Crypto World Echo

Valkyrie amends Bitcoin Fund S-1 filing with enhanced custody and valuation rules

Valkyrie Investments refiled an amended Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday for its Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund, adding more precise rules around custody, valuation, seed investments, and risks as the cryptocurrency investment vehicle awaits regulatory approval to trade on Nasdaq. The new filing updates the index used to value the fund’s Bitcoin from Lukka Prime to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate – New York Variant, which calculates the reference rate as of 4 PM Eastern

Putin backs Iran, complicates US ceasefire hopes amid low market odds

<p>Putin's support for Iran undermines US diplomatic efforts, reducing ceasefire prospects and highlighting Russia's strategic influence.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/putin-backs-iran-complicates-us-ceasefire-hopes-amid-low-market-odds/">Putin backs Iran, complicates US ceasefire hopes amid low market odds</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Iran proposes reopening Strait of Hormuz to US, excludes nuclear terms

<p>Iran's proposal may ease geopolitical tensions but lacks comprehensive resolution, impacting global oil markets and diplomatic dynamics.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/iran-proposes-reopening-strait-of-hormuz-to-us-excludes-nuclear-terms/">Iran proposes reopening Strait of Hormuz to US, excludes nuclear terms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Israeli president mediates in Netanyahu trial, potential political exit deal

<p>The mediation could reshape Israeli politics by potentially ending Netanyahu's long-standing influence, impacting future leadership dynamics.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/israeli-president-mediates-in-netanyahu-trial-potential-political-exit-deal/">Israeli president mediates in Netanyahu trial, potential political exit deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Visa Scales Stablecoin Rails to Nine Networks as Partners Cite Real-World Demand

Visa announced April 29 that its global stablecoin settlement pilot has reached a $7 billion annualized run rate, up 50% quarter over quarter, and now supports nine blockchains after adding Arc, Base, Canton, Polygon, and Tempo. Key Takeaways: Visa’s stablecoin settlement pilot reached a $7 billion annualized run rate in April 2026, up 50% from [&#8230;]

Chinese naval fleet heads to Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade tensions

<p>The Chinese naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz complicates diplomatic efforts, increasing the risk of a direct military confrontation.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/chinese-naval-fleet-heads-to-strait-of-hormuz-amid-us-blockade-tensions/">Chinese naval fleet heads to Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade tensions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Meta officially launches USDC payouts for creators via Solana, Polygon

<p>Meta's move into stablecoin payouts could accelerate crypto adoption among creators, influencing digital economy dynamics and regulatory landscapes.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/meta-usdc-payouts-creators-solana-polygon/">Meta officially launches USDC payouts for creators via Solana, Polygon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Iran’s economic crisis deepens as state media issues blunt warnings

<p>Iran's deepening economic crisis could heighten internal tensions, potentially leading to increased instability and challenges to regime control.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/irans-economic-crisis-deepens-as-state-media-issues-blunt-warnings/">Iran&#8217;s economic crisis deepens as state media issues blunt warnings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Netanyahu to discuss Iran proposal with Trump after rejection

<p>Netanyahu's talks with Trump signal a tougher stance, potentially diminishing prospects for a near-term diplomatic resolution with Iran.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/netanyahu-to-discuss-iran-proposal-with-trump-after-rejection/">Netanyahu to discuss Iran proposal with Trump after rejection</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady at 3.5–3.75%

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, with the Federal Open Market Committee voting to keep the federal funds rate in a target range of 3.5% to 3.75% amid elevated inflation and growing global uncertainty. Key Takeaways: The Fed voted 8–4 on April 29, 2026, to hold the federal funds rate [&#8230;]

DeFi raises $300M for Kelp’s rsETH holders after exploit, no ETH price impact

<p>The $300M DeFi bailout highlights resilience but underscores skepticism, as traders await sustained growth over temporary fixes for ETH price impact.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/defi-raises-300m-for-kelps-rseth-holders-after-exploit-no-eth-price-impact/">DeFi raises $300M for Kelp&#8217;s rsETH holders after exploit, no ETH price impact</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Fed holds rates steady as Powell approaches end of Fed chair tenure

<p>Fed holds rates steady as Bitcoin trades near $75K, with traders watching Powells remarks and Kevin Warshs path to chair.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/fed-holds-rates-as-bitcoin-slips/">Fed holds rates steady as Powell approaches end of Fed chair tenure</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Senate Banking advances Warsh nomination as DOJ drops Powell probe

<p>Warsh's likely confirmation as Fed Chair signals a shift in monetary policy direction, impacting market expectations and economic strategies.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/senate-banking-advances-warsh-nomination-as-doj-drops-powell-probe/">Senate Banking advances Warsh nomination as DOJ drops Powell probe</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Securitize Locks in Computershare Deal to Put US Listed Shares Onchain

Securitize and Computershare have joined forces to let U.S.-listed companies issue equity directly on a blockchain, giving shareholders a new way to hold their securities in digital form. Key Takeaways: Securitize and Computershare launched Issuer-Sponsored Tokens, letting U.S.-listed companies put equity directly onchain. Computershare serves 25,000-plus companies, giving the IST program immediate reach across a [&#8230;]

Concentration of AI stocks inside S&P 500 hits dot-com bubble peak – and Bitcoin miners are now exposed

The 10 largest AI stocks now make up about 41% of the S&P 500, according to a BofA Global Research chart circulated online.That puts the AI basket at the same concentration level that tech and telecom reached around the dot-com peak. The BofA chart put the Nifty Fifty at 40% in the 1970s and Japan at 44% in the late 1980s.The comparison turns a stock-market concentration warning into a stress test for a corner of crypto that has spent the past year selling investors a new identity.The market con

Visa Adds 5 Blockchains to $7B Stablecoin Network, 50% Surge Fuels Adoption

Key Takeaways:Visa offers five additional blockchains, including Polygon, Base, Arc, Canton, and Tempo, to the stablecoin settlement programThe network is achieving a run rate of $7B annualized, more than 50% in a quarterPolygon is the largest chain in terms of USD stablecoin received and spentAs the payments presented as stablecoins shift to real-world payments, Visa is gaining pace on its multi-chain strategy. The recent growth also includes five additional blockchains in its settlement networ

Judge Denied SBF Retrial Bid

Key Takeaways:There was a rejection of the request for a retrial filed by Sam Bankman-Fried by a federal judge who ruled there were no valid claims of “new evidence” and testimony from the witnessesThe court ruled the supposed witnesses were not newly discovered and that some claims were speculative and baselessThis is another blow to the ongoing appeals case of Bankman Fried and will strengthen the guilty verdict regarding the fraud case involving FTXThe attempt by Sam Bankman-Fried to reargue

Brent Crude Climbs Above $115 as Trump Signals Longer Iran Naval Blockade

President Donald Trump directed aides to prepare for an extended naval blockade of Iranian ports, pushing Brent crude above $115 per barrel on April 29 and widening what the International Energy Agency called the largest supply shock on record. Key Takeaways: Brent crude climbed above $115 per barrel on April 29 as Trump ordered preparations [&#8230;]

Senate Panel Clears Kevin Warsh 13-11, Setting up Fed Leadership Change Before May 15

The Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 along party lines Wednesday to advance Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, sending the pick to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote. Key Takeaways: The Senate Banking Committee advanced Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chair nomination 13-11 on April 29, 2026. Sen. Thom Tillis [&#8230;]

DefiLlama Chain Rankings Highlight Ink’s 33% TVL Drop: What’s Behind the Drop?

Ink, the Kraken-incubated OP Stack L2, has seen its total value locked fall approximately 33% over the past week.The drop traces back to the April 18 KelpDAO rsETH exploit, which left roughly $195 million in bad debt across lending markets.Ink&#8217;s concentrated rsETH exposure through its Tydro lending markets accelerated the outflows.Ink has recorded a total value locked drop of approximately 33% over the past week and 34% to 35% over the past month, according to DefiLlama chain rankings.The