The 'crack' in the energy market is wider than ever. Bitcoin might feel it.

Your day-ahead look for Aug. 18 2026
This is an AI-generated summary. ShortSingh links to the original source for the complete article.

Your day-ahead look for Aug. 18 2026
This is an AI-generated summary. ShortSingh links to the original source for the complete article.
Visa is searching for a new stablecoin settlement partner following the acquisition of BVNK by rival Mastercard. The payments giant has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a suitable replacement for its stablecoin settlement needs. The RFP indicates that Visa requires a partner capable of supporting multiple stablecoins. The development highlights growing competition between major card networks in the stablecoin payments space.

Ethereum's upcoming network upgrade will disrupt the long-standing 21,000 gas flat fee that wallets have relied on for transaction cost calculations. Under the new rules, sending ETH to a brand-new address will cost more than sending to an already-existing one. This change means wallet software built around the fixed fee model will produce incorrect cost estimates. Developers and wallet providers will need to update their systems to account for the variable gas costs introduced by the upgrade.

South Korea has become the latest country to restrict access to Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market platform. The country joins a growing list of over 30 jurisdictions worldwide that have moved to block the service. Polymarket had argued in its defense that its operations are peer-to-peer in nature, but South Korean regulators dismissed this claim. Authorities contended that Polymarket effectively controls market rules and facilitates crypto-enabled gambling activity, making it subject to local restrictions.

Bitcoin fell approximately 0.6% from midnight UTC, hovering around the $64,000 level amid broader market pressure. US equity futures also declined, with Nasdaq 100 futures slipping 1.1% as rising yields and oil prices dampened investor sentiment. The crypto market's cautious tone comes ahead of two key events scheduled for Wednesday. Traders are closely watching the release of the Federal Open Market Committee's July meeting minutes, which could signal the Fed's next policy moves. A White House crypto summit is also set for Wednesday, adding further significance to the day for digital asset markets.

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