U.S. stocks were little changed Monday as Wall Street braced for a wave of major earnings reports and key economic data releases. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hovered near the flatline, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 114 points, or 0.28%. Shares of major tech firms — Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft — briefly slipped during the session as investors prepared for their upcoming quarterly results. Apple and Meta later recovered, rising 1% and 0.8% respectively. Microsoft edged up 0.2%, while Amazon declined 0.3%. Earnings for the prior quarter have been moderately strong, with 73% of companies beating analysts’ estimates, according to FactSet. However, that figure is slightly below the five-year average of 77%. Analysts are lowering expectations for the second quarter and full year as corporate guidance reflects concerns over the economic impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. You might also like: OKX unveils OKX Pay to bring self-custodial crypto payments to the mainstream China vs. USA In Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered little new detail on trade talks with China but emphasized that it is up to Beijing to de-escalate tensions. Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Bessent noted progress on other trade fronts, highlighting India as a potential early success. “They sell five times more to us than we sell to them, and so these 120%, 145% tariffs are unsustainable,” Bessent said. Markets are also eyeing new developments in the tech sector after reports that Huawei Technologies plans to test a new chip competing with Nvidia, pressuring shares of the U.S. chipmaker. Investors will continue to monitor earnings, trade negotiations, and economic data throughout the week to gauge the broader market outlook. You might also like: Bradley Tusk: U.S. leads in AI innovation, China leads in cheap production
Onyxcoin’s price shows promising signs as its technical indicators reflect a potential recovery phase, with recent volatility settling down. With a market cap nearing $640 million, XCN remains a noteworthy
More on markets Vanguard revises U.S. market outlook amid tariff uncertainty Société Générale: Treasury yields face key technical tests as downtrend pressure persists S&P 500: The Recovery Faces A Key Test - Week Starting 28th April (Technical Analysis) Market Volatility Is About To Make An Explosive Return The Stock Market Has Not Bottomed: 2 Critical Indicators
Strategy continues to grow its Bitcoin reserves with an acquisition of nearly $1.5 billion worth of the cryptocurrency, founder Michael Saylor shared in a Monday X post. Strategy Continues Dramatic Bitcoin Buyup According to an April 28 filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Virginia-based software firm purchased 15,355 worth of Bitcoin valued at $92,737 each for a cumulative total of $1.42 billion. $MSTR has acquired 15,355 BTC for ~$1.42 billion at ~$92,737 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 13.7% YTD 2025. As of 4/27/2025, we hodl 553,555 $BTC acquired for ~$37.90 billion at ~$68,459 per bitcoin. https://t.co/5OOs3UdWLg — Michael Saylor (@saylor) April 28, 2025 The company’s latest acquisition puts its Bitcoin holdings at 553,555, worth a total of $37.90 billion, acquired at an average of $68,459 per coin. Just last week, Strategy announced it had purchased a little more than $555 million worth of Bitcoin after briefly pausing acquisitions of the cryptocurrency earlier this month as global markets grappled with U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff policies. Despite the weakening of the U.S. dollar, Bitcoin has seen a relative boost in recent days – hovering around $94,000 as of Monday afternoon. Michael Saylor Praises Trump’s New SEC Pick Saylor, who led Strategy’s initial buyup of Bitcoin back in 2020, has long believed in Bitcoin’s potentia l. “When banks finally bless Bitcoin and the experts agree it’s a good idea, everyone will want to buy it, no one will need to sell it, and you won’t be able to afford it,” he said in an April 28 X post. Most recently, Saylor praised newly confirmed SEC chair Paul Atkins, calling him “good for Bitcoin.” Atkins, who is reported to hold up to $6 million in cryptocurrency himself, has promised to usher in a fair regulatory framework for digital assets . “Through a rational, coherent, and principled approach, we will work to ensure that the United States is the best and most secure place in the world to do business,” Atkins said during his swearing-in ceremony at the White House last week. Just exactly what those regulations will look like or how they will impact Bitcoin’s value is still unclear. The post Strategy Snaps Up $1.42 B Bitcoin; Holdings Hit $37.9 B Record appeared first on Cryptonews .
The debate around how traditional finance should interact with the burgeoning world of digital assets is heating up, and at the center of a recent storm is the US Federal Reserve and its approach to Stablecoin Policy . Caitlin Long, the founder and CEO of Custodia Bank , a digital asset bank, has publicly voiced strong criticism, arguing that the Fed’s current stance unfairly favors large financial institutions while hindering innovation and direct engagement from others in the crypto space. What is Custodia Bank’s CEO Saying About the US Federal Reserve? Caitlin Long, a well-known figure advocating for clear Crypto Regulation in the US, took to social media on April 28th to express her concerns. She acknowledged that the US Federal Reserve had recently taken a positive step by rescinding four previous supervisory letters that banks felt were overly restrictive regarding crypto-related activities. This move was seen by some as a sign of the Fed becoming more open to banks exploring digital assets. However, Caitlin Long pointed out that despite this apparent relaxation, the core issue remains unresolved. The Fed has maintained a significant statement from January 2023. This statement essentially prevents banks under the Fed’s supervision from directly holding crypto assets on their balance sheets and, crucially for the stablecoin discussion, prohibits them from issuing stablecoins on permissionless blockchains like Ethereum or Bitcoin. Long’s criticism centers on the perceived contradiction: while seemingly easing some rules, the Fed maintains a fundamental restriction that she believes creates an uneven playing field. She argues this specific prohibition on permissionless stablecoins disproportionately impacts institutions like Custodia Bank and potentially clears the path for larger, incumbent banks to issue stablecoins on permissioned, private networks, which may not offer the same benefits of transparency, accessibility, and innovation inherent in public blockchains. The US Federal Reserve’s Stance on Stablecoin Policy: Why the Restriction? The US Federal Reserve has consistently cited concerns about safety, soundness, and systemic risk when explaining its cautious approach to banks engaging with crypto assets and stablecoins. The January 2023 statement, officially titled “Joint Statement on Crypto-Asset Risks to Banking Organizations,” outlined these risks, including liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and legal and compliance risks. From the Fed’s perspective, preventing banks from directly holding volatile crypto assets or issuing stablecoins on potentially less-controlled permissionless networks is a necessary step to protect depositors and the financial system’s stability. The concern is that volatility in crypto markets could spill over into the traditional banking system, or that stablecoins issued on public chains could pose unique challenges for supervision and resolution in times of stress. However, critics like Caitlin Long argue that this blanket prohibition is overly broad and fails to distinguish between different types of crypto assets or stablecoin models. They contend that well-regulated banks, operating under strict oversight, should be allowed to engage with certain digital assets or issue stablecoins on permissionless chains, provided they meet rigorous risk management standards. The current Stablecoin Policy , in their view, doesn’t provide a pathway for this, effectively creating a barrier to entry for many. How Does This Policy Impact Crypto Regulation and Banks? The Fed’s stance has significant implications for the landscape of Crypto Regulation and the ability of banks to innovate. Here are some key impacts: Hindered Innovation: By restricting banks from engaging with permissionless blockchains, the policy limits their ability to leverage the full potential of this technology for issuing stablecoins or offering other digital asset services. Uneven Playing Field: As Caitlin Long points out, larger banks might find ways to work around these restrictions through subsidiaries or by focusing on permissioned networks, while smaller or crypto-native banks face significant hurdles. This could concentrate stablecoin issuance power among a few large players. Regulatory Uncertainty: While the rescinded letters offered some relief, the maintained January 2023 statement leaves banks unclear on the acceptable scope of their digital asset activities, particularly regarding stablecoins. Challenges for Crypto-Focused Institutions: Banks like Custodia Bank , specifically chartered with a focus on digital assets, face an uphill battle in obtaining necessary approvals and navigating a regulatory environment that seems wary of their core business model. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between regulators focused on traditional financial stability and innovators seeking to integrate new technologies. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a known proponent of clear crypto frameworks, has previously criticized the Fed’s approach, calling certain requirements for banks to report crypto activities “lip service” if they aren’t accompanied by clear pathways for engagement. Caitlin Long’s Call for Federal Stablecoin Legislation According to Caitlin Long , the current impasse regarding the US Federal Reserve ‘s Stablecoin Policy cannot be resolved by the Fed alone. She firmly believes that only the passage of comprehensive federal stablecoin legislation by Congress can provide the necessary clarity and mandate to alter the Fed’s restrictive position. Federal legislation could establish a clear regulatory framework specifically for stablecoins, addressing issues like reserve requirements, redemption rights, and the types of entities allowed to issue them. This could potentially override or provide exceptions to the Fed’s current prohibitions, creating a legal basis for regulated banks to issue stablecoins, including on permissionless blockchains, under specific conditions. Efforts are underway in Congress, particularly within the House Financial Services Committee, to draft and pass stablecoin legislation. However, reaching a consensus on the specifics of such a bill has proven challenging, with disagreements over issues like the role of state regulators versus federal regulators, and the types of entities eligible to issue stablecoins. The perspective shared by Caitlin Long underscores the view held by many in the crypto industry that a piecemeal approach by regulators is insufficient. They argue that a clear, nationwide legal framework is essential for the US to foster innovation in the stablecoin space while ensuring necessary consumer protection and financial stability. The Future of US Stablecoin Policy and Custodia Bank The ongoing debate between figures like Caitlin Long and the cautious stance of the US Federal Reserve is indicative of the critical juncture the US is at regarding Crypto Regulation and Stablecoin Policy . The outcome of this tension will significantly shape the future of how digital assets integrate with the traditional financial system. For institutions like Custodia Bank , which are designed to bridge these two worlds, the path forward heavily depends on regulatory clarity. While they continue to navigate the existing rules and pursue avenues like obtaining a Fed master account, the current policy environment presents substantial challenges. The ball appears to be in Congress’s court. The passage of well-crafted federal stablecoin legislation could provide the regulatory certainty that banks need to confidently enter this market, potentially leveling the playing field and fostering innovation. Without it, the current dynamics, which Caitlin Long argues favor large, established players and restrict engagement with permissionless networks, may persist. Ultimately, the goal for many is to integrate the benefits of blockchain technology and stablecoins into the regulated financial system in a safe and sound manner. The current disagreement highlights the different visions for how best to achieve this, and the significant policy decisions that still need to be made at the highest levels of government. To learn more about the latest stablecoin policy trends, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto regulation and institutional adoption.
Gold-backed cryptocurrencies have spiked in value amid the global trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariffs. Tether Gold ( XAUT ) and Paxos Gold ( PAXG ) reached all-time highs on April 22, with Tether Gold touching $3,529 and Paxos Gold recording a peak of $3,520, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Two other gold-backed cryptocurrencies — Quorium (QGOLD) and Kinesis Gold (KAU) — have seen rises of 8.5% and 7.6% , respectively, in the past 30 days. All four tokens are up 40% or more in the past 12 months, CoinGecko data shows. Related: Tether clocks $13B in 2024 profits, US bond holdings hit all-time highs According to a report by Tether, the increased demand for XAUT is due to macroeconomic factors, such as escalating global economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and a rising demand for inflation-resistant assets. Since US President Trump’s renewed trade war, gold has increased significantly in value. On April 2, Trump’s “Liberation Day,” when the tariffs were announced, the price of one ounce of gold was $3,115. At the time of this writing, on April 28, the ounce price is at $3,335, representing a 7% jump in less than 30 days. Gold price in USD over one month. Source: GoldPrice.org Gold, often seen as a hedge against inflation, usually attracts investors during times of economic uncertainty. In similar lines, Bitcoin ( BTC ), often referred to as “digital gold,” has soared 14% during the same period. Growing RWA market Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization — products that bring assets like precious metals, bonds, and real estate onto the blockchain — is a growing market. According to RWA.xyz, the tokenized RWA market capitalization (excluding stablecoins) stands at $21.6 billion, up 8.6% over the past 30 days. Tether Gold and Paxos Gold are examples of RWA tokenization. Each coin in both products is reportedly backed by one troy ounce of actual gold. Tether is said to store its gold reserves in Switzerland, while Paxos keeps its gold in London. Tokenized gold has been a strong crypto use case in 2025, reaching a two-year high in trading volume on April 10 . Tokenizing gold has a few advantages over more common investment instruments that provide exposure to gold. For instance, settlements through these funds are instant, enabling quick trading. In addition, some tokenized gold tokens can be used to purchase goods and services , while traditional instruments can usually be redeemed only for fiat currency. Related: Tether launches gold-backed, US dollar stablecoin Alloy
Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, made it clear in a recent interview that Bitcoin has a powerful future in America — and the federal government is now fully behind it. “What is Bitcoin like? It’s like gold, right?” Lutnick said in an interview with Bitcoin Magazine. “It was treated under the Biden administration like you were doing something wrong. Now you have that sort of in the rearview mirror, and it’ll never come back.” Lutnick, a longtime Bitcoin ( BTC ) supporter, discussed his personal journey with the cryptocurrency, which began in 2017. He emphasized Bitcoin’s rarity — capped at 21 million coins — as the key reason behind its enduring value. “It’s just a rare entity. That rarity is what creates its value,” he said, recalling how he gradually moved from studying blockchain to going “all in” on Bitcoin by 2020. Today, Lutnick plays a major role in shaping a dramatically different stance toward Bitcoin under the Trump administration. Alongside fellow Bitcoin advocate David Sacks , Lutnick helped spearhead the creation of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve — a campaign promise President Trump moved quickly to deliver. The Commerce Secretary credited Trump’s leadership and open dialogue with the media as catalysts for the administration’s fast-paced progress. You might also like: Bitget and Avalanche join forces to bolster web3 growth in India ‘Investment Accelerator’ One of Lutnick’s main initiatives is the new ‘Investment Accelerator’ at the Commerce Department, designed to help billion-dollar-plus investments navigate regulations and permitting. He said Bitcoin mining is a key focus. Under the program, Bitcoin miners will be able to build private power plants alongside their facilities, reducing reliance on public grids and enabling cheaper, off-grid energy sources like hydroelectric power or flare gas capture. “You’re going to see miners putting data centers right on top of gas fields,” Lutnick said. “This will turbocharge Bitcoin mining in America.” He resisted concerns that a heavy concentration of Bitcoin mining in the U.S. could threaten the network’s decentralized nature. “America is the most extraordinary business place on Earth,” Lutnick said (edited for clarity). “Figure out how to win in America, and that’s how you get to the highest highs.” Throughout the conversation, Lutnick painted a vision of Bitcoin’s future as tied directly to American entrepreneurship. He suggested that a more business-friendly environment, particularly one that welcomes Bitcoin mining and innovation, could lift not only the Bitcoin community but also those feeling left behind by the economy. You might also like: Abu Dhabi launches new Dirham-backed stablecoin project, backed by major institutions
Solana is currently testing a significant resistance level as whale activities escalate, coinciding with increasing bullish sentiments in the market. While whale movements are evident, retail traders continue to show
Lombard Finance has partnered with the Eigen Foundation to integrate Bitcoin into the EigenLayer restaking ecosystem through the introduction of LBTC, the first Bitcoin asset in this protocol. This collaboration aims to unlock new yield opportunities and utility for Bitcoin holders by enabling them to earn dual rewards within EigenLayer’s restaking framework. EigenLayer highlighted the potential to leverage the $1.6 trillion Bitcoin market by combining Bitcoin with restaking capabilities. Additionally, Axia8 Ventures announced its role as a Guardian of Zeus Network, emphasizing its commitment to advancing cross-chain infrastructure to maximize Bitcoin's potential in decentralized finance. This is an AI-generated article powered by DeepNewz, curated by The Defiant. For more information, including article sources, visit DeepNewz . To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io
According to data provided by cryptocurrency onchain data provider LookOnChain, developers in one altcoin regularly hold token sales. The data revealed that in the Official Melania Meme (MELANIA) token, developers not only used the liquidity addition and removal method to sell, but also regularly conducted direct token sales using the dollar cost averaging (DCA) method. According to analysts, two days ago, the developers of the token sold 1.18 million MELANIA worth $632 thousand using the DCA method, exchanging it for 4,230 SOL. Related News: Are Bitcoin Holders Expecting an Upturn or a Downturn in the Current Situation? Data Revealed Today, using the same method, 2.01 million MELANIA tokens worth $938 thousand were sold by developers. Launched by US President Donald Trump’s wife, US First Lady Melania Trump, the memecoin seems to have caused losses for most people so far. The token has fallen 96% since its all-time high of $13.73 on January 20. The token, which is not listed on Coinbase or Binance, once had a market value of over $2 billion, but at the time of writing this article, it was recorded at $245 million. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: This Altcoin’s Developers Are Regularly Selling Large Amounts – Onhain Data Shows