<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin said artificial intelligence agents could use blockchain networks to transact, coordinate, and verify activity autonomously.</li><li>He said crypto wallets like MetaMask were evolving into “personal financial operating systems” that artificial intelligence agents could manage on behalf of users.</li><li>Research from a16z Crypto highlighted that the agents were already moving from theory to practice.</li></ul>Joseph Lubin, CEO of Consensys and co-founder of Ethereum&nbsp;(ETH), says that artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to be the next big thing that changes the course of cryptocurrency.&nbsp;Lubin&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2026/04/18/ethereum-co-founder-joseph-lubin-warns-of-the-dangers-of-ai-being-controlled-by-a-few-big-tech-firms">told</a> CoinDesk on Saturday that autonomous and semi-autonomous AI agents might soon use crypto infrastructure as the backbone for machine-driven activities on decentralized networks to transact, coordinate, and verify each other.&nbsp;Lubin said that he is "sympathetic to the idea that blockchain is for machine intelligence," but doesn't think AI will take over for humans.<h2 class="st-heading-2">AI Could Become Crypto’s Core Infrastructure</h2>Lubin warned that the growing influence of AI also carries risks, particularly if control becomes concentrated among a small number of large technology firms.He said decentralized systems and cryptographic tools will be critical to maintaining accountability, enabling AI agents to verify one another’s actions in open, trustless environments.&nbsp;As part of this shift, Lubin said crypto wallets like MetaMask were being redesigned as “a new kind of neobank” that users own and control, functioning more like a personal financial operating system.He also pointed to structural changes in the Ethereum ecosystem, predicting the rise of “corporate chains,” blockchains operated by businesses for scalability and management, while still relying on Ethereum’s base layer for asset issuance.“The best way to ensure that an asset is durable… is to mint it on Ethereum layer one,” he said.<a href="https://stocktwits.com/coins/ethereum">Ethereum’s price</a> was trading at $2,361, down by over 3% over the past 24 hours. On Stocktwits, the retail sentiment around ETH remained in the ‘bullish’ zone, while chatter around it stayed in the ‘high’ levels over the past day.Instead, interfaces are projected to become more advanced, making it easier for users to interact with crypto. This will let people utilize systems by giving them orders based on their intentions instead of having to do things by hand. This concept has AI as a middle layer between consumers and blockchain protocols.But he warned that the burgeoning power of AI also comes with pitfalls. If only a few big tech companies dominated AI infrastructure, it might cause problems for the whole system. Lubin stressed that decentralized systems and cryptographic tools will be crucial for holding people accountable and enabling AI agents to check one another in open, trustless settings.As part of this change,&nbsp;crypto wallets like MetaMask are being redesigned. Lubin said the wallet has become "a new kind of neobank” that one owns and controls, which means it works like a personal financial operating system. AI-powered bots may handle assets, make transactions, and move among decentralized ecosystems for users, making personal finance even more automated.Lubin discussed changes to the structure of the Ethereum ecosystem, in addition to user interfaces. He thinks that "corporate chains" will become more common. These are businesses that use their own blockchain networks for scalability and management, but still use Ethereum's basic layer to issue assets. “The best way to ensure that an asset is durable… is to mint it on Ethereum layer one,” he said.<h2 class="st-heading-2">AI Agents Move From Theory To On-Chain Activity</h2>Recent&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/p/agents-are-starting-to-operate-real">research</a> from a16z Crypto has also pointed to early signs of autonomous AI agents operating in live environments, with some already managing wallets, executing trades, and interacting with on-chain protocols without direct human input.The report noted that these agents"have moved quickly from copilots to economic actors faster than the infrastructure around them,” signaling a shift toward machine-driven activity on decentralized networks.Read also: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/iran-reviews-us-proposals-delivered-pakistan-mediation/cZJ66FmRIUD">Iran Reviews New US Proposals Delivered Via Pakistan Mediation: Report</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Joseph Lubin, co-founder of ethereum of ConsenSys, attends the Day 2 of the RISE Conference 2018 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on July 11, 2018 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Photo by S3studio/Getty Images)

Ethereum Co-Founder Joseph Lubin Sees AI Agents Driving Crypto’s Next Wave, Warns Of Centralization Risks

A recent Substack article from researchers at a16z crypto said that some AI agents were autonomously managing wallets, executing trades, and interacting with on-chain protocols.

AI Is About To Reshape Crypto’s Next Big Cycle, Warns Ethereum Co-founder Joseph Lubin

Cryptocurrency

A recent Substack article from researchers at a16z crypto said that some AI agents were autonomously managing wallets, executing trades, and interacting with on-chain protocols.


<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Iran is reviewing new US proposals delivered via Pakistan, but reiterated it will make “no compromise” and defend its national interests in ongoing talks.</li><li>High-level Islamabad talks, including a visit by US Vice President JD Vance, marked the first direct US-Iran engagement in 47 years, though no agreement was reached.</li><li>Tensions remain elevated, with Donald Trump calling talks “very good and productive” while warning Iran, as Tehran’s leadership signals continued resistance and criticizes US policy.</li></ul>Iran said on Saturday that it is looking into new offers from the US that were sent through Pakistan.The Islamic Republic of Iran's Supreme National Security Council&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/iran-reviewing-new-us-proposals-via-pakistan-no-response-yet-3218346">told</a> Tasnim News Agency, "In recent days, new proposals have been made by the Americans, with the Commander of the Pakistani Army in Tehran as a mediator and intermediary."Iran has said that it would "not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation", according to the article.Last week,<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/after-47-years-us-and-iran-begin-direct-talks-while-us-vice-president-vance-leads-negotiations/cZJjYg9RIM9">&nbsp;US Vice President JD Vance</a> went to Pakistan for what were called the Islamabad talks. This was one of the highest-level direct conversations between Washington and Tehran in decades, where the two countries met face-to-face in 47 years. Even with the diplomatic effort, the meetings didn't end in a real accord.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Tension Mounts Between US And Iran</h2>The talks come amid a time of rising tensions between the US and Iran. President Trump&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-war-us-talks-2026/card/trump-iran-can-t-blackmail-us--vTlcuvld8CKAugPiP7er?">stated</a> on Saturday that talks with Iran were “very good and productive,” while warning Tehran not to “try anything cute” and insisting the US “can’t be blackmailed.”Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, said in a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://t.me/Tasnimnews/408736">Telegram message</a> that the country will stand steadfast against what he called "Our response, however, is not in words but in the "glory of the field"; breaking the alleged naval blockade and doubling or tripling oil exports during this period are signs of Iran's decisive victory. The power of this nation will not be undermined by nonsense. The first Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, added, “Trump's policies are a mixture of delusion, contradictory rhetoric, and his tweets are worthless.”<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">The United States Oil Fund (USO)</a> fell over 7% to $116 on Friday after a dramatic mid-morning slump erased gains. The ETF sank fast at the start of U.S. trading hours, before stabilizing and regaining some ground in the after-hours.&nbsp;Read also:<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/oil-wager-frontruns-hormuz-shock-sparks-market-manipulation/cZJ6zPsRIUw"> $760 Million Oil Wager Front-Runs Hormuz Shock, Sparks Market Manipulation Concerns</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

National Army Day March In Tehran As Ceasefire With US Continues. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Iran Reviews New US Proposals Delivered Via Pakistan Mediation: Report

Iran said that it is reviewing fresh US proposals sent through Pakistan as mediation efforts intensify.

Equity

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>FatMan, a crypto researcher associated with TerraLuna's investigation, raised concerns about insider trading after $760 million in oil trades were executed minutes before the Hormuz reopening announcement.</li><li>He claimed “Trump insiders” made about $85 million in a day and $3.9 billion overall, though the claims remain unverified.</li><li>As global tensions rose throughout the first weekend of March, HYPE rose above $30.</li></ul>Traders profited from allegedly well-timed oil bets on Saturday, according to a crypto investigator, raising fresh concerns over potential insider activity in the market.Pseudonymous crypto researcher FatMan from the Terra Research Forum, who gained prominence in 2022 for investigating the collapse of the Terra ecosystem,&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/FatManTerra/status/2045424487026586068?s=20">claimed</a> on X that “Trump insiders made about $85 million today, and roughly $3.9 billion so far in total,” referring to what he described as insider trading tied to major geopolitical announcements.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a class="st-link-external" href="https://x.com/FatManTerra/thread/2045424487026586068" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2026_04_18_at_9_36_52_AM_png_5b67bdf386.webp" alt="Screenshot 2026-04-18 at 9.36.52 AM.png" width="964" height="546"></a><figcaption>FatMan, a crypto researcher hypothizes on insider trading. Source: @FatManTerra/x&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>He added that the $3.9 billion figure, when compared to roughly $14 trillion held in index funds, would amount to about 0.03%, or “$30 for every $100,000 anyone holds in stocks,” framing it as a cost borne by broader market participants.&nbsp;The researcher cited&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/2045234341685387321">data</a> from Unusual Whales, a market data platform, showing that investors sold a combined 7,990 lots of Brent crude futures, worth roughly $760 million, around 20 minutes before the announcement that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to commercial vessels.&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/traders-place-760-million-bet-falling-oil-ahead-hormuz-announcement-2026-04-17/">reported</a> that these transactions had occurred between 12:24 GMT and 12:25 GMT (8:24 am to 8:25 am ET), shortly before Iran’s foreign minister&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/Araghchhi/status/2045126265980740009">confirmed</a> the reopening. The move was followed by a sharp decline in oil prices, with Brent crude falling as much as 10% to 11% in the minutes after the announcement.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Traders Turn To Hyperliquid For Weekend Oil Trades</h2>Traders&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/hype-oil-gold-and-bitcoin-perps-iran-tensions/cZdcCxSRIcJ">started using Hyperliquid (HYPE)</a> as a 24/7, high-leverage, crypto-native tool to bet on oil prices, especially during times of political unrest like the Iran-Israel war, when regular markets are closed on weekends.&nbsp;Trading on the exchange picked up a lot over the first weekend of March as tensions shook up global markets.This helped push HYPE over $30. As of writing,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/coins/hyperliquid">Hyperliquid’s price&nbsp;</a>was trading at around $44, down 0.2% over the past day. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around HYPE remained in the ‘bullish’ territory, while chatter remained at ‘high’ levels over the past day.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2026_04_18_at_9_32_45_AM_png_913f442285.webp" alt="Screenshot 2026-04-18 at 9.32.45 AM.png" width="1280" height="758"><figcaption>HYPE retail sentiment on April 18 as of 9:33 a.m. ET | Source: Stocktwits</figcaption></figure><h2 class="st-heading-2">Prediction Markets Trade Raise Concerns Amid Insider Trading&nbsp;</h2>The incident echoes growing concerns over potential market manipulation in both traditional futures and prediction markets ahead of major political and geopolitical events. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have faced repeated scrutiny for suspiciously timed bets.&nbsp;On Polymarket,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/senator-calls-for-ban-on-insider-trading-after-us-strike-on-iran-generated-million/cZdcHZ3RIc4">traders reportedly earned</a> hundreds of thousands, and in some cases over $1 million, by correctly predicting outcomes such as Venezuelan President Maduro’s arrest, Ayatollah Khamenei’s removal, and key Iran-related developments. Similar patterns appeared on Kalshi.&nbsp;Read also:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/eth-climbs-hormuz-reopening-ethereum-whale-buzz/cZJ6w7gRIUv">ETH Climbs Rapidly On Hormuz Reopening, Ethereum Whale ‘Buying Groceries’ Sparks Buzz</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Wall Street. Manhattan. New York - stock photo

$760 Million Oil Wager Front-Runs Hormuz Shock, Sparks Market Manipulation Concerns

Market manipulation and insider trading concerns have grown well-timed bets, through which participants have made millions before major geopolitical announcements.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Ethereum jumped within an hour after news of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, triggering a rapid derivatives-driven rally.</li><li>Binance recorded over $1.72 billion in Ethereum buy activity, as traders rushed to take positions.</li><li>The move sparked a short squeeze, liquidating about $24 million in positions and pushing prices higher.</li></ul>Ethereum (ETH) surged sharply within an hour on Saturday after the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was announced, as an on-chain analyst flagged a sudden spike in derivatives activity.According to CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost, the move was&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cryptoquant.com/insights/quicktake/69e339c017b5395c97a10777-ETH-sees-violent-one-hour-short-squeeze-after-Strait-Hormuz-reopening-announceme">driven</a> by a sudden surge in buying activity, as traders rushed to take positions following the announcement. Binance alone recorded more than $1.72 billion worth of Ethereum buy orders in the derivatives market within a single hour, the analyst said.<figure class="image"><a class="st-link-external" href="https://cryptoquant.com/insights/quicktake/69e339c017b5395c97a10777-ETH-sees-violent-one-hour-short-squeeze-after-Strait-Hormuz-reopening-announceme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2026_04_18_at_7_52_02_AM_png_46e588312f.webp" alt="Screenshot 2026-04-18 at 7.52.02 AM.png" width="440" height="990"></a><figcaption>Whale flags sudden surge in buying activity for Ethereum. Source: @Darkfost_Coc/x</figcaption></figure>As prices climbed, traders who had bet against Ethereum were forced to close their positions, buying back the asset to limit losses. This triggered a short squeeze, where roughly $24 million in short positions were liquidated on Binance, further pushing prices higher.<a href="https://stocktwits.com/coins/ethereum">Ethereum’s price</a> was trading at $2,349, up by 0.1% over the past 24 hours after the sharp move. Before the surge, funding rates were deeply negative of 0.004%, indicating that a majority of traders were positioned short, the on-chain analyst reported. On Stocktwits, the retail sentiment around ETH remained in the ‘bullish’ zone, while chatter around it stayed in the ‘high’ levels over the past day.The price action followed&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/strait-of-hormuz-closed-again-by-iran/cZJ6sfMRIUM">reports</a> of progress in US-Iran negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels. However, the strait has reportedly been closed again.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Whale Activity Resurfaces</h2>The surge also came as activity from large Ethereum holders drew attention across the market.Arkham Intelligence&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/arkham/status/2045425090763108677?s=20">flagged</a> that a “HyperUnit” whale wallet linked to early crypto investor Garrett Jin became active again on Saturday after a period of dormancy. The wallet, associated with holdings worth billions, moved $400 worth of Ethereum in a recent transaction, which Arkham described as ‘buying groceries,’ in a lighthearted remark.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a class="st-link-external" href="https://x.com/arkham/status/2045425090763108677?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2026_04_18_at_7_52_56_AM_png_e6a448485a.webp" alt="Screenshot 2026-04-18 at 7.52.56 AM.png" width="956" height="894"></a><figcaption>Arkham Intelligence on Ethereum whale. Source: @arkham/x</figcaption></figure>Separately, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/VitalikButerin/status/2045413438659416215">warned</a> users against visiting certain Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domains on Saturday, following a reported attack on the domain name system (DNS) registrar for eth.limo.Read also: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/coachella-mania-fuels-10x-rave-surge/cZJ6uLVRIUH">EDM-Themed RAVE Rises Over 1000% During Coachella Week, Sparks 'Pump-and-Dump' Accusations</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Photos of US dollars and Ethereum coins taken in Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China on June 21, 2025. 

ETH Climbs Rapidly On Hormuz Reopening, Ethereum Whale ‘Buying Groceries’ Sparks Buzz

Whale activity drew attention, with a dormant wallet linked to a major holder becoming active and moving a small amount of Ethereum, which Arkham remarked was for ‘buying groceries.’

ETH Jumps On Hormuz Reopening Trigger, ‘Buying Groceries’ Whale Adds Twist To The Rally 

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>RAVE surged over 1,000% to an all-time high twice on Friday and Saturday respectively.</li><li>On-chain investigator ZachXBT alleged potential market manipulation, citing exchange activity and concentrated insider holdings.</li><li>Similar concerns have emerged in past tokens like SushiSwap and Pepe, where insider activity followed rapid price surges.</li></ul>RAVE, a cryptocurrency tied to entertainment tokenization, surged to an all-time high on Saturday, rising more than 1,000% during Coachella week, as on-chain investigator ZachXBT raised allegations of ‘market manipulation.’<a href="https://stocktwits.com/coins/ravedao">RAVE’s price</a> was trading above $26, up nearly 44% over the past 24 hours. The token hit an all-time high twice during the week, including on Friday. Just 10 days ago, RAVE was priced around $0.20, marking a dramatic surge in a short period, and trading up by 1084% during the past week.&nbsp;On Stocktwits, the retail sentiment around RAVE remained in the ‘extremely bullish’ zone, while chatter around it remained ‘extremely high’ over the past day.<stembedurl>https://www.stocktwits.com/Jackthe/message/650673120</stembedurl>Some users on Stocktwits also pointed out that the rally is drawing scrutiny from analysts, as ZachXBT&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/zachxbt/status/2045403497563336916?s=20">alleged</a> that the price action showed signs of a potential ‘pump-and-dump’ scheme. He claimed that the activity originated across exchanges, including Bitget (BGB), Binance (BNB), and Gate (GT), and called on platforms to launch internal investigations and take action against those responsible.<figure class="image"><a class="st-link-external" href="https://x.com/zachxbt/status/2045403497563336916?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2026_04_18_at_6_42_48_AM_png_995a7e13c2.webp" alt="Screenshot 2026-04-18 at 6.42.48 AM.png" width="1008" height="1324"></a><figcaption>RAVE token surges exponentially but on-chain investigator flags insider manipulation. Source: <a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/zachxbt">@zachxbt</a>/x</figcaption></figure>ZachXBT, who has been&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wired.com/story/meet-zachxbt-243-million-crypto-theft/">called</a> the ‘masked vigilante tracking down billions in crypto scams’ by Wired, also said he would offer a ‘$10,000 bounty’ for whistleblowers to privately share evidence related to the parties involved, adding that he suspected that insiders may be controlling more than 90% of the token’s supply.&nbsp;RAVEDao is a Web3 music protocol tied to electronic dance music (EDM) culture, focusing on on-chain ticketing, crypto payments at live events, and staking mechanisms linked to revenues generated from raves. This comes on the heels of Coachella week, one of the largest annual music festivals in the US. Running from April 10 to April 19, Coachella's ticket sales alone generate well over $100 million to $115 million each year.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Market Manipulation Concerns Resurface</h2>The insider control accusations echo past instances in crypto markets where rapid price surges were followed by insider-driven sell-offs. In 2020, SushiSwap’s token SUSHI&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tatianakoffman/2020/09/06/exclusive-sbf-speaks-out-on-defis-sushi-saga/">plunged</a> after its pseudonymous founder, Chef Nomi, sold a large portion of holdings at the peak of a rally, triggering concerns around insider activity.More recently, similar concerns have surfaced around Pepe Coin (PEPE), where large wallet movements and exchange inflows during sharp rallies&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/1036651">raised</a> fears of coordinated selling and concentrated ownership.Read also: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/strait-of-hormuz-closed-again-by-iran/cZJ6sfMRIUM">Strait Of Hormuz Closed Again By Iran While ‘Piracy’ Row With US Intensifies</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

2026 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 1 - Day 2. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella)

EDM-Themed RAVE Rises Over 1000% During Coachella Week, Sparks 'Pump-and-Dump' Accusations

During Coachella week, one of the largest music festivals in the US, the RAVE cryptocurrency rose from $0.20 to above $26 in just days.

Coachella Mania Fuels 10x RAVE Surge, ‘Pump-and-Dump’ Claims Swirl

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday, citing the US blockade and raising oil supply risks.</li><li>Tehran reportedly proposed tighter control, allowing only IRGC-approved ships with tolls.</li><li>Diplomatic efforts continue, with cautious hopes despite ongoing tensions.Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, just hours after temporarily reopening it to non-military traffic.&nbsp;</li></ul>The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has stated that the waterway would remain under strict military control until full freedom of navigation for Iranian vessels is restored, citing Washington's alleged failure to lift its naval blockade and continuation of what it called "acts of piracy" as the reason for the decision,&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/4/18/iran-war-live-tehran-says-president-trump-made-false-claims-amid-talks">according</a> to Al Jazeera.&nbsp;Despite his claim that a solution is likely, US President Donald Trump cast doubt on ongoing negotiations, stating that the blockade would remain in place even if the current ceasefire expires this week. Limited tanker movement continued during the brief reopening, but US Marines reportedly turned back 21 tankers, showing the mounting risks to global energy flows along one of the world's most important oil transit routes.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Iran Signals New Strait Of Hormuz Regime</h2>According to the Al Jazeera report, Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran's National Security Committee, said in a new update that there might be a change in maritime policy. He said, "The time has come to comply with a new maritime regime for the Strait of Hormuz."&nbsp;Under this plan, only commercial ships that have been approved by the IRGC Navy would be able to go via certain routes after paying tolls. This would mean that transit would be more tightly controlled. He also said that any US meddling with Iranian vessels may quickly change the scenario.The Khatam al-Anbiya military command agreed with this and said that the strait would stay under strict supervision until the US lets Iranian ships move freely. The report talks about how Iran is sending confusing messages.&nbsp;The developments come amid continuous coordination among a quadrilateral group that includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, with cautious hope emerging despite persistent disagreements.While no formal date has been set, diplomatic activity has increased, including Pakistan army chief Asim Munir's recent visit to Tehran, where he spoke with key Iranian officials and underscored the necessity for ongoing talks to restore regional stability.&nbsp;<h2 class="st-heading-2">Markets Remain Muted</h2>The geopolitical winds could affect the defense, energy and oil sectors. The<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLE"> Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE)</a> fell 2.76% on Friday, closing at $55.02. The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/ITA">iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (ITA)</a>, on the other hand, was up 1.27% to close at $231.94. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around XLE remained in the ‘extremely bearish’ zone over the past day, while for ITA, retail sentiment remained ‘bearish’.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund (USO)</a> underperformed, closing down more than 7% on Friday. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around USO dropped to ‘extremely bearish’ from ‘bearish’ zone.Read also:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-rally-triggers-800-m-liquidation-wave-shorts-take-650-m-hit/cZJU6xYRIUN">Over $800 Million Crypto Bets Wiped Out Amid Bitcoin’s Rally To $78,000</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

President Trump Departs Washington Enroute To Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Strait Of Hormuz Closed Again By Iran While ‘Piracy’ Row With US Intensifies

Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz within hours of reopening it, restricting passage amid escalating tensions with the US.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The company said that a merger with United would be negative for competition and for consumers.</li><li>The clarification comes on the heels of a Bloomberg report earlier this week that UAL CEO Scott Kirby has floated a possible combination with the rival company.</li><li>According to the report, Kirby pitched the idea to senior government officials.</li></ul>Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) fell by over 1% after-hours on Friday after the company said that it is not interested in any talks of a merger with rival United Airlines (UAL).“While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers, and therefore inconsistent with our understanding of the Administration’s philosophy toward the industry and principles of antitrust law,” the company said.The clarification comes on the heels of a Bloomberg <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/aal-stock-advances-after-hours-following-report-of-ual-ceo-combining-his-past-and-present-companies/cZJ8WmWRIuC">report</a> earlier this week that UAL CEO Scott Kirby has floated a possible combination with the rival company.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Kirby’s Interest</h2>According to the report, citing people familiar with the matter, Kirby pitched the idea to senior government officials. It is unclear if a process is underway to explore a deal, the report noted. Kirby was previously President at American Airlines, before he switched over to United. A combination between American Airlines and United Airlines would create the largest airline on the planet and might pose antitrust concerns, Bloomberg then noted.Currently, four major carriers — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines (DAL), United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines (LUV) — control the majority of the U.S. domestic passenger market.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Duffy On Consolidation In Airlines</h2>Earlier this month, U.S. transportation secretary Sean Duffy said in an interview with CNBC that there is room for consolidation in the industry. Trump loves to see big deals happen, Duffy said.Duffy, however, reportedly added that any potential deal in the industry would face scrutiny on impact on ticket prices and competition. He also reportedly warned that companies will have to peel off some of their assets if there is a merger involving two major airlines in order to avoid a consolidation of market share.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Did Retail Traders React?</h2>On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around AAL and UAL stocks jumped from ‘neutral’ to ‘bullish’ territory over the past 24 hours. Retail chatter on AAL stayed at ‘high’ levels while on UAL, it stayed within the ‘low’ territory.<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/AAL">AAL stock</a> has risen 35% this year, while <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UAL">UAL</a> gained about 54%.Read More: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/tesla-mass-recruits-in-nevada-for-semi-truck-production-push/cZJyE7yRIUq">Tesla Mass-Recruits In Nevada For Electric Semi Truck Production Push</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

An American Airlines Airbus A321-231 airplane taxis to depart from San Diego International Airport to Dallas at sunset on November 22, 2024 in San Diego, California. 

AAL Stock Slumps After-Hours As Airline Says ‘Not Interested’ In Merger With UAL

American Airlines said in a statement that the company is neither engaged in nor interested in any merger talks with United Airlines. 

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The dispute between the two firms began in 2021 when Masimo, which is being acquired by Danaher, accused Apple of poaching key engineers and stealing pulse-oximetry technology it had developed.</li><li>Masimo can appeal the ITC's decision to the Washington-based U.S. ​Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Reuters noted.</li></ul>The U.S. International Trade Commission has ruled in favor of Apple (AAPL), rejecting medical-device maker Masimo’s (MASI) latest attempt to impose a fresh import ban on certain Apple Watch models.The commission closed Masimo’s case after declining to review a preliminary ruling issued in March by an ITC administrative law judge. The judge had found that Apple’s redesigned smartwatches do not infringe two Masimo patents covering blood-oxygen measurement technology.“For more than six years, Masimo has waged a relentless legal campaign against Apple, and nearly all of its claims have been rejected,” Apple reportedly said in a <a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/apple-defeats-bid-new-apple-watch-import-ban-us-trade-tribunal-2026-04-17/">statement</a> to Reuters while extending its gratitude to the commission.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Apple Vs. Masimo</h2>The dispute between the two firms began in 2021 when Masimo, which is being acquired by Danaher (DHR), accused Apple of poaching key engineers and stealing pulse-oximetry technology it had developed for hospital-grade monitors. Masimo claimed Apple used the know-how to launch the blood-oxygen feature on the Apple Watch. The Irvine, California-based company filed patent-infringement and trade-secret lawsuits in California federal court and a separate complaint at the U.S. International Trade Commission.In December 2023, the ITC sided with Masimo, imposing an import ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models that used the blood-oxygen sensor. Apple subsequently disabled the feature in America while it developed a redesign.Apple’s redesign was approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in August 2025. However, Masimo challenged that redesign at the ITC, leading up to the events on Friday.Masimo can appeal the decision to the Washington-based U.S. ​Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Reuters noted.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Did Retail Traders React?</h2>On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around MASI and AAPL stocks stayed within the ‘bullish’ territory at the time of writing.While <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/MASI">MASI stock</a> has gained 17% over the past 12 months, <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/AAPL">AAPL stock </a>has gained 37%.&nbsp;Read More: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/sls-stock-sparks-retail-buzz-ahead-of-aacr-presentation-on-experimental-cancer-therapy/cZJy282RIUY">SLS Stock Sparks Retail Buzz Ahead of AACR Presentation On Experimental Cancer Therapy</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A new Apple Watch is displayed during an Apple special event at Apple headquarters on September 9, 2025 in Cupertino, California.  

Apple Clears Major Legal Hurdle After U.S. Trade Tribunal Shuts Down Masimo’s Latest Watch Ban Attempt

The U.S. International Trade Commission closed Masimo’s case after declining to review a preliminary ruling issued in March by an ITC administrative law judge. 

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>In a post on X on Friday, Noble called the massive rally over its rebranding to ‘NewBird AI’ a ridiculous and concerning reaction.</li><li>He alleged that the transformation is based solely on selling its core shoe business for $39 million, securing a $50 million convertible investment, and adding AI to its name.</li><li>Earlier this week, William Blair abandoned its coverage of Allbirds, calling the AI pivot announcement a ‘Hail Mary.’</li></ul>Allbirds Inc. (BIRD) had its best week ever, bolstered by a surge of over 580% on Wednesday following its announcement to pivot from footwear brand to AI compute infrastructure.While the company pared some of its gains, it was still up more than 351% for the week. George Noble, a veteran investor and a former associate of Fidelity’s Peter Lynch, slammed the company for the shift, calling it out for its lack of experience in the semiconductors industry. &nbsp;In a <a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/gnoble79/status/2045268668901175391">post</a> on X on Friday, Noble called the massive rally over its rebranding to ‘NewBird AI’ a “ridiculous and concerning” reaction.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Noble Criticizes AI Hype</h2>Noble called <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/allbirds-bird-stock-soars-ai-pivot-50m-financing/cZJtXVbRIwe">Allbirds’ pivot</a> a clear example of speculative excess, arguing that the footwear company has no experience in semiconductors, data centers, or cloud computing. He alleged that the transformation is based solely on selling its core shoe business for $39 million, securing a $50 million convertible investment, and adding “AI” to its name, without customers, GPUs, or proven operations.He compared the situation to beverage company Long Island Iced Tea Corp. that similarly pivoted during the cryptocurrencies boom, changing its name to ‘Long Blockchain Corp.’ Noble argued that the similar hype-driven spike eventually collapsed, leading to delisting and a subsequent insider trading charge based on the name change itself.“It’s the same playbook, only with a different buzzword,” he said, warning investors that the market was effectively pricing in value based on a name change rather than fundamentals.“When a dying retailer can create 9 figures of ‘value’ by announcing it will buy GPUs it does not own, from suppliers it has no relationships with, to serve customers it does not have - you are no longer looking at a market. Hyperscalers are spending $380 billion a year on real AI infrastructure and most of the buyers still cannot measure a return. And now we are pricing a wool sock company as a neocloud. This is how late-cycle tops feel from the inside. Not with a crash. With absurdity,” he said.“Own real cash flow. Own gold. Own silver. Own companies that make things people actually buy,” he added.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Other Slams</h2>Earlier this week, <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/bird-stock-craters-overnight-analyst-drops-coverage-on-ai-pivot/cZJvBLQRIw6">William Blair abandoned its coverage</a> of Allbirds, calling the AI pivot announcement a "Hail Mary." The firm also flagged uncertainty around the company’s GPU pivot and called the Wednesday rally as one that was carried by a "very shallow float, automated momentum, and unchecked hype."<h2 class="st-heading-2">What Are Retail Users Saying?</h2>Despite the Wall Street skepticism, retail sentiment around <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/BIRD">BIRD stock</a> remained in the ‘extremely bullish’ territory at the time of writing amid ‘extremely high’ message volumes on Stocktwits.One bullish user backed the company, saying that the price surge was not out of thin air and that the company’s filings showed “genuine substance.”<stembedurl>https://stocktwits.com/erb71/message/650598728</stembedurl>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

In this photo illustration, the logo of footwear company Allbirds Inc. is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen. (Photo Illustration by Timon Schneider/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

BIRD Stock Surge On AI Hype Is ‘Ridiculous And Concerning,’ Says Veteran Investor George Noble

George Noble, a former associate of Fidelity’s Peter Lynch, slammed Allbirds for its shift to AI, calling it out for its lack of experience in the semiconductors industry. 

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>At the time of writing, there were nearly 471 full-time jobs listed on the company’s jobs portal for Nevada.</li><li>Gigafactory Nevada makes electric motors, energy storage products, vehicle powertrains and batteries, and will soon make the Semi as well.&nbsp;</li><li>Shares of Tesla rose 15% this week in anticipation for upcoming Q1 earnings, marking its best week since May 2025.</li></ul>EV giant Tesla Inc. (TSLA) is actively recruiting talent to work at its gigafactory in Nevada as it eyes volume production of its Semi truck and ramping up manufacturing of its energy storage products.Tesla’s careers website now shows multiple open roles in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, quality and more at the gigafactory. At the time of writing, there were nearly 471 full-time jobs listed on the company’s jobs portal for Nevada. This includes 146 roles dedicated to the Semi.Located less than an hour from Lake Tahoe, Gigafactory Nevada makes electric motors, energy storage products, vehicle powertrains and batteries. The Semi factory is a recent addition to the gigafactory.<h2 class="st-heading-2">The Upcoming Tesla Semi</h2>Tesla’s full-size, Class 8 battery-electric truck, called the Semi, is slated to enter volume production in the first half of 2026. &nbsp;The company unveiled the vehicle in November 2017 and promised a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge. Vehicle deliveries are slated to commence this year, expanding Tesla’s lineup and offerings for commercial customers.As per Tesla’s website, the vehicle will be available in two variants, namely standard range and long range. While standard range will offer about 325 miles of range, the long range variant will offer about 500 miles of range.Electrek reported earlier this year that the company is quoting $290,000 for the 500-mile version of its Tesla Semi truck, before destination fees and taxes, higher than the price announced at the time of its unveiling, but below the industry average for a class 8 electric truck.Tesla’s only other truck currently in production is the stainless steel Cybertruck, which has failed to garner the demand previously expected by Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk.Tesla’s other rivals Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) also offer electric trucks, but their efforts are focused on light-duty, medium-duty, and full-size consumer pickup electric trucks rather than heavy-duty freight trucks.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Tesla’s Upcoming Earnings</h2>Tesla is now slated to report its first quarter earnings on April 22 wherein investors also expect clarity on the company's product pipeline, including the Semi.According to company-compiled consensus estimates, the EV maker is expected to report Q1 total revenue of about $21.4 billion, including automotive revenue of $15.3 billion. Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter is expected to be $0.33, higher than the $0.27 reported in the corresponding quarter of 2025.Shares of Tesla rose 15% this week in anticipation of the earnings, marking its best week since May 2025.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Did Stocktwits Users React?</h2>On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around TSLA stock stayed within the ‘extremely bullish’ territory over the past 24 hours, while message volume stayed at ‘high’ levels.<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/TSLA">TSLA stock</a> has gained 66% over the past 12 months.Read More: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/sls-stock-sparks-retail-buzz-ahead-of-aacr-presentation-on-experimental-cancer-therapy/cZJy282RIUY">SLS Stock Sparks Retail Buzz Ahead of AACR Presentation On Experimental Cancer Therapy</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A view of Tesla Semi-Truck at Electrify Expo San Francisco, the largest electric vehicles (EV) event in North America is held in Alameda, California, United States on August 24, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Tesla Mass-Recruits In Nevada For Electric Semi Truck Production Push

Tesla’s careers website now shows multiple open roles in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, quality, and more at the gigafactory.

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

Definium Therapeutics, Inc. operates as clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, which engages in developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. The company was founded by Stephen L. Hurst, Scott M. Freeman, Leonard Latchman and Jamon Alexander Rahn on July 26, 2010 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

Definium Therapeutics Inc.

Definium Therapeutics is drawing intense community interest due to the potential for regulatory tailwinds and positive sentiment surrounding the psychedelic-assisted therapy sector. Discussions are currently centered on anticipation for upcoming Phase 3 trial data, speculative interest in potential M&A activity, and active debates among traders regarding the company's long-term commercial strategy versus historical governance concerns.

Memecoin on Cronos launched by the Cro Crow community

crow with knife

The crow with knife community is actively hyping the token as an essential meme-sector asset, emphasizing its deflationary burn mechanism and multichain presence. Supporters are rallying around the project's grassroots growth and organic cult following, often framing it as a lighthearted yet serious contender in the current meme coin landscape.

RaveDAO is a global community uniting music, technology, and purpose. Since their first sold-out event at Dubai 2024, they have expanded across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia, hosting world-class experiences with over 100,000 total attendees and 3,000+ attendees for each event.  RaveDAO has worked with top-tier artists like Vintage Culture, Don Diablo, Chris Avantgarde, Lilly Palmer, MORTEN, Bassjackers, and GENESI and has support from Binance, OKX, Bitget, and Polygon. RaveDAO is redefining live entertainment in Web3 and has active partnerships with 1001Tracklists, AMF, and Warner Music.  Beyond the dance floor, RaveDAO channels energy and attention toward impact. In 2025 alone, proceeds from its events helped restore sight to 400+ cataract patients in Nepal and fund over 150 meditation programs across the U.S.

RaveDAO

RaveDAO is seeing massive volatility and intense community speculation, fueled by a high-profile series of global events and allegations of a pump-and-dump scheme involving concentrated insider holdings. While some investors are betting on the token's utility in real-world event ticketing and short-squeeze potential, others are warning of a significant liquidity trap, leading to heated debates between bullish supporters anticipating further growth and skeptical traders calling for regulatory scrutiny.

Highstreet

Highstreet is actively trending as the community debates its potential for a massive short squeeze following a period of extreme volatility and a sharp price decline. While some traders view the token as a high-conviction recovery play with an oversold chart, others express caution, labeling it a risky asset prone to repeated pump-and-dump cycles.

Daddy Darth Sidious

SIDIOUS is gaining traction within the nano-cap meme coin community as traders speculate on a potential rotation from related tokens like MAULCOIN and DARTH. Participants are actively discussing entry points and the prospect of rapid growth, often framed around the concept of the 'Daddy Darth' thematic wars.

PolySwarm

Polyswarm (NCT) is seeing intense community speculation as investors monitor low float dynamics and potential catalysts, with many hoping that increasing cybersecurity threats will drive adoption and volume. Traders are actively debating the timing of a breakout, with many focusing on technical accumulation patterns while remaining patient for a shift in broader market liquidity.

Avantis is the largest RWA perps DEX in DeFi, built on and backed by Base. Avantis allows users to trade crypto and real-world assets (RWAs), including FX, commodities, indices, and equities. Backed by Pantera and Coinbase, Avantis is the largest DEX on Base by volumes, and brings institutional-grade products to DeFi, letting users trade with up to 500x leverage in a transparent, permissionless environment.  Avantis is best known for launching zero-fee perpetuals (ZFP) — a first-of-its-kind primitive where traders only pay fees if they profit. They've also brought leveraged RWAs onchain. This has driven explosive growth: over $20B+ in cumulative volume and 15M+ run-rate revenues since Febrruary 2024.

Avantis

Avantis is experiencing heightened community interest driven by its integration into the Coinbase #base ecosystem and speculation surrounding a upcoming airdrop. Investors are actively debating the token's potential to compete with major decentralized perp dexes while monitoring volume trends for a breakout toward previous price levels.

Cybin, Inc. operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions. It is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog for the treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary deuterated DMT molecule for generalized anxiety disorder and has a research pipeline of investigational psychedelic-based compounds. The company was founded by Paul Glavine, Eric So, and John Kanakis on October 13, 2016 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Helus Pharma Inc.

Helus Pharma is currently in the spotlight as investors await critical Phase 2 data for its anxiety treatment, HLP004, while tracking potential regulatory tailwinds for the broader psychedelic sector. The community remains focused on recent leadership changes and the company's transition to a Nasdaq listing, though sentiment is split between those optimistic about its late-stage MDD pipeline and those expressing frustration over historical volatility and rebranding efforts.

Cronos is an institutional-grade, high-performance, EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK and integrated with the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, designed as the backbone for open, compliant, and AI-accessible tokenized markets. It supports up to 60,000 transactions per second (TPS), 500ms block times, instant finality, and sub-$0.01 fees via Proof of Authority consensus.

Crypto.com Coin

Crypto.com Coin (CRO) is seeing mixed community sentiment as investors weigh persistent concerns about token dilution against potential catalysts like upcoming exchange-linked ETF filings and ongoing integration with AI-focused infrastructure. While many retail holders express frustration over the asset's lagging performance compared to major tokens, others are actively accumulating, pointing to institutional interest and potential regulatory developments as reasons for long-term optimism.

Newcourt Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company, which engages in the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was founded on February 25, 2021 and is headquartered in Oakland, CA.

Psyence Biomedical Ltd.

Psyence Biomedical is experiencing massive volume and bullish momentum as the community reacts to reports of a potential executive order regarding federal research into ibogaine for PTSD treatment. While some traders are focused on a high-potential short squeeze setup due to the company's tight float and the sector's broader excitement, others remain cautious of speculative volatility and potential dilution risks.

statis crypto Watchlist

Bitcoin

Ethereum

Solana

Ripple

Dogecoin

Cardano

statis IN Watchlist

Nifty 50

Nifty Bank

Reliance Industries Ltd.

Zomato Ltd.

Tata Consultancy Services

Tata Motors Ltd.

HDFC Bank Ltd.

ITC Ltd.

Adani Enterprises Ltd

Axis Bank Ltd

Bajaj Finance Ltd

statis US Watchlist

SPDR S&P 500 ETF

Apple Inc.

Tesla Inc

Microsoft Corporation

NVIDIA Corp

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