Bitcoin at risk of a 51% attack from two miners

  • Foundry USA and AntPool now control over half of Bitcoin’s hash power.
  • Bitcoin price is slipping toward $110,530, a crucial support level.
  • Macro fears and Fed shifts add pressure to already weak crypto markets.

After Monero’s 51% takeover, two Bitcoin mining pools have sparked fears of a potential 51% attack on Bitcoin.

Notably, the developments have raised critical questions about the security of the Bitcoin network and the stability of the wider crypto market.

Also, the concerns over mining centralisation have intensified just as BTC faces steep price declines and broader macroeconomic pressures.

Two mining pools dominate Bitcoin’s hash power

Two major mining pools, Foundry USA and AntPool, now control more than half of Bitcoin’s total computing power.

Foundry even mined eight consecutive blocks in a row, an event that is extremely rare and has heightened fears of network centralization.

With over 51% of the hash power concentrated in just two entities, experts warn that Bitcoin is technically vulnerable to a 51% attack.

In such a scenario, the dominant miners could potentially reorganize blocks, censor transactions, or undermine trust in the network.

While such an attack would be extremely costly and perhaps self-defeating, the centralization trend has raised red flags across the community.

Rising empty blocks and collapsing fees

Alongside the hash power imbalance, analysts have noted an increase in the number of empty blocks being mined.

Empty blocks generate lower transaction fees, which has led to collapsing revenues for miners and less efficient network usage.

This situation has further fueled concerns about the long-term sustainability of the Bitcoin ecosystem, particularly as users demand greater efficiency from the blockchain.

Although some commentators argue that a 51% attack would require an astronomical investment, estimated at around $1.1 trillion, they also admit that the risk of manipulation grows when power becomes too concentrated.

Supporters of Bitcoin believe that no rational actor would spend such sums to destroy the very network that sustains their investment.

Still, the perception of risk is enough to shake market confidence.

Bitcoin price slides toward key support levels

The security fears are unfolding at a delicate moment for Bitcoin’s price.

After reaching an all-time high of $124,000 just last week, Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen sharply to around $113,000.

The cryptocurrency is now approaching a crucial support level near $110,530, where buyers are expected to step in.

If the price holds above that level, a rebound toward $120,000 and eventually $124,474 could follow.

Some analysts like popular X commentator BitQuant are confident that Bitcoin is still on track to reach $145,000 without ever dipping below the six-figure mark.

However, if Bitcoin breaks below the $110,530 support zone, the decline could deepen toward $107,000 or even $100,000.

Short-term charts show bearish momentum, with the relative strength index in negative territory and the 20-day moving average sloping downward.

Macro fears add pressure on crypto markets

Beyond the technical charts, macroeconomic shocks are also weighing on sentiment.

A recent shift in Federal Reserve policy, combined with Wall Street warnings about the newly passed Genius Act stablecoin bill, has unsettled investors.

There are fears that the legislation could trigger a flood of withdrawals worth up to $6.6 trillion, posing systemic risks to both banking and crypto markets.

 

 

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Bitcoin sees strong accumulation despite BTC price pullback

  • Bitcoin price is near $115,300 after bouncing off lows of $114k.
  • Despite sharp declines this past week, BTC is seeing robust accumulation.
  • Onchain data suggests aggressive whale buying.

Bitcoin (BTC) price hovers around $115,300 in early trading on August 19, 2025, but despite the pullback that includes a dip to lows of $114k, the benchmark digital asset is witnessing robust accumulation.

While on-chain data suggests whales are aggressively buying, technical analyses signal bullish support above the psychological $110k.

Notably, BTC price reached its all-time peak above $124k on Aug. 14.

Whales scoop Bitcoin on the cheap

As noted, on-chain data shows bulls have used the sharp price decline in the past few days to buy Bitcoin.

The overall trend, as analysts from CryptoQuant show, is that accumulation is on the up.

Crypto analyst Axel Adler Jr notes in a post on X that there’s been a significant shift in Bitcoin’s exchange netflow.

Per the CryptoQuant on-chain and macro analyst, the 30-day moving average of net outflow has jumped from -1.7K to -3.4k Bitcoin per day, which suggests that coins are exiting centralised exchanges at an accelerated rate compared to sales.

This accumulation, against a backdrop of Bitcoin’s price drop to lows of $114k, speaks to bulls’ strong long-term conviction.

In any case, a divergence between net outflows and price decline has historically pointed to a bullish reversal.

“Against the backdrop of price decline, we see strengthening net outflow: the Exchange Netflow-30D moving average became more negative from -1.7K to -3.4K BTC/day. This means coins on CEX exchanges are being bought faster than they are being sold. Such a shift in a falling market is a bullish divergence, where participants are using the drawdown to buy back coins,” Adler Jr. said.

Santiment’s onchain analytics also point to this trend. Notably, top whales and sharks have continued to accumulate even amid the mild dip.

With BTC prices dropping more than 6% since its peak, wallets within the 10-10K range have scooped more than 20,061 BTC.

“When we zoom out, this same group of key stakeholders has added 225,320 Bitcoin going back to March 22nd. There has been notable correlation between this group’s holdings and the direction of future price movement for the majority of the past five years,” Santiment noted.

What’s the Bitcoin price outlook?

Bitcoin’s price technical picture shows BTC lies within the broad range of support at $112k and resistance at $120k.

Although panic selling in recent weeks has some holders in a downbeat mood, CryptoQuant says they may be dumping at a loss.

“This loss-selling event becomes a critical barometer of market health. If absorbed quickly, it could mirror past resets that fueled strong rebounds. If not, it risks signalling a momentum breakdown,” noted crypto analyst Kerem.

With on-chain data indicating strong accumulation and technical indicators supporting a bullish outlook, BTC remains largely bullish.

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BTC slips 1.1% to $116K as traders brace for August weakness

  • Crypto markets show a split between institutional bulls and retail bears.
  • Prediction markets signal a bearish end to August for Bitcoin.
  • Derivatives data shows caution, with funding rates turning negative.

A profound and unsettling divide is splitting the cryptocurrency market in two as the trading day begins in East Asia.

While the world’s largest institutions are quietly building their positions for a long-term rally, a wave of short-term fear is gripping the retail and derivatives markets, creating a tense tug-of-war that is pulling prices lower.

As the morning session unfolds, Bitcoin is trading at $116,263, down 1.1% and 2% lower on the week, while ETH sits at $4,322, seeing a sharper 3.8% drop in the last 24 hours.

The broader market is feeling the pressure, with the CoinDesk 20 (CD20) index down 2.4%. This nervous price action is a direct reflection of a market caught between two powerful, opposing narratives.

A tale of two markets

On one side, the conviction of institutional players remains unshakable. The Singapore-based market maker Enflux described the dynamic perfectly in a note to CoinDesk. 

“The market remains caught between strong underlying institutional conviction, highlighted by Strategy Inc.’s additional 430 BTC purchase and structural financing shift, and a lack of immediate retail follow-through,” the firm wrote.

Enflux points to asset manager VanEck’s reiterated $180,000 year-end bitcoin target as clear evidence that the market’s giants are positioning for a significant move higher.

On the other side, however, the retail-driven narratives that often fuel explosive rallies have fizzled, with potential ETFs for assets like XRP and DOGE stalled by SEC delays.

One notable exception to this trend is Solana, which Enflux noted continues to show “quiet strength,” driven by its dominance in USDC transfers and its growing share of new token issuance via platforms like PumpFun.

Whispers of warning from the derivatives market

This lack of broad participation is creating a vacuum that is being filled with caution. Prediction markets are now flashing bearish signals for the remainder of August.

On Polymarket, the odds now favor a month-end close for BTC below $111,000, with a 34% probability.

The derivatives market is telling a similar story of defensive posturing.

The analytics firm QCP reported in a recent market update that perpetual funding rates—a key indicator of trader sentiment—turned negative over the weekend, a setup that has preceded pullbacks in the past.

Furthermore, options skews now clearly favor puts (bets on a price decline) across all timeframes.

The calm before the storm: all eyes on jackson hole

The result is a market that feels structurally sound at its core but is tactically fragile and defensive on the surface.

This nervous energy is building ahead of the week’s main event: the Jackson Hole symposium, where Fed Chair Jerome Powell is expected to deliver a pivotal speech.

Traders are anxiously awaiting guidance on how the central bank will navigate higher-than-expected inflation, especially under the glare of a White House that continues to challenge its neutrality.

While the long-term foundation for a broader rally—fueled by four-year highs in crypto search interest and the promising GENIUS Act making its way through Washington—is still being laid, the immediate future appears uncertain.

For now, the conviction is concentrated among the giants, while the rest of the market holds its breath, waiting for a spark.

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Metaplanet adds 775 Bitcoin to treasury amid market pullback

  • Simon Gerovich said the company acquired the bitcoins at an average cost of $120,006 each.
  • Metaplanet began implementing its Bitcoin accumulation strategy in April 2024.
  • With the latest purchase, Metaplanet’s total bitcoin holdings have risen to 18,888 BTC, valued at about $1.94 billion.

Metaplanet, a Japanese Bitcoin treasury company, has purchased an additional 775 BTC for roughly $93 million as part of its ongoing accumulation strategy.

The firm disclosed the latest acquisition on Monday through a post by its president, Simon Gerovich, on X.

Gerovich said the company acquired the bitcoins at an average cost of $120,006 each.

With the latest purchase, Metaplanet’s total bitcoin holdings have risen to 18,888 BTC, valued at about $1.94 billion.

The firm’s average purchase price now stands at $102,653 per bitcoin.

Metaplanet began implementing its Bitcoin accumulation strategy in April 2024.

The firm is currently the seventh-largest holder of Bitcoin globally, according to Bitcointreasuries data.

In his post announcing the milestone, Gerovich noted the company’s growing treasury position and reaffirmed its commitment to the strategy.

Metaplanet’s Q2 results

The company also released its second-quarter financial results last week.

Total revenue reached 1.2 billion yen ($8.4 million), representing a 41% increase from the previous quarter.

Net income swung to a profit of 11.1 billion yen ($75.1 million), compared to a net loss of 5 billion yen ($34.2 million) in the first quarter.

Metaplanet said it continues to project full-year revenue of 3.4 billion yen and operating profit of 2.5 billion yen.

The company attributed this outlook to recurring income from cash-secured put premiums and its operational performance.

Metaplanet stock under pressure

Despite the upbeat earnings and treasury expansion, Metaplanet’s stock price fell 8.6% on Friday to close at 866 yen.

On Monday, shares recovered slightly, rising 0.6% around midday in Japan, while markets were still open.

Addressing the recent weakness, Gerovich acknowledged the disappointment among investors but stressed confidence in the company’s long-term approach.

He said the firm’s bitcoin income generation business has expanded for three consecutive quarters, adding that recurring income provides resilience and flexibility to support future financing and treasury operations.

Bitcoin price today

The latest acquisition comes as bitcoin’s price faces volatility.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency touched a new all-time high of $124,474 last Thursday before retreating 4% the same day.

Over the weekend, it traded around the $117,300 level and was slightly lower at the start of the week, nearing key support at $116,000.

If Bitcoin closes below that level, analysts note that the decline could extend toward its 50-day Exponential Moving Average of $115,031.

A further break below could test the next support zone near $111,980.

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Norway’s $1.6 trillion wealth fund boosts indirect Bitcoin exposure by 192% in Q2 2025

  • NBIM now holds the equivalent of 7,161 BTC through listed equities.
  • Institutional interest in Bitcoin grows through ETFs and corporate holdings.
  • The move may signal early stages of sovereign-backed Bitcoin adoption.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, has taken a significant step into the cryptocurrency market, increasing its Bitcoin (BTC) exposure by 192% during the second quarter of 2025.

Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), which manages the country’s $1.6 trillion oil-funded portfolio, expanded its holdings from the equivalent of 2,446 BTC from the June quarter in 2024 to 7,161 BTC.

The move underscores a broader shift among institutional investors who are using publicly listed equities and ETFs to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market without holding digital assets directly.

Bitcoin exposure rises through equities and ETFs

NBIM’s largest Bitcoin exposure comes via its stake in MicroStrategy (MSTR), the biggest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency. The fund also initiated a smaller position equivalent to 200 BTC in Japan-based Metaplanet.

These holdings are reflected in the fund’s Q2 2025 13F filings, which track institutional investments in US-listed companies.

The data, compiled by analysts, highlights NBIM’s increased allocation to Bitcoin-linked equities during a period of growing global interest in the asset class.

Sovereign wealth funds are typically known for their conservative, long-term investment strategies, making this level of exposure notable.

Institutional participation strengthens

The move by NBIM comes amid rising institutional adoption of Bitcoin, driven in part by strong inflows into Bitcoin ETFs and increased corporate interest.

These products have made it easier for large investors to gain exposure without managing the complexities of digital asset custody.

Industry analysts note that sovereign wealth funds and large pension managers are beginning to explore Bitcoin as part of diversified long-term portfolios.

While NBIM has not publicly commented on its decision, the timing aligns with Bitcoin’s steady price gains over the past quarter, supported by favourable macroeconomic conditions and increased demand.

Strategic hedge potential

For NBIM, the Bitcoin allocation remains a small portion of its total assets, but it may serve as a hedge against currency debasement and geopolitical risks.

Such positioning reflects a growing recognition among large investors that Bitcoin could play a role in risk-adjusted portfolio diversification.

The increase also follows a global trend where state-backed investment vehicles cautiously test exposure to emerging asset classes, particularly those viewed as potential stores of value.

If this allocation pattern continues, the participation of sovereign funds could have a meaningful impact on Bitcoin’s market liquidity and institutional legitimacy.

Broader implications for sovereign-backed Bitcoin adoption

The developments at NBIM may signal the early stages of more widespread sovereign-backed Bitcoin adoption.

Although the current exposure is small relative to the size of the fund, the scale of sovereign wealth fund capital means even incremental moves can influence market dynamics.

As other funds monitor NBIM’s strategy, institutional activity in Bitcoin-linked assets could increase further.

For the cryptocurrency market, these flows represent a structural change in the investor base, moving beyond retail speculation to long-term, strategic capital from the world’s largest pools of wealth.

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