Bitcoin Enters Strongest Accumulation Phase Since January as BTC Price Passes $110K
Bitcoin BTC has entered a strong accumulation phase across all wallet cohorts for the first time since January, signaling renewed bullish sentiment as the largest cryptocurrency trades above $110,000, an 18% gain over the past month.
Glassnode's Accumulation Trend Score has reached its maximum value of 1.0, indicating broad-based, aggressive accumulation by investors irrespective of the amount of BTC they already hold. The metric evaluates the relative strength of buying by different wallet sizes, factoring in both their existing holdings and the amount acquired over the past 15 days. It excludes exchanges and miners to avoid distortion.
The latest accumulation wave began in early May, led by whales holding over 10,000 BTC. As the price began to climb, cohorts with smaller holdings followed, intensifying their accumulation behavior.
This marks a significant shift from the January-to-April period, when most cohorts were in reducing their holdings as bitcoin tumbled from its then-record high of $109,000 to lows around $75,000.
The renewed demand is supported by options market activity, with CoinDesk Research highlighting large bullish positions. The $300,000 strike for June expiry has become the most popular call option, with $620 million in notional value, and an additional $420 million is concentrated around the $200,000 strike.
While bitcoin historically tends to fall after hitting an all-time high due to profit-taking, traditional assets like the S&P 500 and gold often extend their rallies in similar scenarios. If bitcoin were to follow this more mature asset behavior, it may signal the beginning of a sustained bull cycle, a trend many in the market are now watching closely.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
9 minutes ago
- Forbes
New Study Reveals True AI Capabilities And Job Replacement Risk
The OECD has unveiled groundbreaking AI Capability Indicators that map artificial intelligence ... More progress against human abilities across nine key domains, revealing where AI currently stands and what's coming next. Imagine trying to navigate the digital transformation of your business using a compass that only points to "somewhere north." That's essentially what we've been doing with AI assessment until now. While tech companies have been throwing around impressive-sounding claims of superhuman performance in narrow tasks, business leaders and policymakers have been left squinting through the hype, trying to figure out what any of it actually means for the real world. The OECD has just delivered something we've desperately needed: a proper GPS system for AI capabilities. Their new AI Capability Indicators represent the most comprehensive attempt yet to create a standardized framework for understanding what AI can actually do compared to human abilities. Think of it as moving from vague headlines about "AI breakthrough" to having a detailed performance review that actually tells you something useful about real-world capabilities. Unlike the typical parade of cherry-picked benchmarks that dominate tech headlines, the OECD's approach cuts through the marketing noise. They've developed nine distinct capability scales that map AI progress against fundamental human abilities: Language, Social Interaction, Problem Solving, Creativity, Metacognition and Critical Thinking, Knowledge and Memory, Vision, Manipulation, and Robotic Intelligence. Each scale runs from Level 1 (basic, solved problems) to Level 5 (full human equivalence), with clear descriptions of what AI systems can actually accomplish at each stage. What makes this particularly helpful is how it sidesteps the technical jargon that usually makes AI assessment reports about as accessible as quantum physics textbooks. Instead of drowning in discussions of transformer architectures or neural network parameters, you get straightforward descriptions like whether an AI system can "adapt teaching methods to meet students' varying needs" or "handle objects of diverse shapes and materials in cluttered environments." The methodology behind these indicators is equally impressive. Over 50 experts across computer science and psychology spent five years developing this framework, combining rigorous academic research with practical, real-world applications. Here's where things get interesting and perhaps a bit sobering for those caught up in the AGI hype cycle. The assessment reveals that current AI systems are clustered around Levels 2 and 3 across most capabilities. We're not at the finish line; we're not even close to it. Large language models like ChatGPT score at Level 3 for language capabilities, meaning they can understand and generate semantic meaning with sophisticated knowledge, but they still struggle with analytical reasoning and have that persistent habit of confidently stating complete nonsense. It's like having a brilliant conversationalist who occasionally insists that gravity flows upward. In social interaction, even the most advanced systems barely reach Level 2. They can combine simple movements to express emotions and learn from interactions, but they're essentially sophisticated actors with no real understanding of the social dynamics they're performing. The vision capabilities tell an equally nuanced story. While AI can handle variations in lighting and target objects, performing multiple subtasks with known data variations (Level 3), it's still leagues away from the adaptable, learning-oriented visual intelligence that characterizes higher levels. For business leaders, this framework offers something really valuable: a reality check that cuts through vendor marketing speak. When a sales representative promises their AI solution will "revolutionize your operations," you can now ask pointed questions about which capability levels their system actually achieves and in which specific domains. The gap analysis between current AI capabilities and the requirements of specific business tasks becomes clearer when standardized benchmarks are in place. Consider customer service, where companies are deploying AI chatbots with the enthusiasm of gold rush prospectors. The OECD framework suggests that while AI can handle structured interactions reasonably well, anything requiring genuine social intelligence, nuanced problem-solving, or creative thinking quickly exposes current limitations. This doesn't mean AI isn't useful in customer service, but it helps set realistic expectations about what human oversight will still be necessary. It's the difference between using AI as a sophisticated tool versus expecting it to be a replacement employee. One approach leads to productivity gains; the other leads to customer complaints and public relations disasters. The framework also reveals opportunities that might not be immediately obvious. Areas where AI performs at Level 3 or higher represent genuine automation potential, while Level 2 capabilities suggest powerful augmentation opportunities. Smart businesses will use this intelligence to identify the low-hanging fruit while preparing for the longer-term implications of advancing capabilities. Perhaps nowhere are the implications more immediate and profound than in the field of education. The report's analysis of teaching capabilities reveals why educators are feeling simultaneously excited and terrified about AI's expanding role in classrooms. Many core teaching tasks require capabilities at Levels 4 and 5, particularly when it comes to adapting instruction to individual student needs or managing the complex social dynamics that make learning environments work. This creates a fascinating paradox worthy of a philosophy textbook: AI might be able to deliver standardized instruction more efficiently than humans, but the most transformational aspects of teaching, the inspiration, emotional connection, and creative problem-solving that actually change lives, remain firmly in human territory. The implications suggest we're heading toward a hybrid model that could fundamentally reshape education. AI handles routine instructional delivery, assessment, and administrative tasks, while humans focus on motivation, emotional support, creative problem-solving, and the kind of inspirational mentoring that transforms students into lifelong learners. This isn't displacement; it's specialization at a scale we've never seen before. The OECD's systematic approach provides something invaluable for strategic planning: a clear picture of what breakthrough capabilities we should be monitoring. The jump from Level 3 to Level 4 across multiple domains would represent a genuine inflection point, particularly in areas like creative problem-solving and social intelligence. What's especially revealing is how the framework illuminates the interconnectedness of different capabilities. True robotic intelligence, for instance, requires simultaneous advances across multiple domains. You can't have Level 5 robotic intelligence without corresponding progress in vision, manipulation, social interaction, and problem-solving. The framework also highlights capability areas where progress might stall or slow dramatically. Social interaction and creativity appear to have particularly steep curves between current performance and human-level capability. What the OECD has created is essentially a report card system for the AI age. Instead of being swept along by breathless predictions about artificial general intelligence arriving next week, we now have a framework for systematically tracking progress and understanding real-world implications. For businesses, this means more informed decisions about where to invest in AI capabilities and where to double down on human talent development. For policymakers, it provides a foundation for regulations and workforce planning grounded in evidence rather than science fiction. For educators, it offers a roadmap for preparing students for a world where human and artificial intelligence must work together effectively. The OECD framework isn't predicting exactly when AI will achieve human-level performance across all domains; that's still anyone's guess. Instead, it provides a common language for discussing AI capabilities and a systematic way to track progress that everyone, from CEOs to school principals, can understand and use. In a field notorious for moving fast and breaking things, having a reliable measurement system might just be what is needed.


Entrepreneur
16 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
3 remarkable winners amid an unseen surge
Oil prices have been falling as OPEC increases production. Like Trump with trade, the cartel is looking to re-shape the chess board. Here's what investors need to know This story originally appeared on WallStreetZen The dominant story of 2025 has been President Trump using tariffs to restructure global trade. So, many investors are missing another major development as OPEC has been increasing oil production. Notably, this increase in production has come about despite already weakening oil prices. This is not an accident as OPEC is looking to increase its market share. Over the last decade, steadily rising US shale oil production has eroded OPEC's control of the market and resulted in the US becoming a net exporter of energy. WTI Crude oil started the year at around $74 per barrel and currently trades below $60 per barrel. However, shale oil production is only viable at prices above $70 per barrel. 2020 and 2014 The last two major instances of OPEC members increasing oil production were in early-2020 and 2014. And, both instances marked the beginning of multi month declines in oil prices. In 2014, WTI crude dropped from $105 per barrel in June 2014 to below $55 by the end of the year. The major impetus for this increase was the growth in US shale production which was starting to affect OPEC's market share and pricing power. In early 2020, Saudi Arabia decided to increase oil production in an effort to discipline other OPEC members who were not abiding by the cartels' production quotas. As the chart below shows, this resulted in oil prices sliding lower and eventually collapsing as the pandemic temporarily crippling oil demand. Both experiences contain important lessons for investors. 2025 In its first production surge, OPEC didn't materially cut back on supply increases until there was a material decrease in rig counts and shale production. 2020 gives us few clues, since the production surge ended quickly, once the nature and challenge of the pandemic became clear in early March. However, the biggest takeaway is that investors should not ""fight OPEC." A common adage on Wall Street is "don't fight the Fed." Essentially, this means don't be bearish when the Fed is aggressively easing or don't be overly bullish if the Fed is tightening policy. Similarly, investors should have a more risk-averse approach when investing in oil, whenever OPEC is increasing production. What Opportunities Does the OPEC Surge Create? Instead, investors should focus on the consequences of a multi month decline in oil prices, as these are where investment opportunities can be found. For instance, many airline stocks enjoyed spectacular rallies in 2014 and 2015 as lower oil prices boosted margins and profits. In 2020, many shippers enjoyed huge gains as the world was awash in excess oil which had to be stored and transported. Investors should identify stocks with strong fundamentals that have strong quantitative ratings. Then, they can narrow down this list of stocks to find the ones that will benefit from this specific catalyst. The Zen Ratings can help you screen for these stocks. For instance, investors can screen for stocks with an overall A or B rating along with strong component grades for defensive categories like Safety, Value, or Financials. Currently, there are a handful of stocks that fit this criteria. In today's article, I want to discuss 3 companies: United Airlines (UAL), CVR Partners (UAN), and Hallador Energy (HNRG). 1. United Airlines (UAL) United Airlines (UAL) is a major beneficiary of lower oil prices as it reduces costs, boosts margins, and leads to an increase in consumer spending. As oil prices dropped by more than 50% between June 2014 and February 2015, UAL's stock was up by nearly 70%. UAL also brings outstanding financials given a solid balance sheet, low debt-to-equity ratio, and a rock-bottom forward P/E of 6.6 which is significantly cheaper than the S&P 500's forward P/E of 22. The company is also well-regraded by Wall Street analysts as it has 8 Strong Buy ratings and 3 Buy ratings with no Sell or Hold ratings. It also has a consensus price target of $103 which implies 30% upside. Another indication of strong performance is that the company has topped analysts' earnings expectations for 11 straight quarters. Similarly, the Zen Ratings are also bullish on the stock as it has a Strong Buy (A) rating. A-rated stocks have an average annual performance of 32.5% which beats the S&P 500's average annual gain of 10.8%. 2. CVR Partners (UAN) CVR Partners (UAN) produces nitrogen fertilizer, providing farmers with ammonia and other products. A byproduct of reduced shale oil production will be higher natural gas prices, and fertilizer prices tend to rise with natural gas prices. Like UAL, UAN offers a strong balance sheet, low leverage ratios, and an attractive valuation with a P/E of 11. UAN also pays an 8% dividend yield and has consistently hiked dividend payouts over the last decade. While certain segments of the economy are going to lose from tariffs, agriculture is an exception. Either the administration is going to strike deals that will boost exports, or it will provide aid to farmers given their political importance as was the case during the previous trade war in 2018-2019. Given these strong fundamentals, it's not surprising that UAN is rated a Strong Buy (A). The stock has appeal to both value and growth investors. The company's recent earnings reports reveal strong cash flow. Over the last 12 months, the company generated nearly $100 million in cash which is impressive given its total market cap of $825 million. This combination ensures a margin of safety while providing exposure to positive catalysts. 3. Hallador Energy (HNRG) While UAN will benefit from higher fertilizer prices, HNRG will benefit from higher coal prices. Coal prices and natural gas prices tend to move in the same direction. Further, the Trump administration's embrace of coal also removes another major headwind for the industry which led to underperformance for most of the last decade. Essentially, coal stocks were mired in a brutal bear market from 2010 to 2020. Low natural gas prices made it less competitive. At the same time, the government was embracing environmental policies to reduce coal consumption. Now, both of these headwinds have eased, and investors are finding opportunities in the sector. Wall Street analysts are also bullish on the stock as it has 2 Strong Buy ratings and 1 Buy rating with 0 Sells or Holds. In terms of the Zen Ratings, it's rated a Buy (B). B-rated stocks have produced an average annual return of 19.5% which beats the S&P 500's average annual gain of 10.8%. The stock is also a standout in terms of component grades. Out of our universe of 4,500 stocks, it's in the top 3% for Growth. This is consistent with the company's improving outlook given increasing coal production and rising prices. Additionally, it ranks in the top 4% for Safety due to its low levels of debt, leverage, and collection of high-quality assets. What's the Endgame For OPEC's Production Uptick? While the endgame and path for Trump's trade war is unclear, the fallout and conclusion of OPEC's production surge is much more predictable. While North American energy producers are likely to struggle, commodities like natural gas, coal, and fertilizer will benefit. Another winner will be airlines as consumer spending remains strong while fuel costs decline. What to Do Next?


New York Times
29 minutes ago
- New York Times
Jhoan Duran's revised 4-seam fastball key to his resurgence, reliever of the month award
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Many factors are involved in the early-season resurgence that led Jhoan Duran to earn reliever of the month honors Tuesday, but it's hard to dismiss the impact of a revamped four-seamer. Though the dip in average velocity of Duran's fastball over the years is well documented, the Minnesota Twins reliever is using a new grip to throw his heater as much as ever and with better results than in any of his big-league seasons aside from his rookie year (2022). Advertisement Duran, who became the first Twins reliever to be named the American League's reliever of the month since Joe Nathan in June 2009, is 4-1 with nine saves, a 0.99 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings this season. He posted a 0.60 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 15 innings in May en route to joining Nathan, a three-time winner who is the only other Twins pitcher to be named reliever of the month. THE JHOAN AND ONLY 🔥 Congratulations to Jhoan Duran on being named the @MLB AL Reliever of the Month for May! — Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 3, 2025 Whereas a season ago Baseball Savant said Duran's fastball carried a negative-1 Run Value en route to a career-worst 3.64 ERA, this season it's plus-4 and pairing nicely with a plus-6 splinker, a plus-1 sweeper and a solid curveball. 'He's been doing his job at a very high level all year long,' Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. 'He's used all of his pitches. They've all been pretty consistent. He's been able to get ahead with all three and then use all three in the middle and late in the counts, too. The fact that he's spreading it out so well, it means that they have to respect everything.' First and foremost, Duran's turnaround is rooted in good health and a strong offseason program that resulted in his losing 12 pounds. Though he's known for having a good work ethic, Duran said too many events disrupted his offseason preparation ahead of 2024. This winter, Duran spent the entire offseason in the Dominican Republic adhering to the same rigorous conditioning program he used in 2023. Beyond the lesser conditioning, Duran suffered an oblique injury in spring training 2024, which he and Twins coaches believe hampered his performance into the middle of last summer. This year, Duran isn't just fit; he's physically moving well, which means no disruptions. It also has him in a place to more easily make adjustments and experiment. Advertisement One of those experiments is trying a different grip on his four-seamer, which he's previously used, pitching coach Luis Ramirez said. Duran and Ramirez believe the new grip has increased the amount of run on his four-seamer from 12.3 inches in 2024 to 13.6 inches this season, action that is leading Duran to trust his four-seamer more. 'The other grip I have, it feels comfortable, but it doesn't have too much (run) on it,' Duran said. 'Luis told me, 'If you grab it like this, maybe it'll have more (run).' We can try it. We tried, and I feel (better). The ball is moving really good. I throw a lot of fastballs right in the middle, and they're hitting groundballs. In the past when I missed fastballs in the middle, it was a homer or a double.' Based on previous usage, Ramírez, who has worked with Duran since he was a minor leaguer, knew the pitcher would be open to incorporating the grip again. Duran said he has simply flipped the seams on the ball to the other side of his grip. 'We kind of go back and forth depending on the movement and locations, depending on, 'Am I comfortable?'' Ramírez said. 'Obviously, this grip gives him better carry. This grip gives him a little better movement.' Being able to command the fastball better is critical for the rest of Duran's mix. This season, he's throwing his four-seamer in the strike zone 57.5 percent of the time, up from 53.5 percent a year ago. He's also able to trust the run will allow him to throw it in more hittable locations without the fear of an opponent crushing it. A year ago, Duran didn't throw his four-seamer with as much conviction, which allowed opponents to sit on his splinker and curveball more often. 'The biggest thing between last year and this year is just command of the four-seam,' Twins reliever Griffin Jax said. 'The splitter's always been there. But last year, I don't think he was commanding his four-seam at all. They'd just be sitting splinker and hit it into the ground, and a lot of those found holes last year.' Advertisement Indeed, hitters are doing far less damage on Duran's splinker. Last season, opponents had a .363 slugging percentage against Duran's splinker, a figure that has dipped to .189 in 2025. As a result, Duran has increased his splinker usage to 35.6 percent from 31.4 percent last year. Throw in his curveball and a sweeper he's started to use more, and Duran can attack hitters in a variety of ways. Entering Tuesday, opponents were hitting .172/.261/.182 against Duran versus .235/.305/.363 a year ago. 'He's really pitching well right now, and it's not just the heater that's improved,' Baldelli said. 'Everything is in a good spot right now. He's just mixing and getting ahead and then putting guys away. He's doing it all.'