Stormrake - Insights , The Morning Note

The Market is Numb: Resilience Amidst Geopolitical Noise

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:35:45 +1000

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Geopolitical conflicts inherently bring volatility through sudden news and announcements. This is especially true in the current climate, where a single social media post from the US President has the power to shake global markets. However, as the conflict in the Middle East continues, a familiar pattern is emerging: markets and investors are becoming numb to the headlines.

We are now nearly two months on from the start of the conflict. For risk-on markets and Bitcoin, the most aggressive sell-off occurred on the very first day. Since then, the market has faced numerous headwinds: closures and reopenings of the Strait of Hormuz, failed ceasefire discussions, and broader regional impacts. Despite these theoretically bearish developments, markets have continued to shrug off negative news and push higher. Each subsequent “bad” headline has resulted in a shallower drawdown for Bitcoin, while every bounce has inched price further up the chart.

This resilience is a clear sign of markets moving past the conflict and looking forward. Bitcoin has rallied 30% from the lows established when the conflict began, and the S&P 500 has returned to all-time highs following a sustained winning streak.

This scenario mirrors the market reaction to the tariff standoffs earlier in the Trump administration. The most violent reaction occurred on Liberation Day in early April, but subsequent tariff threats and social media posts lost their impact as markets continued to climb toward new all-time highs.

The lesson for investors is to take a cue from the market itself: become numb to the noise and the emotions it triggers. The most successful investors are those who remove emotion from the task of investing. Smart money understands the long-term fundamental appeal of Bitcoin and refuses to be spooked by short-term geopolitical turbulence. Those who maintain a disciplined plan and filter out the noise are consistently the ones who find success.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,687)

PAXG has printed another red day as it prepares to retest the top of the downside zone. While a successful hold here could spark a bounce, the bears currently maintain firm control and downward momentum, which will likely push PAXG deeper into the demand zone.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

It has been a relatively flat session for Bitcoin, with price spending the last 24 hours consolidating above the moving averages as support holds. The bulls remain in firm control of the market structure and are now looking to push Bitcoin toward the $80,000 mark on this next leg higher.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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The information in this newsletter is general only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the author - Stormrake PTY LTD.

Stormrake is not a financial adviser and does not provide financial product advice. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information relates to your unique circumstances. Stormrake is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by this newsletter.

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"I'm Not Ready for It to Go Up Yet"

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:51:42 +1000

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You have had the opportunity to purchase Bitcoin at a minimum 40% discount for nearly three months, including a window to accumulate at a 50% discount. Now, as Bitcoin knocks on the door of $80,000 for the first time since the end of January, that window of extreme pessimism is beginning to close.

Are you still sidelined? If so, why? Is it greed, fear, or a lack of strategy?. Many investors are waiting for lower prices to secure a “perfect” entry, but history shows that bottoms are processes built on exhaustion, disbelief, and time, not single candles. In the long run, the difference between $75,000 and $60,000 may seem significant, but it is fundamentally no different from the choice between buying at $25,000 or $20,000 in previous cycles. Looking back, those who bought when Bitcoin reversed from its lows did not regret missing the absolute bottom; however, those who stayed sidelined waiting for one more retrace often missed a generational entry entirely.

We have seen this play out before. In 2022, many believed Bitcoin would fall below $12,000, and during the COVID crash, expectations for sub-$1,000 prices were widespread. Those who accepted the possibility of further downside and focused on long term upside are now sitting on generational positions. Conviction is built during periods of deep drawdown and macro uncertainty, not at euphoric highs.

Smart money recognises value when it is present and has the discipline to act while the majority remains frozen by uncertainty. As we have stressed, the most crucial requirement is a clear strategy. While many expect Bitcoin to fall back below $60,000, there is a possibility that the bottom is already behind us, as the market begins to transition from reactive to strategic capital.

Bitcoin has recently begun to ignore bearish news from the Middle East, such as the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and has started to rally despite negative headlines. In a true bear market, any excuse to sell off is taken; yet now, we are seeing supply being absorbed rather than forced out. This shift suggests a regime change where Bitcoin is no longer behaving purely as a speculative risk asset but is emerging as a neutral settlement layer in global energy markets.

There is always a chance we could go lower, but the question remains: if Bitcoin has indeed bottomed, are you ready for it?.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,714)

A small red day for PAXG yesterday but another red day on the back of failing to break above the moving averages. The bears continue to build and look to send it back to the downside zone.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin’s bullish momentum has carried it higher as it is up nearly 3% over the last 24 hours and approaching $80,000. It is using the 21 exponential moving average as support as it moves higher. We can expect a bounce from this level again as we push to $80,000.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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The information in this newsletter is general only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the author - Stormrake PTY LTD.

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Be Different

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:10:01 +1000

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Every investor has heard the maxim to be greedy when others are fearful, but few actually recognize what fear looks like when it manifests as a consensus. In the current climate, we are witnessing a peculiar psychological shift where the majority of market participants have convinced themselves that lower prices are a certainty. Recent data from Kalshi highlights this bearish outlook, with 52% of participants expecting Bitcoin to fall below $60k, while over a third believe a drop below $50k is imminent.

This collective wait for a “better entry” is actually a form of hidden greed. By staying sidelined in anticipation of a perfect bottom, investors are betting against a market that has a historic habit of doing exactly what the masses least expect. We have previously discussed the “penguin” analogy: most will follow the flock off the ledge, but true conviction requires the courage to face the mountain alone. When everyone is looking for the same exit or entry, the opportunity often disappears before the crowd can act.

Those who are accumulating now and moving against the crowd have already distinguished the difference between price and value. They understand the fundamental reasons as to why Bitcoin is the parachute as discussed yesterday. It is just logic: if most retail participants think Bitcoin is going back below $60k, then the smart money will place their orders above that level and bid up the discounted Bitcoin, leaving retail investors sidelined.

Waiting for the “perfect” time to pull the cord while you are already in a 40% drawdown from all-time highs is a dangerous game. History shows that those who bought during the COVID crash or the 2022 cycle low, when pessimism was at its peak, are the ones sitting on generational positions today.

The message is consistent: do not get caught sidelined. Whether you believe the bottom is in or you are holding out for lower levels, you must have a strategy to accumulate at current discounts. Bitcoin at $75k offers no guarantees against further downside, but it represents a level where on-chain metrics are rivaling historic cycle lows. If Bitcoin does not return to the $50k levels many are waiting for, the cost of being left behind far outweighs the benefit of a slightly lower entry. Conviction is built in these periods of extreme pessimism, not during the euphoric rallies toward $126k and beyond.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,722)

PAXG has lost nearly 2% over the last 24 hours and has once again failed to stay above the moving averages. The bears are continuing to defend their momentum as the downside is still favoured until a sustained breakout occurs.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin although having a very flat day, it is successfully holding above moving averages to maintain its bearish momentum and posture. It is slow and steady progress, but the next breakout target would be $80k if the previous high of $78k can be broken.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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Currency vs. Money: Escaping the Burning Plane

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:57:23 +1000

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In yesterday’s note, we discussed the sobering projection for Australian inflation to hit 6% in 2026. This isn’t just a headline statistic - it represents a violent erosion of the purchasing power of the AUD. To understand why this is happening, we must distinguish the difference between “currency” versus “money.” Most people store their life’s work in currency, assuming it is a stable vessel, but the reality of the current financial system suggests otherwise.

Currency is a medium of exchange that can be printed out of thin air. It has no intrinsic backing beyond the collective belief that a government will maintain its value. As we have seen throughout history, that belief is often misplaced. In contrast, “real money” refers to assets like Bitcoin and Precious Metals. These assets cannot be inflated away at the whim of a central committee.

The Terminal Velocity of Fiat

Here’s an analogy to remember: You’re in a burning plane, and all the Fiat currencies around you are nosediving out of the plane without a parachute. Some, like the US Dollar, may appear to be falling slower than their counterparts, but they’re all subject to the same laws of economic gravity. Ultimately, they all hit the ground at terminal velocity sooner or later.

In this scenario, Bitcoin is your parachute. While currency is subject to indefinite expansion, Bitcoin has a strictly fixed supply. It retains its purchasing power throughout each and every market cycle, regardless of the short term volatility seen in denominated currency prices. When you hold a sovereign asset, you are no longer a passenger on that burning plane.

The Futile Measuring Stick

We are rapidly approaching a shift in how we perceive value. There’ll come a point in time where pricing Bitcoin against government-printed currencies becomes a futile exercise. When the measuring stick itself is shrinking, it becomes a useless tool for determining length. Consider this ratio: if one Bitcoin buys you a house in full, but a simple loaf of bread at the grocery store costs $100, the purchasing power of said dollar has become obsolete. In that world, the dollar price of Bitcoin might look astronomical, but that is simply a reflection of the currency’s collapse. The true value is found in the fact that one Bitcoin still equals one house.

Securing Financial Sovereignty

Ownership of currency is merely a claim on a centralised balance sheet, subject to permissions and debasement. Ownership of Bitcoin is true private property. As the “K shaped” divergence between asset prices and the real economy widens, the distinction between holding currency and holding money will become the difference between financial survival and systemic erasure. Don’t wait for the plane to reach the tree line before checking your gear.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,817)

The $4,800 level is being actively claimed by the bulls as of this morning. If buying volume and momentum persists throughout the day, $5,000 may appear quickly as FOMO starts to kick-in from sidelined market participants piling on that missed the $4.1K low buying opportunity from late-March.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin is up 2.88% for the day, continuing the bounce higher off the high timeframe support from early 2024. Whilst the Moving Average 20 and 50 are currently signalling a bullish cross-over, a sustained move pushing past the $78,330 high from the weekend is needed to happen on this move in order to defend its short-term bullish stance.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by James Ryan

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The Australian Life Raft: Navigating the 2026 Inflation Surge

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:37:30 +1000

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We have been discussing the downfall of the US dollar for a long time, but something more close to home for the majority of our readers would be the Australian dollar. The struggles we face when dealing with the AUD in terms of its weakness when travelling to places like the US or Europe are easy to feel; you physically swap your currency and lose nearly half of the value instantly.

But inflation is a bit harder to measure. You do not swap $100 AUD and receive $X. Your $100 will remain at $100, but everything else is increasing in price. Now, the Bank of Canada expects Australian inflation to reach 6% this year.

Now the question for everyday Australians: what to do with your money? Inflation is estimated to reach 6%, and you would struggle to find a bank that offers close to 6% on a savings account, so keeping money in the bank will not cover the loss of purchasing power due to inflation. Over the last 5 years, the ASX 200 has returned just under 9%. Over the last 5 years, the average Australian superfund has returned 7.5%.

Bitcoin is the escape route, not necessarily for the 5-year return, but for all the reasons the US is failing. The Aussie dollar is mimicking it but does not have the lifeline of being the current world’s reserve currency. At the end of the day, all fiat currency is the same.

Bitcoin is the life raft because it is the only global asset class that exists outside of this debt-based spiral. While central banks continue to devalue labour by expanding the money supply, Bitcoin remains fixed at 21 million coins. It cannot be diluted by government policy or managed by a central authority that is attempting to inflate away national debt.

The structural shift we are witnessing in 2026 suggests that Bitcoin is evolving from a speculative asset into a neutral settlement layer and a legitimate global reserve. It offers instant mobility and self-custody in an environment where traditional financial infrastructure is becoming increasingly strained. For many, Bitcoin represents a tool for financial autonomy in an increasingly transparent and controlled financial system.

History shows that windows of opportunity in bear markets often close sooner than expected. With global liquidity returning and Bitcoin showing resilience during recent macro shocks, observing how capital behaves under pressure is more important than ever.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,756)

The bears are putting up a final stand to stop the bulls from reclaiming the momentum and to prevent a bullish crossover of the moving averages from occurring. The bulls must reclaim $4,800 and push higher; otherwise, the bears will have successfully defended this attempt higher.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin is down 6% from its high that we saw on Saturday morning and now looks to retest the key support at $73.7k. The bears have reclaimed the short-term momentum following this pullback, but as long as the bulls can maintain the support at this key level, it should be of no concern.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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Evolve or Get Left Behind

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:39:21 +1000

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The global financial landscape is currently undergoing a structural reset. While traditional markets grapple with geopolitical uncertainty and the erosion of purchasing power, a new era of wealth is defining itself through sovereignty and 24/7 accessibility. This morning, we examine the historical shifts in how we define, store, and trade value, and why the current transition to digital assets represents a generational inflection point.

Evolution of Money

The history of money is a story of constant adaptation. From seashells and tulips to the established dominance of gold and silver, humanity has always sought the most efficient way to communicate value. While fiat currency has been the modern standard, we are now witnessing the next leap in this lineage: Bitcoin. This is no longer just a retail experiment; institutions and nations are actively moving away from the traditional fiat system. Bitcoin is emerging as a neutral settlement layer in global energy markets, with major players now utilizing it to settle transactions in a global, permissionless manner.

Evolution of Value

As fiat currencies continue to inflate in supply, the purchasing power of global citizens is being systematically eroded. For thousands of years, gold served as the primary defence against this devaluation due to its proven history as a store of value. However, the digital age demands more. Bitcoin not only shares the scarcity and resistance to replication found in gold, but it offers portability, instant mobility, and self custody that physical metals cannot match. This is why major players are now establishing strategic Bitcoin reserves, viewing it as the only real candidate for the next global reserve currency.

Evolution of Trading

Our trading infrastructure is also undergoing a radical transformation, moving from paper IOUs and the rigid, limited hours of Wall Street to a world that never sleeps. Bitcoin pioneered the 24/7 market, and now the tokenisation of traditional assets is closing the gap between old and new finance. Thanks to recent advancements and platforms like Hyperliquid, tokenised spot traditional assets and equities (including the S&P 500 and Apple) are migrating to 24/7 markets. This shift highlights a growing global demand for access that is not restricted by geography or traditional market sessions.

Times Are Evolving

The world is adapting in real time, and the majority of participants will inevitably be left behind by the speed of this transition. Moving on chain and securing a position in Bitcoin is no longer a speculative choice; it is the next logical step in economic evolution. Whether you are using Bitcoin as money, a primary savings vehicle, or simply as an exit ramp from a fracturing traditional finance system, the time to act is now. Evolve your strategy today or risk being phased out by the new financial reality.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,781)

PAXG continues to hold above the moving averages which is a positive sign for the bulls and their journey in reclaiming momentum. Its retest of $5,000 will depend on how it acts now and if it can hold above these levels.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin is doing well despite the flat few days, it is positive consolidation above the key support levels. This looks like it is setting up for the next leg higher if we can breakout of the previous high at $76k. A successful and sustained breakout should see BTC move back to $80k.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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The information in this newsletter is general only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the author - Stormrake PTY LTD.

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The K-Shaped Trap: Bitcoin is the Medicine for a Debt-Sick Economy

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:30:13 +1000

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We are currently witnessing the widening of a K-shaped economy; a phenomenon where asset prices continue to soar to new heights whilst the majority of industries and the average hard-working Joes are increasingly struggling to keep their heads above water. In this fiat-driven system, wealth creation has become a game of proximity to the money printer rather than a reward for productive output. This disparity is not a coincidence, rather a direct consequence of systemic currency debasement.

Whenever a crisis emerges, whether geopolitical or economic, central banks instinctively reach for their only available tool: the debasement of the currency. By lowering interest rates and initiating aggressive programmes such as quantitative easing, they are essentially “kicking the can down the road” to artificially keep asset prices afloat. This strategy props up the top leg of the “K” at the direct expense of the purchasing power of the common man.

Think of it like this: the financialised economy of asset prices continues to inflate whilst the real economy of everyday purchasing power trends lower. This sharp divergence in trajectory creates the two legs of the “K”; a split reality where the valuation of hard assets is propped up by intervention while the financial health of the average person continues to slide under the weight of currency debasement.

A Rock and a Hard Place

The current trajectory of global monetary policy has reached a point of exhaustion. The expansion of fiat currency has backed policymakers into a corner where there are no easy exits.

Central banks now find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Either they debase the currency to artificially inflate markets, or they risk prolonged periods of economic deflation.

Choosing the former ensures that those holding hard assets see their valuations skyrocket, whilst those holding cash see their life’s work evaporate through the invisible tax of inflation. This is the primary reason why wealth inequality is here to stay within the current framework. If the government and the banks refuse to allow the necessary market corrections to occur, the only outcome is a perpetual cycle of currency expansion and asset bubbles. Don’t become a victim of the fiat trickery by sitting on the sidelines, become a benefactor by getting ahead of the curve in hard assets before it’s too late.

Bitcoin: Sovereign Medicine for a Sick System

In this debt-sick economy running on fumes, Bitcoin serves as the definitive gateway to financial freedom. Unlike fiat currency, which is subject to the whims of a centralised board, Bitcoin is a sovereign asset with a fixed supply that requires no permission to hold or use. It is the medicine for a system that has become entirely reliant on debt to simulate growth.

As we have seen historically, currency devaluation is precisely what makes Bitcoin and other risk-on assets extremely bullish in the long run. When you understand that the denominator (the currency) is being expanded indefinitely, you realise that Bitcoin isn’t just “going up”: it is simply maintaining its value whilst the fiat around it is being deliberately devalued.

Securing Your Financial Future

The long-term direction of the economy is crystal clear. We are entering a new age where traditional saving is a losing strategy. By diversifying into a tokenised digital asset-based strategy, you are opting out of the debasement cycle and positioning yourself on the winning side of the K-shaped divide. History taught us that global currency debasement doesn’t solve itself overnight: it requires a radical shift in how we store and perceive wealth. Is your portfolio positioned to benefit from the current "K-shaped" expansion, or are you still holding onto a strategy rooted in the eroding fiat system?

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,793)

PAXG is still holding above the Moving Averages, while only 0.72% down on the day, it’s maintaining the localised uptrend at this stage.

We’d like to see a strong rally above the $4,800 zone sooner rather than later in order to solidify bullish momentum here to get PAXG back up to $5,000+ on this move.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin is making its push to continue higher. Making a high of $75,425 this morning and sitting at 1.25% in the green for today, this might be its shot to buck the trend. Currently the overhead resistance on smaller timeframes sits at $75,318 of which we just came into, however - if we see a break and a sustained move above this level throughout the day, you can likely expect more upside to follow.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by James Ryan

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The information in this newsletter is general only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the author - Stormrake PTY LTD.

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The Cost of Gaining Freedom Through Permissionless Money

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:18:23 +1000

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We are living in an era where virtually 100% of the global population relies on fiat currency to store wealth, continuing a pattern established over centuries. The entire financial system is constructed around these currencies, making it the path of least resistance for most participants. However, this convenience comes with significant drawbacks that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Beyond the constant erosion of purchasing power inherent in inflationary fiat systems, the most pressing issue is the growing restriction placed on everyday people. You would think that as technology evolves, access to one’s own capital would become more seamless, yet the opposite is true.

The historical and modern examples of financial friction are striking:

In 1994, citizens in Russia were forced to seek explicit permission just to withdraw $500 in cash.
Today, bank withdrawals are frequently restricted or subject to intrusive questioning from tellers and managers, effectively requiring permission to access your own labour.
Funds are not only restricted but can be frozen at will by centralised authorities, a reality that has recently driven nations like Iran to move away from the US dollar in favour of Bitcoin.

It shows that there has been no growth; in fact, fiat freedom has effectively gone backwards, whilst in the short time of Bitcoin’s life span it has done the opposite.

This is where Bitcoin distinguishes itself as “freedom money”. It is a neutral, permissionless network that operates regardless of geopolitical tensions or banking hours. As the asset has aged, its utility has matured significantly. Bitcoin is no longer just a theoretical store of value; it is being used for everything from purchasing a burger via the Lightning Network to settling multi-million dollar oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.

With Bitcoin, no permission is necessary, required, or requested. It represents a shift from being a mere “Earner” to becoming a “Sovereign” or “Potentate” on the Milmeister Scale, where financial privacy and autonomy are reclaimed.

The true cost of this shift is not the market price of a single Bitcoin; it is the cost of breaking a legacy mindset. This transition does not require millions or an abnormal amount of money; the beauty of the shift is mental. The longer you stay in the traditional system, the more it is costing you, not only in purchasing power but in freedom. While many are sidelined waiting for “better” prices, strategic capital recognises that conviction is built during periods of uncertainty, not at euphoric highs. All that is required is the discipline to act and the mindset to choose sovereignty over permission.

Take control of your financial future and move beyond the restrictions of the traditional system. Speak with your dedicated Stormrake Broker today to learn how you can build a secure, sovereign position in the world’s hardest money and make the shift.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,828)

PAXG is in the process of breaking out above the exponential moving average resistance. It is about to close above it which is a strong sign for the bulls and the first step at reclaiming bullish momentum.

The near 2% move is a great sign, but not out of the woods yet; ideally it sustains this move and flips the moving averages into support.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin is red on the day after reaching a high of $76,000 overnight. BTC must hold the current key support at $73,700 in order to reduce the risk of this move being a double top from the previous high set in mid March.

The support is reinforced by the moving averages and bullish momentum, so probability would suggest that the bulls prevail, but ideally we see consolidation above these levels rather than a reversal.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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The Cost of Waiting Is Rising

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:53:43 +1000

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Today, we revisit a framework every investor thinks they understand, but few actually respect in real time: the psychology of a market cycle.

The chart above is a map of behavior. And right now, the market is giving us conflicting signals that are worth paying very close attention to.

Base Case: We Are in “Anger”; But Cracks Are Forming

For months, price action and sentiment have aligned most closely with the anger phase:

Frustration with macro conditions
Blame directed at policymakers and external shocks
Persistent disbelief in rallies
Positioning still defensive and reactive
Retail are waiting for lower prices

That all checks out. But here’s where things get interesting.

The Signal: Price Is Refusing to Break

Over the last 24 hours, Bitcoin has pushed higher by more than 5% and more importantly, it has done so in the face of what should have been bearish catalysts.

Geopolitical instability in the Middle East has historically been a risk-off trigger. Under normal conditions, you’d expect:

Liquidity contraction
Risk assets selling off
Crypto leading to the downside

Instead, we are seeing the opposite. Price strength has been the defining feature throughout this period. Every move lower has formed a higher low, suggesting demand is increasing beneath the surface.

Markets that refuse to go down on bad news are not weak markets. They are transitioning markets.

Interpretation: Early Recovery or Late-Stage Capitulation?

This brings us to the key question:

Are we still in anger… or have we moved into depression or even disbelief?

Depression phase: maximum pessimism, low participation, exhaustion
Disbelief phase: rally begins, but nobody trusts it

This recent move carries the characteristics of a disbelief rally:

Under-owned
Under-believed
Driven by structural demand rather than narrative

If that’s the case, the implications are significant.

Positioning: You Don’t Want to Be Late to Disbelief

Here’s the reality what many need to internalise:

We are no longer in a phase where waiting for certainty is rewarded. Conviction is rewarded

If the bottom is:

Already in, or
Very close to being in

Then the cost of hesitation is asymmetric.

Bitcoin currently sits just below $75K. To reclaim all-time highs, we’re looking at roughly a 70% move.

Ask yourself:

Do you want to allocate here?
Or at $90K, once the move has already happened?

Because that’s the tradeoff. Markets do not give clean re-entry points once disbelief transitions into optimism.

Conviction Matters, Not the Phase

Regardless of the exact phase, Bitcoin remains undervalued in our view. Those with long-term conviction are not hesitating to allocate. It is no coincidence that smart money has been stepping in.

Investors with conviction do not focus on labelling the phase. Those without it second guess, wait for lower prices, and risk missing the move.

If you remain on the sidelines in search of a better entry, you risk watching the rally unfold without you.

Get allocated.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,742)

PAXG is up nearly 2% as capital rotated back into risk, with all major assets starting the week in the green. Despite the move, price continues to face immediate resistance at the 55 exponential moving average, which has capped upside over the past one to two weeks.

A sustained break above this level would signal a shift in momentum, allowing bulls to regain control and target higher levels.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

A strong day for Bitcoin, up over 5% with a clean break above key resistance.

Attention now turns to the previous high at $76K, set in March. A confirmed move above this level would likely open the path toward $80K in the near term.

On the downside, key support sits in the $73.7K to $74.5K range. Holding this zone will be critical to maintaining bullish momentum.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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The Battle for Money

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:54:11 +1000

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The petrodollar as we know it is losing its dominance and global status as the go to currency. We have been covering its decline for some time now, and how it has been accelerated by the current conflict in the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz has effectively been turned into a toll booth by Iran, accepting payments for safe passage, with the exception of the US dollar. In fact, there has been growing demand for Bitcoin as a settlement method.

This weekend saw failed peace talks end without a deal. As a result, Donald Trump announced that the United States Navy will now move to block the already disrupted Strait of Hormuz.

Following this, oil jumped 10% on futures open, while risk assets and Bitcoin came under pressure. More interesting, however, was Trump’s response to the Iranian toll system, which included the following statement:

‘Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.’

An illegal toll, in this context, effectively refers to anything not settled in US dollars. What began as a geopolitical conflict is increasingly shifting towards control over not just the flow of one of the world’s most valuable resources, but also the currency in which it is settled.

Unfortunately for the US dollar and Trump, this shift may already be too far along to reverse. More nations and participants are actively exploring alternatives. This attempt to bring oil settlements back under the US dollar may provide a short term boost to what was once the dominant global system.

However, it increasingly looks like a delay of the inevitable. The current structure is becoming unsustainable and, over time, will be replaced. The alternative is already emerging, an exit from the traditional system into sovereign, decentralised assets such as Bitcoin.

The shift is no longer theoretical, it is happening in real time. The only question that matters now is where you stand when the system finally breaks.

Stormrake Spotlight: Pax Gold (PAXG) ($4,640)

PAXG has declined over 1% and once again failed to break through resistance, with moving averages continuing to reject any sustained upside. Price has now returned to the top of the downside zone, with bears maintaining control as they look to confirm another lower high.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin has once again failed to sustain a breakout. Over the weekend, price approached the $74k level but was rejected quickly, shifting momentum back to the bears and opening the door for a potential retest of $70k. Expect elevated volatility as the ongoing conflict continues to drive uncertainty across markets.

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*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

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No Advice Warning

The information in this newsletter is general only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the author - Stormrake PTY LTD.