Tsunami Alert: BlackRock’s $14 Trillion Move Could Send XRP Surging

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

According to financial expert Levi Rietveld, the global movement toward asset tokenization could have a big effect on the cryptocurrency industry, especially the XRP ecosystem

Rietveld contended that a surge of capital into blockchain networks might result from BlackRock’s asset management approach. Rietveld mentioned BlackRock’s size and increasing emphasis on blockchain-based financial infrastructure in the tweet, saying that the company is “getting ready to unleash an absolute tsunami on XRP.”

The company currently oversees assets worth about $14 trillion, which Rietveld highlighted as a crucial component in determining the potential scope of tokenized finance.

He explained how the company’s long-term plans to tokenize real-world assets could move trillions of dollars onto blockchain networks in the years to come. Rietveld referenced Larry Fink’s remarks on the future of asset tokenization in the video.

Fink has frequently talked about putting conventional financial assets on blockchain infrastructure, according to Rietveld. He hasn’t, however, given a specific timeframe for when this change will take place.

Rietveld cited Fink’s 2025 statement that the industry was beginning to tokenize assets across several significant categories.

These consist of bonds, stocks, and real estate. Fink described this shift as a major structural change in global finance that could allow trillions of dollars’ worth of conventional assets to switch to blockchain-based systems, according to Rietveld.

According to Rietveld, this trend indicates that the financial industry is actively getting ready for a time when tokenized assets will be crucial to international markets.

Emirates’ Half-Empty Reality: Inbound Jets Sparse as Locals Depart Dubai

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

Emirates is running flights to Dubai that are sometimes almost empty as passengers avoid the Persian Gulf, underscoring the difficulties facing the biggest international airline in rebuilding its network during a protracted conflict.

Flights from destinations in the US and continental Europe have been most severely affected, with planes returning from Prague or Budapest only roughly 5% to 10% occupied.

At least one flight last week departed with fewer than 35 passengers on an Airbus SE jumbo A380 jet that typically seats close to 500, and several aircraft returning from New York flew with only a fifth of the tickets sold.

The documents state that half-empty cabins were used on departures from Chicago. Flights departing Dubai exhibit a very different pattern because there are fewer aircraft available. After that, Emirates returns the aircraft to its hub with minimal occupancy.

Emirates said that as long as it can do so safely, it will keep restoring its network at a steady pace. In response to inquiries, an official stated that current inbound occupancy is unsurprisingly low given the circumstances. The business stated that it doesn’t comment on the occupancy of particular routes.

According to Flightradar24 data, the airline operated roughly 500 flights out of Dubai International on a typical day before the war, with roughly half of those flights being departures.

That number had dropped to 71 takeoffs by March 16. Even though there isn’t much demand for passengers, the business loads cargo onto its planes, which generates additional income and an influx of perishable goods.

Operating Boeing Co. is a priority for Emirates. 777 aircraft due to their superior cargo capacity compared to the Airbus A380. The flights are one of the few ways to import supplies because the Strait of Hormuz is practically closed. The operations of the state-owned carrier have been severely disrupted.

Soy Futures Drop Sharply as Trump Floats Postponing Xi Meeting; Oil Prices Weaken

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

US soy futures fell following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would delay his trip to China for trade negotiations. Trump announced that his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would now take place in “about five or six weeks,” instead of the end of March as originally scheduled.

Trump had previously indicated that he was considering delaying the trip because of the conflict with Iran. Any new trade agreement between Trump and Xi is anticipated to include new purchases of US soybeans, so the decision to postpone negotiations is viewed negatively for the major oilseed. Concurrently, soy oil contracts were negatively affected by declining crude prices, which reduced demand for the feedstock used in biofuel production.

Soy oil saw a decline of up to 1.7 percent, while leading soybean contracts saw a decline of up to 0.6 percent.

The announcement earlier in the day of a “celebration of agriculture” at the White House on March 27, which raised hopes of more clarity on US biofuels blending policy, would have prevented the decline, according to Joe Davis, director of brokerage Futures International.

He did, however, note that additional Beijing’s confirmation of the meeting will “probably be needed to meaningfully rekindle a broader ‘risk-on’ tone across the row-crop markets.”

Samsung Axes $2,899 TriFold Phone After Three-Month Run

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

Samsung is reducing sales of its Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone after about three months on the market, indicating that the $2,899 device was never meant to be a mainstay of the company’s mobile lineup but rather a technological showcase.

The Korean company will start by stopping sales in its home market before it ends operations in the US after clearing out any remaining inventory.

This month, Samsung’s website ceased hinting at upcoming restocks of the cutting-edge foldable, which has two hinges and unfolds into a large 10-inch tablet. This move was expected. The TriFold is now marked as “sold out

According to reports on Reddit and social media, buyers have recently been able to locate stocks at Samsung Experience Stores in Queens, New York, and Frisco, Texas, suggesting that at least some units are still available. As a demonstration of its engineering prowess, Samsung unveiled the gadget towards the end of last year. However, the device’s price quickly made it a specialized purchase for the wealthiest early adopters. Its debut in South Korea was for 3.59 million won on December 12. Although the device has its share of drawbacks, Samsung has emphasized the multitasking potential of the large screen.

The TriFold could only be bought straight from Samsung. Another indication of the TriFold’s brief existence is the fact that mobile carriers and retailers never made it available to customers. Won-Joon Choi, chief operating officer of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business, stated in an interview last month that the company had not made a decision on the TriFold.

BlackRock’s $14 Trillion Tokenization Tsunami Is About to Boost XRP

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

According to financial expert Levi Rietveld, the global movement toward asset tokenization could have a big effect on the cryptocurrency industry, especially the XRP ecosystem

The company currently oversees assets worth about $14 trillion, which Rietveld highlighted as a crucial component in determining the potential scope of tokenized finance.

Rietveld cited Fink’s 2025 statement that the industry was beginning to tokenize assets across several significant categories.

According to Rietveld, this trend indicates that the financial industry is actively getting ready for a time when tokenized assets will be crucial to international markets.

Brent Tops $105 as Iran Targets UAE Gas Field, Threatens Broader Retaliation

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

Oil prices increased as Iran increased its attacks on the Persian Gulf’s energy infrastructure. Brent moved closer to $105 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was at about $98 after falling 2.8 percent on Monday.

Iranian drones and missiles targeted an Iraqi oil field and a major Emirati port, and operations at the Shah field in the United Arab Emirates were halted.

The strikes have further damaged the prospects for the world’s energy supplies as the conflict moves into its third week.

Customers, particularly in Asia, are beginning to feel the effects of the near-total shutdown of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices dropped for the first time in four sessions on Monday as the US got ready to release the first tranche of emergency crude reserves.

Oil prices have increased by more than 40% since the war began. According to Rebecca Babin, a senior energy trader at CIBC, “there is a push and a pull constantly dragging the market higher and lower each day, based on the sheer amount of headlines.”

US President Donald Trump threatened to extend strikes on Kharg Island to target oil infrastructure after last weekend sparing energy assets on the major Iranian export hub.

Additionally, he claimed that Washington is “hammering” Tehran’s ability to endanger commercial shipping via the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed his calls for assistance from other countries to ensure passage.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that Washington is permitting Iran to keep using the waterway to ship crude. Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates both further decreased their oil production in the Middle East. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are competing to increase exports by using alternate routes that avoid Hormuz.

According to JPMorgan Chase and Co., transit through the strait is expected to become “increasingly conditional,” with Iran allowing passage for certain vessels based on their political affiliation. Natasha Kaneva and other analysts stated in a note.

Bitcoin Hits 6-Week High Over $74K on Heavy Short Coverings

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

A wave of short liquidations helped propel Bitcoin above $74,000 on Monday, its highest level in roughly six weeks, despite investors’ continued caution over the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The cryptocurrency last traded 3.4 percent higher at $73.4k after reaching as high as $74.4K earlier in the session.

Bitcoin surged 6% despite a decline in global stock markets as worries about inflation were heightened by rising oil prices.

Cryptocurrency markets saw widespread gains as traders rushed to cover their positions after placing bets on further declines. There were approximately $344 million worth of cryptocurrency liquidations over the previous day, with short liquidations making up about 83% of the total.

Leveraged traders are compelled to liquidate their positions when prices move against them, which frequently intensifies market movements. As the Middle East conflict entered its third week, market sentiment remained cautious despite the rebound, raising concerns about the world’s energy supply.

President Donald Trump has urged allies to assist him in securing the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international oil shipments.

According to media reports, drone attacks in Gulf states persisted on Monday despite US authorities’ repeated assertions that Iran’s military capabilities had been destroyed. Concerns about supply disruptions near the vital Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for international crude exports, also kept oil prices above $100 per barrel. In Asian trading on Monday, US stock futures slightly increased as investors anticipated the U.S.

It is generally anticipated that decision-makers will assess inflation risks and maintain current interest rates at the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting later this week. Despite short-term price gains, analysts warned that macroeconomic risks and geopolitical unpredictability could keep cryptocurrency markets volatile in the near future.

BlackRock’s Tokenization Tsunami: XRP About to Get Flooded with Institutional Cash

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

According to financial expert Levi Rietveld, the global movement toward asset tokenization could have a big effect on the cryptocurrency industry, especially the XRP ecosystem

The company currently oversees assets worth about $14 trillion, which Rietveld highlighted as a crucial component in determining the potential scope of tokenized finance.

Rietveld cited Fink’s 2025 statement that the industry was beginning to tokenize assets across several significant categories.

According to Rietveld, this trend indicates that the financial industry is actively getting ready for a time when tokenized assets will be crucial to international markets.

Gold Holds Steady Near $5K as Iran Conflict Fuels Inflation

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

Gold prices stabilized after dropping to important levels in Asian trade on Monday, with attention firmly focused on further developments in the US-Israel war with Iran.

Gold was also affected by caution ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting, as markets were concerned about the central bank’s possible hawkish stance on sticky inflation.

Spot gold was stable at $5,016.84 an ounce, while gold futures dropped 0.8 percent to $5,5020.76/oz. Earlier in the session, spot prices dropped below $5,000/oz.

There were a few indications that the Iranian conflict would get better after the U.S. and Tehran retaliated severely after Israel attacked a vital export terminal over the weekend. Although they did reduce some gains on Monday following the U.S., oil prices remained well over $100 per barrel.

According to President Donald Trump, negotiations are underway to form a coalition to reopen a vital shipping route that Iran has blocked. Tehran has consistently denied Trump’s claims that the Iran War is almost over.

Gold has generally underperformed because concerns about higher and longer interest rates brought on by the inflationary shocks from the Iran war have largely overshadowed the metal as a haven. In a note, ANZ analysts stated, “Gold has struggled as it is being overshadowed by a stronger USD, rising yields, and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve policy.” They also noted that traders’ liquidations to satisfy margin calls had contributed to bullion’s price decline.

However, ANZ analysts pointed out that gold’s fundamental role as a refuge from geopolitical unpredictability was valid. , Gold has increased by roughly 16% this year.

As the dollar strengthened on Monday, broader metal prices were mixed. Spot platinum increased 1.8 percent to $2,064.22/oz, while spot silver decreased 0.3 percent to $80.2605/oz. This week’s main focus is the US Federal Reserve meeting, where it is generally anticipated that interest rates will remain unchanged. B was the main driver of bets on a hold.

Boris Johnson Brands Bitcoin a ‘Giant Ponzi Scheme’ — Crypto Titans Fire Back

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Olumide Adesina

Bitcoin sparked a new debate after former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the cryptocurrency market a “giant Ponzi scheme” in a recent column. In response to the remarks, Eric Trump and Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy, refuted the description.

Johnson argued that Bitcoin primarily depends on the number of new investors entering the market. He asserted that cryptocurrency prices appear to function similarly to Ponzi schemes because they rely on a steady flow of new users.

He shared his long-held conviction that cryptocurrencies operate in this manner and warned that the sector depends on attracting new, often inexperienced investors. To illustrate his concerns, he told a tale about a villager.

Johnson says the person invested approximately £500, or about $661, in Bitcoin after meeting someone in a pub who promised the investment would double. According to Johnson, the investor subsequently lost money.

He maintained that these circumstances highlight the dangers that older investors, in particular, who might not fully comprehend how cryptocurrency markets function, face. Johnson also questioned the intrinsic value of Bitcoin, pointing out that it only exists as computer-stored digital code.

On the other hand, he stated that governments and organizations that back traditional currencies have historically given them credibility.

Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy and supporter of Bitcoin, responded to Johnson’s criticism.

Saylor claimed that Bitcoin does not fit the framework of a Ponzi scheme because the network lacks an issuer, promoter, or guaranteed return. He defined cryptocurrency as a decentralized, open financial system that is driven by market demand and code. In response to Johnson’s remarks, Eric Trump expressed disagreement with the assertion that Bitcoin is similar to a Ponzi scheme.