Cryptocurrency News

Coinbase is taking its fight for digital privacy to the highest court, urging the Supreme Court to dismantle mass surveillance powers threatening the future of crypto freedom. Coinbase Asks Supreme Court to Strike Down Digital Dragnet in Crypto Crackdown Crypto exchange Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) revealed on April 30 that it had filed an amicus brief […]

Contrary to some earlier reports, asset manager ProShares has indicated that its XRP ETF will not be launching soon. Meanwhile, a prominent member of the XRP community has hinted that May 1st and June 9th are two dates that community members should look forward to.  ProShares Debunks XRP ETF Launch Data A ProShares spokesperson has […]

U.S. Senate advances stablecoin regulation with GENIUS and STABLE Acts under the Trump administration. Stablecoin activity surges, signaling potential market rebound amid growing regulatory claThe post Senate leader John Thune backs Stablecoin Bill - Is USD1 behind this decision? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Key takeaways:XRP ETF approval odds rise to 85% following a SEC leadership change.Analysts predict XRP could rise to new all-time highs again in 2025.XRP price dropped by 5% over the past 24 hours as US GDP data showed a shrinking economy. However, a strengthening market structure and investors’ growing hope for a spot XRP ETF approval in the United States suggest that the altcoin might revisit its April peak at $2.36 in the short term. XRP/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewTechnical charts currently show XRP (XRP) trading within a falling wedge pattern. A "falling wedge" is a bullish reversal chart pattern that comprises two converging trend lines that connect lower lows and lower highs. This convergence indicates weakening downward momentum. The pattern will resolve when the price breaks above the upper trendline at $2.40, and if this happens, buyers could target $3.74 next, representing a 71% increase from the current price.XRP/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe relative strength index (RSI) is above the midline, indicating that the market conditions still favor the upside.However, to sustain the ongoing recovery, XRP price has to first hold the support at $2.20 and then overcome the resistance between $2.80 and $3.00.Several analysts remain optimistic about the altcoin’s ability to rebound to all-time highs, with popular trader Dark Defender saying that the ongoing correction is part of an Elliott Wave pattern that will eventually see “XRP continue its climb to the top.”Fellow trader Allincrypto believes XRP is “heading to $19.27” based on a breakout from a falling wedge pattern.“Where we are pulling back is textbook perfect, and we had highlighted a falling wedge that was present on XRP that ultimately was just going for a continuation to $19.27.”Related: What are XRP futures and how to invest in them?Approval odds for an XRP ETF approval in 2025 riseBloomberg senior ETF analysts said that the five spot XRP ETFs, including Grayscale, 21Shares, WisdomTree, Bitwise, Canary, and Franklin Templeton, have an 85% chance of approval after the change in leadership at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).This is a significant improvement from their prediction over two months ago that set the chances of an XRP approval in 2025 at 65%.Source: Eric BalchunasSimilarly, the betting odds for an XRP ETF approval by Dec. 31 now stand at 80% on Polymarket. Over the past week, the probability of approval has swung 17% in favor of the bullish masses, which was around 63% on April 23.XRP ETF approval odds on Polymarket. Source: PolymarketMeanwhile, on April 29, the SEC postponed its decision on Franklin Templeton’s spot XRP ETF, setting a new review deadline on June 17.The approval of these ETFs could unlock institutional capital, amplifying demand for the XRP. While approval timelines remain unclear, they would mark a step toward mainstream adoption for XRP.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.

Key points:Solana held the $140 support level for a week, a first in more than two months, highlighting traders’ growing confidence.SOL futures open interest hit $5.75 billion on April 30, showing strong institutional interest.With rising DEX volumes and a $9.5 billion TVL, SOL could rally to $200 before a potential spot ETF approval on Oct. 10.Solana’s native token, SOL (SOL), fell 4% between April 29 and April 30 after failing to sustain the $150 level. Despite this short-term decline, traders seem more confident as the $140 support remained intact for a whole week, an outcome that hadn’t happened in over two months. As demand for leveraged SOL positions reached near record highs on April 30, traders are now reconsidering the chances of a SOL rally above $200.Solana futures aggregate open interest, SOL. Source: CoinGlassSOL futures open interest climbed to 40.5 million SOL on April 30, marking a 5% increase from the previous month and nearing its all-time high. In dollar terms, this represents $5.75 billion in futures positions, ranking third in the cryptocurrency market and over 50% higher than the demand for XRP derivatives. This strong adoption of SOL derivatives points to growing institutional interest.Data shows increased demand for bearish leveraged SOL positionsTraders often believe that increased demand for SOL futures signals rising optimism. However, since longs (buyers) and shorts (sellers) are always matched, a rise in open interest does not necessarily indicate a bullish outlook. To better understand leverage demand in SOL futures, one can look at the funding rate for perpetual contracts.ETH perpetual futures 8-hour funding rate. Source: Laevitas.chCurrently, the funding rate on SOL perpetual futures is negative, which shows more demand for bearish positions. The last period of moderate optimism ended on April 25 after a failed attempt to break above $156. The lack of bullish leveraged positions may be partly due to the 43% price gain SOL saw in the three weeks from April 8 to April 29.A $200 target for SOL may seem ambitious, but the token was trading near $195 in mid-February, even after decentralized application volumes had dropped by 80% from their January peak. While Solana has faced criticism for its heavy reliance on memecoins, there is more to the network than just speculation on new tokens.Total value locked (TVL) on Solana Network, USD. Source: DefiLlamaSolana ranks second in total value locked (TVL), with $9.5 billion in deposits, including liquid staking, collateralized loans, automated yield platforms, and synthetic derivatives. Several Solana decentralized applications are among the top fee earners, with Meteora collecting $19.1 million in seven days, followed by Pump-fun with $18.6 million and Juto with $14.6 million.Solana network dominates volumes on decentralized exchangesSince April 14, Ethereum’s average base layer transaction fee has been $0.65 or less, yet Solana’s decentralized exchanges have seen nearly 90% higher trading volumes. Even when including the entire Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem, Solana led the past week with $21.6 billion in decentralized exchange activity.Decentralized exchange volumes, 7-day market share. Source: DefiLlamaPositive highlights from the Solana network include an 87% weekly increase in Raydium’s volumes and a 58% rise in Meteora activity. So, even if demand for bullish leveraged positions stays flat, SOL’s price could eventually reflect the improved onchain metrics.Related: More than 70 US crypto ETFs await SEC decision this yearFrom a trading perspective, SOL could also benefit from the possible approval of a spot Solana ETF in the United States. Analysts believe the final deadline for the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision is Oct. 10, with a 90% chance of approval. Still, SOL might rally above $200 before this event, as the network is well-positioned to attract new retail investors.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Trading platform Robinhood has still managed to beat Wall Street estimates as its first-quarter revenues fell and its crypto trading volume cooled from a record high in Q4.Robinhood’s Q1 results shared on April 30 show revenues fell 8.6% from the previous quarter to $927 million, topping Zacks analyst estimates by 3.16%.The company’s crypto revenue plummeted nearly 30% quarter-on-quarter to $252 million from the firm’s record-setting Q4 2024.  The drop could be partly attributed to the Trump administration’s tariffs, which triggered an 18% fall in the crypto market cap over the quarter.Crypto trading volume on Robinhood also fell 35% over Q1 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, which the firm attributed to a 10% drop in customer trades placed and a 27% fall in average notional volume per trade.Robinhood CEO Vladimir Tenev said on an earnings call that crypto trading volumes would continue to fluctuate but the firm is more focused on capturing as much market share as possible.Despite the fall from last quarter, Robinhood’s crypto revenue rose 100% from the same quarter a year ago, while trading volumes jumped 28% over the same period.Robinhood’s quarterly revenues by segment since Q1 2023. Source: RobinhoodThe firm also added $500 million to its now $1.5 billion buyback authorization program, aimed at boosting shareholder value and confidence in the firm’s financial health. The company has bought back $667 million worth of shares so far.Shares in Robinhood (HOOD) rose 1.51% in after-hours trading on April 30 to $49.85 since the firm disclosed its Q1 results, Google Finance data shows. Tenev said Robinhood’s $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp crypto exchange is still looking likely to receive regulatory approval in the middle of 2025, which would enable it to serve institutional investors in the US.Regulatory pressure also eased for Robinhood in Q1 after the Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation into the firm’s crypto business on Feb. 21.Crypto tokenization remains a key focus for RobinhoodTenev said Robinhood is still exploring integrating crypto tokenization into the company’s services.Tokenizing private equities is a “huge unlock” for both individuals and companies that can solve a lot of problems in secondary market transactions, he said.Related: Ripple $4B-$5B bid to purchase Circle rejected — Report“I think that will unlock a ton of economic value for the crypto industry in the US,” Tenev said. The Robinhood CEO previously said crypto tokenization could let investors buy tokenized shares in big-name private firms like OpenAI and SpaceX within minutes.“That's been kind of our primary policy objective in Washington when it comes to crypto,” Tenev said.Magazine: ZK-proofs unlock trillions in Bitcoin for DeFi — BitcoinOS and Starknet

Robert Kiyosaki sounds the alarm on global panic, asking if bitcoin dropped to $300, would you cry or celebrate—urging action before the financial crash hits. Robert Kiyosaki Sounds Alarm on Financial Panic and Looming Great Depression Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-selling personal finance classic Rich Dad Poor Dad, has issued a fresh warning about […]

Update (April 30, 4:10 pm UTC): This article has been updated to add a comment from Mantra CEO John Mullin.Decentralized finance (DeFi) platform Mantra has called for industry-wide cooperation to reduce investor risks in the aftermath of its OM token crash.On April 30, Mantra published its latest update since the sudden collapse of its OM token, claiming that the incident was “bigger than Mantra.”“Liquidation cascades could happen to any project in the crypto industry,” Mantra CEO John Mullin warned in the post, pointing to the role of “aggressive leverage positions” on exchanges as a broader threat to investor safety.Mantra’s industry-wide call to action is the biggest section in the latest OM crash update. Source: Mantra“We’re cooperating with major exchanges to improve market stability, and we’re calling on the rest of our industry to provide input on how exchange policies can minimize — or continue to permit — policies that create risk to investors,” the update states.Progress includes governance improvementsAside from calling global centralized exchanges to review their leverage policies, Mantra listed a few key solutions following the OM crash.The first point concerned governance improvements to the Mantra chain with a focus on decentralization. Mantra has pledged to accelerate its validator diversification efforts by winding down internal validators and adding more support partners.Related: Mantra unveils $108M fund to back real-world asset tokenization, DeFi“By the end of Q2 2025, we’ll have reduced internal validators by half and onboarded 50 total external partner validators,” the update states.Additionally, the update mentioned that Mantra has burned 150 million staked OM tokens, permanently removing them from the total supply.To enhance transparency, Mantra has introduced a real-time dashboard featuring tokenomics data. It has also begun alpha testing a new Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible testnet called Omstead, aimed at improving technical resilience.The post highlighted that the Mantra chain continued operating without interruption during the price drop, even with transaction volumes at all-time highs.OM crash is result of “aggressive leverage positions”CEO Mullin pushed back on the idea that the broader industry, including exchanges, should be blamed for the OM crash, saying that any listed project could experience a similar downturn.“To be specific, exchange policies that allow investors to take aggressive leverage positions on top of their own tokens are enormously risky,” Mullin told Cointelegraph.Source: Liam/MantraThe CEO did not point to any particular leverage positions or exchanges, stating:“There are reasons that these kinds of positions are allowed by exchanges, but we should acknowledge that it does increase risk for projects across the industry and it’s a conversation we should all be having.”Mantra has refrained from naming any exchange following the OM liquidations, though social media speculation suggests OKX as a possible contributor. “Let’s finish that report,” one commentator to Mantra's post said on X, adding: “Make sure a liquidation cascade can never happen again on OKX.”The industry seems unwilling to respondWhile Mantra has repeatedly called for collaboration with exchanges, the issue does not appear to have been meaningfully addressed by crypto trading firms.OKX has declined to comment on the Mantra situation or potential policy collaboration in the aftermath of the OM token crash, despite multiple requests from Cointelegraph. In the meantime, OKX CEO Star Xu was one of the first crypto executives to highlight the massive scale of the OM crash shortly after the incident occurred on April 13, calling it a “big scandal to the whole crypto industry.”Source: Star XuBinance did not immediately respond to Cointelegraph requests for comment.Magazine: Ethereum is destroying the competition in the $16.1T TradFi tokenization race

Cryptocurrency hackers stole more than $90 million in April, dealing another blow to the industry’s mainstream reputation despite ongoing efforts to improve cybersecurity.Hackers made off with $92 million of digital assets across 15 incidents in April, according to an April 30 research report by blockchain cybersecurity firm Immunefi.The total marks a 124% month-over-month increase from March, when hackers stole $41 million.Crypto stole in April 2025. Source: ImmunefiThe month’s largest hack on open-source platform UPCX accounted for most of the damage in April, with over $70 million in losses, while KiloEx lost $7.5 million as April’s second-largest hack.The KiloEx exploiter returned the stolen funds just days after the attack occurred.All of April’s reported attacks targeted decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Centralized exchanges reported no incidents during the month, the report noted. Top 10 losses in April. Source: ImmunefiImmunefi, which says it helps protect $190 billion in user funds, has paid more than $116 million in bounties to white hat hackers.Related: Bitcoin volatility lowest in 563 days, Hayes predicts $1M BTC by 2028State-backed threats raise alarmsThe report comes nearly two months after Bybit exchange lost over $1.4 billion on Feb. 21 — the largest hack in crypto history.“The sheer scale of the attack shows how state-backed actors are arguably the most pressing threat to our industry,” according to Mitchell Amador, Founder and CEO of Immunefi.“This is a reminder of the need for security measures that protect the entire security stack and help protocols prevent catastrophic attacks before they happen,” Amador told Cointelegraph, adding:“Protocols must be built for resilience under the assumption that attackers will find a way in, and investors must assume that even the safest-looking interfaces or emails might be traps.”He called for protocols to adopt a “zero-trust” approach and implement more robust protections across the entire technology stack. Related: Bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank, expands into cryptoBug bounties, regular audits and formal verifications will be essential to ensure to security of smart contracts and backed infrastructure, he said.As of the end of April, hackers have already stolen more than $1.7 billion worth of digital assets in 2025, already surpassing the estimated $1.49 billion in losses for all of 2024, according to Immunefi.The state-backed  North Korean Lazarus Group’s pause in the second half of 2024 may have been a repositioning in preparation for staging the world’s largest hack on Bybit, Eric Jardine, Chainalysis' cybercrimes research Lead, told Cointelegraph.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

Crypto was born from an open-source ethos, where code was shared publicly, accessible for review and shaped by community contributions. Transparency and verifiability are foundational principles that enable trust in Bitcoin.But as the space matured, some disadvantages of open source surfaced. Innovative smart contract platforms and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications were forked to create direct competitors — from the wave of Uniswap clones to Ethereum forks — which prioritized speed and lower fees over decentralization.As a result, some projects opted for closed-source development to protect proprietary designs and reduce the risk of exploits, hoping to delay or deter malicious actors by making the code harder to analyze. This approach is often criticized as “security through obscurity,” where hiding vulnerabilities instead of fixing them becomes a line of defense.Closed-source systems run counter to crypto’s original vision of decentralization and transparency. What started as a grassroots movement among cypherpunks and hackers is now increasingly mainstream and integrating with the very institutional system it once sought to disrupt.Solana Loopscale exploit shows why open source can still be more secureAn exploit on Solana’s Loopscale protocol shows that closed source is not a one-size-fits-all solution for keeping malicious actors out. On April 26, just weeks after launching, the closed-source DeFi lending platform suffered a $5.8-million exploit. A hacker reportedly manipulated collateral parameters to take out a series of undercollateralized loans, draining funds from the protocol.Related: Why do crypto bros like freedom cities?While the incident ended on a relatively positive note — Loopscale was able to negotiate with the attacker to return the funds — it reignited concerns about the prevalence of closed-source projects on Solana and in crypto more broadly.Closed source is no silver bullet for security. Source: Nirlin“Jordan,” an engineer at Solana research firm Anza, called out this issue in a 2023 critique, describing closed-source DeFi protocols and wallets as one of the network’s biggest weaknesses. He argued that when a small group can change code without oversight, users are forced to blindly trust teams rather than verifiable smart contracts.According to DefiLlama data, closed-source protocols dominated Solana’s DeFi ecosystem in its early days but shared half of the stage with open-source alternatives in late 2021. Since then, the shift has been gradual but clear. As of April 29, open-source protocols accounted for nearly 90% of the value locked in Solana’s DeFi space.Funds locked in Solana DeFi have moved to open-source protocols. Source: DefiLlama“Audited, open-source code is the best way forward. By keeping your code closed source, you are just hiding back doors, otherwise known as ‘security by obscurity.’ By being open source, getting audited and having a bounty program, protocols can get more eyes on their code while also incentivizing everyone to do the right thing,” said Max Kaplan, founder of Sol Strategies.Crypto is growing up and moving away from open sourceThough there are strong voices pushing to keep crypto open source, many in the industry have raised concerns about a growing shift toward closed-source development.Paradigm partner “Frankie” shares observations of crypto moving away from the open-source era. Source: FrankieClosed source is a standard design choice in the corporate world, used to protect intellectual property, preserve competitive advantage, and reduce the risk of exploits. Increasingly, crypto firms are adopting that same mindset — not to replace traditional infrastructure, but to integrate with it.Many of the most prominent players in the space are no longer trying to disrupt the financial system outright. Firms are reportedly seeking bank charters, building institutional rails and engaging regulators. In that context, closed-source code isn’t viewed as a betrayal of crypto’s ideals, but rather a practical step toward becoming part of the world they once sought to displace.Some builders are sick of getting their work stolen. Source: HossThis debate isn’t limited to crypto. In early 2025, China’s DeepSeek shook global markets with the release of a powerful, low-cost and open-source AI model. It showcased how open-source innovation can challenge Western AI dominance.But according to Matt Pearl, director of the strategic tech program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, open-source AI can be dangerous without safety guardrails.Related: DeepSeek privacy concerns raise international alarm bellsPearl and his co-authors argued in a February commentary that open-source AI allows anyone to download, modify and strip out safeguards. Pearl said DeepSeek can easily be jailbroken to produce malware, phishing kits or disinformation, making it more likely to be abused by cybercriminals than closed models.Proponents wants to keep crypto open sourceOne common argument for closing off smart contract code is that regular users do not read it, while malicious actors do. However, Mikko Ohtamaa, founder of Trading Strategies, said this misses the point.“Even if 99% of DeFi users are code illiterate and do not know what the code says, it takes only one honest person to debunk bad code and warn other users,” he said, adding that projects can still protect their intellectual property through licensing, citing examples like Uniswap v3’s business license model.Research also supports the case for open-source security. A 2022 report by software firm Red Hat, based on a survey of nearly 1,300 IT leaders, found that most consider enterprise open-source software to be as secure or more secure than proprietary alternatives.“Transparency is the fundamental property of cryptography and blockchain systems. Without transparency, there is no verify. With no verify, any low trust system like a blockchain is no better than a centralised system,” Ohtaama said.Magazine: Ethereum is destroying the competition in the $16.1T TradFi tokenization race

An elderly US individual is reportedly the victim of a devastating $330 million Bitcoin heist, now ranked as the fifth-largest crypto hack in history.The attacker used advanced social engineering tactics to gain access to the victim’s wallet, onchain investigator ZachXBT said in an April 30 update on X.The hack took place on April 28, 2025, when ZachXBT flagged a suspicious transfer involving 3,520 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $330.7 million.Following the transfer, the stolen stash was quickly laundered through over six instant exchanges and swapped into privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero (XMR).Onchain data shows that the victim had held over 3,000 BTC since 2017, with no prior history of large-scale transactions.ZachXBT confirming the victim of the hack. Source: ZachXBTOnce stolen, the attacker wasted no time laundering the Bitcoin using a peel chain method — a common obfuscation technique in which large sums are broken into smaller, harder-to-trace chunks.“$330M in BTC was received in two transactions, then immediately distributed via peel chains,” Yehor Rudytsia, onchain researcher at Hacken, explained to Cointelegraph.“Funds started to flow into multiple instant exchanges / mixers with small amounts, then mixers were distributing funds across multiple new wallets. The biggest funnelling chain is now consists of 40+ wallets.”Related: Loopscale recovers $2.8M after weekend DeFi hack and bounty talksOver 300 wallets and 20 exchanges were involvedHacken’s internal tool, Extractor, tracked $284 million worth of BTC funneled through these chains, which now amounts to around $60 million after repeated “peeling” and redistribution across low-credibility exchanges.Rudytsia said over 300 hacker wallets and 20+ exchanges or payment services were involved, including Binance.Cointelegraph has reached out to Binance for comment.“Major problem in cases like this (similar to Genesis creditor’s 4064 BTC theft back in Aug 2024) is that freezing centralized exchange accounts used in the laundering process is hardened due to particularly slow legal process of police reporting and investigations,” Rudytsia added.Adding to the complexity, the attacker rapidly converted a significant portion of the BTC into XMR. The move triggered a 50% surge in Monero’s price, with the token briefly reaching $339.“Once funds are swapped into Monero, tracing becomes virtually impossible due to its privacy-preserving architecture. The chance of recovery drops significantly after this step,” Cyvers Alerts senior security operations lead Hakan Unal said.Unal said that the attacker likely had pre-established accounts across multiple exchanges and OTC desks, suggesting a high degree of premeditation.A small portion of the stolen BTC was also bridged to Ethereum and deposited into various platforms, further complicating tracking efforts. Investigators have since alerted exchanges for potential freezing of funds.Related: North Korean hackers set up 3 shell companies to scam crypto devsNo familiar laundering tacticsZachXBT had previously dismissed the theory that North Korea’s Lazarus Group could have been behind the attack, suggesting independent hackers were responsible.ZachXBT dismissing North Korea theory. Source: ZachXBTWhile attribution remains uncertain, experts agree the laundering tactics show rare automation and coordination for a heist of this magnitude.“So far, we haven’t been able to confidently link this activity to any known hacker group, as the laundering methods used — while sophisticated — don’t clearly match the signature patterns of previously identified actors,” Unal noted.He recommended using multisignature (multisig) wallets to eliminate single points of failure, minimizing exposure to hot wallets connected to the internet, regularly rotating private keys, and relying on hardware-based cold storage to safeguard large Bitcoin holdings.In the first quarter of 2025, hackers stole more than $1.6 billion worth of crypto from exchanges and onchain smart contracts, blockchain security firm PeckShield said in an April report. More than 90% of those losses are attributable to a $1.5 billion attack on Bybit, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, by North Korean hacking outfit Lazarus Group.Magazine: TV hit Peaky Blinders to launch crypto game, FIFA Rivals on Polkadot: Web3 Gamer

• #bitcoin

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin released another update on what he believes the future of the network should entail.In an April 30 post on blockchain-based social media platform Farcaster, Buterin outlined his personal areas of focus for Ethereum development this year. These include investigating changes to the network infrastructure to achieve single-slot finality, updates to smart contract execution and enhancements to privacy.The post comes as the Ethereum network hits a new milestone. GrowThePie data shows that the weekly number of unique addresses interacting with the Ethereum ecosystem reached a new high of over 15.4 million, with nearly 13.45 million on layer-2 protocols.Weekly chart of unique active addresses in the Ethereum ecosystem. Source: GrowThePieButerin recently argued that privacy should be a top priority for developers and proposed solutions to boost privacy on Ethereum. Earlier in April, he also published a short-term privacy roadmap for Ethereum, detailing technical solutions to the network’s transparency.Buterin’s focus on forward-looking research follows changes at the Ethereum Foundation, the nonprofit organization developing the Ethereum ecosystem. Earlier this month, the Ethereum Foundation co-executive director, Tomasz Stańczak, said that Buterin now has more time for research and exploration.“Each time Vitalik shares insights or communicates a direction, he accelerates major long‑term breakthroughs,” he wrote.Related: Vitalik Buterin proposes swapping EVM language for RISC-VProposed Ethereum protocol changesIn today’s post, Buterin said that this year, he would be researching single-slot finality on Ethereum. This proposed upgrade would allow blocks to become final in a single slot within 12 seconds. This would significantly reduce the time needed to confirm transactions irreversibly and improve user experience.Another area of focus would be making Ethereum stateless. This would lead to nodes no longer storing the full state (account balances, contracts, etc.) but instead requiring users to provide the necessary state data (witnesses) with each transaction. This could potentially improve scalability and decentralization.Buterin also expects to study ways to improve the ecosystem’s cybersecurity on both the front and back ends, as well as its resilience and decentralization. He set some objectives that he specified should also apply to client software, such as third-party wallets:“Ensuring Ethereum is usable in a way that is highly secure, free of centralized intermediaries and privacy-friendly.“Related: ‘Vitalik: An Ethereum Story’ is less about crypto and more about being humanNot just the protocolBesides working on the Ethereum protocol, Buterin expects to dedicate his attention to improving communication tools, information sharing, and the social layer surrounding Ethereum. This includes governance changes, the network’s resources management and open-source development funding.Buterin explained that this also involves developing better encrypted messaging, software documentation, and leading their adoption in the ecosystem. He also hinted at developing prediction markets and related technology, as well as some potential new types of communication tools.Other objectives include the lower-level development. Buterin cited the intention to investigate cryptography, operating systems, hardware, physical infrastructure and biological defence without further explanation.Buterin also cited some areas of development where he is not personally involved, including plans to increase Ethereum’s gas limit as a short-term scalability solution, as well as peer-to-peer systems.Magazine: Ethereum is destroying the competition in the $16.1T TradFi tokenization race

Chinese artificial intelligence development company DeepSeek has released a new open-weight large language model (LLM).DeepSeek uploaded its newest model, Prover V2, to the hosting service Hugging Face on April 30. The latest model, released under the permissive open-source MIT license, aims to tackle math proof verification. DeepSeek-Prover-V2 HuggingFace repository. Source: HuggingFaceProver V2 has 671 billion parameters, making it significantly larger than its predecessors, Prover V1 and Prover V1.5, which were released in August 2024. The paper accompanying the first version explained that the model was trained to translate math competition problems into formal logic using the Lean 4 programming language — a tool widely used for proving theorems. The developers say Prover V2 compresses mathematical knowledge into a format that allows it to generate and verify proofs, potentially aiding research and education.Related: Here’s why DeepSeek crashed your Bitcoin and cryptoWhat does it all mean?A model, also informally and incorrectly referred to as “weights” in the AI space, is the file or collection of files that allow one to locally execute an AI without relying on external servers. Still, it’s worth pointing out that state-of-the-art LLMs require hardware that most people don't have access to. This is because those models tend to have a large parameter count, which results in large files that require a lot of RAM or VRAM (GPU memory) and processing power to run. The new Prover V2 model weighs approximately 650 gigabytes and is expected to run from RAM or VRAM.To get them down to this size, Prover V2 weights have been quantized down to 8-bit floating point precision, meaning that each parameter has been approximated to take half the space of the usual 16 bits, with a bit being a single digit in binary numbers. This effectively halves the model’s bulk.Prover V1 is based on the seven-billion-parameter DeepSeekMath model and was fine-tuned on synthetic data. Synthetic data refers to data used for training AI models that was, in turn, also generated by AI models, with human-generated data usually seen as an increasingly scarce source of higher-quality data.Prover V1.5 reportedly improved on the previous version by optimizing both training and execution and achieving higher accuracy in benchmarks. So far, the improvements introduced by Prover V2 are unclear, as no research paper or other information has been published at the time of writing. The number of parameters in the Prover V2 weights suggests that it is likely to be based on the company’s previous R1 model. When it was first released, R1 made waves in the AI space with its performance comparable to the then state-of-the-art OpenAI’s o1 model.Related: South Korea suspends downloads of DeepSeek over user data concernsThe importance of open weightsPublicly releasing the weights of LLMs is a controversial topic. On one side, it is a democratizing force that allows the public to access AI on their own terms without relying on private company infrastructure.On the other side, it means that the company cannot step in and prevent abuse of the model by enforcing certain limitations on dangerous user queries. The release of R1 in this manner raised security concerns, and some described it as China’s “Sputnik moment.”Open source proponents rejoiced that DeepSeek continued where Meta left off with the release of its LLaMA series of open-source AI models, proving that open AI is a serious contender for OpenAI’s closed AI. The accessibility of those models also continues to improve.Accessible language modelsNow, even users without access to a supercomputer that costs more than the average home in much of the world can run LLMs locally. This is primarily thanks to two AI development techniques: model distillation and quantization.Distillation refers to training a compact “student” network to replicate the behavior of a larger “teacher” model, so you keep most of the performance while cutting parameters to make it accessible to less powerful hardware. Quantization consists of reducing the numeric precision of a model’s weights and activations to shrink size and boost inference speed with only minor accuracy loss.An example is Prover V2’s reduction from 16 to eight-bit floating point numbers, but further reductions are possible by halving bits further. Both of those techniques have consequences for model performance, but usually leave the model largely functional.DeepSeek’s R1 was distilled into versions with retrained LLaMA and Qwen models ranging from 70 billion parameters to as low as 1.5 billion parameters. The smallest of those models can even reliably be run on some mobile devices.Magazine: ‘Chernobyl’ needed to wake people to AI risks, Studio Ghibli memes: AI Eye

April 2025 witnessed crypto markets rocked by more tariffs at the direction of US President Donald Trump — controversial policies that could have influenced the outcome of Canada’s elections on April 28. On April 2, Trump levied “discounted reciprocal tariffs” on 185 countries and territories. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2,200 points on April 4, while the S&P 500 dropped nearly 6%, its largest decline since March 2020. Bitcoin (BTC) went along for the ride but broke from stocks as it recovered toward the end of the month. Blockchain adoption metrics for Ethereum are looking good, as the network now boasts 60% real-world asset (RWA) tokenization value. Major firms like BlackRock are sure the blockchain will be the standard for RWAs, but other observers believe that scaling issues could create problems. On matters of policy, pro-crypto legislators in a number of US states are pushing their respective bills; two states have introduced new legislation in April. In Canada, pro-crypto Conservatives lost to the Liberals, but the victors must form a minority government. Here’s April in numbers.“Liberation Day” sees markets plunge, Bitcoin up 16% on the monthOn April 2, the US president levied retaliatory tariffs on all US trade partners, sending Wall Street into a spiral. Between the announcement after market close and the end of trading on April 8, global markets wiped off more than $8.5 trillion in asset value. By the same date, the S&P 500 had fallen by just north of 12%.Market value has since inched back upward as some countries court the Trump administration seeking tariff relief, but major partners such as China still haven’t budged. While markets have recovered slightly, losses still amount to a “mere” $1 trillion, according to investment managers AJ Bell. Crypto saw losses as well. Bitcoin’s price decreased 9% between the Liberation Day announcement and April 8. However, unlike stock markets, which are still seeing losses, Bitcoin has managed to close out the month higher than where it started. At the time of writing, BTC is up 16.16%, trading at $94,729.Canada’s crypto-skeptic Liberals win, but fall 3 seats short of majorityCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has claimed victory in the country’s federal parliamentary elections, which took place on April 28.Despite their victory, the Liberals secured 169 seats, three short of the 172 needed to form a majority. A minority Liberal government means they must rely on other parties for legislative initiatives.The outcome will be meaningful for Canada’s crypto policy. Carney, himself a former central banker, has been public about his skepticism for cryptocurrencies. When serving as governor of the Bank of England, Carney said “they are failing” as a form of money. He has also called for “equivalent protections to those for commercial bank money” for private stablecoins.Related: What Canada’s new Liberal PM Mark Carney means for cryptoAt the same time, Carney has signaled his openness to digital forms of money and the ledger capabilities of blockchain technology. He voiced support for a central bank digital currency, seeing it as another step in the evolution of money. The Liberals started the year trailing well behind the Conservatives as former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down. On Trump’s inauguration day, Conservatives led polling at a 44% polling average to the Liberals’ 21%.Conservative rhetoric, including that of the pro-crypto party leader Pierre Poilievre, was decidedly pro-Trump. This connection may have been the Conservatives’ undoing, as quickly after taking office, Trump said that Canada should become America’s 51st state while simultaneously ramping up tariffs on Canadian goods.Ethereum’s market share of RWAs is up 20%The tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) has been one of the rising use cases for blockchain technology in April. Ethereum is leading the way, with the value of the RWA tokenization on the network increasing to $6.2 billion. This marks a 20% increase over the month of April. RWAs are increasingly adopted by established financial firms launching tokenization pilot projects in real estate, commodities like gold, and even carbon credits. Larry Fink, CEO of the world’s largest fund manager, BlackRock, has noted that tokenized RWAs allow for instant trading and transfers like a “digital deed.”Related: Five reasons RWAs are taking off in 2025As reported in Cointelegraph Magazine, Ethereum advocates and developers have generally assumed that Ethereum will be the logical choice for firms exploring RWAs. Indeed, Fink said there’s “no question that the blockchain we would start our tokenization on would be Ethereum, and that’s not just a BlackRock thing. That’s the natural default answer.”Two new crypto laws introduced at US state levelTwo states, Texas and Georgia, introduced new blockchain- and crypto-related bills in their state legislatures in April.In Texas, HB 5352 would establish a State Blockchain Technology Pilot Program by the Department of Information Resources. The pilot aims to see how blockchain technology could improve “transparency, security, and efficiency in government operations.”In Georgia, HR 905 seeks to “implement a public awareness campaign for grade levels K-12 regarding blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3.” The bill states that technological literacy is important for all ages and “blockchain computation represents the future of how the world interacts online and shares information through a permanent record of transactions on an open ledger.”In Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill to expand a state regulatory sandbox program to include digital assets. But she signed and enacted a bill into law that now prohibits towns “from banning or restricting individuals from using computational power or running blockchain nodes in their own homes.” The law’s definition of “computational power” can be broadly interpreted to mean AI, scientific research, blockchain activities and cloud computing. It effectively protects home crypto miners from local and municipal zoning laws and bans.Stablecoin adoption grows $4 billion in AprilStablecoins have seen steady growth in 2025, and April was no exception. The total market capitalization of stablecoins grew $4 billion in April, according to CoinGlass.Growing stablecoin value comes as a number of jurisdictions develop legal frameworks for the assets and soften their regulatory approach. In the US, the House of Representatives bill on stablecoins passed a critical committee vote on April 2. The STABLE Act provides rules around stablecoin issuance and reserves and will proceed to the floor for a vote. Related: Stablecoin adoption grows with new US bills, Japan’s open approachThe Securities and Exchange Commission dropped a case against PayPal’s stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), on April 29. In a form, the SEC said an inquiry regarding a 2023 subpoena was being closed “without enforcement.”Market volatility provides another incentive for stablecoin growth, according to crypto intelligence platform IntoTheBlock. According to the analytics firm, these assets are increasingly seen as “safe havens in the current uncertain market.”As the Trump administration marks its first 100 days, markets are begging for relief, but none seems forthcoming. Despite claims from the White House, China says that no high-level talks are underway to negotiate the tariffs. Despite this, some observers insist that, for crypto at least, one should keep their eyes on the prize: the regulatory framework making its way through the US federal Congress.Magazine: Your AI ‘digital twin’ can take meetings and comfort your loved ones

• #bitcoin

Opinion by: Fraser Edwards, co-founder and CEO, CheqdBrutal honesty has its place, especially when confronting discomfort, so here’s one that can’t be sweetened with honey: 96% of imported honey in the UK is fake! Tests found that 24 of 25 jars were suspicious or didn’t meet regulatory standards. Self-sovereign identity (SSI) can fix this. The UK Food Standards Agency and the European Commission both urge reform to tackle this concern by creating a robust traceability database within supply chain networks to ensure consumer transparency and trust. Data, however, is not the problem. The issue is people tampering with it. This is not the first time products have been revealed to be inauthentic, with the Honey Authenticity Network highlighting that one-third of all honey products were fake in 2020, a fraudulent industry amounting to 3.4 billion euros ($3.65 million) of counterfeit goods entering the EU in 2023, as reported by the European Commission.What is EMA, and how does it affect honey?Economically motivated adulteration (EMA) involves intentionally substituting valuable ingredients for less expensive products such as sweeteners or low-quality oil. This practice leads to severe economic and health complications — and, in some cases, disease — due to the poisonous additives from substitute products.The adulteration often involves creating an ultra-diluted blend containing minimal nutritional value, and counterfeiters call it… honey.Fraudsters dilute the product with high fructose corn syrup or increase the thickness with starch or gelatine. These adulterants closely mimic honey’s chemical profile, making it extremely difficult to detect with traditional tests such as isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Fake honey lacks the essential enzymes that give real honey its flavor and nutrients. To make matters worse, honey’s characteristics vary based on nectar sources, the harvest season, geography and more. Some companies filter out pollen content, a key identifier of a honey’s geographical origin, before exporting it to intermediary countries like Vietnam or India to further obfuscate the process. Once this is done, the products are brought to supermarket shelves and labeled with false certifications to command higher prices. This tactic exploits the fact that many regulatory bodies lack the means to verify every shipment.The hidden cost of food fraudThe supply chain is profoundly fractured, as a jar of honey passes six to eight key points in the supply chain before it arrives on the shelves in the UK. Current practices make authenticity verification extremely difficult. Coupled with the inefficient paper-based bureaucracy that makes it hard to track origin obscuration attempts in intermediary countries, we cannot reliably determine the true extent of food fraud.One Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimate suggests that at least 1% of the global food industry, potentially up to $40 billion per year, is affected — and it could be even higher.Recent: What is decentralized identity in blockchain?Fraudulent practices don’t just harm consumers — they destroy beekeepers’ livelihoods, flooding the market and destroying profitability for legitimate traders. Ziya Sahin, a Turkish beekeeper, explained the frustration with food fraud regulation:“Our beekeepers are angry, and they ask why we’re not doing something to stop it. But we have no authority to inspect,” he said. “I’m not even allowed to ask street sellers whether their honey is real.”While there’s a growing appetite for more reliable testing and stricter enforcement, solutions are lagging. The EU’s latest attempt to fix this? Digital product passports are designed to track honey’s origins and composition, but they are already being criticized as ineffective and easy to manipulate, ultimately leaving the door open for fraud to continue.EU passports are an ineffective solution The European Union’s Digital Product Passport aims to tackle this by enhancing traceability and transparency in its supply chains. By 2030, all goods in the EU must have a digital product passport containing detailed information on the product’s lifecycle, origins and environmental effects. While the idea sounds promising, it fails to recognize the extent to which fraudsters can forge certificates and obscure origins by passing products through intermediary countries alongside officials who turn a blind eye.At the core of this issue is trust. Despite history showing that these rules can and will be bent, we rely on governments to implement laws and regulations. Technology, on the other hand, is agnostic and doesn’t care about money or incentives.This is the fundamental flaw of the EU’s approach — a system built on human oversight that is vulnerable to the corruption these supply chains are already known for. Self-sovereign identity (SSI) for productsMany people are already aware of the scalability trilemma, but the trust triangle is a key concept in SSI that defines how trust is established between issuers, holders and verifiers. It makes fraud much more challenging because every product must be backed by a verifiable credential from a trusted source to prove it’s real.Issuers, like manufacturers or certification bodies, create and sign verifiable credentials that attest to a product’s authenticity. The holder, typically the product owner, stores and presents these credentials when required. Verifiers — such as retailers, customs officials or consumers — can check the credentials’ validity without relying on a central authority. Verifiable credentials are protected by cryptography. If someone tries to sell fake products, their missing or invalid credentials will immediately reveal the fraud.Government reforms must extend beyond current regulatory oversight and explore the approach outlined in the trust trilemma to safeguard supply chains from widespread adulteration and fraud.SSI provides the underlying infrastructure necessary to reliably track the identity of products across multiple bodies, standards and regions. By enabling tamper-proof, end-to-end traceability in every single product — whether a jar of honey or a designer handbag — SSI ensures sufficient validators confirm the data is correct to tackle fraud and obfuscation attempts.SSI also empowers consumers to independently verify products without relying on third-party databases. Buyers can scan the product to authenticate its origin and history directly via the cryptographic certifications confirmed by the validators to further reduce the risk of misinformation even if it reaches the shelves. This would also help reduce corruption and inefficiencies, as many checks are made on paper, which can be easily altered and is a slow process.As honey fraud methods continue to expand, so do these products’ harm to consumers and local businesses. Steps taken to tackle these methods must thus also broaden. The EU’s Digital Product Passports aim to improve traceability; but unfortunately, they fall short of fraudsters’ sophistication. Implementation of SSI is a necessary step to effectively address the extent fraudsters take to ensure their product arrives on shelves.Opinion by: Fraser Edwards, co-founder and CEO, Cheqd. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Key points: US GDP shrank in Q1, raising recession alarms while also prompting calls for Fed rate cuts.Bitcoin dropped to $92,910 as GDP figures were released, but sustained buy-side demand could provide support. Today’s crypto derisking is likely transitory; market fundamentals remain strong.Bitcoin (BTC) price took an abrupt tumble as data showed the US gross domestic product (GDP) retracting by 0.3% in Q1, raising alarms among analysts anticipating a recession. Following the news, BTC price dropped to an intra-day low of $92,910, while the DOW and S&P 500 fell by 1% and 1.3% respectively. While the GDP figures are shocking at face value, CNBC pointed out that the drop was primarily due to “a surge in imports ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.” Imports are subtracted from GDP, suggesting that the pullback is more transitory than endemic. After an initial 1% price drop, Bitcoin rebounded back to the $94,000 range as crypto and traditional markets digest today’s news headlines. Beyond the GDP figures, Bitcoin still has multiple positive factors that translate to a continued bid throughout its current price range. Strong resistance at $95,000 remains, but BTC is holding a pattern of daily higher lows. The overhead resistance at $95,500 to $96,400 is also aligned with 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, which, in the view of technical analysis, tends to be an expected level of resistance. BTC/USD Coinbase. Source: TradingViewBeyond today’s $41.47 million spike in Bitcoin long liquidations, spot volumes have driven the bulk of BTC bullish price action over the past two weeks, which is another positive. BTC/USDT spot and futures cumulative volume delta. Source: TRDR.io Related: Bitcoin macro indicator that predicted 2022 bottom flashes ‘buy signal’Bitcoin buy demand from all angles could provide price supportIn the past two weeks, the Bitcoin market has seen: Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows as of April 29 total $3.02 billion, with BlackRock’s IBIT being a leader among the pack. An April 24 statement from the US Federal Reserve Board of Governors announced that banks can independently and freely move forward with offering crypto-based products and services Investment banking firm Cantor Fitzgerald partnered with SoftBank, Tether and Bitfinex to launch a $3 billion Bitcoin acquisition company called 21 Capital.Another $1.42 billion Bitcoin purchase from Strategy.Coinbase institutional head of strategy John D’Agostino mentioned that sovereign entities made Bitcoin purchases during the sell-off below $75,000. An increasing number of international companies are copying the “MicroStrategy playbook” by dipping their toes into the Bitcoin treasury game. What is clear is that despite the shrinking US GDP triggering a news headline-driven correction, sustained demand on the buy side and strengthening market structure fundamentals are likely to trump today’s brief downside blip in BTC price.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. 

• #bitcoin

Asset manager Grayscale launched the Grayscale Bitcoin Adopters exchange-traded fund (ETF), an investment vehicle that tracks companies employing a Bitcoin (BTC) treasury, or holding strategy.According to the April 30 announcement, the ETF will provide exposure to companies across seven business sectors, including Bitcoin mining firms, automotive companies, and energy.Some of the most notable firms in the ETF include Michael Saylor's Strategy, mining company MARA, automotive manufacturer Tesla, BTC treasury company Metaplanet, and aerospace energy firm KULR Technology Group.Grayscale's Bitcoin Adopters ETF highlights the growing trend of Bitcoin acquisition companies using the scarce digital asset to drive up shareholder prices and to protect their corporate financial reserves against the inflation inherent in fiat currencies.Public companies with Bitcoin holdings. Source: RiverRelated: Cantor plans $3B crypto venture with SoftBank, Bitfinex and Tether: ReportBitcoin treasury companies and the effect on BTC marketsBlockstream CEO Adam Back recently wrote that Bitcoin treasury companies will cause BTC to surge to a $200 billion market capitalization in the coming years.According to the CEO, companies adopting BTC are "front-running" market participants in their early bet that hyperbitcoinization — a reference to a point where BTC becomes the dominant store of value — will happen.Fidelity Digital Assets released metrics suggesting that the supply of BTC on exchanges is dwindling due to heightened buying pressure from companies like Strategy that regularly acquire Bitcoin for their corporate reserves."Public Companies have bought over 30,000 bitcoin per month so far in 2025," Fidelity Digital Assets wrote in an April 24 X post.The miner reserve ratio, a metric tracking the total number of BTC held in miner wallets, continues to decline. Source: CryptoQuantMichael Saylor's Strategy is currently the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, outside of crypto exchange companies like Coinbase, and continues accumulating BTC regularly.Adam Livingston, the author of "The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest," said that Strategy's aggressive BTC buying is synthetically halving the newly minted BTC supply.Livingston added that institutions like Strategy are purchasing an average of 2,087 BTC per day, dwarfing the daily output of miners, who collectively produce around 450 BTC per day.The rapid accumulation of BTC by institutions outpacing miner output should create a supply crunch that will drive the price of Bitcoin to heights unaffordable for most retail investors, Livingston concluded.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

• #bitcoin

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of crypto exchange Binance, said most European countries were moving “nowhere” in terms of the adoption of digital currencies.Speaking at the Token2049 conference in Dubai on April 30, Zhao said that areas of the United Arab Emirates were “extremely pro-business,” leading to crypto adoption in Dubai, while others like Bhutan were building national Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) stockpiles. According to Zhao, the US was pressing other countries’ hands by exploring its own policies for a crypto reserve, but those in Europe didn’t seem to be reacting.“I don’t see Europe in this discussion,” said Zhao, highlighting one exception. “Montenegro is actually quite pro-crypto. We had an active dialogue with [the] prime minister there, and he’s a very forward-thinking person, leader. But other than Montenegro, I don’t have any other, it’s kind of missing on the map.”Related: ‘Wealthiest US prisoner’: How did Binance founder CZ get there?Zhao, who has a home in Dubai, resigned as Binance CEO in November 2023 as part of a plea deal with US authorities pursuing charges against the exchange. Since leaving Binance and serving four months in prison in the US, he has become more involved with his educational platform, Giggle Academy. Worldwide challenges dealing with cryptoMontenegro’s finance minister touted efforts to make the country the “center of innovation in blockchain technology” in 2022, but other parts of Europe continue to work on regulatory frameworks for digital assets and encourage innovation. The European Union began to implement its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in December 2024.However, efforts by EU nations to introduce a strategic crypto stockpile seem to be falling short of those in the US, where lawmakers at the state and federal levels are pushing for it. In January, Czech National Bank representatives cited Bitcoin’s “significant volatility” in considering the cryptocurrency as a reserve asset, and many elected officials have been silent on the issue.The Token2049 conference will bring together representatives of some of the largest crypto firms and policymakers in the world in Dubai. Speakers at the 2025 event include Zhao, Binance CEO Richard Teng and Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.Magazine: Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 20 – 26

Key Takeaways:US GDP shrank -0.3% in Q1, far below +0.3% forecasts, sparking recession fears.Bitcoin faces selling pressure with its spot volume delta dropping $300 million in 3 days.Whales are accumulating BTC, but smaller holders are selling, hinting at profit-taking.Bitcoin’s (BTC) price dropped under $93,000 on April 30, after the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data revealed a -0.3% contraction in Q1. While the GDP missed expectations of +0.3%, the GDP Price Index soared to 3.7%—the highest since August 2023. Polymarket odds of a recession in 2025 hit 67%, with consumer confidence at its lowest since May 2020.Quarterly US GDP growth data. Source: X.comMeanwhile, in March 2025, PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) inflation fell to 2.3% (above the expected 2.2%), and Core PCE dropped to 2.6% (in line with expectations). Still, February’s Core PCE was revised from 2.8% to 3.0%, signaling mixed inflation trends.Short-term bearish, long-term bullish for Bitcoin?During the 2020 COVID-19-induced market crash, BTC initially followed traditional markets before rallying over 300% by year-end as the global M2 money supply increased, reflecting its appeal during periods of monetary expansion. However, stagflation, highlighted by the -0.3% GDP contraction in Q1 2025 and a 3.7% GDP Price Index, pose short-term risks. Cointelegraph noted that high inflation often deters retail crypto investment, as seen in 2022 when BTC fell 60% amid Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. The March 2025 PCE inflation data suggests cooling pressures that could ease Fed rate hike fears and support Bitcoin. On the other hand, February’s upward revisions (headline PCE from 2.5% to 2.7%, Core PCE to 3.0%) signal persistent inflation, keeping the Fed’s next moves uncertain. While fear of stagflation may pressure BTC in the short term, its long-term hedge potential remains valid. Related: Bitcoin macro indicator that predicted 2022 bottom flashes 'buy signal'Bitcoin sees $300 million in spot selling pressureBitcoin’s spot volume delta dipped over $300 million over the past three days, increasing potential sell-off pressure for BTC around the $95,000 level. Data from Glassnode indicates the 7-day moving average of BTC spot volume delta recorded negative flows over consecutive days. The negative inflows progressively increased with a minor $16 million flush on April 26, followed by $30.9 million on April 27, $76.1 million on April 28, and $193.4 million on April 29.Bitcoin Spot volume delta chart. Source: GlassnodeThis sharp decline signals aggressive selling and weakening spot demand, a signal to profit-taking or a potential short-term trend reversal. Despite the sell-off, the analytics platform noted that accumulation trends among Bitcoin holders paint a more nuanced picture. Whales holding over 10,000 BTC remain in an accumulation mode, with a trend score near 0.95. However, smaller holders show signs of distribution. The 10–100 BTC group is trending toward 0.6, while those with 1–10 BTC (0.3) and less than 1 BTC (0.2) are net sellers. This top-down accumulation suggests the current selling pressure stems from short-term holders potentially taking profit around the $95,000 level. Termed as a “profit-taking pressure test” for BTC, the current market is at a key decision point, where profit-taking is a pivotal metric to monitor. BTC: realized profit data. Source: GlassnodeLast week, the total realized profit on an hourly chart surged to $139.9M/hour, roughly 17% above its $120M/hour baseline. With the current spot delta outflows, the realized profit may hit new highs this week. Related: Bitcoin traders predict BTC price gains ahead of $96K liquidity clashThis 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.

• #bitcoin

Governments outside the US, including Singapore, are increasingly interested in stablecoins not tied to the US dollar, despite their currently limited liquidity, Fireblocks director of policy Dea Markova told Cointelegraph at Token2049.In an exclusive interview, Markova described the competition with dollar-pegged stablecoins as “all about sovereignty.” She compared the situation to earlier tensions between governments and US payment giants like Visa and Mastercard. “Now we’re seeing the same dynamic with stablecoins — on a smaller scale for now — but they’re definitely emerging as a new arena for sovereign concerns,” she said.According to Markova, dollar-pegged stablecoins operating in the European Union are already "having a massive headache," particularly from central banks. "Even though they're compliant and regulated, they're having a fixed push back.”Dea Markova at Token2049. Source: CointelegraphThe European Central Bank is increasing pressure to accelerate the development of a digital euro, citing concerns over the systemic impact of dollar-linked stablecoins within the eurozone. On April 29, the Bank of Italy released a report saying dollar-pegged stablecoins’ reliance on US Treasury bonds could increase systemic risk vulnerabilities.Stablecoins’ market capitalization is dominated by dollar-pegged coins, especially Tether’s USDT (USDT) and Circle’s USDC (USDC). According to DefiLlama, those two coins combine for $210.9 billion (or 87.2%) of the $241.8 billion total market cap for such tokens. In fact, all 10 of the top stablecoins are pegged to the dollar.Top 10 stablecoins by market cap. Source: DefiLlamaFor Markova, the situation is similar to previous conflicts between governments and US payment giants like Visa and Mastercard. “Now we’re seeing the same dynamic with stablecoins — on a smaller scale for now — but they’re definitely emerging as a new arena for sovereign concerns,” she said.UAE ahead on ‘regulatory thinking’Markova added that the United Arab Emirates is “definitely ahead in its regulatory thinking” on stablecoins. She cited Abu Dhabi as an example, noting that the emirate does not require stablecoin issuers to be domiciled or licensed locally, unlike the regulatory approach in Europe.Markova explained that Abu Dhabi's approach is to conduct its due diligence on global stablecoins and decide whether local exchanges can offer them. "[...] is a far more reasonable approach to give local businesses access to global liquidity and payments.”In December 2024, USDT was approved as a recognized virtual asset in Abu Dhabi, followed by Circle receiving regulatory approval for USDC on April 29. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi institutions are collaborating on the launch of a regulated dirham-pegged stablecoin.Related: ECB exec renews push for digital euro to counter US stablecoin growth

Key points:Bitcoin’s 7-day volatility is the lowest in 563 days, signaling an impending range expansion.Bitcoin’s breakout above $95,000 could swiftly take it to $100,000 and above.Although the probability is low, traders should remain cautious about a pullback in the near term.Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading in a tight consolidation near the $95,000 level for several days. K33 Research head of research Vetle Lunde said in a post on X that Bitcoin’s 7-day volatility has hit a 563-day low.A range expansion usually follows a low-volatility period. Although it is difficult to predict the direction of the breakout, a tight consolidation just below a crucial resistance increases the likelihood of an upside rally. Several analysts are also optimistic that Bitcoin’s break will occur to the upside.Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360Although signs point to a possible breakout to the upside, traders should remain cautious. Sometimes, short-term buyers book profits when the price fails to break out to the upside. That leads to a short-term pullback.Could Bitcoin break above $95,000, or is a correction around the corner? How are the altcoins placed? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.Bitcoin price predictionBitcoin bulls are struggling to push the price above the $95,000 barrier, but a minor positive is that the buyers have not ceded ground to the bears. That suggests the bulls have kept up the pressure.BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day exponential moving average ($90,102) and the relative strength index (RSI) in the positive territory indicate the path of least resistance is to the upside. A break and close above $95,000 could swiftly propel the BTC/USDT pair to the psychological resistance at $100,000. Sellers are expected to vigorously defend the $100,000 obstacle, but if the bulls prevail, the pair could soar toward $107,000.Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will try to yank the price to the 20-day EMA, which is a strong near-term support to keep an eye on. A bounce off the 20-day EMA will keep the bullish momentum intact, but a break below it could sink the pair to the 50-day simple moving average ($85,645).Ether price predictionEther (ETH) is finding support at the moving averages, but the bulls have failed to resume the relief rally.ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA break and close above $1,858 signals strength to the buyers. The ETH/USDT pair could then rally to the breakdown level of $2,111. Sellers are expected to aggressively defend the $2,111 level as a break above it suggests that the downtrend has ended. The pair could then skyrocket to $2,550.On the contrary, if the price turns down and breaks below the moving averages, it signals a range formation. The pair could swing between $2,111 and $1,368 for a while.XRP price predictionXRP (XRP) turned down from the resistance line on April 28 and slipped below the moving averages on April 30.XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price continues lower and closes below the moving averages, it suggests that the bears have seized control. The pair could then retest the critical support at $2. If this level also cracks, the XRP/USDT pair may plunge to $1.61.The resistance line remains the key level to watch out for on the upside. If buyers pierce the resistance line, it suggests that the downtrend could be over. The pair may then ascend to $3.BNB price predictionBNB (BNB) slipped below the moving averages on April 30, indicating that the bulls are losing their grip.BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBuyers will have to quickly push the price back above the moving averages to stay in the game. A break and close above $620 indicates an advantage to the bulls and opens the doors for a rally to $644. Sellers may pose a substantial challenge at $644, but if the buyers prevail, the BNB/USDT pair could soar to $680.Contrarily, a close below the moving averages suggests that the bears are trying to form a lower high. The pair could drop to $576 and then to $566, where the bulls are expected to step in.Solana price predictionSolana (SOL) pulled back from the $153 resistance, but the bulls are trying to sustain the price above the 20-day EMA ($140).SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewSuppose the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA with strength; the likelihood of a break above the $153 resistance increases. If that happens, the SOL/USDT pair could pick up momentum and surge to $180. Alternatively, a break and close below the 20-day EMA suggests that the short-term bulls are closing their positions. The pair may then slip to the 50-day SMA ($131), signaling a consolidation between $110 and $153.Dogecoin price predictionDogecoin (DOGE) has been range-bound between $0.21 and $0.14 for several days, indicating buying near the support and selling close to the overhead resistance.DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe flattish moving averages and the RSI just below the midpoint signal that the range-bound action may extend for a few more days. The trend will turn in favor of the bulls if they push and maintain the DOGE/USDT pair above the $0.21 resistance. That completes a double-bottom pattern, which has a target objective of $0.28.On the downside, buyers are expected to vigorously defend the $0.14 support because a break below it could resume the downtrend toward $0.10.Cardano price predictionCardano (ADA) has been sustaining above the moving averages for the past few days, but the bulls have failed to start a strong rebound. ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price skids below the moving averages, it will tilt the short-term advantage in favor of the bears. The ADA/USDT pair could drop to $0.58, which is expected to act as a strong support. If buyers want to prevent the downside, they will have to swiftly push the price above the $0.75 resistance. If they do that, the pair could rally to $0.83, where the bears are likely to mount a strong defense.Related: Bitcoin macro indicator that predicted 2022 bottom flashes 'buy signal'Sui price predictionBuyers tried to push Sui (SUI) above the $3.90 overhead resistance on April 28, but the bears held their ground.SUI/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewSellers are trying to strengthen their position by pulling the price below the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $3.14. If they manage to do that, the pair could plummet to the 20-day EMA ($2.89).Conversely, if the price turns up sharply from the current level, the bulls will again try to kick the price above the $3.90 resistance. If they can pull it off, the SUI/USDT pair could rise to $4.25 and later to $5.Chainlink price predictionThe failure of the bulls to propel Chainlink (LINK) above the $16 overhead resistance has pulled the price to the moving averages.LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-day EMA ($13.93) is sloping up, but the RSI has dropped near the midpoint, suggesting that the bullish momentum is weakening. If the price rebounds off the moving averages with strength, the bulls will attempt to drive the LINK/USDT pair to the resistance line of the descending channel.The first sign of weakness will be a break and close below the moving averages. That opens the doors for a fall to $11.68.Avalanche price predictionAvalanche (AVAX) has dropped to the moving averages, which is likely to attract buying by the bulls.AVAX/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price rebounds off the moving averages, the bulls will again attempt to drive the AVAX/USDT pair above the overhead resistance. If they succeed, the pair will complete a double-bottom pattern. That could start a rally to the pattern target of $31.73.If the price continues lower and breaks below the 50-day SMA ($19.68), it signals that the bulls have given up. That may keep the pair inside the $23.50 to $15.27 range for a few more days. 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.

• #bitcoin

Blockchain payments firm Ripple has reportedly bid up to $5 billion in an effort to acquire stablecoin issuer Circle, but the offer was rejected.According to an April 30 Bloomberg report, Ripple put in a bid of $4 billion to $5 billion as part of an attempted takeover of Circle, which was rejected as being too low. Ripple hasn’t considered whether to make another bid to purchase the stablecoin issuer.The reported acquisition attempt came less than 30 days after Circle applied for an initial public offering (IPO) in the US. Cointelegraph reached out to representatives of Circle and Ripple for comment, but had not received a response from either at the time of publication.Related: Ripple acquisition of Hidden Road a ‘defining moment’ for XRPL — Ripple CTORipple reportedly had an $11 billion valuation in 2024, an estimate CEO Brad Garlinghouse called “outdated” as of January. The blockchain company purchased prime broker Hidden Road for roughly $1.2 billion in April, claiming the move would help scale activity for XRP and XRP Ledger.Court cases winding downIt’s unclear whether Ripple intends to pursue the Circle acquisition as the firm begins to clear some of its legal entanglements with US regulators. In August 2024, a court found Ripple liable for $125 million in a case with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) first filed in 2020. However, Garlinghouse announced in March that the SEC planned to drop its appeal against the firm over the ruling, with Ripple later stating it would pay a net $50 million for the lower court judgment.Both announcements followed meetings between Garlinghouse and Ripple's chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, and US President Donald Trump. The blockchain firm contributed $5 million to Trump’s inauguration fund after his election victory, and both executives attended events as official guests on Jan. 20.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent setThis is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

Key takeaways:ETH price has underperformed its peers during the current bull market, but gas sponsorship could lure developers and traders back to the network.Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade promises to improve staking efficiency, potentially increasing demand for ETH.Data suggests ETH price bottomed. Will the Pectra narrative reignite bullish momentum?Since 2024, ETH (ETH) has been more of a meme than a market mover. Unlike most of its rivals, ETH still hasn’t reclaimed its all-time high of $4,870 from November 2021, and it regularly underperforms even in the weak altcoin market. Currently, ETH trades at $1,813, down 56% from its local peak in December 2024.Despite the dismal price action, dismissing Ethereum as a relic may be premature. The network continues to evolve, and the upcoming Pectra upgrade scheduled for May 7 could rekindle market interest. By addressing long-standing user experience challenges and improving staking, Pectra may help Ethereum narrow the competitive gap with rivals like Solana and BNB. What’s more, it could potentially serve as the catalyst that brings ETH price back into the spotlight.What are Pectra’s key upgrades?The Pectra upgrade introduces 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) aimed at strengthening Ethereum across three dimensions: scalability through layer-2s, user experience (UX), and staking efficiency. Scalability remains Ethereum’s most persistent challenge, and critics argue that monolithic L1s would consistently outperform modular L2-based architectures. However, the UX and staking improvements in Pectra could have truly meaningful implications for Ethereum and ETH’s market dynamics.The standout upgrade is EIP-7702, which allows externally owned accounts (regular user wallets) to temporarily act like smart contracts. This unlocks features such as fee sponsorship and gas payments in tokens other than ETH. These enhancements could make Ethereum significantly more user-friendly, lowering entry barriers, enabling DApps to sponsor new users' gas fees, and improving wallet functionality with less friction. This is particularly relevant for onboarding non-technical users in gaming, payments, and mobile apps, which continue to face hurdles due to poor UX. Another positive aspect is that the option to pay gas fees with tokens other than ETH won’t diminish ETH’s role in the network. At the protocol level, validators will continue to receive fees in ETH, while payment processors will have to convert the fee tokens into Ether.On the staking side, EIPs 7251, 6110, and 7002 will also bring major changes. allow validators to hold up to 2,048 ETH instead of just 32, and significantly simplify validator onboarding and exits. Validators will be able to stake up to 2,048 ETH instead of just 32, and the onboarding and exit processes will become more seamless. These changes are especially meaningful for institutional validators. As disappointed institutions are starting to sell their ETH holdings, this upgrade could stimulate renewed engagement from big players.Will the Pectra upgrade affect ETH price?Ether’s price reflects the market’s expectations around its future demand, driven by its use to pay gas fees, and the dynamics of its supply. The Pectra upgrade is designed to strengthen both sides of that equation: increasing demand while reducing available supply.On the demand side, a significantly improved user experience could attract mainstream users and developers, accelerating adoption and onchain activity.On the supply side, streamlined and institution-friendly staking mechanisms may lead to more ETH being locked in validator nodes, tightening the circulating supply and potentially exerting upward pressure on price. Furthermore, if more innovative wallet features fulfill their promise of driving user adoption, the increased transaction throughput will also accelerate ETH burning, reducing the supply even further.Data shows Ethereum is currently experiencing one of its lowest burning periods ever, around 70 ETH per day, compared to 2,000 to 4,000 ETH in 2024. A resurgence in activity could push the burn rate higher, adding deflationary pressure that may support the price.Burned ETH after EIP-1559 (daily).Source: The BlockRelated: Ethereum is destroying the competition in the $16.1T TradFi tokenization raceCan Pectra spark an ETH price trend reversal?Pectra is set to add powerful features to Ethereum, but their impact may take time to materialize. In the meantime, the upgrade could provide the narrative ETH needs to regain market momentum.Technically, the setup looks favorable. ETH appears to have already formed a local bottom, with the weekly RSI — often a reliable reverse signal — breaking out of its downtrend on April 20. This marks the end of a correction that lasted since December 2024 and wiped out as much as 66% of ETH’s value. A new uptrend could be underway, but could Pectra be its trigger?ETH/USD 1-day. Source: Marie Poteriaieva, TradingViewHistorically, Ethereum upgrades often coincided with short-lived price spikes that often failed to create momentum. In 2022, the Merge was overwhelmed by bear market sentiment. The Shapella in 2023, which enabled stake withdrawals, struggled to sustain momentum. The 2024 Dencun upgrade, which improved L2 integration, marked the end of the March rally.However, the market cycle is now in its third year, just like in 2021, when Ethereum’s Berlin and London upgrades (improving gas pricing and introducing burning) helped fuel a major bull run. If history rhymes, Pectra could sync with the broader rally and mark Ethereum’s return to strength.Looking ahead, the Fusaka hard fork scheduled for late 2025 could add further upside potential to Ether.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.

After months of volatility and extreme fear, crypto markets turned a positive corner in the second half of April, highlighting the industry’s big sentiment shift. For venture capital, it was business as usual, with investors continuing to pour money into promising startups across layer-1 blockchains, infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization (RWA), and Web3 social media.This edition of VC Roundup highlights six notable funding deals from April.Unto Labs raises $14.4M for layer-1 blockchainBlockchain R&D company Unto Labs raised $14.4 million to continue developing its scalable layer-1 network called Thru. The pre-seed and seed funding was led by venture firms Electric Capital and Framework, with support from angel investors in the Solana engineering community.The company is led by former Solana contributor Liam Heeger, who argues that “blockchains painted themselves into a corner by inventing custom Virtual Machines (VMs),” which he believes has prevented mainstream adoption. Thru is built on the RISC-V standard, an open-source computer architecture not limited to blockchain and crypto-specific use cases. An Electric Capital partner named Ren called Thru the “next logical step” in blockchain development after Ethereum pushed smart contracts and Solana raised the standard on network performance.Related: VC Roundup: 8-figure funding deals suggest crypto bull market far from overMIT-incubated Optimum closes seed roundBlockchain infrastructure developer Optimum closed an $11 million seed round with participation from at least 16 venture capital firms, including 1kx, Robot Ventures, Spartan, Longhash, and Animoca.Optimum is building a high-performance memory layer for the blockchain using Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) technology, which was developed at MIT by protocol founder Muriel Médard.Médard, a professor at MIT, told Cointelegraph in March that RLNC is akin to “breaking a puzzle into small pieces, mixing those pieces together into equations, and sending them to your friends.”“Even if a few pieces get lost, your friends can still put the whole puzzle together from the pieces they receive,” she said in describing how RLNC can help blockchains overcome scalability issues.Source: OptimumOctane launches with $6.75M in funding to bring cybersecurity to cryptoArchetype and Winklevoss Capital led a $6.75 million seed round for Octane, an AI cybersecurity startup focused on detecting vulnerabilities in blockchain systems. Additional investors included crypto exchanges Gemini and Circle. In its announcement, Octane pointed to data from DefiLlama’s exploit tracker, which shows that crypto attacks have caused over $11.3 billion in losses, more than half of which stem from DeFi hacks.The monthly sum of crypto exploits. Source: DefiLlamaOctane’s platform is designed to continuously analyze smart contracts for potential vulnerabilities and offers AI-powered tools to help developers identify emerging threats.a16z backs Inco’s $5M raiseBlockchain confidentiality protocol Inco has closed a $5 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz’s Crypto Startup Accelerator, also known as a16z CSX. Additional investors included Coinbase’s venture capital arm, 1kx Capital, OrangeDAO, Script Capital, and South Park Commons.Inco leverages cryptography to develop confidential computing technology for blockchains. Its first product, Inco Lighting, is designed to bring privacy to onchain applications.Inco founder Remi Gai said blockchains have successfully solved issues like scalability and abstraction, but “confidentiality remains the final challenge.”The announcement referenced a Paradigm research report identifying privacy as one of the three main barriers preventing traditional finance from adopting blockchain technology.Related: VC Roundup: Investors continue to back DePIN, Web3 gaming, layer-1 RWAsa16z, Coinbase Ventures contribute to Towns Protocol’s $10M raiseTowns Protocol, a Web3 social media platform, raised $10 million in a Series B round led by a16z, with additional backing from Coinbase Ventures and Benchmark. The Series B brings Towns’ cumulative funding to $25.5 million since early 2023.Shortly after announcing the fundraise, Towns revealed plans to launch 10 billion TOWNS tokens on Base and Ethereum in the second quarter of this year.Towns is an open-source protocol that allows users to build messaging apps for their digital communities. As of April 29, it has generated $11.5 million in total revenue, with 90% paid out to the creators of individual Towns, according to developer Ryan Cooley.Source: Ryan CooleyRWA-focused Colb raises $7.3M to boost pre-IPO equity opportunitiesSwitzerland-based fintech firm Colb Asset SA raised over $7 million in an oversubscribed seed extension to advance the tokenization of pre-IPO equity in companies like SpaceX and OpenAI.While Colb did not identify its backer, it said the round was funded by a single private investor managing over $20 billion in assets.The new capital will support Colb’s efforts to expand its tokenization platform and cross-border payment infrastructure, potentially boosting adoption of its USC stablecoin, which it says is the first Swiss-compliant, US dollar-pegged stable asset.Related: ‘Contrary to popular belief,’ regulation isn’t slowing tokenization — Prometheum CEO

Tether plans to launch a stablecoin product in the United States as soon as this year, the stablecoin issuer’s CEO, Paul Ardoino, said in an April 30 CNBC interview. Tether’s flagship stablecoin, USDT (USDT), is already the US dollar’s top “exporter,” Ardoino told CNBC. It has a market capitalization of nearly $150 billion, according to data from CoinGecko. Now, Tether is preparing to expand into the US market “by the end of this year or early next year, at the fastest,” Ardoino said, adding that the timing depends on US lawmakers’ progress on stablecoin legislation. The stablecoin issuer is working to woo US regulators by proactively collaborating with law enforcement and highlighting USDT’s benefits for the US economy. "We are just exporters of what we believe to be the best product the United States ever created — that is, the US dollar,” the CEO said.Tether's USDT has 66% of the stablecoin market share. Source: NansenRelated: Tether still dominates stablecoins despite competition — NansenMarket leaderAs of April 25, USDT commanded a roughly 66% market share among stablecoins, according to Nansen, a Web3 researcher. Tether is also the most profitable stablecoin issuer, logging a net income of nearly $14 billion in 2024. It earns revenue by accepting US dollars to mint USDT and then investing those dollars into highly liquid, yield-bearing instruments such as US Treasury bills. Still, USDT’s popularity is largely limited to users outside of the United States, where rival stablecoin USDC (USDC) is dominant. Tether designed USDT “for the people that live in small villages in Africa... [or] a shop owner in Istanbul,” Ardoino told CNBC, adding that Tether is developing a “different product” for the US. Adoption of USDC has accelerated in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s November election win, Nansen said in an April 25 report. Circle’s USDC has a market capitalization of more than $60 billion, CoinGecko data shows. However, USDT is still likely to maintain its leading position in the stablecoin market.  “Despite the potential dispersion in stables, we inevitably believe this is a ‘winner-takes-most’ market dynamic,” the Web3 researcher added. Magazine: Bitcoin payments are being undermined by centralized stablecoins

Key takeaways:Bitcoin’s price increased by sixfold each time its age increased by 40%.If the pattern holds, Bitcoin could rally to $351,046 in 2025.New data highlights a historical pattern that results in Bitcoin (BTC) price increasing by sixfold. Using a logarithmic chart to illustrate the trend from 2011, the model projects BTC price to hit $351,046 in 2025.According to 21st Capital co-founder Sina, the study plots Bitcoin’s price on a log-log graph, showing a linear relationship that reflects predictable long-term growth driven by network dynamics, a behavior characteristic associated with BTC’s limited supply. Bitcoin 40% age increase-price rise comparison chart. Source: X.comThe math behind the price target relies on Bitcoin’s age in years and a 6x price multiplier per 40% age increase. For instance, from age 8.83 years in 2017 ($19,666 peak) to age 12.83 years in 2021 ($68,000 peak), the age grew by 45%, but the price increased by about 3.4x, showing deviations from the model. Adjusting for the chart’s trendline, the projected price at age 16.33 years is $351,046 in 2025, a 5.2x increase from $68,000 in 2021. This power law suggests Bitcoin’s growth scales with its network maturity, not calendar cycles.Most of the time, the 6x peak in value came before a 40% increase in BTC’s age. The table below reflects actual Bitcoin prices and the model’s projections, highlighting inconsistencies.Bitcoin estimated vs actual price based on the model. Source: Cointelegraph/InvestopediaThe irregularities are evident. It underestimated early growth until 2017 and overestimated recent years (In 2023, $42,258 versus $139,968). External factors possibly disrupted BTC’s rise, such as the 2021 crash (BTC price fell 30% to $31,000 amid a crypto sell-off), China’s 2021 crypto ban, and rising interest rates in 2022, which aligned Bitcoin with risk-on assets. However, the model demonstrates resilience despite regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and macroeconomic pressures over the past decade, capturing Bitcoin’s long-term uptrend via a non-linear graph. Related: Bitcoin price still in bargain zone as US jobs report sparks rate cut hopesBitcoin price fractal highlights $84K supportAnonymous Bitcoin analyst blackwidow noted a fractal pattern comparing the 2024 support at $58,000 to the current 2025 setup, pinpointing $84,000 as a pivotal support level, mirroring last year's structure.In an X post, the analyst revealed that the $84,000 level, identified as the point of control (POC) where the heaviest trading volume occurred, is a key re-entry point for traders eager to capitalize on the anticipated breakout. If the support holds, the analyst predicted an accelerated move into the summer, potentially marking a significant long-term opportunity.Bitcoin fractal analysis by blackwidow. Source: X.comLikewise, crypto trader Titan of Crypto mentioned that the new highs for Bitcoin are loading in the charts. The analyst said, “Bitcoin $125,000 target loading. BTC bounced off the orange line of the Golden Ratio Multiplier and is now aiming for the blue line, currently at $125,000.”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.

• #bitcoin

Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao wants to provide free education for up to a billion children worldwide with his Giggle Academy venture, he told an audience at Token2049 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)."In a few years, I think, I want to teach 100 million or 1 billion kids for free,” Zhao told the audience. Giggle is a free online platform that provides elementary education through gamified lessons."With the technologies we have today, it's not that hard to make an app that will stick, that's educational, but also glues the kids to the device," the crypto entrepreneur said.Raoul Pal pictured (left) and Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (right) at the Token2049 conference in Dubai. Source: CointelegraphGiggle's concept paper outlines the project's goal of providing K-12 education globally for free by offering non-traditional educational courses in topics such as negotiations, finance, entrepreneurship, sales, legal, accounting, blockchain, and AI in phases.In April 2024, the Binance co-founder announced he was stepping away from the company and focusing on educational initiatives as he prepared to serve a four-month prison sentence for violating US money laundering laws, which he completed in September 2024.Related: Ex-Binance CEO chides Europe over crypto adoptionThe growing role of generative AI in education Zhao also discussed the heavy use of generative AI in crafting the course materials for Giggle Academy, a growing trend in online and traditional education.In June 2023, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology announced it would allow the limited use of generative AI in classrooms, including ChatGPT, to aid in classroom discussion and teaching.The KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a grade school in India, introduced an AI-humanoid teacher to one of its classrooms in February 2024 as part of an early pilot program.Andrej Karpathy, a former executive for Tesla and OpenAI, founded Eureka Labs, a startup dedicated to creating AI-powered teaching assistants, in July 2024.The goal of the startup is to bring subject matter expert-level education to students worldwide and bypass language barriers."This teacher and AI symbiosis could run an entire curriculum of courses on a common platform. If we are successful, it will be easy for anyone to learn anything," Karpathy wrote in July 2024.Magazine: How CZ built Binance and became the richest person in crypto

Key takeaways:Ether price printed a rare monthly Dragonfly doji candlestick, which is often seen before major ETH bull market cycles.ETH is retesting its long-term parabolic support zone that preceded its historic 2017 rally.The MVRV Z-Score has entered the accumulation zone, signaling undervaluation.Ethereum’s native token, Ether (ETH), is flashing a combination of technical and onchain signals once seen in the early stages of its 2017 bull run, a cycle that produced over 25,000% gains.Dragonfly doji hints ETH bulls are regaining controlEther is flashing a rare Dragonfly Doji candlestick on its monthly chart, the same structure that preceded its historic 25,000% rally during the 2017 bull cycle.This pattern is confirmed when the price prints a long lower wick, little to no upper wick, and closes at or near its opening level.On Ether’s monthly chart, the candlestick reflects a sharp intra-month rejection of lower prices, suggesting that bulls are beginning to regain control after an extended downtrend.ETH/USD monthly price chart. Source: TradingViewIn December 2016, Ethereum formed a similar monthly Dragonfly doji before erupting from under $6 to over $1,400 in over a year. The same pattern has been seen, with smaller upside, in 2021 and 2023, where ETH gained over 80% and 145%, respectively.If bulls confirm the signal with a strong May open, especially above April’s high of around $1,950, Ethereum could be primed for another multimonth rally, beginning with an initial run toward $2,100. Ethereum tests long-term parabolic support, just like in 2017Chartist Merlijn the Trader points to Ethereum retesting its long-term parabolic support, (the green zone in the chart below) that has consistently acted as a launchpad for new uptrends.ETH/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingView/Merlijn The Trader“In every cycle, this zone triggers a reversal — and this time is no different,” he wrote in his X post on April 30, adding:“Now begins what could be Ethereum’s most explosive rally yet.”In early 2017, ETH also bounced from this exact same parabolic trendline during its initial breakout phase. The trendline supported ETH throughout that year, fueling the vertical move to $1,400 from around $6.Related: Ethereum’s ‘capitulation’ suggests ETH price is undervalued: Fidelity reportThe current retest in 2025 mirrors that breakout setup, suggesting a cyclical pattern may be repeating.Onchain data points to ICO-era-style ETH accumulation sentimentEthereum’s MVRV Z-Score, a key onchain metric used to identify market tops and bottoms, has re-entered the historical accumulation zone (the green band in the chart below), strengthening the argument that ETH may have found its cycle bottom.Ethereum MVRV-Z Score chart. Source: GlassnodeIn past cycles, Ethereum’s MVRV Z-Score dipped into this green zone in late 2018, March 2020, and mid-2022. All of these dips coincided with market bottoms and preceded multimonth to multi-year rallies.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.

US Dollar-pegged stablecoins are on track to reach an aggregate market capitalization of approximately $2 trillion by 2028, according to the United States Department of the Treasury’s Q1 2025 report. Stablecoins’ cumulative market cap currently stands at roughly $230 billion, but “[e]volving market dynamics [have] the potential to accelerate stablecoins’ trajectory to reach ~$2tn in market cap by 2028,” the Treasury said in the April 30 report. A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a traditional asset like the US dollar. According to the report, such tokens are already “ubiquitously utilized as ‘cash on-chain,’ effectively serving as a new payment mechanism.” Additionally, the emergence of “tokenized [money market funds] has recently created an alternative option to stablecoins, primarily given their yield-bearing feature,” the report reads.Treasury on stablecoins’ impact. Source: US TreasuryRelated: Stablecoins boosting demand for US T-bills: Treasury DeptEmbracing tokenizationThe report is the latest example of how the US government is embracing blockchain technology, especially after US President Donald Trump commenced his second term of office on Jan. 20. The Treasury previously endorsed cryptocurrency in December, noting that the technology promises to create a “new financial market infrastructure,” potentially increasing global demand for US Treasury bills. US Dollar-pegged stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USDC (USDC) invest fiat backing into yield-bearing instruments such as US Treasurys. “[B]ecause most stablecoin collateral reportedly consists of either Treasury bills or Treasury-backed repurchase agreement transactions, the growth in stablecoins has likely resulted in a modest increase in demand for short-dated Treasury securities,” the Treasury said in December.The current state of stablecoins. Source: US TreasuryIn its April report, the Treasury said that pending stablecoin legislation would “require stablecoin issuers to hold [short-dated] T-bills,” thus solidifying the link between stablecoin adoption and US Treasury bill demand. The report also noted that the proliferation of stablecoins could put pressure on retail banks to pay higher interest rates to depositors. As of April 25, Tether’s USDT is the dominant stablecoin, commanding approximately 66% of market share, according to a report by researcher Nansen. The token has a market capitalization of roughly $150 billion, according to CoinGecko. Circle’s USDC ranks second, with a market capitalization of approximately $60 billion as of April 30. Magazine: TV hit Peaky Blinders to launch crypto game, FIFA Rivals on Polkadot: Web3 Gamer

US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has filed an amicus brief in the country’s Supreme Court in support of a taxpayer fighting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) gaining access to his data from a digital asset platform.In an April 30 filing in the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), lawyers for Coinbase argued that a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision set a “dangerous precedent” for crypto users, potentially allowing the government to “trace users’ every crypto transaction in the past and monitor every crypto transaction in the future.” The appeal to the Supreme Court stemmed from petitioner James Harper, a Coinbase user, who took legal action against the IRS after the crypto exchange was forced to turn over transaction data to the government using a sweeping “John Doe” summons in 2017.“This case directly affects Coinbase’s interest in protecting the privacy rights of its users and in the correct application of this Court’s doctrine on constitutional guarantees against warrantless government demands for third-party service providers to surrender users’ personal information,” the brief reads. “If the First Circuit’s ruling is allowed to stand, the Fourth Amendment will give no protection to millions of law-abiding Americans who routinely share intimate personal information with the third parties that ubiquitously store, transmit, or provide services based on that data,” it added.April 30 Coinbase amicus brief. Source: US Supreme CourtAn amicus brief is a filing in support of a plaintiff by an entity that is not directly involved. The case before the court has the potential to set significant precedents for digital privacy rights for crypto users and how the IRS will be allowed to gather data on taxpayers. Both the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire and the First Circuit have ruled against Harper’s petition, leaving the Supreme Court as his last option for an appeal. Related: IRS crypto tax reporting rules threat to industry — Coinbase legal chief“We believe in tax compliance, but this goes far beyond a narrow and tailored request and far beyond crypto,” said Coinbase chief legal officer Paul Grewal, in an April 30 X post. “This applies to banks, phone companies, ISPs, email, you name it [...] you should have the same right to privacy for your inbox or account as you have for a letter in your mailbox. “It’s unclear whether the court will take up the case. SCOTUS typically releases its opinions to the public in June. Since first being filed in 2020, many industry advocates have filed similar amicus briefs in support of Harper, including social media company X and the DeFi Education Fund.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set

Bloomberg Intelligence has boosted its estimated odds of US regulators approving a Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF) in 2025 to 90%, according to an April 30 post on the X platform. The company also set more favorable chances of approval for other altcoin ETFs, including proposed funds holding XRP (XRP) and Dogecoin (DOGE), Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas said in an X post. The estimates reflect an improved outlook from Bloomberg analysts. In a February analysis, Bloomberg pegged the odds of a Solana (SOL) ETF approval at only 70%. They ascribed a 65% and 75% chance of approval to funds holding XRP and DOGE, respectively. As of April 30, six asset managers — including Grayscale, VanEck and 21Shares — are awaiting clearance from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list ETFs holding the Solana blockchain network’s native cryptocurrency. The same number of issuers are waiting on approval for XRP ETFs, and three are seeking approval for DOGE funds, according to Bloomberg data. The SEC has until October to review and potentially approve the proposed funds. Revised altcoin ETF approval odds. Source: Bloomberg IntelligenceRelated: SEC acknowledges slew of crypto ETF filings as reviews, approvals accelerateAltcoin ETF maniaAsset managers are seeking the SEC’s permission to list dozens of altcoin ETFs, with up to 70 crypto ETFs awaiting the agency’s review as of April. The deluge of filings reflects US President Donald Trump’s efforts to soften the SEC’s regulatory posture toward cryptocurrencies since taking office in January. In March, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the US’s largest derivatives exchange, listed futures contracts tied to Solana.According to Chris Chung, founder of Solana-based swap platform Titan, the listing on the regulated futures exchange signals that approvals for Solana ETFs could be next.“[T]he timeline could extend into 2026 due to the SEC’s precedent of taking […] 240–260 days to review filings,” Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart also said in a previous forecast. In April, US securities exchange Nasdaq asked regulators for permission to list a 21Shares ETF holding Dogecoin, adding to the roster of DOGE funds awaiting a US public listing.Magazine: TV hit Peaky Blinders to launch crypto game, FIFA Rivals on Polkadot: Web3 Gamer

Key takeaways: Bitcoin bulls are attacking the $95,000 level again after today’s brief US GDP-induced sell-off. Traders are semi-agnostic to negative US economic data as they expect the Federal Reserve to resume easing and rate cuts at some point in the future. Bitcoin (BTC) price knocks on the door of $95,000 after starting the NY trading session with a slight sell-off to $92,910 following alarm-raising US GDP data, which showed the economy shrank in Q1 2025. The move mirrors a similar recovery seen in the DOW and S&P 500, which bounced 0.35% and 0.15% respectively at the closing bell. The quick recovery in Bitcoin price highlights the strong bid by a variety of market participants, and it lines up with the view that the April 30 GDP data could be a one-off event resulting from businesses ramping up their imports ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on about 90 countries. While a shrinking economy and record-low consumer confidence are valid concerns for TradFi investors, the threat of a US recession also plays into crypto traders investment thesis which predicts that a variety of negative economic events will eventually force the Federal Reserve to cut rates and issue more dollars — a maneuver which historically has benefitted Bitcoin price.Current odds of a Fed interest rate cut have increased this week, from 59.8% on April 29 to 63.8% on April 30. Fed target rate probabilities for June 18, 2025 Fed meeting. Source: CME FedWatchAccording to popular X trader Skew, the bounce in Bitcoin and US stocks was partially driven by “pretty solid revenue beats from big US companies so far,” which could also “bolster some confidence in risk.” BTC/USD chart. Source: Skew / XThe trader also said that Bitcoin’s, “Spot flow [was] primarily driven by passive buyers today, and price lifted with taker bid. Funding rate normalizing now after some shorts closing out.” Related: Bitcoin price consolidation likely as US Core PCE, manufacturing, and jobs reports print this weekCurrently, $95,500 is the key level traders are watching, and many analysts believe that a sustained push through the resistance zone opens the door for a swift move back to $100,000. It’s possible that the May 2 jobs report, which will show how many jobs were added to the US economy in April, could have a slight impact on the stock market and, in turn, cryptocurrencies.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.  

• #bitcoin

Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao took the stage at Token2049 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he told the audience that his investment in social media platform X was aimed at protecting freedom of speech.The former Binance executive joined a fireside panel with macroeconomic analyst Raoul Pal to discuss the rationale behind his 2022 investment in X and artificial intelligence. Zhao said:"I think freedom of money is important, but to have freedom of money, you have to have freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is kind of the bottom line. If you don't have that, nothing — no other freedom — works."  "So, when we invested in Twitter back then, it was based on that philosophy," Zhao continued.The former Binance CEO also criticized Europe's crypto policies, characterizing them as dead in the water compared to more pro-business jurisdictions like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as he advocated for greater financial autonomy and personal liberties.Macroeconomic analyst Raoul Pal and Changpeng Zhao at the Token2049 event. Source: CointelegraphRelated: CZ aims to teach 1 billion kids through Giggle Academy — Token2049CZ sees potential in X, but issues persistIn October 2022, Zhau announced that crypto exchange Binance invested $500 million into businessman Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, now known as X.The crypto exchange was one of 19 co-investors in the deal, which also included firms such as Sequoia Capital Fund and Fidelity Management.At the time of the investment, the former Binance CEO said that while "the platform has huge value, in itself," it faced several issues, including monetization problems, spam bots, development issues, and scam accounts targeting users with the goal of stealing funds. Zhao urged Elon Musk to ban bots on X in March, a problem that persists on the platform, particularly impacting the cryptocurrency community on the platform to promote fake tokens, scam users, or spam the site with promotional content.Despite these issues, Zhao expressed hope that Binance could help the social media site integrate into Web3 by facilitating crypto payments in the near future.Magazine: ‘China’s MicroStrategy’ Meitu sells all its Bitcoin and Ethereum: Asia Express

The crypto industry has seen a significant shift toward regulatory compliance since its early days, according to James Smith, co-founder of Elliptic, a crypto compliance firm established in 2013.“In the early days, only a few companies approached compliance in a serious way,” Smith told Cointelegraph at the Token2049 event. “Coinbase was our first customer — they knew from the start that they wanted to build their business that way. But for most others, it just wasn’t a major priority.”Elliptic co-founder James Smith at Token2049. Source: CointelegraphThat began to shift as regulators, including those in New York State, took a more active interest in the crypto industry. The involvement of traditional financial institutions like Fidelity and DBS Bank also contributed, as they entered the space with established compliance expectations from traditional finance services.Fidelity, for instance, offered its first crypto service for customers in 2019, while the Asian giant DBS created a digital exchange for accredited and institutional investors in 2020.“We've seen a big change in the last couple of years. Exchanges on the global map all care about compliance now, because they want to be part of a global ecosystem,” Smith said.Related: DeFi security and compliance must be improved to attract institutionsCompliance questions after Bybit hack Crypto exchanges and peer-to-peer protocols remain the industry’s key compliance targets. For authorities, these firms are seen as critical choke points where Anti-Money Laundering and broader financial surveillance controls take effect. At the same time, they’re frequent candidates for sophisticated hacks and laundering operations, as seen in the Lazarus Group’s tactics.The latest example comes from the Bybit hack, where the Lazarus Group engaged in a sophisticated money laundering scheme to funnel funds. The hackers quickly swapped low-liquidity tokens for Ether (ETH), then swapped them for Bitcoin (BTC) using no-KYC (Know Your Customer) decentralized exchanges. “They went through some no KYC exchanges, which probably shouldn't exist, but also through a decentralized protocol where there was lots of liquidity provision that enabled them to get it into Bitcoin,” Smith said, adding that “we’re making it too easy for them as an industry.” Smith also noted that even after firms flagged the funds as stolen, users continued to trade them through decentralized platforms. “Why was there so much liquidity available to help launder this money?” he said, arguing that those providing liquidity to such protocols should be subject to basic checks on the source and destination of funds. “Go and look at who's making money. And that's the first place to start putting some controls.”Magazine: Lazarus Group’s favorite exploit revealed — Crypto hacks analysis

Key takeaways:Traders remain cautious about ETH’s price action, but optimistic sentiment is beginning to return.The May 7, Ethereum Pectra upgrade could boost investor sentiment, but ETH’s price action shows investors are still hesitant to open new positions.Ether (ETH) has been trading below $1,900 since March, leading investors to question whether the failed attempt to reclaim $4,000 in December 2024 signaled the end of an era for the leading altcoin. Concerns continue to mount as derivatives market data shows that professional traders remain cautious about ETH’s price outlook. ETH monthly futures should trade at a premium of 5% or more compared to spot markets to compensate for the longer settlement period, but this indicator has held below the neutral threshold.Ether 3-month futures annualized premium. Source: Laevitas.chPart of the lack of enthusiasm stems from disappointment with the United States government, as Ether was classified alongside other altcoins in the “Digital Asset Stockpile” Executive Order on March 6. The Trump administration decided that only Bitcoin (BTC) was significant enough to be included in its own “Strategic Reserve.” In practical terms, altcoins already held by the government could be retained, but not newly acquired.Ether's market cap falls below its top four rivals For the first time ever, in April 2025, Ether’s market capitalization dropped below the combined value of its four largest competitors: Solana (SOL), BNB, Cardano (ADA), and Tron (TRX).Ether market cap vs. the sum of SOL, BNB, ADA, TRX. Source: TradingView / CointelegraphAfter rebounding from lows near $1,400, Ether’s total market capitalization now stands at $217 billion, which is enough to surpass the combined value of its four main competitors. However, unless Ether consistently outperforms these rivals, sentiment is unlikely to improve. Some traders have high hopes for the upcoming ‘Pectra’ network upgrade, but current derivatives data does not reflect a bullish outlook.Ether’s decline has also coincided with weak demand for the Ethereum spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. Institutional interest was lacking, despite ETH’s price rising from $2,400 to $4,000 between October and December 2024. In contrast, Bitcoin ETFs saw assets more than double, growing from $50 billion in October 2024 to $110 billion currently.Ethereum leads in TVL, but there’s a catchAlthough Ethereum remains dominant in terms of total value locked (TVL), it has struggled to match Solana’s integrated user experience or Tron’s dominance in the stablecoin sector. Traders appear uninterested in Ethereum’s higher decentralization or improved security, especially for activities involving frequent deposits and withdrawals, where layer-2 solutions provide limited benefits.The absence of demand for leveraged bullish ETH positions does not necessarily mean that professional traders expect further price declines. If whales and market makers were unwilling to offer downside protection, this would be reflected in the ETH options markets, signaling increased risk of a market downturn.ETH 30-day options skew (put-call) at Deribit. Source: Laevitas.chContrary to some expectations, put (sell) options are trading at levels similar to call (buy) options. Notably, professional traders are now more comfortable with downside risks than they were two weeks ago. While ETH derivatives are not signaling strong bullish sentiment, they also do not suggest that professional traders are worried about further declines at current price levels.Related: 3 Ethereum charts flash signal last seen in 2017 when ETH price rallied 25,000%There is a chance that the upcoming ‘Pectra’ network upgrade could positively affect Ether’s price. Scheduled for May 7, this event might renew investor interest in the project by closing the gap with some of its competitors. Staking mechanisms designed for institutional investors could result in more ETH being locked in validator nodes, reducing the circulating supply. Historically, Ethereum upgrades have often been associated with brief spikes in ETH’s price.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Key points:Solana held the $140 support level for a week, a first in more than two months, highlighting traders’ growing confidence.SOL futures open interest hit $5.75 billion on April 30, showing strong institutional interest.With rising DEX volumes and a $9.5 billion TVL, SOL could rally to $200 before a potential spot ETF approval on Oct. 10.Solana’s native token, SOL (SOL), fell 4% between April 29 and April 30 after failing to sustain the $150 level. Despite this short-term decline, traders seem more confident as the $140 support remained intact for a whole week, an outcome that hadn’t happened in over two months. As demand for leveraged SOL positions reached near record highs on April 30, traders are now reconsidering the chances of a SOL rally above $200.Solana futures aggregate open interest, SOL. Source: CoinGlassSOL futures open interest climbed to 40.5 million SOL on April 30, marking a 5% increase from the previous month and nearing its all-time high. In dollar terms, this represents $5.75 billion in futures positions, ranking third in the cryptocurrency market and over 50% higher than the demand for XRP derivatives. This strong adoption of SOL derivatives points to growing institutional interest.Data shows increased demand for bearish leveraged SOL positionsTraders often believe that increased demand for SOL futures signals rising optimism. However, since longs (buyers) and shorts (sellers) are always matched, a rise in open interest does not necessarily indicate a bullish outlook. To better understand leverage demand in SOL futures, one can look at the funding rate for perpetual contracts.ETH perpetual futures 8-hour funding rate. Source: Laevitas.chCurrently, the funding rate on SOL perpetual futures is negative, which shows more demand for bearish positions. The last period of moderate optimism ended on April 25 after a failed attempt to break above $156. The lack of bullish leveraged positions may be partly due to the 43% price gain SOL saw in the three weeks from April 8 to April 29.A $200 target for SOL may seem ambitious, but the token was trading near $195 in mid-February, even after decentralized application volumes had dropped by 80% from their January peak. While Solana has faced criticism for its heavy reliance on memecoins, there is more to the network than just speculation on new tokens.Total value locked (TVL) on Solana Network, USD. Source: DefiLlamaSolana ranks second in total value locked (TVL), with $9.5 billion in deposits, including liquid staking, collateralized loans, automated yield platforms, and synthetic derivatives. Several Solana decentralized applications are among the top fee earners, with Meteora collecting $19.1 million in seven days, followed by Pump-fun with $18.6 million and Juto with $14.6 million.Solana network dominates volumes on decentralized exchangesSince April 14, Ethereum’s average base layer transaction fee has been $0.65 or less, yet Solana’s decentralized exchanges have seen nearly 90% higher trading volumes. Even when including the entire Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem, Solana led the past week with $21.6 billion in decentralized exchange activity.Decentralized exchange volumes, 7-day market share. Source: DefiLlamaPositive highlights from the Solana network include an 87% weekly increase in Raydium’s volumes and a 58% rise in Meteora activity. So, even if demand for bullish leveraged positions stays flat, SOL’s price could eventually reflect the improved onchain metrics.Related: More than 70 US crypto ETFs await SEC decision this yearFrom a trading perspective, SOL could also benefit from the possible approval of a spot Solana ETF in the United States. Analysts believe the final deadline for the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision is Oct. 10, with a 90% chance of approval. Still, SOL might rally above $200 before this event, as the network is well-positioned to attract new retail investors.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Market seeing turn of tide despite solid growth in last few days

• #bitcoin

Key takeaways:Traders remain cautious about ETH’s price action, but optimistic sentiment is beginning to return.The May 7, Ethereum Pectra upgrade could boost investor sentiment, but ETH’s price action shows investors are still hesitant to open new positions.Ether (ETH) has been trading below $1,900 since March, leading investors to question whether the failed attempt to reclaim $4,000 in December 2024 signaled the end of an era for the leading altcoin. Concerns continue to mount as derivatives market data shows that professional traders remain cautious about ETH’s price outlook. ETH monthly futures should trade at a premium of 5% or more compared to spot markets to compensate for the longer settlement period, but this indicator has held below the neutral threshold.Ether 3-month futures annualized premium. Source: Laevitas.chPart of the lack of enthusiasm stems from disappointment with the United States government, as Ether was classified alongside other altcoins in the “Digital Asset Stockpile” Executive Order on March 6. The Trump administration decided that only Bitcoin (BTC) was significant enough to be included in its own “Strategic Reserve.” In practical terms, altcoins already held by the government could be retained, but not newly acquired.Ether's market cap falls below its top four rivals For the first time ever, in April 2025, Ether’s market capitalization dropped below the combined value of its four largest competitors: Solana (SOL), BNB, Cardano (ADA), and Tron (TRX).Ether market cap vs. the sum of SOL, BNB, ADA, TRX. Source: TradingView / CointelegraphAfter rebounding from lows near $1,400, Ether’s total market capitalization now stands at $217 billion, which is enough to surpass the combined value of its four main competitors. However, unless Ether consistently outperforms these rivals, sentiment is unlikely to improve. Some traders have high hopes for the upcoming ‘Pectra’ network upgrade, but current derivatives data does not reflect a bullish outlook.Ether’s decline has also coincided with weak demand for the Ethereum spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. Institutional interest was lacking, despite ETH’s price rising from $2,400 to $4,000 between October and December 2024. In contrast, Bitcoin ETFs saw assets more than double, growing from $50 billion in October 2024 to $110 billion currently.Ethereum leads in TVL, but there’s a catchAlthough Ethereum remains dominant in terms of total value locked (TVL), it has struggled to match Solana’s integrated user experience or Tron’s dominance in the stablecoin sector. Traders appear uninterested in Ethereum’s higher decentralization or improved security, especially for activities involving frequent deposits and withdrawals, where layer-2 solutions provide limited benefits.The absence of demand for leveraged bullish ETH positions does not necessarily mean that professional traders expect further price declines. If whales and market makers were unwilling to offer downside protection, this would be reflected in the ETH options markets, signaling increased risk of a market downturn.ETH 30-day options skew (put-call) at Deribit. Source: Laevitas.chContrary to some expectations, put (sell) options are trading at levels similar to call (buy) options. Notably, professional traders are now more comfortable with downside risks than they were two weeks ago. While ETH derivatives are not signaling strong bullish sentiment, they also do not suggest that professional traders are worried about further declines at current price levels.Related: 3 Ethereum charts flash signal last seen in 2017 when ETH price rallied 25,000%There is a chance that the upcoming ‘Pectra’ network upgrade could positively affect Ether’s price. Scheduled for May 7, this event might renew investor interest in the project by closing the gap with some of its competitors. Staking mechanisms designed for institutional investors could result in more ETH being locked in validator nodes, reducing the circulating supply. Historically, Ethereum upgrades have often been associated with brief spikes in ETH’s price.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Coinbase is revolutionizing crypto lending with a nationwide rollout of bitcoin-backed loans up to $1 million, unlocking instant liquidity without triggering taxable events. Borrow up to $1M Without Selling—Coinbase Expands Bitcoin-Backed Loans Nationwide Crypto exchange Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) announced on social media platform X on April 30 that its bitcoin-backed loan service is now fully […]

• #bitcoin

Australia’s financial regulator is going after inactive crypto companies still appearing on official lists. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) disclosed Tuesday that it would remove registrations from exchanges that have ceased trading but are still on their books. Related Reading: Tether Flexes Strength With Nearly 8-Ton Gold Reserve For XAUT Token ‘Use […]

Solana crosses 400B transactions as real network usage and TPS remain industry-leading. Hot capital inflows surge $4.72B in a week, SOL price eyes $150 amid mixed technicals. Solana [SOL] juThe post Solana shatters 400B transactions - Will this help SOL reach $150? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

FIFA, the governing body of football globally, is making a major shift in its Web3 strategy. The football body announced plans to migrate its NFT collection, FIFA Collect, to a new network called the FIFA Blockchain. This move mirrors FIFA’s long-term interest in blockchain and commitment to digital fan experiences. The new FIFA chain will […] The post FIFA to Launch Own Blockchain for NFTs appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

Bitcoin ETFs attract $4 billion in 8 days, signaling strong investor appetite

• #bitcoin

The crypto industry has seen a significant shift toward regulatory compliance since its early days, according to James Smith, co-founder of Elliptic, a crypto compliance firm established in 2013.“In the early days, only a few companies approached compliance in a serious way,” Smith told Cointelegraph at the Token2049 event. “Coinbase was our first customer — they knew from the start that they wanted to build their business that way. But for most others, it just wasn’t a major priority.”Elliptic co-founder James Smith at Token2049. Source: CointelegraphThat began to shift as regulators, including those in New York State, took a more active interest in the crypto industry. The involvement of traditional financial institutions like Fidelity and DBS Bank also contributed, as they entered the space with established compliance expectations from traditional finance services.Fidelity, for instance, offered its first crypto service for customers in 2019, while the Asian giant DBS created a digital exchange for accredited and institutional investors in 2020.“We've seen a big change in the last couple of years. Exchanges on the global map all care about compliance now, because they want to be part of a global ecosystem,” Smith said.Related: DeFi security and compliance must be improved to attract institutionsCompliance questions after Bybit hack Crypto exchanges and peer-to-peer protocols remain the industry’s key compliance targets. For authorities, these firms are seen as critical choke points where Anti-Money Laundering and broader financial surveillance controls take effect. At the same time, they’re frequent candidates for sophisticated hacks and laundering operations, as seen in the Lazarus Group’s tactics.The latest example comes from the Bybit hack, where the Lazarus Group engaged in a sophisticated money laundering scheme to funnel funds. The hackers quickly swapped low-liquidity tokens for Ether (ETH), then swapped them for Bitcoin (BTC) using no-KYC (Know Your Customer) decentralized exchanges. “They went through some no KYC exchanges, which probably shouldn't exist, but also through a decentralized protocol where there was lots of liquidity provision that enabled them to get it into Bitcoin,” Smith said, adding that “we’re making it too easy for them as an industry.” Smith also noted that even after firms flagged the funds as stolen, users continued to trade them through decentralized platforms. “Why was there so much liquidity available to help launder this money?” he said, arguing that those providing liquidity to such protocols should be subject to basic checks on the source and destination of funds. “Go and look at who's making money. And that's the first place to start putting some controls.”Magazine: Lazarus Group’s favorite exploit revealed — Crypto hacks analysis

A Federal Reserve survey naming the trade war and U.S. debt as the economy’s top threats has prompted veteran investor Clem Chambers to warn of an overlooked supply-chain squeeze that could jolt markets. Inflation Time Bomb: Fed Printing Could Send Prices Soaring, Says Chambers Chambers, chief executive of Online Blockchain, told Kitco News Anchor Jeremy […]

• #vechain

Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao took the stage at Token2049 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he told the audience that his investment in social media platform X was aimed at protecting freedom of speech.The former Binance executive joined a fireside panel with macroeconomic analyst Raoul Pal to discuss the rationale behind his 2022 investment in X and artificial intelligence. Zhao said:"I think freedom of money is important, but to have freedom of money, you have to have freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is kind of the bottom line. If you don't have that, nothing — no other freedom — works."  "So, when we invested in Twitter back then, it was based on that philosophy," Zhao continued.The former Binance CEO also criticized Europe's crypto policies, characterizing them as dead in the water compared to more pro-business jurisdictions like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as he advocated for greater financial autonomy and personal liberties.Macroeconomic analyst Raoul Pal and Changpeng Zhao at the Token2049 event. Source: CointelegraphRelated: CZ aims to teach 1 billion kids through Giggle Academy — Token2049CZ sees potential in X, but issues persistIn October 2022, Zhau announced that crypto exchange Binance invested $500 million into businessman Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, now known as X.The crypto exchange was one of 19 co-investors in the deal, which also included firms such as Sequoia Capital Fund and Fidelity Management.At the time of the investment, the former Binance CEO said that while "the platform has huge value, in itself," it faced several issues, including monetization problems, spam bots, development issues, and scam accounts targeting users with the goal of stealing funds. Zhao urged Elon Musk to ban bots on X in March, a problem that persists on the platform, particularly impacting the cryptocurrency community on the platform to promote fake tokens, scam users, or spam the site with promotional content.Despite these issues, Zhao expressed hope that Binance could help the social media site integrate into Web3 by facilitating crypto payments in the near future.Magazine: ‘China’s MicroStrategy’ Meitu sells all its Bitcoin and Ethereum: Asia Express

Millions of SHIB have been burned today, fueling a bullish outlook for SHIB’s price

Cardano whales accumulate $289M in ADA over 20 days, signaling strong confidence

• #Cardano

Bitcoin Magazine Global X Debuts Three New ETFs on Cboe Canada, Including Bitcoin-Focused Income Funds Global X Investments Canada has launched three new ETFs on Cboe Canada—RSCL, BCCC, and BCCL—offering investors access to U.S. small-cap equities and innovative Bitcoin strategies featuring semi-monthly income. This post Global X Debuts Three New ETFs on Cboe Canada, Including Bitcoin-Focused Income Funds first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

• #bitcoin

Crypto platforms have constantly battled hackers and other fraudsters, and April was a brutal month. Security experts at Immunefi claim that hackers stole around $92 million from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms in April. This figure is a significant jump of 124% from the figures recorded in March ($41 million). Interestingly, the bulk of April’s figures […] The post DeFi Hacks Surge to $92M in April 2025 appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

Key takeaways: Bitcoin bulls are attacking the $95,000 level again after today’s brief US GDP-induced sell-off. Traders are semi-agnostic to negative US economic data as they expect the Federal Reserve to resume easing and rate cuts at some point in the future. Bitcoin (BTC) price knocks on the door of $95,000 after starting the NY trading session with a slight sell-off to $92,910 following alarm-raising US GDP data, which showed the economy shrank in Q1 2025. The move mirrors a similar recovery seen in the DOW and S&P 500, which bounced 0.35% and 0.15% respectively at the closing bell. The quick recovery in Bitcoin price highlights the strong bid by a variety of market participants, and it lines up with the view that the April 30 GDP data could be a one-off event resulting from businesses ramping up their imports ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on about 90 countries. While a shrinking economy and record-low consumer confidence are valid concerns for TradFi investors, the threat of a US recession also plays into crypto traders investment thesis which predicts that a variety of negative economic events will eventually force the Federal Reserve to cut rates and issue more dollars — a maneuver which historically has benefitted Bitcoin price.Current odds of a Fed interest rate cut have increased this week, from 59.8% on April 29 to 63.8% on April 30. Fed target rate probabilities for June 18, 2025 Fed meeting. Source: CME FedWatchAccording to popular X trader Skew, the bounce in Bitcoin and US stocks was partially driven by “pretty solid revenue beats from big US companies so far,” which could also “bolster some confidence in risk.” BTC/USD chart. Source: Skew / XThe trader also said that Bitcoin’s, “Spot flow [was] primarily driven by passive buyers today, and price lifted with taker bid. Funding rate normalizing now after some shorts closing out.” Related: Bitcoin price consolidation likely as US Core PCE, manufacturing, and jobs reports print this weekCurrently, $95,500 is the key level traders are watching, and many analysts believe that a sustained push through the resistance zone opens the door for a swift move back to $100,000. It’s possible that the May 2 jobs report, which will show how many jobs were added to the US economy in April, could have a slight impact on the stock market and, in turn, cryptocurrencies.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.  

• #bitcoin

Bollinger Bands' squeezing signals Solana's potential major price move. SOL trading below the weekly VWAP and testing the VAL zone. A Bollinger Band squeeze on Solana [SOL] at the 4-hour timThe post Solana stuck in a tight $146–$150 box – Will THIS unleash SOL's volatility? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

BTC price returns to the red zone, but whale transfer activities continue

• #bitcoin

Bloomberg Intelligence has boosted its estimated odds of US regulators approving a Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF) in 2025 to 90%, according to an April 30 post on the X platform. The company also set more favorable chances of approval for other altcoin ETFs, including proposed funds holding XRP (XRP) and Dogecoin (DOGE), Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas said in an X post. The estimates reflect an improved outlook from Bloomberg analysts. In a February analysis, Bloomberg pegged the odds of a Solana (SOL) ETF approval at only 70%. They ascribed a 65% and 75% chance of approval to funds holding XRP and DOGE, respectively. As of April 30, six asset managers — including Grayscale, VanEck and 21Shares — are awaiting clearance from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list ETFs holding the Solana blockchain network’s native cryptocurrency. The same number of issuers are waiting on approval for XRP ETFs, and three are seeking approval for DOGE funds, according to Bloomberg data. The SEC has until October to review and potentially approve the proposed funds. Revised altcoin ETF approval odds. Source: Bloomberg IntelligenceRelated: SEC acknowledges slew of crypto ETF filings as reviews, approvals accelerateAltcoin ETF maniaAsset managers are seeking the SEC’s permission to list dozens of altcoin ETFs, with up to 70 crypto ETFs awaiting the agency’s review as of April. The deluge of filings reflects US President Donald Trump’s efforts to soften the SEC’s regulatory posture toward cryptocurrencies since taking office in January. In March, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the US’s largest derivatives exchange, listed futures contracts tied to Solana.According to Chris Chung, founder of Solana-based swap platform Titan, the listing on the regulated futures exchange signals that approvals for Solana ETFs could be next.“[T]he timeline could extend into 2026 due to the SEC’s precedent of taking […] 240–260 days to review filings,” Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart also said in a previous forecast. In April, US securities exchange Nasdaq asked regulators for permission to list a 21Shares ETF holding Dogecoin, adding to the roster of DOGE funds awaiting a US public listing.Magazine: TV hit Peaky Blinders to launch crypto game, FIFA Rivals on Polkadot: Web3 Gamer

US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has filed an amicus brief in the country’s Supreme Court in support of a taxpayer fighting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) gaining access to his data from a digital asset platform.In an April 30 filing in the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), lawyers for Coinbase argued that a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision set a “dangerous precedent” for crypto users, potentially allowing the government to “trace users’ every crypto transaction in the past and monitor every crypto transaction in the future.” The appeal to the Supreme Court stemmed from petitioner James Harper, a Coinbase user, who took legal action against the IRS after the crypto exchange was forced to turn over transaction data to the government using a sweeping “John Doe” summons in 2017.“This case directly affects Coinbase’s interest in protecting the privacy rights of its users and in the correct application of this Court’s doctrine on constitutional guarantees against warrantless government demands for third-party service providers to surrender users’ personal information,” the brief reads. “If the First Circuit’s ruling is allowed to stand, the Fourth Amendment will give no protection to millions of law-abiding Americans who routinely share intimate personal information with the third parties that ubiquitously store, transmit, or provide services based on that data,” it added.April 30 Coinbase amicus brief. Source: US Supreme CourtAn amicus brief is a filing in support of a plaintiff by an entity that is not directly involved. The case before the court has the potential to set significant precedents for digital privacy rights for crypto users and how the IRS will be allowed to gather data on taxpayers. Both the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire and the First Circuit have ruled against Harper’s petition, leaving the Supreme Court as his last option for an appeal. Related: IRS crypto tax reporting rules threat to industry — Coinbase legal chief“We believe in tax compliance, but this goes far beyond a narrow and tailored request and far beyond crypto,” said Coinbase chief legal officer Paul Grewal, in an April 30 X post. “This applies to banks, phone companies, ISPs, email, you name it [...] you should have the same right to privacy for your inbox or account as you have for a letter in your mailbox. “It’s unclear whether the court will take up the case. SCOTUS typically releases its opinions to the public in June. Since first being filed in 2020, many industry advocates have filed similar amicus briefs in support of Harper, including social media company X and the DeFi Education Fund.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set

Bitcoin Magazine The Bitcoin Space Race: Why the U.S. Risks Falling Behind Its Rivals Why America must treat Bitcoin as a strategic asset—or risk losing ground to China in the next global power race. This post The Bitcoin Space Race: Why the U.S. Risks Falling Behind Its Rivals first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Spencer Nichols.

• #bitcoin

The organization is a collection of more than thirty crypto firms that lobby public institutions for better regulation of the industry. Industry Leaders Call on SEC to Define Rules for Crypto Staking The Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI), an advocacy group for more favorable crypto regulation, submitted a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange […]

US Dollar-pegged stablecoins are on track to reach an aggregate market capitalization of approximately $2 trillion by 2028, according to the United States Department of the Treasury’s Q1 2025 report. Stablecoins’ cumulative market cap currently stands at roughly $230 billion, but “[e]volving market dynamics [have] the potential to accelerate stablecoins’ trajectory to reach ~$2tn in market cap by 2028,” the Treasury said in the April 30 report. A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a traditional asset like the US dollar. According to the report, such tokens are already “ubiquitously utilized as ‘cash on-chain,’ effectively serving as a new payment mechanism.” Additionally, the emergence of “tokenized [money market funds] has recently created an alternative option to stablecoins, primarily given their yield-bearing feature,” the report reads.Treasury on stablecoins’ impact. Source: US TreasuryRelated: Stablecoins boosting demand for US T-bills: Treasury DeptEmbracing tokenizationThe report is the latest example of how the US government is embracing blockchain technology, especially after US President Donald Trump commenced his second term of office on Jan. 20. The Treasury previously endorsed cryptocurrency in December, noting that the technology promises to create a “new financial market infrastructure,” potentially increasing global demand for US Treasury bills. US Dollar-pegged stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USDC (USDC) invest fiat backing into yield-bearing instruments such as US Treasurys. “[B]ecause most stablecoin collateral reportedly consists of either Treasury bills or Treasury-backed repurchase agreement transactions, the growth in stablecoins has likely resulted in a modest increase in demand for short-dated Treasury securities,” the Treasury said in December.The current state of stablecoins. Source: US TreasuryIn its April report, the Treasury said that pending stablecoin legislation would “require stablecoin issuers to hold [short-dated] T-bills,” thus solidifying the link between stablecoin adoption and US Treasury bill demand. The report also noted that the proliferation of stablecoins could put pressure on retail banks to pay higher interest rates to depositors. As of April 25, Tether’s USDT is the dominant stablecoin, commanding approximately 66% of market share, according to a report by researcher Nansen. The token has a market capitalization of roughly $150 billion, according to CoinGecko. Circle’s USDC ranks second, with a market capitalization of approximately $60 billion as of April 30. Magazine: TV hit Peaky Blinders to launch crypto game, FIFA Rivals on Polkadot: Web3 Gamer

Bitcoin Magazine BlackRock’s Mitchnick: “Flows Are Back in a Big Way” as Bitcoin ETFs Shift to Institutional Hands At the Token2049 conference in Dubai, BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets Robert Mitchnick confirmed a renewal of capital into Bitcoin ETFs citing the growing perception of Bitcoin as a hedge in uncertain markets. This post BlackRock’s Mitchnick: “Flows Are Back in a Big Way” as Bitcoin ETFs Shift to Institutional Hands first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

• #bitcoin

Key takeaways:Ether price printed a rare monthly Dragonfly doji candlestick, which is often seen before major ETH bull market cycles.ETH is retesting its long-term parabolic support zone that preceded its historic 2017 rally.The MVRV Z-Score has entered the accumulation zone, signaling undervaluation.Ethereum’s native token, Ether (ETH), is flashing a combination of technical and onchain signals once seen in the early stages of its 2017 bull run, a cycle that produced over 25,000% gains.Dragonfly doji hints ETH bulls are regaining controlEther is flashing a rare Dragonfly Doji candlestick on its monthly chart, the same structure that preceded its historic 25,000% rally during the 2017 bull cycle.This pattern is confirmed when the price prints a long lower wick, little to no upper wick, and closes at or near its opening level.On Ether’s monthly chart, the candlestick reflects a sharp intra-month rejection of lower prices, suggesting that bulls are beginning to regain control after an extended downtrend.ETH/USD monthly price chart. Source: TradingViewIn December 2016, Ethereum formed a similar monthly Dragonfly doji before erupting from under $6 to over $1,400 in over a year. The same pattern has been seen, with smaller upside, in 2021 and 2023, where ETH gained over 80% and 145%, respectively.If bulls confirm the signal with a strong May open, especially above April’s high of around $1,950, Ethereum could be primed for another multimonth rally, beginning with an initial run toward $2,100. Ethereum tests long-term parabolic support, just like in 2017Chartist Merlijn the Trader points to Ethereum retesting its long-term parabolic support, (the green zone in the chart below) that has consistently acted as a launchpad for new uptrends.ETH/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingView/Merlijn The Trader“In every cycle, this zone triggers a reversal — and this time is no different,” he wrote in his X post on April 30, adding:“Now begins what could be Ethereum’s most explosive rally yet.”In early 2017, ETH also bounced from this exact same parabolic trendline during its initial breakout phase. The trendline supported ETH throughout that year, fueling the vertical move to $1,400 from around $6.Related: Ethereum’s ‘capitulation’ suggests ETH price is undervalued: Fidelity reportThe current retest in 2025 mirrors that breakout setup, suggesting a cyclical pattern may be repeating.Onchain data points to ICO-era-style ETH accumulation sentimentEthereum’s MVRV Z-Score, a key onchain metric used to identify market tops and bottoms, has re-entered the historical accumulation zone (the green band in the chart below), strengthening the argument that ETH may have found its cycle bottom.Ethereum MVRV-Z Score chart. Source: GlassnodeIn past cycles, Ethereum’s MVRV Z-Score dipped into this green zone in late 2018, March 2020, and mid-2022. All of these dips coincided with market bottoms and preceded multimonth to multi-year rallies.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.

BTC dominance remained at yearly highs for broader altcoin recovery to gain traction.  But the early 2025 altcoin sell-off eased and bottomed out at the 2024 support level.  Bitcoin [BTC] The post BTC dominance hits 64% in 2025 - Are altcoins stuck in Bitcoin’s shadow? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

• #litecoin
• #bitcoin

Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao wants to provide free education for up to a billion children worldwide with his Giggle Academy venture, he told an audience at Token2049 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)."In a few years, I think, I want to teach 100 million or 1 billion kids for free,” Zhao told the audience. Giggle is a free online platform that provides elementary education through gamified lessons."With the technologies we have today, it's not that hard to make an app that will stick, that's educational, but also glues the kids to the device," the crypto entrepreneur said.Raoul Pal pictured (left) and Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (right) at the Token2049 conference in Dubai. Source: CointelegraphGiggle's concept paper outlines the project's goal of providing K-12 education globally for free by offering non-traditional educational courses in topics such as negotiations, finance, entrepreneurship, sales, legal, accounting, blockchain, and AI in phases.In April 2024, the Binance co-founder announced he was stepping away from the company and focusing on educational initiatives as he prepared to serve a four-month prison sentence for violating US money laundering laws, which he completed in September 2024.Related: Ex-Binance CEO chides Europe over crypto adoptionThe growing role of generative AI in education Zhao also discussed the heavy use of generative AI in crafting the course materials for Giggle Academy, a growing trend in online and traditional education.In June 2023, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology announced it would allow the limited use of generative AI in classrooms, including ChatGPT, to aid in classroom discussion and teaching.The KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a grade school in India, introduced an AI-humanoid teacher to one of its classrooms in February 2024 as part of an early pilot program.Andrej Karpathy, a former executive for Tesla and OpenAI, founded Eureka Labs, a startup dedicated to creating AI-powered teaching assistants, in July 2024.The goal of the startup is to bring subject matter expert-level education to students worldwide and bypass language barriers."This teacher and AI symbiosis could run an entire curriculum of courses on a common platform. If we are successful, it will be easy for anyone to learn anything," Karpathy wrote in July 2024.Magazine: How CZ built Binance and became the richest person in crypto

Bitcoin Magazine Bitcoin Covenants: OP_VAULT (BIP 345) The fourth article in the Covenant series, examining the OP_VAULT proposal from James O'Beirne and Greg Sanders. This post Bitcoin Covenants: OP_VAULT (BIP 345) first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Shinobi.

• #bitcoin

Phoenix Group has expanded its Bitcoin mining operations in Ethiopia, securing an additional 52 megawatts, bringing its total capacity there to 132 megawatts and surpassing 500 megawatts globally across five countries. Development of New Site to Be Conducted in Stages The Abu Dhabi-based bitcoin miner, Phoenix Group, has secured an additional 52 megawatts (MW) of […]

• #bitcoin

The UK recently introduced its draft crypto legislation

An elderly American has been identified as the victim of a $330.7 million Bitcoin theft—one of the largest crypto heists on record—according to blockchain investigator ZachXBT.  The attack, which occurred on April 28, involved the theft of 3,520 BTC through…

• #bitcoin

A discarded hard drive, a billion-dollar Bitcoin wallet, and a trash-strewn landfill in Wales are now the foundation for a high-stakes docuseries.  Entertainment company LEBUL announced this week that it has acquired exclusive rights to the story of James Howells,…

• #bitcoin

U.S. stocks closed mixed on Wednesday, wrapping up a turbulent April marked by economic contraction and trade policy uncertainty.  The S&P 500 rose 0.15%, the Nasdaq Composite lost .086%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 141 points after new…

The conversation surrounding Dogecoin may be gradually shifting, and recent market developments suggest that the meme coin could be poised to reach new all-time highs. The most recent development involves Nasdaq submitting a 19b-4 form to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking approval to list and trade shares of the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF. […]

Key takeaways:Bitcoin’s price increased by sixfold each time its age increased by 40%.If the pattern holds, Bitcoin could rally to $351,046 in 2025.New data highlights a historical pattern that results in Bitcoin (BTC) price increasing by sixfold. Using a logarithmic chart to illustrate the trend from 2011, the model projects BTC price to hit $351,046 in 2025.According to 21st Capital co-founder Sina, the study plots Bitcoin’s price on a log-log graph, showing a linear relationship that reflects predictable long-term growth driven by network dynamics, a behavior characteristic associated with BTC’s limited supply. Bitcoin 40% age increase-price rise comparison chart. Source: X.comThe math behind the price target relies on Bitcoin’s age in years and a 6x price multiplier per 40% age increase. For instance, from age 8.83 years in 2017 ($19,666 peak) to age 12.83 years in 2021 ($68,000 peak), the age grew by 45%, but the price increased by about 3.4x, showing deviations from the model. Adjusting for the chart’s trendline, the projected price at age 16.33 years is $351,046 in 2025, a 5.2x increase from $68,000 in 2021. This power law suggests Bitcoin’s growth scales with its network maturity, not calendar cycles.Most of the time, the 6x peak in value came before a 40% increase in BTC’s age. The table below reflects actual Bitcoin prices and the model’s projections, highlighting inconsistencies.Bitcoin estimated vs actual price based on the model. Source: Cointelegraph/InvestopediaThe irregularities are evident. It underestimated early growth until 2017 and overestimated recent years (In 2023, $42,258 versus $139,968). External factors possibly disrupted BTC’s rise, such as the 2021 crash (BTC price fell 30% to $31,000 amid a crypto sell-off), China’s 2021 crypto ban, and rising interest rates in 2022, which aligned Bitcoin with risk-on assets. However, the model demonstrates resilience despite regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and macroeconomic pressures over the past decade, capturing Bitcoin’s long-term uptrend via a non-linear graph. Related: Bitcoin price still in bargain zone as US jobs report sparks rate cut hopesBitcoin price fractal highlights $84K supportAnonymous Bitcoin analyst blackwidow noted a fractal pattern comparing the 2024 support at $58,000 to the current 2025 setup, pinpointing $84,000 as a pivotal support level, mirroring last year's structure.In an X post, the analyst revealed that the $84,000 level, identified as the point of control (POC) where the heaviest trading volume occurred, is a key re-entry point for traders eager to capitalize on the anticipated breakout. If the support holds, the analyst predicted an accelerated move into the summer, potentially marking a significant long-term opportunity.Bitcoin fractal analysis by blackwidow. Source: X.comLikewise, crypto trader Titan of Crypto mentioned that the new highs for Bitcoin are loading in the charts. The analyst said, “Bitcoin $125,000 target loading. BTC bounced off the orange line of the Golden Ratio Multiplier and is now aiming for the blue line, currently at $125,000.”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.

• #bitcoin

Coinbase has made an official statement in the landmark Supreme Court case, which challenges IRS's powers to demand crypto-related data.

Ripple’s XRP Hot Capital jumped 134% in a week, hitting $2.17 billion — yet bearish pressure persisted. Despite the capital surge, market sentiment stayed bearish, with sellers firmly in coThe post XRP sees huge $1.25B inflow, but can it shake off bearish market trends? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Tether plans to launch a stablecoin product in the United States as soon as this year, the stablecoin issuer’s CEO, Paul Ardoino, said in an April 30 CNBC interview. Tether’s flagship stablecoin, USDT (USDT), is already the US dollar’s top “exporter,” Ardoino told CNBC. It has a market capitalization of nearly $150 billion, according to data from CoinGecko. Now, Tether is preparing to expand into the US market “by the end of this year or early next year, at the fastest,” Ardoino said, adding that the timing depends on US lawmakers’ progress on stablecoin legislation. The stablecoin issuer is working to woo US regulators by proactively collaborating with law enforcement and highlighting USDT’s benefits for the US economy. "We are just exporters of what we believe to be the best product the United States ever created — that is, the US dollar,” the CEO said.Tether's USDT has 66% of the stablecoin market share. Source: NansenRelated: Tether still dominates stablecoins despite competition — NansenMarket leaderAs of April 25, USDT commanded a roughly 66% market share among stablecoins, according to Nansen, a Web3 researcher. Tether is also the most profitable stablecoin issuer, logging a net income of nearly $14 billion in 2024. It earns revenue by accepting US dollars to mint USDT and then investing those dollars into highly liquid, yield-bearing instruments such as US Treasury bills. Still, USDT’s popularity is largely limited to users outside of the United States, where rival stablecoin USDC (USDC) is dominant. Tether designed USDT “for the people that live in small villages in Africa... [or] a shop owner in Istanbul,” Ardoino told CNBC, adding that Tether is developing a “different product” for the US. Adoption of USDC has accelerated in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s November election win, Nansen said in an April 25 report. Circle’s USDC has a market capitalization of more than $60 billion, CoinGecko data shows. However, USDT is still likely to maintain its leading position in the stablecoin market.  “Despite the potential dispersion in stables, we inevitably believe this is a ‘winner-takes-most’ market dynamic,” the Web3 researcher added. Magazine: Bitcoin payments are being undermined by centralized stablecoins

Miami, Florida, 30th April 2025, Chainwire The post FLOKI and Rice Robotics Launch AI Companion Robot With Token Rewards appeared first on Blockonomi.

On April 12—just over two weeks prior—expectations surrounding a potential cut to the federal funds rate were in flux, with markets assigning a 39.8% probability that the U.S. Federal Reserve would lower the rate by 25 basis points. Fast forward to seven days ahead of the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) gathering, and that […]

After a sharp 75% rally, SUI is now showing signs of exhaustion as it approaches a key resistance area. Although the trend remains bullish, technical indicators suggest a healthy pause may be on the horizon before the next leg of…

After months of volatility and extreme fear, crypto markets turned a positive corner in the second half of April, highlighting the industry’s big sentiment shift. For venture capital, it was business as usual, with investors continuing to pour money into promising startups across layer-1 blockchains, infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization (RWA), and Web3 social media.This edition of VC Roundup highlights six notable funding deals from April.Unto Labs raises $14.4M for layer-1 blockchainBlockchain R&D company Unto Labs raised $14.4 million to continue developing its scalable layer-1 network called Thru. The pre-seed and seed funding was led by venture firms Electric Capital and Framework, with support from angel investors in the Solana engineering community.The company is led by former Solana contributor Liam Heeger, who argues that “blockchains painted themselves into a corner by inventing custom Virtual Machines (VMs),” which he believes has prevented mainstream adoption. Thru is built on the RISC-V standard, an open-source computer architecture not limited to blockchain and crypto-specific use cases. An Electric Capital partner named Ren called Thru the “next logical step” in blockchain development after Ethereum pushed smart contracts and Solana raised the standard on network performance.Related: VC Roundup: 8-figure funding deals suggest crypto bull market far from overMIT-incubated Optimum closes seed roundBlockchain infrastructure developer Optimum closed an $11 million seed round with participation from at least 16 venture capital firms, including 1kx, Robot Ventures, Spartan, Longhash, and Animoca.Optimum is building a high-performance memory layer for the blockchain using Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) technology, which was developed at MIT by protocol founder Muriel Médard.Médard, a professor at MIT, told Cointelegraph in March that RLNC is akin to “breaking a puzzle into small pieces, mixing those pieces together into equations, and sending them to your friends.”“Even if a few pieces get lost, your friends can still put the whole puzzle together from the pieces they receive,” she said in describing how RLNC can help blockchains overcome scalability issues.Source: OptimumOctane launches with $6.75M in funding to bring cybersecurity to cryptoArchetype and Winklevoss Capital led a $6.75 million seed round for Octane, an AI cybersecurity startup focused on detecting vulnerabilities in blockchain systems. Additional investors included crypto exchanges Gemini and Circle. In its announcement, Octane pointed to data from DefiLlama’s exploit tracker, which shows that crypto attacks have caused over $11.3 billion in losses, more than half of which stem from DeFi hacks.The monthly sum of crypto exploits. Source: DefiLlamaOctane’s platform is designed to continuously analyze smart contracts for potential vulnerabilities and offers AI-powered tools to help developers identify emerging threats.a16z backs Inco’s $5M raiseBlockchain confidentiality protocol Inco has closed a $5 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz’s Crypto Startup Accelerator, also known as a16z CSX. Additional investors included Coinbase’s venture capital arm, 1kx Capital, OrangeDAO, Script Capital, and South Park Commons.Inco leverages cryptography to develop confidential computing technology for blockchains. Its first product, Inco Lighting, is designed to bring privacy to onchain applications.Inco founder Remi Gai said blockchains have successfully solved issues like scalability and abstraction, but “confidentiality remains the final challenge.”The announcement referenced a Paradigm research report identifying privacy as one of the three main barriers preventing traditional finance from adopting blockchain technology.Related: VC Roundup: Investors continue to back DePIN, Web3 gaming, layer-1 RWAsa16z, Coinbase Ventures contribute to Towns Protocol’s $10M raiseTowns Protocol, a Web3 social media platform, raised $10 million in a Series B round led by a16z, with additional backing from Coinbase Ventures and Benchmark. The Series B brings Towns’ cumulative funding to $25.5 million since early 2023.Shortly after announcing the fundraise, Towns revealed plans to launch 10 billion TOWNS tokens on Base and Ethereum in the second quarter of this year.Towns is an open-source protocol that allows users to build messaging apps for their digital communities. As of April 29, it has generated $11.5 million in total revenue, with 90% paid out to the creators of individual Towns, according to developer Ryan Cooley.Source: Ryan CooleyRWA-focused Colb raises $7.3M to boost pre-IPO equity opportunitiesSwitzerland-based fintech firm Colb Asset SA raised over $7 million in an oversubscribed seed extension to advance the tokenization of pre-IPO equity in companies like SpaceX and OpenAI.While Colb did not identify its backer, it said the round was funded by a single private investor managing over $20 billion in assets.The new capital will support Colb’s efforts to expand its tokenization platform and cross-border payment infrastructure, potentially boosting adoption of its USC stablecoin, which it says is the first Swiss-compliant, US dollar-pegged stable asset.Related: ‘Contrary to popular belief,’ regulation isn’t slowing tokenization — Prometheum CEO

Ripple's failed bid for Circle highlights the competitive landscape in the crypto sector, emphasizing the strategic importance of stablecoin dominance. The post Ripple bid up to $5 billion to acquire Circle but offer was turned down appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Visa and Bridge are partnering to launch stablecoin-linked Visa cards for seamless crypto-backed payments Visa and Stripe-owned stablecoin platform Bridge have announced plans to launch stablecoin-linked Visa cards, aiming to make crypto-backed payments as seamless as traditional card purchases.  The…

Two days prior, onchain analyst ZachXBT noted that the value of XMR climbed following the theft of 3,520 BTC from a single victim. By Wednesday, he suggested the wallet’s owner might be “an elderly individual in the U.S.” 3,520 BTC Stolen From Elderly U.S. Citizen and Funneled Into XMR On Sunday, ZachXBT detailed that a […]

• #bitcoin

North Carolina lawmakers are set to vote on allocating money from the state's funds into Bitcoin

• #bitcoin

KuCoin is investing $2 billion to boost user trust in the centralized exchange.

Ripple proposed an acquisition of stablecoin rival Circle Internet Group Inc. for $4 billion to $5 billion. Circle rejected the offer for being too low, according to Bloomberg. The two companies held talks in recent months, though Ripple has not…

Key takeaways:ETH price has underperformed its peers during the current bull market, but gas sponsorship could lure developers and traders back to the network.Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade promises to improve staking efficiency, potentially increasing demand for ETH.Data suggests ETH price bottomed. Will the Pectra narrative reignite bullish momentum?Since 2024, ETH (ETH) has been more of a meme than a market mover. Unlike most of its rivals, ETH still hasn’t reclaimed its all-time high of $4,870 from November 2021, and it regularly underperforms even in the weak altcoin market. Currently, ETH trades at $1,813, down 56% from its local peak in December 2024.Despite the dismal price action, dismissing Ethereum as a relic may be premature. The network continues to evolve, and the upcoming Pectra upgrade scheduled for May 7 could rekindle market interest. By addressing long-standing user experience challenges and improving staking, Pectra may help Ethereum narrow the competitive gap with rivals like Solana and BNB. What’s more, it could potentially serve as the catalyst that brings ETH price back into the spotlight.What are Pectra’s key upgrades?The Pectra upgrade introduces 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) aimed at strengthening Ethereum across three dimensions: scalability through layer-2s, user experience (UX), and staking efficiency. Scalability remains Ethereum’s most persistent challenge, and critics argue that monolithic L1s would consistently outperform modular L2-based architectures. However, the UX and staking improvements in Pectra could have truly meaningful implications for Ethereum and ETH’s market dynamics.The standout upgrade is EIP-7702, which allows externally owned accounts (regular user wallets) to temporarily act like smart contracts. This unlocks features such as fee sponsorship and gas payments in tokens other than ETH. These enhancements could make Ethereum significantly more user-friendly, lowering entry barriers, enabling DApps to sponsor new users' gas fees, and improving wallet functionality with less friction. This is particularly relevant for onboarding non-technical users in gaming, payments, and mobile apps, which continue to face hurdles due to poor UX. Another positive aspect is that the option to pay gas fees with tokens other than ETH won’t diminish ETH’s role in the network. At the protocol level, validators will continue to receive fees in ETH, while payment processors will have to convert the fee tokens into Ether.On the staking side, EIPs 7251, 6110, and 7002 will also bring major changes. allow validators to hold up to 2,048 ETH instead of just 32, and significantly simplify validator onboarding and exits. Validators will be able to stake up to 2,048 ETH instead of just 32, and the onboarding and exit processes will become more seamless. These changes are especially meaningful for institutional validators. As disappointed institutions are starting to sell their ETH holdings, this upgrade could stimulate renewed engagement from big players.Will the Pectra upgrade affect ETH price?Ether’s price reflects the market’s expectations around its future demand, driven by its use to pay gas fees, and the dynamics of its supply. The Pectra upgrade is designed to strengthen both sides of that equation: increasing demand while reducing available supply.On the demand side, a significantly improved user experience could attract mainstream users and developers, accelerating adoption and onchain activity.On the supply side, streamlined and institution-friendly staking mechanisms may lead to more ETH being locked in validator nodes, tightening the circulating supply and potentially exerting upward pressure on price. Furthermore, if more innovative wallet features fulfill their promise of driving user adoption, the increased transaction throughput will also accelerate ETH burning, reducing the supply even further.Data shows Ethereum is currently experiencing one of its lowest burning periods ever, around 70 ETH per day, compared to 2,000 to 4,000 ETH in 2024. A resurgence in activity could push the burn rate higher, adding deflationary pressure that may support the price.Burned ETH after EIP-1559 (daily).Source: The BlockRelated: Ethereum is destroying the competition in the $16.1T TradFi tokenization raceCan Pectra spark an ETH price trend reversal?Pectra is set to add powerful features to Ethereum, but their impact may take time to materialize. In the meantime, the upgrade could provide the narrative ETH needs to regain market momentum.Technically, the setup looks favorable. ETH appears to have already formed a local bottom, with the weekly RSI — often a reliable reverse signal — breaking out of its downtrend on April 20. This marks the end of a correction that lasted since December 2024 and wiped out as much as 66% of ETH’s value. A new uptrend could be underway, but could Pectra be its trigger?ETH/USD 1-day. Source: Marie Poteriaieva, TradingViewHistorically, Ethereum upgrades often coincided with short-lived price spikes that often failed to create momentum. In 2022, the Merge was overwhelmed by bear market sentiment. The Shapella in 2023, which enabled stake withdrawals, struggled to sustain momentum. The 2024 Dencun upgrade, which improved L2 integration, marked the end of the March rally.However, the market cycle is now in its third year, just like in 2021, when Ethereum’s Berlin and London upgrades (improving gas pricing and introducing burning) helped fuel a major bull run. If history rhymes, Pectra could sync with the broader rally and mark Ethereum’s return to strength.Looking ahead, the Fusaka hard fork scheduled for late 2025 could add further upside potential to Ether.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.

After breaking past the pivotal $90,000 mark, Bitcoin’s price has remained strongly above this threshold, recording notable gains in the past few days. However, the renewed upward trend is now being faced with growing bearish sentiment from large BTC investors as they load up short positions. Whales Renew Interest In Bitcoin Shorts In a shocking […]

• #bitcoin

The U.K. is aligning crypto regulation with the U.S., aiming for greater global integration. U.S. leadership in Bitcoin reserves influences countries like Switzerland to consider adding BitcoinThe post UK unveils new crypto rules, aligns with U.S. in regulatory overhaul appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Blockchain payments firm Ripple has reportedly bid up to $5 billion in an effort to acquire stablecoin issuer Circle, but the offer was rejected.According to an April 30 Bloomberg report, Ripple put in a bid of between $4 billion and $5 billion as part of an attempted takeover of Circle, which was rejected as being too low. Ripple hasn’t considered whether to make another bid to purchase the stablecoin issuer.The reported acquisition came less than 30 days after Circle applied for an initial public offering (IPO) in the US. Cointelegraph reached out to representatives of Circle and Ripple for comment, but did not receive a response from either at the time of publication.This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

Lightchain AI presale heats up with $19.6m raised and tokens at $0.007125, drawing investors with real utility and growth. #pressrelease

Bitcoin, altcoins, and the stock market are down on Wednesday after a series of weak economic data from the United States. Bitcoin (BTC) price dropped below $94,000, much lower than this month’s high of $96,000. Similarly, top altcoins like Ripple…

• #litecoin
• #bitcoin
• #vechain

Governments outside the US, including Singapore, are increasingly interested in stablecoins not tied to the US dollar, despite their currently limited liquidity, Fireblocks director of policy Dea Markova told Cointelegraph at Token2049.In an exclusive interview, Markova described the competition with dollar-pegged stablecoins as “all about sovereignty.” She compared the situation to earlier tensions between governments and US payment giants like Visa and Mastercard. “Now we’re seeing the same dynamic with stablecoins — on a smaller scale for now — but they’re definitely emerging as a new arena for sovereign concerns,” she said.According to Markova, dollar-pegged stablecoins operating in the European Union are already "having a massive headache," particularly from central banks. "Even though they're compliant and regulated, they're having a fixed push back.”Dea Markova at Token2049. Source: CointelegraphThe European Central Bank is increasing pressure to accelerate the development of a digital euro, citing concerns over the systemic impact of dollar-linked stablecoins within the eurozone. On April 29, the Bank of Italy released a report saying dollar-pegged stablecoins’ reliance on US Treasury bonds could increase systemic risk vulnerabilities.Stablecoins’ market capitalization is dominated by dollar-pegged coins, especially Tether’s USDT (USDT) and Circle’s USDC (USDC). According to DefiLlama, those two coins combine for $210.9 billion (or 87.2%) of the $241.8 billion total market cap for such tokens. In fact, all 10 of the top stablecoins are pegged to the dollar.Top 10 stablecoins by market cap. Source: DefiLlamaFor Markova, the situation is similar to previous conflicts between governments and US payment giants like Visa and Mastercard. “Now we’re seeing the same dynamic with stablecoins — on a smaller scale for now — but they’re definitely emerging as a new arena for sovereign concerns,” she said.UAE ahead on ‘regulatory thinking’Markova added that the United Arab Emirates is “definitely ahead in its regulatory thinking” on stablecoins. She cited Abu Dhabi as an example, noting that the emirate does not require stablecoin issuers to be domiciled or licensed locally, unlike the regulatory approach in Europe.Markova explained that Abu Dhabi's approach is to conduct its due diligence on global stablecoins and decide whether local exchanges can offer them. "[...] is a far more reasonable approach to give local businesses access to global liquidity and payments.”In December 2024, USDT was approved as a recognized virtual asset in Abu Dhabi, followed by Circle receiving regulatory approval for USDC on April 29. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi institutions are collaborating on the launch of a regulated dirham-pegged stablecoin.Related: ECB exec renews push for digital euro to counter US stablecoin growth

Key points:Bitcoin’s 7-day volatility is the lowest in 563 days, signaling an impending range expansion.Bitcoin’s breakout above $95,000 could swiftly take it to $100,000 and above.Although the probability is low, traders should remain cautious about a pullback in the near term.Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading in a tight consolidation near the $95,000 level for several days. K33 Research head of research Vetle Lunde said in a post on X that Bitcoin’s 7-day volatility has hit a 563-day low.A range expansion usually follows a low-volatility period. Although it is difficult to predict the direction of the breakout, a tight consolidation just below a crucial resistance increases the likelihood of an upside rally. Several analysts are also optimistic that Bitcoin’s break will occur to the upside.Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360Although signs point to a possible breakout to the upside, traders should remain cautious. Sometimes, short-term buyers book profits when the price fails to break out to the upside. That leads to a short-term pullback.Could Bitcoin break above $95,000, or is a correction around the corner? How are the altcoins placed? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.Bitcoin price predictionBitcoin bulls are struggling to push the price above the $95,000 barrier, but a minor positive is that the buyers have not ceded ground to the bears. That suggests the bulls have kept up the pressure.BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day exponential moving average ($90,102) and the relative strength index (RSI) in the positive territory indicate the path of least resistance is to the upside. A break and close above $95,000 could swiftly propel the BTC/USDT pair to the psychological resistance at $100,000. Sellers are expected to vigorously defend the $100,000 obstacle, but if the bulls prevail, the pair could soar toward $107,000.Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will try to yank the price to the 20-day EMA, which is a strong near-term support to keep an eye on. A bounce off the 20-day EMA will keep the bullish momentum intact, but a break below it could sink the pair to the 50-day simple moving average ($85,645).Ether price predictionEther (ETH) is finding support at the moving averages, but the bulls have failed to resume the relief rally.ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA break and close above $1,858 signals strength to the buyers. The ETH/USDT pair could then rally to the breakdown level of $2,111. Sellers are expected to aggressively defend the $2,111 level as a break above it suggests that the downtrend has ended. The pair could then skyrocket to $2,550.On the contrary, if the price turns down and breaks below the moving averages, it signals a range formation. The pair could swing between $2,111 and $1,368 for a while.XRP price predictionXRP (XRP) turned down from the resistance line on April 28 and slipped below the moving averages on April 30.XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price continues lower and closes below the moving averages, it suggests that the bears have seized control. The pair could then retest the critical support at $2. If this level also cracks, the XRP/USDT pair may plunge to $1.61.The resistance line remains the key level to watch out for on the upside. If buyers pierce the resistance line, it suggests that the downtrend could be over. The pair may then ascend to $3.BNB price predictionBNB (BNB) slipped below the moving averages on April 30, indicating that the bulls are losing their grip.BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBuyers will have to quickly push the price back above the moving averages to stay in the game. A break and close above $620 indicates an advantage to the bulls and opens the doors for a rally to $644. Sellers may pose a substantial challenge at $644, but if the buyers prevail, the BNB/USDT pair could soar to $680.Contrarily, a close below the moving averages suggests that the bears are trying to form a lower high. The pair could drop to $576 and then to $566, where the bulls are expected to step in.Solana price predictionSolana (SOL) pulled back from the $153 resistance, but the bulls are trying to sustain the price above the 20-day EMA ($140).SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewSuppose the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA with strength; the likelihood of a break above the $153 resistance increases. If that happens, the SOL/USDT pair could pick up momentum and surge to $180. Alternatively, a break and close below the 20-day EMA suggests that the short-term bulls are closing their positions. The pair may then slip to the 50-day SMA ($131), signaling a consolidation between $110 and $153.Dogecoin price predictionDogecoin (DOGE) has been range-bound between $0.21 and $0.14 for several days, indicating buying near the support and selling close to the overhead resistance.DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe flattish moving averages and the RSI just below the midpoint signal that the range-bound action may extend for a few more days. The trend will turn in favor of the bulls if they push and maintain the DOGE/USDT pair above the $0.21 resistance. That completes a double-bottom pattern, which has a target objective of $0.28.On the downside, buyers are expected to vigorously defend the $0.14 support because a break below it could resume the downtrend toward $0.10.Cardano price predictionCardano (ADA) has been sustaining above the moving averages for the past few days, but the bulls have failed to start a strong rebound. ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price skids below the moving averages, it will tilt the short-term advantage in favor of the bears. The ADA/USDT pair could drop to $0.58, which is expected to act as a strong support. If buyers want to prevent the downside, they will have to swiftly push the price above the $0.75 resistance. If they do that, the pair could rally to $0.83, where the bears are likely to mount a strong defense.Related: Bitcoin macro indicator that predicted 2022 bottom flashes 'buy signal'Sui price predictionBuyers tried to push Sui (SUI) above the $3.90 overhead resistance on April 28, but the bears held their ground.SUI/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewSellers are trying to strengthen their position by pulling the price below the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $3.14. If they manage to do that, the pair could plummet to the 20-day EMA ($2.89).Conversely, if the price turns up sharply from the current level, the bulls will again try to kick the price above the $3.90 resistance. If they can pull it off, the SUI/USDT pair could rise to $4.25 and later to $5.Chainlink price predictionThe failure of the bulls to propel Chainlink (LINK) above the $16 overhead resistance has pulled the price to the moving averages.LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-day EMA ($13.93) is sloping up, but the RSI has dropped near the midpoint, suggesting that the bullish momentum is weakening. If the price rebounds off the moving averages with strength, the bulls will attempt to drive the LINK/USDT pair to the resistance line of the descending channel.The first sign of weakness will be a break and close below the moving averages. That opens the doors for a fall to $11.68.Avalanche price predictionAvalanche (AVAX) has dropped to the moving averages, which is likely to attract buying by the bulls.AVAX/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price rebounds off the moving averages, the bulls will again attempt to drive the AVAX/USDT pair above the overhead resistance. If they succeed, the pair will complete a double-bottom pattern. That could start a rally to the pattern target of $31.73.If the price continues lower and breaks below the 50-day SMA ($19.68), it signals that the bulls have given up. That may keep the pair inside the $23.50 to $15.27 range for a few more days. 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.

• #bitcoin

The proposed deal did not go through

The price of TRON (TRX) has resumed its horizontal trend after reaching the $0.26 level.

XRP and XLM lead 2025’s crypto rebound, but new ISO 20022 token Remittix may outshine them in cross-border payments. #partnercontent

Eric Trump said traditional banks could “be extinct in ten years” unless they embrace cryptocurrency and blockchain, telling CNBC that today’s financial plumbing is too slow, costly, and exclusionary. Eric Trump: SWIFT Is ‘a Disaster,’ Blockchain Does It Better Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, argued that legacy rails such as the […]

Growing stablecoin demand in volatile markets presents important implications for Bitcoin, potentially driving its price up.

• #bitcoin

The leading cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, announced the roadmap to list Worldcoin (WLD).  Coinbase has announced that Worldcoin (WLD)…

Worldcoin could rally 25% to $1.35 if it holds support at the $1.05 level. Traders remained over-leveraged between $1.05 (support) and $1.11 (resistance), increasing breakout pressure. WorldThe post Worldcoin: Whales and institutions swarm WLD – Will retail jump in next? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Key Takeaways:US GDP shrank -0.3% in Q1, far below +0.3% forecasts, sparking recession fears.Bitcoin faces selling pressure with its spot volume delta dropping $300 million in 3 days.Whales are accumulating BTC, but smaller holders are selling, hinting at profit-taking.Bitcoin’s (BTC) price dropped under $93,000 on April 30, after the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data revealed a -0.3% contraction in Q1. While the GDP missed expectations of +0.3%, the GDP Price Index soared to 3.7%—the highest since August 2023. Polymarket odds of a recession in 2025 hit 67%, with consumer confidence at its lowest since May 2020.Quarterly US GDP growth data. Source: X.comMeanwhile, in March 2025, PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) inflation fell to 2.3% (above the expected 2.2%), and Core PCE dropped to 2.6% (in line with expectations). Still, February’s Core PCE was revised from 2.8% to 3.0%, signaling mixed inflation trends.Short-term bearish, long-term bullish for Bitcoin?During the 2020 COVID-19-induced market crash, BTC initially followed traditional markets before rallying over 300% by year-end as the global M2 money supply increased, reflecting its appeal during periods of monetary expansion. However, stagflation, highlighted by the -0.3% GDP contraction in Q1 2025 and a 3.7% GDP Price Index, pose short-term risks. Cointelegraph noted that high inflation often deters retail crypto investment, as seen in 2022 when BTC fell 60% amid Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. The March 2025 PCE inflation data suggests cooling pressures that could ease Fed rate hike fears and support Bitcoin. On the other hand, February’s upward revisions (headline PCE from 2.5% to 2.7%, Core PCE to 3.0%) signal persistent inflation, keeping the Fed’s next moves uncertain. While fear of stagflation may pressure BTC in the short term, its long-term hedge potential remains valid. Related: Bitcoin macro indicator that predicted 2022 bottom flashes 'buy signal'Bitcoin sees $300 million in spot selling pressureBitcoin’s spot volume delta dipped over $300 million over the past three days, increasing potential sell-off pressure for BTC around the $95,000 level. Data from Glassnode indicates the 7-day moving average of BTC spot volume delta recorded negative flows over consecutive days. The negative inflows progressively increased with a minor $16 million flush on April 26, followed by $30.9 million on April 27, $76.1 million on April 28, and $193.4 million on April 29.Bitcoin Spot volume delta chart. Source: GlassnodeThis sharp decline signals aggressive selling and weakening spot demand, a signal to profit-taking or a potential short-term trend reversal. Despite the sell-off, the analytics platform noted that accumulation trends among Bitcoin holders paint a more nuanced picture. Whales holding over 10,000 BTC remain in an accumulation mode, with a trend score near 0.95. However, smaller holders show signs of distribution. The 10–100 BTC group is trending toward 0.6, while those with 1–10 BTC (0.3) and less than 1 BTC (0.2) are net sellers. This top-down accumulation suggests the current selling pressure stems from short-term holders potentially taking profit around the $95,000 level. Termed as a “profit-taking pressure test” for BTC, the current market is at a key decision point, where profit-taking is a pivotal metric to monitor. BTC: realized profit data. Source: GlassnodeLast week, the total realized profit on an hourly chart surged to $139.9M/hour, roughly 17% above its $120M/hour baseline. With the current spot delta outflows, the realized profit may hit new highs this week. Related: Bitcoin traders predict BTC price gains ahead of $96K liquidity clashThis 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.

• #bitcoin

Ever wondered what it feels like to get into a meme coin before it blows up? Picture this: one coin sitting on the edge of a 2900% explosion, two others storming Twitter feeds and trending across crypto forums, and a market that’s hungry for the next moonshot. That’s exactly where things stand right now in [...] The post FINAL100 Frenzy: Whales Are Racing into Stage 15 of BTFD’s Best Meme Coin Presale to Buy Now—While GIGA and CHEEMS Ride the Hype Wave! appeared first on Blockonomi.