Jerome Powell announced at his final FOMC press conference on April 29 that he will remain on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors past May 15, saying Trump’s legal attacks on the institution had “left me no choice” but to stay until the investigation is resolved.

Jerome Powell will stay on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors after his chairmanship ends on May 15, in a decision that would make him the first outgoing Fed chair to remain on the board since Marriner Eccles in 1948. CoinGape reported that Powell made the announcement at his final FOMC press conference, saying: “The things that have happened really in the last three months have, I think, left me no choice but to stay until I see them through at least that long.” Powell said he planned to “keep a low profile” and would not act as a shadow chair once Kevin Warsh is confirmed and sworn in.

Jerome Powell says legal attacks on the Fed are “unprecedented in our 113-year history”

Powell’s stated reason for staying is the DOJ investigation into the Federal Reserve’s headquarters renovation, which produced a criminal probe into Powell’s congressional testimony. DC Attorney Jeanine Pirro closed her office’s probe last week but posted publicly that she would “not hesitate to restart a criminal investigation should the facts warrant doing so.” Powell said he would leave “when the investigation is well and truly over with finality and transparency.” Trump responded by posting that Powell “wants to stay at the Fed because he can’t find a job elsewhere.” Treasury Secretary Bessent said it would be “extraordinary” for an outgoing chair to remain as governor, calling it a breach of tradition. As crypto.news reported, the FOMC voted to hold rates at 3.50 to 3.75% for a third straight meeting, but the four dissents were the real story: three members wanted the easing bias removed from the statement, signaling a hike is as likely as a cut, while Stephen Miran voted for an immediate cut.

Bitcoin falls to $74,900 as the Warsh “Pivot Party” gets cold water

As crypto.news documented, the market entered April 29 pricing in a Warsh-driven pivot narrative, with the assumption that Powell’s departure would clear the path for faster rate cuts. Powell staying on the board, retaining a vote on the 12-person FOMC, and three hawkish dissenters demanding removal of the easing bias collectively broke that thesis in one press conference. Bitcoin fell from $77,000 to $74,914, with $137.77 million in ETF outflows snapping a nine-day inflow streak. Matt Mena of 21Shares said the dissenters “threw a bucket of ice on the market’s pivot party.” As crypto.news tracked, Bitcoin has now fallen after eight of the last nine FOMC meetings, a pattern that continued precisely as analysts predicted entering the day.

Powell’s governor term runs through January 2028, meaning he retains a full vote on rate decisions through Warsh’s first two years as chair. The full Senate confirmation vote for Warsh is expected the week of May 11.

CS2 skin trading trends rise as gamers convert in-game items into crypto assets for liquidity and control.

Counter-Strike​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ 2 is the reality for many players, beyond an ordinary shooting game, a skillful merging of tactics and personality. Skins contribute significantly to this character’s total, as they give a chance not only to stand out but also to make a statement in every round. However, skins represent more than just a pretty sight; they carry tangible value that can be converted into a far more versatile form: crypto.

Converting CS2 skins into crypto by selling is rapidly becoming a favorite among gamers seeking full control over their assets. Be it replenishing a collection, withdrawing money, or delving into the world of digital finance, this manual aims to simplify the entire process.

Reasons for selling CS2 Skins to obtain crypto

It’s quite normal for a person to react to the idea of converting in game items to cryptocurrency with bewilderment, as it is a rather intricate matter on the surface. However, it already aligns quite well with the perspective many gamers have on value.

Currently, many gamers resort to methods that let them sell CS2 skins instantly, without lengthy wait times or complicated steps. For that reason, skin trading venues like Tradeit have already begun implementing faster marketplace transactions and smoother player interactions, aligning their operations perfectly with player expectations.

Below are some reasons why crypto is still a fashionable alternative:

• Speed and flexibility: First, don’t wait for a withdrawal to be approved. Most crypto transactions take just a few minutes, so money will be at hand almost at all times.
• Global accessibility: Because crypto is built on a decentralized system, it can be used across borders without many issues. There is just a need for a device capable of operating on the Internet.
• Control over funds: Holding funds at a single exchange platform is a real risk, and users are also vulnerable to the platform’s policies. Whereas, if assets are kept in the user’s own wallet, they have complete control over their financial matters.
• Future potential: From a macroeconomic perspective, players recognize that cryptocurrency is on its way to becoming an integral component of the digital economy; hence, they consider it more than merely a method of receiving payments.

This is an additional means by which players who want to get the most out of all their CS2 facets can stay one step ahead of the competition.

Understanding​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the value of the skins

It goes without saying that the first step in selling skins is to know their value. Because of the different features, skin prices vary a lot.

Some of the main factors determining price are:

• Rarity: Usually, skins from special collections or rare drops are the ones that carry a higher price tag
• Condition: Typically, factory-new skins fetch a higher price than the worn ones
• Demand: Skins for popular weapons often see more sales
• Visual appeal: Unique patterns or clean finishes greatly add to the attractiveness

Use this as a starting point and compare skins with those on sale across various marketplaces. This way, the seller will gain a good grasp of pricing and steer clear of underselling their products.

A wise gamer always treats their inventory as an investment and is constantly mindful of its value.

Choosing the right marketplace

A platform can significantly impact the selling process. Not all marketplaces have the same crypto payout features, for example.

To decide on where to sell, first check out:

• Nice and simple UI: It should be easy and even fun to make a trade
• Quick login: Also, waiting times for the heartbeat of the market closing should be minimized
• Fanatical multiple crypto support: This is a sweet feature to have
• Almost rock-solid reputation: Nobody would want to risk a lot in a shady hypothetical location

In principle, a quality marketplace should be quite similar to an amusement park in that it is fun, fun, and more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌fun!

Step​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ by step guide to selling skins

After deciding on the platform, implementation will be pretty simple. Here’s how anyone can start:

1. Connect an Account

In general, marketplaces ask to link a Steam account. Through this account, they can see a user’s inventory.

2. Select the Skins to Sell

Look through the stash and pick out skins to sell. In line with the selling goals, choose, for example, skins for liquidation or highly valuable skins.

3. Set or Accept a Price

Listing a price or accepting an instant offer will vary by platform.

• Instant offers are faster
• Custom listings may yield higher returns

4. Confirm the Trade

A trade offer will be obtained via Steam. Make sure everything matches up before hitting the confirm button.

5. Receive Crypto

After the trade is finalized, the crypto will be sent to the wallet right away. Then it’s up to the user wants to do: hold, trade, or convert ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

How​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ to get as much as possible out of one’s sale

Flipping skins could be a lot more profitable than just hitting a “sell” button. Users can significantly improve their outcomes with the right strategy.

Think of these pieces of advice:

• See what’s happening on the market: Prices may go up or down depending on changes, tournaments, and the players interested.
• Make a sale at the right moment: People’s desire for a product tends to increase during major events or when new items are released.
• Don’t do it in a hurry: While quick selling is a comfortable approach, waiting and being patient can eventually yield better results.
• Be orderly: Keep a record of what to purchase and sell to measure progress.
• Go for well known things: Most of the time, commonly used skins are seen as “hot items” and therefore change hands more quickly.

This can be seen as a training aim in CS2. The more someone focuses on small details, the more their output will improve.

Upgrading the experience of CS2

The main purpose of selling skins for crypto should not be solely for earnings. It may also be the way to get to know the game part that is most even a part of a personality.

By having a clever management of items, users will be able to:

• Stay topical with the weapons by rotating skins
• Buy things that are in line with a style of playing
• Remain updated on the ever changing CS2 business

That way, they get more than a game; they’re making a connection to what they are doing. Users don’t only get the satisfaction of winning a match, but also feel like they are going in a direction and achieving the goals set for themselves.

In​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Conclusion

Counter-Strike 2 is an ever changing world where opportunities keep shifting. One way to update gaming is by mixing it with crypto, and in particular, by selling skins for crypto.

By having the correct attitude and hardly ever putting in the amount of effort, the exchange of the virtual items, in this case, skins, can be converted into more than a casual hobby. Whether the seller intends to get better equipment, step into the crypto world, or just get their hands on a new experience, it is really quite easy and worthwhile.

Keep eyes peeled, get the most recent information, but above all, have fun the rest of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌way.

Key Insights

• BNB remains resilient around $600 as investors’ attention turns to the Osaka Mendel update and its immediate implications.
• Updates to the network will improve transaction finality and fees, increasing adoption and demand in the long run.
• A double bottom chart formation suggests a positive move once the price crosses above the resistance level at $687.

BNB Maintains Stability Before Network Upgrade

BNB maintains stability above the $600 mark, following a sharp increase that drove prices close to the $640 mark. After this positive price performance, it seems like the market is taking profits, leading to a slight retreat back to the $620-$630 mark. The current price performance can be attributed to the market’s cautious approach before a critical network event that will shape future price trends.

Investors’ focus is currently shifting to the Osaka Mendel hard fork, an upcoming upgrade where node operators will be required to upgrade their systems to stay compatible with the network. Despite the price stability, the current anticipation regarding the network upgrade will drive trading activities in the market.

Network Improvements to Increase Efficiency

The next update will feature a number of updates aimed at increasing the efficiency of the network. One of the updates involves fast finality where transactions will now process close to instantly. The introduction of fast finality is anticipated to have a positive impact on the network in terms of enhancing the user experience and attracting more advanced applications.

Gas limit modifications are set to ensure less congested transactions on the network and stable fees for the users. This update will go a long way in ensuring that the network maintains efficiency despite the increase in traffic. The increased compatibility with mobile devices will also boost security on the network.

Technical Setup Points to Likely Upside

From a technical standpoint, the current technical structure of BNB hints at an impending breakout. Technical chart setups suggest that the currency may be forming a double bottom. For such a pattern to form, the price must break out of the resistance level of $687, the neckline of the setup. Once it happens, BNB will have turned around.

Additionally, some technical signals support the bullish stance, particularly on momentum indicators like MACD and Aroon. The upward trend on these indicators shows rising momentum, suggesting a bullish reversal.

Sentiment Stays Calm

However, despite all these positive signs, sentiment remains measured. Market participants are trying to find a proper balance between their optimism over the upgrade and the potential dangers of market volatility in the coming period. Also, the launch of leveraged trade instruments based on BNB added additional uncertainty.

The key factor supporting the current framework is the $600 support level. The ability to defend this area indicates strong buying interest, but its breakdown will undermine the bull forces and prevent a breakout.

Future Depends on Upgrade Success

As far as future prospects go, BNB will mostly rely on how effectively the upgrade to Osaka Mendel is implemented. In case of successful implementation and high volumes, it might give a trigger for BNB price action to breach important resistance barriers.

If momentum will continue growing as anticipated, then BNB might be ready for an upcoming breakout session. Nonetheless, investors will probably watch developments in order to be able to make their decision.

Bitcoin is hovering around $76,350, keeping near a cluster of cost-basis levels that bind different investor cohorts and institutional benchmarks. The convergence of recent buyers’ breakevens with the cost foundation implied by U.S. spot ETFs hints at a delicate near-term support zone around $75,000, even as the market weighs whether the latest price action signals stronger conviction among long-term holders.

Key takeaways

• A tight cost-basis cluster around $75,000 is forming, potentially anchoring near-term price floors as BTC trades near $76k.
• The one-to-three-month holder average cost basis sits at about $75,620, marking a critical pivot point that previously acted as resistance in March and now could support the bounce.
• Bitcoin’s adjusted realized price sits at $72,300, with the market briefly closing above this mark, suggesting a broader base of accretive buying for circulating supply outside seven-year holders.
• US spot Bitcoin ETFs carry an institutional cost basis near $76,700, reinforcing the $75k–$77k band; short-term holders’ cost basis sits higher, near $81,800, which could influence conviction if price holds above it.
• Liquidity dynamics define the risk landscape: roughly $2.69 billion of long liquidations await near $74,000, while about $4.48 billion in short liquidations loom near $80,000. Recent activity cleared nearly $494 million in positions, underscoring how crowded bets sit around the $74k–$80k range.

Cost-basis convergence shapes the near-term floor

Data show a pronounced clustering of cost bases across investor cohorts. The one-to-three-month holder cohort averages about $75,620, a level that previously capped BTC when it dipped to $62,000 from $75,600 in a two-week span in March. Today, that same price region could act as a foothold for new demand, as a large fraction of recent entrants find themselves near break-even as price hovers around the mid-$70k zone.

Beyond the holding period cohorts, Bitcoin’s realized-price metric—which excludes coins held for more than seven years—has moved to $72,300. A close above this adjusted realized price indicates that a meaningful share of circulating supply has been acquired at costs below the current price, a traditional sign of growing conviction among investors who are less likely to sell quickly.

“A truly bullish signal would be for Bitcoin to start building a standard deviation above this average cost basis, pushing more investors into profit and encouraging them to hold due to increased conviction.”

Analysts note that the recent weekly close above the adjusted realized price points to stronger long-term conviction, though the picture remains nuanced. The cost-basis story is being reinforced, in part, by the price environments surrounding U.S. spot-Bitcoin ETFs, which tilt the landscape toward a steady institutional anchor in the $76,000s region.

Institutional baselines and what they imply for sentiment

Positioning around the U.S. spot ETF cost basis sits near $76,700, aligning price action with a wave of institutional accumulation that has characterized parts of the current cycle. Meanwhile, the short-term holder cost base sits higher, near $81,800, a level traders could use as a check against complacency if price maintains its hold above that threshold.

Together, these overlapping cost bases compress around $75,000, creating a framework where both realized and unrealized positions concentrate within a narrow corridor. For traders and fund managers, that means flows around this price can produce outsized moves, given the density of positions in the same neighborhood.

The broader pattern invites readers to watch whether the market can sustain a move above the $75,000 floor long enough to lift more short- and medium-term holders into the green, thereby widening the base of support for a potential new leg higher.

Where liquidity and risk sit in the near term

The derivatives landscape paints a precise picture of risk around the $75,000–$80,000 band. On one side, cumulative long liquidations near $74,000 carry about $2.69 billion at risk, while on the other, short liquidations near $80,000 total roughly $4.48 billion. This dynamic underscores how close price movements around this zone can trigger rapid resets in positions and potentially amplify volatility.

A recent swing between $77,873 and $74,868 cleared about $494 million in positions, highlighting the ongoing churn within high-leverage bets. Market observers note that the pool of high-leverage longs has diminished, while a larger cohort of short liquidations remains above the $80,000 threshold. In short, the $74,000–$80,000 corridor continues to anchor positioning, with cost-basis clustering intensifying sensitivity to incoming flows.

These liquidity contours echo broader market research that suggests investors are debating whether Bitcoin deserves the current price range and whether a breakout could be sustainable. For now, the crowd remains tethered to the mid-$70k zone as a fulcrum for near-term direction.

Related coverage: Most crypto investors believe Bitcoin is undervalued, according to a Coinbase survey. As readers consider the implications for risk appetite and allocation, the ongoing interaction between spot ETF demand, holder cost bases, and the evolving derivatives dynamics will be key to watch in the coming weeks.

This article reflects data and analysis from CryptoQuant and market commentary surrounding the latest price action and on-chain indicators. For readers seeking deeper context, ongoing coverage will monitor how cost-basis clusters evolve as new ETF flows and macro developments unfold.

Investors are advised to monitor whether BTC can sustain price action above $75,000, as this would not only validate the current cost-basis framework but also set the stage for exploring fresh demand from both retail and institutional participants in the months ahead.

The WLFI price prediction shifted again after Tron founder Justin Sun filed a federal lawsuit against World Liberty Financial on April 22 per CoinDesk, claiming the Trump-backed protocol illegally locked $45 million in WLFI tokens. WLFI holds at $0.063 per CoinMarketCap while the courtroom pressure adds fresh risk to the chart.

Meanwhile, a presale is gaining speed where the return math looks very different. Pepeto has pulled more than $9.66 million, and the 100x gap between presale pricing and an approaching Binance listing is the type of early position worth studying before the bell rings.

WLFI Under Courtroom Pressure After Justin Sun Files Federal Suit on April 22

The complaint filed in federal court on April 22 claims the protocol illegally froze his WLFI position and misrepresented token rights per CoinDesk. The $45 million was committed in 2024 partly on the Trump family connection, and the relationship broke down once Sun turned down additional capital requests. A Senate crypto bill that stalled on April 28 over ethics provisions added regulatory pressure.

WLFI sits at $0.063 with over $39 million in daily turnover per CoinMarketCap. The 4.5 billion token burn proposal removed 4.5% of the 100 billion cap. The lawsuit and regulatory delay land on a float where over 31.7 billion WLFI circulates, leaving the unlock calendar as the biggest variable in any positive WLFI price prediction this year.

How WLFI Recovery Compares to Pepeto’s Presale Math

Pepeto: A 100x Entry Sitting in Plain View Before Binance

When a $45 million backer files a federal lawsuit over frozen tokens, the lesson is clear: infrastructure matters more than political backing. No WLFI price prediction pushing toward $0.20 delivers the math a clean, audited presale offers. Pepeto gives direct access to a working exchange with a cross-chain router and a token risk checker, the exact tools that WLFI was supposed to build but never shipped.

Due to rapid growth, Pepeto has faced attacks on its original domain name. The team launched a temporary domain. Buyers should visit Pepetoswap.com as the current active link.

PEPETO is priced at $0.0000001867 with 420 trillion tokens in the float, and the 100x figure analysts reference goes live the moment Binance order books open. SolidProof cleared the full audit before any sale began, the person who created the original Pepe token leads direction, and a former Binance operations lead runs the exchange.

Staking at 177% APY compounds daily, giving early holders a growing position while everyone else waits. Listing day is close, and once trading starts, this presale price becomes a number on a history chart that nobody can access again.

WLFI Price Prediction: WLFI Targets $0.20 While Pepeto Rewrites the Math on $2,000

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) sits at $0.063, down 78% from the $0.33 all-time high per CoinMarketCap. Community models set the WLFI price prediction near $0.20 by year end, roughly 174% above current price.

A $2,000 position in WLFI at $0.063 returns roughly $5,480 on the $0.20 target. The same $2,000 in Pepeto at $0.0000001867 buys 10.7 billion tokens. A 100x move converts that into $200,000. Even a $0.40 WLFI target caps at roughly $10,960, still 18 times behind what Pepeto lines up.

Conclusion:

The first WLFI buyers who got in during the opening rounds at fractions of today’s price still hold meaningful gains despite a 78% drawdown. That lesson plays out every cycle. Getting in early is where the returns are made, and anyone who paid the $0.33 peak is underwater while anyone waiting for the lawsuit to clear will carry the same late-entry cost cautious buyers always carry.

Pepeto is sitting at that exact early stage right now. The presale is live, the price has not moved, and every tool on the platform already works. The 100x distance between presale and listing mirrors what rewarded WLFI’s first participants, except this project has a cleared audit, shipped products, and a Binance listing approaching. Once listing day turns this round into a closed chapter, the wallets that acted hold returns that late buyers will chase for the rest of the year.

The entry showing on Pepeto right now is the number that stretches a small position into the kind of outcome this entire market was built to deliver, and that number holds only until listing day lands. Visit Pepetoswap.com to enter the presale before the listing opens.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

Warning:

The Pepeto project is growing fast, and due to its rising reach, bad actors have launched attacks on the official website. The temporary domain is now « PepetoSwap DOT com » in place of « Pepeto DOT io » until further notice.

Users should always check they are on the correct URL before connecting wallets or sharing personal information.

FAQs

What does the WLFI price prediction say about reaching $0.20 after the Justin Sun lawsuit?
The WLFI price prediction points to $0.20 by year end, a 174% move above the current $0.063 level, with Justin Sun’s April 22 federal suit over locked tokens adding legal pressure per CoinDesk. The 4.5 billion token burn remains active while WLFI trades 78% below its $0.33 all-time high.

Why is Pepeto a stronger early entry than WLFI at $0.063 right now?
Pepeto is stronger because the presale at $0.0000001867 offers 100x distance to listing while WLFI’s best case of $0.40 caps at roughly 5x from $0.063. The project raised $9.66 million with 177% APY staking, a SolidProof-audited platform, and a Binance listing on the near-term calendar.

Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

Quick Overview

• Alphabet delivered Q1 earnings per share of $5.11, demolishing the analyst consensus of $2.63, while revenue reached $109.9B — representing 22% growth year-over-year
• Cloud division revenue exploded 63% to $20B, while the backlog nearly doubled quarter-over-quarter to surpass $460B
• Shares of GOOGL rallied nearly 10% during Thursday’s trading session after the earnings release
• Scotiabank upgraded its price objective to $450, suggesting approximately 30% potential upside; Barclays set a $405 target
• The company increased its quarterly dividend payment by 5% to $0.22 per share

Alphabet unveiled its Q1 2026 financial results on Thursday, significantly exceeding Wall Street’s projections and propelling GOOGL stock upward nearly 10% — climbing from an opening level of $347.31 to approximately $383.69 by midday trading.

Alphabet Inc., GOOGL

Adjusted earnings per share registered at $5.11, essentially doubling the Street consensus of $2.63. Total revenue reached $109.9 billion, surpassing expectations of $106.81 billion and representing 22% year-over-year expansion.

The quarter marked Alphabet’s 11th consecutive period of double-digit revenue expansion.

Cloud Division Delivers Outstanding Results

The Google Cloud business emerged as the quarter’s star performer. Revenue skyrocketed 63% to $20 billion, powered by enterprise artificial intelligence offerings and fundamental cloud infrastructure services.

The Cloud division’s committed backlog almost doubled from the previous quarter, now exceeding $460 billion. Chief Executive Sundar Pichai attributed AI solutions for enterprise customers as the primary catalyst behind Cloud’s exceptional growth.

Google Services revenue advanced 16% to $89.6 billion. Search revenue expanded 19%, YouTube advertising increased 11%, and the subscriptions, platforms, and devices segment rose 19%.

Operating margin widened by two percentage points to 36.1%. Net income surged 81%, benefiting partially from a $37.7 billion gain on unrealized equity securities.

Total paid subscription count hit 350 million. Gemini Enterprise experienced 40% quarter-over-quarter expansion in paid monthly active users.

Wall Street Responds with Higher Targets

Scotiabank elevated its price objective from $400 to $450 after reviewing the quarterly results, keeping a “sector outperform” recommendation. This target represents approximately 30% upside potential from pre-earnings price levels.

Barclays analyst Ross Sandler increased his objective to $405, noting that Alphabet’s comprehensive positioning throughout the AI technology stack is fueling the strongest growth in four years across virtually every business segment.

The consensus recommendation among Wall Street analysts stands at “Buy,” with an average price objective of $355.07. Seven analysts have assigned Strong Buy recommendations and 29 have issued Buy ratings.

Wells Fargo elevated GOOGL to “strong-buy” during February. JPMorgan increased its objective to $395 with an “overweight” recommendation.

Alphabet simultaneously announced a 5% dividend boost to $0.22 per share on a quarterly basis.

Challenges Remain Despite Strong Quarter

Some concerns persist despite the impressive results. Swiss regulators initiated an investigation into alleged keyword-bidding tactics, while the European Union continues adjusting oversight regulations concerning cloud and AI operations.

Insider transactions have been notable. Chief Executive Sundar Pichai divested 32,500 shares during February at $335.18 per share, reducing his holdings by 1.47%. Director John Hennessy similarly reduced his position in March.

Substantial AI infrastructure investments and reported cloud capacity limitations could potentially squeeze margins in upcoming quarters.

Employee opposition regarding Pentagon contracts and classified AI initiatives has also introduced some reputational concerns for the technology giant.

The Scotiabank $450 price objective was established on April 30, 2026, coinciding with Alphabet’s Q1 earnings announcement.