Commodity analysts warned Brent averaging 90 for the rest of the year is already a best case, citing a daily supply deficit of 14 to 15 million barrels. They said a sustained blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could lift prices to 120 to 130 by late June to early July, as Brent traded at 109.26 after an 80 percent rise year to date.

EchoProtocol's @EchoProtocol_ deployment on @monad was exploited, according to PeckShieldAlert. The attacker minted 1,000 eBTC valued at $76.7 million, then deposited 45 eBTC ($3.45 million) into Curvance to borrow about 11.29 WBTC ($867,700). The WBTC was subsequently bridged to Ethereum, swapped into ETH, and 384 ETH ($821,700) was sent to TornadoCash.

Meta plans to eliminate about 20% of its global workforce and reassign roughly 7,000 employees to artificial intelligence projects as part of a broad restructuring scheduled for May 20, Reuters reported.

Three major crypto incidents unfolded in just four days. On May 15, #THORChain was exploited, with losses topping $10M. On May 18, the VerusEthereum Bridge (@VerusCoin) was hacked, with about $11.5M stolen. Today, @EchoProtocol_ was exploited; the attacker minted 1,000 $eBTC (valued at $76.64M) and has already used it to steal 385 $ETH ($821K). Stay alert.

Onchain security firm PeckShield (@PeckShieldAlert) reported that Echo Protocol on Monad was exploited. The attacker allegedly minted 1,000 eBTC worth about $76.7 million, then posted 45 eBTC (around $3.45 million) as collateral on Curvance to borrow roughly 11.29 WBTC (about $867,700). The WBTC was bridged to Ethereum, swapped into ETH, and 384 ETH (approximately $821,700) was sent to Tornado Cash.

Echo Protocol, a project on the Monad chain, has been exploited, according to monitoring by Onchain Lens. The attacker minted 1,000 eBTC worth about $76.7 million and used an attack path that had reportedly been tested previously to pull funds from Curvance. On-chain data show the attacker deposited 45 eBTC (about $34.5 million) into Curvance as collateral, borrowed roughly 11.29 WBTC (around $867,700), and bridged the assets to Ethereum. The funds were then swapped into ETH, and 385 ETH (approximately $818,000) was sent to TornadoCash. The attacker is still believed to control a large portion of the newly minted eBTC.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 — Futures Morning Rush Top headlines 1) China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the country has ample macro policy tools and room for both cross-cycle and counter-cyclical adjustments, with improving policy precision and effectiveness to address risks and challenges. 2) China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued updated implementation measures for steel capacity replacement. Key changes include higher replacement ratios: nationwide steel capacity replacement at no less than 1.5:1; for mergers and reorganizations, no less than 1.25:1. 3) China's National Grain and Oils Information Center said soybean imports were concentrated at ports in May and oil mill operating rates rebounded after the holiday. As of May 15, major mills processed about 3.5 million tons of soybeans in May. 4) JPMorgan Chase cut its 2026 average gold price forecast to $5,243/oz from $5,708/oz. 5) Following earthquakes in Guangxi, a key zinc raw material supply region, SMM said zinc smelter production has not been affected and operations remain normal. 6) Trump said he has canceled the military strike against Iran that had been planned for tomorrow (the 19th). 7) Trump said he is not considering any concessions to Iran. Macro and geopolitics 1) NBS reiterated that China's macro policy toolkit remains robust, with further steps focused on fully utilizing macro policies, improving targeting, and strengthening the internal drivers of growth. 2) NBS data showed that from January to April, nationwide real estate development investment totaled RMB 2.3969 trillion, down 13.7% year over year; residential investment was RMB 1.8464 trillion, down 13.1%. From January to April, value-added industrial output for enterprises above designated size rose 5.6% year over year. 3) Iran has set up a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA). A social media account under the same name went online, stating it is the official channel for real-time updates on developments in the strait. 4) Pakistani sources said Pakistan has delivered Iran's revised proposal to end the war to the U.S., and the U.S. has received it. 5) Shanghai Shipping Exchange data showed that as of May 18, 2026, the Shanghai Export Containerized Freight Rate Index (Europe route) was 1,709.43, up 1.0% from the prior period. 6) Trump again said the planned strike on Iran for May 19 has been canceled. Middle Eastern countries reportedly believe the U.S. and Iran can reach a highly acceptable agreement including Iran's renunciation of nuclear weapons, and have requested a 2–3 day window. If no agreement is reached, they are said to be prepared to launch a large-scale strike against Iran at any time. 7) Iran reportedly sent a new 14-point negotiation text to the U.S. via Pakistan, proposing a long-term, multi-phase ceasefire and the unconditional transfer of enriched uranium to Russia. 8) Trump said he is not considering making any concessions to Iran. 9) Iranian sources said the U.S. has shown flexibility on allowing limited nuclear activity in Iran, but would agree to unfreeze only one-quarter of Iran's assets on a phased timeline. Global futures moves 1) Front-month WTI crude settled up 1.46% at $102.49/bbl; front-month Brent rose 0.39% to $109.69/bbl. 2) Precious metals closed mostly higher: COMEX gold +0.20% to $4,570.80/oz; COMEX silver +0.74% to $78.12/oz. 3) Most LME base metals rose: tin +0.76% to $52,745.0/ton; nickel +0.31% to $18,555.0/ton; copper +0.26% to $13,590.0/ton; lead +0.13% to $1,981.0/ton. Aluminum -0.15% to $3,557.5/ton; zinc -0.52% to $3,515.5/ton. Ferrous and steel 1) NBS said April steel output was 122.63 million tons, down 1.7% year over year; January–April output was 471.94 million tons, down 1.3%. April crude steel output was 83.63 million tons, down 2.8%; January–April crude steel output was 331.12 million tons, down 4.1%. 2) Mysteel data showed global iron ore shipments totaled 32.055 million tons for May 11–17, up 3.46 million tons week over week. Australia and Brazil shipped 25.731 million tons, up 2.812 million tons. Australia shipped 18.63 million tons, up 398,000 tons; shipments to China were 15.03 million tons, down 657,000 tons. 3) Mysteel said Shandong coke prices across multiple markets are set to rise by RMB 50/ton for wet-quenched coke and RMB 55/ton for dry-quenched coke from 00:00 on May 20. 4) Mysteel said iron ore arrivals at China's 47 ports were 28.298 million tons for May 11–17, up 4.192 million tons week over week; arrivals at 45 ports were 26.993 million tons, up 4.116 million tons; arrivals at six northern ports were 13.167 million tons, up 2.527 million tons. 5) MIIT's revised steel capacity replacement rules include raising replacement ratios (no less than 1.5:1 nationwide; no less than 1.25:1 for mergers and acquisitions) and phasing out capacity replacement between different enterprises. A two-year transition period will apply; afterward, capacity transfer would be allowed only through substantive mergers and acquisitions. Agriculture 1) National Grain and Oils Information Center estimates May soybean processing at major mills may total about 8.5 million tons, up about 1.6 million tons month over month, down about 500,000 tons year over year, and about 200,000 tons below the three-year average for the same period. 2) SPPOMA data showed that for May 1–15, 2026, Malaysia's palm oil fresh fruit bunch yield fell 12.47% month over month; the oil extraction rate fell 0.75%; production fell 16.42%. 3) USDA data showed U.S. soybean export inspections for the week ended May 14, 2026 were 483,881 metric tons versus a revised 663,401 metric tons the prior week (initially 655,294). Shipments to China (mainland) were 203,387 metric tons versus 203,362 the prior week. Inspections to China were 42% of the total, up from 31.03%. 4) USDA crop progress for the week ended May 17, 2026 showed U.S. soybean planting at 67% (market expectation 66%), up from 49% the prior week; 63% a year ago; five-year average 53%. Emergence was 32%, up from 20%; 32% a year ago; five-year average 23%. Energy, chemicals, and materials 1) NBS said April flat glass output was 72.83 million weight boxes, down 7.9% year over year; January–April output was 296.39 million, down 5.8%. April caustic soda output (100% equivalent) was 4.04 million tons, up 7.2%; January–April was 16.03 million tons, up 6.1%. 2) Longzhong Information said as of May 15, average order coverage days at nationwide deep-processing sample enterprises rose 6.41% month over month to 8.6 days, down 16.8% year over year; raw glass inventory rose 7.97% to 9.1 days, down 16.2% year over year. 3) MuLian survey: 9 vessels carrying New Zealand softwood logs are expected to arrive in Hong Kong this week, down 4 vessels week over week (down 31%); volume is about 335,000 cubic meters, down 188,000 cubic meters (down 36%). 4) Longzhong said China's soda ash inventory this week was 1.7953 million tons, down 86,400 tons from last Thursday (down 4.59%). Light soda ash was 989,100 tons, down 20,300; heavy soda ash was 806,200 tons, down 66,100. 5) Iran's Tasnim News Agency cited sources close to the negotiating team saying the U.S. has accepted lifting oil sanctions in its new text and proposed suspending relevant OFAC sanctions before a final understanding is reached. 6) CNBC reporters cited U.S. officials as saying Iranian state media claims that the U.S. agreed to lift oil sanctions during negotiations are false. 7) U.S. Treasury Secretary Bentsen said on social media the Treasury is granting an additional 30-day waiver for expired sanctions on Russian seaborne oil. Metals 1) Two earthquakes struck Liunan District, Liuzhou, Guangxi on May 18: magnitude 5.2 at 00:21 (depth 8 km) and magnitude 3.3 at 07:41. SMM said zinc smelter operations were not affected. 2) JPMorgan cut its 2026 average gold forecast to $5,243/oz from $5,708/oz. 3) MinRes said it will restart its wholly owned Bald Hill lithium mine after a significant and sustained rebound in lithium prices. The mine entered care and maintenance in November 2024; the resource is 581 million tonnes at 0.94% Li₂O. 4) SMM said that as of May 18, 2026, Western Australia FOB alumina was $310/ton; freight $34.45/ton; USD/CNY selling rate near 6.83, implying a domestic main port selling price of about RMB 2,739.75/ton, RMB 59.2/ton above the alumina index price. 5) Mysteel said an alumina plant in Guizhou plans to start maintenance this Wednesday, fully halting calcination for about 10 days, affecting annual capacity of about 900,000 tons. 6) Citibank said in an optimistic scenario average aluminum prices could reach $5,350/ton by 2027. Inventories may fall to record lows in 6–12 months. Even with weak demand, Citi expects a supply deficit of nearly 2.7 million tons this year; if demand weakness fails to offset supply constraints, aluminum could rise to $4,000/ton within three months. Research notes 1) Everbright Futures said renewed U.S.-Iran tensions have lifted domestic oil prices, with markets focused on geopolitical risk, refinery runs, restocking demand, and the approaching end of strategic reserve releases. Asian inventory draws remain a key variable, and oil prices may grind higher with volatility tied to the path of U.S.-Iran relations. 2) New Lake Futures said ferroalloy futures rallied on a circulated notice about energy consumption and carbon budget management in Zhongwei, Ningxia, home to key ferroalloy producers. With no confirmed tightening, upside follow-through may be limited; investors are advised to stay cautious and avoid chasing. Key calendar 1) May 20, 09:00: China's May Loan Prime Rate (LPR). In April, the 1-year LPR was 3.00% and the 5-year and above LPR was 3.50%, unchanged for multiple months. 2) May 20, 19:00: JODI monthly update to the global oil database. 3) May 20, 22:30: U.S. EIA weekly crude inventories for the week ended May 15.

BitPush Daily Web3 Brief Trump postpones planned Iran strike after Gulf states urge delay Beijing News reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump said he has decided to delay a military strike on Iran that had been scheduled for Tuesday, after a joint request from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to allow time for diplomatic talks. Trump also said he has instructed U.S. forces to be ready for an "immediate, comprehensive, and large-scale attack" if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached. In a social media post on Monday, Trump said Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the UAE asked the U.S. to delay the planned strike because "serious negotiations" were under way. He said the three countries believe an agreement is within reach and could be acceptable to the U.S., the Middle East and other parties. Trump reiterated that a key condition would be that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, and said Iran must provide written confirmation of that commitment. Trump added that the Middle East had asked for a two- to three-day delay because those countries believe a deal is close. He said progress has been made on the Iran issue. A day earlier, he had warned that "time is running out" and that Iran would "have nothing" if it does not move peace talks forward. There has been no confirmation from Tehran that negotiations have resumed. Kevin Wash to be sworn in at the White House on Friday Beats News reported that Kevin Wash will be sworn in at the White House on Friday, with Trump hosting the ceremony. Strategy's BTC unrealized profit at $1.35B; BitMNR shows $7.279B ETH unrealized loss Beats News reported that Bitcoin treasury firm Strategy bought 24,869 BTC last week at about $80,985 per coin, spending $2.014 billion. Strategy now holds 843,738 BTC valued at $65.221 billion, with an average cost basis of $75,700, implying an unrealized profit of $1.35 billion, up 2.1%. Ethereum treasury firm BitMNR bought 71,672 ETH last week at about $2,251 per coin, spending $161 million. It now holds 5,278,462 ETH valued at $11.312 billion, with an average cost basis of $3,522 per ETH, implying an unrealized loss of $7.279 billion, down 39.1%. DeFi TVL down more than 50% from last October's $170B peak Beijing News reported that Cointelegraph posted on X, citing DefiLlama data, that total value locked (TVL) in DeFi has fallen more than 50% from its peak of $170 billion in October last year. Bitcoin Depot files for Chapter 11; shuts down ATM network BitPush reported that Bitcoin Depot, a major U.S. Bitcoin ATM operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Southern Texas bankruptcy court. The company cited heavier regulatory pressure and financial strain, and said it will scale back operations and sell assets. It has shut down its entire Bitcoin ATM network. Prior to the filing, the company operated more than 9,000 ATM locations worldwide as of August 2025. Following the bankruptcy announcement, Bitcoin Depot shares fell more than 70% in premarket trading. Bitmine adds 71,672 ETH; holdings reach 4.37% of total supply BeInCrypto reported that Bitmine bought 71,672 ETH over the past week. Bitmine now holds 5,278,462 ETH valued at $11.56 billion, equal to 4.37% of total ETH supply. It also holds 202 BTC, $200 million in Beast Industries shares, $83 million in Eightco Holdings shares and $685 million in cash. The report added that Bitmine has staked 4,712,917 ETH worth $1.03 billion, with annualized staking income of $289 million. Sponsored content This article is sponsored by GENG, "Build Your Fortune on GENG". Disclaimer: Articles by BiTui reflect the authors' views only and do not constitute investment advice.

Japan's large brokerages are stepping deeper into digital assets, signaling a shift in how crypto is distributed beyond crypto-native exchanges. SBI and Rakuten are accelerating preparations for investment trusts focused on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), a move that would bring regulated crypto exposure closer to mainstream brokerage products. AD Nomura, Daiwa, and several firms linked to Mizuho are also exploring similar structures as the country's Financial Services Agency (FSA) continues to refine its regulatory framework. Institutional appetite is building. Nomura's 2026 survey indicates nearly 80% of professional investors plan to allocate 2% to 5% of their portfolios to crypto, reinforcing the view that digital assets are increasingly being treated as a standardized allocation rather than a niche trade. Regulatory reforms are a key catalyst. Japan approved changes in April 2026 that place major cryptocurrencies under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, tightening disclosure expectations and introducing stronger insider-trading restrictions. The reforms have helped reduce compliance uncertainty and boosted investor confidence by aligning crypto more closely with traditional financial-product standards. Retail sentiment also improved after crypto tax treatment shifted from rates as high as 55% to a flatter 20% structure. Even with clearer rules, the pace of product rollout remains a constraint. Market participants still flag that slower ETF timelines could limit how quickly adoption broadens at the retail level. The market is also evolving in behavior. Japan's crypto activity has historically leaned toward leveraged trading and momentum-driven speculation, but regulators and new portfolio-oriented products are nudging participation toward longer-term allocation. Industry forecasts point to continued expansion, with Japan's crypto market projected to grow from about $368 million to $1.17 billion by 2033. Bottom line: With reforms and major brokerages moving into crypto investment products, Japan is pushing digital assets further into mainstream finance. Sustained adoption will depend on whether participation holds up through extended volatility, even as institutional demand continues to rise.