Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

Onchain Lens data shows the Ethereum Foundation has fully sold 5,000 ETH. The proceeds totaled about $11.1M, converted into DAI at an average exchange price of $2,221 per ETH. Previously, the Ethereum Foundation said it would use CoWSwap’s TWAP feature to convert ETH into stablecoins in batches to fund ongoing development, research grants, and donations. The latest monitoring confirms that the 5,000 ETH execution is complete. For traders, this is a concrete spot-to-stablecoin flow event involving a major ETH holder. The key figures are: 5,000 ETH sold, ~ $11.1M DAI received, and an average rate of $2,221 per ETH—details that can be used to gauge whether sell pressure is concentrated or already absorbed by the market.

Morpho (MORPHO) is showing bullish momentum after a 10% daily surge. The move comes with trading volume rising to about $58M, nearly doubling, suggesting stronger participation. On the daily chart, Morpho is approaching a key supply zone between $1.9 and $2.1. This area has recently triggered multiple bearish rejections, and many analysts expect it to cap upside. However, if buyers can hold and absorb supply, the price structure could shift in favor of bulls. Derivatives data also supports the bullish setup. Morpho open interest is up 16%, indicating new capital entering rather than only short covering. In similar past conditions, rising open interest alongside price strength has often aligned with continuation attempts. Traders are watching $2.1 closely: a clean break and acceptance above the supply level would increase odds of a breakout. Failure or rejection at $2.1 may instead lead to consolidation as the market resets expectations. Key metrics to track: MORPHO volume (~$58M), open interest (+16%), and the $1.9–$2.1 supply zone.

Crypto market update highlights three near-term tests: NIGHT, ETH, and XRP. NIGHT is trading around $0.0408, while its open interest has surged nearly 100%. The article argues this likely reflects a large leveraged-position influx, but exchange long/short ratios remain skewed toward shorts (notably on Binance). Short-term futures show net outflows and spot flows look weak, so the risk is a possible short squeeze—yet without strong spot demand, downside continuation and liquidation cascades are still on the table. Ethereum (ETH) is in the mid-$2,200–$2,300 area and needs a sustained break and hold above $2,400–$2,500 to make a move toward $3,000 technically viable. Resistance has repeatedly capped rallies, and while participation has increased, the article says there isn’t yet clear evidence of major capital rotation back into ETH. A failure would likely send price back toward range trading or retest lower support. XRP is consolidating around $1.33–$1.35 after heavy downside, forming a short-term base. The key next-week resistance is $1.38–$1.40. Momentum is described as neutral, so a breakout attempt is possible; however, rejection would likely push XRP back toward $1.25–$1.28 and strengthen the broader downtrend.

Chainalysis reports that Iran’s IRGC has set up a state-linked crypto toll in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil flows. Before ships negotiate transit, they must submit ownership and cargo data; the reported fee starts around $1 per barrel and can be paid in yuan or crypto. The later reporting adds a tighter operational flow: vessels are reportedly required to provide shipment details first, then receive a “toll order” in digital currencies, with payments described as fast (reportedly seconds) and framed as bitcoin usage to reduce the risk of tracing or confiscation under sanctions. Traders should note the compliance angle: engaging with IRGC-linked wallets can trigger U.S. and partner sanctions enforcement, even if on-chain activity is visible. While the payment method is described using BTC, Chainalysis suggests Iran may prioritize stablecoins for large-scale, liquidity-focused collection. Overall, the “crypto toll” development is likely to matter more for sentiment and risk management than for direct spot supply shocks, with increased scrutiny expected around sanctioned maritime counterparties and stablecoin rails.

In a16z podcast, Columbia professor Vishal Misra argues that transformers mainly learn correlation, not causation—an obstacle to true intelligence and AGI. He explains how LLMs generate text by predicting the next token from probability distributions, and how prompt context can sharply change outputs. Misra highlights in-context learning as a key mechanism: when an LLM receives examples in the prompt, it can solve problems in real time. He says this behavior resembles Bayesian updating, where new evidence shifts belief and the model’s next-token probabilities update in a mathematically predictable way. The discussion also covers why token-space is modeled sparsely (many token combinations are effectively nonsensical), improving efficiency by filtering irrelevant combinations. Misra notes practical extensions such as domain-specific languages (DSLs) that convert natural-language questions into structured database queries. To evaluate machine-learning architectures more rigorously, Misra proposes a “Bayesian wind tunnel,” a controlled testing framework to compare transformers with other model types (e.g., MAMBA, LSTMs, MLPs). Overall, he frames progress toward AGI as moving beyond pattern matching toward causal understanding and continuous post-training learning—while using in-context learning as a bridge.

Column, led by William Hockey, is positioned as both a bank and a software firm, aiming to reshape fintech with deeper financial integration. The company provides backend infrastructure for other software companies entering financial services, supporting payments, deposits, and credit. Hockey argues that AI will significantly change business software. As a result, enterprise software teams will need greater control over underlying financial systems. In his view, “just building software” is not enough—firms must manage the monetary layer to build effective products. Column’s differentiation is that it earns the majority of revenue from software (around 90%+), unlike traditional banks that primarily rely on financial intermediation. Hockey also highlights innovation dynamics: San Francisco’s consensus-driven environment can nurture “outlandish” ideas, while emerging markets—especially where access and constraints are higher—develop more bespoke financial systems and can verticalize services better due to existing infrastructure. Overall, the message for traders is that infrastructure players like Column may become increasingly important as AI-driven fintech products require tighter links between software and regulated financial rails. Column’s business model and AI integration thesis could influence sentiment around tech-enabled finance and the broader fintech tech stack.

A new interview with Laowhy86 discusses how AI-driven censorship in China shapes online speech, forcing netizens to use coded language. Laowhy86 argues that AI-driven censorship campaigns are run with euphemistic labels, so users often cannot address suppression directly. Instead, they describe it indirectly, including with the coded term “river crab.” He links this linguistic adaptation to an escalating cat-and-mouse dynamic between the state and online users. The segment also highlights platform centralization. WeChat is described as an all-in-one app for messaging and payments, enabling continuous monitoring through integrated services. The broader claim is that data flows from daily digital activity, reducing privacy and increasing social control. On legal risk, the article cites severe punishments: spreading rumors could bring up to a three-year prison sentence, while inciting subversion and related speech-related offenses could lead to up to 15 years, depending on the charge. Overall, the discussion frames China’s online environment as moving from “playful evasion” to serious self-censorship, with “sensitive topics” becoming increasingly dangerous to discuss. The core theme is that AI-driven censorship, combined with centralized surveillance and strict enforcement, pushes communication toward coded memes and wordplay.

The Mahmoud Khalil deportation case advanced on April 10 after the Board of Immigration Appeals rejected Khalil’s latest bid to dismiss deportation proceedings entirely. The Mahmoud Khalil deportation case now moves him materially closer to expulsion from the United States, with his legal team expected to seek further relief in federal court. Khalil, a Palestinian activist and green card holder, was detained earlier this year amid broader scrutiny of campus protest organizers. Supporters argue the government is using immigration enforcement to suppress constitutionally protected political speech. The ruling closes off one of the remaining legal pathways and is described as a procedural win for the Trump administration. The case has drawn national attention, including protests across major U.S. cities and criticism from civil liberties groups that call the detention and deportation process an unprecedented use of immigration law. Khalil’s attorneys say the government is setting a dangerous precedent by targeting a non-citizen for protected speech. The article also notes parallel legal pressure efforts by the U.S. government in related Gaza-linked financial and policy areas. Next, the administration signaled it intends to move forward with removal proceedings as quickly as legally permitted, while Khalil’s side pursues additional challenges.

In a podcast on commodities, analyst Bob Brackett (Bernstein & Co.) argues that natural gas is still undervalued despite strong US demand. He cites Henry Hub around $3/mcf as “unloved,” saying the market is ignoring key demand drivers. Brackett also notes the US shale gas industry is stabilizing, similar to how shale oil behaved in 2018. That shift implies more predictable production dynamics rather than the boom-bust cycles traders often price in. For pricing, the core claim is that natural gas costs are dominated by transportation logistics, not extraction. He says “there is no one price,” because market differentials are shaped by distance and infrastructure. On LNG, Brackett highlights that global pricing is shaped by long-term contracts and contract structure. He contrasts oil-linked LNG deals with US terms that reference TTF, and points to Qatar’s low-cost fields plus long-duration contracts as a competitive advantage. For Europe, he flags seasonal shoulder demand and geopolitical risk as major drivers. He also stresses LNG buildout timelines are longer than shale wells (gestation ~4 years for facilities) and that once operational, LNG plants run near full capacity with limited flexibility. Finally, Brackett says higher LNG exports have not meaningfully raised US domestic gas prices; what moves prices is still where supply meets demand.

In a Forward Guidance discussion, Bob Elliott says oil shocks are uniquely difficult for central banks because they raise inflation while reducing real growth. Key points on oil shocks: Elliott argues rising oil prices lift consumer prices and cut real spending first. He also expects the current oil shock to last longer on inflation than prior shocks, citing projections that oil prices could be ~40% higher by year-end than at the start of the year. That inflation persistence forces tighter policy rather than a quick “transitory inflation” narrative. Fed policy framing: He links the Fed’s shift from a “transitory” to a “non-transitory” inflation story to the conditions created by the oil shock—described as an “unlucky outcome” that compelled the Fed to hike materially. Why today may differ: Elliott characterizes the broader economy as a “savings-driven economy,” where households maintain spending and investment despite weakening labor markets. He warns that real household consumption could fall toward zero, which would clash with growth expectations around 2–3%. Lesson from 2008: Elliott contrasts the current oil-price channel with the 2008 financial crisis. He says oil price surges were secondary in 2008, while credit problems were “orders of magnitude” more important and nearly ruined the financial system. The implication: traders should distinguish inflation shocks from financial-credit stress when assessing recession and risk-off dynamics. For crypto traders, the takeaway is that ongoing oil shocks can keep rates higher for longer and tighten liquidity—often a headwind for risk assets, including crypto, especially if it spills into recession or credit stress.

House Republicans blocked an Iran war powers resolution on April 10, ending a brief pro forma session before Democrats could force a vote to limit President Trump’s authority to continue the Iran conflict. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) asked colleagues for unanimous consent to advance the Iran war powers resolution invoking the 1973 War Powers Resolution. But Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Smith gavelled the session shut within seconds, and Congress then adjourned until 2:30 PM on Monday, April 13, 2026. The underlying issue is whether congressional authorization is required after the US-Iran conflict has exceeded the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day threshold. Democrats argue the prolonged conflict needs formal approval, especially amid disruptions to global energy markets and heightened cross-asset risk. Republicans opposed limiting presidential war powers while negotiations are ongoing, arguing constraints would weaken US leverage with Tehran during talks. What to watch next: Congress returns April 13, the same week the Senate resumes from recess. Democrats are expected to renew efforts to pass the Iran war powers resolution, but their path likely remains blocked unless a Republican breaks ranks. Market link: traders are watching the Islamabad ceasefire/negotiation talks. A breakdown could quickly raise volatility across oil and crypto. The article links recent Bitcoin moves to ceasefire chatter, with BTC trading in a roughly $65,000–$73,000 range recently.

Since Bitcoin’s 2025 all-time high, BTC has struggled to start a durable upside move. On-chain indicators now suggest the bear phase is still active: “Bitcoin supply in profit” is shrinking quickly and is rapidly spilling into loss territory. CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost reports profit supply is compressing toward multi-year lows, with nearly 1 BTC out of 2 held at a loss. The share of “Bitcoin supply in profit” is estimated around 59%, versus roughly 75% during the prior bear-market trough—implying current conditions are already worse than typical bear baselines. Traders are urged to watch the ~50% profit-supply level, historically a zone where bear-market structure can bottom or flip toward accumulation. However, confidence usually fades further as profit shrinks. A separate view using MVRV Z-Score argues BTC has not entered a “green” bottoming zone, dismissing a ~$60,000 bottom call and projecting ~6 more months of bearish continuation. Overall, the deterioration in “Bitcoin supply in profit” and the rising loss exposure point to continued downside risk until on-chain stress stabilizes.

In a Big Technology podcast interview, financial columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin says AI unemployment risks are already shaping markets and could drive painful workforce transitions. Sorkin argues that AI could increase unemployment if it successfully disrupts current job markets, though he expects change more as a “painful transition period” than permanent mass job loss. He points to recent market pricing where the fear of AI displacing software work helped trigger sharp declines in software stocks, with an estimated $1 trillion loss in market capitalization in the prior month. He also highlights potential knock-on effects across the tech sector: large-scale AI capex could “hollow out” parts of the software industry, and the future of AI interactions may consolidate into a single interface that connects users to multiple specialized bots. Beyond tech, he expects fewer roles in areas like accounting and journalism, while arguing that human reporting and storytelling elements remain hard to replace. Finally, Sorkin frames the economic picture as constrained rather than limitless: growth faces historical upper limits, and AI-driven automation—especially in small business legal services—could worsen inequality by concentrating gains among model makers and already-successful firms. Overall, the central message for traders is that AI unemployment fears can amplify sentiment swings in the tech sector and spill over into broader risk appetite, even without direct crypto catalysts.

US Senator John Fetterman says the Democratic Party is becoming more openly anti-Israel, warning that internal party dynamics are making pro‑Israel Democrats increasingly marginalized. He argues polarization forces lawmakers into extreme positions and blocks nuanced debate. In the same All‑In Podcast discussion, Fetterman highlights a rare stance on Homeland Security: he is the only Democrat opposing a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. He frames this as a broader conflict over national security priorities and insists on maintaining critical security infrastructure. Fetterman also says a “culture of fear” inside the party punishes dissent, and he raises concerns that antisemitic tropes are becoming more normalized in political discourse. Beyond US domestic politics, he comments on foreign policy and regional security, including responsibility linked to oil consumption, Iran’s limited ability to fight conventional wars, and the logic of disarming dangerous regimes to reduce long-term loss of life and fiscal impact. The episode is primarily political commentary, but it signals heightened US political friction around security and Middle East policy—topics traders often watch for volatility spillovers into risk assets and oil-sensitive trades.

Iran peace talks in Islamabad are underway today, bringing together US Vice President JD Vance with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for the first face-to-face talks since Pakistan brokered a fragile two-week ceasefire. Markets have been pricing this Iran peace talks outcome for days because a durable deal could move oil, crypto, and global risk assets. The proposed framework, described as an “Islamabad Accord,” is a two-phase plan: an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations toward a permanent end to the conflict and a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Key sticking points remain unresolved. The US has received a 10-point proposal from Iran, but Iranian officials say any final agreement must include guarantees against future US and Israeli attacks, sanctions relief, and compensation for wartime infrastructure damage. Iran has also proposed a $1-per-barrel toll for tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, paid in cryptocurrency, which Washington has not formally accepted. Trading implications: oil has slipped below $100 per barrel after the ceasefire but remains volatile as traders wait for confirmation in Islamabad. A full diplomatic resolution would likely remove the “war premium,” easing inflation pressure and improving the outlook for rate cuts. For crypto traders, the most direct near-term upside catalyst is a successful Iran peace talks outcome. Analysts cited a potential move for Bitcoin toward $75,000 if geopolitical risk is sustainably reduced. Following the ceasefire, oil fell sharply and Bitcoin rallied above $72,000.

In a discussion on the Shawn Ryan Show, Michael T. Lester argues that US foreign policy is inconsistent and overextended. He points to US actions in places such as Venezuela and Cuba as hard to reconcile with clear national interests, and warns the US military is stretched thin. Lester criticizes the war in Iran as lacking justification and providing no benefit to American citizens. He also raises concerns about ethics and legality, saying direct engagement by US senators with foreign leaders could be treasonous. He links public awareness to political engagement, arguing that many Americans feel comfortable and disconnected and therefore remain apathetic toward major issues. He also claims the information environment is biased, leaving service members with curated viewpoints that may not reflect the full truth. On Iran, Lester says US intelligence handling was mishandled and notes that some lawmakers lack national-security backgrounds. He adds that Israel’s ambition to become a superpower could shape regional and global strategy. Looking ahead, Lester expects midterm elections to produce political surprises that could influence the next presidential election. Overall, the thrust is that US foreign policy choices often lack clear benefits for Americans and face growing political and informational backlash.

The Diary of a CEO (Apr. 10, 2026) features Chase Hughes, founder of Ellipsis Behaviour Laboratories, arguing that micro compliance is a subtle but powerful way to influence behavior. Micro compliance works by getting people to act on small, seemingly minor tasks, which can reshape beliefs and decisions over time. Hughes also highlights novelty as a key driver of decision-making. He claims novelty hijacks the brain, meaning new stimuli can alter perceptions and make people more receptive to changed viewpoints. In his framework, context is the most important factor in behavior change, and calling out social scripts can weaken their influence. On the AI future, Hughes says human skills will become increasingly valuable as AI and robotics take over more routine work. He emphasizes human-to-human communication, advising that effective messaging should resonate with existing feelings and acknowledge a person’s perspective before introducing new ideas. While the discussion is not about crypto, its market relevance for traders is indirect: it reinforces that consumer attention, narrative framing, and decision context can drive short-term flows in any tech sector—including digital assets—especially when “novelty” narratives spread quickly.

XRP is holding around $1.34–$1.35 as traders wait for the XRP CLARITY Act after the US Senate reopens on April 13. The Senate Banking Committee is expected to schedule a markup in the second half of April, setting up a tight, headline-driven window for XRP price action. The key driver is potential XRP CLARITY Act progress that would define XRP as a digital commodity under US law. Standard Chartered analysts estimate committee advancement could unlock an extra $4B–$8B in XRP ETF inflows, helping momentum toward prior highs. Traders also note that seven US spot XRP ETFs have already raised about $1.44B since launching (Sep–Dec 2025), even before the bill becomes law. Timing pressure remains a risk. Senator Bernie Moreno warned that missing the May window could delay action until after the 2026 midterms, while reports also pushed expected passage from late April to late May. If the bill’s momentum strengthens into April 13 and the late-April markup, XRP could see upside via ETF-flow expectations. If it stalls, XRP may stay range-bound or break lower, with broader BTC levels adding volatility.

Bitcoin price failed to break $73,000 for the third time since the US-Iran ceasefire, capping the latest rally and pressuring altcoins. On Apr 10, BTC briefly traded up to about $73,111 before slipping, despite a modest boost from softer core CPI data. Analysts argue a clean breakout above $75,000 is needed for a sustained bullish phase. ETH, SOL and DOGE slid on the day, with market observers noting altcoins are mechanically leveraged to Bitcoin direction. When BTC repeatedly rejects key resistance, altcoin relief rallies tend to fade faster and recovery takes longer. The article links the risk-off tone to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, including concerns around a partially reopened Strait of Hormuz and a fragile, untested peace process. Traders are watching macro catalysts for confirmation: • Diplomatic progress in Islamabad talks this weekend could remove a major macro headwind. • A sustained move of oil below $100 would likely improve risk sentiment and help BTC reclaim the $73,000 area, potentially triggering the next leg of altcoin recovery. For traders, the immediate level to monitor is BTC’s ability to reclaim $73,000 and then clear $75,000. Without that, downside pressure on broader altcoin momentum is likely to persist.

National Geographic investigative host Mariana van Zeller discusses how drug cartels are moving deeper into rural America. She says small towns are attractive because law enforcement is thin, often with limited staffing (e.g., one sheriff per county). Cartels can hide distribution networks there, while prosecutors face a harder job: police may know where suspects are, but they must catch them in the act and secure evidence to build cases. Van Zeller estimates roughly 200 cartels operate in Mexico, underscoring the fragmentation and scale of organized crime. She highlights the Sinaloa cartel’s early fentanyl push as a major competitive advantage, including reports that it paid a Colombian chemist about $40,000–$50,000 to teach fentanyl production—helping Sinaloa grow and become an early leader in the fentanyl market. Beyond enforcement, the episode covers cartel-related public health damage. The opioid epidemic is described as a major crisis, worsened by fentanyl supply. The discussion also touches on investigative access: interview subjects may talk out of ego, a desire to maintain a public facade, or a human need to be understood; counterfeiters may run “double lives” to conceal illegal income from family. For traders, the key takeaway is that fentanyl trafficking dynamics affect law enforcement priorities and public pressure, but this specific report does not directly mention crypto markets or tokens.

In a Joe Rogan Experience discussion, comedian Mark Normand highlighted how Medicare and Medicaid fraud drives major fiscal impact in the US, involving “hundreds of billions” of dollars. He said healthcare fraud often includes submitting claims for services that were not actually provided. Medicare and Medicaid fraud also reflects weaknesses in oversight and accountability, where investigations may be insufficient, allowing perpetrators to evade consequences. The episode also touched on shifting public health messaging, arguing that early COVID-19 vaccine claims were overstated because they did not prevent infection as initially promised—potentially affecting trust in health authorities. Normand added cultural and market-relevant observations: he encouraged embracing natural aging over cosmetic procedures, and noted a sharp decline in alcohol consumption among Gen Z, which could disrupt traditional consumer and alcohol industry demand patterns.

In a discussion on The Peter McCormack Show, BnkToTheFuture CEO Simon Dixon argued that “psychological trauma” is a major “pandemic” driven by worsening inequality and economic stress. He warned governments may respond by confiscating or taxing assets to curb capital flight, increasing uncertainty around personal wealth protection. Dixon also framed the macro backdrop as a shift toward a multipolar world dominated by transnational capital. He described today’s economy as a “K-shaped economy” (the rich get richer, the poor get poorer) and linked financial privatization to private-equity “asset stripping” and capital reallocation to new growth regions. On geopolitics and policy, he suggested military-industrial incentives and corporate influence can shape foreign policy, while future unrest narratives could accelerate digital ID and surveillance-state rollouts. He claimed the weakening of the dollar may be tied to covert operations and financial strategies. For crypto traders, the direct signal is not a protocol change, but a macro risk theme that often drives attention to Bitcoin as a potential hedge against capital controls and fiat credibility stress. Dixon’s remarks on fixed assets and monetary reform keep Bitcoin on the radar, while the “asset seizure/taxation” angle raises near-term risk sentiment for holders who rely on traditional custody.

Bitcoin institutions are hedging both sides while BTC stalls around $72,000. According to CoinDesk, institutions bought $80,000 call options while also purchasing puts for downside protection, signalling uncertainty rather than conviction. Traders are waiting on two catalysts. First, Friday’s US CPI was softer than expected on core measures (core CPI +0.2% vs +0.3% forecast), easing some rate fears but failing to break Bitcoin out of its $65,000–$73,000 range. Second, US–Iran peace negotiations in Islamabad could change risk sentiment. The article notes a fragile ceasefire and lingering concerns around Strait of Hormuz reopening and Iran’s proposed $1/barrel “crypto toll” on tanker passage. If an Islamabad deal is confirmed, the piece suggests Bitcoin could move toward the $75,000 area as markets regain risk appetite. If talks fail, sentiment may flip and Bitcoin could retest lower supports, with altcoins likely to face larger downside. For traders, this setup points to continued range behaviour near $72,000 and higher options-driven volatility into CPI aftermath and the Iran headline cycle, with direction dependent on whether the talks resolve positively or not.

Polymarket investigation escalated after members of US Congress raised concerns about potential insider trading tied to the US–Iran ceasefire. According to reports cited by crypto.news, at least 50 newly created Polymarket accounts placed large “ceasefire” bets in the hours and minutes before President Trump announced the deal on April 9 via social media. NPR-style reporting notes these accounts had no meaningful betting history and, in most cases, made no other trades before or after—raising suspicion of non-public information. Representative Ritchie Torres sent a letter to the CFTC requesting a formal review of the platform. Senator Richard Blumenthal called Polymarket “an illicit market” that could be used to exploit national-security secrets. This is not the first controversy. Earlier claims alleged similar timing behavior around US strikes on Iran, with analytics flagged newly created wallets profiting from geopolitical news flow—leading to renewed scrutiny of prediction markets. Regulatory context matters for traders. The CFTC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on prediction markets in March 2026, with the comment period closing April 30. Meanwhile, more than 10 anti-prediction-market bills have been introduced since January. Polymarket investigation demands could increase compliance pressure and elevate headline risk for crypto-linked prediction venues, even if Polymarket operates outside US jurisdiction.

In an Odd Lots discussion, chemicals analyst Philip Geurts warned that a petrochemical supply chain tied to crude oil prices is tightening. Rising oil costs are expected to lift plastics prices, and higher costs are already triggering closures in Asia. He said Asian “crackers” (key petrochemical units) are starting to shut down and issue force majeure declarations, reducing ethylene output. Ethylene and propylene are the base chemicals for most bulk plastics, so lower production can ripple into polymer supply. The Gulf region is central because it turns crude oil into feedstocks such as naphtha and LPG components (including ethane) that feed crackers. Middle East exports of polyethylene are significant—about 12% of global capacity (possibly closer to 14%). Geurts estimated Asian ethylene and polyethylene production cuts of roughly 15%–17% at global scale, based on export-linked supply constraints. Saudi Arabia was highlighted as both an oil and chemicals exporter. Its refining capacity (about 3–4 million bpd) is much lower than crude production (around 10–11 million bpd), implying reliance on imports to balance refining needs. Finally, Geurts flagged food packaging risk: polyethylene has few fungible, large-scale alternatives. He also noted geopolitical strain (including threats linked to Iran) as a potential factor for petrochemical supply instability. For traders, the core takeaway is commodity linkage: oil shocks can quickly translate into polymer and packaging-cost pressures via the petrochemical supply chain.

In MLB talk from John Fanta (Pardon My Take), the Nationals are in another prolonged rebuild. Fanta said this will likely mean “another 90 loss season,” as the team enters year seven of a tough rebuild in Washington. By contrast, the Mets’ outlook is higher. Despite a likely slow start from roster changes, Fanta expects the Mets to exceed expectations. His “successful season” benchmark is over 90 wins plus a playoff run that reaches the NLCS. Fanta is also bullish on Chicago’s near-term profile. The Cubs are expected to contend for the NL Central and potentially reach the NLCS, with special emphasis on an extension for PCA that could turn him into an MVP-caliber centerpiece. He also adds an off-field angle: the Red Sox are viewed as prioritizing savings and staying under the luxury tax rather than maximizing competitiveness. Outside baseball, the segment highlights college basketball: the Big Ten’s strong NCAA tournament showing (six Sweet 16 teams) and “Cinderella” narratives, with Darius Acuff Jr. singled out as the standout player. Defending champions’ struggles since 2007 are also noted (UConn 2024 as a rare exception). Overall, this is a set of expectation-setting storylines—especially around the Nationals rebuilding—rather than market-moving financial news.

In a Pomp Podcast interview, Johann Kerbrat (SVP & GM Crypto and International at Robinhood) says **Bitcoin** has shown resilience over the past 12 months despite market volatility. He also highlights how after-hours trading helps retail investors react to news outside regular U.S. sessions. Kerbrat argues prediction markets are shifting from pure speculation toward hedging and structured financial contracts. He notes “AI investment contracts” are simpler for users because they limit outcomes and can offer an easier alternative to traditional stock-picking. On product development, Robinhood’s internal “startup-like” structure is designed to keep a cohesive UI while teams innovate across multiple lines of business. The company is also using AI more aggressively in engineering—helping write and review code—and in customer-facing features such as near real-time market digests. Competitive pressure in crypto, Kerbrat adds, can reduce fees and spur innovation. Finally, Robinhood is building a Layer 2 focused on real-world assets, aiming to combine Ethereum’s decentralization and security with broader EVM liquidity to improve settlement and access to tokenized U.S. stocks/ETFs. For traders: the piece frames **Bitcoin resilience** as a sign of maturity, while the AI/market-structure updates at Robinhood point to continued growth in 24/7 trading infrastructure and hedging-style products—but it doesn’t provide direct catalysts for immediate price moves.

Bitcoin price update: BTC briefly jumped from around $72,000 to $72,400 on Apr 10 after US March CPI data came in softer than expected. Key figures: core CPI rose 0.2% month-on-month versus 0.3% consensus, easing immediate rate-hike concerns. Headline CPI rose 0.9%, boosted by war-driven oil, keeping annual inflation at 3.3% (still the highest since May 2025). Year-on-year core CPI was 2.6% vs 2.7% forecasts. Traders reacted quickly: BTC reclaimed $72,000 immediately after the 8:30 AM ET release, but the move faded as the broader Federal Reserve policy outlook barely changed. Markets are still pricing near-zero odds of rate cuts. What to watch next: Bitcoin remains range-bound near $72,000, with ~$73,000 as the immediate resistance ceiling. A sustained break above ~$75,000 is needed for a clearer upside leg. Traders are also watching weekend US–Iran negotiations in Islamabad, as geopolitical de-risking could reduce the headline-inflation drag from energy prices. Bottom line: the softer core CPI provided a short-lived support bid for Bitcoin price, but sticky headline inflation means follow-through may depend on rates expectations and geopolitics.

Bitget has launched IPO Prime, a pre-IPO subscription product that issues preSPAX—an on-chain style token designed to track SpaceX’s economic performance referenced via Nasdaq Private Market valuation. The token does not grant direct equity in SpaceX, voting rights, or shareholder privileges, and SpaceX has not endorsed or authorized the offering. The IPO Prime flow uses a Republic-powered subscription. Eligible users can apply during the window (April 18, 18:00 UTC to April 21, 18:00 UTC). After allocation, tokens move to Bitget’s OTC market for freer secondary trading, subject to jurisdictional regulatory rules. preSPAX is scheduled to launch on April 21 at 12:00 UTC, with token distribution later the same day (18:00–22:00 UTC). Bitget also plans two VIP airdrop rounds before trading. For traders, Bitget IPO Prime is another tokenized private-markets/RWA product with potential launch- and airdrop-driven speculation. However, preSPAX is structured as synthetic contractual economic exposure, so it is not a direct BTC/ETH-style fundamental driver for broader crypto price action. Key risks to watch are regulatory responses, liquidity/secondary-market access, and the eventual real-world performance outcome when SpaceX goes public.