Dovish Shift? Interest Rate Swap Market Pricing in 15 bps Fed Rate Cut by December

April 17 — The Ethereum Foundation recently published a summary report on its ETH Rangers Security Project, revealing that over a six-month security funding initiative, researchers identified roughly 100 suspected state-sponsored threat actors—including those linked to North Korea (DPRK)—who have targeted multiple Web3 projects. The report notes the investigation was advanced through efforts like the “Ketman Project,” with researchers issuing warnings to around 53 blockchain projects. These alerts exposed individuals who infiltrated development teams under false identities, holding roles tied to fund flows and technical operations. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of dollars in associated funds have been frozen. The security team also integrated this intelligence into threat analysis systems focused on the Lazarus Group and presented findings at conferences like DEF CON, underscoring that nation-state cyberattacks are increasingly targeting the crypto industry’s infrastructure

April 17 — A senior Iranian official told Reuters that unfreezing Iranian assets is part of the Hormuz Peace Endeavor, but did not specify a timeline.

As of April 17, data from Hyperinsight indicates that the address tied to crypto whale Huang Lizheng currently holds long positions with a cumulative profit exceeding $2.86 million. Its Ethereum long position has yielded over $2.05 million in profits, and the address holds a total of 12,000 ETH. Additionally, the account’s historical losses have narrowed to $26.37 million.

April 17 — Shipping companies must conduct a passage assessment before rushing through the Strait of Hormuz, analyst Anthony said Wednesday. They need to verify passage safety and coordinate with Iranian authorities, he noted. Harvard Patel, captain of UAE’s Sharaf Shipping Company, stated: “Announcing the Strait of Hormuz’s full opening during the ceasefire is a positive signal, but the market remains cautiously optimistic—not fully confident.” He added: “While this move should restore some vessel traffic and ease immediate pressure on energy flows, the operational environment is still highly controlled and sensitive. It hasn’t returned to normal trading conditions yet. The real test is consistency: if safe passage holds in the coming days without incidents, confidence will gradually recover.” (Source: FX678)

April 17 — Israel’s Home Front Command announced Wednesday that most nationwide wartime restrictions have been lifted, as ceasefires with Lebanon and Iran continue to hold. The statement marks the first time such restrictions have been lifted across the country since U.S.-Israeli joint airstrikes targeted Iran on February 28. Nationwide gathering limits have been fully lifted, though measures will remain in the Lebanon border region: gatherings there are capped at 1,000 people and will stay in effect through 8 p.m. this Saturday (April 18). Starting at 8 p.m. this Saturday, border area gathering restrictions will also be lifted. Additionally, schools and workplaces nationwide will resume normal operations. Israel describes this as the first time nearly all restrictions have been removed in the past 48 days.

On April 17, data from HTX shows Bitcoin rebounded, pushing past $77,000 with a 24-hour gain of 3.82%.