Gate Crypto Flash News and Market Updates

OpenAI's upgraded Codex evolves from a coding assistant to an autonomous agent for desktop environments, capable of managing applications, automating workflows, and integrating with over 100 apps. This shift enhances task continuity and workflow automation, reflecting a competitive landscape in AI coding tools.

European AI chip startups are attracting larger investments, with Euclyd seeking €100 million for its inference technology. Despite raising $800 million in 2026, they lag behind US firms. The EU's Chips Act aims to enhance Europe's semiconductor industry.

A major CEX announced the delisting of DEGO, DENT, and TRU tokens, leading to significant selloffs. DENT dropped by over 18%, TRU by 15%, and DEGO by 11%.

Lido's LDO buyback program prompted a significant purchase of 4.5 million LDO tokens by a whale for $1.86 million, alongside 10,000 AAVE tokens for $1.15 million, sourced from Wintermute and FalconX, respectively.

XRP exchange traded funds saw inflows of $11.87 million, increasing total assets to $1.08 billion, reflecting sustained institutional interest and confidence in XRP's role in cross-border payments amidst growing demand for crypto ETFs.

Flow Capital Partners plans to launch tokenized shares of its $150 million private credit fund via Singapore's DigiFT, aiming to raise an additional $30 million by year-end. This initiative supports Singapore's Project Guardian, enhancing liquidity in private credit markets.

Between 2026-04-17 08:45 and 2026-04-17 09:00 (UTC), the BTC price surged in the short term. The candlestick return was +0.58%, with a price range of 75265.0 - 75862.3 USDT and a range of 0.79%. Market volatility increased and attention rose, with trading volume significantly higher than usual, reflecting a convergence between capital flow and technical signals. The main driver behind this unusual move is the exchange’s net outflow of BTC in sync with ETF capital inflows. Data shows that within the past 24 hours, exchanges recorded a net outflow of 2,844.68 BTC

Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $26 million in inflows on April 16, led by BlackRock's IBIT with $81 million. Ethereum ETFs also performed well, with BlackRock's ETHA gaining $30.51 million, highlighting ongoing institutional interest in crypto markets.

A Citi study recommends combining Bitcoin and gold in investment portfolios for improved long-term returns, noting better performance in various market conditions. Wells Fargo predicts gold could rise to $8,000 by 2027, driven by central bank concerns. Meanwhile, Bitcoin funding rates have reached lows, historically marking turning points.

Tokyo has launched a subsidy program for businesses creating yen-denominated stablecoin use cases, offering up to 40 million yen. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and can face repayment penalties if use cases aren't developed or subsidies are misused.

HKEx has proposed shortening the settlement cycle for Hong Kong's stock spot market from T+2 to T+1 and is seeking market feedback on the new operational model.

Hong Kong stocks closed lower on April 17, with the Hang Seng Index dropping 0.89%. Blue-chip stocks varied, as Alibaba gained amid AI advancements. Newly listed stocks surged, showcasing strong investor interest, while gold stocks fell due to geopolitical tensions.

Sui blockchain has launched its native stablecoin, USDsui, now integrated into various digital wallets and DeFi applications. This launch enhances Sui's DeFi infrastructure, facilitating peer-to-peer lending and automated trading while reducing reliance on external stablecoins. Its success relies on broad adoption within the ecosystem.

The Korea Battery Industry Association and Germany's Fraunhofer Institute signed an MOU to enhance battery technology cooperation, aiming to help Korean companies meet EU market requirements. Their collaboration focuses on R&D, supply chain development, and safety solutions in line with the EU's new regulations.

Google is enhancing Chrome with AI-powered search, allowing conversational browsing and context-aware responses. The new functionality also features multi-tab integration, improving user experience for various tasks by consolidating open tabs and providing tailored information.

On April 17, the Salamar, a Pakistani-flagged oil tanker, became the first crude oil vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. blockade began on April 13, carrying 450,000 barrels of oil from the UAE to Karachi, Pakistan.

Kim Sang-hun, chairman of the Democratic Party's Digital Asset Special Committee, urged for prompt legislation on stablecoins to maintain monetary sovereignty and provide market clarity, while avoiding equity disputes that could hinder progress.

Reed Hastings will step down from Netflix's board in June after nearly 30 years, marking a shift in leadership for the company. His departure comes amid disappointing earnings and challenges following the withdrawal from an acquisition deal.