Bitcoin traded around $69,800 as open interest rose to $102 billion, suggesting defensive, bearish bets while altcoins outperformed in a risk-off macro backdrop.
BTC holds near $70,000 and outperforms major assets during Middle East tensions, even as derivatives data and fear indicators signal deep market pessimism.
Developers are shifting toward artificial intelligence infrastructure as blockchain ecosystems lose contributors across major networks, from Ethereum to Solana.