BlackRock Accumulates 9,615 BTC in Three Days as ETF Flows Flash First Bullish Signal
Bitcoinis trading up roughly 3.4% Tuesday morning near $68,000 after whipsawing over the weekend when U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iran briefly sent prices near $63,000.Bloombergthe selloff "left almost no lasting trace of fear or safe-haven demand," attributing the muted reaction to already-lightened positioning after months of consolidation.Barron's, a 24/7 settlement layer for macro hedging while traditional markets were closed. Iran's security chiefaWall Street Journal reportclaiming Tehran was reaching out to resume nuclear talks, sending bitcoin briefly near $66,768 as investors rotated into gold, while President Trump confirmed airstrikes would continue for "four to five weeks."Reuters reportedthe dollar strengthened on safe-haven buying while the yen and euro weakened on energy-import vulnerability. The clearer signal came from on-chain gold proxies: tokenized gold market cap surged past $6B,per Blockhead, as physical gold hit $5,394/oz and whales rotated from stablecoins into PAXG and XAUT. Roughly 38% of altcoins are trading near all-time lows. Stay up on the crypto news that matters with "Crypto Currents," daily from The Fly. Join us at 2 PM ET for your essential briefing on the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency on FlyCast radio.BLACKROCK ACCUMULATES 9,615 BTC IN THREE DAYS AS ETF FLOWS FLASH FIRST BULLISH SIGNAL SINCE OCTOBER:showed BlackRock(BLK)received another 4,082 BTC from Coinbase Primeon Tuesday, its third consecutive day of accumulation, totaling 9,615 BTC in net inflows. The pattern of consistent ETF-related flow through Coinbase Prime signals sustained institutional demand even as bitcoin trades roughly 46% below its October all-time high. Separately,SoSoValue datashowed U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs pulled in $458M on Monday, one of the quarter's strongest inflow days, with BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust accounting for roughly half of three-session inflows totaling $1.1B.RIOT PLATFORMS POSTS RECORD $647M REVENUE BUT NET LOSS BALLOONS TO $663M:Riot Platforms(RIOT)reported FY25. However, the company swung to a net loss of $663M from net income of $109M in 2024, driven by $346.8M in depreciation, a $158.1M contract settlement loss, and other non-cash items, while adjusted EBITDA collapsed to $13M from $463M. Q4 revenue of $152.83M missed consensus of $158.05M, and the Q4 EPS of ($2.03) badly missed the (22c) estimate. On the positive side, Riot's AMDdata center lease is now generating revenue, with expected annual net operating income of approximately $25M. The diverging paths of Core Scientific and Riot Platforms illustrates the broader miner identity crisis: CORZ is selling every last bitcoin for AI, while RIOT tries to straddle both worlds.CORE SCIENTIFIC TO LIQUIDATE ENTIRE BTC TREASURY TO FUND AI PIVOT:In the session's most consequential corporate development, Bitcoin miner Core Scientific(CORZ)disclosed during its Q4 earnings call that it sold over 1,900 BTC in January for approximately $175M at an average of $92,100 and plans to sell the remaining 600 BTC during Q1 26 to fund its AI data center colocation buildout,.. At year-end 2025, CORZ held 2,537 BTC at an average cost basis of $101,639, meaning the company is liquidating at a loss relative to its carry. Q4 revenue came in at $79.8M, with colocation revenue surging 268% year-over-year while self-mining revenue fell 57%, underscoring the speed of the pivot. CEO Adam Sullivan said the company is "building a differentiated data center platform" as it accelerates toward AI infrastructure with CoreWeaveas its primary customer. CORZ is now effectively a pure-play AI colocation stock shedding its last bitcoin exposure.ECB WARNS STABLECOINS THREATEN MONETARY POLICY AS SENATE PASSES CBDC BAN:A European Central Bank working paperwarned that widespread stablecoin adoption, particularly dollar-backed instruments, could trigger reallocation from euro-area bank deposits to digital assets, constraining lenders' intermediation capacity and weakening ECB monetary transmission. The paper adds fuel to a broader transatlantic tension: the U.S. is actively encouraging stablecoin growth while Europe fears deposit flight. On the legislative side, the U.S. Senate advanced the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act" by a vote of 84-6, which includes a provision temporarily banning the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency until December 31, 2030,. The bill carves out an exception for private, permissionless "dollar-denominated" currencies, language widely interpreted as favorable to stablecoins like USDCand USDT, and the White House issued a statement explicitly endorsing the CBDC ban provision. The divergence means Circle(CRCL)and Coinbase face a widening regulatory moat domestically even as European competition intensifies.JPMORGAN FILES 21 BITCOIN-LINKED STRUCTURED NOTES; SLAM CORP GETS CRYPTO-NATIVE LEADERSHIP:JPMorgan(JPM)filed, offering 1.5x upside leverage with barrier protection. The filings continue JPMorgan's aggressive push into bitcoin-structured products. Subversive Bitcoin Acquisition Corp.filed itsthird amendment to a $100M S-1for a first-of-its-kind SPAC that places 10% of IPO proceeds directly into a bitcoin account, with Jefferies, Canaccord Genuity, and Galaxy Digital as underwriters. Canton Strategic Holdings(CNTN), which has a $545M digital asset treasury strategy, announced its CEO was. Massimo Group(MAMO), the powersports manufacturer that adopted a bitcoin treasury strategy in December 2025, filed an8-K appointing a new CFOeffective March 2. Finally, Marex Group(MRX)with revenue up 27% to $2.02B, citing digital asset futures as part of its expanded clearing product offering.PRICE ACTION:As of time of writing, bitcoin was trading at$67,758.83, while etherwas trading at$1,971.13,according to price data from TipRanks.
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BlackRock to Report Q1 2026 Earnings on April 14
- Earnings Release Schedule: BlackRock has announced that it will report its Q1 2026 earnings before the NYSE opens on April 14, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Executive Conference Call: CEO Laurence D. Fink and other executives will host a teleconference at 7:30 a.m. ET, aimed at providing investors and analysts with an in-depth analysis of the financial performance.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The teleconference will be available via live webcast on BlackRock's investor relations website, with a replay accessible by 10:30 a.m. ET, ensuring all stakeholders can obtain critical information.
- Company Mission and Vision: BlackRock is dedicated to helping more people achieve financial well-being by providing financial technology services that simplify investing, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility.
Indian Markets Rattle Amid Iran War Turmoil
- Foreign Capital Exodus: Amid the turmoil of the Iran war, Indian markets experienced a record foreign investor sell-off exceeding $12 billion in March, resulting in a more than 10% drop in the Nifty 50 index, highlighting significant concerns over future economic growth prospects.
- Diminished Growth Outlook: India's Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran warned that rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions pose considerable downside risks to the forecasted 7.0%-7.4% growth for FY 2027, with expectations of a significant widening of the trade deficit exacerbating fiscal pressures.
- Government Intervention: In response to economic strains, the Indian government implemented two key measures, including limiting banks' currency-hedging positions and cutting excise duties on petrol and diesel by 10 rupees per liter, which will significantly impact tax revenues and potentially hinder government spending capabilities.
- Weak Job Market: While India's consumption narrative continues to attract foreign investment, the lack of white-collar job creation undermines this story, with reports indicating that only a small percentage of graduates secure stable employment within a year of graduation, posing a long-term challenge to economic growth.
Financial Stocks Rise as NYSE Financial Index Gains 0.6%
- Market Recovery: Financial stocks showed strong performance on Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 0.6%, indicating a gradual restoration of investor confidence in the financial sector, potentially signaling signs of economic recovery.
- Improved Investor Sentiment: The rise in financial stocks suggests a more optimistic market outlook regarding future interest rate policies, especially as economic data improves, which may attract more capital into the financial sector.
- Positive Industry Outlook: With the stabilization of financial markets, investors are optimistic about the profitability of banks and financial services companies, expecting stronger financial performance in the coming quarters.
- Technical Support: The increase in financial stocks was accompanied by a rise in trading volume, indicating growing interest among market participants in the sector, potentially laying the groundwork for further gains ahead.
Franklin Templeton Acquires 250 Digital to Enhance Crypto Offerings
- Acquisition Deal: Franklin Templeton has agreed to acquire the small crypto investment firm 250 Digital, which will enhance its newly established Franklin Crypto unit, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter, further advancing its digital asset strategy.
- Asset Management Expansion: By bringing 250 Digital in-house, Franklin Templeton aims to enhance its actively managed crypto investment offerings beyond basic bitcoin ETFs, catering to institutional clients' demand for sophisticated investment strategies.
- Market Trend: This move reflects a growing institutional preference for yield and complex strategies, as evidenced by a resurgence in bitcoin ETF inflows despite a 41% decline in bitcoin prices over the past six months, indicating strong institutional demand.
- Strategic Partnerships: Franklin Templeton's footprint in digital assets includes collaborations with major crypto industry players like Binance, showcasing its progressive stance in traditional finance and aiming to attract more clients through innovative products and services.
Franklin Templeton Acquires 250 Digital to Enhance Crypto Offerings
- Acquisition Deal: Franklin Templeton has agreed to acquire the small crypto investment firm 250 Digital, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter and partially paid using BENJI tokens, enhancing its capabilities in the digital asset space.
- Strategic Expansion: By integrating 250 Digital into its newly established Franklin Crypto unit, Franklin Templeton aims to elevate its actively managed crypto investment offerings beyond basic bitcoin ETFs, catering to institutional clients' demand for sophisticated investment strategies.
- Market Trend: This acquisition reflects a growing preference among institutional investors for yield and complex strategies, as evidenced by the 41% decline in bitcoin's price over the past six months, yet institutional appetite for crypto remains strong, indicating market maturation.
- Industry Position: Franklin Templeton's footprint in digital assets includes crypto ETFs and partnerships with major crypto platforms like Binance, further solidifying its status as one of the more progressive legacy finance firms in the crypto space.
CoinShares to Go Public via SPAC Merger
- Merger Announcement: CoinShares is merging with Vine Hill Capital to form CoinShares PLC, with a valuation of approximately $1.2 billion and a $50 million investment from institutional investors, set to begin trading on Nasdaq Wednesday, marking a significant step in its U.S. market expansion.
- Assets Under Management: CoinShares manages $6 billion in assets, focusing on crypto assets and offering structured investment products for both institutional and retail investors, with the CEO expressing a desire to leverage the U.S. listing to accelerate growth in the American market.
- Market Environment Challenges: The listing occurs amid a downturn in the crypto market, yet the CEO emphasizes the company's readiness, asserting that service companies tend to be more resilient when listed during bear markets, thus maintaining stability amid market uncertainties.
- Profitability and Business Model: CoinShares has been profitable every year since its inception in 2014, relying on recurring fees from managed assets for revenue, which provides more stability compared to transaction-driven platforms, with the CEO aiming to diversify products to encourage broader Bitcoin ownership.
BlackRock to Report Q1 2026 Earnings on April 14
- Earnings Release Schedule: BlackRock has announced that it will report its Q1 2026 earnings before the NYSE opens on April 14, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Executive Conference Call: CEO Laurence D. Fink and other executives will host a teleconference at 7:30 a.m. ET, aimed at providing investors and analysts with an in-depth analysis of the financial performance.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The teleconference will be available via live webcast on BlackRock's investor relations website, with a replay accessible by 10:30 a.m. ET, ensuring all stakeholders can obtain critical information.
- Company Mission and Vision: BlackRock is dedicated to helping more people achieve financial well-being by providing financial technology services that simplify investing, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility.
Indian Markets Rattle Amid Iran War Turmoil
- Foreign Capital Exodus: Amid the turmoil of the Iran war, Indian markets experienced a record foreign investor sell-off exceeding $12 billion in March, resulting in a more than 10% drop in the Nifty 50 index, highlighting significant concerns over future economic growth prospects.
- Diminished Growth Outlook: India's Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran warned that rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions pose considerable downside risks to the forecasted 7.0%-7.4% growth for FY 2027, with expectations of a significant widening of the trade deficit exacerbating fiscal pressures.
- Government Intervention: In response to economic strains, the Indian government implemented two key measures, including limiting banks' currency-hedging positions and cutting excise duties on petrol and diesel by 10 rupees per liter, which will significantly impact tax revenues and potentially hinder government spending capabilities.
- Weak Job Market: While India's consumption narrative continues to attract foreign investment, the lack of white-collar job creation undermines this story, with reports indicating that only a small percentage of graduates secure stable employment within a year of graduation, posing a long-term challenge to economic growth.
Financial Stocks Rise as NYSE Financial Index Gains 0.6%
- Market Recovery: Financial stocks showed strong performance on Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 0.6%, indicating a gradual restoration of investor confidence in the financial sector, potentially signaling signs of economic recovery.
- Improved Investor Sentiment: The rise in financial stocks suggests a more optimistic market outlook regarding future interest rate policies, especially as economic data improves, which may attract more capital into the financial sector.
- Positive Industry Outlook: With the stabilization of financial markets, investors are optimistic about the profitability of banks and financial services companies, expecting stronger financial performance in the coming quarters.
- Technical Support: The increase in financial stocks was accompanied by a rise in trading volume, indicating growing interest among market participants in the sector, potentially laying the groundwork for further gains ahead.
Franklin Templeton Acquires 250 Digital to Enhance Crypto Offerings
- Acquisition Deal: Franklin Templeton has agreed to acquire the small crypto investment firm 250 Digital, which will enhance its newly established Franklin Crypto unit, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter, further advancing its digital asset strategy.
- Asset Management Expansion: By bringing 250 Digital in-house, Franklin Templeton aims to enhance its actively managed crypto investment offerings beyond basic bitcoin ETFs, catering to institutional clients' demand for sophisticated investment strategies.
- Market Trend: This move reflects a growing institutional preference for yield and complex strategies, as evidenced by a resurgence in bitcoin ETF inflows despite a 41% decline in bitcoin prices over the past six months, indicating strong institutional demand.
- Strategic Partnerships: Franklin Templeton's footprint in digital assets includes collaborations with major crypto industry players like Binance, showcasing its progressive stance in traditional finance and aiming to attract more clients through innovative products and services.
Franklin Templeton Acquires 250 Digital to Enhance Crypto Offerings
- Acquisition Deal: Franklin Templeton has agreed to acquire the small crypto investment firm 250 Digital, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter and partially paid using BENJI tokens, enhancing its capabilities in the digital asset space.
- Strategic Expansion: By integrating 250 Digital into its newly established Franklin Crypto unit, Franklin Templeton aims to elevate its actively managed crypto investment offerings beyond basic bitcoin ETFs, catering to institutional clients' demand for sophisticated investment strategies.
- Market Trend: This acquisition reflects a growing preference among institutional investors for yield and complex strategies, as evidenced by the 41% decline in bitcoin's price over the past six months, yet institutional appetite for crypto remains strong, indicating market maturation.
- Industry Position: Franklin Templeton's footprint in digital assets includes crypto ETFs and partnerships with major crypto platforms like Binance, further solidifying its status as one of the more progressive legacy finance firms in the crypto space.
CoinShares to Go Public via SPAC Merger
- Merger Announcement: CoinShares is merging with Vine Hill Capital to form CoinShares PLC, with a valuation of approximately $1.2 billion and a $50 million investment from institutional investors, set to begin trading on Nasdaq Wednesday, marking a significant step in its U.S. market expansion.
- Assets Under Management: CoinShares manages $6 billion in assets, focusing on crypto assets and offering structured investment products for both institutional and retail investors, with the CEO expressing a desire to leverage the U.S. listing to accelerate growth in the American market.
- Market Environment Challenges: The listing occurs amid a downturn in the crypto market, yet the CEO emphasizes the company's readiness, asserting that service companies tend to be more resilient when listed during bear markets, thus maintaining stability amid market uncertainties.
- Profitability and Business Model: CoinShares has been profitable every year since its inception in 2014, relying on recurring fees from managed assets for revenue, which provides more stability compared to transaction-driven platforms, with the CEO aiming to diversify products to encourage broader Bitcoin ownership.
