Crypto World
Crypto Billionaires Battle California Wealth Tax With $40M Push
Crypto donors are intensifying political involvement in California as Grow California, a PAC spearheaded by Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Tim Draper, mobilizes tens of millions to influence the 2026 state elections. The group seeks to counterbalance the influence of labor unions by backing a small slate of moderate, business-friendly candidates in the California Legislature, with a plan that includes about $40 million in commitments across independent committees and affiliated nonprofits. The push arrives amid debate over a proposed wealth tax backed by a healthcare union that would tax the assets of the state’s wealthiest residents if approved, a catalyst that organizers say underscores the need for counterweights.
Key takeaways
- Grow California was seeded by Chris Larsen and Tim Draper; both contributed $5 million to launch the group last September, with roughly $40 million in commitments currently attributed to independent-expenditure committees and affiliated nonprofits.
- The effort targets a limited number of state Senate and Assembly races, aiming to influence outcomes without fielding a full slate or contesting the gubernatorial race in 2026.
- The backdrop is a proposed wealth tax backed by a healthcare union; organizers say the proposal has sharpened the need for a counterweight, even if the seed money predates the initiative.
- California Democrats hold a large supermajority in both chambers, and Grow California seeks to tilt policy debates by funding moderate, pro-business candidates in key districts.
- Beyond Grow California, the crypto-funding ecosystem is expanding its footprint in U.S. politics, with large-donor PACs like Fairshake signaling sustained, multi-year campaigns that translate crypto wealth into political influence.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC
Market context: The rise of crypto-driven political giving comes as regulators weigh digital-asset guidelines and as industry-backed groups seek to shape policy outcomes at both state and federal levels. The California dynamic mirrors a broader trend of increased crypto philanthropy and advocacy funding across the United States, particularly in jurisdictions where policy choices could affect how digital assets are treated under tax, securities, and fiduciary regimes.
Why it matters
Grow California represents a notable shift in how crypto wealth intersects with state politics. By coordinating seed money into a targeted slate of candidates, Larsen and Draper are testing whether concentrated, issue-focused spending can alter the calculus in legislative battles where unions have long had a strong foothold. If successful, the approach could embolden other high-net-worth crypto figures to pursue similar strategies in states with meaningful regulatory control over financial technology and asset markets. Observers will watch how this funding translates into messaging, endorsements, and ultimately, ballot-box decisions in districts that have historically leaned toward union-led policy frames.
From a policy perspective, the wealth tax debate adds another layer of complexity. While Grow California notes its funding occurred prior to, or in the shadow of, the proposal, the tax concept — taxing the assets of the wealthiest residents — has already become a rallying point for both proponents and opponents of crypto-friendly reforms. In this environment, a chorus of industry voices argues that a moderated, business-friendly legislative contingent could help advance practical, innovation-oriented policies without triggering a drag on California’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As the crypto-ecosystem looks beyond campaign contributions toward lasting influence, the case of Fairshake underscores the evolving scale of political engagement. Reports show Fairshake holding about $193 million in cash, buoyed by investments from Ripple Labs, Andreessen Horowitz and Coinbase, with a stated intention to sustain aggressive outreach well beyond the 2024 federal election cycle. That level of liquidity signals a broader strategy: turn crypto wealth into messaging, align assets with policy priorities, and maintain pressure on regulators and lawmakers through targeted media buys and constituency-building efforts. The dynamic illustrates how industry players are moving from one-off donations to sustained political interaction, a pattern that could reshape policy debates over time as digital assets intersect with taxation, consumer protection, and market access considerations.
Context for the California case is provided by contemporaneous analyses of the federal landscape. Industry observers have highlighted a growing momentum around crypto-friendly policy positions in 2026, including questions about how Congress will address digital-asset regulation and innovation. See discussions around pro-crypto momentum in federal elections for broader context and potential implications for state-level campaigns that align with or push back against national policy directions.
What to watch next
- Updated campaign-finance disclosures from Grow California detailing contributions, expenditures, and any additional commitments from Larsen and Draper.
- Responses from California labor unions and Democratic incumbents in districts targeted by Grow California’s strategy.
- Identification of the specific legislative races that receive support and any measurable impact on floor votes or committee appointments.
- Regulatory developments or legislative proposals that relate to crypto policy and taxation in California, including how the wealth tax debate evolves.
- Follow-up reporting on the broader crypto PAC ecosystem, including any shifts in fundraising strategies or new major donors in the state arena.
Sources & verification
- Campaign finance filings showing Larsen and Draper each contributed $5 million to Grow California to launch the group in the prior September period.
- The New York Times report detailingGrow California and its backers, including quotes from Larsen about counterweights to unions.
- Grow California’s stated fundraising commitments totaling roughly $40 million across independent-expenditure committees and affiliated nonprofits.
- Larsen’s public remarks about the California political system and the reference to lessons learned from crypto-backed super PACs in federal elections.
- Fairshake disclosures revealing approximately $193 million in cash and its plan to spend more than $130 million in media buys during the 2024 federal elections, with contributions from Ripple Labs, Andreessen Horowitz and Coinbase.
Crypto donors reshape California politics ahead of 2026 midterms
Two prominent crypto supporters are backing Grow California, a political action committee designed to push moderate, business-friendly candidates into California’s Legislature. The initiative is led by Chris Larsen, the Ripple co-founder who has long been a high-profile donor in Democratic circles, and Tim Draper, a venture capitalist whose public advocacy for Bitcoin has become a fixture in crypto politics. Each founder contributed $5 million to launch the group last September, and Grow California now asserts it has secured roughly $40 million in commitments across independent-expenditure committees and affiliated nonprofit entities. Larsen has signaled that he could contribute as much as $30 million across multiple election cycles, underscoring how deep-pocket donors see strategic value in shaping state policy in a pro-innovation direction.
California’s political tapestry is shaped by a Democratic supermajority in both legislative chambers, with unions often serving as potent gatekeepers in closely contested races. In response, Grow California says its resources will be deployed selectively, concentrating on a limited set of state Senate and Assembly contests that the founders believe could tilt policy toward more business-friendly outcomes. The group has stated it will refrain from engaging in the 2026 gubernatorial race and from financing statewide ballot campaigns, opting instead to influence legislative dynamics through targeted campaigns and messaging in specific districts.
In interviews circulating through major outlets, Larsen framed the effort as a necessary counterweight to what he described as a political landscape dominated by a cluster of powerful interests. He has suggested that while government unions perform important work, a counterforce is essential to ensure California’s policy environment remains conducive to growth and innovation. The context for the push includes a wealth tax proposal backed by a healthcare union that would tax the assets of the state’s wealthiest residents if approved by voters. Although Grow California says its seed money predated the proposal, the tax has nonetheless become a rallying point that mobilizes both supporters and opponents around the future of wealth taxes and asset treatment in the state’s policy framework. For wider context on this debate, readers can explore reporting that discusses the broader implications of crypto wealth in U.S. politics.
Beyond the Grow California initiative, the broader ecosystem of crypto-funded political action committees is intensifying its activity ahead of the 2026 midterms. Fairshake disclosed it is holding about $193 million in cash, a reserve amplified by substantial contributions from players like Ripple Labs, Andreessen Horowitz and Coinbase. The group indicated plans to remain active after spending more than $130 million on media buys in the 2024 federal elections, signaling a strategy of sustained political engagement rather than episodic fundraising. This pattern — large, long-horizon investments aimed at shaping regulatory and policy outcomes — is increasingly shaping discussions around crypto regulation, taxation, and investor protections as lawmakers chart a path for digital assets in the broader economy.
As coverage of the sector’s political influence expands, observers are watching how these high-profile fundraising efforts translate into actual legislative outcomes. The current trajectory suggests a more pronounced role for crypto wealth in state politics, a trend that aligns with discussions in national circles about how Congress may position itself on digital-asset policy in the coming years. The evolving landscape raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the possible impact on California’s regulatory climate for technology, finance, and innovation.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Friday expressed caution about current economic conditions but still sees the opportunity for interest rate cuts later this year.
Previously an advocate for rate cuts, Waller said in a CNBC interview that recent developments in the labor market as well as the uncertainty of the war with Iran require a more conservative approach.
“It doesn’t mean that I’m going to stay put for the rest of the year,” Waller said on “Squawk Box.” “I just want to wait and see where this goes, and if things go reasonably well and the labor market continues to be weak, I would start advocating again for cutting the policy rate later this year.”
Markets have almost completely doused the chance of rate reductions through the balance of 2026 and well into 2027. That’s a switch from expectations prior to the war, when traders had been looking for two or three cuts this year.
But soaring oil prices and an indeterminate time frame over how long the war will last have changed market expectations and caused a rethinking from Waller and other policymakers. Waller had dissented in January from a Federal Open Market Committee decision not to cut, but went along with the majority earlier this week for another pause.
His earlier dovish position was motivated by a clearly weakening labor market, which produced nearly no net job growth in 2025. However, he noted Friday that the labor force also is not expanding, so “net zero” growth is still leaving the unemployment rate unchanged, even with a 92,000 drop in nonfarm payrolls in February.
“If we get another 90,000 jobs decline in the next jobs report, that’ll be like four negative reports out of five. To me, that’s not zero. So at that point, you need to start thinking about this labor market isn’t good,” Waller said. “I don’t think this war is going to help in any way going forward, but we’ll have to see what happens with inflation.”
Waller is generally sanguine now about inflation, which he sees being boosted by one-off effects from tariffs but otherwise moving structurally towards the Fed’s 2% goal.
“If those tariff effects don’t roll off by the second half of the year, and then inflation starts rising then, then you’re in this tricky business of like, do we worry about inflation? Take a chance on recession or not?,” he said. “So I’m really going to keep an eye on what the future labor markets look like to see whether I want to start advocating for rate cuts in future meetings, but I also want to see what happens with inflation.”
Earlier Friday, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman who, like Waller, was nominated for the job by President Donald Trump, said she believes the Fed can cut three times this year. That would take the benchmark federal funds rate below the neutral level that FOMC officials see as neither supporting nor restricting growth.
Bowman, in a Fox Business interview, took that position even though she said she expects “strong growth” this year “supported by the supply-side policies that this administration is putting into place.”
Bowman is one of just three Fed officials who see aggressive rate cuts this year, according to an update of the Fed’s “dot plot” grid released Wednesday. A total of 19 policymakers participate in the grid.
TLDR
- JPMorgan reported that the Iran war triggered a surge in oil trading on Hyperliquid.
- Traders turned to Hyperliquid’s CL USDC perpetual as CME markets closed over the weekend.
- The oil contract reached a peak daily trading volume of $1.7 billion during the spike.
- Open interest on the contract climbed to around $300 million following the volatility.
- The bank said demand for 24 7 access to traditional assets is driving activity on decentralized exchanges.
Oil price swings linked to the Iran war have driven traders toward decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, JPMorgan reported on Wednesday. The bank said non-crypto investors increased activity in oil-linked perpetual futures as traditional markets closed over the weekend. As a result, Hyperliquid recorded sharp growth in volume and open interest on its CL-USDC contract.
Iran war triggers surge in oil trading on Hyperliquid
JPMorgan said the Iran war caused heavy oil volatility and pushed traders toward platforms that never close. The bank reported that activity surged when Iranian infrastructure strikes occurred over the weekend. Because CME markets were shut, traders sought alternatives for immediate price exposure.
Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou led the analyst team that tracked the flow into Hyperliquid. He wrote, “Oil trading exploded on the Hyperliquid exchange early this month when the Iran war erupted.” He added that CME traders could not react when strikes happened outside trading hours.
The CL-USDC perpetual contract remained open for continuous price discovery during the weekend. The contract uses USDC as margin and offers up to 20x leverage. According to the bank, daily peak volume reached $1.7 billion during the surge.
Open interest on the oil-linked contract climbed to about $300 million. The product now ranks as Hyperliquid’s third-most traded market. Traders used the instrument to maintain exposure while traditional venues remained offline.
JPMorgan highlights growing demand for 24/7 markets
JPMorgan stated that demand for 24/7 access to traditional assets continues to increase. The analysts said decentralized exchanges attract traders seeking constant market access. They pointed to oil as the latest example of that shift.
Perpetual futures allow traders to hold positions without expiry dates. These derivatives use funding rates to align prices with the spot market. As volatility increased, traders used these features to manage short-term risks.
Hyperliquid operates with an onchain order book rather than an automated market maker. The structure offers tighter spreads and execution closer to traditional exchanges. The platform also provides sub-second finality and portfolio margining.
JPMorgan said these features appeal to institutional participants. Faster execution supports active strategies during volatile periods. Portfolio margining also allows traders to deploy capital more efficiently.
The analysts reported that decentralized exchanges are taking share from mid-tier centralized derivatives platforms. They cited speed, liquidity, and self-custody as key drivers. Continuous access also supports trading during geopolitical events.
Hyperliquid’s native token, HYPE, has risen about 25% year-to-date. The token has outperformed much of the broader crypto market over the same period. The bank released its report on Wednesday with updated trading data.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
With market uncertainty rising, investors turn to NOW DeFi’s cloud mining model to generate income beyond price speculation.
Summary
- NOW DeFi offers cloud mining services, enabling users to earn crypto income without owning physical mining hardware.
- The platform uses AI-driven cloud computing, providing automated mining plans and real-time earnings tracking.
- NOW DeFi promotes low-cost entry, green energy infrastructure, and instant withdrawals for passive crypto income seekers.
The cryptocurrency market is no stranger to dramatic market swings. After Bitcoin surged to an all-time high on October 6, 2025, investor optimism reached fever pitch, with many expecting a continued bull run. Instead, the market took an unexpected shift.
Bitcoin is currently trading around $70,000, a steep 44% decline from its peak. As the largest and most influential cryptocurrency, Bitcoin often sets the tone for the entire market. Its downturn has triggered a ripple effect, dragging down major assets like Ethereum, XRP, and Solana, all of which had been gaining strong momentum before the sudden U-turn.
Now, the market is moving erratically without a clear direction, and in moments like these, investors feel the blow. Volatility poses serious risks to investors by causing rapid, unpredictable price swings that can lead to substantial capital losses, emotional investing (panic selling), and liquidation of leveraged positions. In the past 24 hours, over $300 million has been liquidated from the crypto market, according to data from Coinglass.
With uncertainty dominating the market, investors are increasingly looking for smarter ways to stay profitable, without relying solely on price speculation. Traditional buy-and-sell strategies become far less effective in sideways or declining markets, pushing traders to explore alternative income streams.
This shift in investor behavior is exactly what led to the emergence of NOW DeFi, a platform designed to offer stable opportunities beyond conventional cryptocurrency trading.
NOW DeFi is a cloud mining service provider, giving investors the opportunity to generate income from cryptocurrency mining without owning physical mining hardware. By connecting to the platform’s crypto cloud computing services, investors can earn income consistently even during times of high volatility.
Why NOW Defi stands out
To start using NOW Defi’s infrastructure, users simply select a compute plan, and once activated, the platform automatically allocates cloud computing resources to support cryptocurrency mining participation.
For investors already trading major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP, the search for a reliable alternative income stream has become increasingly important. NOW DeFi positions itself as a simplified gateway into alternative crypto earnings.
The platform is powered by AI, allowing both experienced traders and newcomers to generate passive income with minimal hands-on management.
The platform offers a range of distinctive features that make it different from other cloud mining platforms:
- New users receive free hash power after completing registration
- Its infrastructure is powered by green energy resources
- Users can monitor earnings in real-time using the platform’s interactive dashboard
- Earnings can be withdrawn instantly without any hidden fees
- Flexible mining contracts starting at as low as $22
NOW DeFi is a UK-based, legally registered crypto cloud computing platform, giving users greater confidence in its legitimacy and reducing the risks commonly associated with unverified crypto services.
The bottom line
In a market defined by uncertainty and sharp reversals, the ability to adapt is what separates resilient investors from the rest. The evolving crypto environment is pushing investors to explore more stable, diversified income approaches, and platforms like NOW DeFi are positioning themselves at the center of that shift. DeFi offers a pathway for investors to navigate volatility with greater confidence — turning market turbulence from a threat into a potential opportunity.
Welcome to the official NOW DeFi platform: Visit the official website to securely download the mobile application.
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.
CoinDesk Indices presents its daily market update, highlighting the performance of leaders and laggards in the CoinDesk 20 Index.
The CoinDesk 20 is currently trading at 2039.71, up 0.2% (+4.1) since 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Fourteen of 20 assets are trading higher.
Leaders: APT (+6.3%) and BCH (+2.5%).
Laggards: AAVE (-1.0%) and NEAR (-0.6%).
The CoinDesk 20 is a broad-based index traded on multiple platforms in several regions globally.
Kalshi Inc. raised more than $1 billion in a funding round led by Coatue Management, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The round valued the prediction market platform at $22 billion, Bloomberg said, double the valuation of the previous round in December, when it also raised $1 billion. That funding round was led by Paradigm, with participation from veteran venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital, ARK Invest, Andreessen Horowitz and CapitalG, Alphabet’s growth-equity arm.
The New York-based company declined to comment when approached by CoinDesk.
The new investment highlights investor interest in the fast-growing market despite criticism from legislators regarding insider trading and manipulation. In February, trading volume on the platform exceeded $10 billion, or 12 times its level just six months earlier, KalshiData shows. Its biggest rival, Polymarket, has grown at a similar pace, though it focuses primarily outside the U.S. Kalshi’s annualized revenue is currently $1.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg report.
Kalshi, which is regulated as a financial exchange, offers contracts tied to the outcome of a wide array of real-world events. It was founded in 2018 and exploded in popularity receiving permission to offer trading on the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The company is overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), allowing it to operate nationwide under federal rules, unlike traditional gambling companies that answer to state regulators.
Still, prediction market providers are facing pushback in over a dozen state actions, with state-level regulators arguing that they have jurisdiction over at least sports-related betting products.
Last month, Kalshi reported uncovering and penalizing two users for insider-trading activity, including an editor for the popular social-media star MrBeast. The company at the time also revealed more than a dozen active insider-trading cases among 200 it investigated.
On Thursday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Kalshi’s attempt to stave off an expected temporary restraining order from Nevada, clearing the way for a ban on its operations in the state. On Wednesday, Arizona charged Kalshi with 20 criminal counts, accusing it of operating an illegal gambling business and offering election wagering in the state.
Ledger has appointed a new chief financial officer and opened a New York office as the crypto security firm expands its U.S. presence ahead of a planned public listing.
The company said John Andrews, a former Circle (CRCL) executive, will take on the CFO role. Andrews spent more than two decades in finance and most recently led capital markets and investor relations at the stablecoin issuer. His appointment comes as Ledger positions itself for closer engagement with institutional investors and public markets.
The New York office, backed by a multi-million dollar investment, will serve as a hub for Ledger’s enterprise business. The firm is hiring across institutional and marketing roles as it builds out services for banks, asset managers and other financial firms entering digital assets.
Ledger said the move reflects growing demand for secure infrastructure as more institutions hold and manage crypto.
The expansion lands as Ledger explores an initial public offering in the United States. The company is reportedly working with major banks including Goldman Sachs, Jefferies and Barclays on a listing that could value the firm at more than $4 billion. CEO Pascal Gauthier has previously pointed to rising revenue tied to an increase in crypto hacks, which has driven demand for secure storage.
Ledger is best known for its hardware wallets, but it has pushed deeper into enterprise services in recent years. Its platform offers tools for institutions to store, manage and trade digital assets with internal controls, similar to how a bank might oversee client funds across multiple approvals.
The company says it secures a large share of retail-held stablecoins and has sold more than 8 million devices globally. Still, its track record includes setbacks. A 2020 data breach exposed customer information, and a later exploit in 2023 affected decentralized finance integrations tied to its ecosystem.
Ledger’s U.S. push follows a broader shift in the crypto sector, where firms are again testing public markets after a volatile period. Custodian BitGo (BTGO) recently went public, marking one of the first listings in the sector this year. Tokenization firm Securitize has plans to IPO as soon as it receives the green light from regulators. Meanwhile, crypto exchange Kraken has paused its IPO plans as it waits for better market conditions, CoinDesk reported earlier this week.
Key Takeaways
- Jefferies elevated SolarEdge from Underperform to Hold while increasing the price target from $30 to $49
- European TTF natural gas prices have jumped approximately 94% amid recent geopolitical tensions
- During the previous energy crisis, SolarEdge’s European sales expanded from $630M in 2020 to $1.9B by 2023
- The firm boosted its 2027 and 2028 revenue projections by 17% and 19% respectively
- SEDG shares have surged roughly 60% year-to-date, approaching the 52-week peak of $48.60
SolarEdge (SEDG) shares advanced approximately 4% during Friday’s premarket session following an analyst upgrade and improved price outlook from Jefferies.
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc., SEDG
Jefferies shifted its stance on SEDG from Underperform to Hold while boosting the price objective from $30 to $49 — representing approximately 7.3% potential upside from Thursday’s closing price.
The catalyst behind Jefferies’ revised outlook centers on energy market dynamics. Natural gas prices in Europe, measured by the TTF benchmark, have climbed roughly 94% since the onset of the latest Middle Eastern conflict. Such dramatic price increases historically incentivize consumers and enterprises to transition toward solar and energy storage solutions as hedges against volatile energy expenses.
This scenario has played out previously. During 2022, when Russian natural gas supply disruptions triggered soaring European energy costs, solar installations accelerated significantly. SolarEdge‘s revenue from European markets expanded from $630 million in 2020 to $1.9 billion by 2023.
Jefferies acknowledges that a complete replay of that surge seems unlikely. Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure has matured considerably, and electricity prices have remained comparatively stable despite rising gas costs. Any uptick in demand will likely be more gradual this time around.
Nevertheless, the investment firm believes SolarEdge is better positioned than before. Inventory adjustments that previously pressured financial performance have largely resolved, and SEDG has expanded its footprint in commercial and industrial segments while maintaining residential market share.
Updated Revenue Projections
Jefferies increased its revenue expectations for 2027 by 17% and for 2028 by 19%. The 2026 forecast remained essentially flat, with the firm noting continued customer hesitancy amid prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty.
Despite the upgrade, Jefferies refrained from issuing a Buy recommendation. Valuation concerns remain central to this cautious stance. SEDG has rallied approximately 60% in 2026 thus far and currently trades around 18x projected 2027 EV/EBITDA — marginally above comparable companies. Jefferies suggests the market has already incorporated expectations of improved demand and competitive positioning into current pricing.
The wider analyst community maintains a reserved posture. Among 25 analysts tracking SEDG, just one recommends buying, 18 rate it a Hold, and six suggest selling. MarketBeat’s consensus lands at “Reduce” with an average price target of $29.09 — substantially below current trading levels.
Latest Quarterly Performance
SolarEdge’s latest quarterly results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The company reported EPS of -$0.14, surpassing the consensus estimate of -$0.19. Revenue reached $333.8 million against forecasts of $330.3 million, marking a 70.9% year-over-year increase.
Net margin remains in negative territory at -34.23%, and analysts anticipate full-year EPS of -$4.54 for the current fiscal period.
Institutional investors control approximately 95% of outstanding shares. Multiple major stakeholders expanded their holdings in recent quarters, with UBS Group notably increasing its position by 234.8% during Q3.
SEDG commenced Friday trading at $45.66, marginally below its 52-week high of $48.60.
Bitcoin RSI signals approached a key moment as analysis said that a higher low was needed next to allow bullish BTC price continuation.
Bitcoin (BTC) is hinting at its next long-term bottom as a key leading indicator preps a higher low.
Key points:
-
Bitcoin RSI is approaching a critical long-term position for the fate of the bear market.
-
RSI needs a weekly bullish divergence to repeat its early-2023 rebound.
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A trader says he is “not in a rush” to reenter the market with the comedown from all-time highs just a few months old.
Bitcoin RSI: All eyes on higher low
New analysis covering relative strength index (RSI) data on BTC/USD concludes it could soon be “time to pay attention.”
Bitcoin bear-market bottoms often follow the start of a bullish divergence with RSI on weekly time frames.
For trader Jelle, current market behavior is following historical trends, and Bitcoin’s next inflection point may be around the corner.
“When $BTC’s weekly RSI makes a higher low again, it’s time to pay attention,” he wrote on X.
A classic bullish divergence locks in when RSI makes a higher low while price makes lower lows. Jelle, however, says that price has room to maneuver and still preserve the emerging recovery.
“Doesn’t matter if BTC makes a higher low, equal low, or lower low,” he continued.
“When RSI starts moving higher again, the bottom is very close – or already in.”
BTC price bear flag still in play
RSI last flipped bullish at the end of Bitcoin’s 2022 bear market, and its signals preceded a period of upside that continued for over a year.
Related: Bitcoin tests old 2021 top as gold falls to six-week lows under $4.7K
At the time, talk also focused on reclaiming the 200-week exponential moving average (EMA) as support, something that occurred in March 2023.
As Cointelegraph reported, the 200-week EMA was only lost again last month, with analysis calling the trend line “unreliable.”
Jelle, meanwhile, is among those speculating that previous cycles demand a much longer bear market than the few months that have elapsed so far.
“Previous bear markets all lasted around a year. $BTC topped just 23 weeks ago, and looks like this,” he told X followers.
“I’m not in a rush to buy back in.”
A separate chart drew attention to a possible bear flag formation under development — a sign of weakness that could result in a fresh support failure in a manner similar to January.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Crypto World
Dell (DELL) Stock Climbs 3% While Super Micro (SMCI) Crashes 25% Following Export Violation Charges
Key Points
- US authorities charged Super Micro co-founder Wally Liaw and two associates with allegedly orchestrating the diversion of approximately $2.5 billion in Nvidia-based servers to China in breach of export regulations.
- Following revelations of alleged involvement, Super Micro suspended two staff members and terminated a contractor’s agreement.
- Super Micro (SMCI) shares tumbled more than 25% during Friday’s premarket session.
- Dell (DELL) shares advanced approximately 3% in premarket activity as Super Micro’s main competitor.
- Industry analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence cautioned that reputational harm could trigger extended customer attrition for Super Micro.
Shares of Dell Technologies (DELL) advanced approximately 3% during Friday’s premarket session following a dramatic collapse in Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stock, which plummeted over 25% after federal prosecutors charged a company co-founder with violations of export regulations related to Nvidia technology.
Federal prosecutors on Thursday made public criminal charges against Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw — who serves as Super Micro’s senior vice president for business development and holds positions as co-founder and board member — alleging he orchestrated the unlawful transfer of billions of dollars in artificial intelligence servers to Chinese entities.
Prosecutors allege that Liaw, along with two accomplices, arranged sales of export-restricted Nvidia-equipped servers through an Asian intermediary, with full knowledge that the hardware would ultimately reach China in contravention of federal export restrictions.
The additional defendants named in the case include Ruei-Tsang “Steven” Chang, who managed sales operations at Super Micro’s Taiwan facility, and Ting-Wei “Willy” Sun, an independent contractor whom federal prosecutors characterized as a facilitator who allegedly coordinated elements of the operation.
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, the Asian intermediary entity acquired roughly $2.5 billion in server equipment, which was subsequently repackaged and transported to destinations in China, according to Justice Department filings.
Super Micro acknowledged the charges and announced it has placed both employees on administrative suspension while terminating its relationship with the contractor upon discovering the allegations.
Notably, Super Micro itself was not designated as a defendant in the criminal proceedings.
Super Micro Issues Official Statement
In a Thursday evening statement, Super Micro declared that “the conduct by these individuals alleged in the indictment is a contravention of the Company’s policies and compliance controls.”
The technology firm emphasized its operation of a “robust compliance program” and reaffirmed its dedication to full adherence to American export and re-export regulations. The company further noted its ongoing cooperation with federal investigators.
This represents another chapter in Super Micro’s recent regulatory challenges. The company experienced significant stock volatility in August 2024 when a short-selling firm questioned its financial reporting practices, coupled with the firm’s postponement of its mandatory annual 10-K disclosure.
An independent review commissioned by the board subsequently cleared the company of fraud or wrongdoing, and the outstanding filing was completed in February 2025 — allowing Super Micro to avoid potential removal from Nasdaq listing.
Dell Positioned to Capture Market Share
As Super Micro’s primary rival in the artificial intelligence server sector, Dell emerged as the clear market winner in Friday’s trading activity.
Woo Jin Ho, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, observed that “given the reputation damage, risks for share losses to Dell are heightened long term” — suggesting Super Micro may experience significant customer migration.
Ho further commented that the criminal indictment underscores what he perceives as insufficient advancement by Super Micro in strengthening its internal financial oversight mechanisms.
Super Micro’s stock declined more than 25% in premarket activity and extended losses beyond 27% following the opening bell Friday. Meanwhile, Dell registered gains of approximately 2–3% during the corresponding period.
Ripple said a new 2026 survey shows digital assets are moving closer to the center of financial services strategy.
- Ripple found stablecoins lead demand as finance firms seek faster treasury tools and working capital efficiency.
- Banks and asset managers ranked custody and secure storage among top tokenization infrastructure priorities.
- Most respondents said security certifications and trusted providers matter most when choosing digital asset partners.
Meanwhile, the company polled more than 1,000 finance leaders across banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporates, with 72% saying firms must offer digital asset solutions to stay competitive.
Ripple said stablecoins ranked as the top digital asset use case in the survey. About 74% of respondents said stablecoins can boost cash-flow efficiency and unlock trapped working capital, showing that many firms now view them as tools for treasury and liquidity management, not only payments.
The report linked that demand to wider market growth. Ripple noted that the stablecoin market cap moved above $300 billion in early March, as adoption expanded across payments, trading, and business settlement.
The survey also showed rising interest in tokenization. Among banks and asset managers looking at tokenization partners, 89% said custody and secure storage were a main priority. Banks ranked token lifecycle management at 82%, while asset managers placed primary distribution at 80%.
Ripple said the results show that many firms are now focused on the systems needed to support digital assets. “The key takeaway here is that finance leaders want more from the crypto companies offering these solutions,” the company wrote, adding that institutions want a provider that can support current and future needs.
Additionally, security ranked as the top factor in partner selection. Ripple said 97% of respondents viewed certifications such as ISO and SOC II as important or very important. Post-integration technical support followed at 88%, while industry experience and financial strength also ranked highly.
The survey also found that many firms prefer one provider for several digital asset services. Ripple said 71% of corporates favor a one-stop-shop model, while slightly more than half of fintechs and financial institutions do the same.
Ripple expands as adoption grows
The findings match broader adoption trends, where firms are moving from early testing to live digital asset plans. Ripple said,
“Most finance leaders aren’t debating digital assets anymore. They’re figuring out how to build with them and who to build with.”
As previously reported by Crypto News, that shift also comes as Ripple expands in Latin America. The company recently said it plans to apply for a VASP license in Brazil, adding to its push in payments and tokenization in the region.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
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