Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

Solana (SOL) and Salamanca (DON) are drawing heightened interest from crypto traders as analysts predict robust upside momentum in the coming weeks. Salamanca (DON), a meme token on Binance Smart Chain inspired by pop culture, has surged in awareness and liquidity following new listings on Gate.io, MEXC, and PancakeSwap, with daily trading volume now around $4.45 million and a community of over 105,000 members. Its market cap stands at $2.21 million. Analysts expect further listings—particularly a potential Binance debut—to push daily volume up to $20 million and drive up to 2000% price growth, as the token leverages viral appeal and exchange accessibility. Meanwhile, Solana (SOL) continues to consolidate its position as a leading scalable blockchain, registering a 5.19% price increase in 24 hours and maintaining a $92.46 billion market cap with $6.31 billion in daily trading volume. The Solana Foundation’s commitment to DeFi and Web3 development, along with technical upgrades, has bolstered its appeal to both developers and institutional investors. The broader crypto market is experiencing a shift as Bitcoin dominance fluctuates—recently rebounding to 64.18%—while traders’ focus moves toward altcoins, meme coins, and scalable layer-1 chains. The evolving landscape, marked by project updates and more exchange listings, suggests heightened volatility and promising opportunities for altcoins like SOL and DON. Traders should monitor these assets for increased price action and potential upside as crypto market sentiment evolves.

As the cryptocurrency market prepares for 2025, analysts spotlight leading projects poised for significant growth and utility. Cold Wallet (CWT), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Shiba Inu (SHIB) are highlighted as top picks for traders building robust portfolios. CWT stands out as a privacy-driven coin, utilizing zero-knowledge proofs to secure transactions, now in pre-sale at $0.00804 with high anticipated ROI post-launch. Solana continues to dominate with its high-speed, scalable blockchain favored by DeFi and NFT developers, and benefits from support by major institutions. Cardano is praised for its methodical, research-based development and ongoing upgrades enhancing long-term utility. Shiba Inu has evolved beyond its meme coin origins by launching the Shibarium layer-2 scaling solution, expanding into NFTs and DeFi, and signaling a more strategic development approach. The unified analysis underscores that genuine technology, ecosystem progress, and sustained innovation, rather than hype, will drive the fastest-growing cryptocurrencies into 2025. Traders are encouraged to monitor these assets for both immediate trading opportunities and longer-term investment potential. Notably, this information is drawn from sponsored content and does not constitute financial advice.

The global real estate tokenization market is projected to expand dramatically from under $300 billion to up to $4 trillion by 2035, driven by advances in blockchain adoption and the need for operational efficiency. Deloitte forecasts a 27% compound annual growth rate, with tokenized debt securities and private real estate funds leading sector expansion. Pioneers highlight that the core value of real estate tokenization is not just increased liquidity but democratized access—fractional ownership, smart contracts, and lower entry barriers allow investors to participate from as little as $100. Institutional interest is surging, evidenced by BlackRock’s nearly $3 billion BUIDL fund and related offerings by UBS, Hamilton Lane, and Franklin Templeton. Key markets such as the UAE, Nigeria, and Japan are driving adoption, despite regulatory concerns. Recent industry analysis indicates that stablecoins could also see significant growth if U.S. regulations clarify. With the evolution of secondary markets for real-world assets, tokenized property is poised to disrupt traditional asset management, boost market liquidity, and unlock new trading opportunities for crypto traders, especially as regulatory frameworks mature.

Macro investor Raoul Pal forecasts a substantial Bitcoin price surge, potentially pushing BTC above $140,000 by July 2025, fueled by rising global money supply (M2) and increased macro liquidity. Pal highlights a strong historic correlation between Bitcoin price trends and changes in global liquidity, emphasizing recent U.S. manufacturing rebound as a potential catalyst. He cautions that while liquidity is the primary market driver, investor sentiment and market psychology can lead to volatility and short-term price deviations. Earlier, Pal had pointed to even higher possible long-term targets, moving beyond prior projections of $150,000–$250,000 for the Bitcoin cycle. Traders are advised to closely monitor global liquidity indicators and practice disciplined risk management given ongoing volatility. In parallel, the article spotlights the rise of AI-driven meme tokens, exemplified by FloppyPepe (FPPE), which rapidly sold out its private sale and expanded across major blockchain networks. The convergence of AI technology and meme culture is driving significant growth in the AI crypto segment, projected to reach a $66 billion market cap by 2025. These trends underline bullish momentum for both Bitcoin and select innovative altcoins, especially those leveraging cutting-edge tech.

The UK Court of Appeal has largely dismissed a class action lawsuit brought by Bitcoin SV (BSV) investors against Binance, Bittylicious, Kraken, and ShapeShift over the 2019 coordinated delisting of BSV. Investors, represented by BSV Claims Limited, argued the delisting violated the UK Competition Act and caused significant financial losses. The court, granting the first collective proceedings order (CPO) for a digital asset in the UK, determined that investors were obligated to mitigate losses by selling BSV promptly upon learning of its removal. As a result, damages are limited to the difference between BSV’s price at delisting and when investors should have become aware, instead of claims based on speculative future gains or BSV’s hypothetical market position. The court also rejected claims that BSV lacked alternatives, designating BTC and BCH as reasonable substitutes. This ruling reduces potential damages from billions to tens of millions of pounds and sets a precedent for applying traditional loss mitigation rules in crypto-related class actions. For crypto traders, this decision decreases legal risk for exchanges regarding token delistings, providing greater certainty and potentially influencing future digital asset litigation and investor compensation claims.

In Q1 2025, XRP was the only top-four cryptocurrency to record a market cap increase, rising 1.9% to $121.6 billion, while BTC, ETH, and SOL saw a collective market cap decline of 22%. According to Messari’s comprehensive report, XRP’s continued resilience is driven by robust XRPL adoption, significant growth in institutional interest, and network expansion. Key XRPL network metrics saw notable gains: daily active addresses soared 142% to 134,600, average daily transactions rose 13% to 2.04 million, and new addresses increased 12% quarter-over-quarter. Supporting infrastructure strengthened, with active XRPL nodes up 972% to 9,498. Ripple’s strategic $1.25B acquisition of global prime broker Hidden Road marks a significant milestone, as Hidden Road will migrate post-trade services to XRPL and utilize Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin as collateral, fostering further institutional engagement. RLUSD’s market cap surged 304% to $25.9 million. The XRPL ecosystem also advanced on the technical front with the launch of an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain testnet, paving the way for Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, which could attract DeFi developers seeking scalability and lower fees. Messari highlighted that all core XRPL metrics have now grown for two consecutive quarters, the first time this has occurred since 2023. Enterprise adoption continues to climb, with global players such as UAE-based Zand Bank and fintech firm Mamo onboarding Ripple Payments in Q1. Although XRP’s price saw a modest Q1 gain (0.5%), rising circulating supply and strong network usage indicate increasing real-world utility. The combination of heightened XRPL activity, deeper enterprise integration, and expanded developer access to DeFi solutions positions XRP and its ecosystem for further potential upside, signaling an important shift in the competitive landscape of major cryptocurrencies.

The altcoin market underwent a major correction, with TAO sharply dropping to $400 and Solana (SOL) falling below the $170 threshold, signaling heightened volatility and widespread losses across altcoin trading platforms. This downturn follows a period of renewed momentum, where Solana had been attracting significant trader interest and TAO was poised for major gains. The sudden sell-off has generated increased risk aversion and liquidity concerns among traders. In contrast to the overall bearish market sentiment, blockchain technology firm Unilabs continued its notable growth, highlighting diverging trends among crypto projects. For traders, this evolving situation means an urgent need to monitor market sentiment, risk exposure, and project fundamentals to navigate increased price swings and potential liquidation risks. The crash marks a significant shift from prior bullish momentum to a period of caution and bearish sentiment, especially for altcoins.

The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape is rapidly evolving in 2024, with key protocols shifting from isolated development to deep integration across lending, stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) sectors. Major protocols such as Uniswap and Aave are initiating partnerships that allow for shared functionality and revenue, highlighted by Aave’s move to accept Uniswap V4 LP tokens as collateral and share its GHO stablecoin interest with Uniswap DAO. These collaborations are improving capital efficiency and setting new standards for protocol synergy within DeFi. At the same time, stablecoin infrastructure is becoming more specialized and layered—Ethena has introduced high-leverage USDe and fully backed USDtb, while Tether’s cross-chain USDT₀ aims for stable, multi-chain liquidity. The integration of RWAs is accelerating, with Arbitrum DAO investing millions into tokenized U.S. treasury projects and Aave’s Horizon platform bringing tokenized money market funds into core lending mechanisms. These developments, along with measurable growth in total value locked (Uniswap up 11% and Aave up 18% since May), signal DeFi’s evolution from a collection of standalone tools into a robust, interconnected financial network. Security, smart contract audits, and risk management remain crucial as DeFi maturates, offering traders increased opportunities for yield but requiring ongoing vigilance. For crypto traders, these changes mark enhanced market efficiency, increased reliability, and deeper integration with traditional financial assets, positioning DeFi as a more resilient and investable sector.

A U.S. federal judge has denied a joint motion from Ripple Labs and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revisit the Final Judgment concerning Ripple’s liability and penalty in the ongoing XRP lawsuit. Judge Analisa Torres cited procedural impropriety and insufficient legal grounds, ordering the case to be closed. This follows earlier developments where both parties sought to reduce Ripple’s civil penalty. Although the legal decision provides some clarity, uncertainty about the penalty and regulatory stance persists. The XRP community remains divided, with speculation intensifying after an influencer noted the next court filing will be number 985—numerologically linked to the community’s long-standing, but largely unfounded, belief that XRP could surge to $589. Market developments or legal findings do not currently support this price target. Crypto traders should remain alert: while the Ripple-SEC case’s resolution may eventually provide regulatory clarity for XRP and have broader market implications, short-term price volatility is likely due to ongoing community hype and anticipation. The $589 theory remains speculative.

Solana delivered its strongest financial quarter in a year, reporting $1.2 billion in application revenue for Q1 2025—a 20% increase over the previous quarter’s $970.5 million. Remarkably, January accounted for nearly 60% of the quarter’s earnings. The meme coin launch platform Pump.fun led all Solana applications with $257 million in revenue, followed by Phantom ($164 million), Photon ($122 million, up 13%), Bullx ($87 million, up 19%), and Jupiter ($80 million, up 79%). Despite this significant revenue surge and heightened transaction activity, Solana’s DeFi total value locked (TVL) fell 64% to $6.6 billion. In contrast, the stablecoin market cap on Solana soared 145% to $12.5 billion, with USDC’s share skyrocketing 148% to $9.7 billion—now four times larger than its main competitor USDT, which still rose an impressive 154% quarter-on-quarter to $2.3 billion. Contributing to user engagement, average transaction fees on Solana decreased 24% to 0.000189 SOL ($0.04), while median fees dropped 7% to 0.000008 SOL ($0.0015). The quarter’s strong application income, stablecoin inflows, and declining fees highlight Solana’s growing ecosystem activity, particularly in the meme coin and stablecoin sectors. For crypto traders, these trends underscore Solana’s increasing appeal and network usage, despite the DeFi TVL decline. Sustained revenue concentration among high-activity platforms like Pump.fun may signal future leadership within the Solana ecosystem and continued robust price performance for SOL.

Recent commentary from Goldman Sachs leadership highlights that recent market volatility, including fluctuations in the US dollar, stocks, and bonds, is primarily driven by policy uncertainty—especially around tariffs and US-China trade relations. While previous statements from CEO David Solomon focused on the destabilizing effect of unclear tariff frameworks and their impact on investor sentiment and capital expenditure, recent updates from President John Waldron clarify that the selloff in US dollar holdings is a normalization, not a sign of panic or mass capital flight. Following initial declines caused by an escalation in tariffs, market sentiment has improved as US-China trade talks resumed, leading to a rebound in both the US dollar and US equity markets. Goldman Sachs notes that demand for both US and Chinese assets remains robust, with no significant outflows recorded. Cross-border financial activity is described as stable, and pending M&A transactions continue despite a slowdown in deal flow. For crypto traders, key takeaways are: 1) investor confidence in major markets persists despite headline shorts-term volatility; 2) risk of significant capital outflows from the US or China remains limited, suggesting only moderate spillover risk into crypto markets; and 3) unless there is a major policy surprise or further escalation, market disruptions are likely to be contained. "Goldman Sachs" remains a key search term here.

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.

Elon Musk has intensified his legal dispute against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, challenging their transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity. Musk argues that OpenAI’s shift in governance and transparency contradicts its original mission to develop AI for public benefit, not corporate profit. The lawsuit, now backed by several former OpenAI employees, highlights concerns over losing nonprofit status, impacting company oversight and talent retention. OpenAI and Altman have denied these claims and rejected Musk’s unsolicited $97.4 billion acquisition offer. The high-profile trial is set for March 2026 in Oakland. Amid this, Altman is lobbying US lawmakers to avoid regulations that could hinder AI development, emphasizing competition with China. The outcome of this legal case could influence AI sector regulation, corporate governance models, and investment sentiment, particularly in crypto and tech-adjacent markets. Crypto traders should monitor the rivalry between Musk’s xAI and OpenAI, as its resolution may impact market dynamics and strategic positioning of AI-focused crypto assets.

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.

The cryptocurrency market has seen a significant uptick in interest toward new crypto presale projects, driven by several recent developments. The approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, accompanied by large institutional purchases, has bolstered mainstream confidence and attracted retail traders aiming for early entry gains. This institutional momentum has been reinforced by a notable shift in the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, which recently climbed to a neutral reading of 50—signaling reduced fear and a stabilization in overall market sentiment. As a result, traders are increasingly exploring upcoming token launches and presale opportunities, seeking long-term investment plays amid ongoing market uncertainty. Analysts highlight that while ETFs support established cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, many investors are diversifying into emerging projects with compelling growth narratives, robust fundamentals, clear roadmaps, and strong tokenomics. New trends have emerged in the sector, including a heightened focus on token security and the practical utility of new tokens. While historical patterns indicate that presale tokens often benefit from post-launch hype, traders are advised to remain cautious due to potential volatility and risks related to project legitimacy. The article underscores the importance of due diligence and portfolio diversification, emphasizing that no single presale is guaranteed success. Overall, the combination of ETF-driven optimism and a neutralizing market sentiment is fueling increased speculative activity in crypto presales, presenting both opportunities and risks for traders.

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, the largest US cryptocurrency exchange, has escalated its campaign urging the US Senate to vote on comprehensive cryptocurrency regulation before the August recess. Building upon its earlier advocacy, Coinbase specifically calls for support of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), a bill already passed by the House, to establish a federal oversight framework for crypto trading, including Bitcoin and other digital assets. Coinbase stresses that clear US crypto regulations are crucial for consumer protection, responsible innovation, and maintaining American competitiveness, as other regions like the EU and UK advance their own rules. The company highlights growing bipartisan voter support for regulatory clarity and warns that delays could drive jobs and businesses overseas. The Senate’s decision on FIT21 is set to directly influence trading activity, investor confidence, and the future direction of the US crypto sector.

The CEL (Celsius) token dropped over 13% to around $0.103 following renewed legal turmoil involving former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky. The decline came after Mashinsky’s legal team publicly criticized the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) call for a 20-year prison sentence, which they deemed excessively severe. Mashinsky pled guilty to manipulating the CEL price and fraudulently selling $48 million in tokens before the Celsius Network’s bankruptcy in 2022. This ongoing legal confrontation, and the uncertain outcome set for May 8, have heightened regulatory scrutiny of crypto platforms and raised concerns about corporate governance and transparency in the sector. Analysts caution that CEL could face further downside risk if it breaks below the $0.087 support, with trading volumes and technical indicators reflecting increased investor caution. CEL is now nearly 99% below its all-time high of $8.02. The continued volatility and regulatory pressure may further erode investor confidence and directly impact CEL price movements and trading activity.

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.

Bhutan, well known for its green hydropower resources, has expanded its involvement in cryptocurrency markets. Since 2019, the sovereign wealth fund Druk Holding and Investments has integrated cryptocurrencies, primarily Bitcoin, into its portfolio, using mining profits to support government expenditures. Recently, Bhutan discreetly sold 2,584 BTC over a 40-day period in a substantial move that has drawn attention from crypto traders and financial analysts. This large-scale liquidation represents a significant portion of the nation’s digital asset holdings and coincides with notable volatility in global crypto markets. The motivation behind these Bitcoin sales remains undisclosed, but such significant activity by a sovereign entity can influence BTC price stability and short-term sentiment. Bhutan’s actions not only signal increasing institutional participation in crypto trading but also set a precedent for sovereign crypto asset management amid ongoing market fluctuations. Traders should monitor any further major Bitcoin transfers or government activities for potential impacts on Bitcoin price dynamics.

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.

On-chain analysis from IntoTheBlock indicates a continued increase in the accumulation of Litecoin (LTC) by long-term holders, with over 20% of LTC supply remaining unmoved for more than five years. The data identifies two main groups: those who entered during the previous bull market (3-5 years ago) and trade cyclically, and a steadily growing segment holding LTC for over five years, now accounting for more than 20.6% of all unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs). This persistent accumulation reflects a strong belief in LTC’s value proposition as a decentralized payment network and a viable alternative to Bitcoin. The growing share of ’diamond-handed’ LTC investors suggests a maturing market with reduced short-term selling pressure and potentially greater price stability. For crypto traders, these holding trends may lead to lower market volatility and provide a positive outlook for price appreciation, especially as the ratio of long-term holders rises. Recent price recovery, with LTC reaching $83 and gaining over 9% in a week, further highlights market interest. Monitoring these patterns is valuable for anticipating supply shifts and future price movements.

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.