Bitcoin hashrate surged to a record 350 exahashes per second, driven by new miner deployments and rising institutional demand. BlocksBridge reports that mining difficulty is set to adjust upward by 4.8% to 48.2 trillion on the next epoch, reflecting the network’s strengthened security. At the same time, on-chain transaction fees have sunk to an average of $1.18—down 55% year-on-year—due to reduced mempool congestion and lower trading volumes. Lower fees have improved user experience but compressed miner revenue per block. Overall, the network shows robust hash power growth and tougher competition, while fee income remains subdued.
Amid growing interest in the top crypto for 2025, four projects stand out: BlockDAG, Pepe, Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Dogecoin (DOGE). BlockDAG’s presale trades at $0.0276 in Batch 29, raising $376 million toward a $600 million goal. Analysts target $1 post-listing, suggesting 36x upside. Its hybrid DAG and Proof-of-Work design supports fast, scalable transactions, with 19,000 ASIC miners sold and 2.5 million users mining via the X1 app.
Memecoin Pepe leads with $1.6 billion in 24-hour trading volume and a 20% weekly rally. Trading at $0.000011, its deep liquidity and sustained hype cycles make it a top crypto for 2025 memecoin play.
Shiba Inu’s burn rate jumped 48,000%, lifting SHIB prices 12% weekly to $0.000013. The deflationary push and ecosystem upgrades could drive a breakout toward $0.0000254.
Dogecoin dipped 11% after institutional selling but remains in a proven accumulation zone. With strong support and cultural relevance, DOGE may follow past patterns that yielded 140–230% gains.
Overall, these tokens illustrate varied entry strategies—from presale potential and meme speculation to deflationary momentum. Traders eyeing the top crypto for 2025 can leverage these catalysts to position for the next bull cycle.
Crypto analyst Plazma forecasts a significant PEPE price repricing toward its all-time high (ATH) as the token’s 200-day moving average (MA) begins to slope upward. Currently trading just below the 200-day MA at $0.00001218 and defending an ascending trendline since March, PEPE shows a long-term uptrend. Shorter-term MAs (20, 50, 100 days) are compressed beneath the price, often preceding sharp moves. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 45 indicates neutral momentum.
On-chain activity has weakened since May, with daily volume near 504 million, limiting breakout strength without renewed demand. Spot trading on Binance, Kraken and OKX totaled over $5 million, with modest net inflows suggesting profit-taking risk. Futures volume rose 15.9% to $1.58 billion, but open interest fell 0.65%, indicating closed positions. Liquidation data showed more short squeezes, supporting upward pressure via algorithmic buying.
Upside hinges on a breakout above $0.00001200–$0.00001400 with expanding volume, paving the way to $0.000016–$0.000017 and potentially retesting the ATH near $0.0000175–$0.000018. Failure to reclaim the 200-day MA or breach the trendline risks a drop to $0.000009–$0.000008, with deeper support at $0.000006–$0.000004.
Arbitrum has submitted a formal proposal to host Ronin L2 as an Orbit chain, signaling a strategic partnership ahead of Ronin’s planned migration back to Ethereum by 2026. If approved, the EVM-compatible Ronin L2 will leverage Arbitrum Orbit’s native support for RON as its gas token, delivering faster transactions, customizable governance and optimized fee revenue for validators. Built by Sky Mavis in 2021, Ronin launched as a Layer-1 solution for Axie Infinity before evolving into an L2 candidate. Through Arbitrum’s dedicated gaming arm, Ronin users will tap into a mature web3 gaming ecosystem and instant settlement offered by Arbitrum’s Layer-2 network. The move aims to accelerate Web3 gaming adoption, increase cross-chain NFT and DeFi integration, and boost RON utility across Ethereum. Arbitrum and Ronin teams believe this integration will strengthen both protocols, expand developer tools and drive broader ecosystem growth.
HBAR has formed a bullish flag pattern on its daily chart, suggesting a potential rebound. The price pulled back to the 50-day moving average at $0.23. Analysts expect the RWA market to boom, boosting HBAR demand. A recent collaboration with Swarm enables tokenized stocks with 1:1 backing and insolvency protection. Hedera’s stablecoin studio and partnerships with asset managers like Aberdeen Group support its tokenization strategy. If HBAR breaks above the flag’s upper trendline at $0.304, it could surge toward $0.40. Traders should monitor the $0.23 support level for signs of strength.
Bullish
HBARHederaBullish Flag PatternReal-World AssetsTokenization Partnerships
VanEck’s latest ChainCheck report reaffirms its Bitcoin price prediction of $180,000 by December 2025, citing sustained institutional inflows, robust on-chain metrics, and bullish futures signals. The CME basis funding rate stands at 9%, while the call/put ratio has reached 3.21×—the highest since June 2024—with $792 million in 30-day call premiums. In July, Exchange-Traded Products acquired 54,000 BTC and digital asset treasuries added 72,000 BTC, underscoring growing institutional demand. Spot Bitcoin ETFs now hold $151.9 billion in assets with $54.97 billion in net inflows, and on-chain data shows whales and sharks have added 225,320 BTC since March, controlling 13.62 million BTC.
On the mining front, the Bitcoin network hashrate hit a record 902 EH/s, with U.S. miners capturing a 31% share. Revenue per EH/s rose to $59,400, while miner stocks like Applied Digital (APLD) and Bitfarms (BITF) climbed 54% and 16%, respectively. However, mNAV ratios for MicroStrategy (MSTR), Marathon (MTPLF), and SolGroup (SMLR) fell by 16%–62% due to low volatility inhibiting convertible debt issuance. Bitcoin ordinals minting surged 43% month-on-month to 109,779 inscriptions, and an October Bitcoin Core upgrade will remove the 83-byte data limit per block. Despite recent price dips around $124,457, VanEck maintains its bullish Bitcoin price prediction based on macro conditions, institutional adoption, and on-chain strength.
Remittix (RTX) has raised over $20 million by selling more than 600 million tokens in its presale, with token prices rising from $0.0944 to $0.0969. The PayFi model enables instant crypto-to-fiat conversion, solving high fees and delays in cross-border payments. A beta wallet due September 15 offers low gas fees, real-time FX conversion and mobile-first features across 30+ countries. Upon hitting the $20M milestone, Remittix confirmed its first centralized exchange debut on BitMart, boosting liquidity and global exposure. Audited by CertiK, the project also runs a 50% token bonus and a $250,000 giveaway to maintain momentum. Crypto influencers compare Remittix to XRP and XLM, forecasting up to 100x gains. Real-world use cases, like instant euro settlements for South American merchants, underscore its practical utility. With clear roadmap milestones ahead, Remittix positions itself as a high-growth altcoin prospect before full token circulation.
Shiba Inu price fell amid Ethereum-focused ETF sell-offs, driving a 6% SHIB price drop to a 13-day low of $0.000012. Shiba Inu’s burn rate plunged 98.89% to 223,914 tokens after $255 million exited ETH ETFs, signaling reduced network participation. SHIB trading volume halved to $206 million amid lower on-chain activity. Technical indicators show bearish momentum as SHIB trades below its 20-day moving average and the lower Bollinger Band, risking further declines toward $0.00001164 and $0.00001100. Reclaiming the 20-day MA at $0.000013 is crucial for a rebound. The collapse in burn rate weakens deflationary pressure and heightens downside risks for traders.
OpenAI is negotiating a $6B employee share sale that would set its OpenAI valuation at $500B, making it the world’s most valuable private AI company, surpassing SpaceX.
The secondary market deal will let current and former employees cash out equity without an IPO. This secondary transaction comes amid a rapid rally in OpenAI valuation, which rose from $157B in October to $300B in March after a SoftBank-led $40B funding round.
Investors including SoftBank, Thrive Capital and Dragoneer are expected to buy shares, providing liquidity to early team members. Bloomberg forecasts OpenAI’s revenue could triple to $12.7B by 2025, driven by the upcoming GPT-5 launch.
Traders should monitor large secondary sales and high private valuations for potential impacts on tech funding and AI tokens, as these deals may affect investor sentiment and market volatility.
Analyst Alex Krüger argues that Bitcoin bull run’s next leg will hinge on who President Trump nominates as Fed chair. In an August 18 note, Krüger said markets have not priced in the potential dovish turn that a new chair could bring. He dismissed the four-year halving cycle theory, pointing instead to the Fed’s ultra-hawkish pivot in January 2022 as the true catalyst for the previous cycle’s end.
The Fed chair term expires on May 15, 2026. Candidates such as Kevin Warsh and Kevin Hassett are under consideration. A dovish nominee could extend the cycle by boosting liquidity expectations. Conversely, a hawkish pick may drain the liquidity impulse that supported post-ETF Bitcoin gains.
Near-term catalysts include Powell’s Jackson Hole speech, PCE, NFP, CPI, and PPI data ahead of the September FOMC. Technically, Bitcoin has corrected from recent highs. Support zones lie at $112,000 and $100,000, with resistance at $122,000–$124,000. Derivatives metrics show suppressed volatility and reduced open interest, indicating cautious leverage.
Krüger concludes that a major trigger—likely a Fed chair nomination—will decide if the Bitcoin bull run continues.
FLOKI has formed a classic cup-and-handle pattern around $0.00010, signaling a potential breakout toward $0.00020. The daily chart shows the neckline at $0.00011–$0.000115 holding firm amid strong volume, indicating smart money accumulation. A confirmed rise above this area could trigger a measured move that doubles the current price.
Technical indicators support consolidation ahead of a big move. Bollinger Bands are narrowing, while the Chaikin Money Flow hovers near neutral, suggesting inflows are building without significant selling pressure. On-chain data shows a net outflow of $117,260 worth of FLOKI from exchanges, reducing immediate sell-side risk.
Meanwhile, a new listing on Robinhood expands FLOKI’s retail access to over 25 million users. This could boost liquidity and trading interest. Traders should watch for a decisive breakout above the handle’s neckline; failure to hold support might drag prices back to $0.000095. Overall, the setup points to bullish potential for FLOKI.
Bullish
FLOKICup-and-Handle PatternTechnical AnalysisRobinhood ListingMarket Outlook
Trading platform Bullish settled $1.15 billion of its recent IPO proceeds in stablecoins, underscoring a shift toward digital-native payment rails. According to Decrypt, roughly 90% of the funds arrived as USDC, with the remainder in USDT. Notably, 76% of these transactions were routed through the Solana blockchain, leveraging its high throughput and low fees. The balance cleared on Ethereum (11%), Tron (8%) and other chains (5%). By using stablecoins, Bullish bypassed traditional banking pipelines, accelerating settlement times to minutes rather than days. The move highlights growing institutional confidence in programmable money and points to Solana’s expanding role in large-value transfers. For traders, the result could be increased activity and liquidity on Solana-based venues, as well as renewed scrutiny of USDC-backed settlements across ecosystems.
The US faces inevitable inflationary pressure whether the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates under political pressure or maintains current levels. President Trump’s call for aggressive rate cuts could flood the economy with cheap money, driving core PCE inflation above 4% by 2026, weakening the dollar and spiking Treasury yields. Alternatively, even without rate cuts, tariffs and expansive fiscal policies are poised to push core inflation toward 3.0–3.2%, with 10-year yields rising to around 4.7%. In both scenarios, Bitcoin stands out as a hedge against rising prices and dollar erosion. Rapid monetary easing would trigger a swift Bitcoin rally alongside stocks and gold, while a slower inflation path would support gradual Bitcoin appreciation as a store of value. Traders should watch Fed rate decisions, inflation data and dollar benchmarks. Bitcoin’s role as an inflation hedge makes it a key asset for navigating US macro uncertainty and potential currency devaluation.
Veteran strategist Tom Lee of Fundstrat Global Advisors has reinforced his long-term bullish stance on Bitcoin, declaring it a viable replacement for gold and forecasting a $1 million valuation in the coming years. He highlighted Bitcoin’s evolution from a niche tech asset to mainstream store of value, citing growing institutional adoption and declining confidence in traditional hedges. Lee expects Bitcoin to finish this cycle building on the $120,000 level, then advancing toward $200,000–$250,000 by year-end, before ultimately targeting $1 million. He noted the four-year market cycle nearing completion as key institutions accumulate Bitcoin as long-term holdings. Meanwhile, Japanese firm Metaplanet added 775 BTC to its treasury, bringing its total to 18,888 BTC (≈$1.9 billion), underscoring robust corporate demand. Traders should watch Bitcoin’s cycle dynamics and institutional flows for future price catalysts.
Cold Wallet’s recent CoinMarketCap listing has amplified its $CWT presale visibility, offering early investors access to tokens at $0.00998 ahead of a $0.3517 launch price. The live self-custody wallet already rewards users in CWT for gas payments, swaps, and on/off-ramp usage. With over $6.21 million raised and Stage 17 pricing, the presale’s blend of real utility and CMC exposure positions Cold Wallet as a standout crypto presale token for 2025. Meanwhile, XRP fell 7% from $3.34 to $3.10 following a $437 million sell order and $1 billion in liquidations, yet renewed buying volume hints at a potential rebound. Tron (TRX) is testing resistance at $0.35 with rising volume and an RSI above 75, suggesting a pending breakout. Traders may view the XRP pullback as a buying opportunity and watch TRX for momentum, but Cold Wallet’s presale offers a time-sensitive entry backed by visibility, product launch, and discounted pricing.
On August 20, crypto trader James Wynn saw his 25x leveraged Ethereum position face a partial liquidation within ten hours. Wynn had used a 19,206.72 USDC referral reward to open a long trade on Ethereum at $4,239.5 per ETH, setting his liquidation price at $4,143.8. After the liquidation, he retains 71.6 ETH, worth roughly $300,000. This event highlights the inherent volatility of Ethereum and underscores the need for robust risk management in high-leverage ETH trading strategies. Traders should monitor price swings closely and adjust leverage and stop-loss levels to protect capital in fast-moving crypto markets.
Bernstein Research forecasts that Bitcoin’s surge could extend well into 2026, potentially reaching new all-time highs. Analysts highlight the upcoming 2024 halving as a key supply shock, cutting miner rewards in half and reducing sell pressure. Strong institutional demand—from corporate treasuries to exchange-traded products—along with favourable macroeconomic conditions and growing regulatory clarity, underpin the bullish outlook. Bernstein raised its long-term price target, citing network maturation and increased adoption as drivers. In their report, Bernstein attributes the Bitcoin surge to narrowing supply and heightened demand. This Bitcoin surge looks set to redefine the crypto market cycle and fuel prolonged investor interest.
Forbes recently updated its list of digital assets allegedly deemed securities by the U.S. SEC and notably excluded XRP. This omission follows key legal victories for Ripple, including the July 2023 ruling that XRP transactions on secondary markets are not securities, and the conclusion of the appeals process in August 2025. Major tokens like BNB, SOL, ADA and TRX remain on the list, making XRP’s absence a powerful symbol of regulatory clarity. Crypto traders view this shift as validation that XRP functions as a utility token, not a security. While Forbes’ list is editorial and not a legal decree, its decision mirrors improved market sentiment and reduced legal risk. Short-term, traders may see increased volume and price upside. Long-term, clearer regulation could drive institutional adoption and bolster XRP’s role in cross-border payments.
Bernstein analysts project Bitcoin could climb to $150,000–$200,000, extending the current bull market into 2026. Despite a recent 5.5% weekly decline to around $113,000, Bitcoin’s long-term momentum remains intact.
The firm identifies Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) as key drivers in the next market cycle. It highlights the White House’s push for crypto-friendly regulation, aiming to make the U.S. the world’s crypto capital. This initiative may disrupt traditional four-year cycles and fuel unprecedented price moves.
Robinhood’s price target was raised to $160, reflecting stronger retail crypto engagement. Traders should track on-chain metrics, staking yields, and policy changes to navigate this bullish market.
Bitcoin fell 3.5% on Wednesday as global equity markets sold off. The S&P 500 dropped 2.1% and the Nasdaq slid 2.7%, driven by renewed inflation concerns and hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve comments. Traders reacted to stronger-than-expected consumer price index data, which raised doubts about the timeline for rate cuts. The sell-off intensified the correlation between bitcoin and traditional markets, highlighting growing risk-on, risk-off dynamics in the crypto sector. Market participants await the Fed’s next meeting for guidance on monetary policy. Trading volumes surged as investors de-risked portfolios across asset classes.
In June 2024, North Korea’s state-backed Lazarus Group executed a $19.5 million crypto theft on UK-based Lykke exchange, siphoning Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) confirmed Lazarus’s role. Lykke entered liquidation in March after failing to recover from the breach.
Stolen funds were laundered via Thorchain (RUNE), no-KYC platforms and OTC desks in China, Cambodia and Russia. This sophisticated laundering complicates regulatory tracking and highlights gaps in crypto security. Exchanges must adopt multi-layered security, regular audits and clear incident response plans. Traders should use hardware wallets, enable two-factor authentication and remain vigilant against phishing attacks.
Consensys’ MetaMask wallet has announced a native MetaMask integration with the Tron blockchain, allowing its 100 million users to access Tron’s DeFi ecosystem, which holds $26 billion in total value locked and settles over $22 billion daily. As the third non-Ethereum network supported natively—after Solana and Sei—Tron users can now connect directly without third-party bridges. The partnership emphasizes interoperability and user empowerment, tapping into Tron’s 324 million accounts, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. This MetaMask integration marks a key step in MetaMask’s multi-chain evolution, reducing friction and maintaining its leading position amid growing wallet competition. Following the announcement, Tron’s native token TRX remained stable at $0.35, reflecting a cautious market response, although TRX has outperformed this year with a 37% gain that surpasses its previous cycle peak.
Circle has launched Gateway, a new platform enabling instant USDC transfers across seven blockchains: Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, Optimism, Polygon PoS, and Unichain. By unifying stablecoin liquidity, USDC transfers occur in under 500 ms via a combination of smart contracts and off-chain attestations. This cross-chain solution reduces fragmentation, lowering costs and treasury management complexity for exchanges. Users deposit USDC into a self-custodial Gateway Wallet on any supported chain; balances then update across all networks. The Gateway Minter handles token minting and burning to facilitate seamless transfers, while trustless withdrawals remain possible even if the API is unavailable. Circle plans to expand Gateway to additional chains, including Arc. The launch comes amid strong demand for stablecoins, with Circle reporting Q2 revenues of $658 million, up 53% year-over-year, driven by an 86% increase in USDC circulation. By offering near-instant, cost-efficient USDC transfers, Gateway aims to enhance cross-chain interoperability and streamline stablecoin liquidity, potentially reshaping stablecoin infrastructure and influencing market dynamics.
Bitcoin Optech Newsletter #367 details the release candidates LND v0.19.3-beta.rc1 and Bitcoin Core 29.1rc1, introducing key bug fixes, optional data migrations and reduced resource requirements. Major Bitcoin Core changes include removal of ineffective DoS peer discouragement, a per-input cache for sighash pre-computation and a new monolithic libbitcoinkernel.a static library for streamlined downstream linking. Pull requests #33050, #32473 and #33077 improve performance and documentation. Core Lightning’s #8389 update mandates the channel_type field on channel opens and clarifies zero-conf channel reporting. No major debates arose on Bitcoin-Dev or Lightning-Dev lists this week. Traders focusing on Bitcoin scaling can prepare for upcoming deployments. Bitcoin Optech underscores ongoing maintenance efforts across the Bitcoin protocol and Lightning Network. Market impact is expected to remain neutral.
Solana (SOL) and Avalanche (AVAX) prices have stalled despite recent network milestones. Solana reached a record 107,664 transactions per second (TPS) but saw its price slip over 6% to around $182. On-chain data indicates robust liquidation processing during market dips. Analysts note a TD Sequential buy signal, suggesting a brief rebound followed by potential lower lows.
Avalanche has struggled to maintain bullish momentum. AVAX tested strong support at $24, with a breach potentially pushing it toward $20. A sustained recovery above $32 could pave the way to $38–$40 before Q4. Google search interest in AVAX is on the rise, hinting at renewed retail attention.
In contrast, low-cap altcoin Remittix (RTX) has emerged as a top utility token, rallying 250% in 30 days. Its frictionless, low-fee payments solution and upcoming Q3 beta wallet release have drawn whale interest. A 20% referral program and a $250,000 giveaway are boosting community engagement. Having secured $20 million in funding, Remittix is poised for a major centralized exchange listing.
Traders seeking the best altcoin opportunities should consider tokens with real-world use. Remittix’s rally underscores the market’s shift toward utility tokens over purely technical upgrades.
Stake Casino has emerged as a leading offshore Canadian crypto casino. Accessible across most provinces without provincial licensing, the platform supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC) transactions. Users benefit from fast deposits, low fees and enhanced privacy, though they assume crypto volatility risks.
The site features thousands of slots, live dealer tables, a full sportsbook and provably fair games that let players verify outcome randomness. Its intuitive interface and community features boost engagement, while responsible gambling tools—deposit limits, session time-outs and self-exclusion—help users maintain control.
Security relies on SSL encryption, two-factor authentication and transparent algorithms. Rather than traditional welcome bonuses, Stake Casino rewards regular players with rakeback, weekly giveaways and a multi-tier VIP program.
Pros include rapid crypto transactions, a vast game library and transparent mechanics. Cons involve the lack of Canadian licensing, exposure to cryptocurrency price swings and limited fiat options. Canadian traders should verify local regulations and practice responsible gambling. Overall, Stake Casino is ideal for crypto-savvy players seeking speed and variety, but less suited to those preferring traditional payments or local licensing.
Glassnode data shows divergent behavior among Bitcoin investor cohorts during the current consolidation phase. First Buyers increased holdings by 1%, adding 50,000 BTC in five days, while Conviction Buyers boosted positions by 10% to 1.03 million BTC, though participation lags April levels. The Bitcoin investor cohorts’ mixed actions reflect fresh demand countered by strategic selling: Loss Sellers sold 37.8% more coins at a loss, rising to 87,000 BTC, and Profit Takers locked in gains, up 5.4% to 1.83 million BTC—their largest YTD increase. CryptoQuant notes short-term holders are realizing losses for the first time since January, signaling either a healthy reset or weakening momentum. Traders should watch this consolidation for signs of breakout or deeper correction.
At a major blockchain conference, SEC Chair Atkins doubled down on ’Project Crypto’, reiterating the commission’s commitment to fostering digital asset innovation alongside robust investor protections. She highlighted recent steps to clarify crypto regulation frameworks, including ongoing reviews of token proposals and engagement with industry stakeholders. Atkins emphasized that the SEC seeks to balance market integrity with technological progress, signalling potential green lights for spot bitcoin ETFs and tokenization projects. The speech aimed to reduce uncertainty by promising clear guidelines, cross-agency collaboration, and open dialogue with crypto firms to support responsible growth in the sector.
Wyoming’s Stable Token Commission has launched FRNT, a yield-bearing, state-backed stablecoin, across seven blockchains, with its Solana version set to go live on Kraken. Backed by US dollars and short-term US Treasurys and built on LayerZero’s cross-chain technology, FRNT aims to facilitate secure, transparent, and efficient digital transactions. The Wyoming FRNT stablecoin, approved under the 2023 Wyoming Stable Token Act, has no fixed supply and operates on Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Base, Arbitrum (ARB), Optimism (OP), Polygon (MATIC) and Avalanche (AVAX).
A portion of FRNT interest profits will support the Wyoming School Foundation, funding education initiatives after covering operational costs. The Solana-based FRNT will also be spendable via a Visa card from payments firm Rain. LayerZero CEO Bryan Pellegrino and Wyoming Stable Token Commission Executive Director Anthony Apollo highlighted the multi-chain, technology-neutral approach as a competitive advantage, potentially attracting users from emerging markets seeking US dollar exposure. The Wyoming FRNT stablecoin launch on Kraken marks a first for a US state, reinforcing Wyoming’s position as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction and signalling broader adoption potential for state-backed digital currencies.