Crypto World
5 recommended free cloud mining platforms for 2026: Secure, stable, and beginner-friendly
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Cloud mining platforms attract new users in 2026 seeking simple entry into Bitcoin mining.
Summary
- Cloud mining grows in 2026 as investors seek low-barrier ways to mine BTC, DOGE, and LTC without hardware costs.
- SHRMiner gains attention for renewable-powered mining farms and flexible contract options across multiple countries.
- SHRMiner offers simplified cloud mining access, letting users mine crypto via contracts without managing equipment.
Interested in participating in Bitcoin mining in 2026 but don’t want to purchase expensive mining hardware? Then cloud mining platforms remain one of the simplest and most hassle-free options available.
Nowadays, an increasing number of investors are entering the market through free cloud mining platforms, allowing them to easily mine mainstream cryptocurrencies — such as BTC, DOGE, and LTC — without the need to set up their own equipment or bear the burden of high electricity and maintenance costs.
However, while there are many platforms on the market, few are truly worth considering. A robust cloud mining platform must not only feature a clear and transparent earnings mechanism but also possess stable data centers, an automated payment system, and a sufficiently secure operational infrastructure.
Based on a comprehensive assessment of 2026 market trends and platform-specific features, SHRMiner, BitFuFu, IQMining, Binance Cloud Mining, and CCG Mining stand out as the top five platforms currently worthy of close attention.
1. SHRMiner: The cloud mining platform to watch in 2026
For those who are looking for a service that strikes a balance between security, flexibility, and user-friendliness, SHRMiner is currently a popular choice.
Launched in 2018 and headquartered in the UK, SHRMiner operates over 100 large-scale renewable energy mining farms across locations such as the United States, the UK, Russia, Switzerland, Iceland, Virginia, Georgia, and Vancouver (Canada), utilizing renewable sources — including hydropower and wind power — to enhance mining efficiency.
The platform specializes in mining mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC, LTC, and DOGE. Users are not required to purchase any hardware; they simply need to select a suitable contract to get started. The platform offers a wide range of contracts — spanning options from low-entry thresholds to advanced packages — making it suitable for users with varying budgets.
SHRMiner: Core advantages
Sign up to receive a $15 bonus and a free mining trial.
- Supports daily automatic settlement
- No electricity or maintenance fees charged
- Uses advanced ASIC mining equipment
- Connects to green energy sources to improve operational efficiency
- Provides SSL encryption and DDoS protection
- Visualized earnings data, simple and transparent operation
- Simultaneously supports mining of mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC, LTC, and DOGE
- Affiliate Program: Join the affiliate program and earn up to 4.5% commission rewards, with a chance to win up to 30,000 in commission rewards.
Whether seeking flexible short-term returns or prioritizing stable long-term yields, users can find options tailored to their needs on the platform. For further details regarding mining contracts, please click here to learn more.
SHRMiner gained popularity in 2026 primarily because it caters equally well to beginners — enabling them to get started quickly — and to advanced users, offering flexible configuration options. From the introductory user experience to contract scalability, its overall performance is well-balanced.
2. BitFuFu: A professional platform backed by Bitmain
BitFuFu has garnered significant market attention due to its affiliation with Bitmain. For users who prioritize mining rig resources and hardware expertise, platforms of this nature hold particular appeal. BitFuFu is well-suited for investors seeking a more mature and sophisticated mining service ecosystem.
3. IQMining: A key option for users seeking long-term contracts
IQMining has been in operation for many years and is distinguished by its offering of longer-term mining contracts. For users who do not seek to capitalize on short-term fluctuations but instead prioritize long-term planning, IQMining is a common choice.
4. Binance Cloud Mining: Integrated trading and mining
The greatest advantage of Binance Cloud Mining lies in its ecosystem integration. Users can manage both their mining activities and asset flows directly within their Binance accounts, eliminating the need to frequently switch between platforms. For investors who are already using Binance, this makes the process even more convenient.
5. CCG Mining: A key platform in the European market
CCG Mining offers a comprehensive range of services, including cloud mining, mining rig sales, and hosting. The platform enjoys a certain level of recognition within the European market and is well-suited for users interested in exploring diverse mining services.
Why are more and more people choosing cloud mining in 2026?
Compared to traditional hardware mining, the greatest advantages of cloud mining are:
- No need to purchase expensive equipment
- No need to bear high electricity costs
- No technical maintenance expertise required
- Get started quickly, immediately after registering
Some platforms also offer free trials and reward mechanisms; for average users, this model is evidently more convenient and better suited for accessing the crypto market with a low barrier to entry.
Conclusion: Which cloud mining platform is most worth watching in 2026?
From the perspective of the overall user experience, SHRMiner remains one of the most competitive platforms in 2026. It excels in terms of platform transparency, mining processes, settlement efficiency, and user-friendliness for beginners, while also supporting multiple cryptocurrencies — including BTC, LTC, XRP, and DOGE — demonstrating strong versatility.
Of course, for those who prioritize exchange integration, Binance Cloud Mining offers greater convenience; however, if someone values long-term, stable contracts, IQMining and CCG Mining are also excellent options to consider.
Overall, when selecting the optimal cloud mining platform, it is advisable to focus primarily on the platform’s background, security mechanisms, contract flexibility, and actual user experience. For users looking to embark on a free cloud mining journey in 2026, prioritizing platforms that are transparent, secure, and feature clear settlement procedures will prove to be the most prudent approach.
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.
Bitcoin (BTC) erased losses after Monday’s Wall Street open as markets largely shrugged off the return of the US-Iran war.
Key points:
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Bitcoin joins stocks in a muted reaction to the latest US-Iran deterioration and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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BTC price manages to top 2.5% daily upside despite the lack of resolution.
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Analysis warns that Bitcoin market strength is begin driven by Strategy and speculators.
Markets avoid volatility as BTC price stays green
Data from TradingView showed 2.5% daily gains for BTC/USD, which had closed the week below $74,000.
US stocks saw modest downside as the week began, but the losses remained modest, while oil began retracing an initial move toward $90.
The repositioning came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a fresh round of negotiations over Iran in Pakistan.
“My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
Trump appeared to dismiss the significance of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, calling its announcement “strange.”
Responding, crypto trading company QCP Capital suggested that markets had already readjusted expectations of the war’s outcome and timeline for it.
“Despite the pullback in spot alongside renewed tensions, volatility has stayed notably subdued, hovering near year-to-date lows,” it wrote in its latest “Market Color” update.
“This disconnect between realised risk and implied pricing suggests investors are recalibrating expectations toward a more episodic pattern of escalation: on-and-off disruptions around the Strait, paired with cycles of rhetoric and de-escalation. In effect, markets are beginning to price duration rather than intensity, pointing to a conflict that may be more protracted than initially assumed, but still contained within current bounds.”
QCP added that even with the US-Iran ceasefire due to officially expire within days, that event was unlikely to be definitive.
“The base case, for now, remains one of range-bound volatility, rather than a decisive breakout across major asset classes,” it concluded.
Strategy, speculators under the microscope
Analyzing short-term BTC price moves, J. A. Maartunn, a contributor to onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant, had some bad news for bulls.
Related: BTC price due new highs: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week
Bitcoin’s recent local highs, he suggested, were simply a result of buying pressure from Strategy and speculative traders, with sellers stepping in to take profit, halting the rally.
“Where does that leave price? Not far,” he summarized in an X thread.
Maartunn said that BTC/USD remained stuck below “key resistance,” including the cost basis of short-term holders (STHs) near $83,000.
“Long-Term Holders keep accumulating, and Strategy isn’t done yet,” he acknowledged.
“The key question: is it enough to push Bitcoin higher? For now, this still looks like a bear market rally… But a strong breakout could quickly shift the trend.”
This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research before making any decisions. Cointelegraph makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented, including forward-looking statements, and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content.
Key Takeaways
- EBF shares plummet 9% to $19.63 following quarterly report
- 4% revenue increase overshadowed by margin compression concerns
- Earnings per share stability insufficient to boost investor confidence
- Declining margins and sluggish demand outweigh profit improvements
- Robust financial position fails to prevent sharp stock decline
Shares of Ennis, Inc. (EBF) experienced a significant downturn following the company’s release of quarterly and annual financial data that demonstrated consistent profitability alongside moderate revenue expansion. Trading at $19.63, the stock fell 9.41% and remained near its lowest levels of the session following a pronounced selloff. Investor sentiment appeared influenced by deteriorating margin performance and lackluster organic growth despite the company’s ability to maintain earnings stability.
Latest Quarter Reveals Revenue Growth Amid Margin Deterioration
The company disclosed quarterly sales totaling $96.4 million, representing a 4.0% year-over-year advancement. Nonetheless, gross profitability margin experienced a modest contraction to 29.2% from 29.5% in the comparable prior-year period. Net earnings totaled $8.8 million, with diluted earnings per share holding firm at $0.35.
On a sequential basis, performance indicators revealed additional strain, with gross margin deteriorating from 31.9% in the immediately preceding quarter. EBITDA similarly decreased to $16.3 million, accounting for 17.0% of total sales. These figures compared unfavorably to $16.5 million and 17.8% of sales recorded in the year-ago quarter.
Acquisition activity generated $8.8 million in quarterly revenue, providing partial mitigation against softer organic sales volumes. Diminished customer demand for traditional printing solutions continued to create headwinds for overall business performance. The financial data suggested operational consistency but revealed an absence of robust expansion catalysts.
Annual Results Demonstrate Margin Expansion Despite Revenue Contraction
Across the complete fiscal period, Ennis recorded total revenue of $392.4 million, reflecting a marginal 0.6% decline versus the preceding year. Notwithstanding this top-line softness, gross profit climbed to $120.4 million, with margins expanding to 30.7% from 29.7%. Net income advanced to $42.6 million, while diluted earnings per share increased to $1.66.
Strategic acquisitions bolstered bottom-line performance, adding $0.14 per share across the full fiscal year. The company demonstrated disciplined operational execution, enabling margin improvement despite stagnant revenue dynamics. Consequently, profitability metrics strengthened even as sales volume remained essentially flat.
Full-year EBITDA amounted to $75.7 million, constituting 19.3% of total sales. This represented meaningful improvement compared to the prior year’s 18.3%. These metrics underscored ongoing operational rigor and successful expense management initiatives throughout the fiscal period.
Financial Position Remains Solid as Strategic Initiatives Progress
Ennis sustained a formidable financial foundation characterized by zero debt obligations and expanding cash holdings. The organization also executed share buybacks totaling approximately 793,000 shares for $14.5 million throughout the year. These measures demonstrated management’s commitment to strategic capital deployment and enhancing shareholder value.
Inventory levels were reduced from $60.8 million to $54.9 million during the reporting quarter. This action followed previous initiatives to address supply chain vulnerabilities stemming from a domestic manufacturing facility closure. The company successfully identified alternative supply partners to ensure uninterrupted operational continuity.
Integration of Northeastern Envelope Company into corporate systems reached completion. This consolidation enhanced expense oversight and pricing strategy execution throughout business operations. Nevertheless, persistent erosion in printed product demand coupled with margin pressures continued to weigh on market perception.
An Ethereum whale has opened a significant long position on Ether (ETH) worth $90.8 million, in what looks like a bold bet that the upside is not over for the top altcoin.
Key takeaways:
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Ethereum whale opened a leveraged long position totaling $90.8 million.
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Ether price chart’s ascending triangle targets $3,230.
Top traders open new ETH long positions
Data from TradingView showed the ETH/USD pair trading at $2,280, or 32% higher than the $1,750 low reached on Feb. 6.
Holding above $2,200, Ether offered some cause for optimism ahead of key volatility triggers.
“Strong retail sales could push yields higher and delay Fed cuts, while weak data would fuel risk-on bets,” analyst AlphaBTC said in a Monday post on X, referring to the main macro drivers this week, adding:
“Fed commentary and PMI data add growth signals, while geopolitical risks remain the wildcard catalyst for sudden volatility.”
As market participants waited for the next catalysts, attention has shifted to a trader with an impressive track record, who has opened a long position worth about $90.8 million in ETH, with 20x leverage.
Analyst TAnotepad noted that another whale, 0x6C851, has opened a $61 million ETH long position at 20x leverage with entry around $2,303 on HyperLiquid.
These moves coincide with continued flows into spot Ethereum ETFs, which have recorded net inflows for seven consecutive days, totaling $426 million.
Meanwhile, global Ethereum investment products recorded $328 million in inflows during the week ending April 17.
This reinforces the narrative that whales and institutions view the recent ETH price rebound above $2,400 as a promising move that could open the way toward $3,000.
Ether’s ascending triangle targets $3,200 ETH price
Ether’s price action has formed a classic ascending triangle on the daily chart, as shown below.
The pattern will resolve once the ETH/USD pair breaks above the triangle’s resistance line at $2,400. If this happens, the price could rise by as much as the maximum distance between the triangle’s trend lines.
That puts Ether’s breakout target at about $3,230, up by more than 41% from current price levels.
The relative strength index has increased to 54, from oversold conditions at 18 on Feb. 6, suggesting increasing upward momentum.
However, the breakout could be curtailed by resistance from the $2,350-$2,500 resistance zone, marked by the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA).
Above that, the next major hurdle is the 200-day EMA at $2,640.
Zooming out, analyst Micro2Macr0 said that a breakout from a multi-year ascending triangle could lead to a 60%-%100% ETH price rally.
As Cointelegraph reported, ETH price closing above $2,400 resistance, puts it on the path for a recovery toward $2,800, then to $3,050 over the next few days or weeks.
This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research before making any decisions. Cointelegraph makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented, including forward-looking statements, and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content.
Crypto heads into the new week with its Friday rally on shakier ground.
The announced reopening of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil lower and pushed risk assets higher, including bitcoin and the wider crypto market. The opening reversed on Saturday, with Iran firing at ships attempting to pass and the U.S. seizing an Iranian-flagged tanker on Sunday.
With the ceasefire set to expire by mid-week, traders will be watching whether the risk-on rotation can survive a renewed energy shock.
The technical level to watch is clear. Luke Nolan, senior ETH research associate at CoinShares, told CoinDesk the follow-through hinges on bitcoin holding its ETF cost basis near $74,000.
“With Hormuz reopening, oil is off and equities have caught a bid back to ATHs, pulling crypto higher with it,” Nolan said. “Follow-through now hinges on BTC decisively holding above its ETF cost basis (~$74k), which would confirm the risk-on rotation already visible in flows. ETF flows have turned positive the last three sessions, and a pickup in that pace would be supportive of the move higher.”
A decisive hold above $74,000 into the ceasefire deadline, paired with a fourth straight session of positive ETF inflows, would validate the rotation thesis. A break below would bring volatility back into the sector.
What to Watch
(All times ET)
- Crypto
- April 30: Comment period on the CFTC’s Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on prediction markets closes.
- Macro
- April 20, 7:30 a.m.: Canada Consumer Price Index YoY for March (Prev. 1.8%); Core Rate (Prev. 2.3%)
- April 21, 1:30 p.m.: Fed Gov. Christopher J. Waller speech on”Modernizing Reserve Bank Operations” at Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C.
- April 22, 1:00 a.m.: UK Consumer Price Inflation YoY for March (Prev. 3.0%); Core rate (Prev. 3.2%)
- April 22, 7:30 p.m.: Japan S&P Global Services PMI Flash for April (Prev. 53); Manufacturing PMI (Prev. 51.6)
- April 23, 7:30 a.m.: Canada Producer Price Index YoY for MArch (Prev. 5.4%); MoM (Prev. 0.4%)
- April 23,7:30 a.m.: U.S. Initial Jobless Claims for week ending April 18 (Prev. 207K)
- April 23, 8:45 a.m.: U.S. S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI for April (Prev. 52.3); Services PMI (Prev. 49.8)
- April 23, 3:30 p.m.: U.S. Fed Balance Sheet for period ending April 22 (Prev. $6.71T)
- April 23, 6:30 p.m.: Japan Consumer Price Index YoY for March (Prev. 1.3%); Core CPI (Prev. 1.6%)
- April 24, 3:00 a.m.: Germany Ifo Business Climate for April (Prev. 86.4)
- April 24, 9 a.m.: U.S. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final for April est. 47.6 (Prev. 53.3)
- Earnings (Estimates based on FactSet data where available)
- April 22: Tesla (TSLA), pre-market, $0.3
- April 22: CME Group (CME), pre-market, $3.29
- April 23: Nasdaq (NDAQ), pre-market, $0.93
Token Events
- Governance Votes & Calls
- SafeDAO is voting to allocate 5 million SAFE tokens to fund a six-month staking rewards program and interface development for Safenet Beta. Voting ends April 20.
- Unlock DAO is voting on a payment plan to compensate members for their contributions to the collaboration platform throughout March and April. Voting ends April 20.
- RootstockCollective DAO is voting on a 20,000 USDRIF grant to fund a security audit for TYKORA Prize Vaults, a no-loss savings protocol. Voting ends April 20.
- ENS DAO is voting to update its DNSSEC implementation by repointing algorithm 7 to a previously patched contract, adding proper padding validation to correct an omission from a prior security update. Voting ends April 21.
- Decentraland DAO is voting to overhaul its transparency infrastructure by establishing named ownership for all record-keeping systems, publishing strict maintenance standards, and creating a single accessible portal for the community to locate data. Voting ends April 22.
- Telcoin Platform Council DAO is voting to allocate 50 million TEL to hire a strategic telecom advisor to drive GSMA adoption. Voting ends April 22.
- Aavegotchi DAO is voting to appoint nine multi-sig signers for 2026-2027, maintain a 5-of-9 security threshold, set their quarterly compensation at $1,000 in GHST and establish a succession plan. Voting ends April 22.
- Lightchain AI DAO is voting to explore adding an optional Moonpay fiat on-ramp to its AI chat, focusing on feasibility and risks without committing any funds or approving implementation yet. Voting ends April 23.
- Gitcoin DAO is voting to claw back remaining unclaimed fees from the discontinued public goods network (PGN). Voting ends April 24.
- Parallel DAO is voting to begin sunsetting its V2 EUR stablecoin by halting most new issuance and imposing a punitive 50% borrow rate to encourage users to repay their existing debt. Voting ends April 24.
- Unlocks
- April 20: LayerZero (ZRO) to unlock 5.35% of its circulating supply worth $48.33 million.
- April 22: Undeads Games (UDS) to unlock 13.47% of its circulating supply worth $37.09 million.
- April 23: Toncoin (TON) to unlock 1.47% of its circulating supply worth $49.75 million.
- April 25: Humanity Protocol (H) to unlock 4.02% of its circulating supply worth around $11.88 million.
- April 25: Avalanche (AVAX) to unlock 0.39% of its circulating supply worth $15.6 million.
- April 26: Plasma (XPL) to unlock 3.73% of its circulating supply worth $10.10 million.
- Token Launches
Conferences
Crypto exchanges Binance, Gate.io, and Bitget have all reportedly opened investigations into the $6 billion collapse of RaveDAO’s RAVE token this weekend.
The live music themed token saw its daily trading volume exceed $300 million in the run-up to its all-time high on Saturday, a market capitalization of $6.7 billion and a price of $27.
This was short-lived, however, as the token plummeted by -97% in the days that followed.
Before RAVE’s collapse, on-chain investigator ZachXBT warned of “Pump and dump activity” from RAVE insiders trading the token on Binance, Bitget, and Gate.io.
He accused RaveDAO of manipulating the token’s price by controlling over 90% of the token’s supply, which was allocated to three wallets connected to RaveDAO’s team.
Read more: Vercel breach leaves DeFi frontends dangling on a $2M ransom
Zach also posted a bounty, which he later increased to $25,000, for any whistleblowers to come forward and share evidence about the parties involved. Today, OXK CEO Star Xu also said he would contribute an extra $25,000 on top of Zach’s original bounty.
Binance co-CEO Richard Teng, Bitget CEO Gracy Chen, and Gate.io CBO Kevin Lee all announced that they would investigate the token following Zach’s warnings.
However, Zach wasn’t impressed by the response time, and noted, “Exchanges need faster intervention on manipulation.”
He added, “While it’s good the exchanges responded, I find it unlikely this activity wasn’t spotted internally before I raised it publicly.”
The token had already started to spiral by the time the crypto exchange’s announced investigations.
RaveDAO says it has nothing to do with RAVE’s collapse
RaveDAO is a music venue project that gave participants NFTs at its hosted gigs while donating a portion of the proceeds to charities.
On Saturday, after the token collapsed, RaveDAO claimed its team “is not engaged in, nor responsible for, recent price action.”
It added that it plans to liquidate some unlocked tokens “based on TRS” so it can “fund operations, global hiring, marketing, strategic acquisitions and philanthropic efforts.”
Solana user @FabianoSolana claims there are three major faces behind RaveDAO, co-founders Yemu Xu, Felix Xu, and core contributor Ronald Elliot Yung.
Zach failed to elicit a response from Yemu Xu on X days before the collapse. Felix Xu’s X posts are currently private, and neither Yemu Xu nor Yung has posted since February 2026.
Read more: Crypto trader shorted the top, still lost 3,963%
Yemu Xu is the co-founder of the ARPA network and Bella Protocol, and is also an ambassador for the environmental magazine Ocean Geographic. Felix Xu also co-founded ARPA network and Bella Protocol, and the pair have featured in Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia listing.
Yung claims to have studied at Harvard University and works for Penrose Tech, which was also co-founded by both Xu’s. Yung spoke to CoinDesk in 2025 about RaveDAO’s goals.
Ironically, he said, “The winners will be platforms that treat culture as a living ecosystem, not a quick flip, and that balance on-chain innovation with the off-chain work of building trust.”
Don’t short RAVE and don’t buy $M, ZachXBT warns
Zach already warned users to avoid shorting the RAVE token due to its manipulated supply. Some traders attempted to short the RAVE token at its peak, but still lost profits tallying -3,963%.
Now Zach has moved on to another shady token created by MemeCore. $M reportedly had a market capitalization of $6 billion, while over 90% of its supply was controlled by insiders.
The token was promoted by Grayscale and Zach is again warning users against placing shorts against it.
Zach has since threatened to report MemeCore’s staff to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency after MemeCore’s CEO poked at Zach’s comments.
Got a tip? Send us an email securely via Protos Leaks. For more informed news and investigations, follow us on X, Bluesky, and Google News, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
An Ethereum whale has taken a sizable bullish stance, opening a leveraged long position worth 90.8 million dollars in ETH, using 20x leverage. A second notable whale appears to have joined the bid, opening a roughly 61 million ETH long at 20x leverage on HyperLiquid, with an entry around $2,303. The moves come as ETH traded near $2,280, roughly 32% above the February low near $1,750, and as inflows into spot ETH products keep accumulating in a backdrop of improving market optimism.
Key takeaways:
- Ethereum-equivalent wagers: one trader opened a leveraged long position totaling $90.8 million in ETH, at 20x leverage.
- Another whale added about $61 million in ETH longs at 20x leverage, with entry around $2,303.
- Price setup near-term: ETH sits above $2,200, with an ascending triangle pattern on the daily chart pointing toward higher targets if resistance at $2,400 is cleared.
- Capital inflows reinforce bulls: seven consecutive days of spot ETH ETF inflows totaling about $426 million, and ETH investment products logging $328 million in inflows for the week ending April 17.
Market context: whales stacking bets as macro cues loom
Across market data, ETH has enjoyed a steady bid in recent sessions, with the ETH/USD pair trading around $2,280 after a strong rally off the February lows. A trader known for track record and risk appetite highlighted that macro forces could swing sentiment in either direction this week. AlphaBTC, posting on X, noted that stronger retail sales could push yields higher and delay anticipated Fed rate cuts, while weak data would likely spur risk-on positioning. The analyst added that Fed commentary and PMI data offer growth signals, but geopolitical developments remain a wildcard that could spark sudden volatility.
In this environment, one high-profile trader has unveiled a substantial long on ETH, signaling a strong nearby conviction about upside potential. The $90.8 million position is notable not only for its size, but for the use of 20x leverage, which magnifies both potential gains and risk should market conditions turn unfavorably. A second whale has also stepped in, with a roughly $61 million ETH long at 20x leverage, entering around the $2,303 area on HyperLiquid, according to trader posts tracked by market observers.
These positions arrive as investors monitor a broader backdrop of rising activity in ETH-related instruments. Spot Ethereum ETFs have seen inflows for seven straight weeks, totaling roughly $426 million over the period observed, a sign that institutional appetite for direct exposure to ether remains resilient even amid the volatility tied to macro headlines. The flow backdrop complements another trend: continuous inflows into global Ethereum investment products, with weekly inflows reported at about $328 million for the week ending April 17, underscoring a persistent preference for ETH among asset allocators.
Technical setup: how the chart shapes a potential breakout
From a purely technical lens, ether’s price action on the daily chart is forming an ascending triangle, a pattern traders watch as a potential continuation signal. The critical threshold to clear is the resistance line near $2,400. If ETH breaks above this level, the pattern’s classical measure suggests a rally equal to the height of the triangle’s base, potentially pushing ETH toward roughly $3,230 in a continuation move. In numerical terms, that would be a gain of a bit more than 41% from current levels.
Other nearby hurdles may shape whether a breakout actually unfolds. The immediate region around $2,350–$2,500 sits under the influence of the 50-day exponential moving average, which has in some periods acted as a ceiling for near-term momentum. If buying pressure pushes ETH beyond that band, the next sizable obstacle sits at the 200-day EMA near $2,640, a level that could determine whether buyers sustain the push into higher territory.
On the momentum side, the relative strength index has moved up from oversold conditions in February to the mid-50s, signaling a better probability of upward movement but not a guarantee of a decisive breakout. Micro2Macr0, analyzing broader chart patterns, has suggested that a sustained breakout from a multi-year ascending triangle could trigger a substantial rally, though the path may be choppy given the proximity to several key resistance zones.
Analyst commentary from Cointelegraph’s coverage of price projections also points to a potential recovery path if ETH clears the $2,400 level. A successful breach could pave the way toward intermediate targets in the $2,800 region, with a further push toward $3,050 over the ensuing sessions or weeks, depending on the pace of buying interest and macro catalysts.
Flows, ETFs, and the institutional backdrop
The ongoing inflow momentum into Ethereum-related products appears to be reinforcing a narrative that large holders expect a continued price recovery from the mid-$2,000s. Spot ETH inflows, which track demand for immediate exposure to ether, have persisted across multiple weeks, signaling that buyers remain engaged even as macro headlines intermittently threaten risk assets.
Beyond spot, the broader ETH investment product segment—ranging from exchange-traded products to other listed vehicles—has also drawn meaningful funds. The week ending April 17 saw ETH-focused products record inflows of about $328 million, a signal that institutions and professional traders are logistics-ready to chase a rising ETH bid in various instruments. This backdrop supports the argument that any near-term sell-off could be met with a quick reaccumulation by professional participants and strategic buyers seeking to front-run a potential breakout scenario.
For market watchers, the combination of outsized whale positions, rising momentum on the technical front, and persistent inflows into ETH-centric products forms a cohesive narrative: the market is positioning for further upside, but the path remains contingent on clearing a few important resistance levels and navigating macro volatility.
What comes next: watching key thresholds and potential catalysts
As ETH eyes higher ground, market participants should focus on the $2,400 barrier and the surrounding order flow. A clean breakout above this level would remove a major roadblock and open the door to the next target near $3,230, with further extension toward $3,050 on the sooner-to-mid-term horizon depending on momentum and liquidity conditions. Conversely, a struggle to push through $2,350–$2,500 could extend consolidation, providing a lower-risk setup for traders looking to re-enter on dips.
Investors should also keep an eye on macro signals that could alter the calculus in the coming weeks. If retail demand and macro data push yields higher and the Fed commments lean toward tighter near-term policy, risk assets could face headwinds. In contrast, softer data or a more accommodative tone could sustain a constructive tilt for ETH alongside other risk-on assets.
In sum, the current landscape suggests that large-scaled bets by whales, coupled with reinforcing flows into ETH vehicles and a rising chart trajectory, could keep ETH in focus as a prominent beta play within the broader crypto market. The next test will be whether ETH can clear the $2,400 resistance decisively and trigger the projected triangle-derived rally, or whether macro dynamics and technical friction at nearby EMAs will cap the move in the near term.
The market will likely respond to fresh price action around the critical levels and to any new liquidity injections or regulatory signals. Traders and investors should stay tuned for rapid shifts in sentiment as weekly inflows and notable on-chain moves continue to shape Ethereum’s short- to medium-term trajectory.
Over $422 million in crypto positions were liquidated in the past 24 hours as markets experienced volatile two-way price action.
Short sellers suffered significant losses during a market bounce that caught them off guard.
Crypto Short Squeeze Accelerates in Recent Hours
The liquidation data reveals a shifting dynamic over the past day. In the most recent four-hour window, short liquidations totaled $69.10 million, compared to just $19.96 million in long liquidations. This indicates that the recent price recovery caught bearish traders by surprise.
Total short liquidations over 24 hours reached $143.88 million as Bitcoin and Ethereum rallied off support levels. The acceleration is visible in the data progression: one-hour short liquidations hit $5.63 million, up from $3.18 million in longs, suggesting upward momentum continues.
Did Longs Get Liquidated Before the Bounce?
Despite the short squeeze in recent hours, long positions still accounted for the majority of 24-hour liquidations at $278.66 million. This suggests that overleveraged bulls were wiped out during earlier downside volatility before prices found support.
The volatility comes amid ongoing Middle East tensions that have weighed on risk assets across global markets.
The 12-hour data shows $233.75 million in total liquidations with longs at $138.63 million and shorts at $95.13 million. The ratio shifted significantly toward shorts in the most recent hours as buying pressure returned. Institutional flows remain supportive despite the turbulence, with crypto ETFs recording their biggest week since January.
For traders, the pattern illustrates the danger of leverage in both directions. Bears who shorted near the lows were squeezed just hours after bulls who bought near the highs were liquidated. Despite the short-term chaos, on-chain data shows long-term holders continue accumulating, suggesting confidence in higher prices ahead.
What This Means for Crypto Market Direction
The short squeeze dynamic often signals that downside pressure is exhausting. When short sellers are forced to buy back their positions to cover losses, it adds fuel to rallies and can trigger further upside.
However, the elevated total liquidation volume of $422 million in 24 hours indicates that volatility remains high. Both bulls and bears are getting caught on the wrong side of rapid price swings.
The post Crypto Bears Lose $420 Million in Brutal Short Squeeze appeared first on BeInCrypto.
Crypto World
Dune Analytics Reveals 47% of LayerZero OApps Use Minimal DVN Security Following KelpDAO Hack
Analysis of 2,665 LayerZero OApp contracts shows nearly half rely on single-validator security configurations, the same setup that exposed KelpDAO’s rsETH to exploitation.
Dune Analytics published an open analysis on Monday examining Decentralized Validator Network (DVN) security configurations across ~2,665 active OApp contracts on LayerZero over the past 90 days. The research found that 47% of OApps operate with a 1-of-1 DVN security floor—the most minimal configuration requiring only a single validator—while 45% use 2-of-2 configurations and approximately 5% employ 3-of-3 or higher. KelpDAO’s rsETH token, which was targeted in a recent exploit, fell into the 1-of-1 bracket.
The analysis provides open-source methodology and queryable data, inviting community feedback on DVN security standards across the LayerZero ecosystem. The findings highlight structural vulnerabilities in cross-chain bridge security, as single-validator configurations create single points of failure for protocol assets and user funds routed through LayerZero’s omnichain infrastructure.
Sources: Dune Analytics
This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.
Kelp DAO says a LayerZero “default” single‑validator setup helped enable a $290m rsETH bridge hack, forcing a messy blame game and a rushed security migration.
Summary
- Kelp DAO disputes LayerZero’s post‑mortem on the $290m rsETH bridge hack, saying a risky 1/1 validator setup was LayerZero’s own default
- The exploit drained 116,500 rsETH, around $290–$293m and roughly 18% of rsETH’s supply, in what analysts call 2026’s largest DeFi loss so far
- LayerZero now says it will stop signing messages for any app using a single‑validator DVN and force a migration to multi‑verifier security
Kelp DAO has pushed back against LayerZero’s official explanation of a $290 million bridge exploit, arguing that the “single‑validator” setup that let an attacker walk off with 116,500 rsETH was not reckless customization but a default configuration in LayerZero’s own guidelines.
The liquidity re‑staking protocol told CoinDesk the 1‑of‑1 Decentralized Verifier Network (DVN) used on its rsETH cross‑chain route “followed LayerZero’s documented defaults” and that the validator stack compromised by the attacker “is part of LayerZero’s own infrastructure,” rather than an unvetted third party.
The attack, which hit on April 18, minted or released 116,500 rsETH to an attacker‑controlled address — about 18% of the token’s supply — and translated into losses of roughly $290–$293 million at the time, making it the largest DeFi exploit of 2026 so far.
In its investigation report and follow‑up statements, LayerZero has insisted that “LayerZero’s protocol was not broken,” arguing instead that Kelp DAO “deployed a single‑point‑of‑failure DVN in production” for a token with more than $1 billion in total value locked.
The interoperability firm said “operating a single‑point‑of‑failure configuration meant there was no independent verifier to catch and reject a forged message” and claimed it had previously communicated “best practices around DVN diversification” to Kelp DAO and other partners.
Security researchers and auditors, including SlowMist co‑founder Yu Xian, have confirmed that the rsETH bridge route used a 1/1 DVN — effectively a single signature — rather than a 2/2 or multi‑DVN stack, calling it a “single‑signature single point” vulnerability that may have been aided by social engineering.
A detailed post‑mortem from DeFi tracking site DeFiPrime notes that LayerZero’s OApp model lets applications choose how many DVNs must sign off on a message, with 2‑of‑3 or 3‑of‑5 configurations commonly recommended for high‑value deployments, but says Kelp’s adapter “was configured to accept the attestation of a single verifier” run by LayerZero Labs.
That design meant “one forged signature was enough to make any cross‑chain message look real,” allowing the attacker to feed the bridge a fake instruction that mimicked a valid message from another chain and triggered the release of 116,500 rsETH “out of thin air” to their wallet.
Kelp DAO’s team counters that they implemented LayerZero’s own public code and defaults across multiple networks and that the DVN exploited “was operated by LayerZero itself,” implying that responsibility sits at least partly with the infrastructure provider rather than solely with the application.
LayerZero has now taken the unusual step of promising it “will stop signing messages for any applications using a single‑validator setup” and is forcing a “security migration” that will require all OApps to move to multi‑DVN architectures if they want to keep using the protocol.
The fallout goes well beyond one re‑staking token.
As crypto.news reported in an earlier story on the rsETH exploit and LayerZero’s attribution of the attack to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, the incident has reignited a broader debate over bridge design, default configurations and who ultimately bears responsibility when modular cross‑chain infrastructure goes wrong.
Related crypto.news stories you can link in copy include coverage of the Kelp DAO–LayerZero exploit and Lazarus attribution, analysis of earlier cross‑chain bridge hacks, and reporting on how re‑staking and liquid‑staking protocols concentrate smart‑contract risk across multiple chains.
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 2085.29, down 3.6% (-78.65) since 4 p.m. ET on Friday.
None of 20 assets are trading higher.
Leaders: BNB (-2.3%) and BTC (-2.5%).
Laggards: AAVE (-22.9%) and ICP (-7.9%).
The CoinDesk 20 is a broad-based index traded on multiple platforms in several regions globally.
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