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    Bitcoin Whale Holdings Hit 5 Month High At 3.09M BTC

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    Bitcoin (BTC) whales holding between 1,000-10,000 BTC have increased their BTC exposure over the past five months, with the total balance reaching 3.09 million, a level last seen on November 11, 2025.

    Short-term data suggest that Bitcoin traders may move toward existing liquidity at $73,700, but futures market activity and the longer-term market structure hint at higher levels above $80,000. 

    Bitcoin whales and institutions rebuild BTC exposure

    Bitcoin wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC have been steadily accumulating since December, adding approximately 240,000 BTC to their balances.

    This brings the cohort’s total holdings to around 3.09 million BTC, recovering to pre-correction levels last seen before Bitcoin’s 18% pullback in November 2025, when the price declined to $85,000 from $103,500.

    Total BTC balance of large holders. Source: CryptoQuant

    The long-term holders (LTHs) continue to absorb supply at a steady pace. LTHs’ balance has reached 14.57 million BTC, aligning with the prior accumulation peaks. The distribution activity was 42,100 BTC sold over the past 30 days, one of the lowest readings in 2026.

    BTC long-term holder flow. Source: CryptoQuant

    The Crypto Market Compass report from Bitwise highlights a similar trend across institutional flows. Over the last month, the institutional investors have added about 92,900 BTC.

    The onchain realized cap flows show only 14,900 BTC in net selling during the same period. This report indicates that the demand from larger players has outpaced sell-side pressure, tightening the available BTC supply.

    Rise in BTC institutional demand. Source: Bitwise

    Related: First 21-week trend line reclaim since October 2025: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week

    BTC double top pattern indicates a short-term liquidity sweep at $74K

    The four-hour chart shows a potential double top forming near $79,400 after two quick rejections for BTC over the past week. The second pullback came late Sunday night, with weaker buy volumes, pointing to fading short-term momentum.

    Currently at $77,731, the price may rotate toward liquidity pockets near $74,700 and $73,700.

    BTC/USDT on the four-hour chart. Source: Coinelegraph/TradingView

    The $74,700 level aligns with a prior consolidation range and sits just above the 100-period exponential moving average (EMA). A deeper move into $73,700 would test key higher-time-frame support and a prior higher-low range.

    Holding above this zone keeps the broader trend intact and maintains room for a bullish continuation.

    The derivatives market activity is adding short-term pressure to Bitcoin price. Crypto analyst Darkfost noted that over $1.2 billion in sell volume hit Binance within an hour, contributing to a sharp intraday decline on Sunday.

    The funding rates have also stayed deeply negative, reaching -7% on a 30-day basis, one of the lowest readings ever recorded. 

    Bitcoin: taker sell volume on Binance. Source: CryptoQuant

    However, such positioning may create conditions for a short squeeze, in which crowded short positions unwind, driving the price higher. A move above $80,000 would invalidate the double-top signal and turn short-term momentum bullish again.

    According to MN Capital founder Michaël van de Poppe, the price continues to hold key levels, with upside targets of $85,000-$88,000 still valid for May. The liquidity range between $74,700 and $73,700 now serves as a reset zone, where BTC demand could be tested ahead of another breakout attempt above $80,000. 

    Related: Michael Saylor’s Strategy adds 3.2K Bitcoin at nearly $78K per BTC

    This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research.

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    Michael Saylor’s Strategy adds 3.2K Bitcoin at nearly $78K per BTC

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    Michael Saylor’s Strategy bought 3,273 Bitcoin for $255 million between April 20 and 26, bringing total holdings to 818,334 BTC.

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    Ethereum’s EEZ could pull other blockchains into its orbit

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    The Ethereum Economic Zone aims to unify fragmented rollups, but its broader goal is to extend interoperability to other blockchains, says Ernst.

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    ETH Price Rises 10% in April: So Why is Ethereum Foundation Selling?

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    Ether (ETH) has surged more than 10% in April, reaching as high as $2,430 this month amid renewed market optimism.

    ETH/USD daily chart. Source: TradingView

    Yet during the same period, the Ethereum Foundation, a nonprofit overseeing the Ethereum protocol’s development, has continued notable treasury sales.

    Key takeaways:

    • The Ethereum Foundation has sold approximately 20,000 ETH so far in 2026.
    • Institutional demand for ETH remains strong, offsetting the foundation’s impact on the market.

    Why is the Ethereum Foundation selling ETH?

    In early April, the Foundation sold 5,000 ETH for roughly $11 million in DAI. This was followed by a larger 10,000 ETH OTC sale to Tom Lee’s Bitmine at an average price of $2,387, raising approximately $23.9 million.

    Source: X

    The sales are not reactions to price action but follow a disciplined Treasury Policy adopted in June 2025.

    The Foundation maintains fiat and stablecoin reserves equal to roughly 2.5 years of operating expenses. Periodic ETH sales replenish these reserves to fund protocol development, research, grants, and ecosystem support.

    In 2026 alone, the Foundation has sold approximately 20,000 ETH, raising over $45 million. It still holds around 92,500 ETH (~$215 million) in its liquid treasury, plus 53,000 ETH staked, according to data resource Arkham Intelligence.

    Ethereum Foundation’s ETH balance. Source: Arkham Intelligence

    The Foundation’s 53,000 staked ETH may generate $4–$5 million in annual yield, assuming the current ETH price and the annual percentage yield of approximately 2.7%–3.8% gross remains about the same or higher in the future.

    This new income stream should gradually reduce the Foundation’s reliance on ETH sales to fund its operations.

    Are Ethereum Foundation’s sales bearish for ETH?

    The Ethereum Foundation’s ETH sales remain small relative to daily ETH volume.

    A typical 5,000–10,000 ETH sale represents just 0.08%–0.25% of Ethereum’s average daily trading volume of $10–12 billion.

    This modest size means the market can comfortably absorb the Foundation’s selling pressure with negligible impact.

    On-chain data already highlights robust underlying demand for ETH from large holders.

    For instance, the number of daily accumulation addresses, wallets steadily buying and holding Ether, rose to 2,434 this week, surpassing the number of exchange depositing addresses (wallets preparing to sell), which fell to 2,300, as shown below.

    Binance ERC-20 stablecoin whale activity index. Source: CryptoQuant

    Also, spot Ethereum ETFs have recorded strong inflows for three consecutive weeks, attracting more than $2 billion in new capital since early April, according to data from SoSoValue.

    US spot Ethereum ETF weekly flows. Source: SoSoValue

    This sustained institutional buying signals growing demand for Ethereum investment products on Wall Street.

    Ether’s rising wedge hints at 15% dip ahead

    From a technical perspective, Ether is currently forming a rising wedge pattern, a structure defined by two ascending trend lines that are converging, accompanied by noticeably declining volume.

    In technical analysis, a rising wedge resolves when the price breaks below the lower trend line and falls by as much as the structure’s maximum height.

    ETH/USD daily chart. Source: TradingView

    Applying this rule to ETH’s chart brings its downside target to around $1,950, down by over 15%, by June, assuming the breakdown point is the wedge’s apex at approximately $2,580, where the two trend lines converge.

    Related: Ethereum whale opens $90M long bets as ETH price chart eyes $3.2K

    Conversely, a break above the wedge’s upper trendline may invalidate the bearish outlook. Instead, bulls may target the 200-day exponential moving average (200-day EMA, the blue line) at around $2,630 as their next upside target.

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    AAVE Price Prediction: $114 Target in 48 Hours as Whales Stack Despite Retail Panic

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    James Ding
    Apr 27, 2026 10:38

    Smart money is accumulating AAVE at 58.7% long ratios while retail sells into weakness around $96. Technical setup screams 18% pop to $114 within two trading sessions.





    The Immediate Setup

    AAVE is coiling like a spring at $96.27, sitting dead center in its Bollinger Bands with momentum indicators flatlining. The 24-hour range of $94.53 to $100.94 tells the story of a market caught between fear and greed, but the underlying positioning data reveals something far more interesting. With RSI parked at 47.58 and MACD histogram flat at zero, this isn’t capitulation—it’s compression before expansion.

    The price action is grinding just below the 20-day moving average at $97.15, creating textbook coil conditions. Trading volume of $22.5 million on Binance spot shows decent participation without exhaustion selling, while the daily ATR of $7.82 suggests we’re due for a volatility breakout within the next 48 hours.

    Key Levels Exposed

    The technical roadmap is crystal clear: immediate resistance at $99.96 guards the gateway to the stronger barrier at $103.66. Breaking above that level opens the floodgates to the $114 zone that CoinCodex analysts are targeting for April 29th. On the downside, the $93.55 support level aligns perfectly with recent accumulation zones, backed by stronger support at $90.84.

    What’s fascinating is how AAVE has held above the lower Bollinger Band at $82.48 despite being 37% below its 200-day moving average at $152.56. This divergence between long-term bearishness and short-term resilience typically precedes violent reversals in DeFi blue chips.

    Sentiment vs Reality

    The narrative disconnect is glaring. While retail sentiment appears cautious based on the aggressive selling pressure shown in the taker buy/sell ratio of 0.89, institutional positioning tells a completely different story. Top traders are running 58.7% long positions versus 41.3% short—a bullish skew that’s been building quietly beneath the surface.

    Even more telling is the neutral funding rate of 0.0044% despite this whale accumulation, indicating that leverage isn’t overextended. The analysts at Blockchain.news have been tracking this institutional-retail divergence, and historically, when smart money positioning reaches these levels while funding stays neutral, violent moves follow within 24-72 hours.

    BTCC’s bold $600 prediction based on v4 upgrade potential might seem aggressive, but their supply shock thesis has merit. Real-world asset integration could fundamentally alter AAVE’s tokenomics, creating scarcity dynamics that justify exponential price moves.

    Actionable Trade Strategy

    The setup is screaming for a momentum break trade. Entry zone sits between $96-$97.50, right where we are now, with stops below $93.50 to respect the immediate support structure. The risk-reward is compelling: risking $3 to make $17 on a move to $114 delivers a 5.7:1 ratio.

    First profit target hits at $103.66 (7.7% gain), followed by the primary target at $114.41 (18.7% gain) that aligns with CoinCodex projections. If AAVE breaks above $103.66 with volume, this becomes a momentum continuation play toward $120-125.

    The invalidation level is simple: a daily close below $90.84 kills the bullish thesis and suggests deeper retracement toward $80. But with current positioning data and technical compression, the probability favors explosion over implosion. The smart money rarely gets this wrong when they’re this positioned.

    Blockchain.news Crypto Market

    Image source: Shutterstock


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    1 in 3 Crypto Traders Cut Spending Amid Market Slump: Survey

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    The recent crypto market downturn has forced more than one in three crypto traders to cut everyday spending, according to a new survey by CEX.IO.

    The survey, conducted among 1,100 US-based active CEX.IO users, shows the current market slump is straining household finances, though it remains less severe than 2022, when Bitcoin fell by roughly 75% from its peak. Bitcoin is still about 40% below its October 2025 high, leaving many retail investors sitting on unrealised losses.

    36% of respondents said they reduced everyday spending as a direct result of market conditions, with 10% describing those cuts as significant sacrifices made to maintain their positions. 37% also reported delaying or cancelling purchases due to crypto losses, including 21% who postponed major financial commitments such as buying a home, car or undertaking renovations.

    Source: CEX.IO

    “The 2025–2026 bear market has not produced the kind of systemic shock seen in past cycles (at least for now), but its effects appear to be showing up in quieter ways at the household level,” CEX.IO wrote.

    Related: Crypto Market Sentiment Reaches 3-Month High

    Crypto traders navigate downturn alone

    The survey revealed that many traders are managing the downturn in relative isolation. Only 5% said someone else knows the full extent and value of their holdings, while the majority either share limited information or keep their positions entirely private.

    Financial strain is also evident in cash flow trends. While 77% said they did not take on debt tied to crypto, 38% reported some form of financial disruption since October 2025. A quarter said they relied on savings to maintain stability, and 12% admitted to missing or delaying payments.

    Source: CEX.IO
    Source: CEX.IO

    Even so, most respondents have not changed plans dramatically. Nearly half reported that crypto makes up more than 30% of their investable assets, yet 73% said their approach to earning income remains unchanged.

    Looking ahead, a combined 79% said they plan to either hold or increase their positions over the next six months.

    Related: Bitcoin Price May Go Under $70K Despite Strategy’s Latest Big BTC Buy

    Crypto offerings shape bank choice

    Another survey by Börse Stuttgart Digital earlier this week found that cryptocurrency services are starting to influence how European investors choose their banks, with 35% saying they would consider switching institutions for better crypto offerings.

    The poll of around 6,000 investors across Germany, Italy, Spain and France also found that nearly one in five expects their primary bank to provide crypto access within three years, pointing to a gradual shift toward integrating digital assets into mainstream banking.

    Magazine: How to fix suspected insider trading on Polymarket and Kalshi

    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.

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    AAVE Price Prediction: $114 Breakout Imminent as Whales Load Heavy Bags

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    Darius Baruo
    Apr 26, 2026 10:41

    AAVE trades at $95.47 while smart money positioning reaches 59.3% long bias, signaling institutional accumulation beneath key resistance. The next 72 hours will determine whether buyers can reclaim…





    Bulls Coiling Beneath Resistance

    AAVE has spent the past week consolidating around $95.47, down a modest 0.45% as the token finds its footing after recent volatility. The price action might look sideways, but beneath the surface, a brewing storm of institutional positioning suggests the next move could be explosive.

    Smart money has taken a decidedly bullish stance with 59.3% of top traders holding long positions against just 40.7% shorts. This isn’t retail FOMO—it’s calculated accumulation by players who move markets. The taker buy-sell ratio of 1.17 reinforces this narrative, showing aggressive buyers stepping in whenever AAVE dips toward support.

    The Technical Battlefield

    Current price action has AAVE pinned between two critical zones that will dictate the next major move. The 20-day moving average at $97.08 acts as immediate resistance, while proven support at $93.56 has absorbed selling pressure through multiple tests over recent sessions.

    Breaking above $98.30 would signal the start of something bigger. That level aligns with where momentum indicators begin to shift from neutral to bullish territory. The Bollinger Bands show AAVE compressed at a 0.45 position, indicating volatility expansion is coming—the only question is direction.

    Derivatives Tell the Real Story

    While surface-level technicals appear mixed, derivatives markets paint a clearer picture of institutional intent. Open interest has climbed 2.61% to $61 million, showing fresh capital entering positions rather than existing holders closing out. The funding rate remains neutral at 0.01%, suggesting no excessive leverage that could trigger cascading liquidations.

    Analysts at Blockchain.news note this positioning dynamic often precedes significant price moves in either direction. The current setup favors the bulls given the heavy long bias among sophisticated traders who typically position ahead of retail sentiment shifts.

    The Path to $114

    AAVE’s immediate trajectory hinges on reclaiming the $98.30 resistance zone within the next 72 hours. Success there opens a direct path to the upper Bollinger Band around $111-114, where the next major resistance cluster waits. This target zone represents roughly 20% upside from current levels.

    The downside scenario remains contained as long as $93.56 support holds firm. A break below would likely trigger stops down to the $91.66 level, but current smart money positioning suggests buyers would step in aggressively at those prices.

    Given the institutional accumulation pattern and technical setup, AAVE appears poised for an upward resolution to this consolidation phase. The token just needs one catalyst to spark the breakout that smart money is already positioning for.

    Blockchain.news Crypto Market

    Image source: Shutterstock


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    Evan Tangeman Gets 70 Months for $263M Crypto Theft Role

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    Felix Pinkston
    Apr 25, 2026 22:11

    Evan Tangeman sentenced to 70 months for laundering $263M in stolen crypto. DOJ cracks down on social engineering scams targeting crypto users.





    Evan Tangeman, a 22-year-old California man, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for his role in laundering $263 million stolen by a sophisticated criminal group targeting cryptocurrency users. The sentencing, handed down on April 25, 2026, also includes three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

    As a key member of the so-called “Social Engineering Enterprise” (SE Enterprise), Tangeman admitted to converting stolen crypto into fiat, managing luxury rentals for the group, and attempting to destroy evidence after co-conspirators were arrested. The group employed social engineering tactics—such as impersonating exchange staff—and even physical burglaries to steal funds, including a single heist in August 2024 that netted over 4,100 Bitcoin from a victim in Washington, D.C.

    Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, described the scheme as “brazen greed” and criticized Tangeman’s efforts to cover up the enterprise’s crimes. “This office and the court have treated that accordingly,” Pirro said.

    The sentencing highlights the growing sophistication of crypto-related crime. Losses from scams and hacks reached $482 million in Q1 2026, according to industry estimates. Social engineering remains a favored method for attackers, with incidents ranging from domain hijacks to violent home invasions targeting crypto holders.

    Wider Implications for the Crypto Sector

    The Tangeman case underscores the risks crypto investors face beyond digital vulnerabilities. Criminal enterprises targeting users often exploit weak personal security measures, such as poor password hygiene or reliance on easily accessible recovery methods.

    The DOJ’s crackdown on SE Enterprise reflects increased enforcement against crypto crimes, but the sector remains a target for both cyber and physical threats. Notably, France has seen a sharp rise in violent “wrench attacks,” with 41 kidnappings of crypto holders reported in Q1 2026 alone. Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, attributed these attacks to leaked tax data exposing crypto investors’ identities.

    In response, governments like France are rolling out preventative measures, but systemic risks remain high. For traders and investors, the Tangeman case is a reminder to prioritize both digital and physical security. Keeping funds in cold wallets, avoiding public disclosures of holdings, and using multi-factor authentication are crucial steps to mitigate risks.

    With crypto-related scams and attacks escalating—both online and offline—investors must stay vigilant. The DOJ’s actions may offer a deterrent, but as long as crypto remains highly lucrative, it will remain a prime target for bad actors.

    Image source: Shutterstock


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    CFTC Sues New York Over bid to Apply Gambling Laws to Prediction Markets

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    The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has filed a lawsuit against New York to stop the state from applying its gambling laws to federally regulated prediction market platforms, escalating a growing clash over who has authority to oversee these products.

    In a complaint lodged in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, the CFTC argued that federal law gives it exclusive authority over these markets, asking the court for a declaratory judgment and a permanent injunction against New York’s enforcement actions.

    “CFTC-registered exchanges have faced an onslaught of state lawsuits seeking to limit Americans’ access to event contracts and undermine the CFTC’s sole regulatory jurisdiction over prediction markets,” CFTC Chair Michael Selig said.

    Earlier this week, New York filed suits against Coinbase and Gemini, claiming their offerings violated state gambling rules. The state had also previously targeted Kalshi, ordering it to halt parts of its sports-related contracts.

    Related: Kalshi, Polymarket among 27 prediction platforms banned in Brazil

    States say federal law doesn’t legalize sports betting

    On Friday, a coalition of 37 states and Washington, D.C. filed an amicus brief supporting Massachusetts in its case against Kalshi, urging Massachusetts’ highest court to reject Kalshi’s argument that federal law allows it to offer sports betting nationwide without following state rules.

    Kalshi argues its betting products are “swaps” regulated by a federal agency under a 2010 financial law. The states say that law was never meant to legalize or control sports betting and does not clearly override state authority, which has historically governed gambling.

    37 states back Massachusetts in amicus brief. Source: New York Gov

    37 states back Massachusetts in amicus brief. Source: New York Gov

    The states also argue that removing state oversight would weaken protections. State laws currently handle licensing, age limits, fraud prevention, and gambling addiction, which are areas not covered by federal financial regulation.

    Related: US appeals court upholds preventing New Jersey enforcement against Kalshi

    States ramp up crackdown on prediction markets

    State officials have taken a more aggressive stance against prediction markets in recent months, issuing cease-and-desist letters and pursuing legal action against firms offering prediction contracts.

    States like Arizona, Connecticut and Illinois are seeking to enforce gambling laws against prediction platforms. Earlier this month, a Nevada judge extended a ban preventing Kalshi from offering event-based contracts in the state, siding with regulators who argue the products amount to unlicensed gambling.

    Magazine: How to fix suspected insider trading on Polymarket and Kalshi

    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.

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    Bitcoin traders eye $73K next as weekly trend line holds price hostage

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    Bitcoin market participants favored a short-term return to $73,000 as resistance stayed in place, with some analysis seeing even lower levels.

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