Bitcoin slips to $74,519 as Hormuz closure rattles markets, but Fear & Greed exits extreme zone.

Bitcoin retreated to $74,519 (-1.24%) and Ethereum dropped to $2,280 (-2.14%) after Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz again, adding fresh macro pressure to a market still finding its footing. Total crypto market cap sits at $2.63 trillion, with BTC dominance at 56.7%.

Despite the pullback, the Fear & Greed Index climbed to 29 — still in fear territory, but out of the extreme fear zone for the first time in over a month. The Altcoin Index reads 40/100, suggesting some selective risk appetite returning at the margins.

On the news front, Strategy reportedly raised a $1.76 billion war chest with Saylor signalling a larger Bitcoin buy ahead. The DeFi sector had a rough April, absorbing $580 million in losses, including a $292 million Kelp exploit. Recent funding activity includes Bitnomial's $550 million M&A round backed by Payward and a $3.5 million seed for Kiedex led by Marqel…

Original content