Crypto World
Tokenized Gold Dominates Weekend Price Discovery as CME Futures Close
Gold pricing shifts onto blockchain networks once US futures markets close for the weekend, according to Iggy Ioppe, former chief investment officer at Credit Suisse and now chief investment officer (CIO) at liquidity infrastructure firm Theo.
CME gold futures stop trading at 5:00 pm ET on Friday and reopen at 6:00 pm ET on Sunday. During that interval, regulated futures markets are inactive and most remaining activity occurs through private over-the-counter deals in Asia that are not publicly reported. As a result, tokenized gold assets such as PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUt) become the only continuously available trading venues.
“In terms of publicly visible price formation, onchain markets are responsible for virtually 100% of weekend price discovery,” Ioppe told Cointelegraph.
He added that when futures trading resumes, prices often align with movements that already occurred on blockchain markets. “We are seeing weekend moves reflected when CME reopens,” he said.
Related: Bitcoin price slump versus gold’s gains highlights evolving crypto market
Tokenized gold market cap jumps to $4.4 billion
The shift comes amid rising trading volume for tokenized gold. As Cointelegraph reported, tokenized gold expanded rapidly over the past year, adding nearly $2.8 billion in value and growing from about $1.6 billion to $4.4 billion in market capitalization.
The sector’s market cap rose 177%, far outpacing the broader gold market and most major spot gold ETFs, while the number of holders nearly tripled with more than 115,000 new wallets. The growth represented roughly a quarter of all net inflows into the real-world asset (RWA) sector and exceeded the combined expansion of tokenized stocks, corporate bonds and non-US Treasurys.
Trading activity also surged, with tokenized gold recording about $178 billion in 2025 volume and peaking above $126 billion in the fourth quarter. That level would make it the second-largest gold investment product globally by trading volume after SPDR Gold Shares.
Ioppe said that market makers and cross-venue liquidity providers dominate participation, arbitraging price differences between digital and traditional markets. Crypto-native macro traders also play a major role, using tokenized gold not only for exposure to bullion prices but also for collateral, hedging and yield strategies during periods of geopolitical or macroeconomic uncertainty.
“Some institutions are monitoring weekend onchain gold markets, particularly macro and cross-asset desks that track gap risk ahead of the CME reopen,” he said, noting that most institutions treat the signal as informational rather than a basis for active positioning.
Related: Middle East tensions boost gold as investors seek safe havens
24/7 tokenized gold trading lets investors manage risk
Tokenized gold markets allow for continuous trading, which offers a practical risk management advantage. If a geopolitical event occurs while futures markets are closed, traditional participants cannot adjust positions. Tokenized markets allow immediate rebalancing.
On Saturday, tokenized gold rallied as geopolitical tensions escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with investors moving into XAUT and PAXG while Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) fell. XAUT briefly climbed above $5,450 and PAXG neared $5,536 during the day before trimming gains, according to data from CoinMarketCap.
However, Ioppe said adoption still faces obstacles. Liquidity remains smaller than in futures or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making large trades harder to execute without moving prices. “Regulatory clarity is improving, but fragmentation across jurisdictions slows institutional deployment. Custody, accounting, and capital rules still vary widely,” he said.
For now, tokenized gold is expected to operate alongside traditional products rather than replace them. “The most likely near-term evolution is that of tokenized and traditional markets existing in parallel, each serving a different function,” Ioppe concluded.
Magazine: Bitcoin’s ‘biggest bull catalyst’ would be Saylor’s liquidation — Santiment founder
Token launches have always been a high-stakes game. From the early ICO days to the current DeFi era, one pattern remains constant: early participants often dump, leaving the project and long-term holders at the mercy of chaotic price swings. But what if there was a way to mathematically design token price behavior, balancing excitement for traders with stability for communities? Enter algorithmic price paths.
GBM-Based Launches: Predictability Meets Stochastic Modeling
At the heart of this innovation is the Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM) model, a mathematical tool long used in finance to simulate stock prices. Applied to token launches, GBM generates positive, log-normally distributed price paths that mimic natural market volatility without arbitrary spikes. In simpler terms, every token launch can now follow a realistic, predictable trajectory, allowing both traders and project teams to anticipate market behavior rather than react to chaos.
This is not about guaranteeing profits—far from it—but about reducing early-stage randomness. Traders can spot when a price is entering its “right-tail” phase (a statistical high point), while creators can prevent the sudden crashes that plague traditional launches.
Removing Early Dump Pressure
One of the most destructive forces in conventional token launches is the early dump—when insiders and early buyers immediately sell for quick gains. Algorithmic launches tackle this by tying price evolution to volume-based and time-sensitive rules. Instead of a free-for-all, the token’s trajectory grows with participation, making immediate sell-offs less profitable and creating a smoother, more sustainable introduction to the market.
Predictability vs Speculation: Striking the Balance
Critics might argue that introducing predictability kills the thrill of speculation. But algorithmic price paths are designed to blend randomness with structure. GBM ensures that while traders can anticipate trends, no one can perfectly predict the exact outcome, maintaining market excitement. Essentially, these launches reward strategy over luck, incentivizing informed trading while protecting the project’s long-term health.
Why This Matters
As DeFi matures, the era of chaotic, hype-driven launches is ending. Algorithmic price paths offer a middle ground—math-backed trajectories that reduce risk, limit early dumps, and create a healthier market for token holders. For project teams, it’s a way to foster long-term community growth; for traders, it’s a chance to engage with a more predictable, yet still dynamic, market.
In other words: the future of token launches isn’t about guesswork. It’s about smart, algorithmic design, and GBM-based launches are leading the way.
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Decentralized, blockchain-based messaging and social platforms are moving from niche experimentation toward mainstream attention as civil unrest and state-level blackouts test the limits of centralized communication networks. Data from Exploding Topics shows that search interest in decentralized social media has surged 145% over the last five years, signaling a growing curiosity about open, permissionless communication rails. Meanwhile, decentralized messaging projects report real-world traction, including spikes in usage during protests in multiple regions.
In an interview with Cointelegraph, XMTP Labs CEO Shane Mac described a broader shift toward open protocols as users seek privacy, resilience, and independence from single corporate gatekeepers. XMTP Labs concentrates on decentralized communication technology, aiming to layer interoperability across apps that run on distributed networks rather than centralized servers.
Key takeaways
- Interest in decentralized social media has risen 145% over the past five years, according to Exploding Topics, reflecting a rising curiosity about open, censorship-resistant platforms.
- Decentralized messenger usage has shown real-world spikes, including Bitchat downloads during protests in Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran, illustrating how open networks can bypass traditional shutdowns.
- Advocates argue that open-source, open-protocol ecosystems create resilience by removing single points of failure, making it harder for authorities to shutter communications entirely.
- Despite growing interest, centralized platforms are expected to remain dominant in many markets, underscoring a pragmatic coexistence between incumbents and new, open alternatives.
- Industry observers point to a broader momentum for open standards and collaborative development, with research firms projecting meaningful growth in the blockchain messaging market driven by privacy and security concerns.
Rising interest amid unrest and censorship concerns
The current decade has underscored a paradox for digital communications: centralized apps offer convenience and scale, but geopolitical stress tests reveal their vulnerability to shutdowns and censorship. Reports indicate that Russia’s blocking of messaging services and related enforcement pushback have accelerated interest in resilient, decentralized alternatives. As Mac notes, the past 15 years have been heavily centralized, and the next 15 are likely to tilt toward decentralization and open standards as users demand practical alternatives to state- or corporate-controlled tools.
Mac elaborates that the appeal goes beyond avoiding outages. He emphasizes a growing trust in open protocols over closed, proprietary systems: “I think people are starting to trust open protocols more than they trust closed companies.” This sentiment aligns with a broader industry trend that open-source software and interoperable networks can offer transparent governance and verifiable security properties that centralized platforms struggle to match at scale.
Beyond messaging alone, the conversation around open networks touches on identity, finance, and secure communications. Mac points to the broader momentum of open-source and open-standards ecosystems as a potential next era for the internet, where decentralization and interoperable layers come to define the user experience rather than a single corporate front end.
No single point of failure: how decentralization reshapes resilience
The decentralized model is lauded for distributing control and hosting across networks spanning many jurisdictions, with servers run by participants rather than a single company. In contrast, centralized services operate on a cohesive server footprint that can be targeted or shut down with coordinated action. Proponents argue that distributed architectures create a safer harbor for communication during conflict or censorship episodes because there is no easy, one-click takedown of the entire network.
Mac points to practical demonstrations of resilience, recounting how a developer integrated the XMTP network into the open-source Bitchat client after facing blockages in their home country. The fusion of mesh-network possibilities with decentralized networks means the app is less dependent on any single country or infrastructure, reducing the risk of a single point of failure.
The push toward resilience is supported by market observations: the broader blockchain messaging market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as privacy and security become more central to how people communicate. In a March report, market researcher 360 Research Reports highlighted drivers such as heightened demand for privacy and secure messaging as key growth catalysts for the sector.
Coexistence and the real-world path forward
Despite the strong currents favoring decentralized approaches, experts do not anticipate an outright replacement of legacy platforms. Rather, the market is likely to see a continued coexistence where users and developers draw on the strengths of both paradigms. Centralized platforms offer polished user experiences, network effects, and regulatory compliance machinery, while decentralized options provide greater control, censorship resistance, and interoperability across applications and devices.
Exploding Topics also notes that social media users typically distribute their time across multiple platforms, averaging about 6.75 per month. This fragmentation suggests that new open-network options can carve out viable niches without immediately supplanting established services. The result could be a layered internet where open protocols underpin interoperable services that supplement, rather than replace, incumbent ecosystems.
The broader industry narrative is reinforced by related commentary from prominent tech leaders. For example, Telegram’s ongoing discussions about privacy and state-level pressure have been cited as part of a larger discourse on free, permissionless communication in an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny. As the market evolves, developers will need to push the envelope on usability and interopability to keep momentum alive for decentralized messaging and social platforms.
Open source momentum and what comes next
Open-source software, open protocols, and open financial systems are increasingly framed as the building blocks of the next internet era. Mac warns that the next phase will hinge on both technical innovation and broader adoption by users who value privacy and autonomy. The narrative is that decentralized networks will not instantly displace the old guard but will progressively expand the set of tools available to people who want more control over their communications.
What remains uncertain is how policymakers and platform operators will navigate the balance between security, privacy, and user protection as these technologies scale. Investors, builders, and users should watch for continued experimentation around interoperability between decentralized networks and traditional apps, as well as regulatory developments that could shape access to messaging infrastructure across borders.
As the industry quietly tests new configurations—combining open-source clients with distributed networks and mesh-ready architectures—the fundamental question persists: can open, decentralized communications achieve the reliability and polish of centralized services, while preserving the freedoms that open protocols promise?
Readers should keep an eye on how these dynamics unfold in regions facing connectivity pressures and policy changes, as the next wave of real-world deployments could redefine what it means to communicate securely and privately in a connected world.
On-chain investigator ZachXBT has reported a coordinated group of social media accounts that used war-related and political posts on X to direct users toward crypto scams.
Summary
- ZachXBT traced more than 10 X accounts using war panic posts to attract users into crypto scams.
- The network bought follower-rich accounts, reposted fear-driven content, then promoted fake giveaways and pump-and-dump tokens.
- On-chain data suggests the coordinated scam cluster earned six figures through misleading posts and social engineering.
His latest thread says the network included more than 10 accounts and relied on fear-driven content to gain reach during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
ZachXBT said the operators bought accounts that already had followers. They then began posting repeated negative updates about war and politics several times a day. The goal was to attract reactions from users who were already following fast-moving global events.
He described the pattern as a form of engagement farming tied to fraud. According to his thread, the accounts used emotionally charged posts to pull in views and replies. After gaining reach, the operators shifted attention toward scam content linked to crypto promotions.
ZachXBT said the scheme followed a clear sequence. The accounts would post alarming content, then use other linked accounts to repost the same messages and increase visibility. After that, they promoted fake giveaways or direct scam offers connected to crypto.
He added that the operators often changed usernames after running the campaigns. That step made the network harder to track and allowed the same accounts to appear unrelated over time. The use of several accounts also helped the group repeat the method across different topics and audiences.
Moreover, ZachXBT said some large X accounts replied to or interacted with the posts without knowing the source or purpose behind them. That activity gave the content wider exposure and helped it spread further across the platform.
He said the method relied on social engineering as much as account coordination. Users often react more quickly to negative or alarming posts, especially during war-related news cycles. That reaction can push a post higher in feeds and place scam promotions in front of more people.
On-chain data linked the network to crypto fraud
ZachXBT said 10 accounts in the monitored cluster promoted pump-and-dump crypto scams. He wrote that “on-chain evidence suggests the scheme profited six figures.” His statement tied the social media activity to financial gains rather than random spam.
He also warned about the broader risk of the tactic. ZachXBT wrote that “it’s scary to think about” how easily the same method could be used on a larger scale. He said platform manipulation should face bans and legal action because many users on X already fall for false information shared through coordinated posts.
Key Highlights
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Company proposes $70M digital asset purchase awaiting shareholder vote
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Current holdings include 4,091 BTC valued at approximately $280M
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Strategic Ether position complements Bitcoin-focused treasury approach
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Current market conditions present advantageous entry points for accumulation
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Digital asset strategy supports company’s transition to Web3 gaming platforms
Gaming company Boyaa Interactive International has announced intentions to purchase up to $70 million in additional cryptocurrency assets. The proposed acquisition hinges on receiving shareholder consent and represents a significant component of the company’s Web3 transformation initiative. Management remains committed to treasury enhancement regardless of current market turbulence.
Bitcoin Holdings Form Foundation of Corporate Treasury
Boyaa maintains its focus on Bitcoin as the primary digital asset within its treasury framework. Currently, the organization possesses 4,091 Bitcoin with an estimated worth approaching $280 million. This substantial position establishes Boyaa as one of the leading corporate Bitcoin custodians internationally.
Throughout 2024, the company systematically expanded its Bitcoin position, demonstrating unwavering commitment to digital asset accumulation. Between August and November alone, Boyaa invested approximately $80.5 million to strengthen its cryptocurrency reserves. These calculated purchases demonstrate management’s dedication to building long-term value through digital assets.
Furthermore, Boyaa occupies the position as the 23rd-largest corporate Bitcoin holder on a global scale. Within the Asia-Pacific geography, it ranks third by total Bitcoin ownership. Such positioning enhances the company’s prominence within regional cryptocurrency markets.
Ethereum Holdings Enhance Portfolio Balance
Beyond Bitcoin, Boyaa has established a position in Ether to achieve greater treasury diversification. Currently, the company controls 302 Ether tokens worth more than $600,000. Though smaller in scale, this holding provides important portfolio balance alongside its substantial Bitcoin reserves.
Management selects digital assets based on liquidity depth and widespread market acceptance for extended holding periods. Ether satisfies these requirements and reinforces Boyaa’s multi-asset strategy. The firm positions Ether as a complementary asset to Bitcoin within its overall framework.
The company leverages its cryptocurrency portfolio to advance Web3 initiatives across its operations. Digital assets have been woven into gaming platforms and underlying infrastructure. This integration creates synergy between treasury operations and core business innovation.
Strategic Timing Leverages Current Market Weakness
Rather than purchasing during bull markets, Boyaa intends to execute acquisitions amid unfavorable price action. Cryptocurrency markets have retreated roughly 45% from October peaks. Such conditions enable cost-effective asset accumulation for long-term holders.
Many corporations have paused or reversed crypto reserves expansion during this period. Mining operations and other institutional holders have lightened positions recently. Boyaa distinguishes itself by persisting with expansion plans despite industry headwinds.
The company actively transforms from conventional gaming operations toward blockchain-enabled experiences. Recent launches include Web3 gaming offerings such as a poker application featuring cryptocurrency incentives. These developments create natural alignment between treasury growth and evolving business operations.
Federal prosecutors told a judge that a letter purportedly sent by Sam Bankman-Fried from prison was actually shipped via FedEx from somewhere else entirely, suggesting someone outside impersonated him.
The filing adds an unusual wrinkle to Bankman-Fried’s post-conviction fight. The FTX founder, sentenced to 25 years for fraud and conspiracy, has been pursuing a new trial from Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island in San Pedro, California.
Prosecutors say the suspect letter was docketed March 16 but shipped from Palo Alto or Menlo Park, mislabeled the prison as a state facility, and carried a typed “/s/” instead of an actual signature.
Bureau of Prisons regulations bar inmates from sending mail through private carriers like FedEx, prosecutors noted.
Taken together, prosecutors said these discrepancies provide “reason to doubt” the letter was sent by Bankman-Fried.
The government did not accuse the defendant or his associates of fabricating the document, but the filing signals a willingness to challenge the reliability of materials submitted as part of his effort to secure a new trial.
Bankman-Fried has repeatedly argued that he did not receive a fair trial and has pointed to what he claims is new evidence, including the later recovery of customer funds through the FTX bankruptcy process.
Appellate judges have signaled skepticism toward that argument, stressing that the case turned on how customer funds were used and represented at the time, not whether creditors were later made whole.
As the war with Iran enters its fourth week, crypto markets will be dominated by macro events.
Off the global stage, however, traders will be navigating a number of supply events while Aave prepares for the deployment of its v4 platform and hard forks loom for both the Akash and Casper networks.
A number of Fed speakers also make an appearance, with Governor Stephen Miran’s scheduled appearance at the Digital Asset Summit in New York being a highlight.
On the earnings front, Wall Street will get a fresh look at not-so-meme stock firm GameStop (GME), which has a bitcoin treasury of 4,710 BTC, alongside reports from companies including BitGo, a provider of crypto services to institutions.
What to Watch
(All times ET)
- Crypto
- Macro
- March 23, 10:00 a.m.: U.S. Construction Spending MoM for January est. 0.1% (Prev. 0.3%)
- March 23, 11:00 a.m.: Euro Area Consumer Confidence Flash for March est. -16 (Prev. -12.2)
- March 23, 7:30 p.m.: Japan CPI YoY for February (Prev. 1.5%); Core CPI est. 1.7% (Prev. 2%)
- March 24, 8:15 a.m.: U.S. ADP Employment Change Weekly (Prev. 9K)
- March 24, 8:30 a.m.: U.S. Nonfarm Productivity QoQ Final Q4 est. 2.5 % (Prev. 5.2%)
- March 24, 9:45 a.m.: U.S. S&P Global Composite PMI Flash for March (Prev. 51.9); Manufacturing PMI (Prev. 51.6); Services PMI (Prev. 51.7)
- March 24, 6:30 p.m.: Fed Gov. Michael Barr Speech on “Economic Outlook and Community Development” at National Community Investment Conference, Phoenix
- March 25, 3:00 a.m.: U.K. Inflation Rate YoY for February est. 3% (Prev. 3%); Core est. 3.1% (Prev. 3.1%)
- March 25, 8:30 a.m.: U.S. Import Prices MoM for February est. 0.2% (Prev. 0.2%); Export Prices MoM (Prev. 0.6%)
- March 26, 8:30 a.m.: U.S. Initial Jobless Claims for week ending March 21 est. 210K (Prev. 205K)
- March 26, 8:30 a.m.: U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims for week ending March 14 (Prev. 1,857K)
- March 26, 4:00 p.m.: Fed Gov. Lisa Cook speech on “Reflections on Financial Stability” at Yale
- March 26, 4:30 p.m.: Fed Balance Sheet for week ending March 25 (Prev. $6.66T)
- March 26, 7:00 p.m.: Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson speech on “Economic Outlook and Energy Effects” at Global Perspectives Speaker Series, Dallas
- March 26, 7:10 p.m.: Fed Gov. Michael Barr speech on “Economy”, Washington, D.C.
- March 27, 10:00 a.m.: U.S. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final for March est. 55.5 (Prev. 56.6)
- Earnings (Estimates based on FactSet data)
- March 23: BTCS Inc. (BTCS), post-market, $0.01
- March 24: GameStop (GME), post-market, $0.31
- March 26: BitGo Holdings (BTGO), post-market, -$0.41
- March 26: Hyperion DeFi (HYPD), pre-market, -$4.62
- March 27: Sphere 3D (ANY), post-market, -$4.68
- March 27: Bonk Inc (BNKK), post-market
- March 27: Mawson Infrastructure Group (MIGI), post-market, -$10.40
- March 27: ZeroStack (ZSTK), post-market, -$1.97
Token Events
- Governance votes & calls
- Aave DAO is voting on deploying Aave V4 with a security-first initial setup, conservative risk parameters, and a modular hub and spoke architecture. Voting ends March 23.
- Floki DAO is voting to rank entries from Floki’s third guerrilla marketing competition. Voting ends March 23.
- StakeDAO’s sdSPECTRA is voting on the Spectra gauge weight allocation for the period of March 26 to April 1, 2026. Voting ends March 24.
- Gitcoin DAO is voting on a request from the treasury to fund DAO operations for 2026, covering governance, builder engagement and ecosystem growth. Voting ends March 25.
- Decentraland is voting to add a new location to Decentraland’s Points of Interest list. Voting ends March 25.
- ENS DAO is voting on an update to the Endowment Manager’s permissions that removes deprecated permissions and upgrades the Roles instance. Voting ends March 26.
- Unlocks
- March 25: Humanity (H) to unlock 4.19% of its circulating supply worth $10.1 million.
- Token Launches
Conferences
TLDR:
- Musk proposes lunar mass drivers to achieve petawatt-scale AI power, 1,000 times current terawatt capacity.
- The Moon’s low gravity and vacuum environment eliminate the need for traditional chemical rocket launches.
- Solar-powered AI satellites launched from the Moon could build a distributed orbital computing network.
- SpaceX Starship will deliver mass driver hardware to the Moon, supporting a long-term lunar city vision.
Lunar mass drivers could transform the future of artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to Elon Musk. The tech billionaire recently outlined a plan to build electromagnetic launch systems on the Moon.
These structures would use the Moon’s low gravity, vacuum environment, and solar energy. The goal is to achieve petawatt-scale computing — roughly 1,000 times the output of current terawatt systems. SpaceX’s Starship rocket would deliver all necessary equipment to the lunar surface.
The Moon’s Environment as a Strategic Advantage
The Moon’s lack of atmosphere removes a core barrier to orbital hardware launches. Without air resistance, electromagnetic mass drivers can accelerate payloads directly to escape velocity.
This eliminates the ongoing need for traditional chemical rockets in the launch process. Consequently, the cost of sending AI computing hardware into orbit from the Moon falls sharply.
Earth’s energy grids currently cap how fast AI infrastructure can grow. Data centers already compete with cities and industries for available power.
Moving AI operations off-planet bypasses those constraints entirely. The Moon provides room to build energy systems at a far greater scale than Earth currently permits.
Solar energy on the lunar surface runs largely uninterrupted compared to Earth conditions. Without a thick atmosphere reducing solar intensity, panels can maintain consistently high efficiency.
This makes solar power a natural and reliable energy source for mass driver systems. Low launch costs combined with plentiful solar energy present a strong economic foundation for the project.
Musk has previously discussed plans for a self-sustaining lunar city through SpaceX. The mass driver proposal builds on earlier announcements he made in February this year.
Both projects fit within a broader vision for permanent lunar industrial development. Moving AI computing to the Moon aligns directly with that long-term roadmap.
Scaling AI Computation Beyond Earth’s Physical Limits
Current terawatt-level AI systems are already pushing Earth-based energy infrastructure to capacity. Reaching petawatt scale demands a fundamentally different approach to power and logistics.
Lunar mass drivers offer a pathway to that scale without overburdening global power grids. The Moon could function, in effect, as a dedicated AI computing and orbital launch platform.
Musk has proposed building an AI satellite factory as part of this broader initiative. Solar-powered satellites carrying compute hardware would be launched into orbit via mass drivers.
This would establish a distributed network of AI processing power circling the Earth. Each satellite would draw energy from the Sun and operate on a continuous basis.
Robotics and optimization systems would manage much of the construction and operational phases. Human involvement would still be needed, particularly during early development on the lunar surface.
Over time, automation would allow the lunar mass driver to scale with fewer labor requirements. Musk has expressed hope of seeing this project realized within his lifetime.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly testing an internal AI agent to assist with his daily work. The move reflects a wider shift within the company as it pushes to integrate AI tools across its operations and workforce.
Summary
- Zuckerberg tests AI agent to speed up decisions and reduce internal communication layers at Meta.
- Meta expands AI tools like MyClaw and Second Brain to improve workforce productivity.
- Reports suggest possible layoffs as Meta shifts toward AI-driven efficiency and flatter team structures.
Reports indicate that Zuckerberg is already using an AI agent to retrieve information more efficiently. Instead of relying on internal teams, the system gathers data directly, reducing delays in decision-making. The tool remains under development but is already part of the CEO’s workflow.
This effort aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to improve productivity across its workforce. The company is exploring ways to simplify internal processes and reduce dependency on layered communication structures.
Meta has been expanding its use of AI tools among employees. Internal systems such as MyClaw allow staff to access files, review chat logs, and interact with both colleagues and AI systems. These tools aim to streamline collaboration and reduce time spent searching for information.
Another tool, known as Second Brain, supports employees in managing tasks and projects. Built on Anthropic’s Claude infrastructure, it has been described internally as an “AI chief of staff.” These tools reflect Meta’s goal of increasing efficiency within its workforce of around 78,000 employees.
In addition, Zuckerberg has previously outlined plans to reshape how Meta operates. During a recent earnings call, he said that 2026 would mark a shift in how AI influences the company’s structure and productivity. He stated,
“AI starts to dramatically change the way” Meta works.
He also noted that Meta is focusing on building an environment where individuals can contribute more directly. He said the company is “investing in AI-native tooling” and “flattening teams,” signaling a move toward fewer management layers and more independent contributors.
Layoff reports and industry trends
Separate reports suggest that Meta may consider additional layoffs as part of its AI strategy. Sources cited in recent coverage indicated that up to 20% of the workforce could be affected, though no timeline has been confirmed. Meta responded by describing such reports as “speculative.”
The move toward AI-driven efficiency is not limited to Meta. Several firms across the tech and crypto sectors have announced layoffs while increasing investment in AI tools. Companies such as Messari and Crypto.com have also reduced staff as they shift toward AI-focused operations.
Crypto World
Iran’s Foreign Minister Says Insurance Markets, Not Missiles, Closed the Strait of Hormuz
TLDR:
- Iran’s FM Araghchi says insurance cancellations, not military action, are stalling Persian Gulf tankers.
- Marine war risk insurers scrapped Gulf coverage, trapping an estimated 15 million barrels daily.
- Bearish investor sentiment hit 52%, the highest since spring 2025, as the conflict feeds risk models.
- Energy stocks gained 29% year-to-date in 2026 while Bitcoin dropped below $68,000 amid uncertainty.
The Strait of Hormuz remains physically open, yet global oil shipments have effectively stalled. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attributed the disruption not to military force but to marine war risk insurers.
Major providers have cancelled coverage for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. Without active insurance policies, tankers cannot sail legally.
Roughly 15 million barrels of crude sit trapped daily. The standoff has rattled financial markets, pushing investor sentiment to its most bearish reading since spring 2025.
Insurance Cancellations, Not Mines, Grounded Persian Gulf Tankers
Araghchi took to X to address the shipping slowdown directly. He wrote: “Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated—not Iran.”
He added that no insurer or Iranian would respond to further threats. His post pointed to an overlooked mechanism behind the disruption.
Marine war risk insurers pulled coverage after regional hostilities intensified. Without a valid policy, no commercial tanker can legally complete its voyage.
Mines and drone threats acted as triggers, but the underwriter’s spreadsheet became the real barrier. That dynamic has made military escorts largely ineffective.
Twenty-two countries coordinating with NATO face the same obstacle. Clearing mines or neutralising coastal batteries does not reopen shipping lanes when underwriters refuse to issue policies.
Providers like Lloyd’s of London base their decisions on actuarial models. Those models account for ongoing conflict, missile activity, and sustained military uncertainty.
Iran’s position, therefore, rests on the risk premium rather than a direct military blockade. As long as hostilities continue, insurers maintain their cancellations.
The 48-hour ultimatum issued by US leadership added further pressure to those calculations. Each new escalation feeds the risk model rather than easing it.
Bearish Investor Sentiment Rises as Energy and Housing Data Diverge
The American Association of Individual Investors survey from March 19 recorded 52 percent of investors as bearish. That reading is the highest since spring 2025.
Bullish sentiment fell to 30.4 percent, leaving a negative bull-bear spread of 21.6 percentage points. These numbers reflect the same insurance-driven mechanism Araghchi described.
Energy stocks recorded 20 all-time highs in 2026, the most since 2013. The sector gained 29 percent year-to-date and 367 percent since the 2020 pandemic low.
Traders are pricing a prolonged period of trapped supply. Meanwhile, Bitcoin fell below $68,000 amid broader market uncertainty.
New US home sales dropped 17.6 percent month-on-month to 587,000 units, the lowest since 2022. The median home price declined 6.8 percent year-over-year. Those figures point to stress in rate-sensitive sectors while the conflict continues.
The market has effectively split into two camps. One segment prices sustained high oil revenue. The other prices broad economic weakness.
Iran has warned that any strike on its power grid would permanently close the Strait of Hormuz. Insurers continue processing that statement the same way they process every other risk factor, by keeping policies cancelled.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin (BTC) plunged from approximately $90,000 to close to $60,000 in early 2026, while equities remained resilient — but that’s changing.
- Following the outbreak of conflict with Iran on Feb. 28, Treasury yields have surged, pushing Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures down to September levels.
- The 10-year Treasury yield reached 4.41%, marking its highest point since August 1, climbing 48 basis points since hostilities began.
- Both cryptocurrency and stock market sentiment indicators have plunged into “extreme fear” zones during late March.
- Retail investor pessimism has reached 52% for the next six-month outlook — the most negative reading since May 2025.
Digital asset markets experienced severe turbulence at the beginning of 2026, with Bitcoin plummeting from approximately $90,000 to near $60,000 within a five-week period. During that same timeframe, U.S. equity markets showed remarkable resilience, hovering close to all-time peaks.
That divergence is rapidly disappearing — and not for positive reasons.
Since military operations involving Iran commenced on February 28, concerns about inflationary pressures and diminishing prospects for Federal Reserve interest rate reductions have driven U.S. Treasury yields significantly higher. This shift has started dragging equities downward, mirroring the weakness that bitcoin telegraphed several weeks ahead.
The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield advanced to 4.41% during early Monday trading, marking its strongest level since the beginning of August. The yield has increased by 48 basis points from when the Iranian conflict initiated. Meanwhile, the two-year Treasury yield has surged 57 basis points to reach 3.94%.
Elevating yields carry significant implications because they increase borrowing expenses throughout the broader economy — affecting everything from home mortgages to business financing. This dynamic typically dampens enthusiasm for riskier assets in equity markets.
Nasdaq futures declined to 23,890 points during Monday’s early session, representing the weakest level since September 11. S&P 500 e-mini futures tumbled to 6,505 points, similarly marking their lowest position since September.
Bitcoin Functions as an Early Warning System
Market observers have consistently monitored bitcoin as a forward-looking gauge for overall risk sentiment. Its sharp decline during early 2026 may have served as an advance warning of the turbulence equities are currently facing.
In a recent analysis, Bloomberg Senior Commodity Strategist Mike McGlone highlighted that bitcoin occupies a position “at the top of the risk-assets iceberg,” suggesting its deteriorating price action could represent the initial phase of a broader market correction — especially if volatility in commodities spills over into stock indices.
Bitcoin has traded within a relatively narrow range in recent weeks, oscillating between $65,000 and $75,000. Monday morning prices hovered around $68,790. However, derivatives market indicators reveal profound anxiety, with an unprecedented skew toward put options — financial instruments designed to protect against additional price declines.
Anxiety Permeates Both Asset Classes
Measures of market sentiment indicate that fear has become pervasive. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has retreated to “extreme fear” status. A comparable gauge tracking stock market sentiment has likewise experienced a sharp deterioration.
Blockchain analytics provider Alphractal characterizes this simultaneous emergence of fear across both markets as an uncommon occurrence, advising investors to maintain heightened vigilance.
Data from the American Association of Individual Investors reveals that 52% of retail market participants maintain a pessimistic view for the upcoming six months. This represents the most bearish sentiment registered since May 2025.
Donald Trump’s 48-hour deadline concerning the Strait of Hormuz continues ticking down, contributing additional uncertainty to market psychology.
Market analyst Tony Severino highlights a recurring historical phenomenon where bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 declines to -0.5 before experiencing a dramatic reversal upward — a configuration he suggests frequently precedes significant equity market declines. That correlation metric has recently shifted back into positive territory.
“Typically there’s an initial rally that amplifies the subsequent pain,” Severino noted.
Current market pricing reflects a modest probability that the Federal Reserve might actually increase interest rates instead of implementing the anticipated cuts.
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