Liquid Network, a Bitcoin-based payments and settlement network, has reported a security incident after hackers withdrew about $320 million worth of Bitcoin from its federation wallet, according to Nairametrics. The attackers are described as purported white-hat hackers, though the exact circumstances of the breach remain unclear. The incident represents one of the largest reported thefts involving a Bitcoin-linked network, raising fresh concerns about the security of cryptocurrency infrastructure and federation-based settlement systems.

Gold prices have rebounded above $4,180 following disappointing US jobs data, which has led investors to reconsider the outlook for US interest rates. This rally has positively impacted South African gold mining shares and has contributed to a strengthening of the rand.

Gold prices edged higher in early London trading, with spot gold rising 0.3% to $4,418.21 an ounce at 7 a.m., according to Moneyweb. The gains were supported by a softer US dollar, which offset market concerns stemming from tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The movement reflects gold's sensitivity to currency fluctuations and geopolitical risk, as investors weigh safe-haven demand against broader market conditions.

A recent hack targeting Bitcoin has drawn attention to a key vulnerability in cryptocurrency systems, according to Moneyweb. The incident comes as the digital asset industry works to persuade banks and institutional investors that cryptocurrencies can be integrated into mainstream financial infrastructure. The breach raises questions about the security of digital assets at a time when the sector is seeking broader acceptance from traditional finance.

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a grand jury superseding indictment against Malone Lam and co-defendants accused of carrying out one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in U.S. history. According to the AP, the group of young men allegedly duped a victim out of bitcoin worth over $240 million in August 2024, laundered the proceeds through a sophisticated scheme, and then went on a lavish spending spree to celebrate the heist.

Brent North Sea crude, the international oil benchmark, rose above $100 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since late July. According to Vanguard, the price surge was driven by fresh flare-ups in the Middle East conflict, which heightened concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies. The development marks a significant milestone for energy markets amid ongoing geopolitical instability in the region.