Crypto World
Democrats Blast SEC Chair Atkins Over Crypto Enforcement
In a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, lawmakers grilled Securities and Exchange Commission chair Paul Atkins over the agency’s crypto enforcement record and the fate of several cases that have been dismissed since leadership changes. The session highlighted a growing debate about the SEC’s approach to a fast-evolving sector as enforcement activity appears to have cooled under the current regime. Representative Stephen Lynch, a Democrat from Massachusetts, cited a roughly 60% drop in enforcement actions since Atkins took the helm, pointing to the dismissal of several high-profile lawsuits, including the Binance case in May 2025, as indicators of shifting dynamics in the agency’s crypto strategy.
The hearing also touched on connections between the Trump family and various crypto ventures, with Lynch flagging foreign investments and memecoins tied to the family as areas of concern. A notable development cited during the discussion involved Aryam Investment 1, an Abu Dhabi-based vehicle backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which reportedly acquired 49% of the startup behind World Liberty Financial (WLFI) — a decentralized finance platform linked to the Trump family. Lynch argued that such ties could undermine trust in the sector and complicate consumer protection, while Atkins maintained that the SEC remains committed to pursuing enforcement where warranted. World Liberty Financial (WLFI) was referenced in the discussions as a focal point of these concerns, a project that has drawn scrutiny amid international investment links and crypto-market activity.
“This is hurting the crypto industry, all these scams. Look at crypto today. I think it’s down 25% in the last month. People are losing trust, and it’s not good for crypto. It’s certainly not good for consumers, and it’s awful the reputational damage that the SEC is suffering.”
The SEC chair responded by reiterating the agency’s stance that enforcement actions continue where they are warranted and that the agency’s program remains robust. Atkins stressed ongoing cases and emphasized the normalization of enforcement efforts in the crypto space, even as some lawmakers pressed for a clearer accounting of stalled or dismissed actions. The exchange underscores a broader, bipartisan challenge: how to balance consumer protection with a market that is still evolving in terms of products, custody, and governance structures.
The discussion unfolded as the U.S. political calendar—set against a midterm election backdrop—adds complexity to crypto policy dynamics. Lawmakers suggested that a shift in congressional control could affect the pace and nature of market-structure legislation and other regulatory initiatives that touch the crypto industry. The hearing also touched on bilateral concerns about the influence of foreign actors in U.S. crypto projects, and how such links might shape lawmakers’ willingness to push ahead with comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the near term.
California Democrat Maxine Waters, who has been a persistent critic of both the Trump orbit and parts of the crypto ecosystem, pressed Atkins on the implications of pardons and dropped lawsuits for the credibility of the SEC’s enforcement program. “These cases were dismissed, despite the fact that the SEC was winning in court, proving that the SEC’s crypto enforcement program was well-grounded in the law,” Waters contended, underscoring concerns about the political contours surrounding enforcement decisions. The discussion touched on associations between pardoned executives and crypto ventures that have contributed to political fundraising, a point Waters framed as a broader issue of transparency and accountability in the sector.
The deliberations also highlighted broader questions about how foreign investment and purported national-security considerations intersect with crypto innovation. The conversation around WLFI and related projects was framed as part of a wider debate about whether foreign influence could shape policy at a moment when the sector is seeking mainstream adoption. The hearing did not resolve these questions, but it did illuminate the ongoing rift between calls for stronger enforcement and concerns about how aggressively regulators should pursue actions when cases appear to be in flux or subject to political considerations.
Why it matters
For investors and builders in the crypto space, the hearing underscores the evolving risk landscape around regulatory expectations. The fact that enforcement actions have declined by a substantial margin since Atkins took office raises questions about the SEC’s current priorities and the factors that drive case selection in a sector that is both technologically complex and rapidly changing. The dismissal of prominent cases—such as the Binance lawsuit—suggests that the regulatory environment can shift in meaningful ways, with potential implications for how market participants assess risk, pursue compliance, and engage with U.S. authorities.
At the same time, the linkage of crypto ventures to political figures and foreign investment underlines a broader narrative about governance, transparency, and consumer protection in the industry. The WLFI situation, in particular, places a spotlight on how geopolitical dynamics and high-profile associations might influence perceptions of legitimacy and safety in decentralized finance platforms. While lawmakers are calling for vigilance against scams and opaque schemes, others warn against overreach that could chill innovation or raise the hurdle for legitimate crypto projects seeking to operate within the U.S. regulatory framework.
As the midterm year unfolds, the conversation around crypto enforcement is likely to remain tightly connected to broader regulatory ambitions and the political calculus surrounding the Democratic and Republican coalitions in Congress. The balance between rigorous scrutability and enabling responsible innovation will continue to shape the direction of policy, enforcement priorities, and the market’s readiness to adopt new technologies and products in a compliant, transparent manner.
Beyond the immediate hearing, observers are watching for how the SEC will calibrate its approach to crypto assets, custody, exchanges, and complex DeFi structures in forthcoming rulemakings and guidance. The tension between enforcement actions and industry confidence is a key barometer for overall market sentiment—a factor that could influence liquidity, participation, and the pace of institutional involvement as the sector seeks clearer guardrails and consistent regulatory expectations.
Related coverage has tracked ongoing discussions about WLFI and related topics, including how foreign involvement in crypto ventures may intersect with national security considerations and regulatory oversight. As the ecosystem matures, stakeholders will be looking for signals on whether enforcement focus will intensify in certain sub-sectors or remain steady as policymakers evaluate the efficacy and proportionality of regulatory actions in a rapidly evolving landscape.
What to watch next
- Follow-up statements or actions from the SEC after the hearing, including any new policy guidance or adjustments to enforcement priorities.
- Updates on WLFI-related developments and any regulatory or legal steps involving Aryam Investment 1’s stake and its connections.
- Potential movements on market-structure legislation or other crypto regulatory bills during the current congressional cycle.
- Next round of congressional scrutiny or inquiries into crypto governance and cross-border links to high-profile projects.
Sources & verification
- YouTube video: US House Committee on Financial Services—Lynch questions SEC Chair Paul Atkins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAq7zM2sTuE
- Court documents: Motion to dismiss the Binance case. https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.256060/gov.uscourts.dcd.256060.301.0.pdf
- Cointelegraph: SEC dismisses lawsuit against Binance (filings show). https://cointelegraph.com/news/sec-dismisses-lawsuit-against-binance-filings-show
- Cointelegraph: UAE-backed firm buys 49% Trump-linked World Liberty (WLFI). https://cointelegraph.com/news/uae-backed-firm-buys-49-percent-trump-linked-world-liberty-wsj
- Cointelegraph: Trump-linked WLFI probe and UAE investment. https://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-wlfi-probe-500-million-investment-from-uae-official
Congressional hearing highlights a shift in crypto enforcement and governance
The hearing laid bare a tension that will likely continue to define the crypto policy conversation: regulators assert that they will aggressively pursue violations where the law supports it, while lawmakers—and a portion of the industry—argue that the enforcement regime should be predictable, proportionate, and cognizant of the sector’s growth potential. Atkins reiterated the SEC’s commitment to due process and to enforcing rules designed to protect investors, even as several high-profile cases have fallen away or stalled. Lynch’s remarks framed these outcomes within a broader concern about the impact on public trust and the long-term legitimacy of crypto markets. The exchange also underscored how the regulatory narrative around foreign involvement, national security, and consumer protection intersects with ongoing debates about the appropriate pace of rulemaking and the extent of enforcement discretion.
As the discussion moves forward, observers will be watching for concrete signals about how the SEC plans to align its enforcement posture with the evolving technological landscape—including DeFi, stablecoins, and non-custodial products—and how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle intend to shape the regulatory architecture that will govern these innovations in the years to come.
Crypto World
Cardano (ADA) Price: Historic Bullish Indicators Emerge as Token Tests Key Support Level
TLDR
- The 365-day MVRV metric for Cardano has plummeted to -43%, entering what market analysts identify as an accumulation zone
- ADA funding rates on Binance have hit their lowest point since June 2023, indicating extreme bearish positioning
- Total Value Locked on Cardano increased 3% over 24 hours to reach 525.44 million ADA, signaling sustained network activity
- Both metrics last converged at these levels in mid-2023, preceding an approximate 300% price increase over the next year and a half
- Current ADA price stands around $0.26, reflecting a weekly decline of 7% and a 71% drop from September highs
Cardano is currently exchanging hands near the $0.26 mark following a 4% intraday recovery on Monday. A combination of two historically significant indicators from on-chain analytics and derivatives markets has simultaneously activated, mirroring conditions that previously signaled major price reversals.

The 365-day Market Value to Realized Value metric for Cardano has declined to -43%. This negative reading indicates that network participants who have been active over the previous 12 months are currently experiencing unrealized losses averaging 43%. Blockchain analytics provider Santiment categorizes this territory as the “opportunity zone.” Historical data suggests that when MVRV reaches such deeply negative values, the majority of weak-handed sellers have typically already capitulated.

The MVRV indicator measures the average profit or loss position of market participants across a defined timeframe and has historically demonstrated mean-reversion characteristics. When this metric falls significantly below zero, the remaining holders typically consist of long-term believers or investors who have already reconciled themselves to current losses. This dynamic substantially reduces the probability of additional capitulation events.
Concurrently, Binance’s weekly average funding rate for ADA perpetual futures has plunged to its most bearish level since June 2023. Funding rates in perpetual swap markets represent the cost exchange between long and short position holders. An extremely negative funding rate indicates that short sellers dominate the market and must compensate long position holders to maintain their bearish bets.
Why Short Crowding Matters
When bearish positioning reaches such extreme concentration levels, even modest upward price movements can catalyze cascading liquidations. Short positions get forcibly closed, requiring traders to purchase the underlying asset to cover their exposure, which subsequently drives prices higher and triggers additional liquidation events.
Market participants refer to this phenomenon as a short squeeze. For Cardano specifically, periods of extremely negative funding rates have more frequently preceded sharp upward price movements rather than continued downward trends.
The previous instance when both the MVRV indicator and funding rate metrics converged at comparable extreme levels occurred in mid-2023. At that juncture, ADA was trading near $0.25 before subsequently appreciating approximately 300% throughout the subsequent 18-month period.
According to DeFiLlama analytics, Cardano’s Total Value Locked experienced a 3% increase within a 24-hour window, climbing to 525.44 million ADA. The TVL measurement has exhibited a predominantly upward trajectory since the market correction that began in September.
Technical Levels to Watch
From a technical perspective, ADA continues to defend the $0.2436 support threshold, which previously served as a testing point on February 5. The upper boundary of the current range is established at $0.2991, last contacted on February 26.
Cardano remains positioned beneath its 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages, all of which maintain bearish downward trajectories. The Relative Strength Index registers at 45, marginally below the 50-level neutral threshold. The MACD indicator has crossed back underneath its signal line.
ADA has depreciated approximately 71% from its September zenith and trades roughly 7% lower across the weekly timeframe.
Crypto World
OpenAI cuts Sora app as wider retreat from video products deepens
OpenAI has started shutting down the Sora app, a move that marks a sharp pullback from its consumer video push.
Summary
- OpenAI started shutting down the Sora app and said timelines for users would follow soon.
- Reports said OpenAI is winding down more video products beyond the consumer-facing Sora app too.
- Sora grew quickly, but deepfake concerns and a stalled Disney deal added pressure over time.
On Tuesday, the Sora app account said, “We’re saying goodbye to the Sora app,” and added that more details would follow on timelines for the app, the API, and ways users can preserve their work.
The move came just days after OpenAI’s own help pages described Sora 2 and the Sora app as active products. A March 23 safety page said “The Sora 2 model and the Sora app” were available, while March 19 release notes announced new editing tools on iOS and web.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Chief Executive Sam Altman told staff OpenAI would wind down products built around its video models. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, said that includes the consumer app and other video-related offerings as the company shifts resources to coding, enterprise tools, robotics, and broader AI goals.
OpenAI has not yet posted a full product blog on its main site explaining the broader change. Its current developer documentation still lists Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro among OpenAI’s video generation models, which shows some public pages had not yet caught up with Tuesday’s decision.
Sora gained users but also drew criticism
OpenAI launched the Sora app on September 30, 2025, starting with invite-only iOS access before expanding further. The company described it as a new app for short video creation, while outside reports said it reached 1 million downloads within five days of launch.
The product also faced pressure over deepfakes, copyrighted characters, and other misuse concerns. The Associated Press reported that OpenAI restricted some public-figure content after protests from families and entertainment groups, while OpenAI’s own safety material said it used watermarks, moderation systems, and provenance tools inside Sora.
In addition, the shutdown also affects a planned Disney tie-up that had drawn market attention. The Disney arrangement did not close and that no funds changed hands, even though the proposed deal had included licensed characters and a large equity component.
Crypto World
Irish Authorities Crack Drug Dealer’s Bitcoin Wallet After Nearly a Decade
Key Takeaways
- Irish authorities and Europol successfully accessed a Bitcoin wallet inactive for almost ten years
- Approximately 500 BTC valued at roughly $35 million was transferred to Coinbase on March 24, 2026
- The cryptocurrency belonged to Clifton Collins, a convicted cannabis cultivator who concealed his private keys in a fishing rod container
- Authorities believed the keys were permanently lost when Collins’ possessions were disposed of in a landfill after his 2017 detention
- Law enforcement officials are confident the technique used can unlock the other 11 wallets containing over €330 million
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) of Ireland, working alongside Europol, has gained access to a Bitcoin wallet that remained untouched for close to ten years. The wallet contained 500 BTC, currently valued at approximately $35 million, which was moved on-chain and deposited into Coinbase on March 24.
The cryptocurrency belonged to Clifton Collins, a Dublin resident who was found guilty of operating large-scale cannabis growing operations spanning several Irish counties over more than a decade. Before his criminal enterprise, Collins worked in security and beekeeping.
Between 2011 and 2012, Collins purchased 6,000 Bitcoin when the digital currency was trading for just a few dollars. He financed these acquisitions using profits from his cannabis business.
Collins divided his 6,000 BTC holdings evenly among 12 separate wallets, placing 500 BTC in each one. He printed all the private keys onto a single piece of paper and concealed this document inside a fishing rod case at his rented residence in Galway.
In 2017, law enforcement arrested Collins following the discovery of cannabis during a routine vehicle inspection. Subsequently, his landlord cleared out the property and discarded Collins’ belongings at a landfill site.
The fishing rod case containing the sole copy of the private keys was almost certainly destroyed in the process. Collins later indicated that a burglary at the property might have also played a role.
In 2020, an Irish High Court mandated the seizure of the Bitcoin. At the time, the 6,000 BTC was valued at approximately €53 million. Today, that same amount is worth roughly €360 million.
Despite the court’s ruling, CAB had no method to access the cryptocurrency without the private keys. Both law enforcement and Collins assumed the Bitcoin was irretrievably lost.
The Method Behind the Breakthrough
CAB and Europol have not revealed the specific method used to access the wallet. Europol stated only that it supplied “highly complex technical expertise and decryption resources.”
One hypothesis suggests Collins may have stored his keys in an encrypted file secured by a weak password, which investigators could have cracked using brute force techniques.
An alternative explanation is that Collins employed a defective tool to create all 12 key pairs. A compromised random number generator could have produced predictable keys, enabling investigators to recreate them.
Authorities reportedly have high confidence that the identical approach can be used on the other 11 wallets.
Outstanding Holdings
Collins still possesses 5,500 Bitcoin, currently worth approximately $389 million based on Arkham intelligence.
Should CAB successfully unlock all remaining wallets with the same methodology, recovering the complete 6,000 BTC would represent the largest single asset confiscation in the bureau’s operational history.
The 500 BTC transferred on March 24 represents the first verified access to any of Collins’ wallets since his apprehension nine years ago.
Crypto World
XRP Finds Footing at $1.40 Support Level Amid Market Consolidation
Key Takeaways
- XRP currently trades at $1.39, experiencing a 3.46% decrease over the past day
- Critical support remains intact at the $1.40 level following recent pullback
- Resistance zone between $1.45 and $1.50 represents the next hurdle for bulls
- The Relative Strength Index rests at 46, indicating subdued buying momentum
- Failure to hold $1.3850 support may trigger further downside toward $1.3620
XRP maintains its position near a crucial support threshold following sustained bearish pressure. The digital asset has retreated from recent peak levels and currently consolidates within the $1.40 vicinity.
Current market data shows XRP changing hands at $1.39. Daily trading volume reaches $3.16 billion while the total market capitalization stands at $85.87 billion, per CoinMarketCap statistics. The cryptocurrency has shed 3.46% of its value during the last 24-hour period.
The token previously surged beyond the $1.41 and $1.42 marks, ultimately reaching a session high of $1.4650. Following this peak, sellers emerged and forced the price below both $1.45 and $1.44 thresholds.
Price action breached the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level calculated from the swing low of $1.3612 to the swing high of $1.4650. Demand materialized around $1.3850, coinciding with the 76.4% Fibonacci level, preventing additional downside movement.
Market analyst BitGuru observed on March 24 that XRP operates within what he identifies as a significant accumulation zone. His assessment indicates that price behavior follows a falling wedge pattern breakdown, with XRP potentially establishing support at the $1.40 level.
$XRP is moving inside a key accumulation zone after a long downtrend and recent falling wedge breakdown.
Price is now stabilizing around 1.40 support, showing signs of base formation. If buyers manage to push and hold above 1.45–1.50 resistance. pic.twitter.com/AFIZozlx3b
— BitGuru 🔶 (@bitgu_ru) March 24, 2026
Momentum Indicators Signal Cautious Sentiment
The Relative Strength Index currently registers approximately 46, remaining beneath the neutral 50 threshold. This positioning indicates that bearish forces continue to dominate market sentiment.
XRP also trades beneath its 20-day moving average positioned at $1.41 and significantly below the 200-day moving average at $2.09. The moving average configuration displays a bearish alignment.
MACD indicator lines remain horizontal within negative territory. The absence of a bullish crossover signal indicates that momentum has yet to shift toward buyer favor.
Critical Price Levels for Traders
Regarding upside potential, initial resistance emerges near $1.4250. Clearing this barrier would expose $1.44, followed by $1.4650.
A decisive breakout above $1.4650 could establish targets at $1.50 and subsequently $1.5250. Bulls must defend the $1.4250 level to sustain any upward trajectory.
Should XRP encounter rejection at higher levels, the initial support line sits at $1.40. Additional downside cushions exist at $1.3850 and $1.3620.
A daily close beneath $1.3620 may accelerate selling toward $1.35 or potentially $1.3320.
This trendline could offer a strong buying opportunity for $XRP! pic.twitter.com/rdyxCeal1s
— Ali Charts (@alicharts) March 20, 2026
Technical analyst Ali Charts shared on X that an important trendline may present a compelling accumulation opportunity for XRP, highlighting the present support region as a favorable entry zone.
XRP presently maintains levels above both $1.40 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average, with market participants adopting a cautious stance as they monitor developing price patterns.
Crypto World
Philippines Declares First-Ever National Energy Emergency Over Iran War Fuel Crisis
TLDR:
- The Philippines imports 98% of its oil from Gulf nations, all directly disrupted by the ongoing Iran war conflict.
- Fuel prices have nearly tripled since February 28, with diesel hitting 130 pesos and LPG reserves lasting just 24 days.
- President Marcos signed Executive Order 110, granting authority over fuel rationing and essential goods distribution nationwide.
- Labor union KMU warned the emergency order could restrict worker strikes, with transport workers planning a two-day strike this week.
The Philippines has become the first country to declare a national energy emergency linked to the ongoing Iran war. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 110 on Tuesday.
The order cites an imminent danger to the country’s energy supply stability. With roughly 45 days of fuel remaining on average, the government is moving quickly.
The declaration grants broad authority over fuel purchasing, rationing, and distribution of essential goods across the nation.
A Nation Running Low on Fuel
The Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Gulf region. Its top three suppliers — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq — are all caught up in the conflict.
Together, these three nations account for billions of dollars in annual oil exports to the Philippines. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut down, those supply lines have been severely disrupted.
Saudi Arabia has already cut oil exports to Asia for a second straight month. Meanwhile, the Philippines produces just 14,300 barrels of oil per day domestically.
The country consumes around 474,000 barrels daily, leaving a 97% gap between supply and demand. That gap is now at the center of a deepening national crisis.
As TFTC noted on X: “The Philippines just became the first country in the world to declare a national energy emergency over the Iran war. They have 45 days of fuel left.”
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin provided a detailed breakdown of current reserves. “Gasoline for 53 days, diesel for 46 days, jet fuel for 39 days, and LPG for just 24 days,” Garin stated. The 45-day figure represents the average across all petroleum products. These numbers have pushed the government toward emergency measures.
Fuel Prices Surge as Government Acts
Fuel prices in the Philippines have nearly tripled since the war began on February 28. Diesel, widely used across the country, has surged to nearly 130 pesos per liter.
Kerosene, a cooking fuel for lower-income households, has climbed to 145 pesos. Gasoline has now exceeded 90 pesos per liter, more than double pre-war levels.
In response, the government has introduced several conservation measures. Civil servants are now on a four-day workweek to cut fuel use.
Ferry services have also been reduced, and transport workers are receiving 5,000-peso subsidies. The country is also shifting temporarily to coal-fired power plants to reduce reliance on liquefied natural gas.
Labor unions, however, are not satisfied. The KMU, the Philippines’ largest labor coalition, described the executive order as an “admission” that the government failed to act sooner.
The group also warned that provisions in the order could be used to “restrict strikes and protests.” Transport workers are planning a two-day strike on Thursday and Friday in direct response to the crisis.
Crypto World
Robinhood unveils $1.5B buyback as HOOD drops 39% YTD
Robinhood has approved a share repurchase program worth $1.5 billion, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. The company said it plans to execute the buyback over the next three years.
Summary
- Robinhood approved a $1.5 billion share buyback program to run over the next three years.
- HOOD closed down 4.7% Tuesday and remains nearly 39% lower so far in 2026 overall.
- Robinhood replaced its prior credit line with a new $3.25 billion JPMorgan revolving facility Tuesday.
According to the filing, the total includes $1.1 billion in new capacity. Robinhood rolled over the rest from an older repurchase plan. The company said the move reflects its capital plans as it continues to build new products and return value to shareholders over time.
Robinhood Chief Financial Officer Shiv Verma addressed the decision in a company statement. He said,
“Robinhood is a generational company with a massive long-term opportunity.” Verma also said, “This authorization reflects the confidence of our management team and board in our ability to continue delivering innovative products for customers and creating value for shareholders while returning capital over time.”
The company linked the program to its broader business strategy rather than to a short-term market move.
Robinhood shares closed Tuesday at $69.08, down 4.7% on the day. That marked the stock’s lowest closing price of the year. The shares later recovered slightly to $70.90 in after-hours trading.
The stock has fallen nearly 39% so far this year. It also stands 54.7% below its October peak of $152.46. The decline came during a weak period for both stocks and crypto, with broader macro concerns and the Iran war weighing on risk assets.
Credit facility expands while growth plans continue
Robinhood also said its unit, Robinhood Securities, entered a new $3.25 billion revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase. The new facility replaces a prior $2.65 billion line. It also includes an option to expand by up to $1.62 billion, which would bring the total capacity to $4.87 billion.
Even with pressure on its share price, Robinhood continues to push into crypto, tokenization, and adjacent financial products. The company launched the testnet for its Ethereum layer-2 network in February. Chief Executive Officer Vlad Tenev said the network processed 4 million transactions in its first week of public testnet activity.
Robinhood plans to launch the mainnet later this year to support tokenized equities, ETFs, and other traditional financial assets. Robinhood Ventures Fund has also invested about $35 million across Stripe and ElevenLabs.
Crypto World
Liquidity Zones and Liquidity Voids: Analysing Price Dynamics
Liquidity zones are areas where large buy and sell orders cluster, often acting as support or resistance. Liquidity voids (or imbalances) are fast price moves where little trading occurred, and price often returns to fill them.
Traders use liquidity zones to identify entry and exit points, while liquidity voids may help anticipate retracements and continuation moves.
This article explains how liquidity zones and liquidity voids function in market structure and highlights their role on price charts.
Takeaways
- Liquidity zones = high trading activity (support/resistance)
- Liquidity voids = low activity (fast price moves)
- Price tends to:
- move towards liquidity
- return to fill voids
- Commonly used with:
- market structure
- volume analysis
Liquidity Zones vs Liquidity Voids
Liquidity zones and liquidity voids differ primarily in how order flow is distributed and how price behaves within each environment.
In liquidity zones, trading activity is elevated due to the presence of clustered orders around previous highs, lows, or consolidation ranges. This concentration of liquidity typically causes prices to slow down, rotate, or produce reactions, reinforcing their role as support and resistance areas.
In contrast, liquidity voids form during strong directional moves, leaving behind areas where little trading activity has previously occurred. As a result, when price revisits these regions, it often moves quickly due to the absence of significant opposing orders.
Liquidity zones are generally associated with reversal or breakout strategies, where traders anticipate interaction between buyers and sellers. Liquidity voids, however, are typically approached with mean reversion expectations, as the market tends to rebalance prior inefficiencies.

Understanding Liquidity in Trading
In trading, liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold without significantly affecting its price. High liquidity means there are enough buyers and sellers at a given price level, facilitating smoother transactions. This concept is critical because it affects how quickly and at what price a trader can enter or exit positions.
Assets with high liquidity tend to have tighter spreads, which may reduce trading costs.
Conversely, assets with low liquidity can experience abrupt price movements due to limited order flow. Understanding liquidity may help traders make decisions.
These dynamics give rise to two important phenomena in trading: liquidity zones and voids. Liquidity zones are areas with a high concentration of trading activity, while liquidity voids represent gaps in the market where trading activity is sparse, each presenting unique conditions for trading strategies.
What Are Liquidity Zones in Trading?

Liquidity zones (also called liquidity levels) are specific areas on a price chart where trading activity is highly concentrated. These zones indicate areas where large orders can be executed with minimal price impact.
Forex liquidity zones highlight areas where currency pairs tend to see higher activity.
These areas may be useful for identifying reversals or breakouts, providing reference points for entries and exits.
These zones often form around historical price levels where significant trading activity has occurred. They often act as magnets, attracting future price movement due to expected order flow. Liquidity levels are commonly associated with support and resistance. When price approaches these levels, traders can expect increased order flow, which may lead to clearer price reactions.
Liquidity Zones vs Order Blocks

How Traders Identify Liquidity Zones (With Examples)

Traders identify liquidity zones using volume, price structure, and historical levels. Liquidity zone trading depends on accurately identifying areas where trading activity is concentrated. These levels highlight regions of high volume and may act as pivot points for price action.
Volume Profile
This approach uses the volume profile to show where most trading activity has occurred.
Unlike traditional indicators that display volume over time, the volume profile shows volume at specific price levels. This may help traders identify peaks in volume, highlighting areas of significant liquidity.
To use the volume profile tool as we have in the picture above, you can head over to FXOpen’s TickTrader trading platform and search for “Volume Profile Fixed Range” under the Indicators tab.
Price Consolidation Areas
Recognising zones where the price has consolidated for a notable period is another method. These areas represent a tug-of-war between buyers and sellers, resulting in a high volume of trades. Such levels often act as magnets for future price action, making them critical for liquidity area trading.
Previous Support and Resistance Levels
Historical support and resistance levels are invaluable for spotting zones. These are levels at which significant reversals or pauses in trend have occurred, indicating areas where large volumes of orders may accumulate. When price approaches these levels again, it often does so with increased trading activity, making them prime candidates for liquidity areas.
What Is a Liquidity Void (Imbalance)?

Liquidity voids (imbalances) are rapid price movements where little trading activity occurs between two levels. These gaps can lead to abrupt price changes and are often visible as sharp moves on a chart.
A liquidity void in forex signals an imbalance between buyers and sellers, causing prices to move quickly. This can result in sharp price movement as the market seeks a new equilibrium. These voids often occur after major news releases, during low-liquidity periods, or due to large institutional trades.
Their impact extends beyond the initial move. They represent areas where the market has not established a consensus price, which may lead to increased volatility later. Prices often return to these areas to “fill” the imbalance and restore balance in the market.
Traders navigate the increased volatility and unpredictability associated with these gaps but can also strategise to take advantage of the potential return to equilibrium.
How Traders Spot Liquidity Voids (Types of Liquidity Voids)
Liquidity voids can be classified based on where they appear in a trend. Liquidity voids in the forex market manifest in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and implications for traders. Understanding the different types of voids may support traders in navigating these challenging areas. Some notable types of liquidity voids are common, exhaustion, breakout, and runaway. Let’s take a look at them:
Common Liquidity Voids

Common voids appear randomly across charts without any news or event trigger, forming from natural market ebb and flow. They don’t always carry significant analytical value but are still worth monitoring for risk management purposes.
Exhaustion Liquidity Voids

Exhaustion liquidity voids appear at the end of a trend when momentum fades and price makes a final push before reversing. Traders often watch for them as potential signals of a trend reversal.
Breakout Liquidity Voids

Breakout voids form when price breaks through a key support or resistance level with enough force to leave behind an imbalance. They often signal the beginning of a new trend.
Runaway Liquidity Voids

Runaway voids occur within an existing trend and signal its continuation. Price moves sharply in the trend’s direction, bypassing levels where liquidity would normally sit, which may support trend strength confirmation.
How Traders Use Liquidity Zones and Voids

Liquidity zones and voids form the basis of several common trading approaches. Here’s how traders typically work with them.
Step 1: Identify a Liquidity Zone
Traders start by locating areas where price has repeatedly reacted, such as support and resistance levels or high-volume nodes on a volume profile. These clusters of resting orders act as magnets for price.
Step 2: Wait for a Price Reaction
Rather than acting immediately, traders watch how price behaves when it reaches the zone. Does it stall? Reverse? Push straight through? The reaction tells the story.
Step 3: Look for Confirmation
A reaction alone isn’t enough. Traders look for confirmation through candlestick patterns (like pin bars or engulfing candles) or a shift in market structure, such as a break of a recent swing high or low.
Step 4: Target Nearby Liquidity or a Void
Once confirmed, traders typically set targets at the next liquidity zone or unfilled void. Voids act as areas price is likely to move toward, since they represent unfinished business on the chart.

In this example, price moves into a liquidity zone, leaving a void behind it. Buyers attempt to push higher but fail, printing a long upper wick and signalling weakening momentum. Price then breaks below the established low and drops to fill the liquidity void left on the way up. A trader could have opened a sell position after the price broke below the low, set a stop-loss level above the nearest swing high, and closed the trade once the liquidity void was filled.
Limitations of Liquidity Zones and Voids
Understanding liquidity zones and voids provides traders with valuable insights into market dynamics, yet relying solely on these concepts comes with limitations. Here are some specific challenges to consider:
- Market Volatility: Market volatility can disrupt liquidity patterns, making historical levels less reliable.
- Influence of External Events: External events such as economic announcements can override expected behaviour.
- Timeframe Sensitivity: The relevance of zones and voids varies across timeframes, which may affect analysis.
- False Signals: These patterns can also produce false signals, leading to premature decisions.
The Bottom Line
Liquidity zones and voids may help explain how price moves within the forex market. They highlight areas of trading activity and imbalance, offering insight into potential price behaviour.
However, traders use them alongside other tools due to their limitations.
For traders seeking to apply these insights, opening an FXOpen account could provide a practical platform to explore and leverage the dynamics of liquidity in their trading across hundreds of tradable assets.
FAQs
What Are Liquidity Zones?
Liquidity zones are areas on a chart where buy and sell orders are concentrated, often acting as support or resistance. Traders monitor these levels to identify potential entry and exit points.
How Are Liquidity Zones Identified in Trading?
Liquidity zones are identified using tools such as volume profile, price consolidation, and historical support and resistance. These methods highlight areas where trading activity is concentrated.
How May Liquidity Zones Be Traded?
Liquidity zones are commonly used to identify potential entry and exit points. Traders monitor price reactions at these levels and may combine them with other tools to refine trading decisions.
What Are Liquidity Voids?
Liquidity voids are areas where price moves quickly due to low trading activity, creating an imbalance. Price often returns to these areas to “fill” the gap and restore market balance.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Crypto World
Market Analysis: AUD/USD, NZD/USD Struggle at Resistance, Upside Risks Diminish
AUD/USD is attempting a recovery wave from 0.6910. NZD/USD is also correcting losses and might recover if there is a clear move above 0.5885.
Important Takeaways for AUD/USD and NZD/USD Analysis Today
· The Aussie Dollar found support near 0.6910 and is now recovering against the US Dollar.
· There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at 0.7015 on the hourly chart of AUD/USD at FXOpen.
· NZD/USD is attempting a recovery wave above 0.5800.
· There is a major bearish trend line forming with resistance near 0.5840 on the hourly chart of NZD/USD at FXOpen.
AUD/USD Technical Analysis
On the hourly chart of AUD/USD at FXOpen, the pair dipped from well above 0.7050. The Aussie Dollar declined below 0.7000, but the bulls were active near 0.6910 against the US Dollar.
The recent swing low was formed near 0.6938, and the pair is now correcting losses. There was a move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward wave from the 0.7062 swing high to the 0.6938 low.

However, the bears are active near 0.7015 and the 61.8% Fib retracement. There is also a key bearish trend line near the same region. The pair is now trading below 0.7000 and the 50-hour simple moving average. On the upside, immediate resistance is 7000.
The first major hurdle for the bulls could be 0.7015. A clear upside break above 0.7015 could send the pair toward 0.7060. The next area of interest on the AUD/USD chart is near 0.7095, above which the price could rise toward 0.7120. Any more gains might send the pair toward 0.7150.
On the downside, initial support is near 0.6940. The key breakdown zone could be 0.6910 and 0.6900. Any more losses might send the pair toward 0.6840.
NZD/USD Technical Analysis
On the hourly chart of NZD/USD on FXOpen, the pair also followed a similar pattern and declined from the 0.5885 zone. The New Zealand Dollar gained bearish momentum and traded below 0.5850 against the US Dollar.
The pair even dropped below the 50-hour simple moving average and tested 0.5800. A low was formed near 0.5793, and the pair is now attempting a fresh increase. There was a move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward wave from the 0.5887 swing high to the 0.5793 low.

However, there was no close above the 50-hour simple moving average and the 61.8% Fib retracement. There is also a major bearish trend line forming with resistance near 0.5840.
On the upside, the pair is facing hurdles near the same trend line. The next key breakout zone sits near 0.5850. If there is a move above 0.5850, the pair could rise toward 0.5885. Any more gains might open the doors for a move to 0.5940.
On the downside, immediate support on the NZD/USD chart is near 0.5800. The next key area for the bulls might be 0.5785. If there is a downside break below 0.5785, the pair could extend the decline toward 0.5760. The main target for the bears below 0.5760 might be 0.5720.
Trade over 50 forex markets 24 hours a day with FXOpen. Take advantage of low commissions, deep liquidity, and spreads from 0.0 pips (additional fees may apply). Open your FXOpen account now or learn more about trading forex with FXOpen.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Crypto World
Robinhood (HOOD) Stock Drops to 2026 Low Despite $1.5B Share Buyback Authorization
Key Highlights
- The board of directors greenlit a $1.5 billion share repurchase initiative, injecting $1.1 billion in fresh buyback authority into the existing program
- The share repurchase initiative is scheduled to span three years beginning in the first quarter of 2026
- Shares of HOOD declined 4.7% on Tuesday, closing at $69.08—the lowest level recorded in 2026
- The company’s brokerage arm secured an enhanced revolving credit line with JPMorgan, increasing it to $3.25 billion from $2.65 billion
- Year-to-date, HOOD has dropped approximately 39%, representing a 54.7% decline from its October peak of $152.46
Robinhood (HOOD) has greenlit a $1.5 billion share repurchase initiative even as its stock price continues its downward trajectory, reaching its weakest closing price of 2026 on the day of the announcement.
According to an 8-K filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the board of directors authorized the repurchase program on Tuesday, March 24. The initiative introduces over $1.1 billion in additional buyback authorization, supplementing the remaining capacity from a prior program.
The financial services platform anticipates executing the share repurchases across approximately three years, commencing in the first quarter of 2026. The company maintains flexibility with no obligation to repurchase a predetermined amount.
Robinhood Chief Financial Officer Shiv Verma described the firm as “a generational company with a massive long-term opportunity,” stating that the authorization demonstrates the board’s belief in the company’s capacity to “continue delivering innovative products for customers and creating value for shareholders.”
Shares closed Tuesday’s trading session at $69.08, representing a 4.7% decline for the day. This marked HOOD’s weakest closing price in 2026. In extended trading, shares recovered slightly to $70.90.
Significant Retreat from October Peak
The stock has plummeted nearly 39% since the beginning of 2026 and has tumbled 54.7% from its record high of $152.46 reached in October. Macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty have pressured technology stocks and cryptocurrency-related equities alike.
Despite the challenging 2026 performance, HOOD remains approximately 43% higher compared to twelve months ago, buoyed by the platform’s strategic expansion into prediction markets, banking services, and cryptocurrency trading capabilities.
According to analyst sentiment tracker TipRanks, the average 12-month price target for HOOD stands at $123.85. Based on assessments from 16 Wall Street analysts, the consensus recommendation is classified as “strong buy.”
Share buyback programs are generally interpreted as management’s indication that the stock is trading below its intrinsic value—though investors appeared unimpressed by Tuesday’s announcement, as reflected in the day’s price action.
Enhanced Credit Line Provides Additional Financial Flexibility
In conjunction with the repurchase program disclosure, Robinhood Securities—the company’s registered brokerage entity—finalized an amended revolving credit arrangement with JPMorgan Chase as the lead arranger.
The credit facility was increased to $3.25 billion from its previous $2.65 billion limit. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions to potentially expand total commitments to as much as $4.875 billion, providing substantial liquidity flexibility.
Meanwhile, Robinhood continues advancing its cryptocurrency and tokenization strategy. The company released its Ethereum layer-2 blockchain network, Robinhood Chain, to public testnet in February.
Chief Executive Officer Vlad Tenev reported that the network handled 4 million transactions during its inaugural week on testnet. Robinhood Chain is designed to facilitate tokenized equities, exchange-traded funds, and other conventional financial products.
The mainnet deployment is scheduled for later in 2026.
HOOD concluded Tuesday’s regular trading at $69.08, with after-hours activity pushing the price modestly higher to $70.90.
Crypto World
Bitcoin Exchange Outflows Signal Investor Accumulation
The net outflow of Bitcoin from exchanges over the past month suggests that investors have started to accumulate the cryptocurrency, according to a CryptoQuant analyst.
March has been largely dominated by Bitcoin (BTC) outflows from crypto exchanges, aside from one spike in inflows just before the asset tapped a six-week high of $76,000 on March 17, according to CryptoQuant data.
This negative net flow has remained present while Bitcoin “continues its liquidation phase,” the analyst known as Darkfost said on Wednesday.
“This persistent outflow suggests genuine accumulation by investors, who continue to buy and withdraw their BTC from exchange platforms,” he said.
Inflows to exchanges are generally bearish as investors prepare to exchange the asset for stablecoins, which adds to selling pressure, whereas outflows are often a sign of accumulation and a possible precursor to buying pressure.

Long-term accumulation rather than short-term speculation
The analyst added that the demand is not yet strong enough to restart a trend, “but it clearly indicates ongoing accumulation and is likely one of the factors behind the range formation that has been developing for several months now.”
Nick Ruck, director of LVRG Research, told Cointelegraph on Wednesday that the outflows signal “genuine long-term accumulation by investors rather than short-term speculation.”
The removal of Bitcoin from centralized platforms “showcases growing confidence in Bitcoin’s fundamentals amid current market conditions as holders indicate a lack of interest in selling to hedge against price volatility,” he added.
Related: Rising US Treasury yields, war in Iran, rising inflation risk pressure Bitcoin price
Jeff Mei, the chief operations officer at crypto exchange BTSE, told Cointelegraph that crypto has outperformed stocks and gold since the beginning of the Iran war, “so it’s no surprise that investors are accumulating Bitcoin.”
“Crypto was oversold in the weeks and months prior to the conflict, so it makes sense that it hasn’t sold off as hard as stocks have,” he added.
“This could also be an indication of Bitcoin emerging as a hedge against traditional stocks, as well as increased institutional ownership.”
Bitcoin makes higher highs, higher lows
Another indicator of potential trend formation is Bitcoin’s price making higher highs and higher lows, as it has done at least twice so far this month, according to TradingView.
In its weekly on-chain summary on Monday, Glassnode said that net unrealized profits and losses have improved slightly, “indicating a modest easing in unrealized losses across the market,” but cautioned that “sentiment is still under pressure despite tentative signs of stabilization.”
Magazine: Banks want to run Vietnam’s crypto exchanges, Boyaa’s $70M BTC plan: Asia Express
-
Crypto World4 days ago
NIO (NIO) Stock Plunges 6.5% as Shelf Registration Sparks Dilution Worries
-
Fashion5 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Adidas – Corporette.com
-
Politics5 days agoJenni Murray, Long-Serving Woman’s Hour Presenter, Dies Aged 75
-
Crypto World3 days agoBest Crypto to Buy Now: Strategy Just Spent $1.57 Billion on Bitcoin During Fear While Early Investors Quietly Enter Pepeto for 150x Potential
-
News Videos7 days agoRBA board divided on rate cut, unusually buoyant share market | Finance Report | ABC NEWS
-
Crypto World3 days agoBitcoin Price News: Bhutan Sells $72 Million in BTC Under Fiscal Pressure, but the Smart Money Entering Pepeto Sees What the Market Does Not
-
Politics7 days agoThe House | The new register to protect children from their abusers shows Parliament at its best
-
Tech5 days agoinKONBINI Lets You Spend Summer Days Behind the Register
-
Crypto World7 days agoCanada’s FINTRAC revokes registrations of 23 crypto MSBs in AML crackdown
-
Sports2 days agoRemo Stars and Kano Pillars Strengthen Survival Hopes in NPFL
-
NewsBeat6 days agoResidents in North Lanarkshire reminded to register to vote in Scottish Parliament Election
-
News Videos7 days agoPARLIAMENT OF MALAWI – PAC MEETING WITH REGISTRAR OF FINANCIAL ON AMARYLLIS HOTEL – INQUIRY LIVE
-
Politics6 days agoGender equality discussions at UN face pushbacks and US resistance
-
Business3 days agoNo Winner in March 21 Drawing as Prize Rolls to $133 Million for Next
-
Business6 days agoWho Was Alex Pretti? 5 Key Facts About the ICU Nurse Killed by Federal Agents in Minneapolis
-
Sports2 days agoGary Kirsten Accuses Pakistan Cricket Board Of ‘Interference’, Mohsin Naqvi Responds
-
Tech2 days agoGive Your Phone a Huge (and Free) Upgrade by Switching to Another Keyboard
-
Tech6 days agoInventec’s bizarre VeilBook laptop hides its touchpad under a sliding keyboard just to give cooling fans a little breathing room
-
Sports5 days ago2026 Kentucky Derby horses, odds, futures, preview, date: Expert who nailed 12 Derby-Oaks Doubles enters picks
-
Sports6 days ago
Vikings Free Agency Enters Phase 2 with Key Questions


You must be logged in to post a comment Login