Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

Dogecoin co-founder Billy Markus has publicly condemned former President Donald Trump’s recent tariff policies and broader deregulatory stance on cryptocurrencies, warning that such moves could increase market volatility and severely impact both the crypto and global financial markets. Markus, expressing views on the X platform, criticized aggressive tariffs for their potential to worsen inflation and possibly trigger a recession, especially amid fragile US-China trade relations. He echoed Elon Musk’s concerns that protectionist measures may destabilize the global financial system. These criticisms come amid growing debate in the crypto sector over Trump’s push for looser crypto regulations, which his administration frames as pro-innovation but critics argue consolidates power among political elites and wealthy investors. High-profile, politically-linked projects like World Liberty Financial (WLF) and TRUMP Coin have come under regulatory scrutiny, with the Department of Justice even disbanding its crypto enforcement unit, further reducing oversight. Watchdogs warn this environment favors political and business interests over financial inclusion. The convergence of deregulation, political token proliferation, and economic protectionism signals heightened uncertainty and potential market volatility. Traders should stay alert to evolving US regulatory and trade policies, especially those with global implications, as these could drive significant price swings in both traditional and crypto markets. Attention to transparency and compliance in politically themed crypto projects is particularly advised.

Coinbase (COIN) has achieved a major milestone, becoming the first crypto-native company to join the S&P 500, a move that signals growing institutional adoption and mainstream legitimacy for cryptocurrencies. This follows its dominant position in crypto custody, including holding keys for most U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs. The company reported strong 2024 net income of $2.58 billion and has seen its stock rally 43% since April 2025, outperforming major altcoins and drawing increased interest from both institutional and retail investors. Analysts highlight that COIN’s investment appeal now rests on expanding institutional adoption and the sustained growth of retail crypto trading. Technical analysis points to possible further upside, with price targets near $341 if momentum is maintained. Meanwhile, direct exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) remains highly volatile in early June 2025, with altcoins particularly at risk of further correction due to increased Bitcoin dominance and resistance at key moving averages. Comparatively, COIN stock is viewed as a lower-volatility, more regulated way for investors to gain exposure to the crypto sector, especially as institutional capital flows into more traditional channels. For risk-averse traders, COIN offers stability and the benefits of a regulated environment, while direct crypto holdings may provide higher, but riskier, returns for those with greater risk tolerance. Overall, the combination of S&P 500 inclusion, strong financial results, and technical momentum makes Coinbase stock the favored short- to mid-term investment over higher-risk altcoins, though diversification remains wise to balance risk and opportunity in the current crypto market landscape.

A prominent Ethereum whale, previously noted for incurring substantial losses in May, has re-entered the market with a significant purchase of 1,661 WETH (Wrapped Ethereum) over the past 11 hours. This move follows an earlier loss of 8,613 ETH but has now led the whale back into a floating profit position. The whale’s renewed buying activity is attracting considerable attention from the crypto trading community, as such large-scale transactions are often viewed as crucial indicators of market sentiment and can trigger major price movements. The whale’s re-entry signals a potential recovery and increased confidence in Ethereum and its derivatives, including WETH. Crypto traders are closely monitoring these whale movements, as they may forecast short-term price volatility and influence trading strategies. This renewed interest and activity underscore growing positive sentiment around the Ethereum market, with broader implications for both immediate price action and overall trader outlook.

Bitcoin’s latest market developments highlight a surge in miner profitability, with revenues reaching a post-halving peak of $1.52 billion in May 2025. Despite average production costs rising steeply—now exceeding $91,000 per Bitcoin—miners are still profiting as prices range between $103,000 and $105,000. However, this robust miner profitability is at a turning point, as market momentum has slowed following the April 2024 halving event that reduced block rewards by half. The Miner’s Position Index (MPI) has recently turned positive, signaling that miners might be moving Bitcoin to exchanges for possible liquidation. Historically, such behavior often precedes increased market volatility or even capitulation events, especially if spot prices approach or fall below production costs. With miner profit margins narrowing and sideways price action increasing trader uncertainty, any significant miner sell-offs could trigger larger price swings and downside risk for BTC in the near-term. Crypto traders should closely monitor miner positioning and on-chain flows for early indicators of potential market shifts.

BlockDAG, Avalanche (AVAX), Sui (SUI), and Litecoin (LTC) are positioned as leading cryptocurrencies to watch for potential significant upside in 2025, driven by recent technological advancements, presale milestones, and momentum around ETF approvals. BlockDAG has achieved a $282 million presale, selling over 21.8 billion BDAG tokens at $0.0018, with a major launch on 20+ major exchanges scheduled for June 13. Its hybrid DAG and Proof-of-Work consensus, 15,000 TPS capability, and EVM-compatible smart contracts set the foundation for ecosystem growth and wider adoption. Avalanche is strengthening its position with real-world integrations, such as partnerships with Filecoin and digital property initiatives in Bergen County, NJ. The AVAX price has shown strong support and could see positive price action if it breaks key resistance. Sui has recovered $162 million from a major exploit and is attracting institutional attention following Nasdaq’s spot ETF application via 21Shares. Approval could significantly increase SUI’s liquidity and institutional participation. Litecoin continues to post bullish technical indicators, with analysts estimating a 68% chance for spot ETF approval in 2025—a move that could spark major rallies. For crypto traders, participating ahead of BlockDAG’s launch or before possible ETF approvals for Sui and Litecoin may present lucrative opportunities as these catalysts play out. All four projects demonstrate robust fundamentals and actionable upcoming catalysts, making them important to monitor for market-oriented strategies.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has indicated growing regulatory openness to allowing in-kind redemptions for spot Bitcoin ETFs, a move strongly advocated by industry leaders like BlackRock and ARK Invest. Currently, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs operate under a cash-only redemption model, which requires issuers to sell Bitcoin to meet investor redemptions, leading to taxable events, operational friction, and potential price slippage. If approved, in-kind redemptions would allow investors to exchange ETF shares directly for physical Bitcoin, providing greater tax efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and aligning Bitcoin ETFs more closely with traditional ETF structures. BlackRock has already filed for in-kind functionality for its iShares Bitcoin Trust. Commissioner Peirce, known for her pro-crypto stance, emphasized that this shift would better serve investor interests and enhance the overall attractiveness of Bitcoin ETFs. The crypto industry’s positive reception of these developments and the SEC’s evolving attitude could catalyze increased competition in the ETF space, drive further mainstream adoption of Bitcoin investment products, and improve market liquidity. Crypto traders should closely monitor for SEC approval, as the policy change could impact Bitcoin ETF inflows and present new trading opportunities.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has made a bold prediction that Bitcoin (BTC) could reach $1 million by 2028, driven by the US government’s potential injection of up to $9 trillion in liquidity to address its rising debt. Hayes, speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 conference and in recent commentary, highlighted that increased government spending, political shifts linked to upcoming US elections, and unprecedented monetary easing are likely to accelerate money printing far beyond COVID-era stimulus. He criticized US Treasury bonds for poor returns and oversupply, arguing that assets like Bitcoin, gold, and stocks offer superior value. Hayes outlined three key liquidity policies: enabling unlimited bank leverage to purchase US Treasuries, imposing heavy taxes to push foreign investors out (forcing commercial banks to step in), and utilizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to inject $5 trillion into the mortgage market. These measures, he believes, will boost market liquidity and make Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies increasingly attractive. Hayes also projected that Ethereum (ETH) could see gains, potentially reaching $5,000. Broader regulatory developments, such as enhanced stablecoin frameworks, are expected to foster institutional trust and drive adoption. Other prominent voices, like Tim Draper, echo this optimism, citing clearer regulation and rising corporate investment in crypto. Crypto traders are advised to closely watch US fiscal and monetary policy changes, as large-scale liquidity events could trigger major rallies in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued new guidance clarifying the regulatory framework for crypto staking, especially on proof-of-stake blockchains. This update significantly reduces regulatory uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market and is seen as a positive move for traders and service providers. The SEC stated that typical protocol staking does not require registration, treating staking rewards as compensation for services rather than securities. This has boosted market confidence, particularly in staking-focused coins and networks. XDC Network (XDC) has been emphasized as well-positioned for real-world adoption, thanks to its hybrid blockchain design, which enhances speed, security, and compliance. Its growing use in trade finance, supply chains, and cross-border payments makes XDC a top choice for investors seeking compliant blockchain solutions. While there are concerns about the long-term legal stability of the SEC’s guidance, the clarification has already led to increased trading volumes and investor interest in compliant staking platforms. With clearer rules and strong technical capabilities, XDC and similar projects are expected to benefit in both the short and long term as institutional and retail participation rises.

The global crypto market cap has soared beyond $3.5 trillion, signaling unprecedented momentum in digital assets. This surge is fueled by a strong return of institutional investment, especially into Bitcoin, and significant expansion in decentralized finance (DeFi), crypto lending, and stablecoins. Institutional capital now comprises a substantial share of DeFi’s $178 billion total value locked (TVL), with Ethereum leading the sector due to its robust ecosystem and Layer 2 advancements. Aave, as a key protocol, secures $25 billion in TVL, attracting both institutional and retail participants. Following recent deleveraging, crypto lending has rebounded with combined CeFi and DeFi loan volumes reaching $30 billion, supported by improved credit quality and increased institutional involvement. The stablecoin sector stands out in 2024, registering a dramatic 56% year-over-year growth to reach $250 billion in capitalization. Major financial players—including Société Générale (EURCV), PayPal (PYUSD), JPMorgan (JPM Coin), and a rumored Bank of America token—are expanding their stablecoin offerings, signaling deeper traditional finance engagement. Legislative progress in the US, with new stablecoin bills and anticipated SEC/CFTC guidance, is expected to clarify regulatory frameworks by 2025-2027, potentially allowing bank custody and formalized DeFi oversight. Unlike earlier rallies driven mainly by speculation, the current uptrend reflects genuine market development and the maturation of infrastructure, indicating a move toward sustainability, liquidity, and institutional-grade stability across the crypto industry.

Two New York Police Department (NYPD) officers are under investigation for alleged involvement in a high-profile cryptocurrency kidnapping and torture case in Manhattan’s SoHo district. Officer Roberto Cordero, a member of the mayor’s security team, reportedly drove Italian crypto investor Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan to a luxury townhouse where he was abducted, assaulted, and held for three weeks as kidnappers tried to extract his crypto wallet phrases using violence. Detective Raymond J. Low allegedly provided off-duty security for the same location and may have received private payments from a suspect. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave and are under internal affairs review, as regulations demand official approval for off-duty private security work. Suspects John Woeltz (the ’crypto king of Kentucky’) and William Duplessie, a Swiss crypto fund co-founder, have been indicted and remain in custody. The incident has raised concerns over law enforcement integrity and the security of large cryptocurrency transactions. While the event has drawn significant attention within the crypto and law enforcement communities, its direct impact on overall crypto market sentiment and price movement is expected to remain limited unless further systemic risks emerge.

Bitcoin (BTC) recently surged to an all-time high of $111,970 before correcting to around $108,000, signaling strong market momentum and increased institutional interest. Analysts predict a potential rally towards $115,000, citing a major shift in this bull run: the expansion of Bitcoin DeFi (decentralized finance). Over 2,000 BTC have been locked in Stacks’ sBTC, highlighting the rapid growth of DeFi protocols such as Stacks, Arch, and Botanix. These platforms let investors earn yield, access lending markets, and participate in decentralized exchanges without selling their BTC holdings, marking a transformation of Bitcoin from a passive store-of-value into productive, yield-generating capital. Innovations from protocols like Granite and Palladium Labs are accelerating native BTC DeFi adoption, improving user engagement and driving new use cases such as Bitcoin-backed stablecoins. While the decentralized nature of Bitcoin presents technical and cultural challenges for swift DeFi adoption, market sentiment remains bullish as capital inflows and the use of blockchain in gaming, esports, and global payments increase. Experts expect Bitcoin’s ongoing DeFi integration and rising utility to fuel continued price appreciation, further integrating BTC into digital marketplaces and emerging economies.

Retail traders are increasingly reallocating funds from established cryptocurrencies like Cardano to emerging altcoins such as Lightchain AI. Analysts note that Litecoin and Solana remain strong performers due to their network strengths and innovation, but the latest trading data shows a marked shift in retail investor sentiment toward Lightchain AI, particularly given its integration of artificial intelligence with blockchain technology. Although Cardano continues to be a trending topic and maintains a significant media presence, Lightchain AI has recently become the most accumulated altcoin among retail participants. This growing focus on next-generation, AI-powered blockchain projects demonstrates traders’ appetite for innovation and suggests a gradual diversification away from traditional stalwarts. Market observers highlight that this pattern may spur further volatility and increases in trading volume among altcoins, as retail participation serves as a key growth driver for newer projects. Traders are advised to monitor such asset flows and evolving sentiment as demand for advanced and efficient blockchain solutions intensifies.

Institutional demand for Ethereum (ETH) is accelerating, with recent derivatives market data indicating a clear shift in favor of ETH over Bitcoin (BTC) among major traders and institutions. Key signals include a 186% increase in ETH futures open interest on the CME since April, far surpassing BTC’s 70% growth over the same period. ETH futures premiums have climbed to 10.5%, outpacing BTC’s 8.74%, while options risk reversals and higher call option premiums further highlight growing bullish sentiment for Ethereum. Perpetual funding rates for ETH now hover near 8%, compared to BTC’s sub-5%, underscoring stronger long-side positioning. This surge is driven by Ethereum’s robust DeFi and NFT ecosystem, attractive staking yields after the Proof-of-Stake upgrade, and ongoing scalability developments. The trend reflects institutional diversification beyond Bitcoin, with ETH emerging as a core portfolio holding. Increasing institutional adoption may bolster ETH’s legitimacy, market infrastructure, and upward price potential. Crypto traders should monitor these institutional signals as indicators of potential continued bullish momentum. While market volatility remains and short-term outcomes may vary, the strengthening institutional focus on Ethereum marks a maturing of its ecosystem and could impact both ETH’s price trajectory and the broader crypto market structure.

Bitcoin’s outlook for the second quarter is influenced by a convergence of factors including historical seasonal trends, macroeconomic developments, technical resistance, and whale trading activities. Historically, Bitcoin has posted gains in several past Q2 periods, which could repeat if conditions align. However, US Federal Reserve policy remains a central driver: the potential for interest rate cuts may boost risk appetite, while a continued hawkish stance and upcoming US inflation data are adding volatility and cautious sentiment toward risk assets like Bitcoin. On-chain data shows increased selling pressure as the taker buy/sell ratio drops below 1, signaling weakened momentum. Whale activity has intensified, with major traders shifting leveraged positions, which could amplify price swings and signal institutional sentiment. Funding rates on perpetual futures remain neutral, reflecting hesitancy to take aggressive long bets despite rising open interest and price. Bitcoin is also testing key technical resistance at previous highs; a breakout, supported by higher trading volume, could trigger a short squeeze and open the path toward targets as high as $155,000. Conversely, increased whale selling or lack of technical confirmation could lead to downward corrections. Overall, while macro headwinds and bearish exchange signals weigh on near-term price action, traders should watch for decisive technical moves and institutional whale activity, as these could present significant trading opportunities in an otherwise volatile environment.

Tether, the world’s leading stablecoin issuer, has reaffirmed its commitment to international markets despite ongoing developments in US stablecoin regulation, including the progression of the GENIUS Act in Congress. CEO Paolo Ardoino stated that Tether is reviewing the US Genius Act to ensure regulatory compliance but emphasized that the company’s growth strategy will remain focused on emerging global markets, particularly regions with large unbanked populations. Ardoino noted that the abundance of payment options in the US, such as Zelle and PayPal, reduces the demand for stablecoins like USDT in the domestic market. While Tether does not currently serve US customers, most of its reserves already comply with proposed US regulatory standards, which require stablecoins to be fully backed by cash or US Treasury bonds and to adhere to AML and Bank Secrecy Act guidelines. Tether continues to advance transparency by appointing Cantor Fitzgerald to oversee its reserves and hiring a new CFO to strengthen financial oversight, positioning itself for ongoing engagement with regulators. Despite potential competition from US banks exploring their own stablecoins, Tether’s established presence in underbanked markets and its strict KYC/AML practices reinforce its global market dominance. As the stablecoin sector surpasses $248 billion in circulation, Tether’s international growth strategy and commitment to compliance and transparency may enhance market confidence, but significant expansion within the US remains unlikely until regulatory clarity is achieved.

Jim Cramer, a prominent financial analyst, emphasized caution regarding a potential bottom in the U.S. stock market in light of ongoing economic uncertainty, persistent global trade tensions, and rising bond yields. Major stock indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq have declined, and Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to Aa1 as national debt surpassed $36 trillion. Cramer’s cautious stance, often viewed as a contrarian or ’inverse Cramer’ signal by crypto traders, has fueled bullish sentiment in digital assets. As traditional markets experience instability, some investors are turning to cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, as a diversification and safe-haven strategy. Bitcoin rose about 3% during the initial rally, continuing to climb and recently trading near $109,000 with a 5% weekly gain, supported by increased institutional adoption and the establishment of state-level Bitcoin reserves in places like Arizona and the Northern Hemisphere. Cramer’s latest comments, combined with declining confidence in equities and fiscal stability, have heightened interest in cryptocurrencies as an alternative asset class. These developments, along with new institutional and legislative support, may prompt further capital inflows into crypto markets, sustaining or expanding recent momentum.

Solana (SOL) has reached a milestone, with the number of shrimp wallets (addresses holding at least 0.1 SOL) surpassing 11.16 million—a record high for the network. This rise in retail wallet activity signals increasing grassroots adoption and network engagement, even as SOL’s price dipped below $170 due to recent market volatility. Analysts highlight that Solana currently leads the blockchain sector in weekly revenue, commanding over 51% market share and outperforming networks like Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tron, and BNB. Technical indicators reflect mixed short-term momentum: while bullish momentum is present, SOL’s RSI remains moderate and MACD is still negative. Key resistance lies between $176 and $188; a decisive breakout above this range could spark a new bull run, potentially targeting $200. Traders are advised to monitor sustained wallet growth and resistance levels for continued bullish potential, as historical trends show that increased activity on the Solana network often precedes price recoveries.

Crypto swapper eXch, known for enabling anonymous crypto transactions via its no-KYC policy and pooled liquidity, was officially shut down by German authorities in April after being linked to the laundering of funds from the $1.4 billion Bybit hack, allegedly involving the notorious Lazarus Group. During the shutdown, servers and approximately €34 million in crypto assets were seized. However, blockchain security firms now report that eXch may still be servicing select clients through its back-end APIs, despite its public closure. This suggests the platform’s operations are continuing in stealth mode, leveraging its decentralized architecture and multi-jurisdictional structure to evade regulatory oversight. eXch has processed a total of $1.9 billion in cryptocurrencies since inception, becoming a preferred tool for hackers and illegal drainers such as Monkey Drainer, Pink Drainer, and Inferno Drainer. The case underscores continuing global challenges around regulating KYC-less crypto platforms, as criminal actors may migrate to other decentralized protocols like THORChain for money laundering. While the shutdown is a positive development for industry security, the persistence of such platforms exposes gaps in enforcement and highlights persistent tensions between privacy and compliance. Crypto traders should be alert to possible short-term volatility from regulatory actions, while long-term impacts hinge on regulatory adaptation and the evolution of laundering tactics.

Institutional investment in cryptocurrencies is accelerating, with major players increasing their holdings in Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL). SOL Strategies and DeFi Development Corporation have both made significant acquisitions of SOL, reflecting growing confidence in the Solana blockchain’s speed and active developer ecosystem. DeFi Development Corporation recently purchased 172,670 SOL at $136.81 per coin, bringing its total SOL assets to around $102.54 million, with plans for further accumulation. Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) added 13,390 BTC at an average price of $99,856, investing $1.34 billion despite a $5.9 billion impairment loss in Q1. Analysts remain bullish on Strategy, projecting potential share price growth. A further milestone for crypto adoption is Coinbase’s upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 on May 19, marking the first time a crypto exchange has entered the index and signaling greater mainstream acceptance. Since its 2021 listing, Coinbase has expanded globally, including the record $2.9 billion acquisition of derivatives platform Deribit. Despite a 17% drop in Coinbase shares year-to-date, historical precedent suggests S&P 500 inclusions often prompt short-term price increases due to index fund interest. These developments underscore surging institutional demand and growing legitimacy for BTC and SOL. For crypto traders, these signals may indicate stronger price stability and a supportive outlook for both assets.

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a comprehensive mix of domestic and international policy actions aimed at boosting US economic competitiveness. Domestically, Trump signed an executive order to cut US prescription drug prices by 30% to 90%, aligning them with those in other developed markets and potentially lowering healthcare spending, which health officials say is heavily driven by prescription drugs. On the international front, the US and China agreed to a 90-day reduction in tariffs on a wide range of goods — US tariffs on Chinese products will fall from 145% to 30%, and China will drop tariffs on US exports from 125% to 10%. However, high tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals remain. The agreement focuses on easing prior trade tensions and granting wider market access for US firms, though some sectors are excluded. Trump also criticized the EU for tough trade stances, amid threats of further US tariffs and the EU floating retaliation on US goods. Further, Trump reported diplomatic progress: a brokered India-Pakistan ceasefire, efforts to mediate Russia-Ukraine peace talks, and potential sanction relief for Syria. With claims of over $10 trillion in fresh investment inflows, the policy changes could impact global markets, particularly in sectors tied to US-China trade and healthcare. For crypto traders, the thaw in trade tensions may temper market risk and favor assets like major cryptocurrencies, which react positively to reductions in global uncertainty and increased investor confidence. Close monitoring of subsequent trade and policy developments is recommended for gauging potential volatility and market direction.

A prominent Ethereum whale known for triggering major liquidations on Hyperliquid has realized a $3.74 million profit by selling 3,715 ETH during a market rally. Shortly after, the whale shifted strategy, using 30,000 USDC to purchase 2.47 million BERRY, a meme coin on the Ethereum mainnet. This rapid asset rotation from ETH, a leading cryptocurrency, into a high-risk meme token underscores ongoing trends of seeking high returns in volatile crypto markets. The whale’s swift move has already generated an unrealized profit of $16,000 in BERRY, highlighting increasing interest and trading momentum in meme coins. Such activity can trigger short-term volatility and liquidity shifts in both established cryptocurrencies like ETH and emerging tokens such as BERRY, influencing market psychology and potentially shaping near-term trading trends.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has raised significant concerns over evolving European Union (EU) regulations targeting stablecoins, including strict reserve requirements and emerging capital controls. In recent interviews and public comments, Ardoino criticized the EU’s proposed rule mandating that stablecoins hold 60% of reserves as uninsured cash in European banks, highlighting the risks of liquidity shortfalls and potential banking solvency crises akin to the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. His warnings come as Spain enacts a new capital control policy, imposing a €3,000 fine for failing to report cash withdrawals exceeding €150 within 24 hours, which could restrict liquidity and signal increasing regulatory scrutiny across Europe. Ardoino and other crypto leaders view these measures as accelerating the rollout and potential adoption of the digital euro, while also impacting usage and flows of stablecoins like USDT. For crypto traders, these developments suggest heightened regulatory risk for stablecoins and European banking partners, possible shifts in demand toward central bank digital currencies, and a growing interest in non-sovereign digital assets amid tightening capital controls.

Cryptocurrencies are experiencing notable volatility, with Bitcoin (BTC) trading near $96,600 and RENDER (RNDR) up almost 97% over the past two months, currently near $4.9. Crypto analyst CAPO, known for his accurate calls during previous bear markets, now maintains a cautious yet bullish approach. He identifies $92,000 as a critical Bitcoin support level—any breach could trigger a sharp correction toward $60,000, a potential decline of over 37%. Conversely, as long as BTC holds above this level, further rallies in altcoins like RENDER and Solana (SOL) are possible. CAPO highlights $4.25 as a key reclaim for RENDER, targeting $6–$7 if momentum persists. Altcoins such as SOL could continue upward if essential supports ($170-$200) are respected, but CAPO cautions about profit-taking and a possible market correction or ’black swan’ event, especially towards month’s end. Macroeconomic factors, including upcoming China-US meetings and expected tariff decreases, may impact crypto prices. CAPO advises traders to hedge after significant gains and stresses monitoring both technical and macroeconomic signals for effective trading strategies. Key takeaways: watch Bitcoin’s support, altcoin trends, and pending global events for informed crypto trading.

Taiwan-based CoinWorld, a crypto exchange operated by 尹天下国际管理顾问 and known for its physical locations, has officially ceased operations as of May 8, 2025. This move follows mounting regulatory scrutiny from Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), which delisted CoinWorld from its registry of compliant virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The FSC’s action comes amid intensifying anti-money laundering (AML) rules after alleged fraud and money laundering cases in the local crypto sector. CoinWorld’s shutdown was triggered by persistent security threats—specifically intimidation targeting its stores to force relaxation of risk controls—and increasing brand confusion due to imitation by other operators. The exchange also faced operational disruption from a surge in customer traffic after rival exchanges were removed from the compliance list. Internal management challenges and difficulties unifying compliance among its OTC outlets further contributed to its exit. This incident underscores the risks of operating crypto exchanges with physical storefronts in Taiwan, the tightening of regulatory oversight, and highlights the growing importance of compliance, brand security, and trader protection. Crypto traders should note the shifting regulatory environment, potential impacts on local liquidity, and evolving risks for other platforms operating in similar conditions.

Eric Trump has positioned himself and World Liberty Finance as prominent supporters of Bitcoin and Ethereum, underscoring these assets as tools for financial independence and protection against political influence in centralized finance. Despite XRP’s established market presence and utility, Trump has notably excluded it from public endorsements and World Liberty Finance’s investment portfolio, which reportedly comprises Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD-backed stablecoins, with over $48 million invested in Ethereum alone. Key reasons for this exclusion include XRP’s prolonged legal battle with the U.S. SEC and its primary focus on cross-border payments, which diverts from the firm’s core interest in decentralized finance (DeFi). Optics and regulatory caution further motivated silence, as the Trump brand aims to sidestep legal and political controversy. The latest commentary suggests that if regulatory clarity for XRP improves, World Liberty Finance may reconsider its stance. Donald Trump’s evolving embrace of digital assets—including NFTs and meme coins—highlights broader family engagement with crypto, especially on the Solana blockchain. The strategic avoidance of XRP emphasizes the significance of legal clarity in institutional crypto investments and could influence trader sentiment towards these assets.

Australia’s financial regulator, AUSTRAC, is ramping up its crackdown on inactive or ’ghost’ cryptocurrency exchanges to address rising threats from scams and financial crimes in the digital asset sector. Registered Digital Currency Exchanges (DCEs) that are inactive must update their business details or risk being delisted from the national registry, as part of AUSTRAC’s ’use it or lose it’ policy. Out of 427 registered Australian exchanges, many appear dormant and could be exploited by criminals for money laundering or scams. Since 2019, AUSTRAC has revoked registrations from at least 10 exchanges, including the high-profile FTX Express in June 2024, and dozens more are under investigation. Exchanges can voluntarily withdraw or face forced cancellation if inactive, while AUSTRAC will soon publish an updated public list of registered DCEs to enhance transparency and consumer confidence. The regulator continues to enforce strict monitoring and legal action capabilities, including a February 2025 crackdown on underreporting by crypto institutions. These steps signal stronger government oversight in Australia’s crypto market, aiming to reduce scam risks, ensure compliance, and reassure traders and investors of a safer digital asset trading environment.

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has released strategic documents outlining its renewed vision and updated governance, with co-founder Vitalik Buterin and new leadership emphasizing decentralization, transparency, and ecosystem resilience. New co-executive directors, Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz Stańczak, aim to enhance operational efficiency with a dual leadership model. The foundation’s priorities include scaling Ethereum’s mainnet and Layer-2 solutions, expanding blob transactions, and improving user and developer experiences, while upholding values like censorship resistance and open-source development. However, recent management reshuffles and transparency efforts have fueled community criticism, with some questioning Buterin’s ongoing influence and the Foundation’s handling of ETH token sales. There’s also debate over whether the EF should explore alternate fundraising methods such as IPOs. The ongoing discourse signals trader uncertainty about Ethereum’s governance and the Foundation’s role, but the clear push for decentralization and infrastructure robustness may bolster long-term confidence in ETH.

Richard Heart, founder of HEX, PulseChain, and PulseX, achieved a major legal win after a U.S. federal court fully dismissed all charges brought by the SEC. The court, led by Judge Carol Bagley Amon on February 28, 2025, ruled that the SEC lacked jurisdiction and found no evidence of U.S.-targeted unregistered securities sales or investor fraud related to these blockchain projects. The SEC, which had accused Heart of raising over $1 billion through unregistered offerings and personal misuse of funds, was unable to provide sufficient evidence. The ruling emphasized the open-source and global nature of the platforms and determined no substantial connection to U.S. securities law. The SEC will not refile claims. This outcome marks a rare and decisive defeat for the SEC’s crypto enforcement, establishing regulatory clarity and potentially boosting investor confidence in HEX, PulseChain, and PulseX. Analysts highlight this as a milestone for crypto innovation, open-source software, and free speech, and expect the decision to impact the market sentiment—especially for tokens facing similar regulatory uncertainties.

Renowned crypto advocates Jason Pizzino and Anthony Pompliano have expressed optimistic forecasts for Bitcoin’s market performance by 2025. Pizzino anticipates Bitcoin reaching $120,000 and Ethereum hitting $5,300 within this cycle, while Pompliano highlights Bitcoin’s resilience amid current volatility and regulatory challenges. Both emphasize the impact of macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and central bank policies, suggesting these could catalyze a significant market recovery. Institutional adoption is expected to play a crucial role in this resurgence, potentially benefiting related cryptocurrencies and the broader market. By understanding historical market cycles, traders may better position themselves to anticipate these developments.