Bitcoin adds to gains, tops $73k as risk assets catch a bid on Iran hopes

Investing.com -- Bitcoin added to gains on Monday, as risk assets were buoyed by continued hopes for U.S. and Iran negotiations despite failed weekend talks and the start of a naval blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz. 

The world’s largest cryptocurrency rose 2.6% to $73,196.1 by 16:58 ET (20:58 GMT). 

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U.S.-Iran talks fall through, blockade goes into effect 

Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran talked for 21 hours over the weekend but were unable to reach an agreement to solidify an ongoing two-week ceasefire between all warring parties. 

Trump on Sunday said a U.S. naval blockade would go into effect in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows which has been effectively shuttered by Iran since the start of the conflict in late February. 

Trump on Monday confirmed that the blockade would go into effect at 10:00 ET. The president later said 34 ships had gone through the strait on Sunday, adding it was "by far the highest number since this foolish closure began." 

The blockade is likely to herald more military action in the Middle East. A blockade also points to more disruptions in global shipping and energy markets. 

While disruptions in shipping and energy have little direct impact on crypto, they stand to disrupt global economic growth – a scenario that can hurt risk sentiment and in turn dent appetite for speculative assets. 

Risk appetite at the end of last week was also dented by U.S. consumer price index inflation showing a sharp increase in March, largely due to higher energy prices stemming from the Iran war. 

Bhutan sells 70% of its Bitcoin stash

Bhutan has sold about 70% of its Bitcoin holdings since October 2024, data from Arkham Intelligence showed last week.

The country now holds about 3,954 Bitcoin worth about $280.6 million, well below its peak holdings of about 13,000 Bitcoin seen in late-2024. At its peak, the country held about $1.4 billion worth of Bitcoin. 

The reason behind the sale was not immediately clear. The status of Bhutan’s Bitcoin mining operations also appeared to be unclear, recent media reports showed.

Strategy acquires another $1 billion in Bitcoin

Strategy added 13,927 Bitcoin to its treasury last week, paying an average of roughly $71,902 per coin for a total outlay of about $1 billion, according to a Monday filing.

The purchase brings Michael Saylor’s company to a total of 780,897 BTC, acquired for approximately $59.02 billion at an average cost of $75,577 per coin.

Crypto price today: altcoins mostly higher

Broader crypto prices were largely higher, though most altcoins traded in tight ranges and gains were capped. 

World no.2 crypto Ether rose 1.8% to $2,253.38, while XRP added 0.8% to $1.3474.

Cardano, Solana, and BNB climbed 0.2%, 1.6%, and 2%, respectively.

Among memecoins, Dogecoin was up 1.4% and $TRUMP gained 0.5%.

Ambar Warrick and Vahid Karaahmetovic contributed to this article