Riot Platforms Shifts from HODL Strategy with Record Bitcoin Sale
In a surprising move, Riot Platforms, the second-largest publicly traded cryptocurrency miner, has broken its long-standing HODL strategy by executing its largest monthly Bitcoin sale to date. The company sold 475 BTC in April 2025 at an average price of $81,731, generating $38.8 million in proceeds. This marks a significant departure from its January 2024 commitment to hold all mined Bitcoin. The sale represents Riot’s first major divestment since adopting the HODL strategy, raising questions about the firm’s outlook on Bitcoin’s future price trajectory. While the company has not disclosed specific reasons for the sale, market analysts speculate this could signal a strategic shift to capitalize on current prices or fund operational expansions. The move comes amid a volatile period for Bitcoin, which has seen prices fluctuate between $70,000 and $85,000 in recent months. Despite this sale, Riot continues to hold a substantial Bitcoin reserve, maintaining its position as one of the industry’s most significant institutional holders. This development highlights the evolving strategies of major crypto miners as they navigate market conditions and balance long-term holding with short-term profitability.
Riot Platforms Breaks HODL Strategy with Largest Monthly Bitcoin Sale
Riot Platforms, the second-largest publicly traded cryptocurrency miner, has executed its most significant monthly Bitcoin liquidation since the company’s inception. The firm sold 475 BTC in April at an average price of $81,731, netting $38.8 million in proceeds. This move marks a stark departure from its January 2024 commitment to a 100% HODL strategy.
The April sale represents Riot’s first major divestment since adopting the hold strategy and stands as its largest single-month BTC liquidation in eight years of operation. Meanwhile, the miner produced 463 BTC in April—a 70 BTC decline from March’s output of 533 BTC. Notably, Riot liquidated not only its freshly mined coins but also dipped into reserves, selling an additional 12 BTC.
The strategic shift comes as bitcoin mining difficulty reaches new highs, squeezing profit margins across the industry. Riot’s decision to convert assets to fiat during a period of compressed yields suggests proactive treasury management amid evolving network economics.
Crypto Markets Brace for Fed Decision as Uncertainty Looms
Cryptocurrency markets remain on edge as investors await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, with Bitcoin’s price slipping to $93,377 amid subdued trading volumes. The cautious sentiment reflects lingering apprehension from past market turbulence.
Recent data hints at the Fed’s likely stance, though uncertainty persists. Market participants are closely monitoring the outcome for potential Ripple effects across digital assets.
Trump’s Remarks Rattle Markets as Crypto Cycles Flash Caution Signals
Former President Donald Trump’s dismissive comments toward Canadian negotiations have injected volatility into global markets. The remarks came ahead of his scheduled discussion with Mark Carney, Canada’s former central banker, undermining prospects for bilateral agreements.
Meanwhile, cryptocurrency markets are exhibiting familiar cyclical patterns. Analysts warn these signals—rooted in collective market psychology rather than guaranteed historical repetition—could precipitate significant price movements depending on trader participation. BTC’s spot premium analysis by DaanCrypto highlights the tension between current valuations and market sentiment.
Silk Road Bitcoin Wallets Shake Market with $322M BTC Move
Two long-dormant Bitcoin wallets linked to the Silk Road era suddenly reactivated, transferring 3,421 BTC ($322.5 million) after 11 years of inactivity. The movement, originating from addresses last used in July 2013, marks one of the most significant dormant BTC transactions in recent history.
The first transfer involved 2,343 BTC ($220.8 million) split across 31 outputs, with 30 portions routed to a modern P2WPKH wallet. These funds remain untouched, suggesting strategic holding rather than immediate liquidation. The transaction’s scale and provenance—tied to Bitcoin’s early dark web history—sent ripples through crypto markets.
Analysts note the movement’s timing coincides with Bitcoin’s consolidation NEAR all-time highs, raising questions about whether this signals veteran holders taking profits or repositioning for the next market phase. The untouched state of the transferred coins has temporarily alleviated fears of immediate selling pressure.
Marathon Digital Downgraded to Sell Amid Bitcoin Mining Profitability Concerns
Compass Point has downgraded Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) from neutral to sell, slashing its price target to $9.50 from $25. The investment bank warns of unsustainable cash burn and potential shareholder dilution, citing Marathon’s hash price falling below 5.5 cents as a key profitability indicator.
Bitcoin mining economics face mounting pressure as rewards diminish and energy costs remain elevated. ’There’s better ways to get BTC beta,’ analysts noted, suggesting alternative exposure methods to Bitcoin’s price movements. Marathon’s operational challenges highlight broader sector headwinds for publicly-traded miners.
Trump’s Trade Talks with Canada Dominate Headlines as Bitcoin Holds Steady
Former President Donald Trump’s discussions with Canada’s Mark Carney have captured significant attention, with potential trade agreements and geopolitical implications taking center stage. Bitcoin maintains its position at $94,600 amid broader altcoin declines, creating a subdued backdrop for these macroeconomic developments.
Trump’s controversial suggestion of Canada potentially becoming the 51st state—framed with his characteristic "it takes two to tango" diplomacy—has sparked debate. While emphasizing the need for mutual willingness in negotiations, no formal agreements have been reached. Market participants await concrete outcomes from promised trade announcements involving one of the world’s top ten economies.
