This press release reports a sharp decline in gold prices, which fell 6% on Monday after a 10% slide last week as macro conditions shifted. March is shaping up as one of the weakest months on record, with prices down about 21% since the month began. The move is tied to rising inflation expectations and a evolving rate outlook, alongside higher oil prices driven by regional conflict. Investors are pushing back expected US rate cuts and pricing in the possibility of faster hikes in the UK and Europe. The report notes ETF outflows and profit-taking in a broader liquidation phase, while central-bank purchases provide longer-term support.

Key points

• Gold fell 6% on Monday after a 10% decline last week, with March down nearly 21% from the month’s start.
• US 10-year Treasury yield rose by about 0.5 percentage point to 4.421%, its highest since summer 2025.
• ETF outflows and profit-taking are contributing to a broader liquidation in bullion markets.
• Central-bank purchases provide ongoing structural support for gold over the longer term.

Why it matters

Gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset is tested by higher yields and a shifting rate outlook, while ongoing central-bank purchases provide longer-term support; this combination suggests near-term volatility may persist for investors and markets. The dynamics affect traders, asset allocators, and policymakers assessing risk and diversification in a volatile macro environment.

What to watch

• Near-term volatility as markets adjust to higher rate expectations and inflation dynamics.
• Any shifts in rate expectations in the US, UK, and Europe based on evolving policy signals.
• Ongoing central-bank purchases and ETF flows shaping bullion demand.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company or its PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Gold Slumps 6% as Interest Rates Rise

Abu Dhabi, UAE – March 23, 2026: Gold prices have come under significant pressure, falling 6% on Monday after a 10% decline last week, as shifting macroeconomic conditions weigh heavily on the precious metal. March is now shaping up to be one of the weakest months on record for gold, with prices down nearly 21% since the beginning of the month.

Traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset during periods of geopolitical uncertainty, gold is currently facing headwinds from rising inflation expectations and a rapidly evolving interest rate outlook. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has driven oil prices higher, fueling inflation concerns and prompting markets to reassess monetary policy expectations.

Investors are increasingly abandoning expectations of interest rate cuts in the United States, while preparing for the possibility of faster rate hikes in the UK and Europe. This shift has significantly altered the investment landscape, reducing the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold.

At the same time, yields on US government bonds have surged, with the 10-year Treasury yield rising by nearly 0.5 percentage points since the start of the month to 4.421%—its highest level since the summer of 2025. Higher yields are strengthening currencies and exerting downward pressure on equities, further diminishing the relative attractiveness of gold.

In addition, the market is experiencing a wave of profit-taking following gold’s strong performance last year, when prices rose by approximately 66%. This has contributed to a broader liquidation phase, marked by ETF outflows, forced selling, and investors closing positions to offset losses in other asset classes.

Despite these short-term challenges, structural support for gold remains intact, particularly from ongoing central bank purchases, which have underpinned the longer-term bullish trend.

Jakub Rochlitz, Market Analyst at eToro, commented: “Gold is currently caught between two opposing forces. While geopolitical tensions would support demand for safe-haven assets, the inflationary impact of rising energy prices is driving expectations of higher interest rates, which is weighing heavily on gold.

What we are seeing resembles a classic liquidation phase, with investors taking profits after last year’s strong rally and repositioning in response to changing macro conditions. In the near term, volatility is likely to remain elevated as markets adjust to these dynamics.

Looking further ahead, the long-term outlook for gold has not been entirely undermined. Its performance will depend on how the geopolitical situation evolves, how inflation trends develop, and how central banks respond.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Ethereum stalls between MVRV levels, hinting at a major breakout soon
• ETH range tightens as bulls and bears battle for market direction
• Key MVRV zone puts Ethereum at a decisive technical crossroads
• Ethereum consolidation signals a potential sharp move ahead
• ETH volatility drops while pressure builds for a breakout move

Ethereum trades near $2,450 within a narrow MVRV-defined range, signaling an imminent directional move. The asset shows limited volatility, yet price compression suggests rising pressure. Market structure reflects balance, but conditions point toward a likely breakout or breakdown.

Short-term price action remains contained, and momentum signals stay mixed across indicators. Traders assess key levels while waiting for confirmation signals. This phase reflects a transitional period rather than a stable trend.

On-chain data highlights a midpoint position between historical valuation bands. This positioning often precedes sharp moves. Therefore, market participants anticipate a shift in direction soon.

Ethereum Range Reflects Market Indecision and Accumulation

Ethereum continues to trade between MVRV support and resistance zones, showing no clear trend. The lower band attracts buying interest, while the upper band limits price expansion. This balance creates a tight consolidation range.

Price behavior indicates that both bullish and bearish forces remain active. Buyers attempt to defend support zones, yet sellers apply pressure near resistance levels. As a result, the market maintains equilibrium without clear dominance.

This range typically signals preparation for a stronger move. Historical patterns show that such compression phases do not last long. Therefore, the current setup suggests a pending breakout scenario.

Ethereum Faces Critical Breakout or Breakdown Setup

A move above the upper MVRV band could trigger renewed bullish momentum. Such a breakout would likely attract fresh demand and strengthen price structure. Momentum indicators would need to confirm this shift.

Conversely, a drop below the lower band may lead to extended downside pressure. This scenario could trigger liquidations and weaken overall sentiment. Market structure would then shift toward a bearish continuation.

On-chain metrics show balanced positioning across participants. This balance increases the importance of confirmation signals. Volume expansion will likely validate the next directional move.

Ethereum Market Sentiment Remains Calm but Tense

Market activity appears subdued, yet underlying tension continues to build. Reduced volatility reflects hesitation rather than stability. Participants wait for a decisive signal before taking positions.

Technical and on-chain indicators offer mixed signals at current levels. This lack of alignment contributes to uncertainty in short-term direction. However, it also increases the probability of a strong move once clarity emerges.

The current environment reflects a calm phase before potential volatility expansion. Such conditions often precede rapid price movements. Therefore, the market may shift quickly once a trigger occurs.

Ethereum Highlights Shift Toward Data-Driven Analysis

Ethereum’s current setup reflects the growing role of on-chain metrics in market analysis. MVRV now serves as a key valuation tool alongside traditional indicators. This shift improves transparency in market behavior.

Institutional participation continues to influence data-driven strategies. Market participants increasingly rely on blockchain insights for decision-making. This trend reshapes how assets like Ethereum are evaluated.

Technical analysis now integrates with on-chain data to form hybrid strategies. This approach provides a broader view of price action and positioning. As a result, market interpretation becomes more precise and structured.

Ethereum just broke $2,300 🚀 pic.twitter.com/CD1oLQAbcV

— Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) March 16, 2026

Ethereum Risks Persist Despite Clear Technical Setup

Despite defined levels, risks remain within the current structure. False breakouts may occur in low-liquidity conditions. Such moves can mislead short-term positioning.

Bitcoin’s influence continues to affect Ethereum’s direction. Broader market sentiment may shift due to macroeconomic developments. These external factors add uncertainty to the setup.

Momentum failure could also lead to sharp reversals. Therefore, confirmation remains critical before any directional bias. The market requires strong volume support for sustained movement.

Ethereum Prepares for a Decisive Market Move

Ethereum remains positioned at a critical inflection point between key MVRV levels. This phase reflects preparation rather than trend continuation. Market structure suggests that a resolution is approaching.

Traders now focus on breakout confirmation and volume signals. Changes in on-chain activity will provide further direction. These indicators will likely define the next phase of price action.

This consolidation phase may appear quiet, yet it carries significant implications. The next move could shape Ethereum’s medium-term trajectory. It may also influence broader cryptocurrency market trends.

Bitcoin (BTC) treasury company Empery Digital Inc. has sold 63 BTC for an average price of $72,791 per coin, generating roughly $4.6 million in gross proceeds to fund an aggressive stock repurchase program. The sale, executed during the week ending March 20, 2026 and disclosed from its U.S. operations, is part of a broader effort to finance buybacks and reduce balance‑sheet leverage. Following the transaction, Empery said it still holds 3,439 BTC in its treasury, keeping it among the larger listed corporate Bitcoin holders.

The sale was announced alongside a $25 million registered direct equity offering, where Empery agreed to issue approximately 4.64 million shares of common stock at $5.39 per share, together with an equal number of warrants. Net proceeds, plus cash on hand, are earmarked to retire about $40 million of debt by fully repaying a $50 million repo facility and drawing an additional $10 million from an existing $100 million credit line with lender Two Prime. “We intend to use the proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to meaningfully reduce our secured debt while continuing to return capital to shareholders via repurchases,” the company said.

The trade‑off is explicit: fewer BTC, but a smaller equity base and a less leveraged balance sheet, which could Empery more exposed if Bitcoin enters a deep drawdown, with the company itself cautioning that its stock price “may be highly correlated to the price of the digital assets that it holds” and pointing to the “highly volatile nature of the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies” among key risk factors. Supporters counter that if BTC resumes its long‑term uptrend, shrinking the share count while keeping thousands of coins on the balance sheet could deliver outsized net asset value per share gains over time.

One macro takeaway is clear: after a decade where “Bitcoin treasury strategy” mostly meant one‑way accumulation, firms like Empery are now actively trading around their stacks — monetizing strength to pay down debt, repurchase stock, and manage risk rather than simply buying and holding at all costs.

Key Highlights

• Bitmine acquired 65,341 ETH during the past week, valued at approximately $138 million based on current market rates
• Company’s aggregate ETH position now reaches 4.66 million tokens — representing 3.86% of total circulating supply
• Acquisition velocity has accelerated over three straight weeks, surpassing the previous weekly average of approximately 50,000 ETH
• BMNR shares advanced more than 3% while ETH traded near $2,144
• Executive Chairman Tom Lee projects ETH is approaching the conclusion of a “mini-crypto winter”; the company maintains roughly $7 billion in unrealized losses

Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) continues its aggressive Ethereum accumulation strategy. The treasury firm acquired 65,341 ETH during the previous week — marking the third straight week of escalating purchases — as it reinforces a position that has accumulated substantial paper losses while maintaining aggressive expansion.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc., BMNR

This recent acquisition, valued at approximately $138 million based on prevailing market rates, pushes Bitmine’s aggregate holdings to 4,660,903 ETH. With tokens priced near $2,072 each, the treasury position exceeds $9 billion in value.

The company now owns roughly 3.86% of ETH’s 120.7 million token circulating supply. This percentage continues expanding as Bitmine increases its weekly acquisition rate, which historically averaged between 45,000 and 50,000 ETH.

Cash holdings expanded in tandem with crypto acquisitions, hitting $1.1 billion. The firm also maintains 196 Bitcoin, $200 million allocated to Beast Industries, and $95 million in Eightco Holdings. Combined crypto, cash, and speculative investment holdings totaled $11.0 billion as of March 22.

Investors reacted positively. BMNR shares climbed over 3% following the announcement as Ethereum price approached $2,144.

Staking Infrastructure Growth

Beyond accumulation, Bitmine is pursuing an aggressive staking strategy. As of March 23, the company had staked 3,142,643 ETH — approximately 67% of total holdings. This staked position currently produces $184 million in annualized staking revenue.

Tom Lee stated Bitmine has staked more Ethereum than any competing entity worldwide. When operations reach full capacity, projected annual rewards could reach $272 million, calculated using a 2.83% seven-day yield. The prevailing Composite Ethereum Staking Rate stands at 2.75%.

The firm is developing its Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN), collaborating with three staking service providers in preparation for an anticipated early 2026 launch.

Significant Paper Losses Persist

The strategy carries substantial downside risk. Notwithstanding the acquisition momentum, Bitmine currently holds approximately $7 billion in unrealized losses as ETH valuations have declined in recent months, per DropsTab analytics.

Lee maintains confidence in his investment thesis. “Our base case is ETH is in the final stages of the ‘mini-crypto winter,’” he stated in Monday’s announcement.

Bitmine holds the distinction of operating the world’s largest Ethereum treasury and ranks second among all global crypto treasuries, trailing only Michael Saylor’s Strategy, which controls 762,099 Bitcoin purchased for roughly $57.69 billion.

As of March 23, Ethereum was trading in the $2,072 to $2,144 range.

Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) continued to add to bitcoin holdings last week, but at a vastly reduced pace from recent previous acquisitions.

The leading bitcoin treasury company last week added 1,031 bitcoin for a total cost of $76.6 million, or $74,326 per coin.

Strategy’s total holdings now stand at 762,099 BTC, acquired for approximately $57.69 billion, or an average price of $75,694 each.

The new buys were entirely funded via the sales of common stock, according to a Monday filing.

This latest acquisition was at a vastly reduced scale compared to the previous two weeks, when the company purchased more than $1 billion of bitcoin, taking advantage of the issuance of its STRC preferred shares.

Bitcoin is currently trading around $70,000. MSTR shares are higher by 1.7% in premarket trading.

H100 Group (H100), a Stockholm-based publicly listed bitcoin BTC$70,394.97 treasury company focused on providing institutional exposure to bitcoin, said it signed a letter of intent to acquire Norwegian peers Moonshot AS and Never Say Die AS to increase its holdings of the largest cryptocurrency.

If completed, the deal would roughly triple H100’s bitcoin stash to around 3,500 BTC, positioning it among Europe’s largest listed bitcoin treasury firms. Beyond that, H100 said it aims to strengthen its institutional profile, improve liquidity and expand its relevance in capital markets.

The announcement follows the company’s January announcement that it plans to combine with Future Holdings AG, a Zurich-based bitcoin treasury company. Both are backed by Adam Back, a British cryptographer and co-founder of Blockstream.

The transaction is structured as a bitcoin-for-bitcoin exchange, meaning ownership in the combined entity will be determined solely by the amount of bitcoin contributed. This approach preserves bitcoin exposure per share for existing investors, avoiding dilution while significantly scaling the company’s balance sheet.

The acquisition will be executed as an all-share transaction with no cash consideration.

The target companies collectively hold about 2,450 BTC.

Definitive agreements are expected by April 22, with completion anticipated shortly after the company’s annual general meeting in May, subject to final approvals.

The announcement sent H100 shares up 2% on the day.

BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink used his annual letter to shareholders to argue that digital assets and tokenization could help update the financial system, even as he warned that the U.S. economic model is leaving too many people behind.

In the letter, Fink said the current system has delivered most of its gains to people who already own assets, while many workers have been shut out of market growth. He tied that imbalance to a wider problem in the U.S., where rising inequality, high government debt and weak participation in capital markets are putting pressure on the old model of finance.

“Capitalism is working—just not for enough people,” Fink wrote.

His proposed fix centered on tokenization and digital distribution as tools to expand access to investing and make markets run better.

Tokenization, Fink said, could “update the plumbing of the financial system” by making investments easier to issue, trade and access.

The idea is simple: If ownership of assets is recorded on digital ledgers, moving a fund share, bond or other security could become faster and cheaper. In practice, that would allow a regulated digital wallet to hold not just payments, but also tokenized bonds, ETFs and fractional interests in assets such as infrastructure or private credit.

“Half the world’s population carries a digital wallet on their phone,” Fink wrote. “Imagine if that same digital wallet could also let you invest in a broad mix of companies for the long term—as easily as sending a payment.”

Fink compared tokenization today to the internet in 1996, arguing that it will not replace traditional finance overnight, but could gradually connect old and new systems. He said policymakers should focus on building that bridge “as quickly and safely as possible” and called for clear buyer protections, counterparty-risk standards and digital identity checks to reduce illicit finance risks.

The comments add to BlackRock’s broader push into digital assets. In the same letter, Fink said the firm had built “early leadership” in the space, citing nearly $150 billion in assets connected to digital markets.

BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) is the largest tokenized fund in the world, and the firm also manages $65 billion in stablecoin reserves and nearly $80 billion in digital asset exchange-traded products.

Still, much of the letter focused on deeper stresses in the U.S. financial system. Fink warned that banks, corporations and governments can no longer fund large economic shifts on their own, especially as the country tries to rebuild manufacturing capacity, expand energy supply and compete in artificial intelligence.

He also argued that Social Security remains a critical safety net but may need structural reform, including some exposure to long-term market returns, to remain sustainable.

For Fink, tokenization sits inside that bigger picture. It is not a bet on hype, but a bet that better rails could help more people become investors rather than bystanders.

His broader message was that finance needs an upgrade, and that digital assets may become part of that overhaul.

Polymarket is tightening insider‑trading and manipulation bans across its DeFi app and CFTC‑regulated U.S. exchange, adding surveillance, NFA oversight and formal whistleblower channels.

“These rule enhancements make our expectations abundantly clear for every participant across both platforms and highlight the compliance infrastructure we have already built.”​

The updated framework centers on three explicit categories of banned insider conduct: trading on stolen confidential information, trading on illegal tips, and trading by people who can influence the underlying event’s outcome. Participants are barred from using confidential information obtained in breach of a duty of trust, from acting on tips they know or should know are tainted, and from taking positions when they hold “a position of authority or influence sufficient to affect the outcome of the underlying event.” Beyond insider rules, Polymarket now highlights a blanket ban on spoofing, wash trading, fictitious transactions, front‑running, self‑dealing, information misuse, attempted manipulation, and other disruptive practices that undermine orderly markets.

On the U.S. exchange, enforcement rests on a multi‑layered surveillance stack: partnerships with “world‑class trade surveillance and technology specialists,” a control desk running real‑time monitoring, and a Regulatory Services Agreement with the National Futures Association to investigate and sanction rulebreakers. Sanctions for violators can include suspension, termination, monetary penalties, or referral to regulators and law enforcement. On the DeFi side, users can report suspected abuse via Polymarket’s Discord or by emailing [email protected], while U.S. exchange participants can file confidential complaints to [email protected].​

The integrity revamp lands amid a broader regulatory turn in the U.S., where the CFTC has asserted exclusive jurisdiction over prediction‑market derivatives and is actively defining how event contracts fit under the Commodity Exchange Act. Polymarket already secured an amended CFTC order in late 2025, allowing intermediated access via futures commission merchants and binding the platform to full Designated Contract Market‑style surveillance, reporting, and self‑regulatory obligations. As one recent analysis put it, regulated platforms like Polymarket now “bet on transparency and on‑chain credibility” while competing against DeFi‑only venues that emphasize cost and self‑custody.

That regulatory clarity is arriving just as prediction markets post record activity. In February 2026, combined monthly volume on major platforms Kalshi and Polymarket hit roughly $18.6 billion, a new all‑time high, with more than $8 billion traded in just the first half of March. Industry observers argue that as event markets turn into an institutional‑grade information source for media, sports leagues, and financial firms, exchanges that can demonstrate credible surveillance and clear integrity rules will capture the most sensitive flow. “Our goal has always been to give fans new ways to engage with the sports they love while ensuring those markets can grow responsibly on a global scale,” Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan said in an earlier statement on the company’s broader integrity push.