Son Min

MicroStrategy has reportedly acquired an additional 245 bitcoins (BTC). On the 23rd (local time), Michael Saylor, founder of MicroStrategy, announced on X (formerly Twitter), "MicroStrategy has purchased an additional 245 BTC ($26 million)," adding, "The average purchase price per BTC was approximately $105,856." He continued, "We achieved a 19.2% return for this year." MicroStrategy currently holds a total of 592,345 BTC. This amounts to roughly $41.87 billion, with an average purchase price of $70,681 per BTC. However, some expressed disappointment. Before the announcement, Michael Saylor, the founder, had raised expectations for a large purchase on X by stating, "Nothing can stop the orange dot." The actual revealed quantity, however, was only about 250 BTC. One X user questioned, "Does MicroStrategy lack funds?" while another commented, "That's weak. Metaplanet acquired four times more than you." Earlier the same day, Metaplanet had announced an additional purchase of 1,111 BTC. As of 9:03 PM, based on the Binance USDT market, Bitcoin is trading at $101,182, down 1.48% from 24 hours ago.

Sequans Communications, a Nasdaq-listed company specializing in 5G and 4G IoT semiconductor and module development, has announced a financial strategy involving $384 million in Bitcoin (BTC) reserves. On the 23rd (local time), Sequans Communications stated on its official website, "We plan to join the Bitcoin reserve strategy," and added, "To this end, we intend to raise a total of $384 million." The funds will be raised by issuing $195 million in equity securities and $189 million in convertible secured bonds. Georges Karam, CEO of Sequans, stated, "Bitcoin is one of the most attractive long-term investment vehicles," and added, "We believe that Bitcoin will strengthen our financial stability and increase shareholder value."

An analysis suggests that Bitcoin (BTC)'s movement in the coming days could serve as a major milestone determining the direction of the virtual asset (cryptocurrency) market. On the 23rd (local time), QCP Capital stated in a report, "Last weekend, Iran hinted at a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing Bitcoin to plunge to as low as $98,200," but added, "As buying interest from investors recovered, Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 again in just one day." The report continued, "The market is assessing this incident not as a global conflict but simply as rising regional tensions," and explained that "US stock futures, oil prices, and gold prices also recovered to the levels seen last Friday." Furthermore, the report mentioned that Bitcoin's future direction is of great importance. The report noted, "Currently, the Bitcoin options market is dominated by put options, but the rebound in spot prices and a decrease in short-term volatility indicate low risk aversion among investors," and assessed that "the market is currently showing a mix of risk appetite and aversion." It also emphasized that Bitcoin's price trend over the next few days will be a highly significant indicator determining the overall direction of the virtual asset market.

An analysis has come out stating that Bitcoin (BTC) has a major support level around $97,000. On the 23rd (local time), Sentora (formerly IntoTheBlock) announced on X (formerly Twitter), "$97,000 is a major support level for Bitcoin," adding, "Around 1.6 million addresses purchased 1.14 million BTC at this price range." As of 6:34 PM, based on Binance USDT market, Bitcoin is trading at $101,529, down 0.82% compared to 24 hours ago.

Last week, $1.24 billion flowed into global digital asset (cryptocurrency) investment products, marking the 10th consecutive week of net inflows. On the 23rd (local time), CoinShares stated in its report, "Last week, digital asset investment products saw $1.24 billion ($1.7176 trillion KRW) in inflows, recording 10 consecutive weeks of net inflows." It added, "Since the beginning of the year, $15.1 billion has flowed in, setting a new all-time high." Furthermore, "Despite geopolitical concerns, investor sentiment remains strong," the report said. However, it was noted that daily inflows have gradually decreased following reports about U.S. involvement in Iran. By asset, Bitcoin (BTC) products ranked first with a net inflow of $1.114 billion. The report noted, "As Bitcoin prices declined, more investors took it as an opportunity and bought related products," and, "The $1.4 million outflow from short (sell) Bitcoin products also reflects the strengthened sentiment." Ethereum (ETH) products saw $124 million in inflows, ranking second. The report stated, "Ethereum has recorded nine consecutive weeks of net inflows, with $2.2 billion flowing in just during that period," and, "This is the longest streak since 2021." Major altcoins also showed positive trends. Solana (SOL) products attracted $2.78 million, while XRP and Chainlink (LINK) recorded $2.69 million and $600,000 in inflows, respectively. By country, the United States showed strong inflows. Just U.S.-based digital asset products saw net inflows of about $1.25 billion, while Canada, Germany, and Australia recorded inflows of $20.9 million, $10.9 million, and $16.6 million, respectively. In contrast, Hong Kong, Sweden, and Switzerland recorded net outflows of $32.6 million, $14.9 million, and $7.7 million, respectively.

The India-based IT company Jetking has announced its intention to hold 18,000 Bitcoins by the end of 2030. On the 23rd (local time), Siddarth Bharwani, CFO of Jetking, said in an exclusive interview with Coinpedia, "Since March 2022, we have implemented an official Bitcoin financial strategy," adding, "We plan to hold 210 BTC by the end of this year and 18,000 BTC by the end of 2030." He continued, "Bitcoin is the world's most resilient asset," stating, "We will fund based on capital and continue our reserve strategy that hedges market risk." He also added, "We aim to minimize stock dilution and create value for shareholders."

With the Middle East situation deteriorating, it was found that short-term holders sold approximately 17,800 Bitcoins (BTC) the previous day. On the 23rd (local time), Axel Adler Jr., a contributor to CryptoQuant, reported on X (formerly Twitter), "Over the weekend, the United States carried out airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and announced its intention to participate in the Israel-Iran war," adding, "Accordingly, in the past 24 hours, short-term holders sold 17,800 BTC on centralized exchanges (CEX)." He noted that there was a swift sell-off by short-term holders. Adler Jr. said, "The net amount of Bitcoins sold by short-term holders reached about 11,600," and "The volume of Bitcoins sold at a loss amounted to 14,700." It was reported that only 3,100 Bitcoins were sold for profit.

Two days ago, it was revealed that whale investors made a massive accumulation of Ethereum (ETH). On the 23rd (local time), Cointelegraph reported via X (formerly Twitter), "During the price drop that occurred on the 21st, whales accumulated 116,893 ETH," adding, "This amounts to approximately $265.3 million." Meanwhile, the amount of Ethereum staked on the Ethereum network reached an all-time high the previous day. According to CryptoQuant data, the quantity of Ethereum currently staked accounts for 28.3% of the total Ethereum supply. As of 4:46 PM, Ethereum is trading at $2,255 on Binance USDT market, down 0.72% compared to 24 hours ago.

Green Minerals AS, a Norwegian deep-sea mineral mining company, has announced its participation in a Bitcoin (BTC) reserve strategy of up to $1.2 billion. On the 23rd (local time), Green Minerals AS stated through its official website, "We are implementing a Bitcoin reserve strategy in response to inflation and geopolitical uncertainty," and added, "We plan to raise up to $1.2 billion in funds to purchase Bitcoin." They further mentioned, "We also plan to strengthen our future competitiveness by incorporating blockchain technology into our services." The company said it will continue its core business operations. Green Minerals AS explained, "The Bitcoin strategy is being implemented to support our business," and added, "We aim to begin purchasing Bitcoin within a few days at the earliest." Ståle Rodahl, chairman of the board at Green Minerals AS, stated, "With the increase in global money supply, maintaining a sound financial structure has become crucial," and added, "Bitcoin is an attractive alternative to fiat currency." He continued, "Through this, we aim to generate long-term value and mitigate the risks of fiat currency."

While the virtual asset (cryptocurrency) market is showing a downward trend, there is a claim that the possibility of a further decline for Ethereum (ETH) is higher than for Bitcoin (BTC). On the 23rd (local time), Matrixport stated in a report, "Bitcoin needed to maintain above $105,000 to continue its upward trend, but it failed to do so," adding, "The bigger issue is Ethereum. It currently has a very high structural risk for further decline." The report explained that Ethereum's recent rally was based on leverage. It said, "Ethereum's recent gains, which were driven by leverage, pushed up the price without fundamental value," and continued, "Ethereum is currently showing a pattern where its futures position size has a significant impact." Furthermore, it added, "Ethereum's leverage remains high. It is a structure that is highly vulnerable to price declines."

Over the past 24 hours, the liquidation volume in the virtual asset (cryptocurrency) perpetual futures market was recorded at $651.88 million. According to CoinGlass data on the 23rd (local time), a total of $651.88 million in futures positions were liquidated in the virtual asset market over the past 24 hours. After former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed the airstrike on Iran's nuclear facilities and Iran announced strong retaliation, war tensions escalated and long (buy) position liquidations dominated the market. Specifically, $505.5 million in long positions and $146.38 million in short (sell) positions were liquidated. The largest liquidated asset was Bitcoin (BTC), which saw $238.63 million in positions liquidated in 24 hours. Of this, liquidations amounted to $190.83 million in long positions and $47.8 million in short positions, respectively. Ethereum (ETH) followed in second place for the same period with $188.73 million liquidated. Liquidation totals for long and short positions were $144.67 million and $44.06 million, respectively. As of 3:56 PM, according to Binance USDT market data, Bitcoin and Ethereum were trading down 0.79% and 1.75%, at $101,899 and $2,245, respectively.

Over the weekend, Bitcoin (BTC) showed a downward trend, and Peter Schiff, a Bitcoin critic and economist, claimed that gold prices are expected to rise. On the 23rd (local time), Peter Schiff stated via X (formerly Twitter), "Bitcoin dropped more than 4% compared to the U.S. stock market closing last Friday," adding, "Stock futures are set to open lower this Monday, while gold will open higher." He further explained, "This is because Bitcoin has a positive correlation with risk assets and a negative correlation with gold." Previously, Bitcoin broke below $100,000 after Donald Trump, the U.S. President, announced the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to warn of retaliation. As of 3:47 PM, Bitcoin has slightly recovered its losses and is trading at $101,751 on the Binance USDT market, down 0.94% compared to 24 hours ago. Meanwhile, he expressed a negative view on Texas's Bitcoin reserve bill. On the 22nd (local time), Texas became the third state government to adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset after Arizona and New Hampshire. Peter Schiff said, "The bad news for Texas is that a bill establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve has just been introduced." He added, "The good news is that if Bitcoin's market capitalization falls below $60 billion, the state government is legally prohibited from further purchases. Bitcoin is ultimately going to decline."

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the global bestseller "Rich Dad Poor Dad," has predicted a global economic collapse and once again urged people to buy Bitcoin (BTC). On the 23rd (local time), Kiyosaki stated on X (formerly Twitter), "A global economic collapse is approaching," and emphasized, "To become wealthy when the largest debt bubble in history bursts, buy Bitcoin, gold, and silver." He added, "The biggest losers will be those who have bought currency and bonds." Previously, on the 4th (local time), he also claimed, "The biggest crash in history will arrive this summer," and said, "Billions of dollars will pour into gold, silver, and Bitcoin as stocks, bonds, and real estate collapse." He forecasted that Bitcoin could surpass $1 million within the next 10 years.

UK-listed venture capital firm 'Coinsilium Group' has reportedly acquired approximately 7.6 more bitcoins (BTC). On the 18th (local time), Coinsilium announced on its official website that it had "purchased about 7.6 BTC through its bitcoin reserve subsidiary 'Forja Gibraltar'" and that it is now "currently holding about 32.89 BTC." Coinsilium also bought 6.5 BTC on the 16th (local time).

Swedish cryptocurrency broker K33, which announced its Bitcoin (BTC) financial strategy, disclosed that it has reserved 5 Bitcoin (BTC). On the 18th (local time), K33 stated in a press release, "We have reserved 5 BTC using 5 million kronor (about $520,000)," and added, "We are currently holding 25 BTC." It continued, "We plan to continue purchasing Bitcoin through ongoing investment rounds in the future." Torbjørn Bull Jenssen, the CEO of K33, said, "Bitcoin is an asset that can deliver the highest returns in the future," adding, "We are planning to actively reserve Bitcoin." Meanwhile, on the same day, K33 also announced a private placement of 85 million kronor (about $8.88 million) to aim for holding 1,000 BTC.

Bitcoin (BTC) fell below $104,000. As of 10:17 PM, according to Binance USDT market, Bitcoin is trading at $103,966, down 1.42% from 24 hours ago. Meanwhile, according to Cryprice, as of 10:17 AM, the Kimchi Premium stood at 0.96%.

There have been claims that the Fed's decision to hold interest rates steady and the Israel-Iran war could put downward pressure on Bitcoin (BTC). On the 18th (local time), Valentin Fournier, chief analyst at BRN, stated in an interview with The Block that "hawkish rate outlooks and rising geopolitical risks have negatively impacted Bitcoin's short-term momentum," adding, "If geopolitical risks worsen, Bitcoin could face even more intense downward pressure." He further noted, "The influx into Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is also declining due to macroeconomic uncertainty." Fournier also forecast increased market volatility. He said, "Due to macroeconomic risks, Bitcoin's volatility is likely to rise further going forward," and added, "Given that Bitcoin's current price is near its previous all-time high, investors are likely to move towards reducing risk." He also stressed that the Fed's policy direction will have an extremely important impact. "The market is closely monitoring the Fed's remarks regarding its interest rate policy," he explained. "This could be a very significant factor determining Bitcoin's trajectory." Meanwhile, the market expects that the Fed will again leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged this time. Projections for the number of rate cuts this year have also decreased from 3-4 early in the year to 1-2 now. The Fed is scheduled to announce its benchmark interest rate at 3 a.m. (KST) on the 19th.

An analysis has indicated that if altcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are approved, it would be advantageous to hold a long (buy) position in Solana (SOL) and a short (sell) position in Litecoin (LTC). According to The Block on the 18th (local time), K33 Research stated in a report, "When the Ethereum (ETH) spot ETF was approved, Grayscale's Ethereum trust converted to an ETF, leading to an outflow of more than 50% of its assets under management," and added, "If an altcoin spot ETF is approved, it is favorable to take a long position on Solana and a short position on Litecoin." Currently, Grayscale holds trust products for Solana and Litecoin. K33 reported that Grayscale's Solana trust has been exhibiting strong performance. According to the report, "The Solana trust has never traded at a discount since its launch," and noted, "It holds only 0.1% of the total Solana supply, so the risk of selling due to market outflows or redemptions is low." In contrast, it was predicted that there is a high possibility of liquidity outflow for Litecoin. The report stated, "The Litecoin trust frequently trades at a discount," and added, "Since it holds 2.65% of the total Litecoin supply, the risk of selling pressure is high." Furthermore, "There are only two issuers that have applied for a Litecoin ETF, so there are not enough entities to absorb the selling pressure," the report explained. Thus, it was reiterated that when the spot ETFs for these two assets are approved, establishing a long position on Solana and a short position on Litecoin is a more reasonable strategy. Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg data, this year, Solana and Litecoin are the assets with the highest probability of spot ETF approval. Each has recorded an approval probability of 90%.

Spanish coffee chain 'Banadi' has reportedly purchased an additional 20 Bitcoins (BTC). According to PA News on the 18th (local time), Banadi disclosed, "As part of our Bitcoin reserve strategy, we have made an additional purchase of 20 BTC," adding, "The average purchase price per BTC was €92,496." Banadi currently holds 30 BTC. Previously, on the 4th (local time), Banadi announced its Bitcoin strategic reserve plan.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, a mining company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, announced that it has used 100% of its public offering proceeds to reserve a total of 154.167 Bitcoins. According to GlobeNewswire on the 18th (local time), BitMine stated in a press release, "We used the net proceeds of $16.34 million raised from the recent public offering to purchase a total of 154.167 BTC," adding, "The average purchase price per 1 BTC was $106,033." Jonathan Bates, CEO of BitMine, said, "I am pleased to participate in the Bitcoin reserve strategy" and "We are proud to have kept our promise to use 100% of the public offering proceeds for Bitcoin." Previously, on the 9th (local time), BitMine had made its first Bitcoin purchase with the raised funds. At that time, the purchase volume was 100 BTC.

A claim has emerged that within the next five years, all virtual asset (cryptocurrency) exchanges and fintech companies will be operating their own blockchains. According to CoinDesk on the 18th (local time), Sam McIngvale, Head of Product at OP Labs, the development company behind Optimism (OP), stated, “Considering the successful case of Base (BASE) launched by Coinbase, all exchanges and fintech companies will run their own blockchains within the next five years.” He particularly pointed out that exchanges can monetize collateralized lending via their own blockchains. He said, “If the Base blockchain is combined with Coinbase’s Bitcoin collateralized lending, it becomes profitable.” He added, “If users hold Bitcoin on Coinbase, they can move that Bitcoin to Base, borrow USD Coin (USDC), and use it.” He suggested that other exchanges may pursue similar strategies.

An analysis has found that the Accumulator strategy, which focuses on buying Bitcoin (BTC) when prices fall, is more effective than dollar-cost averaging (DCA). According to CoinDesk on the 18th (local time), Orbit Markets stated in a report, "Our in-house tests show that since 2023, the Accumulator strategy has outperformed dollar-cost averaging.", adding, "The Accumulator strategy implemented over a 3-month period generated 10% excess returns compared to DCA, while over 6 and 12 months, it delivered 13% and 26% higher returns, respectively." Meanwhile, the Accumulator strategy allows for regularly purchasing assets at prices lower than the market rate, but it has the characteristic of requiring you to double the purchase volume when prices decline. Therefore, this strategy is considered unsuitable for short-term investors. Most Bitcoin holding companies have also adopted approaches similar to dollar-cost averaging.

Japanese fashion brand 'ANAP' was found to have purchased approximately 31 more Bitcoins. According to Bitcoin.com News on the 18th (local time), ANAP announced in a press release that it had purchased an additional 31.21BTC, worth about ¥479,960,000. ANAP currently holds 184.67 Bitcoins. Previously, ANAP had stated that it planned to acquire and hold more than 1,000 Bitcoins by August 2025.