On-chain whales have been taking profit and exiting their long positions, while the "buddy" has now taken the lead in the ETH bull camp.

April 16 — The U.S. military announced it will expand its maritime blockade of Iran to cover ammunition, weapons, and other contraband. Vessels suspected of shipping prohibited goods to Iran will face the "right of visit" from belligerent nations anywhere they are located and could be detained. Prohibited items also include oil, refined petroleum products, iron, steel, and aluminum. (Reuters)

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On April 16, Coinglass data shows Coinbase’s Bitcoin Premium Index has stayed positive for 8 straight days, currently at 0.0401%. U.S. market buying sentiment continues to strengthen, following 15 consecutive days of negative premiums. BlockBeats Note: The Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index tracks the gap between Bitcoin’s price on Coinbase (a top U.S. exchange) and the global market average. It’s a key indicator for monitoring U.S. capital flows, institutional investment interest, and shifts in market sentiment. Positive premiums mean Coinbase’s Bitcoin price is above the global average, typically signaling: strong U.S. buying interest, active entry of institutions or compliant funds, ample USD liquidity, and broadly optimistic investor sentiment. Negative premiums mean Coinbase’s price is below the global average, usually reflecting: heavy U.S. selling pressure, reduced investor risk appetite, heightened risk aversion, or capital outflows.

April 16. Per The Block, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released a new consultation document on cryptocurrency regulation, seeking feedback on the scope of specific regulated crypto asset activities under its regulatory roadmap. The consultation covers activities including stablecoin issuance, trading platforms, custody, and staking. It’s open to individuals, businesses, industry groups, policymakers, and academics, with a deadline of June 3, 2026. Crypto firms can apply for FCA authorization as early as September 30, 2026. This consultation marks the latest step in the UK’s crypto regulatory roadmap. Earlier this year (February), the “Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoasset) Regulations 2026” officially went into effect, bringing new types of crypto asset activities under the FCA’s oversight. The FCA noted that much of the rule consultation work for the future crypto regulatory framework is complete, with policy statements expected this summer and a fin

**April 16 (Cointelegraph) — France is prepping new measures to protect cryptocurrency holders, French Interior Ministry spokesperson Jean-Didier Berger announced at Paris Blockchain Week.** The government has launched a prevention platform that’s signed up thousands of users. Officials are also teaming up with Interior Minister Laurent Nu?ez on a comprehensive response plan, set to roll out in the coming weeks. Key stats: - As of 2026, France has recorded 41 crypto-related kidnapping cases — an average of one every 2.5 days. - In 2025, global “plumber attacks” (targeted crypto-linked incidents) rose 75% year-over-year. France was Europe’s hardest-hit country, accounting for roughly 40% of all EU-wide incidents.

April 16: Bitget has announced the listing of its USD-margined GENIUS perpetual contract, with leverage options ranging from 1x to 20x. A contract trading BOT will also be available at launch.