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888casino vs ZunaBet: Comparing Bonuses and Features
Bonuses and features are often the first things players look at when choosing an online casino. They shape the initial experience, influence how far a bankroll stretches, and determine whether a platform feels rewarding over time or just during the first deposit. 888casino and ZunaBet both compete for player attention in 2026, but they do so with very different toolkits. One is a long-established brand operating within traditional frameworks. The other is a crypto-native newcomer that arrived this year with a bonus structure, game library, and reward system designed to outperform what legacy platforms typically offer. Here is how they actually compare when you break down what each one puts in front of players.
888casino: A Familiar Name With a Traditional Approach
888casino has been part of the online gambling landscape since 1997, making it one of the oldest platforms still in operation. It operates under 888 Holdings, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange with licenses from the UK Gambling Commission, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and other jurisdictions. The brand carries nearly three decades of recognition and has maintained a steady presence across European and international markets.
The casino library at 888casino covers standard ground. Slots make up the largest portion, joined by table games, video poker, and live dealer experiences. The platform operates its own proprietary software alongside games from external providers, which gives it some exclusive titles not found elsewhere. Total game counts vary by market but generally land in the range of a couple of thousand titles. It is a mature library that covers mainstream categories without pushing into exceptional territory on volume.
888casino also connects to 888sport, the company’s sportsbook product. Football, tennis, basketball, horse racing, and other popular sports are covered with competitive odds. The sportsbook is functional and well-integrated but operates as a companion product rather than a standout feature in its own right.
Welcome bonuses at 888casino have historically been modest compared to some competitors. Offers vary by market and change periodically, but they typically involve a deposit match with a cap that sits well below what many newer platforms now offer. The terms tend to come with standard wagering requirements that players need to work through before any bonus funds become withdrawable.
Payments run through conventional channels. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, bank transfers, and other traditional methods handle deposits and withdrawals. Processing times follow the usual patterns — e-wallets are quickest while bank and card methods can take several business days. The system is comprehensive but operates within the standard limitations of traditional financial infrastructure.
888casino rewards loyal players through a VIP program with tiered levels. Players earn comp points through real-money wagering that can be exchanged for bonus funds. Higher tiers offer improved conversion rates, faster withdrawals, and access to exclusive promotions. It is a structured program, which puts it ahead of operators that rely solely on ad hoc promotions, though the actual return rates remain modest compared to what newer platforms are now introducing.
ZunaBet: Bigger Numbers at Every Level
ZunaBet launched in 2026 under Strathvale Group Ltd with an Anjouan gaming license. The team behind it brings over 20 years of combined gambling industry experience, and they used that experience to build a crypto-native platform that challenges established operators on bonuses, features, and player value simultaneously. Everything from the welcome offer to the loyalty program to the payment system was designed to outperform what traditional platforms deliver.
The game library sets the scale immediately. ZunaBet hosts 11,294 games from 63 providers. Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Hacksaw Gaming, BGaming, and Yggdrasil headline the list, while more than fifty additional studios push the variety well beyond what most single platforms offer. Slots dominate the count as expected, but live dealer rooms and RNG table games carry genuine depth. Comparing this to a traditional library of a couple of thousand titles illustrates just how wide the content gap has become between legacy and next-generation platforms.
The sportsbook was built as a full standalone product. Football, basketball, tennis, hockey, and other major global sports get comprehensive market coverage. Esports occupy a permanent position with dedicated markets on CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant. Virtual sports and combat sports extend the offering further. The sportsbook is not an afterthought attached to the casino — it stands on its own merits for players whose primary interest is sports betting.
The welcome bonus immediately distinguishes ZunaBet from more conservative operators. New players can claim up to $5,000 plus 75 free spins across three deposits. The first deposit matches at 100% up to $2,000 with 25 spins. The second matches at 50% up to $1,500 with 25 spins. The third matches at 100% up to $1,500 with 25 spins. The total package dwarfs what most traditional casinos offer and sustains bonus value across three separate deposits rather than concentrating everything into a single moment.
Payments are entirely crypto-based. Over 20 coins are accepted including BTC, ETH, USDT across multiple chains, SOL, DOGE, ADA, XRP, and more. ZunaBet charges no processing fees. Withdrawals move through the blockchain without bank involvement, business hour restrictions, or geographic speed variations. Fast, free, and consistent for every player on the platform.
Native apps cover iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS. The dark-themed responsive interface loads quickly across all devices. Live chat support operates around the clock.
Bonus Structures: Conservative vs Aggressive
The welcome bonus comparison alone tells a significant story about how these platforms position themselves.
888casino has traditionally kept its welcome offers relatively contained. Deposit matches with moderate caps and standard wagering requirements are the norm. The offers are fine for casual players looking for a small boost, but they do not dramatically extend a new player’s runway or create a compelling incentive to make multiple deposits.
ZunaBet’s $5,000 plus 75 free spins welcome package operates on a completely different scale. The three-deposit structure is particularly notable because it rewards players who stick around rather than just showing up once. Each deposit triggers its own match and its own batch of free spins, creating three separate waves of bonus value rather than a single event. For players evaluating where their first deposits will go the furthest, the math favours ZunaBet by a considerable margin.
Loyalty: Comp Points vs Direct Rakeback
Beyond the welcome bonus, the ongoing loyalty experience determines how much value a platform returns to regular players over time.
888casino uses a comp points system tied to its VIP tiers. Real-money wagering earns points that convert to bonus funds at rates that improve as players climb through the levels. Higher tiers bring perks like faster withdrawals, dedicated account managers, and exclusive promotions. It is a structured system and more transparent than platforms that rely purely on rotating promotions. However, the conversion rates and overall return remain conservative, and the value can feel modest relative to the volume of play needed to reach the upper tiers.
ZunaBet approaches loyalty through its dragon evolution program with six tiers — Squire at 1% rakeback, Warden at 2%, Champion at 4%, Divine at 5%, Knight at 10%, and Ultimate at 20%. A dragon mascot named Zuno evolves alongside the player’s progression. Higher tiers add up to 1,000 free spins, VIP club access, and double wheel spins.
The core difference is the mechanism. Comp points require conversion and the resulting value depends on exchange rates set by the platform. Rakeback is direct — a percentage of your wagering comes back without conversion steps or variable rates. At 20%, the return is substantial and easy to calculate. A player does not need to track points, check conversion tables, or wonder what their loyalty is worth. The number is right there, applied automatically, every session. For regular players who care about maximizing the return on their activity, rakeback at these rates represents a meaningful upgrade over traditional comp point economics.
Payment Speed and Cost
888casino processes payments through conventional methods that work reliably but slowly by modern standards. E-wallet withdrawals are fastest, card and bank methods stretch across multiple business days, and international players may encounter conversion fees depending on their location and currency. It is the standard experience that traditional platforms have offered for years.
ZunaBet eliminates the wait entirely. Crypto withdrawals process on-chain without banks, without card networks, and without fees from the platform. There is no variation in speed based on geography or payment method because there is only one payment channel and it works the same way for everyone. For players who have experienced the difference between waiting days for a traditional withdrawal and receiving crypto within the same session, the choice becomes straightforward.
What the Comparison Reveals
888casino has earned its longevity. Nearly three decades in operation, publicly traded, and licensed across major jurisdictions all speak to a platform with genuine staying power. For players who value brand history, traditional VIP structures, and conventional banking, it remains a reasonable choice with a track record to back it up.
But the specifics of what each platform offers tell a clear story in 2026. ZunaBet’s welcome bonus is several times larger. Its game library is several times bigger. Its rakeback system returns more to players more transparently than comp points can match. Its payment system moves money faster and cheaper than any traditional method available at 888casino.
ZunaBet was designed for a generation of players who evaluate platforms on measurable output rather than brand familiarity. More games, bigger bonuses, better loyalty returns, and faster payments — every metric that directly affects the player experience tilts in ZunaBet’s direction. For anyone making a fresh choice about where to play in 2026, the numbers make a compelling case.
Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.
TLDR:
- Marathon transfers 298 BTC to Cumberland, adding miner-linked supply to the market.
- Spot Taker CVD shows buyers absorbing miner sell pressure efficiently.
- Bitcoin NVT drops 33.8%, indicating rising transaction activity across the network.
- Funding Rates turn negative, signaling increased short positioning in derivatives markets.
Marathon moves 298 BTC to Cumberland, introducing miner-linked supply into Bitcoin markets. Spot buyers continue absorbing sell pressure, while derivatives funding rates indicate rising bearish positioning among traders.
Miner Transfers Add Supply While Spot Buyers Absorb Pressure
Marathon Digital recently transferred 298 BTC, valued at approximately $20.57 million, to Cumberland. Lookonchain data indicated multiple transactions leaving MARA-linked wallets roughly six hours before reporting.
Such miner movements often attract attention because miners tend to liquidate coins to meet operational or liquidity requirements. Despite the influx, the transfer’s size remains moderate relative to overall Bitcoin liquidity.
Historically, similar miner distributions have been absorbed without creating substantial price disruptions. Traders still watch these flows closely, as miner selling has previously preceded short-term volatility spikes.
Spot order-book dynamics indicate strong buyer absorption of the incoming supply. The Spot Taker CVD (90-day) shows that aggressive buyers continue executing trades at the ask.
When taker demand dominates, sellers must incrementally raise offers to match ongoing buying activity. Such market behavior contributes to price stability during periods of miner distribution.
Even amid new supply, buyers maintain control, preventing abrupt declines or disorderly trading conditions. The MARA transfer has so far not disrupted broader demand across Spot exchanges, signaling market resilience.
Additionally, social sentiment reflects trader awareness, with discussions around miner transfers and buyer absorption circulating online. Monitoring these conversations complements quantitative metrics in assessing short-term market behavior.
Combined Spot data and social tracking provide insight into how miner-linked supply interacts with active demand.
On-Chain Metrics and Derivatives Indicate Mixed Market Signals
Bitcoin’s NVT Ratio fell to 27.7 after a 33.8% decline, signaling rising network transaction activity. A lower NVT suggests more coins are moving relative to market capitalization, reflecting a more active ecosystem.
Analysts often combine NVT data with other metrics to evaluate broader market conditions, including miner-related movements. The Stock-to-Flow Ratio increased by roughly 100%, showing heightened structural scarcity.
Fewer newly minted coins relative to the circulating supply reinforce Bitcoin’s long-term scarcity narrative. This metric remains relevant for assessing the ecosystem’s fundamental strength, even during minor distribution events.
Derivatives markets reveal contrasting sentiment, with Funding Rates dropping to −0.0007 after a 294.54% decline. Negative funding indicates growing short positioning, where short traders receive payments from long traders in perpetual futures.
Such heavily negative funding can also create short-squeeze conditions if spot prices stabilize or rise. Market participants interpret these dynamics as a divergence: Spot demand absorbs supply efficiently while derivatives sentiment grows bearish.
Traders track both on-chain metrics and funding rates to gauge potential volatility and supply-demand shifts. Overall, miner transfers, network activity, and scarcity measures continue to support Bitcoin’s structural fundamentals despite mixed short-term signals.
Mobile phone chipmaker MediaTek patched a vulnerability affecting its chipsets in January that could have allowed an attacker to steal crypto seed phrases on affected devices using just a USB cable and the right software.
The flaw was discovered by Ledger’s white-hat security team, Donjon, who had shared the vulnerability with MediaTek before a patch was rolled out on Jan. 5, though users who have not installed the latest security patches are advised to do so, said Ledger.
Test device compromised in 45 seconds
According to Ledger, the flaw came from MediaTek’s secure boot chain, a security mechanism built into its chips that ensures a phone starts safely and only with authorized software during startup.
In a statement shared with Cointelegraph, Ledger explained that the flaw meant an attacker with access to an Android phone could connect it to a computer via USB and bypass security protections, potentially gaining access to sensitive data on the device, including crypto wallet seed phrases.
Around 25% of Android phones use the Trustonic Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and MediaTek processors, which the security flaw exploits.
Donjon demonstrated the hack by connecting a Nothing CMF Phone 1 to a laptop and compromising the device’s security in approximately 45 seconds.
“Without ever even booting into Android, the exploit automatically recovered the phone’s PIN, decrypted its storage, and extracted the seed phrases from the most popular software wallets: Trust Wallet, Base, Kraken Wallet, Rabby, Tangem’s Mobile Wallet and Phantom,” Ledger said.
While Ledger urged users to update their devices, a Ledger spokesperson told Cointelegraph they “don’t anticipate this to be an ongoing issue.”
Mobile phones are never safe, Ledger says
With almost 36 million people managing digital assets on their phones as of early 2025, even a single vulnerability could put a significant number of wallets at risk.
In December 2025, Ledger revealed that it tested an attack on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (MT6878), and bypassed its security measures to gain “full and absolute control over the smartphone, with no security barrier left standing.”
Ledger chief technology officer Charles Guillemet told Cointelegraph in June 2020 that mobile phones, whether Android or iPhone, are “very difficult to have secure applications.”
Related: SlowMist introduces Web3 security stack for autonomous AI agents
He reinforced a similar view on Wednesday, posting on X: “Smartphones aren’t built for security. Even when powered off, user data – including pins & seeds – can be extracted in under a minute.”
“This research highlights a fundamental architectural difference: General-purpose chips are built for convenience. Secure Elements are built for key protection. A dedicated Secure Element isolates secrets from the rest of the system, protecting them even under physical attack,” he said.
Magazine: All 21 million Bitcoin is at risk from quantum computers
TLDR:
- U.S. inflation steady at 2.4% in February 2026, unchanged from January’s rate.
- Core CPI held at 2.5%, marking the lowest reading since 2021, showing easing pressures.
- Energy prices rebounded, with natural gas rising 10.9% and fuel oil up 6.2%.
- Shelter and food costs contributed steadily to monthly CPI changes, supporting stability.
U.S. inflation in February 2026 remained stable at 2.4%, reflecting moderate price growth and balanced sector performance.
Energy and core inflation trends offset other declines, indicating a steady and predictable price environment for the early 2026 economy.
Energy Prices Influence Headline Inflation
Energy costs were a primary factor in February 2026 inflation trends. Overall energy inflation rose to 0.5%, reversing the -0.1% decline from January.
This shift contributed to maintaining headline inflation at 2.4% year-over-year. Gasoline prices declined at -5.6%, a smaller decrease than January’s -7.5%, while fuel oil surged 6.2%, counteracting disinflation in other categories.
Natural gas prices continued strong growth, rising 10.9%, slightly higher than January’s 9.8% increase. These energy price movements reflect ongoing volatility within the sector.
Despite the rebound in energy, overall inflation remained moderate, suggesting that price increases are currently controlled. This stability aligns with market expectations and indicates a predictable inflation environment.
Monthly changes show how energy prices affected headline CPI. Gasoline contributed 0.8%, fuel oil added incremental pressure, and natural gas continued to elevate costs for households and businesses.
Without these energy rebounds, the 2.4% inflation rate might have fallen further. Food and shelter trends further shaped inflation dynamics.
Food prices held at 3.1%, while shelter increased by 0.2% monthly, reflecting consistent demand. Together, these sectors moderated the net impact of volatile energy prices.
Used vehicle prices declined by -3.2%, accelerating from January’s -2% drop, further balancing inflation. The vehicle market continues to normalize after supply disruptions, helping prevent excessive overall price growth.
Producer and consumer indicators support this stabilization. PPI fell slightly to 2.9%, while consumer inflation expectations dropped to 3.0%, reflecting confidence in moderate inflation.
The combination of energy, food, and shelter trends demonstrates how sector-specific movements influence headline inflation. February 2026’s 2.4% rate shows that price growth remains contained despite volatility in select areas.
Core Inflation and Economic Stability
Core inflation, excluding food and energy, remained at 2.5% year-over-year in February 2026. Monthly core CPI increased 0.2%, lower than January’s 0.3%, indicating a modest slowdown in underlying price pressures.
This moderation highlights that services and housing costs are growing steadily, without extreme fluctuations. The lowest core inflation reading since 2021 reflects a stable environment for policy and economic planning.
Shelter, contributing the largest weight in the consumer price index, remained at 3.0% annual growth. Food stayed at 3.1%, while energy’s rebound offset declines elsewhere.
Combined, these movements created a balanced CPI outcome for the month. Used car and truck prices, declining 3.2% monthly, point to a normalization in markets previously disrupted by supply shortages.
These declines also provide relief to consumers, helping maintain overall inflation stability. Historical trends illustrate that 2025 saw inflation peaks around 3.0% in September before gradually falling to 2.4% by early 2026.
This cyclical pattern confirms that inflationary pressures are easing steadily across sectors. Producer Price Index movements also support this view, with PPI easing to 2.9%.
Consumer expectations fell to 3.0%, indicating moderated perceptions of future inflation. The stable headline and core inflation, combined with predictable sector trends, signal that price growth is under control.
Energy rebounds and shelter costs balanced disinflation elsewhere, producing steady and manageable U.S. inflation.
Bitcoin price has jumped by 16% from its lowest point this year, and is hovering at the crucial resistance at $70,000. This recovery may continue in the near term amid robust ETF inflows and falling core inflation.
Summary
- Bitcoin price remained above the key resistance level at $70k.
- Data shows that the US core inflation eased to 0.2% in February.
- Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows are nearing $1 billion this month.
Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $70,000 today, March 11, up from the lowest point this year. Its daily volume soared to $47 billion, while the market capitalization moved to $1.3 trillion.
US core inflation cooled, while Bitcoin ETF inflows rose
Bitcoin price may benefit from the ongoing demand from American investors. After shedding over $6 billion in assets in the last four months, data shows that spot Bitcoin ETFs are adding millions in assets this month.
They added $250 million in assets on Tuesday after adding $167 million a day earlier. As a result, they have now added $986 million this month, erasing the $206 million losses made in February.
The ongoing ETF inflows are happening even as the Iran war and instability in the Middle East continues. As such, there are signs that some investors are embracing Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset as geopolitical risks rise.
Meanwhile, data released on Wednesday showed that the US core inflation slowed in February from a month earlier. The figure, which excludes the volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.2% from 0.3% in the previous month.
The headline and core CPI held steady at 2.4% and 2.5% on an annualized basis. These numbers mean that inflationary concerns were ending before the Iran war started earlier this month.
Inflation will likely bounce back in the near term now that crude oil prices have rebounded. Brent jumped to $90, while the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped to $86.
On the positive side for Bitcoin, there is a possibility that this conflict will end soon, driving energy prices and inflation lower.
Bitcoin price may jump to $80k if it flips key resistance
Technicals suggest that Bitcoin may be ripe for a strong comeback if it flips the key resistance level at $74,715, its lowest point in April last year.
It has already moved above the Supertrend indicator for the first time since January this year. Also, it has remained above the ascending trendline that connects the lowest swings since February.
BTC price has moved above the 14-day moving average. Therefore, the coin may keep rising in the coming weeks, potentially to the psychological level at $80,000.
Aave price is trading near $111 as traders react to a $27 million liquidation error that briefly shook confidence in the lending protocol.
Summary
- Aave price dropped after a $27M liquidation caused by a CAPO oracle error.
- 34 accounts using wstETH were liquidated, but the protocol stayed solvent and users will be reimbursed.
- AAVE trades in a descending channel with support at $110–$115, resistance at $125–$130, and weak momentum.
Aave (AAVE) slipped on Wednesday as traders reacted to a recent liquidation incident on the protocol. At press time, AAVE was trading at $111.45, down 2.2% over the past 24 hours.
During the past week, the token moved between $105.31 and $118.70. The price has attempted to recover from the February lows, but it has repeatedly stalled. The market has not yet returned to the levels observed prior to the earlier decline, and momentum is still weak.
Trading activity has cooled slightly. Daily trading volume reached about $29 million, which is 11% lower than the previous day. CoinGlass data also shows softer activity in derivatives markets. Futures volume fell 14% to $300 million, while open interest dropped 4.97% to $190 million.
When both volume and open interest fall at the same time, it usually means traders are stepping back and closing positions.
Liquidation glitch sparks concerns among traders
The decline in sentiment follows an unusual liquidation event on March 10 that affected several users of the Aave lending platform.
The incident was not caused by a hack or a sudden market crash. Instead, it stemmed from a configuration problem in CAPO, Aave’s internal risk management oracle used to monitor collateral prices.
The issue affected positions that used wstETH, the wrapped staked ether token issued by Lido, as collateral. A mismatch between an exchange-rate snapshot and its timestamp caused the system to read the wstETH-to-ETH price incorrectly.
Because of the error, the oracle undervalued the asset by roughly 2.85%. Several accounts suddenly appeared under-collateralized even though their positions were healthy on-chain.
As a result, around 34 user accounts were liquidated, and approximately 10,938 wstETH, worth about $27 million, was sold through automated liquidation processes. Liquidation bots earned close to 499 ETH through bonuses and fees.
After the issue was identified, Chaos Labs, which helps monitor risk parameters on Aave, worked with the protocol team to correct the configuration. The protocol itself remained solvent and did not accumulate bad debt.
Aave said affected users would be compensated using recovered funds and DAO resources. The Aave DAO and Lido both signaled support for reimbursing impacted accounts.
Although the problem was quickly fixed, the event reminded traders that technical errors can still trigger liquidations in DeFi systems.
Technical analysis: Aave price stuck inside descending channel
On the chart, Aave is trading inside a descending channel, a pattern that appears when prices register lower highs and lows. The upper trendline of the channel continues to act as resistance, while the lower boundary has provided support during recent dips.
This structure often shows a bearish bias until a breakout occurs. The token is also trading below its short-term moving averages, such as the 50-day and 20-day averages, which act as overhead resistance.
Sellers will probably maintain control of the trend until the price rises above these levels. Volatility has been relatively muted. Bollinger Bands are slightly narrowing, which can happen when the market pauses before the next larger move.
Momentum indicators also lean negative. Buying strength is still restricted, as indicated by the relative strength index, which is below the 50 mark. However, the indicator is not yet in oversold territory, allowing for additional declines.
Within the channel, $110 to $115 is currently serving as a short-term support zone. If the price breaks below that range, it may move into the next demand zone.
On the upside, resistance sits around $125 to $130, where the upper channel trendline and short-term moving averages meet. A clear move above that range would be needed to shift momentum back in favor of buyers.
Bitcoin (BTC) failed to break the $72,000 resistance on Tuesday, as onchain data suggested that BTC was entering the most “challenging” phase of the cycle.
Key takeaways:
-
Bitcoin price stays range-bound following another rejection at $72,000.
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Rising supply in loss suggests the most “psychologically challenging” phase of the bear market is here.
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Bitcoin must break resistance at $72,000 for a chance to end the downtrend.
Bitcoin faces the most frustrating phase of the cycle
Bitcoin is entering a period of “elevated uncertainty” where market participants display more hesitation than conviction, according to CryptoQuant analyst MorenoDV_.
“A combination of 3 key onchain metrics suggests that the market may be navigating one of the most psychologically challenging phases of the cycle,” MorenoDV_ said.
Related: Arthur Hayes says he’s waiting to buy Bitcoin until Fed eases policy
These include the Bitcoin bull-bear market cycle indicator, a metric that tracks phases of investor sentiment in the BTC market, which shows a bear market consolidation phase following the aggressive drawdown from cycle highs.
This is “a period that historically tends to frustrate both bulls and bears,” the analyst said.
The apparent demand further reinforces this picture. The chart above reveals that the spike in Bitcoin’s apparent demand in mid-February was short-lived, “with demand quickly slipping back into negative territory,” MorenoDV_ said.
The lack of sustained buying pressure indicates that market participants remain cautious and unwilling to aggressively accumulate at current levels.
Moreover, the Long-Term Holder SOPR is now below the key threshold of 1, a sign that even long-term investors are realizing losses.
“Historically, this phase tends to emerge in the later stages of bear markets, when prolonged uncertainty begins to erode even the strongest conviction. ”
Meanwhile, Bitcoin supply in loss is rising again, currently approaching the 40–45% range, up from 22% in mid-January.
Historically, such levels appeared during deep corrective phases, as seen in 2015, 2019, and 2022, reflecting growing market stress and capitulation among sellers.
The chart below shows that macro market bottoms are historically formed when supply in loss rises above 50%.
“Supply in loss is increasing again, indicating rising market stress,” CryptoQuant analyst Woominkyu said, adding:
“If historical patterns repeat, the current level may represent the early phase of a bear market rather than the final bottom.”
As Cointelegraph reported, analysts forecast Bitcoin extending its bear market into late 2026, with some predictions as low as $30,000.
Bitcoin’s key resistance remains $72,000
Bitcoin has made several unsuccessful attempts to rise above $72,000, a level that has suppressed the price since early March.
“Another rejection at the range high for the time being,” said analyst Daan Crypto Trades in an X post on Tuesday, referring to Bitcoin’s pause below $72,000 on Tuesday, adding:
“Still in the range and markets are in general very indecisive.”
An accompanying chart showed $72,000 was the key level to watch on BTC’s four-hour chart. Breaching this level could attract new buyers if the price breaks out of its range.
Fellow analyst BenCrypz said a clean breakout above $72,000 “could trigger stronger bullish momentum and open the path toward higher levels.”
“However, if this resistance holds again, BTC could rotate back toward the $69K mid-range or even revisit the $66K support zone.”
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.
TLDR:
- The 20 millionth Bitcoin was mined; only one million remain to enter circulation over 100+ years.
- Bitcoin’s halving mechanism gradually slows new coin creation, ensuring predictable scarcity.
- Mining secures the network, while future transaction fees will sustain miner incentives.
- Bitcoin’s decentralized, inflation-resistant design continues to attract global investors.
Bitcoin’s 20 million mined marks a historic milestone as the network reaches over 20 million coins. Only one million remain to be mined, reinforcing Bitcoin’s scarcity, decentralized structure, and long-term inflation-proof economic design in global finance.
Mining Milestone Highlights Scarcity
Bitcoin reached a new stage as the 20 millionth coin was mined, leaving only one million coins yet to enter circulation.
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, highlighted the milestone on X, noting the remaining coins will take over 100 years to mine.
Mining remains the core process of Bitcoin’s issuance. Miners validate transactions and secure the network while receiving newly minted coins as rewards.
When Bitcoin launched in 2009, the block reward was 50 BTC. The halving mechanism reduces rewards approximately every four years.
The latest reduction brought the block reward to 3.125 BTC, significantly slowing the creation of new coins. This ensures Bitcoin approaches its 21 million cap gradually, maintaining predictable scarcity.
Mining also supports network security. Over time, transaction fees are expected to replace block rewards as the primary incentive for miners.
This allows the network to remain decentralized and functional even after all coins are mined.
Decentralized, Inflation-Resistant Money
Bitcoin’s fixed supply positions it as an inflation-resistant asset. Unlike fiat currencies, which can be printed at will, Bitcoin’s 21 million maximum ensures it remains scarce and predictable over time.
Global interest continues to grow. Institutions, corporations, and individual investors are increasingly recognizing Bitcoin as a decentralized, inflation-proof store of value.
The milestone reinforces its long-term economic design and transparency. The remaining one million coins will enter circulation slowly due to halving.
This controlled release preserves scarcity, while mining efficiency, hardware, and renewable energy use shape the network’s evolution. Brian Armstrong emphasizes Bitcoin’s role as global money, offering a decentralized alternative to traditional finance.
Bitcoin 20 Million Mined represents more than just a number; it reflects the asset’s scarcity, long-term value proposition, and unique design as decentralized, inflation-resistant money.
US-based prime brokers, financial institutions that provide services to hedge funds, are reportedly working to give their clients access to Kalshi’s event bets, with prediction markets booming over the past year.
According to a report from Bloomberg on Wednesday, executives from both Clear Street and Marex Group Plc confirmed that their firms expect to open up access to Kalshi’s prediction markets in the near future.
Clear Street, which is valued at over $12 billion, is expected to be the first of the two to make the jump, with CEO Ed Tilly stating that the firm expects its first Kalshi trade to clear in late March. Marex, valued at around $2.6 billion, plans to follow suit in the next few months.
Thomas Texier, Marex’s global clearing head, said they are seeing strong demand from large financial institutions that are looking for ways to tap into prediction markets.
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen very large hedge funds coming to us and saying, ‘Can you give us access to these markets?’” Texier said, adding that the firm is also interested in using prediction markets to hedge its own positions.
Kalshi CEO sees accelerating institutional adoption
In a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday, Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said institutional adoption will greatly accelerate in 2026 due to prediction markets’ utility in providing data on future events and investment hedging.
“This is no longer an early-adopter space – it is becoming a core pillar of the financial ecosystem, with billions flowing through weekly,” he said, adding:
“Institutions are increasingly using these markets to generate returns, hedge real-world risk, and understand what’s most likely to happen next. CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, and Fox now regularly cite Kalshi markets alongside traditional market tickers.”
Clear Street’s CEO emphasized, however, that the firm is treading with caution amid a regulatory gray area for the prediction market space, alongside a host of lawsuits filed by state regulators across the US.
Related: Kalshi, Polymarket eye $20B valuations in potential fundraising: WSJ
The primary issues currently hanging over the industry are related to sports markets and whether or not they fall under the legal category of sports betting, and the potential for insider trading given the wide-reaching nature of markets offered on prediction market platforms.
Earlier this week, executives from major exchanges such as Nasdaq and CME called for regulatory clarity on prediction markets to support adoption in the US.
“Markets thrive when we have consistent regulation, and it allows investors, first of all, to be protected,” Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman said at the FIA Global Cleared Markets Conference on Tuesday.
“We are going to the SEC, because the options markets are governed by the SEC, and we want to make sure that within the confines of the rule base that we operate in, we can create a construct that will work for investors,” she added.
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission is claiming to have primary oversight on the sector, while the Securities and Exchange Commission said it will also have a role to play.
Magazine: All 21 million Bitcoin is at risk from quantum computers
TLDR:
- Volkswagen to cut 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 following sharp profit decline.
- Chinese EV makers reduce Volkswagen’s market share in its most profitable region.
- Rising German energy and labor costs intensify pressure on Volkswagen operations.
- U.S. import tariffs add nearly €3bn in costs, impacting high-value German exports.
Volkswagen’s job cuts plan targets 50,000 positions in Germany by 2030 following a 44% drop in profits. The company faces intense competition from Chinese EV makers, rising energy costs, and U.S. import tariffs while transitioning toward electric vehicles.
Profit Decline and Cost Pressures
Volkswagen reported a net profit fall from €12.4 billion to €6.9 billion last year, representing a 44% decline. This marks the lowest post-tax profit since 2016, reflecting ongoing global market pressures.
The cuts will span the entire group, including Audi and Porsche, as the company focuses on efficiency. Chief executive Oliver Blume emphasized that operating conditions are now fundamentally different from previous years.
Finance chief Arno Antlitz stressed that the current profit margin is insufficient in the long term. Volkswagen aims to reduce costs rigorously while investing in software and electric vehicle technologies.
The company has already agreed with unions to cut over 35,000 jobs in a socially responsible manner. Executives estimate the restructuring will save €15 billion by 2030.
The remaining reductions are part of a broader strategy to maintain competitiveness amid declining profit margins and changing production dynamics.
Competition from China and EV Transition
China has historically been Volkswagen’s most profitable market. Domestic EV manufacturers like BYD now dominate with faster product cycles, competitive pricing, and strong technological integration.
Sales volumes for Volkswagen in China have declined as a result. Chinese EV makers are also entering European markets, increasing pressure on Volkswagen’s traditional base.
Electric vehicles require fewer components than combustion engine models, which reduces assembly complexity and the workforce needed.
Volkswagen’s focus on electrification has increased restructuring costs. Investments in battery production, software, and new EV models are substantial, making cost control essential.
These factors, combined with global market shifts, make workforce reductions unavoidable. Rising energy prices in Germany and high labor costs add further challenges.
Tariffs on U.S. imports also reduce competitiveness for German-produced vehicles. Volkswagen now faces the dual task of cutting costs while accelerating its transition to electric mobility to remain viable.
TLDR:
- Apparent demand remains negative, showing new supply exceeds market absorption for Bitcoin.
- CryptoQuant cycle indicators fall into deep bear territory despite price holding $65K–$75K.
- Long-Term Holder SOPR below 1 signals stress among historically strong investors.
- Sideways price action with fading rallies reflects a prolonged patience phase in the cycle.
Bitcoin mid-cycle consolidation is evident as on-chain metrics show weakening demand and investor fatigue. Apparent demand is negative, cycle indicators remain bearish, and long-term holder SOPR has slipped below 1, reflecting stress among historically resilient holders and sideways market behavior.
Apparent Demand Reflects Market Stagnation
Bitcoin mid-cycle consolidation is apparent through the behavior of apparent demand, an on-chain metric measuring how new supply is absorbed. It compares newly mined coins to changes in long-inactive supply entering circulation.
Positive readings indicate absorption, while negative readings suggest supply exceeds demand. Recent data shows mostly negative demand, with brief green spikes in late February failing to sustain.
This indicates that buyers are not consistently strong enough to maintain upward momentum. Such behavior is typical of mid-cycle consolidation, where early investors distribute holdings while new participants hesitate to buy at elevated prices.
Price action remains choppy, fluctuating between short rallies and pullbacks. Traders experience psychological strain as optimism during brief rallies is often followed by disappointment.
Markets show resilience despite negative demand, maintaining the $65K–$75K range, yet lacking sufficient capital inflow to trigger sustained upward trends.
Historical cycles indicate that these periods often precede renewed accumulation. The negative demand environment slowly tests investor patience, producing sideways movement rather than sharp corrections.
False breakouts and fading rallies become common during this stage, emphasizing the patience required to navigate consolidation.
Long-Term Holder SOPR Signals Growing Stress
Long-Term Holder SOPR measures whether holders sell at a profit or a loss, providing insight into market psychology. Recent readings show the 30-day EMA slipping below 1.0, signaling that even resilient holders are realizing losses.
This occurs during a mid-cycle compression phase where price stagnates and short-lived rallies fail to attract aggressive accumulation. The combination of negative apparent demand and SOPR below 1 reinforces market stagnation.
Price oscillates around the mid-$60K range, producing repeated false breakouts. Traders face uncertainty while long-term holders’ conviction is tested.
Coins gradually move from weaker hands to stronger holders, quietly setting the foundation for eventual accumulation once demand and confidence return.
This convergence of on-chain signals confirms Bitcoin is navigating a psychologically challenging mid-cycle consolidation, with patience as the primary tool for market participants.
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