AB (AB) Plunge

Despite broader market weakness, AB crypto's price rose approximately 12% in the past 24 hours, with trading volume surging over 53%. The rally was primarily driven by the integration of USD1 stablecoin following a partnership with World Liberty Finance (WLFI), boosting DeFi utility and liquidity. Additionally, on-chain activity showed increased demand, with total holders climbing to 30.57K. Locked supply fell below 8%, reducing near-term sell pressure. Although the mid-term trend remains bearish and sellers still dominate momentum, technical indicators suggest weakening selling pressure. AB is trading near May lows, a historical reversal zone, but sustained recovery depends on continued demand and broader market conditions.

Six U.S. senators, including Mazie Hirono and Elizabeth Warren, have questioned Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over potential conflicts of interest regarding his role in the DOJ's cryptocurrency enforcement. They cited a 2025 memorandum in which he reduced crypto enforcement actions and dissolved a dedicated team, while reportedly holding between $158,000 and $470,000 in Bitcoin and Ethereum at the time. The senators allege this may violate federal ethics laws. They have demanded documents related to his holdings and communications with ethics officials by February 11, 2026, emphasizing oversight of DOJ policy changes affecting the digital asset industry. The DOJ has previously stated his financial disclosures were properly reviewed.

Crude oil prices surged up to 10% intraday as tensions between the US and Iran escalated sharply. President Trump announced the reinstatement of a maritime blockade against Iran, targeting its ships and their customers, while stating the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all other nations. He further declared that the US, as the "guardian" of the strait, would impose a 20% fee on all cargo transiting the strategic waterway to compensate for security costs. The US Central Command confirmed the naval blockade would commence on July 14 (GMT). Following Trump's statements, reports emerged of explosions near Iran's Larak Island and the port of Bandar Abbas, though Iranian authorities did not confirm their nature. Iran's Foreign Minister criticized the proposed 20% fee as excessive, asserting Iran's role as the guardian of the strait. An Iranian military spokesperson warned of a strong response to any unauthorized US interference in the waterway. The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) expressed opposition to charging tolls for passage through international straits, stating such measures lack legal foundation. Market reactions were pronounced, with Brent crude briefly surpassing $83 and WTI above $78. The situation intensified as Trump notified Congress of renewed hostilities with Iran, following US airstrikes on Iranian targets.