Former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, who held office for 45 days in 2022, has expressed a keen interest in Bitcoin. According to NS3.AI, Truss highlighted concerns about the U.K. economy, citing issues such as currency debasement, weak growth, regulation, taxation, and increasing state control as contributing to a "very negative trajectory."

The discussion surrounding XRP's potential price target of $50 has gained momentum following a social media post that connected Ripple's projected $33 trillion stablecoin volume to future demand for XRP. According to NS3.AI, this projection has sparked debates among investors and analysts about the cryptocurrency's future valuation. Geoffrey Kendrick from Standard Chartered has forecasted XRP to reach $8 by 2026 and $28 by 2030, adding further intrigue to the ongoing conversation.

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has voiced criticism of central banking practices while defending her controversial mini-budget. According to CoinDesk, Truss suggested that incorporating Bitcoin and discussions at the CPAC UK conference could serve as catalysts for economic reform. Truss's mini-budget, which faced significant backlash, aimed to stimulate economic growth through tax cuts and increased public spending. However, it was met with skepticism from financial markets and political opponents, leading to its eventual withdrawal. Truss argues that the current central banking system is flawed and that alternative financial systems, such as cryptocurrencies, could offer solutions to existing economic challenges. She believes that Bitcoin, with its decentralized nature, could play a role in reshaping financial systems and promoting economic stability. The CPAC UK conference, known for its focus on conservative policies, provides a platform for discussing such reforms. Truss's comments highlight ongoing debates about the role of traditional financial institutions and the potential of digital currencies in shaping future economic policies. Her stance reflects a growing interest in exploring innovative approaches to address economic issues, despite the controversies surrounding her previous fiscal policies.

According to Al Jazeera, when asked about a possible new round of negotiations with the United States, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that talks could not proceed until both sides reached an agreement on a common framework. "We cannot set a date for negotiations until we reach an agreement on a framework," Khatibzadeh said. He emphasized that anything Iran agrees to in the negotiations must uphold its rights under international law. Iran will not accept being an exception to international law, nor will it relinquish its rights. (Jin Shi)

Key Takeaways US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly $1 billion in net inflows last week.The inflows marked the strongest weekly performance since early January.Bitcoin briefly moved above $77,000 before pulling back below $76,000.ETF demand continues to provide support despite renewed geopolitical volatility. Bitcoin ETFs Record Strongest Week in Months US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted roughly $996 million in net inflows last week, marking their strongest weekly intake in more than three months. The inflows reflect improving investor sentiment toward crypto despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and volatility across global markets. Friday alone saw approximately $664 million in inflows, making it the strongest day of the week. Other notable inflow days included: Tuesday: $411.5 millionWednesday: $186 millionThursday: $26 million The week began with a $291 million outflow on Monday before sentiment quickly reversed. ETF Assets Climb Above $100 Billion Total assets under management across spot Bitcoin ETFs rose back above $101 billion by the end of the week. Trading activity also increased significantly, with daily ETF volumes nearing $4.8 billion. The renewed ETF demand suggests that institutional investors continue to accumulate Bitcoin despite the market’s inability to sustain a breakout above recent highs. Bitcoin Pulls Back Below $76K Bitcoin briefly rallied above $77,000 after news that Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period. However, BTC later pulled back below $76,000 after reports emerged that Iran had once again tightened control over the waterway, causing oil prices to rebound and risk sentiment to weaken. Bitcoin is now trading below $76,000 and remains trapped within a broader consolidation range between roughly $72,000 and $76,000. Markets Continue Pricing in Iran Developments Investors are increasingly reacting to shifts in geopolitical tensions rather than the existence of the conflict itself. Signs of temporary de-escalation between the US and Iran initially improved risk appetite and weakened the US dollar, helping support Bitcoin and ETF inflows. However, renewed uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz has prevented Bitcoin from sustaining its recent breakout attempt. Key Bitcoin Levels to Watch Bitcoin remains range-bound for now. Key levels include: Resistance near $76,000–$77,000Major upside target near $80,000Near-term support around $72,000Stronger downside support near $70,000 ETF demand continues to act as an important source of support, but Bitcoin may need a clearer improvement in macro conditions before it can break out decisively.

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.

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