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Dormant Bitcoin Wallets Pose the Biggest Quantum Risk, Explained

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Crypto Breaking News

As quantum computing edges closer to practical reality, a nuanced risk picture is taking shape for Bitcoin. Rather than a sudden, network-wide catastrophe, researchers and industry observers are highlighting a tiered vulnerability focused on dormant addresses with exposed public keys. Many of these are among the oldest coins from Bitcoin’s early era, and their combination of long-standing exposure, high value, and inertia in defense makes them salient targets for a first generation of quantum-enabled attackers, should such capabilities mature.

Key takeaways

  • Dormant Bitcoin addresses with exposed public keys represent a concentrated risk, especially among early-era holdings that haven’t moved in years.
  • Quantum threats affect public-key cryptography (ECDSA/Schnorr) more directly than hash functions, meaning on-chain exposure of a public key is a critical vulnerability.
  • The risk separates into on-spend attacks (tight time windows tied to block confirmations) and at-rest attacks (longer horizons when keys are exposed but no immediate transaction is triggered).
  • Large, long-dormant holdings — including many 50 BTC block rewards from the early mining era — create a high-value target pool that could attract quantum-driven attacks first.
  • Beyond technology, the dormant-wallet challenge raises governance questions about asset salvage, protection, and how the protocol might accommodate or address historically inaccessible coins.

Where the risk converges on Bitcoin’s cryptography

Bitcoin relies on two cryptographic pillars: the hash function SHA-256 for mining and block security, and public-key cryptography (ECDSA/Schnorr) for transaction signatures. Quantum computers would affect these components in distinct ways. Hash functions are relatively resilient; even with Grover’s algorithm, they would be weakened but not rendered obsolete. Public-key cryptography, however, presents a sharper exposure path. With Shor’s algorithm, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could derive a private key from a known public key. In practical terms for Bitcoin, that means any coins whose public key has been revealed could theoretically be spent by an attacker if a quantum-capable adversary can perform the computation in time to act on a vulnerability.

The on-spend vs at-rest distinction and why it matters

Understanding the timing of attacks is crucial to assessing risk. There are two broad categories of quantum attacks:

On-spend attacks

  • Trigger a transaction to reveal the user’s public key.
  • Attackers must derive the private key within a short window — roughly the span of a single block, or about 10 minutes — to successfully move funds.

At-rest attacks

  • Target coins whose public keys are already exposed on-chain.
  • Aim for a longer horizon: days, weeks, or longer — with time as the primary constraint, not a rapid transaction window.
  • No immediate transaction trigger is required; attackers can plan and execute when they have sufficient quantum capability.

The contrast is telling. On-spend attacks face a tight clock, while at-rest attacks operate on a long-term timescale, hinging on technical breakthroughs rather than a race against a block window. If a large tranche of the supply has already disclosed its public keys, the window for opportunistic action expands dramatically.

Dormant wallets: three vulnerability factors

Dormant wallets—those that have not actively moved funds or upgraded security—combine three attributes that amplify risk:

  • No defensive action: Active holders can migrate funds, refresh security models, or move assets into newer, quantum-resistant formats. Dormant holders lack such pathways, leaving coins exposed without recourse.
  • Long exposure windows: Since public keys may already be on-chain, attackers can operate offline with less urgency, reducing the urgency imposed by short confirmation times.
  • High-value concentration: Many early Bitcoin holdings have appreciated substantially in value. High-value, dormant coins create a prime target profile for any future quantum-era exploit.

Notes from industry observers emphasize that coins in inactive wallets cannot upgrade their security after the fact. Thus, the burden of adoption and migration would fall to active participants and future protocol changes, not the dormant accounts themselves.

Which wallets are most exposed

The risk is not uniform across the blockchain. Several categories stand out as more exposed than others:

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Old P2PK outputs

  • These early formats reveal public keys directly on-chain when spent, offering little additional protection against quantum-enabled adversaries.

Address reuse

  • When an address is spent from and then reused, the public key becomes visible after the first spend. Any remaining funds in that address become more vulnerable as well.

Certain modern script formats, such as those associated with Taproot, also expose public-key material in ways that could fall into an at-rest exposure category under quantum assumptions. While Taproot was designed to improve efficiency and privacy, it does not entirely escape the theoretical risk if keys remain exposed long-term due to address reuse or legacy holdings.

The scale of the problem: dormant coins dominate the risk

Quantifying quantum risk goes beyond theoretical math; it hinges on measurable exposure. Reports indicate that billions of dollars’ worth of Bitcoin remains in addresses whose public keys are exposed, with a significant portion tracing back to early-era mining rewards. A notable share of these coins has not moved for more than a decade, creating a silent pool of assets that could become vulnerable as quantum capabilities advance. Among the most cited examples are the large blocks rewarded to miners in Bitcoin’s infancy — many of these blocks yielded 50 BTC rewards that subsequently remained idle for years. This concentration implies that the largest quantum-targets are often the largest Bitcoin holdings.

A deeper challenge: Dormant wallets and network governance

The emergence of a quantum threat for dormant wallets also raises governance and policy questions that extend beyond pure cryptography. If a future quantum attack were to surface, the Bitcoin community might face difficult choices about asset salvage, fund protection, or even temporary protocol adjustments to address long-dormant coins. Questions include whether such coins should remain spendable, whether there should be mechanisms to protect or freeze longitudinal holdings, and how public policy interacts with the immutable nature of the protocol when a subset of assets appears irrecoverable by design.

Why this doesn’t mean Bitcoin is broken

Crucially, observers stress that there is no current, widely accepted evidence that quantum computers capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography exist today. The development path toward practical, scalable quantum systems is expected to span years, if not decades, of sustained engineering progress. The risk is not imminent, but incremental and evolving. In the near term, the impact is likely to be selective rather than universal as early-stage quantum capabilities emerge and defenses are refined. Active users can adapt more quickly than dormant wallets, which means mitigation may initially favor those who actively manage their keys and upgrade security models.

What can be done in the meantime

Holders and the broader ecosystem can take concrete steps to reduce exposure and accelerate readiness:

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  • Minimize public-key exposure: Avoid address reuse and curb unnecessary early revelation of public keys, maintaining better separation between on-chain activity and key exposure.
  • Migration pathways: Develop and promote clear routes for moving funds into quantum-resistant formats as these technologies mature, ensuring a smooth transition for users who want to upgrade their security posture.
  • Continued protocol research: Ongoing work explores integrating quantum-resistant cryptography with Bitcoin’s core properties, aiming to preserve security and decentralization without introducing new central points of failure.

Practically, these measures primarily benefit active participants today, highlighting the gap between movable funds and long-dormant assets. The broader lesson is that a staged approach to upgrading cryptography may be essential to maintain resilience as technology evolves.

In summary, the dormant-wallet vulnerability reframes the quantum risk narrative for Bitcoin. It underscores a layered challenge: the network isn’t threatened as a monolith, but certain pockets of the supply could be more fragile than others if and when quantum capabilities advance. The future resilience of Bitcoin will depend not only on breakthroughs in quantum hardware but on decisive action by the ecosystem to strengthen, migrate, and adapt the way keys are managed across the lifecycle of the blockchain.

Readers should watch for ongoing research into quantum-resistant cryptography, milestones in post-quantum upgrades, and policy discussions about how to handle historical holdings that may be irretrievably exposed to future computational breakthroughs. The next phase will likely hinge on practical migration pathways and protocol-level safeguards that can extend protection to both active and dormant users without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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BitGo, Polygon Among Industry Giants Pushing Rate Limits After The Largest DeFi Exploit of 2026

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BitGo, Polygon Among Industry Giants Pushing Rate Limits After The Largest DeFi Exploit of 2026

A wave of protocol-level security responses followed the $292 million KelpDAO rsETH exploit on April 19, with BitGo, Polygon, and Katana moving swiftly to isolate potential contagion.

The attack drained 116,500 rsETH from Kelp DAO’s LayerZero-powered cross-chain bridge through a forged message that bypassed its Decentralized Verifier Network (DVN) configuration.

Protocols Move to Contain Fallout

BitGo, alongside BiT Global Trust, took down the LayerZero OFT DVNs for Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) as a precaution. The firm confirmed that user funds remain secure and pledged to share updates as more information becomes available.

Polygon stated that its chain, Agglayer, and broader ecosystem remain unaffected by the incident. The network noted it has safely processed over $2 trillion to date.

Katana paused the OFT path on Vaultbridge, which relied on a 2/3 DVN setup. Bridging through Agglayer, which verifies with zero-knowledge proofs rather than proof-of-authority multisigs, remained fully available.

Meanwhile, Cyvers CTO and co-founder Meir Dolev revealed that KelpDAO was just three minutes away from losing an additional $100 million. A rapid-response blacklist blocked the attacker before a second attempt could succeed.

Industry Leaders Call for Structural Rate Limits

The exploit has reignited calls for built-in rate limits across DeFi protocols. Ethena contributor Guy Young argued that asset issuers should implement throttled cross-chain transfers on top of standard LayerZero OFTs.

“We built a solution on top of the standard OFT to throttle cross chain transfers at $10m per hour for every DVN, in addition to the $10m per block rate limit on the mint contract. The former would have prevented Kelp, the latter Resolv,” he wrote.

Ethena’s configuration caps potential damage at $10 million per chain per hour even if a DVN is fully compromised. Young called the slight inconvenience for users a worthwhile tradeoff to avoid catastrophic losses.

Keone Hon, CEO and co-founder of Monad, proposed that pooled lending protocols adopt “smart caps” that limit how quickly collateral supply can grow.

He pointed to the Resolv hack in March, where the attacker minted infinite tokens but could only extract $24 million because exit pathways were small.

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Hon argued that high supply caps should be seen as a liability, not a sign of stature. A supply limit slightly above current utilization, adjusting over hours to the true cap, would have saved rsETH depositors $200 million, he estimated.

The KelpDAO breach is now the largest DeFi exploit of 2026. Whether protocols adopt the rate-limiting measures these leaders are proposing may determine how large the next one gets.

The post BitGo, Polygon Among Industry Giants Pushing Rate Limits After The Largest DeFi Exploit of 2026 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Europe Leads the Tokenization Charge as Banks, Regulators, and Depositories Align

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • An ECB director stated tokenization restructures entire financial systems, surpassing all previous waves of technological change.
  • The UK reversed its stablecoin payments policy, bringing digital assets into its formal regulatory perimeter for the first time.
  • HSBC completed a tokenized deposit pilot covering issuance, transfer, and atomic settlement on the Canton Network successfully.
  • Clearstream will custody and settle Ondo’s tokenized stocks and ETFs, embedding digital assets into core European market infrastructure.

Tokenization is gaining serious traction across Europe as regulators, central banks, and financial institutions move toward digital asset integration.

A European Central Bank director recently stated that tokenization’s effect on finance surpasses earlier waves of technological change.

Major institutions across the continent are responding with concrete steps. From regulatory reversals to live pilots and cross-border partnerships, Europe is emerging as a key driver of the global tokenization push.

European Regulators Set the Tone for a New Financial Era

A European Central Bank director drew a sharp distinction between tokenization and previous technological shifts in finance.

According to Ledger Insights, the director noted that these technologies do not merely improve one part of a system.

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Rather, they restructure the entire logic of how financial systems operate. That assessment positions tokenization as a foundational change, not an incremental upgrade.

The statement carried weight given the ECB’s central role in shaping European financial policy. When a director at that level speaks about systemic change, institutions across the continent take notice.

The framing moved the conversation beyond speculation and into strategic planning. European banks and depositories began responding almost immediately.

Across the Channel, the UK government reversed its earlier position on stablecoins within payments regulation. Authorities confirmed plans to bring stablecoins into the country’s formal payments regulatory perimeter.

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That reversal closed a policy gap that had kept digital assets outside mainstream financial oversight. Britain’s shift aligned it more closely with the direction Europe’s financial regulators are heading.

Together, these regulatory signals are creating a more predictable environment for tokenized finance. Institutions require clear frameworks before committing to infrastructure investments at scale.

With central bank commentary and government policy now pointing in the same direction, that clarity is forming. Europe’s regulatory posture is becoming one of cautious but deliberate acceptance.

European Institutions Move From Pilots to Permanent Infrastructure

HSBC completed a tokenized deposit pilot on the Canton Network, marking a practical step forward for European banking. The exercise simulated the issuance, transfer, and atomic settlement of its Tokenised Deposit Service.

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All three functions were tested in a controlled environment, confirming operational readiness. The pilot demonstrated that large European banks are past the conceptual stage.

ABN Amro extended crypto access to its investment clients through a carefully structured approach. The Dutch bank introduced indirect exposure via Exchange Traded Products and Capital Protected Notes.

Both instruments are available through ABN Amro’s existing investment platforms, keeping the process familiar for clients. That design reflects how European institutions are balancing innovation with risk management.

The most structurally significant development came through the Ondo Finance, Clearstream, and 360X partnership.

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Clearstream, Europe’s leading securities depository, will provide custody, settlement, and collateralization for Ondo’s tokenized stocks and ETFs.

This integration places tokenized assets directly inside established institutional workflows. It removes a barrier that had long kept digital assets separate from mainstream settlement infrastructure.

That partnership matters because Clearstream operates at the core of European capital markets. Anchoring tokenized securities within its framework gives institutional participants a trusted, regulated entry point.

European financial infrastructure is no longer sitting adjacent to tokenization. It is becoming part of it.

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AVAX Tests Key Support as Descending Triangle Signals Possible Trend Reversal Ahead

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • AVAX trades near $9 as price consolidates above key support within a multi-year descending triangle structure
  • Strong buyer activity appears around $8–$10, with reduced volatility signaling a possible accumulation phase
  • Resistance between $13 and $16 remains critical, with a breakout needed to shift short-term momentum
  • A confirmed move above the descending trendline could open a path toward the $60–$80 price range

Avalanche (AVAX) is trading near a key support zone as its weekly chart shows a long-term descending triangle. Price action suggests buyers are stepping in, with consolidation forming near the lower boundary of the structure.

AVAX Holds Key Support as Buyers Step In

AVAX has remained within a broad downtrend since its 2021 peak above $130. The weekly chart shows a clear pattern of lower highs, guided by a descending resistance trendline. This structure has kept selling pressure active during each rally attempt.

According to analyst Butterfly on X, AVAX is bouncing from the lower edge of the triangle. The post added that buyers are showing interest near this support, with early signs of control shifting toward bulls.

Price is now hovering around $9.18, just above a strong support zone between $10.5 and $11. This area has been tested several times, making it a key level for market participants. Below this, the $8 to $9 range has acted as a short-term accumulation zone.

The chart also shows reduced volatility within this range. Price movement has tightened, forming a consolidation pattern. This behavior often appears when selling pressure slows and buyers begin absorbing available supply.

Volume data supports this view. Larger spikes appeared during earlier sell-offs and rebounds. More recently, volume has stabilized, with no sharp increase in selling activity. This trend suggests that the market may be entering a transition phase.

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Resistance Levels Define Next Direction

While support has held, several resistance levels remain in focus. The first barrier sits between $13.5 and $16.5, where recent price rejection occurred. A move above this range could shift short-term momentum.

Beyond that, the $20.5 to $25.5 range represents a mid-level resistance zone. This area aligns with the previous price structure and could slow movement upward if reached. The descending trendline near $30 remains the most critical level.

A breakout above this trendline would change the long-term structure. It would end the pattern of lower highs and open the path for a broader recovery. Projections from the chart suggest that such a move could push the price toward the $60 to $80 range.

On the downside, a break below $8 would weaken the current setup. In that case, price could move toward the $6 to $7.5 region. This level has served as support in the past and may attract new buying interest.

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For now, AVAX remains in a narrow range between $8 and $12. This zone has become a key area where both buyers and sellers are active. The longer the price stays within this band, the stronger the next move could be.

Market participants are watching closely as the structure approaches a decision point. The repeated defense of support suggests ongoing demand. At the same time, resistance levels continue to cap upward movement.

The weekly chart reflects a market in balance, with both sides waiting for confirmation. A move beyond these defined levels will likely set the next direction for AVAX.

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Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History

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Bitcoin Price Performance.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $75,000 on April 19 as the Strait of Hormuz shut down entirely and Iran rejected a second round of negotiations with the United States.

The developments mark a sharp escalation in the US-Iran standoff, with zero oil tankers passing through the strait and diplomatic channels appearing to collapse.

Strait of Hormuz Shuts Down as Diplomacy Stalls

No oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the waterway that handles roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade.

“It appears that the Strait of Hormuz is now completely closed for the first time in history. The US “blockade” and Iran’s closure are in full force,” wrote The Kobeissi Letter.

Reportedly, thirteen tankers had already turned back mid-route the day before, freezing shipping flows through the critical chokepoint.

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Iran’s state media confirmed that Tehran rejected participating in a second round of talks with Washington. Iranian officials cited what they called “deception” from President Trump, pointing to “inconsistency with what is actually happening” during negotiations.

The rejection came after the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement last week.

Trump Escalates Threats Against Iran

President Trump accused Iran of firing on ships in the strait in violation of the ceasefire agreement. He threatened to “knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran” if Tehran refuses a deal.

General sentiment is that both countries are on the verge of a new round of escalation, with futures markets set to open within hours.

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Bitcoin has faced sustained pressure from the US-Iran conflict since February 28. The pioneer crypto previously fell from above $100,000 when Iran first moved to close the strait earlier this year. Amid Sunday’s risk-off sentiment, the king of crypto fell below $75,000 for yet another time.

Bitcoin Price Performance.
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: TradingView

Rising oil prices and inflation fears have repeatedly pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets over crypto.

The coming hours may prove critical as futures markets open and traders price in the diplomatic breakdown.

The post Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Solana Holds Cup and Handle Structure as Price Trades Within Key Consolidation Range

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Solana’s monthly chart shows a cup-and-handle pattern forming after a long recovery from 2023 lows.
  • Price remains inside a descending channel, with $70–$80 support acting as a key short-term level.
  • Resistance between $240–$280 marks the breakout zone needed to confirm the bullish continuation pattern.
  • A breakdown below $70 may weaken the structure, while holding support keeps the consolidation phase active.

Solana’s monthly price structure is drawing attention as it continues to form a classic cup-and-handle pattern. The asset remains within a consolidation phase, with price currently moving inside the handle range after a strong recovery from earlier lows.

Long-Term Structure Shows Gradual Recovery

Solana’s macro chart reflects a rounded bottom that formed between 2021 and 2024. Price peaked near $240–$260 in 2021 before entering a prolonged decline. It later found support near $10–$12 in early 2023, marking the cycle low.

Bitcoinsensus describes this structure as a developing cup-and-handle pattern on the monthly timeframe.

The post notes that the recovery from the 2023 lows formed a rounded base, which is often linked to steady accumulation rather than rapid speculation.

From that bottom, price climbed steadily toward the previous highs, completing the cup formation. This move established a broader bullish structure, supported by higher highs during the recovery phase. The return to the $240–$260 range defined the upper boundary of the cup.

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Since reaching that zone, the price has not broken out. Instead, it has entered a controlled pullback. This phase forms the handle portion of the structure, which typically follows a rounded recovery.

The handle appears as a downward-sloping channel. Current price action remains within this range, with resistance near $180–$200 and support around $70–$80. At the time of observation, the price traded near $89.97, closer to the lower boundary.

Consolidation Phase Keeps Market in Balance

The handle structure reflects short-term pressure, although the broader trend remains intact. This phase often involves reduced volatility compared to the earlier recovery. Price movement within this channel suggests a pause rather than a confirmed reversal.

Key resistance levels remain clearly defined. The descending channel top sits near $170–$200, acting as immediate resistance. Beyond that, the $240–$280 range marks the major breakout zone tied to the cup formation.

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On the downside, the $70–$80 region serves as critical support. A breakdown below this level could shift market structure. In such a case, the price may move toward $60 or lower, weakening the current pattern.

The broader structure remains intact as long as support holds. The cup-and-handle pattern traditionally requires a breakout above the rim for confirmation. In this case, that level lies near $240–$280.

If price moves above this zone with strong momentum, the pattern projects a larger upside range. The depth of the cup suggests a possible extension toward $450–$550. However, such movement depends on sustained strength and a confirmed breakout.

For now, the price continues to move within the handle. This keeps the market in a neutral position, with both upward and downward scenarios still open.

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A hold above support may allow a move toward channel resistance. A break below support could delay further recovery.

The current phase remains focused on consolidation. Market participants continue to watch the $70–$80 support and the descending resistance line for direction. Movement beyond these levels will likely define the next stage of the trend.

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Money Market Funds See Record $172B Outflows as Capital Rotates Across Markets

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Money market funds recorded a $172.2B weekly outflow, the largest ever, far exceeding typical April withdrawal trends.
  • Equity funds attracted $11.3B while bond funds saw $7.9B inflows, showing a shift toward diversified allocations.
  • Crypto and gold funds each gained $1.2B, reflecting steady demand for alternative assets during capital rotation.
  • Seasonal tax payments and portfolio adjustments drove withdrawals, pushing the four-week average to early 2024 levels.

Money market funds recorded a historic weekly outflow as capital rotated across asset classes. Recent data shows a sharp withdrawal trend, with funds moving into equities, bonds, and alternative assets during a period that often aligns with seasonal tax payments.

Record Outflows Reshape Short-Term Liquidity Trends

Money market funds saw a weekly outflow of $172.2 billion, marking the largest drawdown ever recorded. The scale of withdrawals exceeded typical April averages, reflecting an unusual shift in short-term liquidity positioning.

According to a post shared by The Kobeissi Letter on X, the weekly outflow was over 320% above the average April movement seen in recent years.

The data also showed that the four-week moving average dropped to negative $30.0 billion, reaching levels last seen in early 2024.

This change in flow patterns coincided with capital moving into other financial instruments. Equity funds attracted $11.3 billion, while bond funds recorded inflows of $7.9 billion during the same period. These figures suggest that investors adjusted allocations rather than exiting markets entirely.

At the same time, alternative assets saw moderate interest. Gold and crypto-related funds each received $1.2 billion in inflows. While smaller in size compared to equities and bonds, these inflows indicate continued diversification across asset classes.

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April often brings seasonal liquidity changes due to tax obligations. As a result, part of the outflow from money market funds was linked to tax-related withdrawals. This pattern tends to repeat annually, although the magnitude this time stands out.

Capital Rotation Signals Broader Allocation Shifts

The movement of funds into equities and bonds points to a broader reallocation strategy. Investors appear to be balancing short-term liquidity needs with longer-term positioning across markets.

Equity inflows suggest a willingness to maintain exposure to risk assets despite recent volatility. Meanwhile, bond inflows indicate continued interest in fixed-income securities, often used for stability during uncertain conditions.

The inflows into gold and crypto funds, although smaller, add another layer to the overall picture. These assets are often viewed as alternative stores of value, especially during periods of shifting liquidity trends.

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The decline in the four-week moving average of withdrawals also provides context. It shows that while the weekly outflow was large, the broader trend reflects sustained but less extreme withdrawals over time.

Taken together, the data show that capital is not leaving the financial system but moving between asset classes. Seasonal factors, combined with changing market preferences, continue to shape these flows.

As April progresses, similar patterns may continue, especially if tax-related withdrawals remain active. However, the redistribution of funds suggests ongoing engagement across multiple markets rather than a retreat from risk.

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Michael Saylor Signals Rising Bitcoin Cost Basis as $75K Emerges as Key Support Zone

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Institutional Bitcoin buying continues across cycles, with cost basis rising steadily toward the $75K range
  • Large purchase clusters at higher prices reflect increased capital deployment during bullish momentum phases
  • The $75K level aligns with average cost, making it a key support zone for current market positioning
  • Bitcoin price near cost basis signals a decision point as market direction remains uncertain in the short term

Bitcoin accumulation trends tied to large institutional buyers continue to draw market attention as price action tests key levels.

A recent dataset shared publicly outlines long-term purchasing behavior, cost basis movement, and evolving strategy across multiple market cycles up to April 19, 2026.

Institutional Accumulation Strategy Expands Across Market Cycles

A post by Michael Saylor introduced the chart with a brief statement urging larger thinking. The shared data tracks a “Strategy Tracker,” presenting Bitcoin purchases over time alongside price movement and average cost trends.

The dataset shows total holdings of 780,897 BTC valued at $59.10 billion. The average acquisition cost stands at $75,577 per Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, cumulative tracked purchases reach 8,780,897 BTC across 106 events, reflecting long-term accumulation behavior.

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Early accumulation occurred when Bitcoin traded between $10,000 and $40,000. During this period, purchases remained consistent but relatively small.

As a result, the average cost line moved gradually upward, showing controlled exposure during lower price levels.

As prices declined toward the $20,000 to $30,000 range, buying activity continued. This phase reflects steady accumulation during market weakness. The average cost stabilized before rising again, indicating continued capital deployment without hesitation.

Later, Bitcoin entered a strong upward move, climbing beyond $100,000. During this phase, purchase sizes increased, and buying frequency rose. The average cost also climbed sharply, signaling a shift toward momentum-driven accumulation.

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Price Levels and Cost Basis Shape Market Positioning

The chart outlines key price zones that now frame market structure. The $75,000 to $80,000 range aligns closely with the average acquisition cost. This level now serves as a central support zone tied to institutional positioning.

Below that, the $60,000 to $65,000 range marks a previous consolidation area. This zone acted as a base before the breakout that pushed prices higher. These levels remain relevant for traders assessing downside scenarios.

On the upside, $100,000 continues to act as a psychological barrier. The price has tested this level multiple times. Above that, the $120,000 to $130,000 range represents the recent peak and a clear resistance zone.

The relationship between price and average cost remains central to the current setup. When Bitcoin trades above the cost basis, positions remain in profit. When price approaches this level, it becomes a decision point for market participants.

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Recent data shows Bitcoin hovering near this cost level. This places the market in a narrow range where direction remains uncertain. At the same time, continued buying during both rallies and pullbacks reflects a steady approach.

Purchase markers on the chart also show larger allocations at higher price levels. This pattern suggests increasing capital commitment over time. It also reflects a willingness to accumulate regardless of short-term price fluctuations.

The absence of selling activity across the timeline reinforces a long-term positioning strategy. Rather than reacting to price swings, the approach remains focused on building exposure across cycles.

Future price movement now depends on how Bitcoin behaves around the $75,000 level. Holding above this range may support another move toward $100,000 and beyond. However, a breakdown below this level could shift short-term market direction toward lower support zones.

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The chart presents a structured view of accumulation, cost growth, and price interaction. It captures how institutional participation has evolved alongside Bitcoin’s expanding market cycle.

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Current BTC Price Action Shows Dramatic Underperformance: Analyst

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving

The current Bitcoin (BTC) market cycle is “dramatically” weaker than the three previous cycles, according to Alex Thorn, the head of firmwide research at investment firm Galaxy.

Thorn compared price action since the April 2024 Bitcoin halving to cycles triggered in 2012, 2016 and 2020; the current cycle shows significantly dampened volatility and lower upside. The all-time high above $125,000 on Oct. 5, 2025 was only 97% above the 2024 halving price around $63,000.

BTC’s price increased by about 9,294% during the 2012 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $1,163, and climbed by about 2,950% during the 2016 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $19,891. The 2020 halving saw a price increase of about 761%.

Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
A comparison of Bitcoin’s price action in previous halving cycles. Source: Alex Thorn

“Cycle four is dramatically underperforming prior cycles,” Thorn said in an X post, asking, “Is this the new normal, or is it the new normal until it isn’t?”

The decreasing volatility in each successive BTC halving cycle suggests that traditional market dynamics are changing and that BTC’s price may start to be influenced more by other factors, rather than the halving or the four-year cycle market theory.

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The 30-day Bitcoin Volatility Index, which spiked to 9.64% on April 2, 2020, has not been above 3.11% in the current cycle, a reading last tipped on Aug. 24, 2024. At last look, the latest 30-day estimate for that volatility gauge is 1.75%, according to Bitbo data.

Related: Bitcoin bull run ‘still too early’ to call as demand lags exiting capital: Analyst

Critics say current cycle performance ignores the premature all-time high before 2024’s halving

BTC reached what was then the all-time high above the $70,000 level in March 2024 — one month before the April 2024 halving.

The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States in January 2024 was the primary catalyst for the price pump.

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
The price of BTC hit an all-time high before the April 2024 halving. Source: TradingView

This historic anomaly of BTC hitting a new all-time high before the halving skewed the current cycle’s price performance, critics of Thorn’s analysis said.

Bitcoin drawdowns have also become less severe, as volatility has declined, according to Fidelity Digital Assets.

Previous Bitcoin bear markets have seen declines between 80% and 90%, according to Zack Wainwright, a Fidelity Digital Assets research analyst.

However, Bitcoin’s crash to $60,000 from the all-time high above $125,000 represents a decline just north of 50%, Fidelity’s analysis noted.

In March, Jan van Eck, CEO of asset management company VanEck, said that BTC is close to bottoming out and that he expects the price to begin gradually rising again in 2026. 

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At last look, the biggest crypto was trading at about $74,703, up almost 5% in the last seven days, according to TradingView data.

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