation Phase Keeps Market in Balance

The handle structure reflects short-term pressure, although the broader trend remains intact. This phase often involves reduced volatility compared to the earlier recovery. Price movement within this channel suggests a pause rather than a confirmed reversal.

Key resistance levels remain clearly defined. The descending channel top sits near $170–$200, acting as immediate resistance. Beyond that, the $240–$280 range marks the major breakout zone tied to the cup formation.

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On the downside, the $70–$80 region serves as critical support. A breakdown below this level could shift market structure. In such a case, the price may move toward $60 or lower, weakening the current pattern.

The broader structure remains intact as long as support holds. The cup-and-handle pattern traditionally requires a breakout above the rim for confirmation. In this case, that level lies near $240–$280.

If price moves above this zone with strong momentum, the pattern projects a larger upside range. The depth of the cup suggests a possible extension toward $450–$550. However, such movement depends on sustained strength and a confirmed breakout.

For now, the price continues to move within the handle. This keeps the market in a neutral position, with both upward and downward scenarios still open.

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A hold above support may allow a move toward channel resistance. A break below support could delay further recovery.

The current phase remains focused on consolidation. Market participants continue to watch the $70–$80 support and the descending resistance line for direction. Movement beyond these levels will likely define the next stage of the trend.

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Money Market Funds See Record $172B Outflows as Capital Rotates Across Markets

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Money market funds recorded a $172.2B weekly outflow, the largest ever, far exceeding typical April withdrawal trends.
  • Equity funds attracted $11.3B while bond funds saw $7.9B inflows, showing a shift toward diversified allocations.
  • Crypto and gold funds each gained $1.2B, reflecting steady demand for alternative assets during capital rotation.
  • Seasonal tax payments and portfolio adjustments drove withdrawals, pushing the four-week average to early 2024 levels.

Money market funds recorded a historic weekly outflow as capital rotated across asset classes. Recent data shows a sharp withdrawal trend, with funds moving into equities, bonds, and alternative assets during a period that often aligns with seasonal tax payments.

Record Outflows Reshape Short-Term Liquidity Trends

Money market funds saw a weekly outflow of $172.2 billion, marking the largest drawdown ever recorded. The scale of withdrawals exceeded typical April averages, reflecting an unusual shift in short-term liquidity positioning.

According to a post shared by The Kobeissi Letter on X, the weekly outflow was over 320% above the average April movement seen in recent years.

The data also showed that the four-week moving average dropped to negative $30.0 billion, reaching levels last seen in early 2024.

This change in flow patterns coincided with capital moving into other financial instruments. Equity funds attracted $11.3 billion, while bond funds recorded inflows of $7.9 billion during the same period. These figures suggest that investors adjusted allocations rather than exiting markets entirely.

At the same time, alternative assets saw moderate interest. Gold and crypto-related funds each received $1.2 billion in inflows. While smaller in size compared to equities and bonds, these inflows indicate continued diversification across asset classes.

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April often brings seasonal liquidity changes due to tax obligations. As a result, part of the outflow from money market funds was linked to tax-related withdrawals. This pattern tends to repeat annually, although the magnitude this time stands out.

Capital Rotation Signals Broader Allocation Shifts

The movement of funds into equities and bonds points to a broader reallocation strategy. Investors appear to be balancing short-term liquidity needs with longer-term positioning across markets.

Equity inflows suggest a willingness to maintain exposure to risk assets despite recent volatility. Meanwhile, bond inflows indicate continued interest in fixed-income securities, often used for stability during uncertain conditions.

The inflows into gold and crypto funds, although smaller, add another layer to the overall picture. These assets are often viewed as alternative stores of value, especially during periods of shifting liquidity trends.

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The decline in the four-week moving average of withdrawals also provides context. It shows that while the weekly outflow was large, the broader trend reflects sustained but less extreme withdrawals over time.

Taken together, the data show that capital is not leaving the financial system but moving between asset classes. Seasonal factors, combined with changing market preferences, continue to shape these flows.

As April progresses, similar patterns may continue, especially if tax-related withdrawals remain active. However, the redistribution of funds suggests ongoing engagement across multiple markets rather than a retreat from risk.

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Michael Saylor Signals Rising Bitcoin Cost Basis as $75K Emerges as Key Support Zone

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Institutional Bitcoin buying continues across cycles, with cost basis rising steadily toward the $75K range
  • Large purchase clusters at higher prices reflect increased capital deployment during bullish momentum phases
  • The $75K level aligns with average cost, making it a key support zone for current market positioning
  • Bitcoin price near cost basis signals a decision point as market direction remains uncertain in the short term

Bitcoin accumulation trends tied to large institutional buyers continue to draw market attention as price action tests key levels.

A recent dataset shared publicly outlines long-term purchasing behavior, cost basis movement, and evolving strategy across multiple market cycles up to April 19, 2026.

Institutional Accumulation Strategy Expands Across Market Cycles

A post by Michael Saylor introduced the chart with a brief statement urging larger thinking. The shared data tracks a “Strategy Tracker,” presenting Bitcoin purchases over time alongside price movement and average cost trends.

The dataset shows total holdings of 780,897 BTC valued at $59.10 billion. The average acquisition cost stands at $75,577 per Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, cumulative tracked purchases reach 8,780,897 BTC across 106 events, reflecting long-term accumulation behavior.

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Early accumulation occurred when Bitcoin traded between $10,000 and $40,000. During this period, purchases remained consistent but relatively small.

As a result, the average cost line moved gradually upward, showing controlled exposure during lower price levels.

As prices declined toward the $20,000 to $30,000 range, buying activity continued. This phase reflects steady accumulation during market weakness. The average cost stabilized before rising again, indicating continued capital deployment without hesitation.

Later, Bitcoin entered a strong upward move, climbing beyond $100,000. During this phase, purchase sizes increased, and buying frequency rose. The average cost also climbed sharply, signaling a shift toward momentum-driven accumulation.

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Price Levels and Cost Basis Shape Market Positioning

The chart outlines key price zones that now frame market structure. The $75,000 to $80,000 range aligns closely with the average acquisition cost. This level now serves as a central support zone tied to institutional positioning.

Below that, the $60,000 to $65,000 range marks a previous consolidation area. This zone acted as a base before the breakout that pushed prices higher. These levels remain relevant for traders assessing downside scenarios.

On the upside, $100,000 continues to act as a psychological barrier. The price has tested this level multiple times. Above that, the $120,000 to $130,000 range represents the recent peak and a clear resistance zone.

The relationship between price and average cost remains central to the current setup. When Bitcoin trades above the cost basis, positions remain in profit. When price approaches this level, it becomes a decision point for market participants.

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Recent data shows Bitcoin hovering near this cost level. This places the market in a narrow range where direction remains uncertain. At the same time, continued buying during both rallies and pullbacks reflects a steady approach.

Purchase markers on the chart also show larger allocations at higher price levels. This pattern suggests increasing capital commitment over time. It also reflects a willingness to accumulate regardless of short-term price fluctuations.

The absence of selling activity across the timeline reinforces a long-term positioning strategy. Rather than reacting to price swings, the approach remains focused on building exposure across cycles.

Future price movement now depends on how Bitcoin behaves around the $75,000 level. Holding above this range may support another move toward $100,000 and beyond. However, a breakdown below this level could shift short-term market direction toward lower support zones.

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The chart presents a structured view of accumulation, cost growth, and price interaction. It captures how institutional participation has evolved alongside Bitcoin’s expanding market cycle.

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Current BTC Price Action Shows Dramatic Underperformance: Analyst

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving

The current Bitcoin (BTC) market cycle is “dramatically” weaker than the three previous cycles, according to Alex Thorn, the head of firmwide research at investment firm Galaxy.

Thorn compared price action since the April 2024 Bitcoin halving to cycles triggered in 2012, 2016 and 2020; the current cycle shows significantly dampened volatility and lower upside. The all-time high above $125,000 on Oct. 5, 2025 was only 97% above the 2024 halving price around $63,000.

BTC’s price increased by about 9,294% during the 2012 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $1,163, and climbed by about 2,950% during the 2016 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $19,891. The 2020 halving saw a price increase of about 761%.

Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
A comparison of Bitcoin’s price action in previous halving cycles. Source: Alex Thorn

“Cycle four is dramatically underperforming prior cycles,” Thorn said in an X post, asking, “Is this the new normal, or is it the new normal until it isn’t?”

The decreasing volatility in each successive BTC halving cycle suggests that traditional market dynamics are changing and that BTC’s price may start to be influenced more by other factors, rather than the halving or the four-year cycle market theory.

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The 30-day Bitcoin Volatility Index, which spiked to 9.64% on April 2, 2020, has not been above 3.11% in the current cycle, a reading last tipped on Aug. 24, 2024. At last look, the latest 30-day estimate for that volatility gauge is 1.75%, according to Bitbo data.

Related: Bitcoin bull run ‘still too early’ to call as demand lags exiting capital: Analyst

Critics say current cycle performance ignores the premature all-time high before 2024’s halving

BTC reached what was then the all-time high above the $70,000 level in March 2024 — one month before the April 2024 halving.

The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States in January 2024 was the primary catalyst for the price pump.

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
The price of BTC hit an all-time high before the April 2024 halving. Source: TradingView

This historic anomaly of BTC hitting a new all-time high before the halving skewed the current cycle’s price performance, critics of Thorn’s analysis said.

Bitcoin drawdowns have also become less severe, as volatility has declined, according to Fidelity Digital Assets.

Previous Bitcoin bear markets have seen declines between 80% and 90%, according to Zack Wainwright, a Fidelity Digital Assets research analyst.

However, Bitcoin’s crash to $60,000 from the all-time high above $125,000 represents a decline just north of 50%, Fidelity’s analysis noted.

In March, Jan van Eck, CEO of asset management company VanEck, said that BTC is close to bottoming out and that he expects the price to begin gradually rising again in 2026. 

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At last look, the biggest crypto was trading at about $74,703, up almost 5% in the last seven days, according to TradingView data.

Magazine: Bitcoin will not hit $1M by 2030, says veteran trader Peter Brandt