NFTs storm back: Bored Apes lead while DeFi United and WU SOL stablecoin news hit

Published: 2026-04-27 12:09:09 |

NFTs are rebounding sharply, led by Bored Apes, as major blue-chip collections posted their strongest week of 2026. CryptoPunks climbed to about 30.95 ETH (+16.2% WoW) and Bored Apes returned above ~9.65 ETH after two large grail sales: Gold Fur at 121.9 ETH and Trippy Fur at 49 ETH. Other gains included Azuki (+49%), BAKC (+50.1%), Azuki Elementals (+37.5%), Otherside Koda (+32.2%), Meebits (+29.3%), and MAYC (+24.2%). Hypurr (HYPE) was the main notable loser (-6.1%). Traders are also pointing to the end of long-running NFT marketplace “farming” incentives (OpenSea/Blur/Magic Eden style), which may help restore supply-demand dynamics for NFTs. In DeFi, Aave-related recovery progress eased market stress after the $292M Kelp DAO exploit. DeFi United’s fund reached its target for fully backing rsETH subject to governance votes, with Arkham citing roughly $160–161M raised toward about $200M needed. Contributions cited included Mantle and Aave DAO (55,000 ETH combined), plus EtherFi (5,000 ETH) and other backers. Outside NFTs, Western Union confirmed it will launch a U.S.-dollar-backed stablecoin (USDPT) on Solana in May, issued via Anchorage Digital Bank and backed 1:1 by USD. The company also plans a “Stable Card” later in 2026. Overall, while BTC/ETH/most majors were slightly red in the morning, the NFT bid and clearer stablecoin adoption catalysts supported risk appetite for on-chain activity.

Bullish

The article is overall bullish because it highlights (1) a broad-based NFT demand rebound led by Bored Apes, and (2) de-risking signals in Aave-linked DeFi via the DeFi United recovery fund reaching its target (even if governance is still pending). NFT rallies often create short-term momentum and rotation into higher-liquidity blue chips, especially when incentive programs fade—historically, when marketplace “farming” ends, organic trading can briefly outpace incentive-driven churn. On top of that, Western Union’s confirmation of a Solana-based 1:1 USD stablecoin (USDPT) adds a real-world payment rails narrative, which can support medium-term sentiment toward stablecoins and on-chain settlement. Risks remain: (a) the Aave/rsETH situation is not fully “settled” until governance votes finalize, and (b) macro crypto prices are mixed (BTC/ETH slightly red), which can cap upside if liquidity thins. Still, the combination of improved DeFi stress visibility and a cleaner NFT demand story typically supports a constructive trading tape in the short term, with potential follow-through if volume sustains after the initial bounce.