a16zcrypto has raised a $2.2 billion fund to invest in blockchain startups across stages, marking a smaller allocation than its 2022 cycle. The move comes as crypto venture funding remains below peak levels, with capital concentrating in infrastructure and regulated digital asset hubs globally.
Bitcoin climbed above US$80,000 on Monday morning for the first time since January 31, rising 1.9 per cent to US$80,393 as Asian stocks approached record highs. The rally was driven by strong technology earnings, US$630 million in Bitcoin ETF inflows on Friday, and growing optimism around US stablecoin legislation and Senate crypto regulation. Bitcoin hit a record of over US$126,000 in October last year before falling to US$60,000 in February. Markets are also digesting mixed signals from the Middle East, with Trump saying the US will guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz while Iran warned against interference.
US crypto regulation gained momentum after lawmakers reached agreement on a key provision governing digital asset classification. Coinbase said the compromise could help advance legislation, as policymakers work to resolve oversight issues that have shaped enforcement and compliance across crypto markets.
Learn how to invest in Australian infrastructure projects in 2026, from ASX-listed assets to private funds. Understand returns, risks, and why infrastructure is becoming a core long-term investment strategy for income, stability, and diversification.
Bitcoin surged to its highest level since January on April 27, 2026, reaching US$79,488 following reports of a new peace proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The 16% gain in April is underpinned by a massive 3.9 billion purchase by MicroStrategy and a doubling of spot ETF inflows compared to March. While the geopolitical news has sparks a rally across risk assets, analysts warn that the US80,000 threshold could trigger significant selling pressure as traders reach their breakeven points. Nevertheless, the combination of institutional accumulation and diplomatic hope has placed the cryptocurrency on track for its best monthly performance in nearly a year.
Gold prices continued their downward trend on April 27, 2026, sliding toward $4,680 an ounce as hope for a Middle East ceasefire faded. The breakdown of peace talks in Islamabad has kept the Strait of Hormuz blocked, driving up oil prices and forcing central banks to reconsider interest rate cuts. With the Federal Reserve expected to take a more cautious path under likely incoming chair Kevin Warsh, gold has now shed 11% of its value since the conflict began. Analysts warn the metal is in a technical no-man’s-land as traders grapple with the dual pressures of war-driven inflation and a strengthening U.S. dollar.
Blockchain Capital is seeking to raise about $700 million for two new crypto-focused funds, according to Bloomberg. The effort comes as global venture funding in blockchain shows early signs of stabilization after declining sharply since 2022, with investors focusing on infrastructure and more established companies.
Gold prices dropped to a one-week low on Monday, April 20, 2026, as the U.S. dollar strengthened amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Spot gold fell 0.7% to US$4,794.21 per ounce, driven by fears that rising oil prices will keep global interest rates higher for longer. Despite the ongoing conflict, the precious metal has lost nearly 9% of its value since late February. Analysts say the breakdown of last week’s ceasefire has revived “war trade” dynamics, pushing investors toward the dollar and government bonds instead of non-yielding assets like gold.
Cerebras has disclosed a US IPO filing as the AI boom fuels investor appetite and revives the tech listings market.
US markets edged to fresh highs as optimism over Middle East diplomacy and corporate earnings outweighed mixed economic signals.
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