<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Bitcoin Today - Bitcoin News Curated and Powered by AI</title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app</link> <description>Get daily updates on Bitcoin's price, market trends, analysis, and breaking news curated and powered by AI - all digestible in minutes. Make BitcoinToday.app your one-stop shop for staying informed in the fast-paced world of Bitcoin.</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:42:21 GMT</lastBuildDate> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <generator>https://github.com/jpmonette/feed</generator> <language>en</language> <image> <title>Bitcoin Today - Bitcoin News Curated and Powered by AI</title> <url>https://www.bitcointoday.app/images/logo-512.png</url> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app</link> </image> <copyright>All rights reserved 2024, BitcoinToday.app</copyright> <category>Bitcoin News</category> <item> <title><![CDATA[Wall Street Titans Mastercard, BlackRock & Franklin Templeton Are Exploring the XRP Ledger – DeFi Goes Mainstream!]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/wall-street-titans-mastercard-blackrock-franklin-templeton-are-exploring-the-xrp-ledger-defi-goes-mainstream</link> <guid>wall-street-titans-mastercard-blackrock-franklin-templeton-are-exploring-the-xrp-ledger-defi-goes-mainstream</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:01:08 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Mastercard, BlackRock & Franklin Templeton Turn to XRP Ledger as DeFi Goes Mainstream As decentralized finance (DeFi) matures into the connective tissue of modern finance, the focus is moving from experimentation to real-world use, and institutional interest is accelerating. Odelia Torteman, a FinTech and Digital Finance Specialist at the World Bank, says global players including **Mastercard, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton** are now exploring the XRP Ledger as part of their expanding digital asset strategies. At the Digital Assets Forum 2026, Odelia Torteman recast DeFi as more than a niche experiment, describing it as the “middleware” quietly powering the next phase of global finance, an invisible layer enabling seamless value transfer across borders and asset classes. Within that shift, she highlighted the **XRP Ledger as purpose-built for cross-asset, transparent payments**, calling it a clear signal of what real-world adoption looks like. The data backs it up. Real-world asset (RWA) activity on the XRP Ledger has jumped **875%**, with total value nearing **$2.5 billion**. This kind of growth points to more than market hype, it signals accelerating institutional adoption of tokenized assets, from bonds to commodities, moving directly on-chain. For major financial players, the value proposition is clear: faster settlement, lower costs, and a level of transparency traditional systems struggle to match. ## XRP Ledger Gains Ground as Global Finance Heavyweights Lean In Momentum is no longer confined to traditional finance. In Asia, a leading Japanese travel firm is reportedly moving to integrate prepaid payment systems onto the XRP Ledger, tapping into a domestic market worth roughly **¥30 trillion**. If executed, the initiative could push blockchain payments into everyday transactions, bringing digital assets out of the margins and into real-world commerce. What makes this moment different is the alignment of two forces that rarely moved in sync, pertaining to infrastructure and institutional intent. For years, blockchain networks promised disruption but struggled to win over established players. Now, as DeFi matures and regulatory clarity begins to take shape, that hesitation is giving way to measured, strategic adoption. The participation of firms such as **Mastercard, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton** signals that the XRP Ledger is moving beyond the margins of crypto into mainstream financial relevance. It is increasingly being viewed as infrastructure for tokenized finance, with the capacity to support everything from cross-border payments to large-scale asset issuance. If decentralized finance does evolve into the “middleware” of global markets, as Torteman suggests, then networks like the XRP Ledger could become the unseen backbone of that system, quietly powering transactions at scale while remaining largely invisible to end users.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>xrp</category> <category>defi</category> <category>institutionaladoption</category> <category>tokenization</category> <category>blockchain</category> <enclosure url="https://res.coinpaper.com/coinpaper/image/upload/v1776705501/X1_2afa307674.webp" length="0" type="image/webp"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Ripple's $108 Million XRP Transfer to Coinbase: Strategic Move or North Star Exit?]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/ripples-108-million-xrp-transfer-to-coinbase-strategic-move-or-north-star-exit</link> <guid>ripples-108-million-xrp-transfer-to-coinbase-strategic-move-or-north-star-exit</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:01:09 GMT</pubDate> <description>< A significant transaction has been recorded on the crypto market, where **75 million XRP**, valued at approximately **$108 million** at current rates, was transferred from **Ripple wallets** to the **Coinbase exchange**. Despite the scale and nature of the transfer, experts caution against hastily labeling it as a "sell-off," suggesting instead that it should be viewed through the lens of Ripple's updated business model. According to **Whale Alert** and **XRPWallets**, the funds passed through a chain of Ripple sub-wallets before part of them was deposited on Coinbase. The transaction occurred while **XRP is trading around $1.44**. The chart shows some pressure; however, the asset is holding key support levels. ## Why the $108 Million Coinbase Move Supports Ripple's "North Star" Strategy The transfer coincided with recent statements from Ripple management that **XRP remains the "North Star" of their ecosystem**. Therefore, instead of classic dumping, experts see this movement as **market depth management**. The transaction also aligns with **local accumulation in spot XRP ETFs**. Since April 10, each day has ended with inflows totaling **$67.47 million**. Large transfers to Coinbase may be linked to the exchange's role as an **authorized participant or custodian**. In this case, **Ripple is not "selling" its North Star**, but supplying the market with the necessary volume of the asset to avoid price gaps during the execution of large fund orders. In addition, in 2026, as Ripple actively integrates its services with institutional custodians, **Coinbase often acts as a "hub" for distributing XRP into ODL (On-Demand Liquidity) corridors**. Most likely, what we are seeing is not an exit to cash, but a **refueling of the "fuel tank" for large institutional maneuvers**.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>ripple</category> <category>xrp</category> <category>coinbase</category> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <category>etf</category> <enclosure url="https://u.today/sites/default/files/styles/twitterwithoutlogo/public/2026-04/101488.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[XRP's Weekend Plunge: Is This the End of the Rally or Just a Temporary Setback?]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/xrps-weekend-plunge-is-this-the-end-of-the-rally-or-just-a-temporary-setback</link> <guid>xrps-weekend-plunge-is-this-the-end-of-the-rally-or-just-a-temporary-setback</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:01:09 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[**XRP (CRYPTO: XRP)** surged past **$1.50 on April 17**, marking its first breakthrough since March and signaling what appeared to be a genuine breakout. The rally was fueled by significant catalysts: the **Rakuten Wallet launch in Japan**, the **Ripple-Kyobo Life deal in Korea**, and the strongest **XRP ETF inflows since February**. However, the weekend brought a sharp reversal. ## What Happened to XRP Over the Weekend Friday showcased XRP's potential, with the token hitting **$1.51** and closing the week **outperforming both Bitcoin and Ethereum**. But the situation shifted dramatically when **Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday**, causing oil prices to jump 7% and Bitcoin to slip to around **$74,000**. The entire crypto market pulled back, and XRP dropped roughly **6% from Friday's high**, trading around **$1.43 as of Monday, April 20**. ## Why This Pullback Looks Different From Every Other One This Year Previous XRP rallies in 2026 typically saw the crypto drop back to the **$1.28-$1.30 range within 48 hours of peaking**. For instance, the March 17 spike to **$1.60** faded quickly, and the April 7 pump on ceasefire news pulled back within a day. Both times, XRP lost the **50-day moving average at $1.40**. **This time is different.** XRP is still trading around **$1.43 more than 60 hours after Friday's high**, holding above the 50-day moving average and retaining about half the week's gains. Unlike prior rallies that merely **rode Bitcoin's momentum**, this one is driven by **XRP's own fundamentals**: the Rakuten Wallet launch reaching 44 million Japanese users, the Ripple-Kyobo Life deal, and the launch of **wrapped XRP on Solana**, enabling use in Solana's DeFi apps without selling. Additionally, **large wallets have been buying more than 11 million XRP a day on average over the past month**, the highest pace in 10 months, indicating strong holder confidence despite geopolitical tensions. ## What Monday's Open Decides for XRP's Week Ahead The weekend tested XRP at **$1.43**, and the week ahead will determine if it holds. Monday opens with **Hormuz still closed, oil climbing, and Bitcoin at $75,000**. If BTC loses that level, pressure could return and unravel last week's rally. But if it holds, **XRP's $1.43 price has a real shot at sticking**. Key events this week include the **April 22 ceasefire expiry**. If it lapses without extension, the crypto market could suffer. An extension would give XRP's recovery room to breathe. Later, the **CLARITY Act markup and FOMC meeting** close out the month. XRP doesn't need all catalysts to succeed; one—a ceasefire extension, CLARITY Act date, or softer Fed tone—could prevent a collapse. ## Is the XRP Rally Done? Here's the Honest Take We believe **XRP's rally isn't over**, but this week is critical. For the first time in a while, bad news hasn't pulled XRP back to **$1.28-$1.30**. The **50-day moving average at $1.40 is holding**, signaling this rally's uniqueness. If XRP closes the week above **$1.40**, the rally stays intact, potentially retesting **$1.50**. A ceasefire extension past April 22 would ease macro pressure, and a firm CLARITY Act markup date before May could attract institutional buyers. Either scenario could spark another rally toward **$1.60 or higher** in coming weeks.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>xrp</category> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <category>marketanalysis</category> <category>altcoins</category> <category>trading</category> <enclosure url="https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/shutterstock_2380984099.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Bitcoin's Resilience Shines as Geopolitical Tensions Escalate: A Deep Dive into Market Reactions]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/bitcoins-resilience-shines-as-geopolitical-tensions-escalate-a-deep-dive-into-market-reactions</link> <guid>bitcoins-resilience-shines-as-geopolitical-tensions-escalate-a-deep-dive-into-market-reactions</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:01:09 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Bitcoin's Resilience Amid Geopolitical Tensions Bitcoin is demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of renewed geopolitical risks, absorbing shocks better than traditional assets like oil and equities. On Monday morning, Bitcoin traded at **$74,335**, experiencing a modest **1.6% pullback** over 24 hours but still up **4.8%** for the week. This comes after Iran reimposed controls on the **Strait of Hormuz** over the weekend, following a U.S. Navy seizure of an Iranian ship. ### Market Movements Across Assets While Bitcoin showed relative stability, other assets reacted more sharply: - **Ether** slipped 2.6% to $2,272 - **Solana** fell 1.5% to $84 - **BNB** held flat at $618 - **Brent crude** jumped **5.7%** to $95.50 a barrel - **European natural gas futures** surged as much as **11%** - **S&P 500 futures** fell 0.6% - **European equity futures** indicated a **1.2% drop** at the open - **Gold** fell 0.8% to $4,790 - The **U.S. dollar** edged up as traditional war-hedge demand returned ### The Geopolitical Context The weekend flare-up reversed a three-week unwind of war risk premium. Iran had declared the Strait "completely open" on Friday, prompting the S&P 500's record close and a broad rally across emerging markets. By Sunday morning, tensions escalated with threats from former President Trump and signals from Tehran that it may skip further talks while the U.S. maintains its naval blockade. ### A Pattern of Diminishing Reactions This marks the **fourth major Iran-related risk event** that cryptocurrencies have absorbed since the conflict began. Notably, the pattern shows **shrinking sell-offs** with each successive escalation. Earlier events produced sharper drawdowns in Bitcoin, but this latest incident saw a more muted reaction, even as oil and equities continued to price each headline fresh. ### Implications for Bitcoin's Role The divergence suggests that **crypto has largely finished pricing the geopolitical tail risk** that traditional markets are still reacting to. This could be because: 1. Holders who were going to sell on Iran headlines have already sold 2. The **spot ETF bid** has become a more reliable floor than the futures-driven weekend gaps that defined earlier cycles ### What Traders Are Watching Key factors to monitor through the U.S. session include: - Whether the **10-year Treasury yield** holding near 4.27% and the dollar bid pull Bitcoin lower through the risk-parity channel - Whether the **equity correlation** that dominated Q1 loosens on a day when the driver is explicitly geopolitical rather than macro-liquidity ### Critical Price Levels If Bitcoin holds **$74,000** through the European open and the Strait of Hormuz situation deteriorates further, the asset's emerging reputation as a **geopolitical shock absorber** gains another data point. However, if the move extends below **$73,000** on any incremental Iran headline, the shrinking-sell-off thesis breaks. ### Broader Market Context The article also mentions that Strategy purchased **34,164 Bitcoin** for about **$2.54 billion** last week at an average price of $74,395 per coin. The company has spent roughly **$61.56 billion** on its Bitcoin holdings at an average cost of $75,527 per coin.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>geopolitics</category> <category>marketanalysis</category> <category>resilience</category> <category>institutional</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s3y3vcno/production/ccb0a7f8972de23193d198e8aacaf34f5df00b00-1920x1440.jpg?auto=format&w=960&h=540&crop=focalpoint&fit=clip&q=75&fm=jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[SpaceX IPO: Could This Historic Event Send Bitcoin to the Moon?]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/spacex-ipo-could-this-historic-event-send-bitcoin-to-the-moon</link> <guid>spacex-ipo-could-this-historic-event-send-bitcoin-to-the-moon</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:01:09 GMT</pubDate> <description>< For now, arguably the best template for a tech company hoarding Bitcoin is **Block, Inc.**, the fintech company formerly known as Square. The company holds 8,883 BTC on its balance sheet. But Block, even though it's helmed by tech visionary Jack Dorsey, is not big enough to really move the needle. Bitcoin needs a **"Magnificent Seven" company**—or a company with the same size and heft as a Magnificent Seven company—to embrace crypto as a treasury asset. And that's exactly the role that SpaceX could fill, if it is indeed valued at $1.75 trillion, as many now expect. If the SpaceX IPO leads to sustained buying of crypto by companies across the tech sector, it could send Bitcoin soaring. ## Elon Musk and Dogecoin But let's think out of the box as well. It's easy to see how the meme coin **Dogecoin** could also get a boost. In the past, Musk has been a high-profile DOGE supporter, and any social media mentions of Dogecoin going to outer space with SpaceX might light a rocket fire under the meme coin. That might sound like a flight of fancy, except that it has already happened. In the past, Musk has suggested that Dogecoin might become the first interplanetary currency. And he has suggested that future moon missions might be paid for entirely with Dogecoin. ## SpaceX "Scam Coins" Finally, there's the dark underbelly of the crypto world: scam coins. Inevitably, crypto tokens are going to launch, claiming to be backed by SpaceX. Already, for example, a coin called SpaceXCoin has launched and attained a $100,000 market cap. Unfortunately, that means at least $100,000 of wealth is going to be wiped out, because these coins tend to be nothing more than pump-and-dump schemes. Right now, there is no official SpaceX crypto token, so buyer beware. ## Bitcoin to the Moon? For now, the only crypto worth keeping an eye on is Bitcoin. Once people realize how much Bitcoin SpaceX holds, it might encourage other companies to add Bitcoin to their balance sheets. As a result, I'm fully expecting Bitcoin to blast higher to stratospheric new levels, and it's going to do so thanks to the rocket fuel supplied by SpaceX.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>spacex</category> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>ipo</category> <category>dogecoin</category> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <enclosure url="https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F865754%2Fmoon-businessmen.jpg&w=1200&op=resize" length="0" type="image//image/"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Ray Dalio's AI Stock Picks: How the Billionaire Investor Is Betting on the Future of Artificial Intelligence]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/ray-dalios-ai-stock-picks-how-the-billionaire-investor-is-betting-on-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence</link> <guid>ray-dalios-ai-stock-picks-how-the-billionaire-investor-is-betting-on-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:01:08 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Billionaire investor Ray Dalio built **Bridgewater Associates** into one of the most successful hedge funds in history, overseeing roughly **$150 billion in assets** at its peak and earning a reputation as one of Wall Street’s top macro thinkers. While Bridgewater is best known for its diversified, risk-balanced portfolio construction, the firm’s latest equity holdings reveal a growing conviction in the major long-term theme of **artificial intelligence**. Bridgewater has built meaningful positions in four technology companies tied to different parts of the AI ecosystem, including **NVIDIA** (NASDAQ:NVDA), **Lam Research** (NASDAQ:LRCX), **Salesforce** (NYSE:CRM), and **Alphabet** (NASDAQ:GOOGL). Here’s why Bridgewater is betting big on each and what investors should know about these companies. ## NVIDIA Remains Bridgewater’s Largest AI Bet Bridgewater’s biggest individual technology holding is **NVIDIA Corporation**, which makes up roughly **2.6% of the firm’s portfolio** after the fund increased its position by more than 54% last quarter. The move signals growing conviction in the company still viewed as the clear leader in **AI chip infrastructure**. The business continues to deliver exceptional growth. NVIDIA reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue of $68.13 billion, up 73% year over year, while data center revenue climbed to $62.31 billion. CEO Jensen Huang described the current moment as an “Agentic AI inflection point.” NVIDIA’s Q1 FY27 guidance of approximately $78B in revenue suggests demand remains extremely strong despite concerns around an eventual slowdown. For Bridgewater, NVIDIA represents the highest-conviction pure-play AI infrastructure bet in the portfolio. While shares are up 77% over the past year, Bridgewater’s aggressive buying suggests the firm believes the long-term AI runway remains far from over. ## Lam Research Gives Bridgewater Exposure to the Semiconductor Supply Chain Bridgewater’s second-largest individual technology position is **Lam Research Corporation**, which accounts for **roughly 1.9% of the portfolio** despite the fund trimming the position by about 12% last quarter. Lam Research may not receive as much attention as NVIDIA, but it plays a critical role in the semiconductor ecosystem by manufacturing the equipment used to produce advanced chips. As AI demand drives more semiconductor production globally, companies like Lam stand to benefit from rising manufacturing investment. CEO Tim Archer called the AI infrastructure buildout a “sustained multi-year growth catalyst.” Lam’s stock has risen 56.35% year to date and 299.05% over the past year, suggesting the market is pricing in that multi-year runway aggressively. The company recently reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 revenue of $5.34 billion, up 22% year over year. Although Bridgewater reduced its stake modestly, the firm maintaining such a large position suggests it still sees significant upside in the broader semiconductor buildout. ## Salesforce Represents a More Contrarian AI Software Play Bridgewater also holds a sizable position in **Salesforce**, which makes up **approximately 1.8% of the portfolio** after the fund trimmed its holdings slightly during the quarter. Unlike NVIDIA and Lam Research, Salesforce gives Bridgewater exposure to the software side of the AI theme. The company has been aggressively rolling out its Agentforce platform, which helps enterprises deploy AI-powered digital workers and automation tools. Momentum appears strong so far. Salesforce reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings per share of $3.81, beating estimates, while Agentforce annual recurring revenue surged 169% year over year to $800 million. The company beat Q4 FY26 EPS estimates, with Agentforce ARR reaching $800M, up 169% YoY, and 29,000 deals closed. Management raised its FY30 revenue target to $63B and authorized a new $50B buyback program. Despite that strength, CRM shares trade at about $180 after falling 30% year to date, which represents significant upside to analysts’ consensus price target of $273.73. What may make Salesforce particularly attractive today is valuation. Shares remain well below recent highs despite improving fundamentals, potentially giving investors a more reasonably priced way to gain exposure to enterprise AI adoption. ## Alphabet Adds Cloud and AI Platform Exposure Finally, Bridgewater maintains a major position in **Alphabet Inc.**, with the stock representing **roughly 1.8% of the portfolio** even after the fund reduced its holdings by 40% last quarter. Despite the trim, Alphabet remains one of Bridgewater’s larger technology bets and gives the portfolio exposure to both cloud computing and consumer-facing AI applications. Google Cloud revenue jumped 48% year over year to $17.66 billion in the company’s most recent quarter, while the Gemini app has reportedly surpassed 750 million monthly active users. Alphabet also plans to spend between $175 billion and $185 billion in capital expenditures during 2026 as it continues investing heavily in AI infrastructure. Even after trimming the stake, Bridgewater’s sizable position suggests the firm still sees Alphabet as one of the strongest long-term beneficiaries of the AI and cloud computing boom.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>investing</category> <category>stocks</category> <category>raydalio</category> <category>technology</category> <enclosure url="https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/imageforentry5-blv.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Liz Truss Sounds Alarm on UK Economic Decline, Champions Bitcoin as a Solution]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/liz-truss-sounds-alarm-on-uk-economic-decline-champions-bitcoin-as-a-solution</link> <guid>liz-truss-sounds-alarm-on-uk-economic-decline-champions-bitcoin-as-a-solution</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:01:08 GMT</pubDate> <description><]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>uk</category> <category>economy</category> <category>politics</category> <category>debasement</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s3y3vcno/production/79097322f32ca491b677089ab91e16060a93ae23-5392x3592.jpg?auto=format&w=960&h=540&crop=focalpoint&fit=clip&q=75&fm=jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Quantum Computers Could Steal Your Bitcoin in Just 9 Minutes – Here's How]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/quantum-computers-could-steal-your-bitcoin-in-just-9-minutes-heres-how</link> <guid>quantum-computers-could-steal-your-bitcoin-in-just-9-minutes-heres-how</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:01:08 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[In Part 1 of this series, we explored the fundamentals of quantum computing. Now, we dive into the target: **Bitcoin's encryption**, why a quantum algorithm can break it, and how Google's recent paper has shifted the timeline. ### The One-Way Map of Bitcoin Security Bitcoin relies on **elliptic curve cryptography** to secure ownership. Each wallet has two keys: a **private key** (a secret 256-digit number) and a **public key** derived from it via a mathematical operation on the curve "secp256k1." Think of this as a one-way map: starting from a known point G, your private key determines a number of steps, ending at your public key K. While calculating K from the private key is easy, reversing this to find the private key from K is the **elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem**—estimated to take classical computers longer than the age of the universe. This one-way trapdoor is Bitcoin's security foundation. Your private key proves ownership without being revealed, and your public key is safe to share. ### How Shor's Algorithm Breaks the Trapdoor In 1994, mathematician Peter Shor discovered a **quantum algorithm** that efficiently solves the discrete logarithm problem. It works by finding the period of a function related to the elliptic curve, using quantum properties like **superposition**, **entanglement**, and **interference**. By evaluating all possible inputs simultaneously and filtering out wrong answers, Shor's algorithm can derive a private key from a public key in polynomial time, making what was once impossible feasible. ### Why Bitcoin Remains Secure Today Despite Shor's algorithm being known for over 30 years, running it requires a **quantum computer with enough stable qubits**. Previous estimates suggested millions of qubits, but Google's recent paper, with contributions from the Ethereum Foundation and Stanford, reduced this to **fewer than 500,000**. The paper details circuits using about 1,200-1,450 logical qubits and millions of Toffoli gates, with a high ratio of physical to logical qubits due to error correction needs. ### The Nine-Minute Attack Window Google's paper introduces a practical attack scenario. By precomputing parts of Shor's algorithm based on public curve parameters, a quantum computer can be primed to finish the calculation in about **nine minutes** once a target public key appears. With Bitcoin's average block time of 10 minutes, this gives an attacker a **roughly 41% chance** to steal funds from a transaction in the mempool before it confirms. More concerning is the **6.9 million Bitcoin** (about one-third of the supply) in wallets where public keys are already exposed on the blockchain. These are vulnerable to an "at-rest" attack with no time pressure. Since Taproot's privacy upgrade in November 2021, public keys for newer transactions are visible, while older addresses expose them upon spending, triggering the nine-minute race. What this means for exposed Bitcoin, Taproot's impact, and the hardware progress will be covered in the final part of this series.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>quantumcomputing</category> <category>bitcoinsecurity</category> <category>cryptography</category> <category>shoralgorithm</category> <category>blockchain</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s3y3vcno/production/701a2df2a038e65d0dd59a68d97e28340b9398e1-1080x1080.jpg?auto=format&w=960&h=540&crop=focalpoint&fit=clip&q=75&fm=jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Tom Lee's Bold Ethereum Prediction: $62,500 by 2030 – Is It Realistic?]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/tom-lees-bold-ethereum-prediction-62-500-by-2030-is-it-realistic</link> <guid>tom-lees-bold-ethereum-prediction-62-500-by-2030-is-it-realistic</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:01:29 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Crypto investors have watched **Ethereum** (CRYPTO:ETH) trade in a narrow range near $2,362 while Bitcoin hovers around $76,000 and institutional money quietly builds positions in digital assets. Adoption metrics keep climbing — stablecoins on Ethereum now handle trillions in annual volume, and layer-2 networks process thousands of transactions per second. Yet price action feels stuck. That disconnect sets the stage for **BitMine Immersion Technologies** (NYSE:BMNR) chairman Tom Lee's long-term call. In a presentation at the Paris Blockchain Week 2026 conference, Lee lays out a clear path for Ethereum to reach a $62,500 fair value by 2030. He first outlined the framework last September and has stood by the numbers since. ## Decoding the Numbers Lee's forecast rests on **Bitcoin** (CRYPTO:BTC), or three ETH-to-BTC ratio benchmarks, to be precise. The eight-year average ratio sits at 0.0479, but today, the actual ratio has tumbled to 0.0320 — 33% below that long-term norm. At its peak in 2021, Ethereum's ratio reached 0.0873. Lee believes Ethereum's current price range is a consolidation phase that it is just breaking out of. Previous breakouts occurred between 2016 and 2017, when ETH went from $6 to $1,366, a 227x increase, and 2019 to 2021, when ETH rose 54x to $4,626. He sees tokenization and agentic AI causing the next breakout. Lee anchors everything to Fundstrat's $250,000 Bitcoin target. Plug in the average ratio and you get roughly $12,000 Ethereum. Hit the 2021 high and the price climbs to about $22,000. Those are the base and bull cases. The ultra-bull scenario of Bitcoin going to $1 million delivers Ethereum to $62,500, but requires the ratio to expand to 0.25. Simply put, Lee's prediction translates historical ratios into dollar targets without hype. It's just an equation: ratio times Bitcoin price equals Ethereum price. As you can see, the $62,500 call is the outlier requiring a Goldilocks scenario. ## The Factors Behind Lee's 2030 Outlook However, two drivers stand out. First, Ethereum's role as the settlement layer for Wall Street and AI infrastructure. Lee notes that the majority of stablecoin creation already happens on Ethereum, giving it a head start as financial institutions tokenize real-world assets. Second comes the "replacement-cost" lens. Global payment rails and traditional banking infrastructure carry enormous overhead. Ethereum's ability to handle settlement at fractions of that cost implies a much higher equilibrium value. When the ratio hits 0.25, the implied price lands at $62,500. Lee ties this to broader crypto trends: Bitcoin captures the store-of-value narrative while Ethereum powers the productive side — staking yields, layer-2 scaling, and on-chain finance. BitMine itself demonstrates the thesis in action by holding millions of ETH tokens and generating weekly staking revenue that compounds as the network grows. The data indicates Ethereum is not just another altcoin; it functions as digital infrastructure with measurable utility. ## Weighing Feasibility by 2030 Granted, $62,500 from today's $2,362 represents a 26-fold increase in roughly four years. While crypto history includes similar moves — Ethereum itself has seen such melt ups before — past performance never guarantees future results. Lee acknowledged the gap existing between the current 0.0432 ratio and the required 0.25, as that jump demands sustained institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and continued network upgrades. Bitcoin would also need to reach Lee's $250,000 mark on schedule. That said, there is precedent: Ethereum has staged V-shaped recoveries after each of its eight major drawdowns since 2018. Volatility, though, remains the biggest risk. A prolonged "mini-crypto winter," tighter regulation, or slower layer-2 uptake could keep the ratio compressed. Still, the core logic holds: if Ethereum captures even a slice of the global financial plumbing, the replacement-cost math works. Lee's $62,500 target by 2030 is ambitious but grounded in specific ratio data and Ethereum's infrastructure edge. Lee is confident in history repeating itself. BitMine has bought Ethereum throughout its crashes and consolidations. Last week, it reported owning 4.875 million ETH tokens, or more than 4% of the total ETH supply of 120.7 million. That puts BitMine 81% of the way to its "Alchemy of 5%" goal. Yet, BitMine also suffers staggering losses on every crypto decline. It just reported a quarterly loss of $3.8 billion, primarily due to unrealized losses from the decline in Ethereum's price. And because it has gone nearly all-in on ETH, the stock carries substantial single-asset risk. Smart investors won't do the same. Instead, they should limit their exposure and not allow BitMine stock to become too large of a position in their portfolio. Of course, the best option just might be to buy ETH itself. Cut out the middleman and all the inherent risk that comes with it.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>ethereum</category> <category>bitmine</category> <category>tomlee</category> <category>cryptoprediction</category> <category>investmentanalysis</category> <enclosure url="https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/shutterstock-1977165767-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[XRP's Bleak Future: Why This Analyst Predicts a Drop to $1 by 2026]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/xrps-bleak-future-why-this-analyst-predicts-a-drop-to-1-by-2026</link> <guid>xrps-bleak-future-why-this-analyst-predicts-a-drop-to-1-by-2026</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:01:10 GMT</pubDate> <description>< *Image source: Getty Images.* ## XRP is not gaining traction as a bridge currency XRP serves as the native digital asset on the **XRP Ledger**, a blockchain designed for faster and cheaper cross-border transactions compared to the **SWIFT** messaging system. While SWIFT dominates international wire transfers, it often involves high fees and slow settlement times. In contrast, the XRP blockchain processes payments in seconds with negligible fees. **Ripple**, a fintech company, leverages XRP as a bridge currency in its **Ripple Payments ODL** platform, converting fiat to XRP for transfers and back at the destination. Last year, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse projected that XRP would capture 14% of SWIFT's market share by 2030, potentially handling $21 trillion in annual volume and boosting demand. However, XRP transaction volume has remained stagnant over the past year, indicating limited adoption by businesses. The volatility of cryptocurrencies like XRP makes them less appealing compared to **stablecoins** such as **USDT** and **USDC**. Ripple's introduction of **Ripple USD (RLUSD)** has not significantly impacted XRP's usage, as RLUSD faces stiff competition from more established stablecoins. ## Spot XRP ETFs have not moved the needle Spot XRP ETFs, which track XRP's price, were expected to be a major catalyst by providing an easy investment avenue. The SEC has approved six such ETFs, but they have failed to drive growth since their launch late last year. In fact, XRP has declined 42% in 2026 despite these funds. Daily net inflows to spot XRP ETFs have trended downward, with assets under management at $1 billion—only about 1.2% of XRP's $81 billion market cap. In comparison, **Bitcoin** has seen a 23% decline year-to-date, with spot Bitcoin ETFs holding $95 billion in AUM, representing 6.4% of its $1.4 trillion market value. This disparity suggests weaker institutional interest in XRP compared to Bitcoin. The overall picture is clear: XRP struggles as a bridge currency against stablecoin alternatives, and spot ETFs have not provided the anticipated boost. Without significant catalysts for price appreciation, I predict XRP will drop to $1 by the end of 2026.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>xrp</category> <category>ripple</category> <category>marketanalysis</category> <category>bearish</category> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <enclosure url="https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F865670%2Fgrowth-12.jpg&w=1200&op=resize" length="0" type="image//image/"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Trump's Crypto Scandal: How His Meme Coin Grants Exclusive Mar-a-Lago Access to Top Holders]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/trumps-crypto-scandal-how-his-meme-coin-grants-exclusive-mar-a-lago-access-to-top-holders</link> <guid>trumps-crypto-scandal-how-his-meme-coin-grants-exclusive-mar-a-lago-access-to-top-holders</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:01:09 GMT</pubDate> <description>< *Mother Jones illustration; Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP* **Gas prices are sky high**, a war in Iran continues, airlines face jet fuel shortages, and the GOP approaches midterm elections. Yet, Donald Trump is making time for a special group: the **top 297 holders of his $TRUMP meme coin**, who are invited to an exclusive "conference" at Mar-a-Lago on April 25. ### Exclusive Access for Crypto Investors This event includes a gala lunch with Trump, with the **top 29 holders** receiving an even more exclusive VIP reception with the president and other "superstar guests." This isn't the first time Trump has used his meme coin to grant access; last May, he hosted the top 220 $TRUMP holders at his Virginia golf course, with the top 25 investors getting a White House tour. At that time, the combined value of their holdings was about **$148 million**. ### How the $TRUMP Coin Works When the coin launched in January 2025, **1 billion tokens** were created, with 800 million reserved for Trump and his partners and 200 million available to the public. Trump profits not only from selling coins or price increases but also from **transaction fees on every transfer**, regardless of who buys or sells. ### Plummeting Value and Investor Losses Despite initial hype, the coin's value has **plummeted from around $45 to under $3**. It has no inherent value or utility—it can't be used to purchase goods or exchanged for other currencies. An analysis cited by Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren, Adam Schiff, and Richard Blumenthal found that **$TRUMP and the accompanying $MELANIA coin have erased an estimated $4.3 billion in retail wealth**, leaving roughly 2 million holders "underwater." ### Early Insiders Profit While Others Lose While regular investors suffered losses, **45 early crypto wallets profited by about $1.2 billion**, selling at peak prices. The top holder, controversial crypto personality Justin Sun—who recently settled fraud charges with Trump's Justice Department—remains the largest $TRUMP holder despite a falling out with Trump's other crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. ### Event Details and Fine Print The Mar-a-Lago event promises meetings with 18 "superstars," including former boxer Mike Tyson and crypto executives, plus swag like Trump fragrance, posters, trading cards, and a **$499 red Trump watch**. However, fine print notes **no guarantee Trump will attend**, and if canceled, attendees get a free Trump NFT. Attendees must pass a background check, be 18+, and not be in litigation with the U.S. government—ironic, as Trump himself is currently in such litigation. Democratic senators have demanded more details from Fight Fight Fight LLC, the company managing the coin, highlighting concerns over the coin's role in granting political access and its financial impact on investors.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>trump</category> <category>memecoin</category> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <category>scandal</category> <category>politics</category> <enclosure url="https://www.motherjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260416_trump-bitcoin_2000.jpg?w=1200&h=630&crop=1" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> </channel> </rss>