Crypto World
Oil and Gold Surge as Middle East Tensions Rattle Global Markets
Editor’s note: Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are triggering a rapid market reaction, with oil and gold rallying while regional equities reel from disruptions. This editor’s briefing previews the immediate market response as UAE exchanges pause trading and investors weigh reopening scenarios. Market color from Josh Gilbert of eToro underscores the uncertainty and the central question: how long this disruption lasts and whether we see escalation or de-escalation in the coming days.
Markets hate uncertainty, and right now investors are facing one of the most unpredictable geopolitical backdrops in years. The key question is not just what has happened, but how long this disruption lasts and whether we see escalation or de-escalation in the coming days.
Rising Middle East tensions push oil and gold higher, rattling regional equities and shaping the near-term global outlook as markets await any de-escalation.
Key points
- Oil prices surged to around US$82 per barrel, with Brent rising on disruption fears in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Gold climbed above US$5,350 per ounce, reinforcing safe-haven demand amid geopolitical risk.
- Abu Dhabi and Dubai exchanges were closed, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and uncertainty around reopening.
- Risk assets weakened as capital rotated toward defensive positions, awaiting clarity on escalation or de-escalation.
Why this matters
As energy and precious metal prices respond to geopolitical risk, the near-term outlook for regional economies and global inflation remains sensitive to sentiment and policy signals. The UAE’s diversified, services-driven economy may weather disruption better than markets fear, but confidence and capital flows could face headwinds until de-escalation appears likely.
What to watch next
- Reopening trajectory for UAE exchanges after the pause, with the next 48–72 hours critical for sentiment.
- Oil price movement and its potential impact on transport costs and global inflation.
- Gold’s continued safe-haven demand versus any shift in risk appetite.
- Any changes in UAE tourism, aviation, and real estate activity tied to connectivity and confidence.
Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.
Oil and Gold Surge as Middle East Tensions Rattle Global Markets
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 2 March 2026: Escalating tensions in the Middle East have sent shockwaves through global markets, pushing oil and gold sharply higher and raising fresh questions about the near-term outlook for regional equities.
Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, said: “Markets hate uncertainty, and right now investors are facing one of the most unpredictable geopolitical backdrops in years. The key question is not just what has happened, but how long this disruption lasts and whether we see escalation or de-escalation in the coming days.”
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) remain closed on Monday and Tuesday in a rare move outside scheduled holidays, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Investors are now focused on what reopening could look like once trading resumes.
“History shows that outcomes vary widely,” Gilbert added. “When Turkey suspended trading after the 2023 earthquake, markets rallied strongly on reopening. When Russia halted trading after invading Ukraine, the outcome was far more severe. For UAE markets, the next 48 to 72 hours will be critical.”
Oil in Focus
Oil has been the immediate flashpoint. Brent crude surged as much as 13% to around US$82 per barrel, driven by fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil and LNG supply.
“Even without a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disruption to tanker traffic is enough to rattle energy markets,” said Gilbert. “Conflicting signals from Iran have added to the uncertainty investors are trying to price in.”
There are, however, short-term buffers in place. The global oil market entered this period with relative oversupply, and OPEC+ had already announced a production increase of 206,000 barrels per day for April. Major consumers such as the US and China also hold substantial strategic reserves, while Saudi Arabia has pipeline capacity to reroute some exports.
“These measures provide short-term cushioning,” Gilbert noted. “But if tensions persist, sustained higher oil prices will filter through to transport costs and ultimately inflation globally.”
Gold Surges, Risk Assets Weaken
Gold has once again acted as the clearest safe haven, climbing above US$5,350 per ounce and gaining roughly 22% year-to-date.
“Gold remains the asset investors turn to in times of geopolitical stress,” Gilbert said. “Unless we see meaningful de-escalation, that safe-haven demand is unlikely to fade.”
Meanwhile, higher-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, have come under pressure as investors rotate toward defensive positions.
“In risk-off environments, capital typically flows to traditional safe havens rather than more volatile assets,” he added.
Direct Impact on the UAE
For the UAE, the implications extend beyond market volatility. Real estate, tourism, aviation, and retail — key pillars of economic diversification — are particularly exposed.
Dubai averaged approximately 13,000 home sales per month last year at an average price of AED 2.5 million, largely supported by foreign investment and expatriate inflows. With around 350,000 new units expected to come to market over the next two years, any sustained hit to confidence or capital flows could challenge demand absorption.
Tourism is another critical sector. Travel and tourism accounted for around 13% of UAE GDP in 2025. With hundreds of flights cancelled and temporary airport disruptions reported, the impact is already being felt.
“Dubai’s retail and hospitality ecosystem depends on connectivity,” Gilbert said. “Any prolonged disruption to airspace or tourism confidence will weigh on near-term growth.”
While higher oil prices may offer fiscal support, the UAE economy today is far more diversified and services-driven than it was a decade ago.
“That means disrupted tourism, grounded flights, and shaken investor sentiment matter more than ever,” Gilbert explained.
Staying Focused on the Long Term
Gilbert cautioned against reactive decision-making.
“The instinct in moments like this is to act, but for most long-term investors, doing very little is often the wiser approach. Selling into panic rarely proves to be the right decision in hindsight.”
He concluded: “There is room for volatility when UAE markets reopen, particularly as very little geopolitical risk had been priced in. However, if de-escalation emerges quickly, the long-term fundamentals of the UAE — strong infrastructure, a pro-business regulatory framework, and its role as a regional hub — remain intact. Short-term turbulence does not undo decades of structural progress.”
About eToro
eToro is the trading and investing platform that empowers you to invest, share and learn. Founded in 2007 with the vision of a world where everyone can trade and invest in a simple and transparent way, today eToro has 40 million registered users from 75 countries.
eToro believes in the power of shared knowledge and that investors can become more successful by investing together. The platform has built a collaborative investment community designed to provide users with the tools they need to grow their knowledge and wealth. On eToro, users can hold a range of traditional and innovative assets and choose how they invest: trade directly, invest in a portfolio, or copy other investors.
TLDR
- South Korea launched a nationwide audit to strengthen controls over seized crypto assets.
- The Finance Ministry and financial regulators reviewed storage methods and internal access procedures.
- Officials aimed to identify weak practices and introduce stronger technical safeguards.
- Police in Gangnam lost 22 BTC after giving custody to an external firm without private key control.
- The National Tax Service apologized after exposing recovery phrases that led to a major theft.
South Korea moved fast to reinforce digital asset controls as officials addressed recent security failures, and the government ordered urgent checks across agencies, and leaders demanded strict oversight to prevent further losses.
Audit of Seized Crypto Holdings
South Korea launched a nationwide audit after new directives reshaped digital asset management practices. Authorities examined seized coins across agencies and reviewed storage controls. The Finance Ministry coordinated the process with the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service. Officials targeted holdings gained through tax and criminal cases.
Officials reviewed hardware wallets and custodial accounts and assessed access controls. They said the audit aimed to expose weak procedures and guide new protections. Leaders stated that agencies must “fix system gaps fast” to stop unauthorized transfers. They also confirmed that operational reports will go directly to senior oversight teams.
Police losses in Gangnam triggered stronger demands for new custody rules. Investigators confirmed that officers lost 22 BTC after handing assets to an outside firm. Officials said the officers never controlled private keys, which raised concerns about current arrangements. Regulators asked agencies to track crypto flows better.
A separate error at the National Tax Service pushed the government to act. The agency disclosed recovery phrases in a public release. Thieves drained most of a $5.6 million holding, and leaders called the failure preventable. The agency apologized and began internal checks.
Legal and Structural Shifts in South Korea
The Supreme Court of Korea ruled in January that exchange-held Bitcoin qualifies as property. This decision cleared earlier confusion over enforcement powers. Officials said the ruling eased asset seizure procedures. They added that agencies can pursue digital holdings more quickly under clear rules.
The government continued updating its Digital Asset Basic Act. Phase two will impose rules for stablecoin reserves and investor protection. Officials said the updates will strengthen oversight for market players. They also confirmed that agencies will publish final provisions soon.
Regulators ended a nine-year block on corporate crypto trading in February. They allowed listed firms and professional traders to reenter markets. Authorities said new compliance rules will govern trading activities. They will also monitor corporate flows under updated reporting systems.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Lee sees March rebound for crypto and US stocks
- Bitcoin trades at $66K despite Middle East tension
- Ethereum holds near $1,950 as BitMine keeps buying
- Oil jumps 13% while US futures slip lower
- Lee links gold strength to broader market shift
Bitcoin trades at $66,000 after rebounding from weekend lows near $63,000. The asset has gained over 5% from its recent dip. Tom Lee expects a broader market recovery in March despite geopolitical pressure.
He shared his outlook during a recent CNBC interview. Lee stated that March could mark a turnaround month for risk assets. He added that economic growth remains intact despite current fears.
Tensions in the Middle East triggered sharp weekend volatility. Military strikes targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader sparked retaliatory action. Consequently, markets reacted with swift liquidations and price swings.
Data shows that long liquidations reached nearly $300 million. However, the broader market absorbed the shock without extended panic. Therefore, Bitcoin stabilized quickly above key support levels.
Meanwhile, oil prices jumped 13% to $82 per barrel. This level marks the highest price since July 2024. Rising energy costs added pressure to global equity markets.
US equity index futures declined following the developments. The S&P 500 futures fell 1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 1.5%. Even so, Lee believes the worst selling could occur this week.
The crypto market is going up today, March 2, even as the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East escalated.
Summary
- The crypto market remained stable on Monday even as the war in Iran started.
- This rally happened as the economic impact of the crisis remained limited.
- The crypto recovery could be a dead-cat bounce, a situation where a falling asset rebounds temporarily.
Bitcoin (BTC) rose to nearly $70,000, while Ethereum (ETH) jumped to $2,065. Other top gainers were coins like Near Protocol, Morpho, Virtuals Protocol, Jupiter, and Pudgy Penguins. The market capitalization of all coins jumped to over $2.38 trillion.
The crypto market rose as the economic impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East remained muted. For example, the Dow Jones Index retreated by just 140 points, while the Nasdaq 100 erased earlier losses and turned positive for the day.
Crude oil price gains were also lower than expected, with Brent settling at $78 and the West Texas Intermediate rising to $73. The two benchmarks were expected to rise to over $100 as the war started.
A likely reason for the crypto market rally is the inverse of buying the rumors and selling the news. In this case, investors dumped Bitcoin and other coins ahead of the war, and are now buying the news.
At the same time, the crypto market is going up as traders predict that the United States, Iran, and Israel will reach a ceasefire in the near term. Odds of a ceasefire happening by March 31st rose to 46%. Similarly, the odds of it happening by April 30 rose to 66%.
The crypto market is going up after the relatively strong US macro data. According to S&P Global, the manufacturing PMI rose from 50.4 in January to 51 in February. Another report by ISM showed that the manufacturing PMI rose from 51.7 to 52.4 in the same period.
Meanwhile, Michael Saylor’s Strategy and Tom Lee’s BitMine continued accumulating Bitcoin and Ethereum last week. BitMine accumulated over 50k ETH, while Strategy bought over 3,000 Bitcoin. These purchases have continued even as these companies have experienced billions in losses.
Still, there is also a likelihood that the ongoing crypto market rally is a dead-cat bounce. A DCB is a situation where a falling asset rebounds briefly and then resumes the downtrend.
Key takeaways:
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Bitcoin futures demand has hit its lowest level since 2024, signaling that many institutional traders are staying cautious.
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Despite lower confidence from bulls, high CME open interest suggests that major institutions have not left the market.
Bitcoin (BTC) price has gained 10% since retesting $63,000 on Saturday, providing a glimpse of hope for bulls as stock markets moved in a different direction amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, demand for Bitcoin futures has been declining, with open interest reaching its lowest levels since 2024. This trend is causing traders to fear that institutional investors are leaving the market.
The Bitcoin futures aggregate open interest on major exchanges declined to $32 billion on Sunday, down 20% from one month prior. Even if measured in Bitcoin terms to adjust for the recent price decline, the current demand for BTC futures stood at the lowest level since August 2024 at 491,300 BTC. Part of this decline can be explained by the forced liquidations of bulls who were caught by surprise.
The demand for leveraged bullish positions has been largely absent since the $126,200 all-time high in October 2025.
The annualized premium (basis rate) on Bitcoin monthly futures contracts dropped to its lowest level in a year at 2%. Under neutral conditions, the metric should range from 5% to 10% to compensate for the longer settlement period. Even more concerning is the fact that the basis rate has failed to sustain bullish levels for the past 12 months, a period that happens to include a 50% rally April to May 2025.
Bitcoin’s underperformance relative to gold and the stock market has likely shifted investors’ attention away from the cryptocurrency market. Still, it would be far-fetched to claim that institutional investors have exited the market, given that spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trade over $3 billion per day on average. Among the ETF holders are some of the world’s largest mutual and pension fund managers.
Moreover, there are over $79 billion in Bitcoin held onchain by publicly listed companies, including Strategy (MSTR US), MARA Holdings (MARA US), XXI (XXI US) and Metaplanet (MPLTF US). Countries such as Bhutan, El Salvador and the United Arab Emirates have also added Bitcoin exposure. One could argue that there is still a long way to go in terms of institutional adoption, but the present situation is very far from zero.
Bitcoin derivatives signal resilience as bulls hesitate
The Bitcoin options market confirms that derivatives continue to function as expected despite repeated failures to reclaim the $72,000 level.
The Bitcoin put-to-call options premium stayed near 0.7 on Monday. This shows that demand for put (sell) options is lower than for call (buy) options. A brief jump in demand for bearish strategies on Friday did not last. Essentially, the options market shows no signs of major trouble or lasting stress from the past few months.
Related: Bitcoin holders show ‘zero panic’ as BTC hits $70K amid Middle East tensions
Derivatives data also shows a lack of confidence among bulls, especially since Bitcoin is trading 45% below its all-time high. However, there is no evidence that institutional players have left the market. The $7.5 billion in Bitcoin futures open interest on the CME is a clear sign of institutional activity. Despite the selling pressure, every short (sell) order must be matched by a long (buy) order, which keeps the market balanced.
Eventually, fear and uncertainty fade as more buyers return, marking the end of a downward trend. While it is unclear if $60,000 was the absolute bottom for this market cycle, Bitcoin has again shown it is a secure asset with a fixed supply. The $1.4 trillion cryptocurrency market has proven its strength and shows no signs of failing.
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.
Participating token holders voted nearly unanimously to pass the Aptos Foundation’s proposal to shift toward deflationary tokenomics, which is now awaiting execution.
The Aptos community passed a proposal to introduced deflationary tokenomics in a vote that ended on March 1. The now approved change sets a hard cap on the total supply of APT tokens at 2.1 billion, aligning with a broader shift towards performance-driven tokenomics, as The Defiant previously reported.
The proposal aims to enhance the deflationary nature of the APT token and received substantial backing, with 335.2 million APT voting in favor and only 1,500 APT opposing it, according to the Aptos Governance page for the proposal. However, only 39% of voting power participated, just above the 35% that the community requires for the vote to proceed. The proposal is now awaiting execution, per the blockchain’s governance website.
This initiative reflects a strategic pivot by the Aptos Foundation, which focuses on developing the Aptos blockchain, a Layer 1 network optimized for both scalability and security. Prior to this vote, the maximum APT token supply was infinite, but the change seeks to limit future inflation and reward long-term stakeholders by reducing staking rewards and increasing gas fees.
This proposal also includes using transaction fees for token buybacks, evidently also in an attempt to increase value for token holders.
The Aptos Foundation’s decision comes at a time when the APT token has been hitting new lows, most recently on Feb. 23, when it reached $0.79, per CoinGecko data. The token is down over 85% on the year, though it got some relief in recent weeks, up 17% over the past seven days. APT is trading around $0.96 at press time, up about 3.5% in the past 24 hours as the broader crypto market rallies.
This article was generated with the assistance of AI workflows.
While the world watches missiles fly over Iran, there’s a parallel war happening on-chain.
And it’s been running quietly for years.
Iran legalized Bitcoin mining back in 2019. The deal? Licensed operators get subsidized electricity, and mined BTC goes straight to the central bank. The government then uses it to pay for imports, machinery, fuel, consumer goods, without touching a single U.S.-controlled bank.
Clean. Borderless. Almost invisible.
The numbers are staggering. Chainalysis clocked Iran’s crypto ecosystem at $7.78 billion in 2025, bigger than the GDP of the Maldives, and growing faster than the year before.
This isn’t a fringe workaround. It’s infrastructure.
The IRGC doesn’t just participate, It dominates
IRGC-linked addresses accounted for more than 50% of total Iranian crypto inflows in Q4 2025, with over $3 billion received last year. And those are only the wallets we know about — the ones already flagged on sanctions lists. The real number is almost certainly bigger.
The U.S. Treasury has since sanctioned two UK-registered crypto exchanges — Zedcex and Zedxion — for facilitating IRGC transactions. One of them processed over $94 billion in transactions since 2022. Let that sink in.
Stablecoins are the other half of the equation
Iran’s central bank accumulated at least $507M in USDT, purchased systematically through a network of around 50 crypto wallets — while the rial hit a historic low of 1.47 million per dollar and inflation hit 42.5%. The stablecoin play wasn’t saving the rial. It was replacing it.
Meanwhile, Iran’s defense export center Mindex now openly accepts crypto for weapons exports. Missiles. Aircraft. Tanks. Ships. The website lists “the cryptocurrency agreed upon in the contract” as an accepted payment method.
This is no longer just sanctions evasion. It’s a parallel economy with its own rails.
Then things got messy
In June 2025, Nobitex — Iran’s largest crypto exchange with over 11 million users — was hit by a $90M cyberattack attributed to Israel-linked group Predatory Sparrow. The attackers didn’t cash out. They moved the funds to vanity wallet addresses referencing the IRGC, ensuring the money stayed permanently frozen. This was financial warfare, not theft.
The fallout was immediate. Inbound transactions to Nobitex dropped 70% year-on-year. June saw a 50% contraction in crypto flows compared to the previous year. July slumped 76%.
Then Tether piled on. In July 2025, Tether executed its largest-ever freeze of Iranian-linked funds, blocking 42 crypto addresses, over half of which were heavily tied to Nobitex.
Iran’s response? The central bank imposed overnight trading restrictions, limiting exchange operating hours to between 10AM and 8PM. When the financial system cracks, the first instinct is control.
But here’s what makes this story bigger than sanctions
Iran’s IRGC-linked mining operations have been drawing colossal amounts of power at heavily subsidized rates — effectively stealing electricity from the national grid. The cost of power outages to Iran’s economy is estimated at over $25 billion annually. Ordinary Iranians sit in the dark while the regime mines Bitcoin.
And yet — those same Iranians also use crypto to survive. For most people in Iran, crypto is primarily about access. Hedging against 40%+ inflation. Moving savings before the rial loses another 20%. Getting money out during internet blackouts.
Around 22% of the Iranian population now uses cryptocurrencies. Not for speculation. For survival.
So what happens now?
Fresh U.S. and Israeli strikes are targeting the infrastructure that keeps all of this running. Power grids. Mining operations. Financial nodes. The same system the regime uses to fund weapons exports is the same system ordinary Iranians use to protect their savings.
That dual reality, state weapon AND civilian lifeline, is what makes this situation unlike anywhere else in the world.
The conflict isn’t just military. It’s financial. And it’s playing out on a public blockchain, for anyone paying attention.
A February report claimed that Tether had frozen about $4.2 billion worth of its USDt stablecoin allegedly connected to illicit activities since 2023.
The US Justice Department is seeking to recover about $327,829 worth of stablecoins allegedly connected to a money laundering scheme part of an online romance scam.
In a Monday notice, the US Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts said it had filed a civil forfeiture action to recover more than 327,829 of Tether’s USDt (USDT). According to authorities, the funds were tied to an alleged online romance fraud scheme perpetrated by an individual named “Linda Brown” which targeted a Massachusetts resident starting in 2024.
“Some of the victim’s funds were traced to multiple unhosted cryptocurrency wallets, which were seized in August 2025,” said the Justice Department. “The complaint alleges that all cryptocurrency associated with those wallets was property involved in money laundering.”
The notice of the romance scam came about three weeks after people in many countries celebrated Valentine’s Day. The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio issued a warning before the holiday about romance scams, informing people not to “send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person.”
Related: February crypto losses hit lowest level since March 2025, says PeckShield
Cointelegraph reached out to Tether for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Tether froze $4.2 billion tied to illicit activity in previous three years
On Friday, a spokesperson for the stablecoin issuer reportedly told Reuters that Tether had frozen about $4.2 billion worth of USDt connected to suspected criminal activity since 2023.
The company has the ability to freeze its stablecoin by blacklisting certain wallet addresses. For example, Tether reported in February that it had frozen about $544 million allegedly tied to unlawful betting platforms and money laundering at the request of Turkish authorities.
Magazine: Clarity Act risks repeat of Europe’s mistakes, crypto lawyer warns
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) staged a cautious recovery, rising roughly 10% from a Saturday retest near $63,000 as traditional markets moved in a contrasting direction amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The uptick offered a measure of relief for bulls, yet a closer inspection of the derivatives landscape revealed a more tepid appetite for risk among large players. Futures demand deteriorated to levels not seen since 2024, even as other channels indicated ongoing institutional exposure. Across major exchanges, open interest hovered around $32 billion on Sunday, a 20% retreat from a month earlier, signaling that leverage had begun to unwind even as traders remained engaged in the market.
The immediate price action has not resolved the longer-term tug-of-war between bulls and bears. While spot markets showed resilience, the futures market has shown signs of cooling off. The combination of a price rebound and waning futures interest paints a nuanced picture: institutions appear to be staying put, but with less aggressive positioning than in prior cycles. This divergence underscores a broader theme in crypto markets—steadfast core demand from long-term holders and institutions coexists with episodic volatility that tests short-term trading appetite.
The narrative around where institutional capital stands is further complicated by evidence from the options and futures segments. The average activity in Bitcoin futures remains robust in some respects, with notable players continuing to demonstrate an ongoing, if selective, appetite for exposure. Data from market analytics providers illustrate how the market is balancing risk and reward: while price momentum has faded from peak levels, the structural support from large holders and listed companies remains intact. In particular, the presence of significant on-chain holdings by publicly listed companies and steady ETF inflows suggests that institutions continue to anchor demand for Bitcoin even when leverage cools.
Market reaction and key details
The futures landscape shows a divergence between price action and leverage. The Bitcoin futures aggregate open interest on major exchanges declined to $32 billion on Sunday, marking a 20% decrease from the prior month. Even after adjusting for price moves, the measure signals cooling demand for long exposure in the near term. This cooling is not necessarily a retreat by institutions; rather, it may reflect a interim reassessment as market participants wait for clearer catalysts. In parallel, the annualized premium on Bitcoin monthly futures slipped to 2%, the lowest in roughly a year, underscoring a shift away from the exuberant bullish tilt that characterized earlier phases of the cycle.
The premium, or basis rate, for monthly futures has historically tended to run higher than the spot price as a compensation for the longer settlement horizon. A typical neutral range would be roughly 5% to 10%. The fact that the basis has lingered around the 2% level for an extended period—spanning a year that included a 50% rally between April and May 2025—speaks to a market that has not consistently priced in outsized bullish momentum in the near term. This pattern aligns with a broader sentiment shift as investors weigh macro uncertainty and regulatory signals against the asset’s fixed-supply characteristics.
Despite these indicators, Bitcoin’s performance relative to traditional risk-on assets remains mixed. Bitcoin has underperformed Gold and equity indices in certain periods, prompting a recalibration of expectations among risk assets. However, there is still substantial evidence of ongoing institutional involvement. Bitcoin ETFs, for instance, trade in excess of $3 billion daily on average, a metric that highlights persistent demand from some of the world’s largest mutual and pension fund managers. This ETF activity provides a floor of demand that buffers the market against abrupt, full-on selling pressure.
On the on-chain front, publicly listed companies continue to accumulate Bitcoin, reinforcing a structural bid from corporate treasuries. Notable holders include Strategy (MSTR US), MARA Holdings (MARA US), XXI (XXI US), and Metaplanet (MPLTF US). In total, more than $79 billion in Bitcoin sit on-chain with these entities, a level that argues against a wholesale retreat by institutions even if leverage is temporarily resting. Countries such as Bhutan, El Salvador, and the United Arab Emirates have also pursued exposure to Bitcoin, signaling a broader, albeit selective, alignment of public sector and corporate actors with the asset class.
Looking at derivatives more granularly, odds and hedges within the options market portray a resilient backdrop. The put-to-call premium for Bitcoin options has remained relatively tepid, hovering near 0.7, indicating a tilt toward upside bets rather than extensive bearish plays. This dynamic persisted even after a brief uptick in demand for bearish strategies on a single trading day, suggesting that the market did not sustain distress or systemic risk fears despite the recent volatility. The overarching message from the derivatives data is one of guarded resilience: hedging activity remains present, but there is no clear signal of a structural, multi-month downturn.
The breadth of activity in the CME space further strengthens the sense that institutions have not exited the market. Open interest in Bitcoin futures on CME remains a meaningful indicator of institutional engagement, with around $7.5 billion still outstanding—a figure that underscores ongoing activity even as other indicators show cautious positioning. The balance between sell-side pressure and corresponding buy-side commitments continues to hold, implying that the market remains in a state of negotiated risk rather than a wholesale capitulation.
Taken together, the data points paint a picture of a market that is maneuvering through a transitional phase. Prices can still move higher as buyers re-enter on dips, but the persistent ceiling around prior all-time highs and the current fragility of some bullish signals suggest that any advance will likely require new catalysts—be it macro developments, regulatory clarity, or significant ETF inflows—to sustain momentum over the medium term. In this environment, Bitcoin remains a compelling case study in how a fixed-supply asset interacts with diversified institutional demand, market maturity, and evolving governance around digital assets.
Market context: The current stretch sits at the intersection of evolving macro dynamics, ETF flows, and a still-developing institutional landscape for digital assets. While price action has improved, the rhythm of hedges, open interest, and basis rates points to a market that is absorbing shocks more gracefully than in earlier cycles, aided by steady on-chain and ETF-backed demand and a continued, selective institutional footprint.
Why it matters
The ongoing interplay between price performance and derivatives signals matters for traders, investors, and builders in the crypto space. A sustained price rally absent corresponding growth in futures open interest would risk overheating risk controls; conversely, a sustained level of open interest alongside a steady price path would indicate durable institutional interest. The presence of large corporate holders and persistent ETF inflows punctuates the story: institutions are not pulling out, even if they are not aggressively leveraging, and this could influence how market participants price risk, allocate capital, and plan for liquidity in stressed conditions.
From a systemic perspective, the divergence between spot strength and derivatives caution underscores a nuanced market maturity. As crypto markets evolve, the willingness of major funds and companies to allocate crypto exposure—through direct balance-sheet purchases, public equity-linked holdings, or ETF participation—shapes a pathway toward broader, steadier adoption. The data also suggest that while the friction points—volatility, basis rates, and short-term momentum—may persist, the underlying demand from institutional layers remains a critical anchor for liquidity and price discovery in a market that still holds a relatively small share of global financial allocations.
What to watch next
- Monitor CME open interest and overall futures activity for the next 2–4 weeks to gauge whether institutions maintain exposure or begin to recalibrate risk after recent volatility.
- Watch Bitcoin’s price action around key support levels (e.g., $60k) to see if the current bounce sustains or falters.
- Track ETF inflows and new listings to assess whether institutional demand seeds a renewed price floor or accelerates upside momentum.
- Observe on-chain accumulation trends by publicly listed companies and major corporate holders for signs of renewed balance-sheet strategy shifts.
- Follow regulatory developments and macro catalysts that could reframe risk sentiment for digital assets and related products.
Sources & verification
- Bitcoin futures aggregate open interest data from CoinGlass showing $32 billion, down 20% from a month prior.
- Bitcoin monthly futures annualized premium data from Laevitas.ch indicating a 2% level—the lowest in a year.
- Information on Bitcoin ETFs trading over $3 billion per day on average and the involvement of large mutual/pension fund managers.
- On-chain and corporate holdings context, including public-company BTC ownership (Strategy/MSTR, MARA, XXI, MPLTF).
- Derivatives signals, including put-to-call premiums near 0.7 on Deribit (source: Laevitas.ch and Deribit data).
TLDR
- Peter Schiff reacted to Michael Saylor’s latest Bitcoin purchase with a sarcastic congratulatory message.
- Michael Saylor announced that Strategy acquired 3,015 Bitcoin for about $204.1 million.
- Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings reached 720,737 Bitcoin after the new acquisition.
- Peter Schiff argued that Saylor continued to average down a losing trade during market volatility.
- Schiff claimed that gold continued to outperform Bitcoin and traded above $5,400.
The market saw a new debate today as Michael Saylor expanded his Bitcoin holdings with another large purchase, and the move quickly drew a sharp reaction from Peter Schiff, and both sides repeated their long-held views as community discussions grew. The announcement detailed a fresh acquisition of 3,015 BTC, and the news pushed new conversations across trading circles. Reactions surfaced fast as both supporters and critics responded with firm and clear messages.
Peter Schiff Challenges Saylor After New BTC Move
Peter Schiff issued a short message that referenced Saylor’s latest move, and he framed it with clear sarcasm. He wrote that Saylor “brought Strategy’s average price back under $76,000,” and the statement spread fast.
He argued that Saylor continued “averaging down a losing trade,” and he claimed the firm faced growing unrealized losses. He added that gold kept trading higher when compared with Bitcoin and kept pushing his point.
He repeated that gold traded above $5,400 and suggested Saylor could have directed the purchase toward gold instead. He stated his view plainly and kept his long-running position unchanged.
The crypto community responded with strong comments, and users defended Saylor’s strategy with confidence. They pointed to recent activity and said the purchase reinforced trust among smaller buyers.
Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings With New Purchase
Saylor confirmed that Strategy acquired 3,015 BTC for about $204.1 million, and he released the update online. He reported an average purchase price of about $67,700 per coin.
The firm now holds 720,737 BTC worth about $54.77 billion, and Saylor repeated his focus on long-term value. He said Strategy continued to follow its chosen plan.
Community members highlighted the new average cost of $75,985 per coin and shared charts showing the updated levels. Traders echoed Saylor’s stance and compared the numbers with current price action.
Saylor also repeated his outlook and said Bitcoin could move above $200,000 soon. He pushed this view as part of his ongoing public comments.
Market Reactions Grow After Latest BTC Announcement
Users linked Saylor’s repeated purchases with increased confidence across smaller trading groups. They argued the move added fresh energy to ongoing discussions.
Commentators responded with mixed views and tracked charts that compared Bitcoin with gold prices. They used new metrics and pointed to changing ratios.
Analysts said the timing of the new purchase placed more attention on Bitcoin’s short-term movement. They examined updated values and watched price behavior closely.
Saylor continued to promote his forecast as he shared data on long-term adoption. He kept pointing to the expanding global interest.
New figures from the purchase circulated through crypto channels and formed the core of ongoing conversations. Updates included fresh calculations tied to the Strategy’s holdings.
TLDR:
- Solana Mobile shipped 200,000+ devices across Saga and Seeker, generating over $5B in onchain volume.
- The SMS stack integrates with Visa, Stripe, PayPal, and Western Union on Solana’s live financial rails.
- Stablecoin volume on blockchains hit $27.6T in 2024, surpassing combined Visa and Mastercard totals.
- Over 75,000 users claimed SKR at launch; 46% staked immediately, signaling strong early retention.
Solana Mobile unveiled its Solana Mobile Stack for Android device manufacturers at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. The modular toolkit connects handsets to Solana’s blockchain infrastructure at the hardware level.
It follows the shipment of over 200,000 devices and $5 billion in onchain transaction volume. The company now targets OEMs seeking recurring revenue beyond device sales.
Solana Mobile Stack Brings Hardware Crypto Wallets to Android Manufacturers
According to a press release, the stack bundles three core components: Seed Vault, Seeker Wallet, and the SKR token.
Seed Vault integrates with a device’s existing secure element and trusted execution environment. Users authenticate via biometrics, similar to tap-to-pay. No seed phrases or third-party custodians are involved.
Seeker Wallet sits on top, giving users the ability to send, receive, buy, and sell digital assets. Peer-to-peer transfers and cross-border payments run at near-zero cost.
Payment networks including Visa, Stripe, Western Union, and PayPal already operate on Solana. That means users connect to live financial rails from day one.
The stack is modular and opt-in. According to the official press release from Barcelona, it does not interfere with Google Mobile Services, payments certification, or Android security approvals. OEMs can deploy it by region, SKU, or product line. No platform fragmentation risk applies.
MediaTek, the leading smartphone chip vendor by global shipment volume, has opened its development platform to Solana Mobile.
The stack runs production-ready on MediaTek Dimensity chipsets. Qualcomm chipset support is also included. Trustonic’s Kinibi TEE architecture is integrated for GlobalPlatform-compliant security.
SMS Production Data and OEM Revenue Model Detailed at MWC 2026
Solana Mobile has six-plus months of real-world data from its Seeker device. The network reports 85,000-plus weekly active wallets and over $5 billion in onchain volume.
More than 500 apps are published on the Solana dApp Store. Around 4,000 active developers are building across the ecosystem.
Devices have shipped to 50 countries. The US, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea lead sales. Solana reports 50 to 150 million monthly active addresses on its blockchain, per the press release.
Revenue sharing is built into the model. OEMs earn on transaction fees, staking commissions, and ecosystem activity as their installed base grows. The SKR token launched with over 75,000 claimants. Of those, 46% staked their tokens immediately.
Stablecoin transaction volume on blockchains reached $27.6 trillion in 2024, according to GSMA data cited in the announcement.
That figure exceeded the combined volumes of Visa and Mastercard. Mobile money transactions in emerging markets alone totalled $1.68 trillion that same year.
Regional deployment strategies differ. Emerging markets like India, Brazil, and Mexico focus on stablecoins and yield.
Developed Asia emphasizes self-custody and portfolio tools. Europe targets stablecoin yield and bank connectivity.
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