Crypto World
Microsoft Warns of USB-Based “Crypto Clipper” Malware Spread
Microsoft Threat Intelligence has issued a warning to Windows users about a cryptocurrency clipper malware strain that spreads through USB drives and has been active since February. The attack is designed to harvest wallet credentials directly from users’ clipboard activity and then maintain control of infected machines through a persistent “worm-like” component.
In a security blog post published Wednesday, Microsoft described how the malware combines rapid clipboard theft with screenshot capture and wallet-address substitution—turning routine wallet copying into a monetization path for attackers. Microsoft also said the malware can propagate to removable media without relying on a traditional installer or exposed IP-based infrastructure, increasing the challenge of blocking it with conventional perimeter defenses.
Key takeaways
- Microsoft says the crypto clipper has been affecting Windows users since February and spreads via USB devices.
- The malware targets “high-value financial artifacts” copied to the clipboard, including BIP39 seed phrases and private keys.
- It can replace copied wallet addresses with attacker-controlled ones across multiple blockchain ecosystems, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Microsoft reports it deploys Tor on the victim device and uses Tor-routed command-and-control to hide operator infrastructure.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects the threat as Trojan:Win32/CryptoBandits.A.
USB-based clipboard theft turns into credential exfiltration
At the core of the campaign is a tactic Microsoft described as “high-frequency clipboard theft” paired with screenshot exfiltration. According to Microsoft, once the malware runs on a Windows machine, it monitors clipboard contents to extract wallet credentials and then captures screenshots every ten seconds to provide additional context for the attackers.
More worryingly for users is what Microsoft says the malware does beyond stealing information. Microsoft characterized the clipper as including a backdoor capability, enabling attackers to execute additional code on compromised hosts at later times. That shifts the threat from “one-time theft” into a persistent foothold that can potentially support follow-on attacks, including ransomware-style intrusions.
Microsoft also said the malware can disguise its presence by hiding legitimate files and replacing them with lookalike shortcuts. That design encourages victims to run the malicious components without realizing they’ve been tricked—especially when the infection is triggered via removable media.
Persistence and propagation via scheduled tasks and “worm” behavior
Microsoft’s analysis indicates the malware deploys two obfuscated JavaScript payloads in the Windows Documents directory. It then creates scheduled tasks for both the worm and stealer components—an approach that helps ensure the malicious routines continue running even after reboot.
The “worm component” is central to the propagation strategy. Microsoft said the malware automatically pushes itself to USB storage devices, allowing infections to spread when the victim connects the drive to other systems. This is why Microsoft’s warning focuses on removable media hygiene: an environment where USB devices are shared among multiple machines becomes a multiplier for infection risk.
Microsoft also noted that the malware’s execution does not depend on a traditional installer or exposed IP-based infrastructure. In practical terms, this can reduce defenders’ ability to rely on common download/installer telemetry and may make it harder to block by tracking known malicious endpoints.
Tor on the endpoint and wallet-address substitution
Microsoft reported that the malware secretly installs a copy of Tor on the victim’s computer and renames it ugate.exe to look less suspicious. The malware then uses the anonymizing Tor network to reach hidden “onion” addresses operated by the attackers.
This Tor-routed approach matters because it makes command-and-control less dependent on a stable, easily enumerated host. Microsoft said the combination of Tor-routed C2, clipboard targeting, screenshot capture, and remote code execution gives attackers both immediate monetization paths and ongoing control of compromised devices.
On the monetization side, Microsoft said the clipper focuses on high-value financial artifacts from clipboard content, including BIP39 mnemonic seed phrases and Bitcoin and Ethereum private keys. Microsoft also described wallet-address substitution across multiple networks, replacing copied wallet addresses with attacker-controlled ones for Bitcoin, Tron, and Monero.
In addition to swapping addresses, the malware takes periodic screenshots, which can help attackers confirm what the user intended to send—even if the copied address has been altered. Microsoft also said that the malware collects this information to support the operators’ ability to act quickly once funds are ready to move.
What Microsoft recommends and how this fits a broader threat wave
Microsoft recommended several defensive measures aimed at breaking the infection chain. These include disabling autoplay on removable media, blocking .lnk execution from USB drives, and monitoring for proxy activity and spawned scripts—behaviors consistent with malware that uses scheduled tasks and anonymized communications.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects the threat as Trojan:Win32/CryptoBandits.A, which gives defenders a baseline for incident response and hunting on endpoints that show related artifacts.
The warning arrives amid a broader escalation in Windows-based crypto-stealing threats. Earlier this month, Foresiet Threat Intel identified a Windows malware strain called Lucid Stealer targeting browser extensions and crypto wallets. Taken together, the pattern suggests attackers are increasingly focusing on credential capture mechanisms that align with how users actually manage funds—through browser tools, wallet software, and copy/paste behavior that can be intercepted.
For users and security teams, the next step is to treat clipboard-handling threats as a high-risk category, not a niche one: watch for suspicious scheduled tasks, unexpected Tor-related processes renamed to masquerade filenames, and evidence of USB-driven propagation. With Microsoft stating the campaign has been active since February, organizations should also consider whether any infected removable media may still be in circulation and whether endpoint monitoring is catching the early stages—before clipboard theft and address substitution begin.
Key Takeaways
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Palantir Technologies shares declined following Oligo Security’s FedStart enrollment.
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Oligo pursues FedRAMP High and DoD Impact Level 5 certifications via the program.
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FedStart accelerates federal compliance processes for software providers.
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Oligo delivers runtime security solutions for government application environments.
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Partnership reinforces Palantir’s infrastructure for regulated technology markets.
Shares of Palantir Technologies declined on Friday following news that Oligo Security has partnered with the company through its FedStart compliance initiative. PLTR stock decreased 1.65%, finishing the session at $128.47. This partnership provides Oligo with an accelerated pathway to obtain critical federal security certifications.
Palantir Technologies Inc., PLTR
Oligo Security Enters Palantir’s FedStart Ecosystem
Oligo Security has officially joined Palantir Technologies’ FedStart initiative as part of its strategy to penetrate the federal government market. The runtime security provider is pursuing both FedRAMP High authorization and Department of Defense Impact Level 5 certification. This enrollment integrates Oligo into Palantir’s established network of government-oriented software vendors.
Palantir created FedStart specifically to streamline the complex process of achieving federal security compliance standards. Participating organizations receive access to hardened infrastructure and expert compliance guidance. The program significantly shortens the timeline for obtaining Authority to Operate certifications from government agencies.
Through FedStart, Oligo intends to deliver its runtime security capabilities directly to federal agencies. The company’s platform safeguards applications, cloud infrastructure, and artificial intelligence systems during active operation. Oligo specializes in defending against threats that emerge while software is executing in production.
Runtime Protection Addresses Evolving Federal Threat Landscape
According to Oligo, contemporary cyberattacks increasingly exploit vulnerabilities during the runtime phase rather than at rest. The company’s technology identifies and neutralizes active threats in real-time. This methodology contrasts with conventional security solutions that primarily identify potential weaknesses without runtime context.
Legacy security frameworks typically create silos between application security, cloud protection, and workload defense. Sophisticated threat actors exploit these disconnected layers during coordinated attack campaigns. Oligo’s platform consolidates monitoring across these environments to eliminate coverage gaps.
The security firm analyzes actual production behavior to pinpoint vulnerabilities that adversaries can realistically weaponize. This approach enables security operations teams to reduce false positive alerts and prioritize genuine risks. Oligo maintains that its solution can prevent exploitation attempts while maintaining system availability and performance.
FedStart Program Reinforces Palantir’s Federal Infrastructure Position
Palantir’s FedStart initiative assists technology vendors pursuing federal and defense sector authorizations. The program delivers secure development environments, pre-built compliance architectures, and expert guidance on government authorization processes. This offering demonstrates Palantir’s expanding influence in federal software infrastructure.
For Oligo Security, FedStart participation establishes a structured approach to reaching federal customers. Both FedRAMP High and DoD IL5 certifications enable deployment within highly sensitive government operations. These authorizations mandate rigorous controls covering data protection, identity management, and operational security.
Palantir strengthens its FedStart portfolio by incorporating additional specialized security vendors. Simultaneously, Oligo obtains access to compliance infrastructure specifically designed for federal requirements. This arrangement consolidates Palantir’s standing as the preferred platform for companies entering regulated government technology markets.
Bittensor’s TAO token has fallen nearly 20% from its June 15 peak after governance concerns, derivatives liquidations, and a risk-off macro backdrop combined to erase much of last week’s rally.
Summary
- TAO has fallen nearly 20% from its June 15 high as governance concerns and liquidations hit sentiment.
- Criticism of the Root Reborn proposal has raised questions about validator power, liquidity, and regulation.
- Technical indicators show sellers remain in control, with $220 acting as a key near-term support level.
According to data from crypto.news, Bittensor (TAO) price dropped 4.3% in the last 24 hours to trade near $225 on June 19, bringing its losses to nearly 20% since June 15, when the AI-focused token peaked around $283 before governance concerns and derivatives liquidations triggered a reversal.
Bittensor’s decline accelerated after criticism emerged around the proposed Root Reborn governance overhaul, a plan designed to reduce persistent subnet token selling by changing how validators allocate capital across the network.
While supporters view the proposal as a long-term fix for Bittensor’s tokenomics, opponents argue it could introduce governance concentration, liquidity stress, and regulatory complications.
Among the most vocal critics, validator group Yuma warned that Root Reborn would transform validators from neutral network operators into active capital allocators. According to Yuma, the framework could create incentives for collusion, preferential treatment, and frontrunning while encouraging subnet teams to prioritize validator relationships over AI product development.
“Such a change could fundamentally alter the role of validators,” Yuma wrote in its assessment of the proposal.
At the same time, derivatives traders rapidly reduced exposure. CoinGlass data showed TAO futures open interest falling more than 8% over a 24-hour period to roughly $252 million-$260 million. More than $1.66 million in bullish leveraged positions were liquidated during the same stretch, adding forced market selling as prices moved lower.
Trading activity also weakened. Daily volume dropped roughly 14% to about $624 million as traders reassessed protocol risk ahead of further discussions surrounding the governance proposal
Concerns extended beyond governance mechanics. Yuma argued that rewards tied to baskets of subnet tokens could become difficult to liquidate during periods of market stress, while a wave of unstaking could create execution disadvantages for later redeemers.
Macroeconomic conditions added another headwind. Crypto markets remained under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh reinforced expectations that U.S. interest rates may remain elevated for longer than previously expected.
The stronger U.S. dollar and declining appetite for speculative assets pushed capital away from high-beta sectors, including artificial intelligence-linked cryptocurrencies.
TAO technical structure favors sellers below key resistance
The daily chart shows TAO breaking below a major horizontal support zone near $237, a level that acted as a floor during April and May. What previously served as support now risks becoming resistance after the breakdown.
Murrey Math levels place the token below the 3/8 trading range support at $218.8, while the next major resistance stands near the 4/8 pivot at $250. A recovery above that region would be required to restore bullish momentum and reopen a path toward $281, where the June rally stalled.
On the four-hour chart, TAO has also fallen beneath the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $228.2 after rejecting the 0.786 retracement near $273.8 earlier this week. Price continues to trade below a descending trendline that has capped every recovery attempt since June 15.
Momentum indicators remain weak. The MACD has crossed into negative territory with expanding bearish histogram bars, while Chaikin Money Flow sits at -0.27, showing capital leaving the market. Although the Stochastic RSI remains above oversold levels on the daily timeframe, both signal lines have turned lower.
According to the 4-hour chart, TAO’s failure to reclaim the broken $237 support leaves the market vulnerable to another leg lower toward the $208 Fibonacci support zone.
TAO loses key support as sellers target lower liquidity zones
CoinGlass liquidation heatmap data shows dense liquidity clusters concentrated between $239 and $241, creating a potential magnet should buyers regain control. Several additional liquidation pockets sit near $244 and $245, where short positions could come under pressure if TAO stages a relief rally.
The downside picture remains equally important. A concentration of leveraged positions has formed around the $225-$226 area, while thinner support appears below current prices until the $220 region. A decisive break beneath $220 could expose the June swing low near $190 before attention turns toward the longer-term support band between $180 and $200.
Regulatory concerns surrounding Root Reborn present another risk. Yuma argued that validators directing capital allocations could attract scrutiny typically associated with investment management activities, potentially complicating participation for exchanges, custodians, and institutional operators.
If uncertainty surrounding the proposal persists while macro conditions remain restrictive, TAO may struggle to reclaim the $237-$250 zone that bulls need to regain control.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Binance is allowed to provide crypto trading access to users in the Philippines through its arrangement with BlockShoals Technologies, but neither company is authorized to handle peso transfers or perform other activities regulated by the country’s central bank, according to legal adviser Marie Antonette Quiogue.
Quiogue, head of legal at BlockShoals, told Cointelegraph in an interview on Friday at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 that Binance’s local operations fall under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto asset service provider (CASP) framework. She said BlockShoals serves as a crypto asset intermediary, introducing Philippine users to Binance’s global trading platform.
The arrangement forms part of Binance’s effort to reestablish a presence in the Philippines after regulators moved to restrict access to the exchange over licensing concerns in 2024. Under the structure presented by BlockShoals, the company participates in the SEC’s Strategic Sandbox, or StratBox.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the nation’s central bank, told Cointelegraph that neither Binance nor BlockShoals is authorized to operate as a virtual asset service provider (VASP).
“Participation in the regulatory sandbox does not exempt an entity from complying with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including any licensing requirements imposed by relevant regulators,” the BSP said, adding that it was coordinating with the SEC on the matter.
Cointelegraph’s Ezra Reguerra (left) with BlockShoals head of legal Marie Antonette Quiogue (right). Photo: Cointelegraph
BlockShoals argues SEC framework permits trading access
Quiogue did not dispute the BSP’s statement and acknowledged that neither Binance nor BlockShoals had applied for a local VASP license. The legal advisor argued that the absence of a VASP license does not prevent the companies from providing services under SEC jurisdiction.
“Trading, the activity of trading, is clearly under the jurisdiction of the SEC,” Quiogue said. “Binance and BlockShoals, we are not moving pesos, which is clearly under the jurisdiction of the BSP.”
Related: Meta rolls out stablecoin payouts for creators in Philippines, Colombia
She said the regulatory structure requires BlockShoals and Binance to obtain authorization from the relevant regulator whenever they introduce services outside the SEC’s remit.
“If BlockShoals and Binance will be offering any product that is regulated by any other government agency, you have to get an authority from them,” she said.
Binance returns after Philippine access restrictions
Binance first drew regulatory scrutiny in the Philippines in November 2023, when the SEC warned the public that the platform was not authorized to sell or offer securities in the country because it had not obtained the necessary license and registration.
In March 2024, the commission said it had asked the National Telecommunications Commission to block access to the Binance website and related webpages. Local internet providers subsequently began restricting access to the platform following the order.
At the time of publication, Binance’s platform was accessible to users in the Philippines.
Magazine: China’s 107 Bitcoin memory thief, Bithumb CEO booked: Asia Express
A widely followed crypto analyst says XRP’s two-month Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped to the 50 mark, a level he’s calling the dividing line between a continued macro reset and the start of a fresh expansion phase.
The call comes with the asset trading near $1.12, down nearly 5% over the past day and roughly 18% in the last month.
RSI at the 50 Line
EGRAG CRYPTO, posting on X on June 19, laid out what he sees as a recurring pattern on XRP’s longer-term chart, namely a major spike, then a cooldown, then a reset, finished off by an expansion. According to him, the token’s two-month RSI is now sitting right at that 50 threshold, which he frames as a battlefield level rather than a clean signal in either direction.
His reasoning is that staying above 50 means momentum is trying to stabilize, while losing it “with conviction” will open up the door to a deeper pullback toward the 43.66 RSI zone.
A reclaim of the 52.85 to 55.45 range would, in his view, mark the point where macro momentum starts repairing itself. From there, he pointed to 80 RSI as the level where the more aggressive upside scenario comes into play.
“The 2-month RSI does not speak often. But when it does, it speaks MACRO,” he wrote.
The analyst paired that with a separate read on XRP’s 2-month chart, which he said is forming an ascending triangle with an A-B-C-D-E structure. Per his assessment, the first four legs are complete, and the token may now be working through the final “E” wave before it attempts a breakout.
However, he was careful to note that none of his price targets are active yet, with XRP needing to first hold rising support, reclaim its 7-week moving average, and clear resistance around $2.00 to $2.10 before the broader Fibonacci-based targets, which range from $9.50 up to an “extreme cycle extension” near $100, become relevant.
That framework echoed another thread EGRAG posted earlier in the week, where he mapped out three historical pump scenarios for XRP based on a larger triangle pattern. Here, he said the conservative case was near $6.50 to $9.27, with a “balanced” cycle case at around $13, and an extreme case near $60, all modeled on the Ripple token’s first major cycle move.
Price Action and On-Chain Backdrop
Looking at the market, XRP has been on a tough stretch, sliding below the $1.20 support level following Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first FOMC meeting and presser, which led some analysts to warn that a rejection at $1.20 to $1.21 could send the #6 token toward $1.00.
On-chain activity has also cooled off, as active addresses dropped by nearly 50% in the last two weeks, according to analyst Ali Martinez. In addition, during the past 5 days, big holders have released more than 30 million XRP, although they still hold almost 70% of the asset’s whole supply.
But there’s still a bright spot at least, that being the performance of spot XRP ETFs, which have kept attracting inflows even during the times when both Bitcoin and Ethereum funds were seeing outflows. According to data from SoSoValue, this past week, net inflows up to June 18 have hit $10.66 million, with BTC ETFs bleeding $226 million in that time and those tracking ETH losing $10.05 million.
The post XRP’s 2-Month RSI Hits Make-or-Break 50 Level: Here’s What’s Next for Ripple’s Price appeared first on CryptoPotato.
Goldman Sachs has lowered its year-end gold forecast by $500 to $4,900 an ounce. This revised forecast comes as hopes for a 2026 rate cut fade.
The revised target still implies gains in the second half, though smaller than the bank previously projected. Analysts Lina Thomas and Daan Struyven outlined the change in a research note.
Why Goldman Lowered Its Gold Forecast
The downgrade stems mainly from a weaker outlook for inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds. World Gold Council data showed that global gold-backed ETFs experienced outflows of roughly $2 billion in May.
Europe alone attracted fresh inflows that month. Asian funds, meanwhile, logged their first monthly outflow since August 2025, with $1.2 billion leaving. At the same time, investor sentiment has also turned bearish.
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The weaker ETF demand comes as markets scale back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Earlier this week, Goldman economists pushed back their US rate-cut forecast to June and December of next year. They had earlier expected reductions in December 2026 and March 2027.
“Our gold price views remain structurally constructive but tactically cautious, with near-term downside risk and medium-term upside risk,” the analysts said.
The Hawkish Fed Backdrop
Meanwhile, the Fed held its benchmark rate at 3.50% to 3.75% this week, but there was growing support for hikes. Nine officials now project at least one hike in 2026.
Should the Fed actually raise rates, Goldman sees gold sliding to $4,400 by year-end as its appeal as a policy hedge fades. Rob Kaplan, a Goldman vice chairman and former Dallas Fed president, told Bloomberg that a hike may come as soon as September.
Still, central bank demand provides a floor. Official buyers turned net gold purchasers again in April, adding 19 tons. Moreover, according to WGC’s survey, roughly 45% plan to grow their reserves in the coming year.
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The post Goldman Sachs Reduced Its Gold Price Target for the End of 2026 appeared first on BeInCrypto.
Key takeaways
- XMR is down 2% and could record further losses in the near term
- The Fed’s hawkishness weighs on the broader crypto market.
Privacy coins remain under pressure amid weak risk appetite
Monero (XMR) continued its downward trajectory on Friday as bearish sentiment persisted across the cryptocurrency market.
XMR slipped for a third consecutive session, remaining below the $330 level.
The broader crypto market came under renewed pressure following remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh during his first post-meeting press conference on Wednesday.
While the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) left interest rates unchanged, in line with market expectations, investors reacted negatively to the central bank’s hawkish tone.
Policymakers emphasized their commitment to restoring inflation to the long-term 2% target, prioritizing price stability over near-term monetary easing.
Warsh’s comments suggested the Fed remains comfortable maintaining its current policy stance and is not yet considering interest-rate cuts. Market participants have even begun pricing in the possibility of another rate increase, with current expectations implying a 30% probability of a hike at an upcoming policy meeting.
Risk appetite weakened further as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to 15 on Thursday from 22 a day earlier, keeping the market firmly in the “Extreme Fear” zone. The decline highlights growing investor caution and reduced exposure to risk assets.
Monero price outlook: Correction continues below key resistance levels
Monero remains trapped below the Bollinger Bands middle line near $340 and all major Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs).
The 50-day EMA sits around $359, while the 100-day and 200-day EMAs cluster near $366, creating a significant resistance zone overhead.
Despite the ongoing correction, technical indicators show signs of improving momentum.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram remains positive, while the Money Flow Index (MFI) near 65 suggests steady capital inflows.
However, these signals currently point to corrective rebounds rather than a broader trend reversal as long as XMR remains beneath key resistance levels.
Immediate resistance is located around the Bollinger Bands’ middle line at $340, followed by the 50-day EMA near $359.
A stronger resistance zone emerges around $367, where the 100-day and 200-day EMAs converge. Beyond that, the upper Bollinger Band near $389 represents the next major hurdle for buyers.
On the downside, support is found near the lower Bollinger Band at approximately $291. A breakdown below this level could accelerate losses and trigger a deeper retracement despite the recent improvement in momentum indicators.
Monero remains vulnerable to further downside as macroeconomic uncertainty and restrictive monetary policy continue to weigh on investor sentiment.
While technical indicators suggest some underlying buying interest, the privacy coins must reclaim key resistance levels before a more sustained recovery can take shape.
Crypto World
Bitcoin Price Prediction: Illinois Crypto Transfer Tax Proposal Adds New Regulatory Pressure
Bitcoin price is butchered as a wave of state-level regulatory pressure lands on a market prediction that is grinding through consolidation. Illinois just became the first U.S. state to impose a direct transaction-level tax on digital assets. What makes it even worse is the law’s structure. The full implications for exchange operations and user behavior won’t hit until 2027, but the precedent is already moving sentiment.
Under Illinois SB3019, a 0.2% “Digital Asset Tax” will apply to every crypto transfer, not just profitable trades, but any movement of funds, including wallet-to-wallet transfers, cold storage withdrawals, and even reorganizing holdings within the same exchange.
Governor Pritzker signed the measure as part of the state’s FY2027 budget, projecting $60 million annually in new revenue. MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor called it a “big mistake” that will drive Bitcoin capital and innovation out of Illinois.
The rules will also require centralized exchanges to meet a low $100,000 annual receipts threshold from Illinois users to collect and remit the tax, so virtually every major platform is captured.
The concern isn’t Illinois alone. Traders are now watching whether other states treat this as a template, and analysts have flagged that a contagion of similar state-level measures could meaningfully compress on-chain activity across the U.S.
Discover: The Best Token Presales
Bitcoin Price Prediction: Can BTC Break $70,000 Under Mounting Regulatory Headwinds?
Bitcoin’s current consolidation range has well-defined boundaries that need to be watched closely. Support sits in the $60,000–$62,000 zone. This is the region where spot buyers absorbed the last significant correction and where options desks have clustered notable open interest on the put side.
Resistance remains firm at above $66,000, aligning with prior local highs and a concentration of call open interest that has capped rallies on multiple attempts.
The Illinois tax news doesn’t threaten Bitcoin’s structural bull case on its own, but it adds to a macro-regulatory cocktail that has kept momentum subdued. Spot ETF inflows remain the primary demand lever, and any meaningful acceleration there would likely overwhelm state-level noise. Without it, the path of least resistance stays sideways.
The data points to a market that isn’t panicking, but isn’t buying dips aggressively either. Position sizing reflects that ambiguity.
Discover: The Best Crypto to Diversify Your Portfolio
Bitcoin Hyper Targets Early-Mover Upside as Bitcoin Navigates Key Levels
If Bitcoin’s near-term upside is capped at $70,000 while regulatory friction compounds at the state level, the asymmetric opportunity shifts down the risk. It is curving toward infrastructure plays that benefit from Bitcoin’s long-term adoption story without carrying the same near-term overhang.
That’s the argument forming around Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER). It’s a Bitcoin Layer 2 project integrating the Solana Virtual Machine to deliver smart contract execution speeds that the base chain simply cannot offer.
The pitch is direct: bring fast, scalable programmability to Bitcoin while preserving its security model, something no other Layer 2 has executed with SVM integration.
The presale has raised $32 million at a current price of $0.0136, with staking available and a decentralized canonical bridge for BTC transfers already in the feature set. As state-level taxes threaten to squeeze routine on-chain activity, infrastructure that makes Bitcoin more efficient and programmable looks structurally relevant, not just as a trade, but as a thesis.
Traders wanting to assess the project further can research Bitcoin Hyper here.
The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Illinois Crypto Transfer Tax Proposal Adds New Regulatory Pressure appeared first on Cryptonews.
Key Takeaways
- Micron’s fiscal Q3 earnings are scheduled for after-hours Wednesday, June 24
- Wall Street expects EPS of $20.70 (versus $1.71 last year) and revenue of $35.56 billion (versus $9.30 billion)
- Shares have skyrocketed 817% over the trailing twelve months and 298% in 2025
- The company has exceeded earnings expectations for 12 consecutive quarters, yet shares declined following 7 of those announcements
- AI infrastructure spending from major technology firms is projected to surpass $700 billion in 2025, sustaining robust chip demand
Micron Technology shares have delivered extraordinary gains over the past year, surging 817%. However, Wednesday’s earnings announcement may present a challenge — regardless of how impressive the results prove to be.
The memory chip manufacturer will unveil its fiscal third-quarter performance after market hours on June 24. Shares were trading approximately 8.70% higher in anticipation of the disclosure.
Analysts are projecting a substantial year-over-year improvement. The consensus calls for adjusted earnings per share of $20.70, a dramatic increase from $1.71 in the corresponding period last year. Revenue projections stand at $35.56 billion, compared to just $9.30 billion twelve months prior, based on FactSet estimates.
These figures represent exceptional growth. However, historical patterns suggest that surpassing expectations doesn’t guarantee share price appreciation.
Micron has exceeded earnings projections for twelve consecutive quarters. Despite this streak, the stock has finished lower in the trading session immediately after seven of those announcements, data from Dow Jones Market Data reveals.
The latest instance occurred in March, when Micron delivered its largest earnings surprise relative to forecasts in two years. Nevertheless, shares declined 3.8% the following trading day.
That being said, MU has rallied 168% since that March announcement. A single-day decline obviously doesn’t capture the complete investment narrative.
AI Infrastructure Investment Context
The broader environment is critical to understanding Micron’s position. Investors are monitoring the company’s performance as an indicator of overall semiconductor demand and whether the artificial intelligence investment wave maintains its strength.
Major technology corporations are anticipated to allocate over $700 billion toward AI infrastructure in the current year, up from $400 billion in 2025. This extraordinary capital deployment has been instrumental in driving memory chip consumption.
“The demand is just through the roof in relation to chip capacity,” noted Steve Kolano, chief investment officer at Integrated Partners, characterizing Micron’s situation as “a classic positive feedback loop.”
The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index reached a new record high this week, advancing 7% over the five-trading-day period. Major U.S. equity benchmarks are similarly positioned near all-time peaks, buoyed by robust corporate profits and diminished geopolitical tensions.
Critical Factors for Investors
Beyond the topline financial metrics, market participants will scrutinize Micron’s forward guidance and any remarks regarding data center demand patterns.
Valuation multiples throughout the semiconductor sector have expanded considerably, prompting some investors to question whether the AI-driven rally has become overextended. Micron’s quarterly report offers one of the most direct methods to assess whether underlying demand justifies current market enthusiasm.
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge and the final first-quarter GDP revision are also scheduled for release next week, introducing additional macroeconomic variables into the equation.
Barron’s has previously contended that Micron and several chip industry counterparts remain attractively valued relative to AI server hardware requirements.
Second-quarter earnings expansion for the S&P 500 is estimated at 22.9%, declining from 29.3% in the first quarter, according to LSEG research.
Presently, the Wall Street consensus maintains that AI-related momentum continues unabated. SpaceX’s recent public market debut and Nasdaq’s inclusion of AI infrastructure companies such as Astera Labs and CoreWeave have generated additional institutional buying activity from passive index strategies.
Micron is scheduled to announce results after Wednesday’s market close on June 24.
Key takeaways
- ZEC is still struggling under the $477-$500 zone.
- Although momentum indicators show signs of stabilization, Zcash remains vulnerable to further downside as investors react to persistent macroeconomic uncertainty and rising rate-hike expectations.
Zcash (ZEC) remains under pressure on Thursday as bearish sentiment continued to dominate the cryptocurrency market. ZEC is facing mounting resistance beneath the $500 mark as investors reduce exposure to risk assets.
Fed’s policy stance causes a negative market reaction
The broader crypto market weakened following remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh during his first post-meeting press conference on Wednesday.
Although the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates unchanged, in line with expectations, investors reacted negatively to the central bank’s firm commitment to bringing inflation back to its long-term 2% target. The Fed’s emphasis on price stability signaled that policymakers are not yet prepared to pivot toward monetary easing.
Warsh’s comments reinforced expectations that higher interest rates could remain in place for longer. Market participants are even assigning a roughly 30% probability to a future rate hike, reviving concerns about tighter financial conditions and reduced liquidity for risk assets.
Investor confidence weakened further as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to 15 on Thursday from 22 a day earlier, remaining firmly within the “Extreme Fear” zone. The reading highlights growing caution among traders and suggests subdued market participation in the near term.
ZEC price forecast: Zcash faces growing downside risks
Zcash has also remained on the defensive, recording three straight days of losses while trading below its 50-day EMA near $477.
The continued inability to reclaim this level has reinforced bearish sentiment and increased the likelihood of further downside.
A sustained move lower could encourage additional de-risking among traders, placing the spotlight on key support zones near $434 and $376.
While the MACD histogram remains marginally positive, suggesting some recovery attempts may be forming, the Money Flow Index remains in the mid-40s, indicating relatively weak buying momentum compared with Monero.
The immediate resistance level remains the 50-day EMA at approximately $477. If buyers manage to regain control, attention could shift toward the upper boundary of the descending channel near $549.
On the downside, support is located near the 100-day EMA around $434, followed by the 200-day EMA near $376.
Should bearish pressure intensify, the lower boundary of the descending channel near $279 could emerge as a critical medium-term support zone.
Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation that would impose a one-time tax on the stock of qualifying AI companies, routing the funds into a roughly $7 trillion public fund and fueling a wider push to tax extreme wealth.
The bill lands the same week as the California Billionaire Tax Act gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Wealth-tax proposals are now advancing on both federal and state fronts.
Inside Bernie Sanders’ Proposal to Create a $7 Trillion Fund
The legislation, first seen by The Associated Press, imposes a one-time 50% tax on the stock of AI firms generating at least $200 million in annual AI sales. The shares would seed a sovereign wealth fund worth close to $7 trillion, according to Sanders’ estimates.
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A seven-person independent commission would manage it, with members confirmed by the Senate. Sanders estimates a 5% annual dividend could send every American more than $1,000. The senator framed the measure as a return of value created by the public.
“The benefits cannot simply go to the handful of wealthy corporations. They will be shared by the American people,” he said.
California Tax Backers Dangle a Lower Rate
Meanwhile, a California ballot measure proposing a wealth tax has officially qualified for the November ballot. In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, the Billionaire Tax Now Coalition signaled its willingness to negotiate.
The coalition said it is prepared to support a reduced 2% wealth tax rather than the originally proposed 5% rate. The group framed the offer as an effort to work together to address funding challenges facing California’s healthcare system following federal tax cuts.
“For the good of the state, we are prepared to join you in advancing a 2-year solution in the face of this crisis rather than a 5-year solution. We hope you will join us in doing what’s right for everyone,” the coalition wrote.
The momentum follows a stark milestone. Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire on June 12 after SpaceX’s record $75 billion initial public offering (IPO).
Forbes data places the gap between the average billionaire and the average American at 1,475,186%. That divide has revived calls from lawmakers, including Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Pramila Jayapal.
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The post Senator Bernie Sanders Wants to Tax AI Giants Into a $7 Trillion Public Fund appeared first on BeInCrypto.
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