In financial services, technology partnerships are increasingly moving beyond simple integrations. As infrastructure becomes more complex and expectations rise across security, compliance, and scalability, the value of collaboration lies in how well partners complement each other — not just how well their systems connect.
In this conversation, Autorek and Microsoft outline how their relationship is designed to do exactly that.
At its core, the partnership combines two distinct strengths. Autorek brings deep domain expertise in reconciliation, controls, and financial data management. Microsoft provides the enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure required to deliver those capabilities at scale. Together, the result is not just a product integration, but a platform that can support the needs of finance, operations, risk, and data stakeholders simultaneously.
For organisations operating in regulated environments, this distinction is critical. Buying decisions are no longer driven solely by functionality. They are shaped by trust — in security, reliability, and long-term viability. Microsoft’s position as a global technology leader brings credibility to the partnership, while Autorek’s specialisation ensures that the solution addresses the real operational challenges faced by financial institutions.
The focus on future-ready infrastructure is another key element. Financial services organisations are not only solving for today’s requirements, but also preparing for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced data capabilities. By building within the Azure ecosystem, Autorek ensures that its clients can access and benefit from these developments as they evolve.
This forward-looking approach is particularly important given the pace of change across the industry. New regulatory expectations, growing transaction volumes, and increasing data complexity require systems that can adapt quickly. Scalability and flexibility are no longer optional — they are foundational.
From Microsoft’s perspective, the partnership also highlights the importance of domain expertise. While Azure provides the infrastructure, Autorek’s understanding of reconciliation and control frameworks ensures that the technology is applied effectively within financial workflows. It is this combination that creates a “win-win” dynamic — infrastructure and expertise working together to deliver practical value.
Ultimately, the collaboration reflects a broader trend across fintech and financial services. The most effective solutions are no longer built in isolation. They are created through partnerships that align technical capability with industry knowledge.
For finance leaders, the takeaway is clear. The right partnership is not just about technology — it is about building infrastructure that is scalable, secure, and ready for what comes next.
Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) said Monday it bought 65,341 ether (ETH) last week, extending a recent surge in purchases as the firm continues to lean into the market downturn.
The latest acquisition, worth roughly $138 million at current ETH prices, lifted the firm’s total holdings above 4.66 million tokens, cornering 3.86% of ETH’s circulating supply, according to a Monday update.
Bitmine has now increased its pace of buying for three consecutive weeks, stepping up from a prior average of around 50,000 tokens per week. Meanwhile, the firm also increased its cash holdings to $1.1 billion.
Chairman Thomas “Tom” Lee said the increase in buying pace reflects the firm’s view that crypto markets are nearing the end of a prolonged slump.
“Our base case is ETH is in the final stages of the ‘mini-crypto winter,’ he said in a statement.
The firm is still sitting on an estimated $7 billion unrealized loss on its ether purchases, DropsTab data shows, as crypto prices tumbled over the past months.
Stablecoins could benefit from the rise of AI-driven payments over time, even as early adoption remains limited and contested, according to a new report from Bernstein.
In a Monday note shared with Cointelegraph, the broker said stablecoins could help unlock machine-to-machine payments by making microtransactions viable and enabling programmable, conditional payments between software agents without a human in the loop.
But Bernstein said traction so far has been limited. The note said Stripe and Tempo’s machine payments protocol recorded about $5,000 in stablecoin volume in its first week, while Coinbase’s x402 protocol handled no more than $25 million over the last 30 days.
Bernstein’s chart put x402 volume at about $24 million over that period. x402 is a payment standard developed by Coinbase that lets AI agents automatically make payments over the internet.
The bigger point for Bernstein was that stablecoins do not need machine payments to succeed in order to keep growing. The note said stablecoin demand is already being driven by cross-border business payments, remittances, card-linked products and neobanking, making AI payments an upside case rather than the core thesis.
The report follows growing interest in autonomous payment solutions. On Thursday, Visa’s crypto division launched a tool allowing AI agents to make same-day payments, while Stripe-backed Tempo launched its blockchain and payment protocol.
X402 protocol payment flow. Source: Bernstein
Bernstein said broader payment use cases are still the real growth engine for stablecoins. Its note estimated total stablecoin payment volume rose to $375 billion in 2025 from $213 billion in 2024, led by consumer-to-consumer flows, while business-to-consumer, business-to-business and consumer-to-business activity also increased.
Related: Stablecoin issuers and fintechs race to own payment rails
Coinbase, Circle remain best “proxies” for stablecoin adoption
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and stablecoin issuer Circle remain the “best proxies for stablecoin upside” due to their USDC (USDC) partnership, according to Bernstein.
It also argued that USDC is likely to capture a dominant share of machine-payment activity because it is the most liquid and regulated stablecoin among likely candidates.
So far in 2026, USDC recorded $2.4 trillion in adjusted transaction volume while Tether’s USDt (USDT) recorded $1.4 trillion.
Total adjusted stablecoin transaction volume, in trillion. Source: Bernstein
Wash trading concerns cloud early metrics
Some of the headline machine-payment numbers have already drawn skepticism.
AI Agent payment volume on x402 only amounted to $1.6 million after applying the wash trading filter developed by Artemis Analytics, which is significantly lower than the initial $24 million reported by news outlet Bloomberg, according to a16z partner Noah Levine.
Source: Noah Levine
“$1.6 million is not a big number. But the infrastructure being built around it is,” wrote Levine in a March 11 X post, adding that x402 was already integrated by the likes of Stripe, Cloudflare, Vercel and Google’s agent payments protocol.
Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
E-bike hardware has gotten seriously good over the past five years. Fat tires. Full suspension. Hydraulic disc brakes. Torque-sensing motors pushing 90+ Nm.
But the software? On many models, it hasn’t kept pace.
Most e-bikes ship with a basic LCD screen, five assist levels, and zero ability to update after purchase. The bike you unbox is the bike you’re stuck with — forever.
That’s a problem. And a growing number of manufacturers are finally starting to fix it.
The “Dumb Device” Problem
Here’s the pattern: you spend $1,500–$2,500 on an e-bike with impressive specs. The motor is strong. The suspension is smooth. But on a surprising number of models — even at this price point — the assist system still gives you five preset levels and a basic LCD. That’s it.
Uphill? Manually tap to level 4. Back on flat ground? Tap down to 2. Stop at a light and restart? The motor kicks in at whatever level you left it on.
It works. But it’s clumsy. And it means riders are constantly managing the bike instead of just riding it.
The auto industry solved this years ago. Automatic transmissions, adaptive cruise control, drive mode selection — cars adapt to conditions without the driver micromanaging. E-bikes are only now catching up.
What “Smart Assist” Actually Means
The term gets thrown around loosely, so let’s be specific. A genuinely intelligent assist system should do three things:
Adjust power output automatically. The system reads pedaling force, cadence, speed, and gradient — then matches motor output to the moment. No manual toggling. Uphills get more power. Flat roads get less. Transitions are seamless.
Let riders switch between assist modes mid-ride. Torque-sensing mode (motor responds proportionally to pedal pressure) and cadence mode (consistent output regardless of effort) serve different purposes. Torque feels natural for trail riding. Cadence is better for long-distance commuting. Riders should be able to switch without stopping.
Update and improve over the air. A WiFi-enabled dashboard that accepts firmware updates means the assist system isn’t frozen at the factory. New profiles, refined power curves, and bug fixes can be pushed remotely — the same approach Tesla brought to electric vehicles.
Smart software on a mediocre frame is still a mediocre bike. The technology only makes sense when it’s paired with hardware that can handle real-world conditions.
For fat-tire e-bikes specifically, the hardware checklist that separates serious builds from budget shortcuts includes:
Full suspension, not just a suspension fork. A front fork with 100mm travel plus rear suspension with 100mm+ travel reduces rider fatigue dramatically on rough terrain. Hardtails with padded seats don’t come close.
Branded components from known suppliers. RST forks, Shimano drivetrains, Tektro hydraulic brakes, Maxxis tires — these aren’t just logo stickers. They mean documented performance specs, available replacement parts, and consistent quality control.
A battery certified to UL2271. This is the recognized safety standard for e-bike battery packs in North America. Since September 2023, New York City has required UL certification for any e-bike sold within city limits. Other jurisdictions are following. Buying uncertified is a risk that’s getting harder to justify.
Step-through frame geometry. Not just for older riders — a low step-over height with a minimum seat position around 32 inches accommodates more body types and makes stop-and-go riding in urban environments far easier for everyone.
Himiway’s full-suspensione-fat-tire-ebike is a prime example of a bike that meets all of these criteria. But it’s far from the only option. The point is knowing what to look for, regardless of brand.
The Cargo Rack Test
One small detail that reveals a lot about how a manufacturer thinks: does the bike include a rear rack, or charge extra for it?
A MIK-compatible rack system — the universal mounting standard used across the cycling industry — opens access to over 1,000 accessories: panniers, baskets, child seats, cargo bags. For utility riders, it’s essential infrastructure, not an add-on.
Bikes that include it at no extra cost are pricing for long-term riders. Bikes that upsell it are pricing for the sale.
What to Look for Before You Buy
If you’re evaluating a fat-tire e-bike in 2026, here’s a quick checklist:
Does assist adjust automatically? Look for Smart Auto mode — not just a fixed 5-level PAS.
Can firmware be updated? WiFi OTA updates mean the bike improves over time. No update capability means it’s frozen at the factory.
Is the battery UL-certified? UL2271 or UL2849 is the baseline. No certification listed? Walk away.
Is full suspension real? Front fork plus rear linkage suspension. If it says “dual suspension seat post,” that’s marketing — not engineering.
Are components from known suppliers? RST, Shimano, Tektro, Maxxis — these mean documented specs and available replacement parts. Unnamed generics do not.
Is a cargo rack included? MIK HD standard, out of the box. If it’s sold separately, ask why.
None of these require brand loyalty. They’re engineering standards. Any bike that hits all six is worth a closer look. Any bike that misses more than two should raise questions about where the money went.
What’s Still Missing
No current system is perfect. Most smart-assist e-bikes, including the ones leading this shift, still use aluminum alloy frames rather than carbon fiber — keeping weight higher than some riders would prefer. And OTA update ecosystems are still young — the real test will be whether manufacturers keep pushing meaningful updates two and three years after purchase, not just in the launch window.
But the direction is clear. E-bikes are evolving from mechanical products into connected platforms — and the gap between smart and dumb is only going to widen.
Sweden-listed health-tech and Bitcoin (BTC) treasury company H100 Group has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with the shareholders of privately-held Norwegian Bitcoin companies Moonshot and Never Say Die to acquire all shares of the target companies in exchange for newly issued H100 stock.
The proposed transaction would be completed with newly issued H100 shares and no cash consideration, a structure intended to preserve the sellers’ Bitcoin exposure while moving the assets into a larger listed vehicle, according to a Monday press release.
A definitive agreement is expected by April 22, with closing targeted after H100’s annual general meeting. H100’s public materials currently show inconsistent AGM dates: its investor-relations calendar lists April 21, while a March 12 company notice referred to an AGM on May 21.
If the deal goes ahead, it would make H100 the second-largest listed Bitcoin treasury company in Europe behind Germany’s Bitcoin Group, which holds 3,605 BTC. H100 currently holds 1,051 Bitcoin, while the target companies hold about 2,450 BTC, bringing H100’s total to 3,501 BTC (worth around $239.7 million at current prices) after the deal, the release states.
H100 is the 44th largest Bitcoin treasury company worldwide. The deal would mean the company would rise to 27th in the rankings, above Cango Inc and France-based Capital B, according to Bitcointreasuries data.
The Norway deal follows H100’s completed acquisition of Switzerland-based Future Holdings AG.
Top Bitcoin treasury firms by total BTC holdings. Source: Bitcointreasuries.net
“Scale, credibility and access to capital markets are increasingly important in the Bitcoin space, and this transaction would significantly strengthen H100 in all these areas,” said Sander Andersen, chairman of H100.
The “challenging” market environment makes the acquisition a welcome opportunity that strengthens the company’s Bitcoin position in a capital-efficient manner, Andersen told Cointelegraph, pledging future BTC purchases.
Related: Bitcoin whales shift $100M+ as oil spike rattles markets
Bitcoin treasury stocks remain under pressure
H100’s stock price has been declining. It fell by over 74% in the past nine months and over 26% year-to-date in 2026, Yahoo Finance data shows.
The weakness mirrors broader pressure across Bitcoin treasury stocks as Bitcoin remains well below its October 2025 all-time high.
Related: Morgan Stanley files amended S-1 for MSBT Bitcoin ETF
European Bitcoin treasury companies are continuing to accumulate BTC. Earlier on Monday, treasury company Capital B announced the acquisition of 44 Bitcoin for 2.7 million euros ($3.1 million), topping 2,888 in total BTC holdings at an average cost basis of $106,662 per coin.
H100’s average cost basis is $114,615 per BTC, Bitcointreasuries data shows.
Magazine: Bitcoin’s ‘biggest bull catalyst’ would be Saylor’s liquidation — Santiment founder
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
By Omkar Godbole (All times ET unless indicated otherwise)
The Iran war has single-handedly soured the macro environment for risk-takers in financial markets, and some participants are betting it could end soon.
Onchain data tracked by Polymarket tracker PolymarketHistory shows that 10 wallets sprang to life on Sunday, wagering a cumulative $160,000 on a ceasefire by the end of March and eyeing a potential payout of over $1,000,000. The wallets have no prior transaction history and were created at the same time, raising suspicions of potential insider positioning on the outcome.
In any case, if the war ends, markets, including cryptocurrencies, could see a relief bounce.
For now, however, the conflict is in its fourth week and keeping valuations under pressure. Bitcoin BTC$68,358.29 held below $69,000 at the time of writing, maintaining losses from the weekend. Ether fell to $2,030, its sixth decline in seven days. XRP (XRP), solana (SOL), DOGE$0.09371 and others were also under pressure, while a few privacy tokens such as NIGHT and XMR stood out with gains of over 3% in the past 24 hours.
“The market is trading one theme above all others: geopolitical inflation. The weekend brought a new escalation phase, including U.S. pressure on Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and further threats to regional energy infrastructure. That has kept oil risk elevated and left investors pricing a longer period of tight financial conditions,” Timothy Misir, head of research at BRN, said in an email.
“Bitcoin still has the cleanest value-capture profile in crypto for this tape: scarce asset, improving institutional plumbing, and relative flow leadership versus the rest of the complex.,” he said.
Market flows, however, have yet to validate that view. U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs registered outflows for the third straight day on Friday, alongside significant selling by large holders, or whales.
Ether, too, has seen large liquidations. A whale holding over 130,000 ETH sold 5,000 ETH ($10.31 million) at $2,063, according to Lookonchain.
In traditional markets, U.S. Treasury yields have surged to multimonth highs, signaling tighter financial conditions ahead, while futures tied to the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 hit their lowest levels since early November. Stay alert!
Read more: For analysis of today’s activity in altcoins and derivatives, see Crypto Markets Today
What to Watch
For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead”.
Crypto
Macro
March 23, 10:00 a.m.: U.S. Construction Spending MoM for January est. 0.1% (Prev. 0.3%).
Earnings (Estimates based on FactSet data)
March 23: BTCS Inc. (BTCS), post-market, $0.01
Token Events
For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead”.
Governance votes & calls
Aave DAO is voting on deploying Aave V4 with a security-first initial setup, conservative risk parameters and a modular hub and spoke architecture. Voting ends March 23.
Floki DAO is voting to rank entries from Floki’s third guerrilla marketing competition. Voting ends March 23.
Unlocks
Token Launches
March 23: HTX DAO (HTX) staking launches officially
Conferences
For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead”.
Market Movements
BTC is up 3.01% from 4 p.m. ET Sunday at $71,044.86 (24hrs: +3.56%)
ETH is up 5.07% at $2,168.32 (24hrs: +4.20%)
CoinDesk 20 is up 3.05% at 2,030.41 (24hrs: 2.56%)
Ether CESR Composite Staking Rate is up 13 bps at 2.83%
BTC funding rate is at -0.0017% (-1.8177% annualized) on Binance
DXY is up 0.45% at 104.30
Gold futures are down 7.27% at $4,238.30
Silver futures are down 8.18% at $63.69
Nikkei 225 closed down 3.48% at 51,515.49
Hang Seng closed down 3.54% at 24,382.47
FTSE 100 is down 2.03% at 9,716.51
Euro Stoxx 50 is down 2.01% at 5,390.70
DJIA closed on Friday down 0.96% at 45,577.47
S&P 500 closed down 1.51% at 6,506.48
Nasdaq Composite closed down 2.01% at 21,647.61
S&P/TSX Composite closed down 1.69% at 31,317.41
S&P 40 Latin America closed down 1.15% at 3,150.00
U.S. 10-Year Treasury rate is up 11 bps at 4.39%
E-mini S&P 500 futures are up 1.03% at 6,626.75
E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures are up 0.54% at 24,231
E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are up 1.15% at 46,147
Bitcoin Stats
BTC Dominance: 58.89% (0.52%)
Ether-bitcoin ratio: 0.02989 (-1.24%)
Hashrate (seven-day moving average): 963 EH/s
Hashprice (spot): $32.30
Total fees: 2.07 BTC / $142,462
CME Futures Open Interest: 116,195 BTC
BTC priced in gold: 16 oz.
BTC vs gold market cap: 4.58%
Technical Analysis
Daily swings in bitcoin’s 30-day implied volatility index in candlestick format. (TradingView)
The chart shows daily swings in bitcoin’s 30-day implied (expected) volatility index, BVIV, since October.
BVIV has bounced to 59% from 53% on Wednesday, and further gains may be in the offing.
That’s because the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) sits well above the 200-day SMA and is trending north. It shows that the near-term trend is up.
Heightened volatility is usually a feature of a bear market.
Crypto Equities
Coinbase Global (COIN): closed on Friday at $197.50 (-2.67%), -2.78% at $192 in pre-market
Galaxy Digital (GLXY): closed at $20.72 (-1.57%), -3.19% at $20.06
MARA Holdings (MARA): closed at $8.46 (-8.24%), -3.07% at $8.20
Riot Platforms (RIOT): closed at $13.38 (-5.37%), -4.33% at $12.80
Core Scientific (CORZ): closed at $15.81 (-4.07%), -2.09% at $15.48
CleanSpark (CLSK): closed at $9.40 (-4.37%), -3.19% at $9.10
Exodus Movement (EXOD): closed at $7.38 (-4.53%)
CoinShares Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI): closed at $37.68 (-3.63%)
Circle Internet Group (CRCL): closed at $126.03 (-1.79%), -4.36% at $120.54
Bullish (BLSH): closed at $37.97 (-4.12%), -4.40% at $36.30
Crypto Treasury Companies
Strategy (MSTR): closed at $135.66 (-1.87%), -2.70% at $132.00
Sharplink (SBET): closed at $7.40 (-3.65%), -4.46% at $7.07
Strive Asset Management (ASST): closed at $10.02 (-2.34%), -3.79% at $9.64
Upexi (UPXI): closed at $1.06 (-0.93%), -6.59% at $0.99
Crypto prices surged on Monday after U.S. President Trump said the nation would pattacks against Iran.
Trump said in a Truth Social post that the two countries held “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”
Attacks against Iran’s infrastructure will be postponed for a five day period, Trump said in the post.
Bitcoin BTC$68,358.29 rebounded almost 5% above $71,000 in the early morning U.S. hours on the news after sinking below $68,000 overnight. Ether (ETH), DOGE$0.09045, solana (SOL and Chainlink LINK$8.6549 were up 5% over the past 24 hours as cryptocurrencies jumped across the board.
Gold has nearly erased almost all its earlier losses, now down just 1% on the day and rebounding to $4,440 per ounce. The U.S. dollar index, DXY, has slipped to 99.3.
Bond yields have declined globally, with the U.S. 10 year yield falling by 100 basis points to 4.3%.
Meanwhile, WTI crude is down 11% on the day, trading below $88 per barrel, while Brent crude has dropped 8% to around $100 per barrel. Tokenized Brent crude futures saw $62.4 million in liquidations on Hyperliquid. C
CoinGlass data shows $62.41 million in liquidations on the XYZ:BRENTOIL contract over the past 24 hours, with $61.69 million of that hitting longs and just $717,000 from shorts.
Galaxy Digital (GLXY) is up 2%, while Coinbase (COIN) and IREN (IREN) have also gained around 2% each.
Trump’s five-day postponement doesn’t end the war, however, as Iran continues to strike targets across the Gulf. Meanwhile, Strategy (MSTR), the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, is up more than 3% in pre-market trading.
Despite the knee-jerk risk-on reaction in markets and the drop in oil prices, options tied to bitcoin continue to reflect a defensive bias.
As of writing, put options on Deribit continue to trade at an 8–10 volatility point premium to calls through the June-end expiry, largely unchanged from earlier in the day, according to data source Amberdata. The same is true for ether options. This suggests traders remain cautious, viewing the latest bounce with skepticism and bracing for potential aftershocks from the recent oil spike on broader markets and the global economy.
CORRECT (March 23, 11:30 UTC): Corrects first paragraph to say attacks will be postponed. An earlier version of this story said they would be escalated.
Harvesting olives is a key part of producing quality olive oil and table olives. The speed and method of harvesting can affect yield, fruit condition, and labor costs. Traditional hand-picking remains common on small farms, but it can be slow and tiring. Today, growers have access to a range of modern tools, from handheld combs to large olive harvest machines, that make harvesting faster and less physically demanding. Each tool has its own strengths and trade-offs, and choosing the right one depends on the orchard layout, tree size, and work style.
Olive harvest machines are large, wheeled systems built to gather fruit from multiple trees at once. They often combine rotating arms, vibrating rods, or shaking mechanisms mounted on a vehicle frame. Powered by diesel, electricity, or hydraulics, these machines can harvest several hectares per hour. They work best in orchards with evenly spaced trees. The main advantage is high productivity with minimal manual labor. Downsides include high cost, fuel or energy requirements, and the possibility of minor branch or trunk damage if trees are not suited to the machine.
Comb Olive Harvesters
Comb olive harvesters use flexible tines to rake olives from branches. Some models are motorized to increase vibration, while others are fully manual. Comb harvesters are effective on trees with irregular branch patterns or in smaller orchards where precision matters. They are generally quiet and cause minimal branch stress. Depending on the model and orchard density, a comb harvester can process 40–120 trees per hour. Compared to rotary systems, they are slower but gentler on fruit and branches.
Rotary Olive Harvesters
Rotary olive harvesters have heads that rotate with flexible tines or fingers, sweeping across branches to detach olives. The rotation speed can be adjusted to match branch thickness and fruit load. These harvesters are powered by electricity, batteries, or generators and are suitable for medium-to-large orchards. They can cover multiple branches in one pass, often reaching 150–300 trees per hour. While they save labor and increase coverage, they can be rougher than comb harvesters and need careful handling to prevent branch damage.
Electric Olive Harvesters
Using a motor to create vibrations, electric olive harvesters gently detach olives from the branches while running quietly and efficiently in small-to-medium orchards. They can be powered by mains electricity or batteries, which makes them portable and easy to maneuver around dense trees. Depending on the size of the trees and the structure of their branches, these harvesters can process between 40 and 120 trees per hour. The main limitations are cord length for plug-in models and battery runtime for portable units.
Pneumatic Olive Harvesters
Pneumatic olive harvesters use compressed air to vibrate rods or tines that shake olives from branches. The vibration intensity is adjustable, allowing operators to remove fruit without harming branches. These tools require a portable or stationary air compressor. They are lightweight and quiet, making them suitable for selective harvesting in medium-density orchards. Productivity usually ranges from 50 to 150 trees per hour.
Telescopic Poles and Handheld Tools
Telescopic poles and handheld combs let operators reach high or awkward branches without ladders. Motorized versions add low-frequency vibration, while manual combs rely purely on hand movement. Manual combs typically cover 10–20 trees per hour, while motorized poles can reach 50 trees per hour. These tools are light, quiet, and flexible, ideal for small farms or hobbyist growers. They require more effort and time than mechanical systems but offer precision and gentle handling of fruit.
Speed and Efficiency Considerations
Rotary harvesters and olive harvest machines achieve high throughput on uniform orchards. Pneumatic and electric tools allow controlled operation for uneven or delicate trees. Telescopic poles and manual combs are slower but ensure high-quality fruit handling. Farm size, tree density, and available labor help determine which tool fits best.
Tree Coverage and Reach
Rotary harvesters and olive harvest machines can process multiple branches at once, covering large areas quickly. Pneumatic and electric handheld tools adapt to irregular trees, while telescopic poles extend reach to tall or hard-to-access branches.
Noise and Environmental Impact
Manual combs and electric tools are quiet, minimizing disturbance to people and wildlife. Rotary harvesters produce moderate noise, and pneumatic systems or machines may require hearing protection for longer shifts. Battery and electric tools have no emissions on-site, while generator and diesel-powered machines produce exhaust and noise.
Power Source Options
Electric, battery, and generator-powered tools offer different advantages. Electric tools provide continuous operation but are limited by cords. Battery tools are portable and silent but run only as long as the battery lasts. Generators and diesel-powered machines deliver strong performance in remote areas but add noise and emissions. Choosing the right power source depends on orchard layout, work duration, and energy access.
Ergonomics and Safety Considerations
Modern tools often have adjustable handles, balanced weight, and low-vibration grips to reduce fatigue. Operators should wear gloves, eye protection, and, when necessary, hearing protection. Ergonomic tools allow longer work sessions without loss of speed or precision.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips
Lubricating moving parts, checking tines and rotors for wear, and following battery care guidelines help tools last longer. Pneumatic systems need compressor and hose maintenance. Proper upkeep ensures tools run efficiently and harvests stay consistent.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Farm
Choosing the right tool depends on farm size, tree layout, branch structure, and available labor. Olive harvest machines and rotary harvesters suit large orchards. Pneumatic and electric handheld tools provide precise harvesting for uneven or delicate trees, while telescopic or manual combs work best on smaller farms or tricky branches. Knowing each tool’s strengths and trade-offs helps farmers save time, protect fruit quality, and get the most out of the harvest.
Bitcoin (BTC) starts a new week facing fresh macro risks as gold plummets and traders wait for $50,000.
BTC price action ends the week below a key trend line, and traders see little more than an early-week bounce for bulls.
Price looks more and more like it is repeating January’s bear flag — and targets now call for new multiyear lows.
Gold enters a technical bear market and oil returns to $100 as Iran tensions continue.
Traders start to consider Fed rate hikes in 2026, but history could still offer risk assets some relief.
Bitcoin’s long-term holders have been selling at a loss throughout March.
Bitcoin weekly close loses 200-week trend line
After a rough weekend, Bitcoin struggled to reclaim support as TradFi traders returned to start the week.
Data from TradingView shows price dipping to near $67,400 into the weekly close, which lost control of the key 200-week exponential moving average (EMA) trend line.
Analysis previously saw a close above the 200-week EMA, currently at $68,300, as key to protecting bulls going forward.
BTC/USD one-hour chart with 200-week EMA. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
In his latest X analysis on BTC price action released on Sunday, trader CrypNuevo forecast that the market would continue to hinge on geopolitics.
“It feels like we’ll be stuck in this range for the next month too,” he summarized.
“We could see some conflict escalation (uncertainty) next week that could trigger a new visit to the range lows where an interesting 4h long wick still sits there.”
BTC/USDT four-hour chart. Source: CrypNuevo/X
CrypNuevo referred to Bitcoin’s sub-$60,000 swing low seen in early February.
“In LTF, I’ll be favoring a potential price rotation to $65k next week,” he continued about low time frames.
“I’d like to position for this around $70k if we see a short-lived push to the upside at the start of the week. But with caution, because acceptance above $71k would invalidate it and I’d long to $73k-$74k.”
Crypto liquidation history (screeshot). Source: CoinGlass
Liquidations stayed high into Monday, with over $400 million erased over 24 hours, per data from CoinGlass.
With liquidity stacked above price, trader Castillo Trading eyed a potential short squeeze to take it.
Still think the R/R to the upside from here on $BTC Just makes sense. Maybe a little lower below $67,200 but still seems like it’s worth the punt.#Bitcoinpic.twitter.com/5209rwtdlp
Commenting on the latest price moves, meanwhile, onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant hinted that the weekend’s downside volatility was nothing out of the ordinary.
“During weekends, institutional participation declines significantly, and spot-driven demand—especially from ETF flows—effectively pauses. As a result, the market becomes more dependent on derivatives positioning and short-term liquidity conditions,” contributor XWIN Research Japan wrote in a “QuickTake” blog post.
“Lower liquidity also amplifies price sensitivity. With thinner order books, relatively small sell orders can trigger larger price movements, often leading to cascading effects such as stop-loss activation or liquidation events.”
XWIN stressed that weekend price action “should not be interpreted as a signal of trend continuation or reversal.”
Traders eye January bear flag breakdown repeat
For Bitcoin bulls, history risks repeating itself already this week — and just like before, bears appear to be in the driving seat.
Concerns revolve around another bear flag pattern currently playing out on the daily chart.
Here, a macro downtrend is punctuated by a period of relief, giving some the impression that the trend has reversed. Price then drops through the bottom of the flag and the downtrend continues to new lows.
As Cointelegraph reported, traders have long warned about a second bear flag and its consequences after the first completed in January.
“It looks almost exactly the same. Bear Flag Breakdown & Retest with low volume on the upward move,” trader Roman told X followers last week after BTC/USD hit six-week highs of $76,000.
After the weekend, trader Jelle went further, suggesting that price had already broken support.
“Not a great way to start the week if you’re a bull. Consolidate here for a day or two and those untapped lows look ripe for the taking,” he warned.
BTC/USD chart. Source: Jelle/X
On Saturday, Keith Alan, cofounder of trading resource Material Indicators, suggested that the bear-flag breakdown target could be below $50,000.
That’s consistent with the target a measured move down from this bear flag would deliver. pic.twitter.com/oWI7NvbeZ5
The worsening global energy crisis focused on the Middle East is already taking a fresh toll on risk assets and safe havens this week.
Asian stock markets tumbled during their first session, while gold and silver also came under heavy selling pressure. Bitcoin joined them, hitting two-week lows into Sunday’s weekly close.
Commenting, trading resource The Kobeissi Letter even suggested that the downside in gold could have claimed a large-volume market participant.
“The sporadic moves in price could signal that a potential large player in the space is being liquidated,” it told X followers.
Kobeissi added that rising US 10-year treasury note yields were “beginning to weigh on various asset classes.”
“Combine this with headline fatigue and ‘pockets’ of illiquidity in the market, and the massive gaps to both directions are only growing,” it added.
“Something big is happening metals markets right now.”
XAU/USD one-week chart with 50 EMA. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
Now down over 20% since its all-time high, XAU/USD officially entered bear-market territory, hitting local lows of $4,099 per ounce — a level not seen since November 2025.
Oil, meanwhile, increasingly sought to stay above the $100 mark as uncertainty over flows through the Strait of Hormuz continued.
In the latest edition of its regular newsletter, “The Market Mosaic,” trading resource Mosaic Asset Company stressed the potential impact on future US inflation readings.
“Oil prices are directly correlated to headline inflation, where a $10 increase per barrel can push inflation higher by 0.20% or more. And even before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, there are growing signs that inflation is already inflecting higher,” it noted.
CFDs on WTI crude oil one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
Risk-asset hope remains despite hawkish Fed
This week has little by way of key inflation reports, with jobless claims and S&P Flash Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data taking center stage.
Crypto has shown sensitivity to PMI releases in recent months, with US manufacturing finally on the up after several years of retraction.
At the same time, headwinds from the Iran war are mounting, as shown by the hawkish tone from the US Federal Reserve at last week’s meeting.
After leaving interest rates unchanged, Chair Jerome Powell said that any loosening of policy would now depend on “progress” being made on inflation.
“As a result, the market is quickly repricing the outlook for rate cuts,” Mosaic Asset Company commented.
“While market-implied odds don’t point to another rate cut for over a year, another key indicator is suggesting that rate hikes could be in store.”
Fed target rate probabilities (screenshot). Source: CME Group FedWatch Tool
The conservative stance came despite weakening US labor-market conditions — traditionally cause to reassess restrictive policy measures.
A silver lining, however, could lie in store for risk assets in the form of historical patterns repeating. As Cointelegraph reported, crypto’s positive stocks correlation has recently grown.
“Conditions across breadth and sentiment are evolving to support a rally in the S&P 500. At the same time, historic precedent for market movements around major geopolitical events also hint that a rebound could be in store for the stock market,” Mosaic continued.
Kobeissi had similar ideas, reporting “skyrocketing” trading activity across stocks and last week’s giant options expiry event freeing up capital.
“Friday’s volume was also amplified by ~$5.7 trillion in options tied to US stocks, indexes, and ETFs expiring in the largest March triple-witching in at least 30 years,” it wrote on X.
“The massive volume of expired options has released billions in capital, which could drive significant market swings this week. Brace for more market volatility.”
S&P 500 ETF chart with volume data. Source: The Kobeissi Letter/X
Bitcoin old hands sell at a loss
Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) are feeling the pressure at current levels — even without a rematch with range lows.
Related: Bitcoin RSI signals potential bottom as analysts flag key setup
CryptoQuant research reveals “capitulation” signals from the Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) metric, which measures whether coins moving onchain are doing so at a higher or lower price than during their previous transaction.
SOPR readings below 1 mean that the observed supply — in this case that owned by LTHs — is on aggregate moving at a loss.
“On March 11, the Bitcoin Long-Term Holder SOPR dropped to 0.64, meaning long-term holders were selling their coins at a 36% loss relative to their cost basis. This is one of the most extreme LTH capitulation readings in recent months,” contributor The Enigma Trader commented.
“A value this far below 1.0 indicates that even patient, conviction holders were being shaken out, a sign of genuine fear in the market.”
Bitcoin LTH-SOPR chart with 30-day SMA. Source: CryptoQuant
The 30-day moving average of LTH-SOPR is still below 1 — even as large tranches of BTC leave exchanges in a potential emerging accumulation trend.
“One possible interpretation: while long-term holders were capitulating between March 10–20, a separate cohort was quietly absorbing supply and moving coins off exchanges,” it continued.
“Distribution and accumulation happening simultaneously, a classic phase transition setup.”
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
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