Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

Recent statements from US officials underscore persistent trade tensions with China, as US Trade Representative Greer signaled the possibility of reinstating or increasing tariffs on Chinese goods if ongoing negotiations fail. This marks a continuation of a hard stance after a previous refusal to pause existing tariffs. Escalating trade barriers between the US and China could lead to increased market volatility and risk aversion among investors, with potential spillover effects on cryptocurrencies. For crypto traders, such global macroeconomic uncertainty often drives demand for alternative assets, including Bitcoin and other digital currencies, viewed as hedges against traditional market instability. Monitoring these developments is critical for assessing policy risk and anticipating shifts in digital asset trends linked to US-China economic relations.

German authorities have seized approximately $38 million in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dash from the cryptocurrency exchange eXch, as part of a major law enforcement operation targeting alleged money laundering linked to cybercrime. On April 30, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and Frankfurt’s Public Prosecutor’s Office confiscated eXch’s servers and secured 8 terabytes of data, intensifying scrutiny on crypto exchanges with weak compliance. eXch is accused of laundering funds following a record-setting $1.5 billion hack at Bybit earlier this year, in which blockchain investigators tied the theft to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. While research firm Elliptic reported that a portion of the stolen assets was laundered through eXch, the exchange denied major involvement, acknowledging only minimal processing. The crackdown took place shortly after eXch preemptively announced its shutdown, citing the risk of law enforcement action. This incident highlights increasing regulatory focus on centralized crypto platforms and raises operational risks for exchanges potentially linked to illicit activity. Crypto traders should closely monitor ongoing regulatory developments and compliance measures as financial crime investigations intensify, which may impact sentiment, especially toward centralized platforms handling Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dash.

Ethereum has experienced a significant uptick in staking activity following the announcement and roadmap release of the upcoming Pectra upgrade. Initially, from mid-November to mid-February, there was a net outflow of about 1.02 million ETH due to market uncertainty and regulatory concerns. However, after details about Pectra were made public, a net inflow of 627,000 ETH was recorded by mid-May, signaling renewed confidence among market participants. The Pectra upgrade will raise the individual validator staking cap from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH, making the process more efficient, especially for institutional players. According to Consensys research director Mallesh Pai, this higher cap allows for consolidated staking and simplified key management without threatening network decentralization, as reward distribution remains proportional to staked ETH. The number of distinct validators could decrease significantly, improving operations but not centralization risk. The upgrade and the maturing staking framework are seen as positive institutional catalysts, especially alongside the emergence of potential Ethereum ETFs. While staking inflows are gradual, the ecosystem is becoming more attractive for institutional capital, and traders are closely observing the impact on network decentralization and potential inflows if Ether ETF staking amendments are approved in the future.

XRP continues to demonstrate notable resilience in the cryptocurrency market by maintaining a positive 6-month cost basis. As a result, a significant share of XRP holders remain in profit, setting the cryptocurrency apart amid widespread declines affecting peers like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. While technical indicators—such as a declining RSI, bearish MACD, and oversold Stochastic RSI—signal that the recent uptrend’s momentum may be waning, on-chain data shows ongoing accumulation, with over 300,000 addresses holding 10,000 or more XRP. This hints at rising institutional interest and speculation surrounding a potential spot XRP ETF. Although short- and mid-term moving averages point to a sell bias, XRP maintains support at key price levels, offering some stability. Macro factors, such as improving US–China trade relations and possible monetary easing, could provide future tailwinds. For crypto traders, the mixed outlook means that long-term holders might remain optimistic, but short-term traders should watch for corrections or trend reversals. XRP’s positive cost basis and accumulation trends make it a crucial cryptocurrency to monitor as broader market dynamics evolve.

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, will release its Q1 earnings on May 8. Market analysts expect Coinbase to benefit from the recent Bitcoin rally, with consensus forecasts predicting earnings per share (EPS) of $1.98 and total revenue of $2.09 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 27.4%. This strong financial performance is anticipated due to heightened trading volumes and increased market volatility driven by Bitcoin’s price surge. Investors are closely watching Coinbase’s results, as the company’s earnings often serve as a key indicator for overall sentiment and activity in the cryptocurrency sector. Positive outcomes could trigger bullish momentum for both Coinbase stock and digital assets. However, traders remain cautious about regulatory uncertainties and potential crypto price fluctuations. The Q1 report will be closely monitored for insights into Coinbase’s operational efficiency, ability to capitalize on the bull market, and its impact on both equity and crypto spot markets. Key symbols for traders to track are COIN, BTC, and ETH.

Coinbase will temporarily halt Ethereum (ETH) deposits and withdrawals on May 7 during the Pectra upgrade, with the suspension scheduled from 5:50 PM to 6:45 PM Beijing time. This move is intended to ensure security and protect user assets as the Ethereum network implements performance and security enhancements. Staking operations will resume after the maintenance window, and existing staked positions remain unaffected. While no long-term impact on user assets is expected, traders should anticipate possible short-term disruptions or transaction delays. The update reflects Coinbase’s proactive approach to risk management and network reliability. Traders should monitor both Coinbase and other major exchanges for additional updates and plan trading strategies accordingly, as ETH trading and fund movements may be temporarily affected. The upgrade is part of Ethereum’s ongoing development and network improvement efforts.

A notable trend is emerging in global foreign currency reserves as central banks increasingly diversify away from the US Dollar and Euro toward Asian currencies including the Chinese Yuan (CNY), Japanese Yen (JPY), Korean Won (KRW), Indian Rupee (INR), and Singapore Dollar (SGD). The shift, highlighted by recent analysis from Goldman Sachs, is driven by geopolitical concerns, such as the freezing of Russian reserves, the pursuit of higher yields, and the growing influence of Asian economies. Historically, Asian currencies faced downward pressure from a strong US Dollar, but current expectations of lower US interest rates and ongoing fiscal stimulus are altering this dynamic. Enhanced Asian economic stability, improved financial sector depth, and increased participation in global trade bolster central banks’ interest in these currencies. Benefits for Asian nations include higher international demand for their currencies, greater financial stability, reduced borrowing costs, and elevated geopolitical influence. However, challenges remain, including limited market depth, capital controls, and varying levels of legal protections in some markets. While this shift is expected to be gradual, rapid technological and geopolitical developments may accelerate the process. For crypto traders, the diversification of central bank reserves signals a broader transition in global finance. It could increase forex volatility and alter market flows as investors seek to manage risk and optimize returns, which may directly influence demand and capital movement in both traditional and crypto markets. Crypto traders should closely monitor these macro trends for signals that may impact trading strategies and market behavior.

Peter Chung, head of research at quantitative trading firm Presto, has doubled down on his bullish Bitcoin price prediction, forecasting a surge to $210,000 within 12 months—a potential 120% gain from current levels. This outlook hinges on several key factors: increased institutional adoption of Bitcoin, its growing reputation as ’digital gold,’ and expectations of rising global liquidity. Chung highlights that institutional buying and large-scale ’whale’ accumulation are robust signals of market confidence. The price target is derived from the Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio, applying a historical 3.5x multiple to projected future realized values. Additional sentiment comes from figures like Robert Kiyosaki, who forecasts a potential $180,000–$200,000 for Bitcoin within 2025, and even estimates up to $1 million by 2035. The growing optimism extends to smaller projects, notably meme coin Cartel Fi (CartelFi), which has attracted $1.2 million in presale investment. Cartel Fi stands out as a DeFi project that aims to convert idle meme coins into yield-generating assets through its staking platform, employing deflationary tokenomics that make it accessible to retail investors. The article also notes that broader macroeconomic trends—such as expectations for additional U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts—could further boost risk-on assets like Cartel Fi and other altcoins in 2025. While the outlook is positive, the cryptocurrency market’s high volatility persists, and traders are reminded to conduct their own research. Overall, this news may energize bullish sentiment and fuel both speculative and strategic positioning across the crypto market.

Nike and several major consumer brands, including Starbucks, DraftKings, Puma, and Reebok, are retreating from the NFT market in response to declining market activity, mounting legal challenges, and uncertain regulatory environments. Initially, NFT projects like Nike’s RTFKT and Starbucks’ Odyssey saw rapid popularity during the 2021 NFT boom, but by late 2024, trading volumes had sharply declined, with global NFT sales dropping 63% year-on-year by Q1 2025. Nike’s shutdown of its RTFKT NFT platform in December 2024 and the subsequent class-action lawsuit alleging unregistered securities and consumer protection violations underscore heightened legal scrutiny. DraftKings is also facing a $65 million lawsuit related to its Reignmakers NFT game, while Starbucks discontinued its Odyssey NFT program after just two years. Common challenges prompting these exits include market oversaturation, faltering consumer interest, high transaction costs, technology shortcomings, and environmental concerns. Despite the widespread pullback, industry experts suggest that the NFT sector may pivot toward models focused on utility and regulatory compliance. These developments signal a pivotal shift in how corporations approach digital assets, prompting crypto traders to reassess both the risks and opportunities in NFT and branded digital collectible investments.

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at a 40% discount to its estimated intrinsic value, according to Capriole Investments’ Charles Edwards. The Bitcoin Energy Value Model values BTC around $130,000, while the market price remains significantly lower even after one year since the last halving. This highlights a potential undervaluation based on mining costs and energy consumption. Notably, spot Bitcoin ETFs are attracting robust institutional demand, recording $3 billion in weekly inflows, which indicates strong confidence from large investors. Additionally, major exchanges—such as Coinbase and Binance—have registered significant Bitcoin outflows, often associated with institutional accumulation or ETF-related buying. Analysts note that if historical market trends repeat, Bitcoin could rally by another 7-10% soon, possibly breaking above the $100,000 resistance, though major outflows do not always guarantee immediate price rallies. Overall, persistent ETF inflows, exchange outflows, and value-based assessments suggest positive sentiment and the potential for continued bullish momentum in the crypto market.

Bitcoin pioneer Roger Ver, nicknamed ’Bitcoin Jesus’, has engaged political consultant and Trump ally Roger Stone with a $600,000 payment to support his legal and lobbying battle against the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) crypto tax charges. Ver, who renounced his US citizenship in 2014, is accused of evading taxes, committing mail fraud, and filing false returns related to $240 million in unreported Bitcoin sales. The DOJ alleges Ver owes $48 million due to the US ’exit tax’ law, which applies to expatriates and targets unrealized capital gains, including those from cryptocurrencies. Stone’s advisory role involves lobbying against exit tax provisions, emphasizing how such regulations could stifle crypto investment and innovation. He has also called publicly for a presidential pardon for Ver. On the legal front, Ver’s lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the DOJ case, arguing that existing tax regulations lack clarity for early crypto adopters. Ver was arrested in Spain, released on bail, and is now contesting extradition to the US. This high-profile case spotlights the collision of US crypto regulation, tax enforcement, and political lobbying. Its outcome may set legal and policy precedents for US treatment of crypto wealth and tax obligations for former citizens. Crypto traders should monitor this situation closely, as its resolution could reshape the landscape for large-scale crypto holders considering expatriation or facing complex tax liabilities, particularly as US political attitudes toward digital assets become more favorable.

The US government is advocating for significant reforms to the Bretton Woods Institutions, specifically the IMF and World Bank, due to their perceived inability to address current global economic realities and represent emerging market interests. This push comes amid heightened concerns about US dollar strength, the country’s soaring national debt, and trade imbalances, particularly with China. US Treasury officials, supported by some market commentators, emphasize the need for changes to protect fiat value and stabilize global markets. One proposed measure is expanding the role of USD-backed stablecoins to reinforce international demand for the dollar. However, there is debate within the financial community; some argue that gold-backed stablecoins may be more appealing due to concerns over USD inflation, while others, including leaders from BlackRock and Bitwise, see the environment as conducive to increased Bitcoin adoption as a store of value or reserve asset. For crypto traders, these developments signal growing skepticism toward traditional financial systems and a potential shift toward digital assets, which may increase volatility and present new trading opportunities as market participants reassess global reserve strategies.

US attorney James Murphy has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Freedom of Information Act, alleging that DHS agents met with individuals claiming to be Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s creator, as far back as 2019. Murphy’s suit references a 2019 statement from DHS agent Rana Saoud, who spoke of meeting with a group of four people asserting they were Satoshi, fueling speculation that Nakamoto is not an individual but a team. Murphy seeks the release of any records related to these encounters, arguing transparency could shape Bitcoin’s future. The case has reignited debate within the crypto community: some believe revealing Satoshi’s identity could boost Bitcoin’s legitimacy and market adoption, while others warn it could undermine the decentralized ethos that defines the cryptocurrency. Satoshi’s estimated holdings—about 1.1 million BTC—represent a significant share of the supply, and any movement could disrupt markets. Privacy concerns also emerge, given the potential for unintended exposure or ’doxxing’ of uninvolved individuals. While Murphy emphasizes the need for public disclosure, most in the Bitcoin community oppose revealing Satoshi’s identity. The lawsuit is in its early stages and no claims have been verified yet, but it has resurfaced one of crypto’s most enduring mysteries, with possible repercussions for market confidence and regulatory attention.

OKX, a major digital asset exchange based in Seychelles, is re-entering the U.S. market through the launch of OKX US, establishing a new regional headquarters in San Jose, California, and initiating a phased rollout of its services following a $504 million settlement with the Department of Justice. At the same time, DWF Labs, a prominent market maker, is expanding into the U.S. with a new office in New York City. This expansion aligns with anticipations of increased institutional adoption of crypto. DWF Labs also announced a strategic $25 million transaction with World Liberty Financial (WLF), linked to the Trump family, indicating potential political influences in the crypto domain. Both companies are leveraging opportunities arising from a more lenient regulatory environment in the U.S., despite historical challenges like market manipulation allegations against DWF. The joint expansions mark a critical point for the crypto industry as firms weigh benefits of operating under looser oversight while adhering to international regulations such as MiCA in Europe.

The article evaluates the potential price recovery and significant increase of Cardano (ADA) over the coming years and specifically highlights a potential 3000% surge by June. Earlier speculations focused on the unpredictable trajectory of Pi Network and Cardano due to market volatility and adoption rates. The recent analysis, however, concentrates more on Cardano’s market growth potential, driven by scalability, network upgrades, and positive market sentiment indicators. These factors may influence substantial price gains. As market conditions evolve, traders are advised to look at the historical performance, technological advancements, and the recent market environment. While Pi Network remains untradable, Cardano offers a promising outlook, underpinned by both its inherent technology developments and market dynamics.

Chainlink (LINK) has demonstrated significant market progress, surpassing the New York Times Company’s market capitalization with a value of $8.25 billion. This achievement highlights Chainlink’s expanding role in the cryptocurrency market and its growing demand as decentralized applications increasingly use its blockchain-based oracle services for real-world data integration. Despite past price declines, the current milestone marks a potential turning point, indicating robust ecosystem growth and increased investor interest. This development not only reinforces Chainlink’s market position but also represents broader shifts where digital assets outpace traditional media. Crypto traders should monitor Chainlink’s strategic partnerships and market dynamics to gauge future performance.

In April, Binance encountered significant challenges starting with an AWS outage in the Tokyo AP-NORTHEAST-1 region, causing disruptions to withdrawals and system stability. The situation worsened with the sharp crash of the Mantra (OM) token, which led to accusations of market manipulation. Binance attributed the crash to cross-exchange liquidations. In addition to these operational setbacks, Binance is dealing with legal issues, including an $81.5 billion lawsuit in Nigeria and scrutiny from the U.S. SEC. The incidents underscore the risks centralized platforms face from technological failures and regulatory pressures.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has granted approval for China Asset Management (ChinaAMC) to incorporate crypto staking within its Ethereum Spot ETF, effective May 15th. This marks a significant innovation within the crypto market, enabling traditional ETF investors to earn staking rewards, which increases both accessibility and institutional-level security. The integration strengthens the Ethereum network by potentially expanding the amount of staked ETH, offering both income and security advantages. The move underscores Hong Kong’s ambition to lead in digital asset innovation, which could attract traditional investors cautious about direct crypto investment. As the first major asset manager to offer such services, ChinaAMC’s initiative may prompt other ETF providers to follow suit and possibly extend these services to other cryptocurrencies. This development represents a strategic shift in crypto market dynamics, likely affecting future regulatory frameworks and adoption patterns.

A recent survey conducted by the Bank for International Settlements among 91 central banks managing over $7 trillion in reserves reveals a notable reluctance towards digital asset investment. The findings indicate a sharp decline in the willingness to consider investing in digital assets within the next five to ten years, dropping from 15.9% in 2024 to just 2.1% in 2025. Meanwhile, while only one central bank supports the idea of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, a majority of 59.5% oppose it, and 39.3% remain undecided. This decrease in interest comes alongside heightened discussions on strategic Bitcoin reserves by U.S. officials and concerns over U.S. protectionism. The overall sentiment reflects growing hesitance to integrate cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial reserves, highlighting the challenges facing the adoption of Bitcoin and other digital currencies by central banking institutions.

Bitcoin has demonstrated resilience by recovering from a recent rug-pull incident involving Mantra, aiming to surpass the $85,000 mark despite technical resistance and geopolitical tensions. The absence of a CME gap this weekend has bolstered trader confidence, potentially pushing BTC towards $90,000. President Trump’s suspension of tariffs has alleviated market anxieties, even as geopolitical tensions persist. Technical indicators show a bullish trend, with crucial resistance at $88,500, potentially leading to higher levels like $100K. This recovery is marked by fading selling pressure, fueling community optimism for a possible bullish crossover. Bitcoin’s resilience contrasts with potential declines in other markets like gold. Traders should closely monitor developments as conditions appear favorable for further appreciation.

Solana’s cryptocurrency, SOL, is experiencing significant market pressure due to persistent selling from FTX/Alameda since their bankruptcy and an unidentified party known as ’Pump’. FTX/Alameda has offloaded approximately 8.031 million SOL, valued around $1.03 billion, since November 2022, contributing to a predictable downtrend. Around 3.403 million SOL, worth approximately $629 million, have been erratically sold by ’Pump’ since early 2024, exacerbating market instability. This selling activity raises concerns over Solana’s price trajectory, indicating a bearish market sentiment. Despite these challenges, Solana maintains low fees, high transaction capacity, and a thriving community, suggesting potential long-term viability. Crypto traders are closely monitoring these developments as they significantly impact market sentiment and Solana’s reputation.

Cryptocurrencies XRP and Cardano (ADA) have faced significant volatility after President Trump’s tariff announcement, with XRP declining over 14% in a week. Despite this, ADA shows potential with large ’whale’ investments and upcoming protocol upgrades aimed at enhancing its network capabilities. In contrast, Rollblock, a blockchain gaming platform, is gaining prominence due to its innovative tokenomics, including token buybacks, and a focus on regulation. The platform’s growth positions it as a potential leader in the iGaming sector. As Rollblock enters its presale phase, it may attract traders seeking opportunities during the anticipated altcoin season at the end of Q2. This could provide a hedge against volatility in major altcoins like XRP and ADA. XRP’s long-term prospects remain promising with potential catalysts such as a Ripple-SEC settlement and a future Ripple IPO or XRP ETF.

Gemini, backed by the Winklevoss twins, is opening an office in Miami’s Wynwood district following a federal judge’s decision to delay the SEC’s lawsuit over unregistered securities allegations tied to its Earn program. This strategic move into Florida highlights Miami’s appeal for its favorable regulation and tax benefits. The SEC trial has been postponed for 60 days, suggesting a potential resolution. Gemini’s expansion aligns with its growth strategy outside of Europe and New York, complemented by a possible IPO filing earlier this year and a recent $5 million settlement with the CFTC on separate charges. With other crypto firms like Ripple Labs nearby, Miami is rapidly becoming a major crypto hub.

Pump.fun introduced Pump.Fi, a lending platform allowing users to purchase memecoins and NFTs using cryptocurrency loans, relying on a system where one-third is paid upfront and the rest over 60 days, without credit checks. This platform targets an increase in liquidity and users amid declining memecoin trading on Solana after recent controversies. Furthermore, the launch of PumpSwap, Pump.fun’s decentralized exchange (DEX), is aimed at taking market share from Raydium by providing a more integrated approach to memecoin trading. In its first ten days, PumpSwap reached a trading volume of $2.43 billion, gaining an 8% market share in Solana’s DEX trading, despite a general decline in overall memecoin market volume over recent months.

Technical analysts Josh Olszewicz and Ali Martinez highlight potential bearish trends for XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and yearn.finance (YFI). XRP is forming a head-and-shoulders pattern with a critical neckline support at $2.00, potentially declining to $1.13-$1.40 if this breaks. BCH, nearing the end of a symmetrical triangle pattern, alongside ETC and YFI, shows signs of consolidation that may lead to downturns if support levels fail. XRP, now trading around $2.06 after a 16% weekly drop, could see further price declines if key indicators remain bearish, affecting crypto traders’ strategies. The outlook is predominantly bearish unless support levels are regained.

In a bold proposal, VanEck and Senator Cynthia Lummis suggest that the U.S. could diminish its national debt significantly by embracing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. VanEck’s forecast highlights a potential reduction of $21 trillion by 2049 through accumulating one million Bitcoin, with its value possibly reaching $21 million per coin. This aligns with the BITCOIN Act initiative and Michael Saylor’s conviction that Bitcoin aligns with America’s economic destiny. Recent discussions at the DC Blockchain Summit further fueled market optimism as Bitcoin’s price soared above $87,600, also affecting altcoins like BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL), which benefits from Bitcoin’s bullish trends through passive rewards, token burns, and airdrops. This proposal and its surrounding discussions suggest a bullish outlook for Bitcoin and its associated projects, with traders expecting positive movements influenced by major endorsements and strategic economic alignments.

A South Korean court has lifted the temporary ban on Upbit, allowing it to accept new users while a legal dispute continues. Initially, Upbit was banned by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) due to alleged violations, including failures in Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance and engaging with unregistered foreign exchanges. Dunamu, Upbit’s parent firm, legally contested the ban, prompting a court decision that defers the service suspension until 30 days following the final judgment. This development has been well-received in the South Korean crypto community, as it eases restrictions on one of the largest exchanges in the country. However, the ultimate outcome is uncertain, highlighting the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by the crypto industry in South Korea.

Infini, a stablecoin payments company, is pursuing legal action following a $50 million USDC theft. The incident implicates a former developer who transferred funds from a multisig wallet to a private account. This case marks a significant precedent, as the firm used blockchain technology for legal notices, signaling shifts in digital asset recovery tactics. Legal actions include on-chain notices to the accused and any good-faith recipients of stolen assets. Despite offering to stop the legal process if 80% of the funds are returned, Infini’s demands remain unanswered, prompting stricter legal measures. The legal proceedings are taking place in Hong Kong, aligning with earlier judicial uses of blockchain for delivering legal communications.

The Trump administration’s plan to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve and acquire a substantial amount of Bitcoin has caused a significant market stir. Despite Bitcoin’s recent decline of over 20% from January highs, this initiative signals a long-term bullish sentiment. However, the lack of direct government purchases has led to a net outflow of nearly $1.27 billion from Bitcoin ETFs, marking a cautious stance among investors. Notably, the launch of Bitwise’s Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF demonstrates ongoing confidence in Bitcoin as a corporate asset. The strategic move aims to be budget-neutral by utilizing confiscated cryptocurrencies, reflecting a buy-the-rumor, sell-the-news phenomenon, with the potential for positive future impacts.