Crypto Macro News and Global Policy Updates

Gate News reports that as of March 18, market traders have fully priced in the European Central Bank's (ECB) expectation of two rate hikes in 2026, each amounting to 25 basis points (1 basis point = 0.01%).

Gate News reports that on March 18, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released data showing that U.S. crude oil inventories increased by 6.156 million barrels for the week ending March 13, significantly exceeding market expectations of 0.383 million barrels, with the previous value showing an increase of 3.824 million barrels.

Gate News reports that on March 18, according to Lookonchain monitoring, as of press time, the US Bitcoin ETF saw net inflows of 2,492 BTC (valued at $179.33 million), Ethereum ETF saw net inflows of 13,478 ETH (valued at $29.99 million), and SOL ETF saw net inflows of 189,025 SOL (valued at $17.01 million).

The Bank of Korea launched the second phase of its digital won pilot project, the "Hangang Plan," on March 18, partnering with nine commercial banks to test deposit tokens based on wholesale central bank digital currency. The initiative aims to reduce payment costs and provide cost-effective payment alternatives for large enterprises and small merchants.

On March 18, Garrett Jin posted a warning on X platform about incorrect direction focus regarding oil prices, pointing out that although Brent crude and WTI appear manageable, actual market pressure is mainly in Dubai and Oman, with oil prices approaching $155, reflecting tight supply globally, especially in Asia.

On the evening of March 18, the cryptocurrency market experienced severe volatility, with Bitcoin and Ethereum prices plummeting. Global liquidation amounts approached 3 billion dollars, and over 100,000 investors were forced to liquidate their positions. The market remains sensitive to Federal Reserve interest rate policy and geopolitical impacts, with concentrated long leveraged positions triggering a cascade effect. Even on decentralized trading platforms, massive loss events remind the market that risks persist.

Gate News: According to the latest Gate TradFi data, USDZAR (USD/ZAR) has surged by 1% in a short period. Current volatility is significantly higher than recent averages, indicating increased market activity.

Gate News reports that on March 18, Iran's president confirmed that Iran's intelligence minister Hattib was killed.

Gate News report: On March 18th, Pakistan announced that it will suspend airstrikes against Afghanistan from March 19th to 24th.

Gate News reported that on March 18, an aide to Russian President Putin issued a statement claiming that Iran's conflict has no legitimate justification or objective cause, and that Middle East tensions will set back global trade and economic systems by years. The aide stated that Russia views the attack on Russian liquefied natural gas tankers in the Mediterranean as an act of terrorism, and Russia may consider providing military escort for commercial vessels.

On March 18th, gold and silver prices fell to $4,855.69 per ounce and $76.647 per ounce respectively, with intraday declines of 2.99% and 3.29%. Cryptocurrency market volatility decreased slightly, while the US dollar strengthened against the offshore Chinese yuan and Japanese yen. Global stock indices generally declined, and crude oil prices rose.

Gate News reports that on March 18, President Trump announced a waiver to suspend enforcement of the Jones Act to curb high oil prices. The waiver applies to transportation of four types of commodities: petroleum, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal. The Jones Act requires that cargo transported between U.S. domestic ports must use U.S.-flagged vessels. Waiving the act will allow foreign vessels to participate in transportation, thereby reducing transportation costs.

Bitrefill suffered a cyberattack on March 1, 2026, linked to the Lazarus Group, exposing 18,500 user records and draining funds. The company will cover all losses and has implemented enhanced security measures.

Gate News reports that on March 18, US stocks opened today with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA, one of the three major benchmark indices of the US stock market) down 0.48%.

Gate News: According to the latest Gate TradFi data, XBRUSD (Brent Crude UKOIL) has surged by 4% in a short period. Current volatility is significantly higher than recent averages, indicating increased market

Gate News reports that on March 18, spot gold fell below $4,840 per ounce, reaching its lowest level since February 6, with an intraday decline of 3.32%.

US President Trump named his election integrity bill the "Saving America Act" and threatened not to sign other legislation, causing the "Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act" to stall. Analysts warn that if the bill fails to pass before April, the probability of it passing before 2026 will be significantly reduced.

On March 18, Bitcoin price retreated to $72,300, declining approximately 2%. Ethereum, Solana, and XRP experienced declines close to 3%. U.S. President Trump took a hardline stance toward Iran, with geopolitical tensions driving WTI crude oil prices higher. U.S. February PPI data exceeded expectations, with markets focusing on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and Powell's remarks.