Circle‘s USDC Overtook Tether‘s USDT in Adjusted YTD Volume: Mizuho

Analysts at the investment company said the change was significant because the stablecoin “winner” will be the one people use for everyday transactions. Japanese investment bank Mizuho reported that stablecoin issuer Circle’s USDC overtook Tether’s USDt in transaction volume for the first time since 2019. In a research note released on Friday, Mizuho said it had raised its price target for Circle stock from $100 to $120 after comparing transaction volumes between the two major stablecoins. According to Mizuho, USDC (USDC) had about $2.2 trillion in adjusted transaction volume for…

Circle Stock Surges as Stablecoins Expand; Canaan Boosts Bitcoin Holdings

A selloff in both Wall Street and crypto markets hasn’t slowed Circle’s relentless rise. The stablecoin issuer’s stock has more than doubled since early February, with Bernstein analysts expecting further gains as stablecoins continue expanding beyond crypto’s more speculative use cases. The technology is already moving deeper into traditional finance. UK insurance giant Aon recently piloted stablecoin payments for insurance premiums with Coinbase and Paxos, a move that could make cross-border premium payments faster and more efficient. Elsewhere, Bitcoin (BTC) miner Canaan is taking a contrarian approach to treasury management,…

Bloomberg Strategist Warns of 2008 Replay for Global Markets

As the conflict involving Iran drags on and global energy supplies risk prolonged disruption, most financial assets are likely to behave like risk assets, according to Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Mike McGlone in a recent interview with Cointelegraph. Despite major price swings across commodities, stock market volatility has remained relatively low, a divergence McGlone considers unsustainable. Historically, such imbalances tend to resolve through increased volatility in equities — often during broader market corrections. That unusual volatility dynamic is also showing up in gold, a market traditionally viewed as a safe haven.…

Watch These ETH Price Levels Next

Ether (ETH) traded about 30% below its yearly open of $2,990, as traders grow increasingly risk-averse amid a global conflict and macroeconomic uncertainties. Still, stronger network usage and increasing inflows into ETH accumulation addresses could provide a spark that may see the price finally break $2,200 resistance. Key takeaways: ETH held in accumulation wallets has risen 32% since January, showing strong long-term confidence. Staked ETH reaches a record 37.85 million, representing over 30% of supply. Analysts say Ether bulls must reclaim $2,200 as support  6.5 million ETH increase in accumulation…

Bitcoin Grills $74,000 Again After US PCE Inflation Data

Bitcoin (BTC) aimed for five-week highs at Thursday’s Wall Street open as US inflation trends stayed on track. Key points: US inflation data keeps crypto and stocks higher as BTC price action tests $74,000 again. Bitcoin traders diverge over the future of the move, with a “bearish retest” risking a new price collapse. BTC/USD finally recrosses its 50-day moving average trend line. PCE inflation emboldens Bitcoin bulls Data from TradingView confirmed new local BTC price highs near $74,000 following the January print of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index. BTC/USD…

Yield-Bearing Stablecoins Surge as Washington Fights Over Yield

Yield-bearing stablecoins are growing faster than the broader stablecoin market, according to Messari, as Washington remains divided over how crypto-linked yield should be treated under US law. Yield-bearing stablecoins have outpaced the growth of the broader stablecoin market 15-fold over the past six months, according to a Messari research report published on Thursday. The increase was driven by a 198% rise in the market cap of Circle’s USYC (USYC), a 169% increase in Paxos’ Global Dollar (USDG), a 114% rise in the value of the Tron DAO-linked Decentralized USD (USDD),…

Authorities Dismantle SocksEscort Proxy Network and Crypto Fraud

US and European authorities said Thursday they had disrupted SocksEscort, a malicious proxy service used by cybercriminals to hide their identities while carrying out fraud, including cryptocurrency account takeovers. The DOJ said the service compromised at least 369,000 routers and other internet-connected devices in 163 countries, giving cybercriminals control over proxies that hid their true IP addresses. The platform reportedly enabled crimes, including bank fraud and cryptocurrency account takeovers, since 2020. In one case cited by prosecutors, a victim in New York lost roughly $1 million in cryptocurrency. Authorities said…

TOKEN2049 Postpones Dubai Event to 2027 Amid Regional Uncertainty

Update March 13, 10:56 am UTC: This article has been updated to add more information about the regional situation and additional details from the announcement. The Dubai edition of Token2049, one of the crypto industry’s largest global gatherings, has been postponed until 2027 due to regional uncertainty affecting international travel and event logistics.  The organizers said on Friday that the conference, originally scheduled for April 29-30, in Dubai, will instead take place on April 21-22, 2027.  In the announcement, the organizers said preparations for the 2026 event had been progressing,…

Hong Kong to Approve First Stablecoin Licenses for Banks

HSBC Holdings and a joint venture led by Standard Chartered are reportedly set to become the first authorized stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is expected to issue stablecoin licenses to HSBC and Standard Chartered, the South China Morning Post reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. HSBC and Standard Chartered are set to be in the first batch as authorities reportedly prioritize institutions already authorized to issue banknotes in the city. The Hong Kong government, through the HKMA, authorizes banknote issuance to three…

Historically Accurate Macro Signal Hints at a Bitcoin Price Bottom

Bitcoin (BTC) may approach a market bottom, with a macro model tied to the US and China’s benchmark 10-year bond yields hinting at a potential rally toward $100,000 in the months ahead. Key takeaways: Bitcoin whales show signs of accumulation that were seen near the 2023 market low. BTC holds key long-term support while “oversold,” increasing the chance of a recovery. History rhymes? BTC flashes ‘precise’ bullish cross The model, shared by analyst AO, applies a Stochastic RSI oscillator to the product of US10Y and CN10Y. When overlaid with Bitcoin’s…