Gate Crypto Flash News and Market Updates

U.S. military officials announced that crew members of an Iranian cargo ship detained in the Gulf of Oman will soon return to Iran. A Marine Corps unit is inspecting the ship, which carries 5,000 containers, to decide whether to tow it or let it reach Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed regional issues with Pakistan's Ishaq Dar, highlighting U.S. provocations and ceasefire violations as obstacles to diplomacy. He noted Iran's careful consideration of future diplomatic actions amid threats against its merchant vessels.

The Trump administration has launched a claims portal for U.S. companies to recover over $160 billion in tariff refunds after a Supreme Court ruling. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are among those filing claims, with refunds processed by Customs and Border Protection in stages, typically issued within 60 to 90 days.

U.S. President Trump insists the blockade on Iran will continue until a deal is reached, while Iran has fluctuated on its stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing military tensions and mediation efforts from Pakistan.

Gate News message, April 20 — Hang Seng Index (HSI) futures (Hong Kong's benchmark equity index) closed 0.39% higher in the night session, settling at 26,494 points with a premium of 133 points.

COMEX gold futures dropped 0.79% to $4,841 per ounce, while silver futures fell 2.41% to $79.87 per ounce on April 20.

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will present a ceremonial gift to Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Class-A war criminals, on April 21. This act has sparked controversy among peace advocates and the international community due to its implications on Japan's wartime history.

Digital asset investment products saw $1.4 billion in inflows, driven by eased geopolitical tensions and a Bitcoin surge above $76,000. Bitcoin led with $1.116 billion in inflows, while Ethereum attracted $328 million. Solana showed resilience despite minor outflows, with analysts predicting potential gains if key resistance levels are surpassed.

Russian strategic bombers operated over the Baltic Sea, prompting NATO jets to monitor. Moscow accused Baltic states of aiding Ukraine, escalating tensions. Concerns grow over potential Russian aggression toward Baltic islands, testing NATO's defenses.

The BIS's Pablo Hernandez de Cos warned that differing stablecoin regulations threaten cross-border markets and create arbitrage opportunities. He noted stablecoins' inadequacy for payments, potential market destabilization risks, and regulatory challenges linked to money laundering and sovereignty.

Grayscale has submitted an amendment for its S-1 registration to the SEC for a HYPE-based ETF. If approved, it will trade on Nasdaq, offering direct exposure to HYPE tokens through a trust and may include staking income.

President Trump is considering a proposal allowing Iran to resume uranium enrichment within ten years, conflicting with his stance on preventing its nuclear weapon development. Current Iranian uranium stockpiles could enable weapon production, while IAEA inspections remain hindered post-2025 strikes.

Battery-electric vehicle registrations in Europe surged 29.4% in Q1 2026, reaching nearly 560,000 units, driven by rising fuel costs. Significant growth was seen in major countries, contributing to energy security and reduced oil consumption. Global electricity demand grew 3% in 2025, mainly fueled by emerging markets, with buildings and data centers as key drivers.

Nvidia's stock fell to $199.48 amid increased competition in the AI chip market, particularly with Google launching new TPUs focused on inference. AI chip startups raised $8.3 billion in 2026, signaling a robust sector, with Rebellions raising substantial funding to target U.S. customers.

Nigel Farage criticized Elon Musk's X platform as "dangerous" due to rampant online abuse towards his party's ethnic minority candidates. Farage's relationship with Musk has soured, particularly over their differing views on right-wing activism.

Gate News: According to the latest Gate TradFi data, FCEL (FuelCell Energy Inc) has surged by 14% in a short period. Current volatility is significantly higher than recent averages, indicating increased market

Ripple has developed a four-phase roadmap to secure the XRP Ledger against quantum computing threats by 2028, addressing concerns over blockchain cryptography vulnerabilities. Key phases include researching quantum risks and implementing advanced security methods. XRP Ledger is currently better equipped than Bitcoin, with built-in key rotation enhancing safety.

Kalshi and Polymarket face a potential Supreme Court showdown over the legality of prediction markets as inflation rises and stock markets hit record highs. The outcome may redefine how traders hedge economic risks amid conflicting court rulings on their operations.

Polymarket is seeking an additional $400 million in funding after raising $600 million at a $15 billion valuation, which has increased from $9 billion last year. Despite this growth, it still lags behind competitor Kalshi Inc.'s $22 billion valuation.