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Bitcoin Reclaimed the $70K Psychological Level Over the Weekend 

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Bitcoin reclaimed the $70,000 psychological level on Sunday (April 5–6, 2026), as broader risk assets showed signs of recovery amid easing geopolitical tensions and positive market sentiment.

Recent Price Action

On April 5, Bitcoin opened around $67,291 and climbed to a high of $69,088 before closing near $68,982. Early on April 6, it pushed above $70,000, reaching a daily high of $70,040 and trading around $69,300–$69,900 mid-day up roughly 3–4% in 24 hours.

This move followed a relatively quiet but volatile weekend, with BTC bouncing from lows near $66,600–$67,000 earlier in the week. The recovery aligned with optimism over potential de-escalation in Middle East conflicts including reports involving Iran which helped reduce oil price spikes and boosted risk appetite across markets.

The crypto market participated in the bounce: Ethereum reclaimed levels above $2,100. Other major coins showed similar gains in the 3–5% range over the period. Traditional markets also stabilized, with stock futures recovering from earlier losses tied to geopolitical headlines. Bitcoin often acts as a leading indicator or amplifier in risk-on environments, especially when macro fears ease.

Chatter around ceasefires or reduced tensions helped unwind some of the fear premium that had pressured assets downward. BTC defended key support levels in the $66,000–$68,000 zone before rebounding, with short liquidations adding fuel to the upside. Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows have remained a supportive backdrop in recent periods, though volume on this specific bounce was described as moderate in some analyses.

While reclaiming $70K is a positive short-term signal, the level has acted as resistance multiple times in 2026. Overhead supply and the need for stronger volume confirmation could lead to consolidation or a retest. Broader macro risks—such as Federal Reserve policy signals, oil price volatility, or renewed geopolitical developments—remain in play and could influence near-term direction.

Bitcoin’s performance this year has been choppy, with periods of sharp drawdowns followed by relief rallies, highlighting its sensitivity to global risk sentiment. As of now, the market appears cautiously optimistic, but sustained momentum would likely require continued positive catalysts. BTC is up ~3.75% over the past 24 hours after reclaiming the $70,000 psychological level before pulling back into consolidation.

This bounce occurred from the $66,600–$67,000 zone that held as support over the weekend, clearing a short-term bearish trendline near $67,650 on the 4H chart. A sustained break and close above $70,000 would target the $71,500–$72,000 zone quickly. Conversely, a daily close below $68,000 would open the door toward $67,000 and potentially retest the $66,000–$65,500 demand zone.

The price is currently above its 50-day and 200-day averages, which is a positive sign after the sharp February drawdown from the $126K all-time high. Buy on daily charts, but Sell on weekly reflecting the larger corrective structure from the October 2025 highs.

Hold above $69,000 and clear $70,000 decisively ? targets $71,500–$72,000. Volume on this bounce has been solid ~$35B 24h, and short liquidations are providing fuel. Failure at $70K + loss of $68,800 ? quick drop to $67,000–$66,500. A weekly close below $67,000 would shift the bias more bearish toward the $60K–$65K major demand zone that has acted as support all year.

Consolidation between $68,500–$70,000 for the next 24–48 hours as the market digests the weekend relief rally. The $70K level has flipped from resistance to potential support multiple times in 2026; a clean hold here would be the strongest bullish signal. The technical picture has improved significantly with the $70K reclaim and daily Buy signals.

But the broader 2025–2026 downtrend keeps the upside capped until BTC proves it can sustain above $72K–$75K. Watch volume and RSI for confirmation — any divergence (price higher, RSI lower) would warn of exhaustion.

Solana Foundation Partners with Project Eleven on Quantum Resistance 

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

The Solana Foundation has partnered with Project Eleven, a cryptography firm specializing in post-quantum security for digital assets, to test quantum-resistant signatures on the Solana network.

The collaboration was announced in December 2025. Project Eleven conducted a full quantum threat assessment for Solana’s infrastructure including validators, wallets, and cryptographic assumptions and deployed a functioning testnet with end-to-end post-quantum digital signatures.

This is a proactive step to prepare Solana for future quantum computers, which could break current elliptic curve cryptography like Ed25519 used in Solana and many other blockchains via algorithms such as Shor’s. Quantum computers powerful enough for this don’t exist yet at scale, but the industry is starting to harvest now, decrypt later risks seriously.

Early modeling and testnet experiments revealed a significant performance tradeoff: Signature size — Quantum-resistant signatures likely based on NIST-standardized algorithms like Dilithium, Falcon, or similar lattice-based/MLWE schemes are 20–40 times larger than Solana’s current compact signatures.

This led to roughly a 90% reduction in throughput and performance in the tested environment. Solana’s high-speed architecture; designed around small, efficient signatures and high TPS makes it particularly sensitive to these changes compared to some other chains. Public keys being exposed on-chain also means existing wallets could be retroactively vulnerable once large-scale quantum computers arrive.

Project Eleven’s CEO, Alex Pruden, and Solana Foundation representatives have described the work as an important first step toward long-term resilience, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure Solana remains secure decades into the future. Most blockchains are still early in post-quantum migration planning. Solana is one of the higher-profile networks actively testing real implementations on a testnet.

Post-quantum cryptography generally trades efficiency for security. Solutions may involve hybrid schemes (classical + post-quantum), signature aggregation, or protocol-level optimizations to mitigate the size/speed hit. This is experimental work on a testnet. Full mainnet migration, if pursued, would be a multi-year effort involving community governance, wallet updates, and careful phasing to avoid disrupting performance.

Current public-key cryptography relies on hard mathematical problems, factoring large numbers or discrete logarithms that quantum computers can solve efficiently. Post-quantum algorithms are built on different hardness assumptions believed to remain secure even against quantum attacks, such as lattice problems, hash functions, or error-correcting codes.

They are not unbreakable but are designed with conservative security margins against both classical and quantum adversaries.NIST recommends starting migration now, often via hybrid schemes (combining classical + PQC algorithms) for safety during transition. Full migration timelines for federal systems point toward deprecating vulnerable algorithms by around 2030–2035.

Secure key establishment and exchange; replaces ECDH or RSA key transport. A KEM allows one party to encapsulate (encrypt) a shared secret key that the other decapsulates. Module Learning With Errors (module-LWE) over structured lattices. This involves noisy linear equations in high-dimensional polynomial rings, which are hard to solve even for quantum computers.

Relatively small keys and ciphertexts, fast operations, easy to implement securely. Parameter sets (ML-KEM-512, -768, -1024) target security levels roughly matching AES-128/192/256. Larger than classical keys (hundreds of bytes to ~1.5 KB combined material), but practical for most protocols like TLS.

Ideal for web encryption, VPNs, secure messaging, and blockchain key exchanges. Create and verify digital signatures for authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation replaces ECDSA or Ed25519. Module-LWE and Module Short Integer Solution (module-SIS) problems on lattices. It uses a Fiat-Shamir with aborts framework; a lattice variant of Schnorr-like signatures without relying on trapdoors.

Good balance of security, performance, and size among lattice signatures. Supports randomized and deterministic modes, plus a pre-hash variant for large messages. Parameter sets target security categories 2, 3, and 5. Signatures and public keys are larger than Ed25519 typically 2–5 KB range for signatures, depending on parameters, which can impact bandwidth-heavy systems like high-TPS blockchains.

General-purpose signing for certificates, code signing, blockchain transactions, and protocols. This is the recommended primary signature scheme for most applications. The recent CoinDesk coverage highlighted these tradeoffs more prominently, sparking discussion across crypto communities about the security vs. speed dilemma.

It’s a responsible move by Solana to tackle a long-term existential risk head-on, even if the initial results underscore how difficult a seamless transition will be. Expect further iterations, optimizations, and possibly hybrid approaches as the work progresses.

US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Recorded $1.32B in Net Inflows for March 

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.32 billion in net inflows for March 2026, marking the first positive monthly figure since October 2025 and snapping a four-month streak of outflows which totaled around $6.3 billion from November 2025 through February 2026.

This reversal coincided with Bitcoin posting its first positive monthly price candle in six months, as the asset stabilized in the $66,000–$68,000 range after a roughly 50% decline from its October 2025 highs near $126,000. Despite the inflows, Q1 2026 as a whole still ended with a modest net outflow of around $500 million.

ETF assets under management (AUM) have shown notable resilience: holdings dropped only about 7% from October peaks, even as Bitcoin’s price halved. This suggests limited forced selling or panic among institutional investors during the downturn.

BlackRock’s IBIT has continued to dominate flows, though other funds like Fidelity’s FBTC have also contributed in recent periods.Early April 2026 has seen mixed but generally lighter daily flows; small net inflows or minor outflows in the $10M–$100M range on individual days, with Bitcoin trading around $67,000–$69,000 amid broader market caution.

Positive ETF flows often reflect institutional accumulation or dip-buying, especially when they occur against a backdrop of extreme fear sentiment. However, one strong month doesn’t necessarily confirm a sustained trend—analysts note it could indicate bottom-testing or stabilization rather than an immediate bull run. Broader factors like macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical developments, and stablecoin liquidity growth.

This is a noteworthy shift after months of outflows, highlighting that institutional interest in Bitcoin via ETFs has not fully evaporated despite the price correction. Bitcoin ETF inflows in March 2026 marked a clear reversal after four months of outflows totaling ~$6.3 billion. This was the first positive monthly figure since October 2025 and reflected renewed institutional buying amid Bitcoin’s price stabilization in the $66,000–$75,000 range.

Q1 2026 still closed with a modest ~$500 million net outflow overall. ETF holdings proved resilient: Bitcoin held by U.S. spot ETFs fell only 7% from 1.38 million BTC in October to a low of 1.28 million, then recovering to ~1.31 million, even as the price halved. This suggests limited forced selling and growing conviction among institutional allocators, whose average cost basis remains well above current spot prices.

Primary Drivers of the March Rebound

Analysts point to a combination of technical, macro, and behavioral factors that encouraged dip-buying by institutions (retail participation remained weak, as evidenced by a negative Coinbase Premium Index). BlackRock’s IBIT consistently led flows, with standout single-day contributions.

Bitcoin formed a base in the low-to-mid $60,000s without sharp breakdowns, creating an attractive entry for systematic and momentum-driven strategies. March delivered Bitcoin’s first positive monthly candle in six months, signaling a potential momentum shift that encouraged institutions to accumulate on dips rather than continue redeeming.

Treasury yields plateaued and markets began pricing in a steadier though still elevated interest-rate outlook. This reduced immediate liquidity fears that had weighed on risk assets earlier in Q1, allowing Bitcoin—now tightly correlated with traditional finance—to respond positively to improved risk sentiment.

Early March is a common period for asset allocators (pension funds, family offices, endowments) to deploy fresh capital during quarterly rebalancing. This created a mechanical inflow cycle distinct from retail-driven hype.

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index remained below 20 for much of the month amid Middle East geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and renewed inflation concerns. Yet inflows persisted, highlighting Bitcoin’s maturing role as a long-term portfolio diversifier rather than a speculative trade. Trading volumes eased modestly ($79 billion in March vs. $93 billion in February), but the quality of demand improved.

Post-2024 halving issuance remains constrained. ETF purchases mechanically tighten available float by removing Bitcoin from circulation, amplifying price impact from even moderate inflows. Momentum Slowing but Still PositiveFlows have moderated but remain net positive so far ~$69.6 million in the first few days of April as of early reporting.

Daily swings continue—e.g., $174 million outflows on April 1 followed by smaller inflows—reflecting ongoing caution. Bitcoin has stayed range-bound ($67,000–$75,000), with geopolitical risks still capping upside conviction. Gold ETFs, by contrast, have seen far stronger year-to-date flows, underscoring Bitcoin’s relative volatility even as institutions return.

This rebound does not yet confirm a full bull resumption—April’s lighter pace shows the trend remains fragile and sensitive to macro shocks. Sustained daily inflows above ~$100–200 million would be needed to build conviction and push prices higher. Key upcoming catalysts include geopolitical de-escalation, clearer Fed signals on rates, or further on-chain accumulation by custodians.

March’s inflows were driven primarily by institutional re-entry at perceived value levels, aided by macro steadiness and technical basing—rather than euphoria. This marks a maturation in how institutions approach Bitcoin via ETFs: buying fear, not FOMO.

 

Charles Schwab Plans to Launch Spot Trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum 

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Charles Schwab has confirmed plans to launch spot trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in the first half of 2026, with a limited rollout starting as early as Q2 potentially by the end of June.

The offering will come through a new dedicated Schwab Crypto account, provided via its banking subsidiary; Charles Schwab Premier Bank. This keeps crypto holdings separate from traditional brokerage accounts which have SIPC protection.

Schwab has opened a waitlist for early access. Initially, it will be available only to U.S. residents excluding New York and Louisiana at launch, with eligibility requirements for qualifying clients. The rollout begins in a limited fashion and will expand later.

Schwab, which manages over $12 trillion in client assets and serves tens of millions of accounts, already offers indirect crypto exposure through: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs/ETFs, Crypto-related stocks, Futures for approved accounts. This move adds direct spot buying and selling of BTC and ETH, integrating crypto more deeply into a mainstream brokerage platform.

It follows similar steps by other traditional finance players and signals growing institutional and retail integration of cryptocurrencies. CEO Rick Wurster and company statements have emphasized staying on track for the H1 2026 timeline, driven by client demand. This is a notable development in the ongoing convergence of TradFi and crypto.

Crypto remains volatile and not suitable for all investors—consider your risk tolerance and do your own research. Many clients already use Schwab for stocks, ETFs, and other investments. Adding spot crypto in one platform reduces the need to transfer funds to external exchanges.

Crypto assets will be held in cold wallets for security, but the lack of traditional protections may limit adoption among risk-averse or conservative investors. A waitlist is open for early access. Schwab reported strong client interest, including a surge in traffic to its crypto education pages.

With ~$12 trillion in client assets and tens of millions of accounts, even modest adoption could bring hundreds of thousands of new direct holders and significant new money into BTC and ETH. This move by a major traditional brokerage further embeds crypto into conventional finance, potentially increasing confidence and long-term holding among non-crypto-native investors.

Announcements like this often contribute to positive sentiment and can act as a catalyst for price moves or increased volatility around the launch window. Analysts see it as bullish for BTC and ETH specifically. Schwab already offers BTC/ETH ETFs, futures, and related stocks—spot trading adds direct ownership without fully displacing ETFs.

Schwab’s scale and trusted brand could draw retail users away, especially if it offers competitive fees. This accelerates the blending of TradFi and crypto. It follows similar moves by rivals like Fidelity and signals more traditional firms entering direct spot trading. This could normalize crypto as a standard asset class in brokerage accounts.

Helps bridge the gap for everyday investors who prefer regulated, familiar platforms over decentralized or specialized exchanges. It may encourage further product innovation, such as Schwab’s hinted stablecoin plans. No SIPC/FDIC coverage, state restrictions, and the need for a separate account could slow uptake.

Technical or rollout delays are possible since Schwab is building systems internally. Crypto remains high-risk; direct spot trading exposes users to full price swings without the indirect exposure of ETFs. The launch benefits from a more crypto-friendly U.S. environment but still operates under existing rules.

Overall, this is viewed as a major step in institutional and retail mainstream adoption, deepening the convergence of traditional finance with crypto. It won’t transform the market overnight but adds credibility and accessibility at a massive scale.

Wall Street’s New Alpha Gold Mine is The Data Locked Inside Their Own Walls – BlackRock VP

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

For years, the savviest hedge funds and asset managers carved out an advantage by tapping so-called alternative data, credit-card receipts, cellphone-tracked foot traffic, satellite images of parking lots, and crop fields that traditional market feeds could never provide.

That edge has now largely disappeared. The information once considered exotic has become table stakes, available to almost anyone willing to pay the right data vendor.

The new frontier for alpha, according to senior executives at some of the world’s largest money managers, lies inside their own organizations: decades of internal research notes, email threads, meeting transcripts, trade rationales, and the accumulated wisdom of veteran portfolio managers and analysts.

Speaking on a panel at the Future Alpha conference in New York on Tuesday, Jacob Bowers, vice president of quantitative research at BlackRock, said: “AI is great at structuring unstructured data,” and “some of the best unstructured data you have is internal.”

Bowers noted that the publicly accessible data that was once cutting-edge is now “commoditized” by AI. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $14 trillion in assets under management, has already begun deploying internal AI agents to scour past communications between investment professionals and old reports on opportunities in search of potential investment signals that competitors cannot access.

The idea of mining internal data goes back years. A 2019 report from consultancy Opimas predicted that large funds might one day sell portions of their proprietary data libraries to generate additional revenue. Robert Frey, a former managing director at Renaissance Technologies who now runs a fund of funds, told Business Insider at the time that his old firm’s biggest advantage was its “massive data library” gathered over decades of trading.

What has changed is the technology. Advances in large language models have made it far easier, and far more powerful, to extract meaningful patterns from the messy, unstructured troves of information that sit inside long-running asset managers.

At Balyasny Asset Management, which oversees about $33 billion, quant Andrew Gelfand said the firm had previously tried to monetize unstructured data within its systems, but recent AI advances have made the effort much more fruitful. The firm now requires analysts to type their research and notes into a centralized portal that his team can access, giving the AI models “reams of text to sift through for potential investment signals.”

Mike Daylamani, who runs a team that blends fundamental and systematic investing at Engineers Gate, stressed the importance of high-quality input.

“You need the feedstock to be high quality,” he said, referring to the data feeds quants use to build their models. He added a broader reflection on the nature of the business itself: “At the end of the day, this is a creative endeavor.”

The shift represents a quiet but profound change in how sophisticated investors hunt for an edge. Public alternative data sets have become so widely adopted that they no longer reliably deliver outperformance. Large language models can now scrape and synthesize enormous volumes of publicly available information almost instantly, further eroding any remaining advantage there.

What remains truly proprietary, and nearly impossible for outsiders to replicate, is the institutional memory, the failed investment theses, the off-the-record conversations, and the nuanced reasoning that seasoned professionals have accumulated over years or decades.

This internal data is often scattered across email servers, shared drives, compliance archives, and forgotten folders. Modern AI tools, however, excel at exactly this kind of problem: turning chaotic text, voice notes, and documents into structured, searchable intelligence.

Funds that can effectively organize and interrogate their own history gain something no vendor can sell: context-specific knowledge shaped by their own investment philosophy, risk tolerances, and hard-won lessons from past mistakes.

The challenge, several speakers noted, is maintaining the quality of that “feedstock.” AI agents are insatiable and constantly need fresh, high-caliber input to keep pace with evolving markets. Without continuous contributions from top analysts and portfolio managers, the models risk learning from stale or mediocre thinking.

For an industry that spent the past decade chasing ever-more-obscure external data sets, the realization that the richest untapped vein may lie inside their own walls marks a significant pivot. Analysts believe the winners in the coming years may not be those with the biggest alternative data budgets, but those who best preserve, organize, and mine the collective wisdom already sitting on their servers.

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