Bitcoin’s mining difficulty fell by around 7.7% at the latest adjustment on March 20 to 133.79 trillion at block 941,472, the sharpest drop since February, according to CoinWarz data.
The latest move takes difficulty down from around 145 trillion in mid-March and roughly 148 trillion at the start of the year. A lower difficulty means it takes less computational work to earn the same block reward, slightly improving revenue per unit of hashrate for firms that stay online.
The adjustment followed slower-than-target block production over the prior 2,016 blocks. CloverPool data showed average block times at about 12 minutes 36 seconds, well above Bitcoin’s 10-minute target, forcing the network to recalibrate lower.
Bitcoin (BTC) difficulty measures how hard it is for miners to find a valid hash for the next block and is automatically adjusted to keep issuance steady at one block every 10 minutes.
When more computing power, or hashrate, joins the network, difficulty rises to prevent blocks from being mined too quickly, while a decline in hashrate triggers a lower difficulty, making it easier for remaining miners to earn rewards.
The next difficulty adjustment is currently estimated for April 3, though that projection changes with each new block.
Miners pivot to AI as power costs bite
The difficulty reset also comes as several listed miners push further into AI and high-performance computing infrastructure in search of steadier returns on power and data-center capacity.
Last week, crypto trader Ran Neuner argued AI had become Bitcoin mining’s biggest competitor as both industries compete for electricity, even going as far as to say that “AI has killed Bitcoin forever.”
Bitcoin miners such as Core Scientific, MARA Holdings, Hut 8 and Cipher Mining have begun reallocating capacity or pivoting toward AI workloads, while some operators have reduced hashrate or shut down less efficient rigs as profitability tightens.
On Feb 21, Bitdeer liquidated 943 BTC from reserves and sold newly mined coins, cutting corporate holdings to zero. In its latest weekly update on March 21, it confirmed that its BTC holdings remained at zero.
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NEAR Protocol trades at $1.32 with technical indicators showing mixed signals. Key resistance at $1.38 could trigger rally to $1.46, while $1.28 support holds downside risk.
What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About NEAR Protocol
While specific analyst predictions are limited for the immediate term, historical price projections from late 2025 suggested NEAR Protocol could trade between $2.82-$4.69 throughout 2026, with an average target of $4.22. However, current market conditions show NEAR trading significantly below these projections at $1.32.
According to on-chain data platforms, NEAR Protocol’s recent performance has been impacted by broader market volatility, with the token experiencing a 2.01% decline in the past 24 hours. Trading volume remains healthy at nearly $15 million on Binance spot markets, indicating sustained interest despite the price correction.
NEAR Technical Analysis Breakdown
The NEAR price prediction outlook shows mixed technical signals as the protocol navigates key price levels. Currently trading at $1.32, NEAR sits precisely at its 20-day simple moving average, suggesting a critical inflection point for future direction.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 52.75 places NEAR in neutral territory, neither oversold nor overbought. This positioning suggests potential for movement in either direction based on market catalysts. The MACD indicator shows a flat histogram at 0.0000, indicating bullish momentum may be building as the signal and main lines converge.
Bollinger Bands analysis reveals NEAR trading within the middle portion of its recent range, with the upper band at $1.46 and lower band at $1.18. The current %B position of 0.48 suggests room for upward movement toward the upper band resistance.
Key moving averages paint a mixed picture for the NEAR Protocol forecast. While the 7-day SMA at $1.38 sits above current price levels, creating immediate resistance, the 50-day SMA at $1.17 provides strong support. However, the 200-day SMA at $1.89 remains well above current levels, indicating longer-term bearish pressure.
NEAR Protocol Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case
Bullish Scenario
A break above the immediate resistance at $1.38 could trigger momentum toward the strong resistance level of $1.46, representing the upper Bollinger Band. This move would require confirmation through increased volume and RSI breaking above 60. The ultimate bullish target sits at the 200-day moving average near $1.89, though this would require significant market catalyst.
For bulls to maintain control, NEAR must hold above the 20-day SMA at $1.32 and generate momentum past the 7-day average at $1.38. A decisive break of $1.46 could open the path toward $1.60-$1.70 levels.
Bearish Scenario
Failure to hold current support at $1.30 could lead to a test of strong support at $1.28. A break below this level might trigger selling pressure toward the 50-day SMA at $1.17, representing the lower Bollinger Band area.
The most concerning scenario for NEAR holders would be a breakdown below $1.17, which could accelerate selling toward psychological support near $1.00. The Average True Range of $0.08 suggests daily volatility could produce rapid moves in either direction.
Should You Buy NEAR? Entry Strategy
For traders considering NEAR Protocol positions, current technical levels offer defined entry and exit points. Conservative buyers might wait for a pullback to the $1.28-$1.30 support zone, providing better risk-reward ratios.
Aggressive buyers could enter near current levels around $1.32, with a stop-loss below $1.28 to limit downside risk. The target for this strategy would be the $1.38-$1.42 resistance cluster.
Dollar-cost averaging presents another viable approach given NEAR’s position at key moving average support. Scaling into positions between $1.28-$1.35 could capture any upward momentum while managing downside risk.
Conclusion
The NEAR price prediction for the coming week suggests a crucial test of resistance levels that could determine short-term direction. With technical indicators showing neutral to slightly bullish signals, NEAR Protocol appears positioned for a potential breakout attempt above $1.38.
However, traders should remain cautious given the significant gap between current prices and longer-term moving averages. The NEAR Protocol forecast depends heavily on broader market sentiment and the ability to generate sustained volume above key resistance levels.
Disclaimer: This NEAR price prediction is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry substantial risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
Stellar (XLM) shows neutral momentum at $0.17 with technical indicators suggesting potential move to $0.18-$0.20 range over next 4-6 weeks as RSI remains balanced.
While specific analyst predictions are limited for the current timeframe, recent forecasts from industry sources provide some insight into XLM’s trajectory. MEXC News suggested in January 2026 that “Stellar (XLM) could trade between $0.204 and $0.270 in January 2026,” though current price action has remained more conservative around the $0.17 level.
Felix Pinkston noted earlier this year that XLM showed “neutral RSI at 50.36” with technical analysis suggesting consolidation patterns, which aligns with current market behavior showing similar RSI readings of 52.40.
On-chain metrics from major data platforms continue to show steady network activity for Stellar’s payment infrastructure, though specific analyst commentary remains sparse in the immediate term.
XLM Technical Analysis Breakdown
The current XLM price prediction shows mixed signals with a slight bullish bias. At $0.17, Stellar sits precisely at its 7-day simple moving average, indicating short-term equilibrium between buyers and sellers.
RSI Analysis: The 14-period RSI of 52.40 places XLM in neutral territory, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold conditions. This provides room for movement in either direction without immediate reversal pressure.
MACD Signals: The MACD histogram at 0.0000 indicates bearish momentum has stalled, with the MACD line (0.0014) converging with its signal line. This convergence often precedes directional moves.
Bollinger Band Position: With XLM at 66.5% of its Bollinger Band range, the token sits closer to the upper band ($0.18) than the lower band ($0.15), suggesting recent strength despite the modest daily decline.
Key Levels: Strong resistance emerges at $0.17, which currently acts as both support and resistance. The 20-day SMA at $0.16 provides the primary support level, while $0.18 represents the critical breakout threshold.
Stellar Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case
Bullish Scenario
In the bullish case for this Stellar forecast, XLM targets the upper Bollinger Band at $0.18, representing a 5.8% upside from current levels. A sustained break above this resistance could propel prices toward $0.20, aligning with historical resistance zones.
Technical confirmation would require:
– RSI breaking above 60 with sustained momentum
– MACD histogram turning positive
– Volume expansion above the current $3.78M daily average
– Clear break and hold above $0.175
Bearish Scenario
The bearish XLM price prediction sees potential retest of the 20-day SMA support at $0.16, representing a 6.25% decline. Failure to hold this level could lead to a test of the lower Bollinger Band at $0.15.
Based on current technical positioning, XLM presents a neutral to slightly bullish setup. Conservative investors might consider:
The daily ATR of $0.01 suggests moderate volatility, allowing for position sizing that accounts for typical daily price swings of approximately 6%.
Conclusion
This Stellar forecast suggests XLM remains in a consolidation phase with slight bullish bias toward the $0.18-$0.20 range over the next 4-6 weeks. The neutral RSI and converging MACD indicate a potential directional move is approaching, with the upper Bollinger Band at $0.18 serving as the key breakout level.
The XLM price prediction carries moderate confidence given the balanced technical indicators, though traders should monitor the $0.16 support level closely for any signs of weakness.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency price predictions are speculative and involve significant risk. This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and risk assessment before making investment decisions.
After a strong start to the week, Bitcoin (BTC) is down nearly 5%, alongside the S&P 500, DOW, Nasdaq, and Gold. Crude oil, on the other hand, has risen 7.30% and is up 53% since the US and Israel–Iran war began on Feb. 28.
The collective market weakness highlights a coordinated shift in capital flows as the war continues in the Middle East, with an uptick in outflows from the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) further highlighting traders’ decision to cut risk.
Capital exodus takes place across all investment markets
The Kobeissi Letter reported a combined $64 billion outflow from the S&P 500 (SPX) ETF and Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ) over the past three months, the largest on record.
This reverses a $50 billion inflow seen in November and pushes outflows to 5% of the total assets under management.
The spot Bitcoin ETFs mirrored the broader market weakness, recording $253 million in outflows over the past two days.
While the monthly ETF flows remain positive at $1.48 billion, this comes against the backdrop of $6.3 billion in cumulative outflows between November and February, highlighting a fragile recovery in investor demand.
Glassnode data suggests the market is struggling to absorb the selling pressure. The net realized profit-taking briefly accelerated to around $17 million per hour (24-hour average) before losing momentum, after which the BTC price slipped back below $70,000. Glassnode added,
“Broader geopolitical uncertainty appears to be compressing demand depth, limiting the market’s capacity to absorb even moderate realization events.”
Market participants are framing Bitcoin’s move against past geopolitical events, drawing parallels between the current US and Israel–Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
Coincidentally taking place in February four years apart, crypto commentator Carlitosway noted that following Russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Bitcoin initially sold off before posting a 24% relief bounce in the following four weeks. The momentum faded soon after, as BTC dropped another 64% by November 2022.
A similar sequence is unfolding this month, with BTC rallying nearly 10% at one stage last week since the beginning of the war, but momentum is now slowing down.
Carlitosway linked the weakness to sustained pressure on liquidity, rising energy costs, and continued forced selling during periods of stress, all of which reduce the follow-through demand for Bitcoin.
The pattern points to a more extended stabilization phase, where the recovery may take time as capital rebuilds and the selling pressure clears.
Crypto analyst Finish believed that the recovery path for Bitcoin might take place after a price bottom around $55,000. The analyst added,
“I frankly think that until the Iran war is settled, it’s gonna be hard for $BTC to rise. The environment is risk off, the SPX lost trillions in capitalisation, which leads me to a more neutral stance.”
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
PEPE shows mixed signals with RSI at 44.80 in neutral territory while MACD indicates bearish momentum. Technical analysis suggests key levels to watch for potential direction.
Pepe (PEPE) finds itself at a critical juncture as technical indicators present a mixed picture for traders and investors. With the meme coin showing resilience through a 1.78% daily gain, the PEPE price prediction landscape requires careful analysis of on-chain metrics and technical formations.
PEPE Price Prediction Summary
• Short-term target (1 week): Limited upside potential given current technical setup
• Medium-term forecast (1 month): Range-bound trading expected with volatility
• Bullish breakout level: Above current resistance zones
• Critical support: Current support levels must hold for bullish continuation
What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About Pepe
While specific analyst predictions are limited in recent market commentary, on-chain metrics suggest PEPE is experiencing a period of consolidation. The lack of significant KOL predictions in the last 24 hours indicates market participants are taking a wait-and-see approach to the meme coin’s next directional move.
According to on-chain data, PEPE’s trading volume remains robust at $24.7 million on Binance spot markets, suggesting continued institutional and retail interest despite mixed technical signals.
PEPE Technical Analysis Breakdown
The current technical landscape for PEPE presents several key insights for the Pepe forecast:
RSI Analysis: At 44.80, PEPE’s RSI sits firmly in neutral territory, indicating neither overbought nor oversold conditions. This neutral positioning suggests the token has room to move in either direction without immediate technical constraints.
MACD Momentum: The MACD histogram reading of 0.0000 signals bearish momentum, with both the MACD line and signal line converging. This convergence often precedes significant directional moves, making it a critical indicator to monitor.
Bollinger Band Position: PEPE’s current position at 0.48 within the Bollinger Bands indicates the token is trading closer to the lower band, potentially setting up for a bounce if support levels hold firm.
Stochastic Indicators: The Stochastic %K at 30.39 and %D at 24.31 suggest PEPE is approaching oversold territory, which could trigger buying interest from technical traders.
Pepe Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case
Bullish Scenario
In a bullish scenario, PEPE would need to break above its immediate resistance levels with strong volume confirmation. The technical setup suggests that if buying pressure increases, the token could experience a significant bounce from current levels.
Key bullish catalysts would include RSI moving above 50, MACD histogram turning positive, and a break above the middle Bollinger Band. Such technical confirmation could signal the beginning of a more sustained recovery.
Bearish Scenario
The bearish case for PEPE centers around the current MACD bearish momentum and the token’s position in the lower half of the Bollinger Bands. If selling pressure intensifies, PEPE could test its strong support levels.
Risk factors include a break below current support zones, RSI dropping below 40, and sustained negative MACD histogram readings. These technical breakdowns could accelerate selling pressure.
Should You Buy PEPE? Entry Strategy
Given the current technical setup, potential entry strategies should focus on key support and resistance levels:
Conservative Entry: Wait for RSI to move above 50 and MACD to show positive momentum before considering long positions.
Aggressive Entry: Current levels near Bollinger Band support could offer opportunity for traders comfortable with higher risk.
Stop-Loss Considerations: Any position should include stops below the strong support level to manage downside risk effectively.
Risk Management: Given PEPE’s meme coin volatility, position sizing should be conservative, representing no more than a small percentage of overall portfolio allocation.
Conclusion
The PEPE price prediction outlook remains cautiously optimistic despite current technical challenges. With RSI in neutral territory and the token trading near Bollinger Band support, PEPE appears poised for potential directional clarity in the coming sessions.
The Pepe forecast suggests that while immediate upside may be limited, the technical foundation exists for a recovery if key resistance levels are broken with volume. Traders should monitor the MACD for momentum shifts and RSI for strength confirmation.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency price predictions are inherently speculative and subject to extreme volatility. This analysis is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
BitFuFu’s 2025 results showed a sharp shift in its business mix, with cloud mining overtaking self-mining as the company’s main revenue driver.
The Singapore-based Bitcoin (BTC) miner reported $475.8 million in revenue for 2025, up 2.7% from a year earlier.
Its self-mining output fell to 611 BTC from 2,537 BTC in 2024, a drop of 76%, while its Bitcoin holdings edged up to 1,778 BTC from 1,720 BTC a year earlier.
The company attributed the change to weaker Bitcoin earnings per terahash, higher mining difficulty and a reduced share of hashrate allocated to self-mining, as it leaned more heavily on cloud-mining products.
BitFuFu said it reallocated hashrate from self-mining to cloud mining following a 52% decline in daily Bitcoin earnings per terahash, driven by higher mining difficulty and a 47% reduction in hashrate allocated to self-mining. Rising Bitcoin prices partially offset the impact.
Source: BitFuFu
The company said it shifted hashrate away from self-mining to improve capital efficiency and make revenue more predictable.
Revenue from self-mining fell about 60% to $63.1 million in 2025 from $157.5 million a year earlier.
Cloud mining overtakes self-mining
Cloud mining revenue accounted for around 74% of BitFuFu’s revenues in 2025, amounting to $350.6 million. In contrast, cloud mining accounted for 58.5% of revenue in 2024, when the segment generated $271 million.
The company reported 3,662 BTC in combined annual production across its self-mining operations and customer cloud-mining activity, including 611 BTC from self-mining and 3,051 BTC produced by cloud-mining customers.
BitFuFu said it also increased mining equipment sales, which rose 76% year over year to $53.7 million.
BitFuFu outlines 2026 priorities
Although BitFuFu increased its Bitcoin holdings by just 58 BTC last year, the company said it remains committed to expanding its BTC treasury in 2026.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we will scale our cloud mining business, expand hashrate and power capacity with discipline, and continue building our Bitcoin treasury,” the company said in a statement on X.
BitFuFu CEO Leo Lu said that the company will focus on acquiring mining infrastructure in 2026 and will keep reviewing potential partnership opportunities as part of its vertical integration strategy.
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Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have increasingly become part of Canada’s core financial system over the past year.
In November, the country introduced stablecoin regulations as part of the Canada Stablecoin Act. Introduced as part of the budget, it gives the Bank of Canada the power to regulate stablecoins in the country.
Elsewhere, policymakers are finalizing amendments to laws for crypto asset funds, including those for cold wallets and custodians.
The changes highlight a pragmatic, but regulation-first approach to crypto, which observers have come to expect from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
Increased scrutiny and new standards for crypto raise the bar
When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assumed office last year, industry observers expected a cautious approach to crypto in Canada.
Carney had previously expressed skepticism about crypto. As Governor of the Bank of England, he said that “Cryptocurrencies act as money, at best, only for some people and to a limited extent, and even then only in parallel with the traditional currencies of the users. The short answer is they are failing.”
Still, he called for regulating the crypto space, and said that the underlying technologies could “improve financial stability; support more innovative, efficient and reliable payment services as well as have wider applications.”
In May 2025, Morva Rohani, executive director of the Canadian Web3 Council, said, “With Mark Carney at the helm of the Liberal Party, we anticipate a pragmatic but regulation-first approach to crypto and stablecoins.”
Carney’s Liberals defeated the Conservatives in the 2025 elections.
Focusing on regulation has led to increased scrutiny and higher standards for the cryptocurrency industry in Canada.
Naveen Maher, chief compliance officer of Canadian crypto exchange operator WonderFi, noted that the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) had closed off the “restricted dealer” registration category. The status was created for targeted firms that do not fit into traditional dealer categories, such as crypto trading platforms. Now they have to become full investor dealers through the CSA, and become members of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), a non-profit, national self-regulatory organization.
It led to some consolidation. “That’s a significant shift and it’s removed several players who were sitting in that interim status with a hope that the rules wouldn’t tighten further,” said Maher.
WonderFi “made the call early to get fully registered under CIRO” through its trading platform Coinsquare. This required significant investment and compliance, but now allows the firm to operate “under the highest available regulatory standard in Canada.”
“The firms that delayed that transition are now looking at a much steeper climb,” Maher said.
Policymakers are also finalizing amendments to National Instrument 81-102, the primary Canadian regulation investment funds and mutual funds, including those containing crypto.
“These rules raise the bar across the industry and favor established firms like ours, who already have the infrastructure to absorb them,” Maher said.
Ottawa is also moving to implement the Crypto Assets Reporting Framework from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Implementation has been delayed until Jan.1, 2027, but according to Maher, “It will impose annual reporting obligations on every crypto service provider operating […] For other smaller or offshore players, this may be a real issue.”
Rohani told Cointelegraph on Friday that regulators are also enforcing registration requirements more visibly. On Monday, Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) revoked the money services businesses (MSB) registrations of 47 crypto businesses.
“Industry reaction has been that this is a counterparty risk moment, if your partners are not fully compliant, your own operations are exposed,” she said.
Crypto industry and regulators still have different priorities
Standards for crypto in Canada may have come closer to those governing the rest of the financial industry, but the policymakers and the blockchain industry are still apart on certain issues.
For the government, the big one was stablecoins, according to Maher. “Once the US moved on stablecoin legislation, Ottawa followed.” After stablecoins, everything else points in the same direction, which is bringing crypto into the traditional financial system, on regulators’ timeline,” she said.
Rohani said that “Canada is beginning to treat parts of crypto as closer to the core financial system rather than purely peripheral, but the primary lens is still risk management.”
The stablecoin legislation was part of this latter concern. “This shift is being driven by Carney in response to rapid developments in the US, particularly frameworks like the GENIUS Act, which are viewed as a geopolitical risk.”
The Bank of Canada said the framework would benefit issues and individuals. Source: Bank of Canada
Furthermore, the government is “focused on stability, consumer protection, and ensuring that new digital instruments do not introduce systemic risk,” said Rohani.
The industry, meanwhile, is seeking more “clear, workable” rules concerning stablecoins, custody and asset tokenization.
Per Maher, the crypto sector needs harmonization. “Right now, you have FINTRAC, the CSA, CIRO, the CRA [Canada Revenue Agency], and provincial regulators all touching different parts of the same business. The coordination is improving but it’s still fragmented.”
She also noted issues of product access. Stating that Canadians can’t hold crypto in their registered retirement savings plans or their tax-free savings accounts “in any straightforward way.”
Some policymakers still not sold on crypto
In 2018, Carney said that the “underlying technologies” behind crypto “are exciting.” This separation of blockchain from crypto still continues and is visible in the Canadian government’s regulatory approach.
Rohai said, ”There is still a clear distinction. Policymakers are more comfortable with blockchain as infrastructure.” This is exemplified with Project Samara, where Export Development Canada issued a $100 million Canadian dollar bond on Hyperledger.
Policymakers, “remain cautious on crypto assets themselves, which are still viewed primarily through a risk and investor protection lens.”
Maher said that the blockchain/crypto split is “not subtle,” stating that Carney has a preference for central bank digital currencies over decentralized assets.
“This view shapes the administration’s posture which is comfortable with digital assets as a regulated investment category and considerably less comfortable with anything which sits outside that box,” she said.
Financial products which “map cleanly on the existing frameworks” like Bitcoin exchange-traded funds move forward. “DeFi, self-custody, on-chain settlement sits in a different category, and the industry is aware of it.”
Cointelegraph Features publishes long-form journalism, analysis, and narrative reporting produced by Cointelegraph’s in-house editorial team with subject-matter expertise. All articles are edited and reviewed by Cointelegraph editors in line with our editorial standards. Research or perspective in this article does not reflect the views of Cointelegraph as a company unless explicitly stated. Content published in Features does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals where appropriate. Cointelegraph maintains full editorial independence. The selection, commissioning, and publication of Features and Magazine content are not influenced by advertisers, partners, or commercial relationships. This content is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy.
South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) is moving to select a private custody provider for seized crypto assets after a February press release exposed a wallet recovery phrase and triggered the unauthorized transfer of confiscated tokens.
On Feb. 26, the NTS accidentally exposed a crypto wallet seed phrase in an official press release, resulting in the unauthorized transfer of crypto tokens valued at about $4.8 million. The release included an image of a Ledger cold wallet and a sheet of paper showing the mnemonic phrase without being blurred.
Citing people familiar with the matter, ZDNet Korea reported that the agency is reviewing a plan to outsource custody of confiscated crypto and is drafting selection criteria for providers. The NTS is reportedly aiming to select a provider within the first half of 2026.
The agency plans to evaluate candidates based on several factors, including security requirements, company size, and whether the firm holds insurance under South Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, ZDNet Korea reported.
The move shows South Korean authorities are trying to formalize custody of seized crypto after a series of handling failures exposed weaknesses in how confiscated digital assets are stored and managed.
New task force to oversee custody provider selection process
The custody selection will reportedly be led by a newly-formed task force focused on advancing digital asset management systems.
The task force is reportedly working on several initiatives, including improving operational manuals covering the full life cycle of seized assets, from seizure to storage and liquidation. It would also conduct assessments and personnel training.
The group is also preparing to establish a dedicated division to oversee crypto-related work.
An NTS official said that since crypto is relatively new, responsibilities are split across departments. However, preparations are underway to create a centralized unit, ZDNet Korea reported.
NTS wallet seed leak prompts inter-agency probe
The NTS’s wallet leak and a separate custody failure in which Seoul’s Gangnam police allegedly lost 22 BTC seized prompted authorities to conduct an inter-agency review of seized crypto assets.
On March 1, South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Koo Yun-cheol, announced a cross-agency probe on how the government handles seized digital assets.
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Bitcoin (BTC) has endured a 14-month bear market against gold, with the BTC/gold ratio and momentum indicators at historic lows that previously marked cycle bottoms.
Key takeaways:
The BTC/GOLD ratio is at historic lows as multiple indicators hint at a cycle bottom.
Bitcoin price must hold $70,000 to avoid a deeper drop over the coming weeks.
BTC/GOLD RSI, MACD print classic reversal signal
Data from TradingView reveals that the relative strength index (RSI) of the BTC/GOLD ratio has begun climbing.
The weekly RSI reached its most oversold level of 21 in mid-February, signaling fading bearish momentum.
The RSI has now recovered to 33 from 21 in mid-February. When combined with a buy signal on the MACD, the picture begins to resemble previous cycles.
“Bottom is in for $BTC vs Gold,” technical analyst James Easto said in an X post on Friday, adding that the “stage is set” for Bitcoin’s recovery.
The last time Bitcoin bottomed against gold was in November 2022. It marked the beginning of a 700% BTC price rally to its current all-time high of $126,000.
Analysts at GeoMetric said the past 3 BTC/GOLD bear markets have taken between 12-14 months, with the drawdowns ranging from 75% to 84%.
About 13 months have elapsed in the current cycle, which has “so far gone down 81%, surpassing the 2021 bear market,” the analysts said, adding:
“I think there is a solid case for a potential bottom here.”
Investor and analyst Crypto Fergani echoed both scenarios discussed above saying:
“For over 13 years, we’ve seen the same pattern: Bitcoin enters a bear market against gold that lasts roughly 400 days. During that time, the RSI falls into deeply oversold territory. Historically, these phases have always marked the bottom.”
Bitcoin price must hold above $70,000
Meanwhile, BTC/USD remains cautiously bullish as long as it holds the $68,000-$70,000 support zone. This is where the 200-week exponential moving average (EMA) and 50-day simple moving average sit.
The 200-week EMA forms a key support band for BTC price during bear markets, and analysts warn that its reliability could be tested on Sunday’s weekly close.
Bitcoin analyst AlphaBTC said he had faith that Bitcoin will recover to $80,000 before dropping toward $50,000, as long as the price stayed above the weekly low at $68,800.
“I don’t want to see this week’s low lost, otherwise it’s going to break back down to range lows or lower!”
BTC/USD 8-hour chart. Source: X/AlphaBTC
As Cointelegraph reported, holding $70,000 would align with a previous fractal recovery path, opening a move toward $76,000-$80,000.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Coinbase Asset Management’s Anthony Bassili says the Bitcoin Yield Fund’s tokenized share class checks “identity and eligibility at the token level” for compliance.
Coinbase has brought its Bitcoin Yield Fund onto its Base blockchain, §launching a tokenized share class for the fund with financial services firm Apex Group.
Apex said in a statement on Thursday that the tokenized share class of Coinbase Asset Management’s fund “is set up to interact with compatible platforms, wallets, and infrastructure without compromising compliance.”
Coinbase Asset Management president Anthony Bassili said that the share class integrates “identity and eligibility at the token level” for regulatory compliance.
Financial institutions have been tokenizing stocks, bonds, funds, commodities and real estate on the blockchain in search of lower costs, faster settlement and round-the-clock trading.
Asset managers like BlackRock, Fidelity Investments and Franklin Templeton have already launched tokenized funds on-chain.
Apex enables institutions to access ERC‑3643 tokens
The tokenized share class of Coinbase’s fund, which offers exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and yield, will be available on Base only to institutional and accredited investors outside of the US.
The share class uses the ERC‑3643 permissioned token standard to ensure only eligible investors have access to the Bitcoin yield product.
Coinbase plans to launch a tokenized share class of the Coinbase Bitcoin Yield Fund for US investors in the future.
Apex acts as the on-chain transfer agent for the tokenized Coinbase Bitcoin Yield Fund, and is tasked with handling token ownership, enforcing compliance and transfer rules, and maintaining a record of transactions on the Base blockchain.
The non-US version targets a 4% to 8% annual return in Bitcoin. Coinbase said at the time that it launched the product to address Bitcoin’s inability to generate native yield, unlike proof-of-stake assets such as Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL).
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
