Key Takeaways Strategy wants to shift STRC preferred stock dividends from monthly to semi-monthly payments.The change would not affect STRC’s 11.5% annual dividend yield.Management says the goal is to reduce volatility, improve liquidity, and increase investor demand.If approved, the first semi-monthly dividend payment would be made on July 15. Strategy Looks to Increase Dividend Frequency Strategy has filed a proposal that would allow its STRC “Stretch” preferred stock to pay dividends twice per month instead of once per month. The company said the move is designed to make the preferred shares more stable and attractive to investors without changing the total annual payout. Dividend Yield Remains Unchanged The proposed adjustment would not affect STRC’s current annual dividend rate of 11.5%. Instead, shareholders would simply receive smaller payments more frequently. According to Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, the change is intended to: Stabilize the stock priceReduce cyclical trading swingsImprove liquidityIncrease investor demand STRC Has Become One of Strategy’s Most Popular Products STRC has quickly become one of Strategy’s most successful financing vehicles. Outstanding value in the preferred stock has grown to approximately $6.4 billion, reflecting strong investor demand for high-yield exposure tied to Bitcoin-related assets. The company noted that volatility in STRC has already declined significantly: Average volatility was around 13% during the first eight months after launchVolatility has since fallen to roughly 2.1% over the last two months Management believes semi-monthly dividend payments could reduce volatility even further. Key Dates to Watch Shareholders are expected to vote on the proposal by June 8. If approved: The first semi-monthly payment would be made on July 15Future dividends would likely be distributed every two weeks Strategy Shares Rise Alongside Bitcoin Strategy shares climbed nearly 12% as Bitcoin rallied back toward $77,000. The strong performance reflects continued investor enthusiasm for Bitcoin-related equities as crypto prices recover.

Global markets experienced a significant rebound over the past week, driven by expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East. According to BlockBeats, Iran's temporary announcement to open the Strait of Hormuz led to a rapid decline in oil prices, strengthening risk assets. U.S. stocks reached new highs, the dollar weakened, and gold approached the $4,900 mark. However, Iran later signaled continued military control, coupled with the U.S. maintaining its blockade, raising concerns about the fluctuating situation. On a macro level, the progress of U.S.-Iran negotiations remains the biggest variable for the coming week. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that talks might advance over the weekend, warning that if no agreement is reached by next Wednesday, the ceasefire could end, and conflict might resume. Iran remains cautious in negotiations, particularly on key issues like uranium enrichment, where significant differences persist. The market has shifted from pricing in conflict escalation to a path of easing, but any sudden changes could still cause significant asset volatility. Regarding interest rate expectations, the decline in energy prices has eased inflationary pressures, with market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut this year rising to about 60%. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh is set to attend a Senate hearing next week, where his policy stance, especially whether it leans dovish, will be a crucial factor influencing gold and risk assets. Key economic data releases include the U.S. March retail sales monthly rate on Tuesday at 20:30, initial jobless claims for the week ending April 18 on Thursday at 20:30, and the preliminary April S&P Global Manufacturing/Services PMI on Thursday at 21:45. On Friday at 22:00, the final April University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index and one-year inflation rate expectations will be released. In the short term, the market will focus on three main variables: U.S.-Iran negotiation progress, oil price trends, and Federal Reserve policy signals.

On April 18, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson issued a statement regarding the situation during the ceasefire with Lebanon. According to BlockBeats, the IDF reported that several Hezbollah members were eliminated in southern Lebanon, south of the 'Yellow Line,' over the past 24 hours. These individuals were accused of violating the ceasefire agreement and posing an 'immediate threat' to Israeli forces. The statement detailed that artillery was used to support ground troops in the region. In response to the perceived threats, the IDF destroyed parts of Hezbollah's infrastructure. The spokesperson emphasized that the military actions were conducted under directives from the political leadership. The IDF has been authorized to take necessary measures for self-defense, and efforts to neutralize threats are not restricted by the ceasefire agreement.

Key Takeaways XRP is up around 8% over the past week, outperforming both Bitcoin and Ether.XRP has climbed back toward the key $1.43–$1.44 resistance zone.The token is trading above its 200-day EMA, improving the technical outlook.A confirmed breakout above $1.44 could open the path toward $1.60 and higher. XRP Outperforms Bitcoin and Ether XRP has emerged as one of the strongest-performing major cryptocurrencies over the past week, gaining around 8% while Bitcoin and Ether posted smaller advances. The move has been steady rather than explosive, with XRP rising through a series of higher lows instead of sharp vertical spikes. That type of price action often suggests controlled accumulation rather than short-term speculation. XRP Approaches Key Resistance Zone XRP is now trading close to the important $1.43–$1.44 resistance area. This zone has capped multiple rally attempts in recent months and remains the most important level for bulls to reclaim. A clean break above $1.44 would likely: Confirm a short-term breakoutStrengthen momentumIncrease the probability of a move toward $1.60 Below that, the main support level to watch is around $1.40. As long as XRP remains above that area, near-term momentum remains constructive. Technical Structure Is Improving XRP recently moved back above its 200-day exponential moving average, which is often viewed as a sign of improving long-term trend strength. Other constructive signals include: A series of higher lowsImproving relative strength against Bitcoin and EtherOversold conditions on longer-term XRP/BTC charts beginning to reverse However, traders are still watching for stronger volume confirmation. Without increased participation, XRP risks remaining trapped inside a broader consolidation range. Why XRP’s Relative Strength Matters When XRP starts outperforming Bitcoin and Ether, it often attracts attention because it can signal an early-stage rotation into altcoins. Historically, XRP has tended to move later in the cycle but often does so aggressively once momentum builds. Analysts continue to point to a multi-year breakout structure forming on longer timeframes, though that thesis still requires confirmation through higher prices and stronger volume. What Comes Next? The near-term outlook depends on whether XRP can decisively clear $1.44. Key levels to watch: Resistance: $1.44Next upside target: $1.60Near-term support: $1.40Broader downside support: $1.30 A sustained breakout above $1.44 would strengthen the bullish case significantly, while another rejection could leave XRP range-bound for longer.

OKX data shows that RAVE briefly fell below 18 USDT and is currently trading at 18.76 USDT, a drop of 24.17% in one hour.

Key Takeaways Bitcoin has fallen back below $76,000 after briefly breaking above $78,000.Iran reportedly reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.More than $760 million in crypto liquidations were triggered during the rally and reversal.Bitcoin is now back inside its multi-month trading range. Bitcoin Falls Back Below $76,000 Bitcoin dropped back below $76,000 after briefly surging above $78,000 late Friday. BTC is now trading around the mid-$75,000 range after giving back most of its breakout gains. The rally faded quickly as renewed concerns emerged over Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Iran Reverses Hormuz Reopening Market sentiment deteriorated after reports that Iran had once again tightened control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports: Iranian authorities warned commercial vessels that the strait was back under military control.Several oil tankers reportedly turned around before entering the waterway.Shipping uncertainty returned less than 24 hours after Iran had initially said the route would remain fully open. The reversal renewed fears of further disruption to global oil supplies. Oil Rebounds as Risk Sentiment Weakens Oil prices had initially plunged nearly 10% when Iran first announced the reopening of Hormuz. However, renewed restrictions on maritime traffic pushed oil prices higher again and weighed on risk assets, including crypto and equities. The latest developments highlight how closely Bitcoin and broader markets are currently trading alongside geopolitical headlines and oil price movements. Crypto Sees One of the Biggest Short Squeezes of 2026 Before the reversal, Bitcoin’s brief move above $78,000 triggered one of the largest short squeezes of the year. Crypto markets recorded roughly $762 million in liquidations across more than 168,000 traders. Of that total: About $593 million came from short positionsBitcoin accounted for roughly $381 million in liquidationsEther accounted for another $167 million The rally forced many traders betting against Bitcoin to cover positions rapidly. Bitcoin Back Inside Key Trading Range Bitcoin is now back below the major $76,000–$78,000 resistance zone. That area had become a critical breakout level after capping multiple rally attempts since February. As long as BTC remains below $76,000, the market is likely to stay range-bound. Key downside levels to watch include: $73,000 as near-term support$70,000 as a major psychological level$68,000 if geopolitical tensions escalate further A move back above $76,000 would still reopen the path toward $80,000 and beyond. Altcoins Remain Relatively Resilient Despite Bitcoin’s pullback, some major altcoins have held up relatively well. Ether remains positive on a weekly basis, while XRP, BNB, and Solana are still outperforming Bitcoin over the past seven days.

According to Foresight News, some shareholders have expressed doubts about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's ability to lead an initial public offering (IPO). They are considering board chairman Bret Taylor as a potential replacement. However, Bret Taylor and the majority of investors continue to support Altman. Previously, Altman sought OpenAI's involvement in a new round of funding for fusion startup Helion, which has faced delays in its energy breakthrough and is experiencing financial strain. Additionally, he pursued OpenAI's support for rocket manufacturer Stoke Space. These investments are not part of OpenAI's core business. Recently, the company informed employees of the need to cut non-core projects to focus on increasing competitive pressures.

1. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has increased by $430 billion since February 5th; 2. Iran stated that it has informed the US that it has not yet agreed to hold the next round of negotiations; 3. Sources: The Strait of Hormuz has been closed again; 4. Arkham: The on-chain address of the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF has been identified, with a current Bitcoin holding of 1348; 5. A whale leveraged a long position of 12,400 ETH, making a profit of 400 ETH; 6. Polymarket posted a new message: "Trump will rename the Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait' before May 31st," with the probability of "Yes" dropping by 31% in 24 hours; 7. vitalik.eth: The domain registrar of eth.limo was attacked; 8. A trader who previously made a 3500x profit spent 10,000 USDC to buy 1.12 million SPIKE tokens 4 hours ago.

On April 18, two Indian vessels attempting to navigate the Hormuz Strait were confronted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy, resulting in gunfire. According to BlockBeats, one of the ships involved was a supertanker flying the Indian flag. Iran has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

On Apr 18, 2026, 11:08 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin has dropped below 76,000 USDT and is now trading at 75,921.398438 USDT, with a narrowed narrowed 0.69% increase in 24 hours.

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