Today's Crypto and Bitcoin News

MicroStrategy continues to lead the charge in institutional Bitcoin investment. On January 21, 2025, the company made a significant addition to its Bitcoin reserves, reinforcing its commitment to the cryptocurrency. This strategic move highlights the growing confidence in Bitcoin's long-term value and its role as a premier digital asset.    MicroStrategy stands as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin. It is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends. By converting its corporate treasury into a massive Bitcoin reserve, the company has transformed itself into a publicly traded proxy for the digital asset. This strategy gives traditional equity investors a way to gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin without purchasing the digital currency. Many market participants have welcomed this approach.   Source: saylortracker.com   Quick Take MicroStrategy acquired 11K BTC for $1.1B, bringing total holdings to 461K BTC at an average of $63,610 per BTC. The purchase was funded by selling 3.012M shares, showcasing a strategic financial maneuver that reflects strong institutional confidence in Bitcoin. Michael Saylor continues to emphasize Bitcoin as a superior store of value and hedge against inflation, reinforcing a positive outlook for further adoption.   MicroStrategy Executive Director Michael Saylor Source: Getty Images   Another Major Bitcoin Acquisition MicroStrategy makes a bold move in the crypto market. The economic intelligence company led by Michael Saylor announced a major Bitcoin purchase. The company acquired 11K bitcoins for $1.1B on January 21, 2025. This deal came at an average price of $101,191 per BTC. The transaction marks another step in MicroStrategy’s aggressive Bitcoin strategy. This purchase strengthens Bitcoin’s standing in the institutional world.   Read more: MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Holdings and Purchase History: A Strategic Overview   Microstrategy Holdings and Yield Impact Source: TradingView   The company now holds 461K BTC in total. These bitcoins were bought for a cumulative amount of $29.3B. This means an average price of $63,610 per bitcoin over all purchases. MicroStrategy has been on a buying streak this year. In January 2025 alone, the company bought 14.6K bitcoins. This is their third purchase operation for the year. The acquisition of 11K BTC is the largest so far in 2025. The yield on these bitcoins since the start of the year is 1.69%. Strong yields and large holdings bolster confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value.   Read more: What Is a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and How Likely Is It?   Leadership Vision Michael Saylor has strong views on Bitcoin. He calls BTC a superior store of value and a hedge against inflation. His enthusiasm and consistent buying showcase his belief in Bitcoin’s strength.   This purchase strengthens MicroStrategy’s lead as the world’s largest institutional holder of BTC. It cements their position and boosts their confidence in Bitcoin’s future. Saylor’s vision inspires other institutions to consider similar strategies.   Financial Strategy The purchase was funded by selling 3.012M MicroStrategy shares. The sale followed a convertible note sale agreement. This method raised funds and increased Bitcoin reserves. It solidifies MicroStrategy’s stance in the crypto market. Such strategic moves pave the way for further adoption.    The method shows that there are creative financial paths to support Bitcoin acquisition. The strategy carries risk. Bitcoin prices can be volatile. Price swings can affect the value of MicroStrategy’s holdings. However, volatility also presents buying opportunities, and strong fundamentals support a positive outlook.   Read more: Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which Is a Better Investment in 2025?   Positive Market Sentiment This large acquisition sends a strong message to the market. It highlights institutional confidence in Bitcoin. More companies may follow MicroStrategy’s lead. Increased institutional interest can drive demand and stability. Bitcoin’s adoption grows as more entities see it as a reliable asset.    This momentum can create a virtuous cycle of investment and innovation in the crypto space. In light of recent developments such as the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs, institutional interest in Bitcoin is set to rise. Increased inflows into these ETFs are expected to support Bitcoin prices. President Donald Trump’s support of cryptocurrencies and the potential for more corporate treasury investments in Bitcoin add fuel to bullish sentiment.   Read more: MicroStrategy Acquires 21,550 More Bitcoin for $2.1 Billion   Risk and Outlook Nevertheless Michael Saylor stays optimistic. He continues to promote large-scale Bitcoin adoption. The acquisition of 11K BTC shows the company’s unwavering belief in Bitcoin’s potential. This move may impact the cryptocurrency market. It could also inspire other companies to increase their Bitcoin reserves.    The rising institutional support and strategic purchases point to a robust future for Bitcoin. The landscape suggests stronger market dynamics and wider acceptance.   Conclusion MicroStrategy’s recent purchase reflects a clear strategy. The company uses technical expertise and financial maneuvers to grow its Bitcoin holdings. The bold strategy demonstrates confidence in Bitcoin and sets the stage for further market influence. As institutional players like MicroStrategy buy more Bitcoin, the crypto community gains momentum. This reinforces Bitcoin’s role as a trusted digital asset and promises a brighter future for the market.   Read more: Crypto Market Outlook: Top 10 Predictions and Emerging Trends

BTC$118,744.90+1.21%

Bitcoin traded near $110,000 earlier this week at $109,356 and is currently priced at $106,140, up +3.79% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,327, up +1.33%. The Fear and Greed Index increased to 84, indicating a bullish market sentiment. January 20, 2025 was a pivotal day for crypto and global politics.    Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States sparking excitement across markets. Bitcoin surged near its all-time high of $110,000 driven by optimism about pro-crypto policies.    The SEC launched a new task force for regulatory clarity under Hester Peirce. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong projected Bitcoin’s future in the multi-millions and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency DOGE pushed Dogecoin higher. These events solidified crypto’s role in the global financial landscape.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  MicroStrategy shareholders approved an increase in authorized shares to support plans for purchasing more Bitcoin. MicroStrategy acquired an additional 11,000 BTC. Trump commented on the TRUMP token: “I don’t know if it’s profitable. I don’t know much about it, but I launched it. I heard it’s very successful.” Daily transaction volume on Solana ecosystem DEXs continued to hit record highs. Circle acquired Hashnote, the issuer of USYC. Trump’s crypto project WLFI increased its holdings of TRX by $2.65 million and staked 5,252 stETH on Lido.    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change TRUMP/USDT +24.90% ai16z/USDT +26.62% HYPE/USDT +16.55%   Trade now on KuCoin   SEC Forms Crypto Task Force Under Hester Peirce, “Crypto Mom” The seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seen at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2021. Source: REUTERS On January 21, 2025, the SEC created a task force to develop clear digital asset regulations. This new crypto task force is led by Hester Peirce which aims to define regulatory boundaries, create registration pathways and refine disclosure frameworks. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce is known as "Crypto Mom" in the industry. She often opposes SEC enforcement actions on crypto companies.   Acting SEC Chairman Mark Uyeda emphasized that the task force will prioritize clarity and efficiency. This move signals a shift toward a more structured approach to crypto regulation. The SEC’s announcement on Tuesday signals a significant shift in the agency’s approach to crypto regulation under the Trump administration.   “To date, the SEC has relied primarily on enforcement actions to regulate crypto retroactively and reactively, often adopting novel and untested legal interpretations along the way,” the statement said. “Clarity regarding who must register, and practical solutions for those seeking to register, have been elusive. The result has been confusion about what is legal, which creates an environment hostile to innovation and conducive to fraud. The SEC can do better.”   The SEC’s new crypto task force will collaborate with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an agency that has previously vied with the SEC over primary regulatory authority for the crypto industry.   “This undertaking will take time, patience, and much hard work. It will succeed only if the Task Force has input from a wide range of investors, industry participants, academics, and other interested parties. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the public to foster a regulatory environment that protects investors, facilitates capital formation, fosters market integrity, and supports innovation,” stated Commissioner Hester Peirce.   Trump Buzz Fuels $2.2 Billion Crypto Inflows, Setting New BTC and AUM Records Chart Showing Crypto ETF Providers Flows. (Source: CoinShares)   Trump’s inauguration drove $2.2 billion in weekly crypto inflows setting a year-to-date total of $2.8 billion and pushing assets under management (AUM) to a record $171 billion. Bitcoin dominated with $1.9 billion in inflows aided by demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs from firms like BlackRock and Fidelity. XRP also gained traction securing $31 million in inflows. These numbers highlight strong institutional confidence and growing interest in digital assets.   Bitcoin Nears All-Time High Amid Inauguration Optimism Bitcoin surged to $109,356 on January 20, 2025, approaching its all-time high. The rally coincided with Trump’s inauguration reflecting market confidence in potential crypto-friendly policies. Institutional interest and inflows into Bitcoin ETFs further boosted momentum. Bitcoin’s performance solidifies its position as the dominant digital asset signaling growing adoption and long-term value.   Read more:  What is the Official Trump ($TRUMP) Memecoin and How to Buy?   Crypto AUM Hits $171 Billion as Bitcoin Surges Chart Showing Crypto Asset Flows. Source: CoinShares   The crypto market's total assets under management hit $171 billion. Bitcoin led the way. It rose nearly 20% in one week as bitcoin  reached an all-time high near $110,000. This performance boosts investor confidence. Bitcoin's dominance steers the market and promises future growth.   Read more: What Is a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and How Likely Is It?   Crypto ETP Trading Volumes Reach $21 Billion Trading volumes of exchange-traded products spiked to $21 billion last week. This was 34% of Bitcoin's trading activity on top exchanges. James Butterfill from CoinShares noted this surge signals more institutional involvement. Investors demand Bitcoin-focused products and the volumes reflect strong market interest and technical adoption.   Bitcoin and XRP Dominate Inflows Source: KuCoin   Bitcoin saw $1.9 billion in inflows last week. The year total is now $2.7 billion. Spot Bitcoin ETFs from BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Invest and Bitwise secured over $2.1 billion. These inflows defy typical trends in rising markets.   XRP also performed well. It attracted $31 million last week. Since mid-November 2024, it collected $484 million in total inflows. XRP stands out as a strong asset with impressive performance metrics.   The crypto market grows with strong numbers and clear trends. Bitcoin drives progress with large inflows and high trading volumes. XRP remains a noteworthy asset. These developments show institutional confidence and signal more investment opportunities ahead.   Read more: What Is an XRP ETF, and Is It Coming Soon?   Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong Predicts Bitcoin’s Multimillion-Dollar Future Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong projected Bitcoin would reach multiple millions as institutional adoption grows. Speaking at the World Economic Forum Armstrong highlighted Bitcoin’s role as a global gold standard and its potential to combat inflation. He praised stablecoins for enabling financial inclusion but pointed to Bitcoin’s scarcity as its most valuable asset. Armstrong’s vision reinforces Bitcoin’s role in reshaping global finance.   Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Armstrong argued that institutional adoption, crypto-related ETF approvals in the US, potential friendly legislation, and a strategic Bitcoin reserve in the US could propel the flagship crypto to new heights in the coming years.   According to Armstrong:   “If the US took that path, probably the rest of G20 would follow. I’ve discussed with a number of finance ministers here in Switzerland from different countries around the world the idea of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. They are getting more interested in it now because the US is looking into it.”   Dogecoin Rallies as Musk’s DOGE Initiative Gains Traction Department of Government Efficiency website. Source: Doge.gov On January 21, 2025, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency DOGE launched its official website sparking an 11% surge in Dogecoin’s price. Retail investors saw the agency’s shared name and logo as a bullish signal. Dogecoin briefly broke $0.40 before settling. Musk’s influence continues to drive cultural and financial engagement with Dogecoin further linking the cryptocurrency to major market events.   Read more: Donald Trump Becomes the 47th President of the United States and Ushers in a Bold New Era with D.O.G.E.   Conclusion January 20, 2025 marked a turning point for crypto. Trump’s inauguration Bitcoin’s near-record rally and new regulatory initiatives define a moment of transformation. The SEC’s task force seeks clarity. Armstrong's predictions highlight Bitcoin’s potential and Musk’s DOGE initiative ties cultural momentum to market performance. Record inflows and Bitcoin’s dominance reinforce crypto’s role as a cornerstone of modern finance setting the stage for continued growth and innovation.

Bitcoin traded near $110,000 today at $109,356 and is currently priced at $102,265, up +0.94% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,283, up +2.17%. The Fear and Greed Index remains balanced at 76, indicating a bullish market sentiment despite recent price fluctuations. The crypto market has entered a new phase. Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president on January 20, 2025 triggered major shifts in both politics and crypto. Bitcoin soared to new highs near $110,000 at $109,356. Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) sold more tokens at a premium and then spent $103 million on notable digital assets. These events illustrated how political developments and cryptocurrencies became increasingly interlinked after Trump took office.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Trump was inaugurated as the first “crypto president” in U.S. history; his inaugural speech did not mention cryptocurrencies. Justin Sun: TRON DAO has invested an additional $45 million in World Liberty Financial. The Ethereum Foundation is exploring new staking options. Vitalik expressed personal opposition to staking through service providers and Ethereum supports independent staking. CoinGecko introduced a "Made in USA Tokens" category, while Ave.ai launched a “Celebrity Tokens” curated channel. Utah Representative Jordan Teuscher proposed strategic Bitcoin reserve legislation.    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change KCS/USDT +5.78% SOL/USDT -1.24% RAY/USDT +24.96%   Trade now on KuCoin   Donald Trump Sworn in as the 47th U.S. President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts in the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Monday. Source: The Associated Press   Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025 in the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Tech giants Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, Sam Altman, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng were present at the ceremony. At 40 years old, JD Vance was sworn in as the vice president of the United States. “This moment marks the start of America’s Golden Age,” Trump declared in his inaugural address. “From today onward, our nation will thrive and once again command respect around the globe.”   The Executive Order for DOGE President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to establish an advisory group called the Department of Government Efficiency, or “DOGE,” with the goal of carrying out extensive cuts to the U.S. government.   Tesla CEO Elon Musk is leading DOGE, which aims to eliminate entire federal agencies and slash 75% of federal government jobs. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy served as co-chair but stepped down to pursue elected office, according to Trump spokesperson Anna Kelly. A source familiar with Ramaswamy’s plans indicated he plans to run for governor of Ohio.   “In order to restore competence and effectiveness to our federal government, my administration will establish the brand new Department of Government Efficiency,” Trump said in his inaugural speech Monday.   The executive order, unveiled by the White House later that evening, outlines DOGE’s mission to “modernize federal technology and software.” Trump added that around 20 individuals will be hired to ensure the group’s objectives are carried out.   Read more: Donald Trump Becomes the 47th President of the United States and Ushers in a Bold New Era with D.O.G.E.   Bitcoin Price Nears $110,000 Bitcoin Nears $110,000 in Surge January 20, 2025. Source: Coinglass   Bitcoin reached record levels on January 20, 2025, topping $109,356 on Bitstamp. Polymarket analysts estimated a 60% chance Trump might create a Bitcoin reserve in the first 100 days in Office. TradingView data showed BTC rising more than 6% in minutes, briefly surpassing $109,000 before settling near $108,000. Many had anticipated policy announcements from the incoming administration to drive market volatility and push prices higher. After the recent surge, Bitcoin’s price forecast remains bullish, with possible new all-time highs near $120K and $130K. However, if BTC slips under $100K, this positive scenario could fail and spark a drop toward $90K.   Source: CoinGape via TradingView   Trump’s World Liberty Financial Sold More Tokens After Presale Source: www.worldlibertyfinancial.com   Trump-backed World Liberty Financial revealed it had sold 20% of its token supply and released another 5% at a 230% markup. We’ve completed our mission and sold 20% of our token supply, the group stated on January 20, 2025 in an X post. Due to massive demand and overwhelming interest, we’ve decided to open up an additional block of 5% of token supply. Observers suggested the platform might use a TWAP strategy to acquire Bitcoin and Ether, mirroring the crypto surge past $100,000 in December 2024.   World Liberty Financial Boosted Crypto Holdings By $103 Million Source: Spot on Chain. WLFI Transactions January 20, 2025   World Liberty Financial (WLFI) committed $103 million to a range of digital assets. It purchased 19.3 million TRX for $4.7 million, 13,261 AAVE for $4.7 million, and 177,928 LINK for $4.7 million. It also spent $32.8 million on 7,022 SETI, $18.8 million on 7,413 SWEAT, and $14.7 million on 5,037 MENA. WLFI’s ETH holdings reached over 47,000 ETH, worth $158 million. TRON DAO increased its stake by $45 million, raising its total investment to $75 million. TRON founder Justin Sun characterized this alliance as a shared effort to expand blockchain adoption worldwide. WLFI initially raised $30 million in a presale, selling 20% of its 100 billion token supply.   According to Spot on Chain, After $ETH, World Liberty Financial (@worldlibertyfi) is buying $TRX, $AAVE and $LINK. On January 20th, 2025, the fund spent $14.1M to buy: • 19.3M $TRX ($4.7M) • 13,261 $AAVE ($4.7M) • 177,928 $LINK ($4.7M)   Note that TRON DAO (@trondao) also spent another 15M $USDT to buy 1B $WLFI today, raising their total investment to 3B $WLFI ($45M). Justin Sun also tweeted that TRON DAO would increase its investment in World Liberty Financial to $75M.   Read more: Donald Trump Backed WLFI Acquires $12 Million in Ethereum, Chainlink, and Aave   Conclusion Trump’s inauguration took place as Bitcoin surpassed $110,000, reflecting heightened market optimism about potential crypto initiatives under the new administration. World Liberty Financial capitalized on the bullish atmosphere, widening its token sales and allocating large sums to both established and emerging digital currencies. These actions underscored the deepening relationship between political leadership and the cryptocurrency sector, foreshadowing new developments in global finance.

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at $101,502, down 3.16% over the past 24 hours after peaking above $106,000 earlier today. Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) sits at $3,239.25, reflecting a 3.61% drop in the same timeframe. Despite these price dips, market sentiment remains optimistic, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index holding steady at 61 ('Greed'), suggesting continued bullish confidence.   The crypto market has entered a new phase due to the Trump effect. Bitcoin reached a record $106,000, while memecoins surpassed the broader market with double-digit gains. Donald Trump launched the official $TRUMP memecoin that quickly rose to a multibillion-dollar valuation this weekend. Meanwhile, Coinbase’s Base network has set bold goals for 2025, including $100 billion in on-chain assets. This article provides technical info on each development and highlights the core metrics behind the ongoing crypto market bull run.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Trump’s personal meme coin TRUMP launched, reaching a peak market cap of $70 billion. Melania Trump’s meme coin, $MELANIA, has achieved a circulating market cap exceeding $13 billion and is set to be listed on KuCoin today. TikTok officially went offline in the U.S. on January 19th, only to announce its return less than 12 hours later.Trump declared on Truth Social: "Saved TikTok." and  announced plans to sign an executive order next Monday to prevent TikTok’s shutdown. Vitalik: The Ethereum Foundation is undergoing major leadership restructuring.  Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change FARTCOIN/USDT +21.32% SOL/USDT -5.62% TRUMP/USDT +70.40%   Trade now on KuCoin   Bitcoin Hits $106,000 and Memecoins Surge 10% Over the Weekend Source: CoinGecko   Bitcoin (BTC) jumped 5.1% in the last 24 hours to trade at $106,000. It had corrected last week after strong U.S. labor data triggered a pullback from $101,000 down to $90,000. The U.S. consumer price index (CPI) for December rose 0.4% monthly, meeting expectations. This outcome drove risk appetite higher and sparked a 9% BTC price jump. Altcoins also rallied. XRP rose above $3.40 on Jan. 16. Ethereum (ETH) reached $3,506.11, up 4.4% daily. Solana (SOL) climbed 2.2% to $218.24. BNB added 1.6% to $726.72.   Memecoins Surged by 10% in the Last 24 Hours Memecoins surged 10%, beating the market average of 5.7%. Data from Artemis shows Popcat (POPCAT) leading among the top 200 memecoins, with 19% gains in 24 hours. Solana-based Bonk (BONK) gained 13%, Dogwifhat (WIF) rose 5.5%, and Pepe (PEPE) climbed 12%. Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) saw 8.5% and 8.9% increases, respectively.    Derivatives exchange tokens jumped 8.1%, while AI and DePIN tokens rose 6.4% and 6.8%. Centralized exchange and real-world asset (RWA) protocols posted smaller gains of 5.6% and 3.8%.   Read more: The History of Bitcoin Bull Runs and Crypto Market Cycles   The Official $TRUMP Memecoin Grows Over $50 Billion In Under 48 Hours Source: CoinGecko   On January 18, 2025, the “OFFICIAL TRUMP” ($TRUMP) token launched on the Solana blockchain. Its price soared 490% within 24 hours. Market cap reached $8 billion in three hours and now stands at $5.7 billion, with a fully diluted valuation of $28.5 billion. Donald Trump shared the token via Truth Social and X, igniting a massive trading frenzy.   branding it as “the only official trump meme.” Within two days, it reached a fully diluted market cap above $72 billion at a price over $72 per coin. 80% of the supply is held by Trump Organization affiliates, bound by a three-year unlock schedule. Reports indicate Trump has embraced crypto and may soon label it a “national priority.”   Read more: What is the Official Trump ($TRUMP) Memecoin and How to Buy?   $TRUMP’s Major Impact on Solana  Solana (SOL) rose past $270 and reached a new high of 0.081 ETH (with ETH at $3,358.64). Liquidity shifted from Ethereum-based memecoins into Solana-based tokens, causing dips for some ETH projects. Traders flocked to Solana to capitalize on fresh memecoin creation.   80% Of $TRUMP Supply In One Wallet Source: Axios   Critics questioned the project’s credibility, citing the large concentration of tokens. Arkham Intelligence posted on X:   “Donald Trump's net worth is up $22 billion overnight, assuming CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, which collectively own 80% of the $TRUMP supply, effectively belong to him. What’s more, at the current price of around $28, that stake is worth $22.4 billion. ‘Forbes estimated the President-elect’s net worth at $5.6 billion in November 2024.”   If this assessment is accurate, Trump’s net worth could be multiplied by 5x.   Trump NFT Cards Soared on Polygon Source: Magic Eden. Trump NFT trading volume. Trump NFTs Card Surges 400% Amid Memecoin Launch 3   CIC Digital LLC, which helped launch the memecoin, was also involved in Trump’s NFT ventures. Interest in Trump’s Digital Trading Cards on Polygon soared. The first collection has a floor price of $936.91 (up 12% in 24 hours) with 1,275 sales. It boasts a $93.5 million market cap and $2.44 million in daily volume. A second set trades at $213 (up 10% in 24 hours), with 2,133 sales. Its market cap is $22.6 million and daily volume is $940,000.   $MELANIA Launched Shortly After the Success of $TRUMP Melania Trump launched her $MELANIA coin on Sunday January 19, 2025 shortly after President-elect Trump introduced his own digital token and became the first presidential candidate to accept digital assets through Coinbase Commerce. She announced “The Official Melania Meme is live You can buy $MELANIA now” on X. Observers note that $MELANIA’s total supply is 1,000,000,000 tokens with 250,000,000 in initial circulation and a 24-hour trading volume of 310,000,000 dollars, pushing its initial market cap beyond 800,000,000 dollars. The coin is minted on the Solana blockchain, chosen for its fast transaction speeds, low fees, and robust security features. According to sources, the memecoin is set to be listed on major exchanges like KuCoin on Jan. 20.    Source: X   Coinbase’s Base Aims At $100 Billion In 2025 Source: BaseScan   Base is an Ethereum layer-2 developed by Coinbase. It targets $100 billion in on-chain assets, 25,000 developers, and 25 million users by the end of 2025. It also plans to process 1 billion transactions by October 2025, increasing blockspace to 250 million gas units per second. Lead developer Jesse Pollak stated,“2025 is our year… the year we build together.” Base focuses on advanced dev tools, innovative dApps, improved user experience, global liquidity, and robust infrastructure. Data from Token Terminal shows it surpassing Optimism and Arbitrum in monthly transaction counts. Backed by Coinbase’s ecosystem, Base has attracted prominent projects, including Bitcoin-backed loans. Pollak affirmed,    “There are no plans for a Base network token. We are focused on building. And we want to solve real problems.”   Read more: Base Aims for $100B On-Chain Assets and 25M Users by 2025   Conclusion As Trump’s inauguration on January 20 approaches, the “Trump Effect” continues to reshape the cryptocurrency market. The launch of the $TRUMP memecoin has ignited a surge in memecoin popularity, boosting prices and trading volumes, with $MELANIA quickly following suit. This trend underscores the growing intersection of politics and crypto, with blockchain technology redefining cultural and financial landscapes. The impact of $TRUMP has been particularly transformative for Solana, which has reached new all-time highs, attracting liquidity and enthusiasm from traders eager to capitalize on the latest memecoin boom.    The question remains: will this momentum sustain as regulatory and market uncertainties persist, or will the Trump Effect redefine the trajectory of cryptocurrencies and memecoins for years to come? One thing is certain—2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for digital assets.

Bitcoin trades above $102,000 today and is currently priced at 101,758, up +1.72% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,387, down 0.1%. The Fear and Greed Index remains balanced at 75, indicating a bullish market sentiment despite recent price fluctuations. Today in crypto XRP enters an extreme bullish price territory for the first time since 2017. It shows a three-month consecutive green candle. US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly receptive to establishing a strategic reserve that could include US-founded cryptocurrencies like XRP, USDC, and Solana. Meanwhile, Phantom Wallet raised $150M at a $3B valuation. This article covers all these developments and more.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Trump: "We will do some great things with cryptocurrency." 52% of Americans have sold traditional assets like stocks or gold to invest in Bitcoin. Grayscale registered a Helium (HNT) trust product in Nevada. Canadian publicly listed company Goodfood announced its Bitcoin financial strategy. Phantom Wallet Raises $150M on a $3B valuation     Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers    Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT +8.82% SOL/USDT +5.06% ALGO/USDT +12.08%   Trade now on KuCoin   XRP's Futures Open Interest Surged 300% in 2025  XRP futures open interest. Source: CoinGlass   Market activity around XRP is robust, with open interest reaching $7.9B—an impressive 27.34% increase in just 24 hours. Futures volume has doubled to $42.87B, according to CoinGlass. Since January 1, open interest has surged by 300%, climbing from $1.92B to $7.9B. These metrics indicate growing market enthusiasm as XRP approaches the critical $3.40 threshold.   Source: KuCoin   While some speculate that futures trading is the main driver behind XRP's price surge, the situation appears more nuanced. The altcoin's performance signals strong investor interest and momentum as it seeks to solidify its position above $3.40 and achieve a new all-time high.   SEC Appeals Ripple Decision The US SEC filed arguments in its appeal against Ripple Labs, challenging the regulatory classification of XRP. This legal battle continues to shape how cryptocurrencies are viewed under US law. The outcome remains uncertain, but the SEC is pressing forward with its case.   Read more: What Is Altcoin Season (Altseason), and How to Trade Altcoins?   Phantom Wallet Raises $150M At $3B Valuation Source: https://phantom.com/ Phantom Wallet raised $150M at a $3B valuation. Sequoia Capital and Paradigm led the Series C round, with participation from a16z and Variant. Co-founder and CEO Brandon Millman noted, "The wallet's rise in popularity shows that there's a broader trend in which more people are buying crypto directly with their digital wallets instead of using Coinbase Global Inc.’s exchange and other centralized platforms." Phantom Wallet reports 15M monthly active users and $25B in self-custody assets. The company aims to accelerate crypto adoption and become a leading consumer finance platform, crediting much of its success to Solana. This funding round is the largest so far in 2025, surpassing recent deals like Sygnum Bank’s $58M.   Read more: How to Create a Phantom Wallet for the Solana Ecosystem   Trump Receptive To Strategic Reserve With US-Based Cryptos As per the report of Yahoo Finance, President-elect Trump is exploring a strategic reserve that includes US-based cryptocurrencies such as XRP, USDC, and Solana. The New York Post cited sources on January 16 saying Trump is open to a reserve that might sideline Bitcoin. This speculation follows a private dinner with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Ripple CLO Stuart Alderoty at Mar-a-Lago. David Bailey, CEO at BTC Inc, dismissed the idea as fake news, calling Ripple "Kamala coin." Alexander Grieve from Paradigm urged skepticism, advising to wait for confirmation.   Source: David Bailey   Covering Possible Policy Shifts Trump's campaign emphasized Bitcoin, but recent talks hint at a broader approach including multiple US-based digital assets. This aligns with an America-first agenda that prioritizes local innovation. Critics worry that adding more cryptos might dilute Bitcoin's dominance, while supporters see it as boosting US blockchain projects.   Read more: Eric Trump Predicts Bitcoin Will Hit $1 Million and Drive Global Adoption   Conclusion Crypto markets remain active. XRP enters a phase of price discovery with strong futures interest. Phantom Wallet's $150M raise at a $3B valuation underscores investor confidence. Rumors about a strategic crypto reserve under President-elect Trump continue to spark debate. These stories highlight the evolving landscape of regulation, blockchain innovation, and investor sentiment. Markets watch closely as legal battles, funding rounds, and potential policy shifts shape the future of digital assets.

Bitcoin trades above $100,700 close to 3:30 p.m. EST today and is currently priced at $99,484.2, up +4.07% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,450, up +7%. The Fear and Greed Index remains balanced at 75, indicating a neutral market sentiment despite recent price fluctuations. Crypto markets show strong movement across Stellar, Dogecoin, and state-level Bitcoin proposals. Stellar (XLM) price has climbed 12% on high volume. Dogecoin whales have accumulated $410M DOGE, as on-chain data signals a buy zone. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Oklahoma and Texas are pushing Bitcoin reserve strategies. Furthermore, according to the latest data, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.9% year-over-year in December, aligning with market forecasts. This roundup covers each event with technical data and quotes that shed light on key crypto developments.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  U.S. December CPI increased by 2.9% year-over-year, in line with market expectations. The correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq 100 index reached its highest point since 2022. Oklahoma And Texas Push forward Strategic Bitcoin Reserves Bill. Dogecoin Whales Accumulate $410M DOGE.  Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me  Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT +10.09% XLM/USDT +16.18% DOGE/USDT +2.04%   Trade now on KuCoin   Oklahoma And Texas Move Forward With Bitcoin Reserve Proposals Source: KuCoin   Lawmakers in Oklahoma and Texas seek to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve to expand BTC’s role in public finance. In Texas, State Senator Charles Schwertner filed a bill allowing the state to collect taxes, fees, and donations in BTC. Oklahoma Representative Cody Maynard introduced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act to allocate part of pension funds and savings to Bitcoin.   Read more: What Is a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and How Likely is It?   States Are Pushing For A Bitcoin Reserve Texas holds the largest budget surplus among US states and wants to use Bitcoin as a financial instrument. Schwertner aims to make his state the first to enact a strategic Bitcoin reserve. “It’s time for Texas to lead the way in establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. That’s why I filed SB 778,” he wrote on X. With President-elect Trump’s inauguration days away, Republican-led states appear determined to adopt BTC, at least at the state level. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Representative Cody Maynard introduced House Bill 1203 today, dubbed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act. Like other states, Oklahoma also wants to use BTC as a potential hedge against inflation.    “Bitcoin represents freedom from bureaucrats printing away our purchasing power. It is the ultimate store of value for those who believe in financial freedom and sound money principles,” Maynard stated.   US Lawmakers Are Recognizing BTC’s Store Of Value Other states like Pennsylvania and North Dakota have proposed similar measures. Some states use broader digital asset language, not limiting themselves to Bitcoin. Globally, nations like Japan, Russia, and Switzerland are exploring BTC reserves. Vancouver has already integrated Bitcoin into its municipal funds. Asset manager VanEck predicts Bitcoin reserves could reduce US national debt by 36% by 2025.   U.S. December CPI Rises 2.9% Year-over-Year, Meeting Market Expectations According to the latest data, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.9% year-over-year in December, aligning with market forecasts. The previous reading for annual CPI growth was 2.7%. On a month-over-month basis, December’s CPI climbed by 0.4%, also matching analysts’ estimates, and slightly higher than the 0.3% rise reported in November.   These figures suggest that inflation continues to move at a moderate pace, with both the yearly and monthly increases coming in precisely as predicted by economists. The data provides additional insights into the current economic environment, indicating stability in consumer prices at the close of the year.   Stellar (XLM) Price Gains 12% With Trading Volume Reaching $1.75B Source: KuCoin   Stellar XLM price rose 12% in the past day, with trading volume jumping 163% to $1.64B. Indicators like RSI and Ichimoku Cloud show a strong bullish trend, suggesting the rally might continue. EMA lines also confirm upward momentum, placing XLM near a critical resistance of $0.485. If the price breaks above this level, XLM could cross $0.50 for the first time since December 7. If sellers emerge and push the price below $0.43, there is a risk of a correction toward $0.38.   XLM RSI Confirms A Strong Buying Pressure XLM RSI. Source: TradingView   Stellar RSI stands at 65.7, down from 71.9 earlier yet up sharply from 37.3 two days ago. The RSI ranges from 0 to 100, with levels above 70 pointing to overbought conditions. XLM’s current RSI supports a bullish outlook, though extended gains might move RSI into overbought territory.   Ichimoku Cloud Shows Stellar (XLM) Is Building A Bullish Setup XLM Ichimoku Cloud. Source: TradingView   XLM now trades well above the green Kumo. The Senkou Span A green line is above the Senkou Span B red line, showing a bullish trend. The blue Kijun-Sen baseline is below the price, and the orange Tenkan-Sen conversion line is aligned closely with the price, indicating strong near-term momentum. The lagging span green line rests above both the price and the cloud, confirming a bullish outlook.   XLM Price Prediction: Can Stellar Rise To $0.50 Again? XLM Price Analysis Source: TradingView   Short-term EMA lines lie above long-term EMAs, with a widening gap suggesting robust momentum. If $0.485 resistance breaks, XLM could approach $0.50. But if sellers force a drop below $0.43, the price may test $0.41 or even $0.38, marking a potential 19% decline.   Dogecoin Whales Scoop Up $410M DOGE As Meme Coin Flashes Buy Signal Dogecoin Supply Distribution. Source: Santiment   Dogecoin whales have increased their holdings by $410M DOGE, worth $140M, bringing their cumulative stash to 22.54B DOGE, the highest since 2016. This whale activity can tighten supply, spark retail interest, and support a bullish trend.   Dogecoin Whales Are Back In The Game Large holders controlling 10,000,000 to 100,000,000 DOGE have driven this accumulation spree. On-chain data shows Dogecoin’s one-day MVRV ratio at -1.76, indicating undervaluation. Historically, negative MVRV points to a potential rebound as the asset trades below its average acquisition cost.   Dogecoin MVRV Ratio. Source: Santiment   DOGE Price Prediction: Accumulation Could Propel Coin To $0.48 Dogecoin’s Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) is now at 0.03, reflecting more inflows than outflows. A sustained whale accumulation trend might drive DOGE near $0.48. If selling persists, DOGE might slip to $0.29.   Dogecoin Price Analysis. Source: TradingView   Conclusion Stellar advances 12% on strong volume. Dogecoin whales snap up $410M DOGE, signaling undervaluation. Two US states push for BTC reserves. Each trend points to broader crypto adoption, from retail traders to whales to lawmakers. Rapid technical gains, potential legislative action, and on-chain data form a compelling case for more market growth in the near future.

Bitcoin is currently priced at $94,525, down -0.01% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,137, down -3.97%. The Fear and Greed Index remains balanced at 63, indicating a neutral market sentiment despite recent price fluctuations. Crypto adoption continues at a rapid pace with Bitcoin growing faster than past tech revolutions. A BlackRock report suggests Bitcoin’s user base is expanding quicker than the internet or mobile phones did. Meanwhile, crypto ETPs recorded $47 million inflows last week. JPMorgan analysts foresee that Solana and XRP ETPs could attract up to $15 billion in net inflows.This article examines these trends alongside key data from BlackRock and CoinShares.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  MicroStrategy has purchased 2,530 BTC for approximately $243 million. U.S. publicly listed company Semler Scientific announced a $23.3 million increase in its Bitcoin holdings, adding 237 BTC. Canadian tech company Matador announced the purchase of approximately 29 BTC at an average price of $96,341 per coin. Azuki announced the launch of the ANIME token on Ethereum and Arbitrum in January, with 50.5% allocated to the community. Meta shareholders suggested using part of the company's $72 billion cash reserve to purchase Bitcoin. Donald Trump Jr. has been appointed as a strategic advisor for prediction market platform Kalshi.   Read more: MicroStrategy Acquires 21,550 More Bitcoin for $2.1 Billion    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT +1.29% HYPE/USDT +8.10% SOL/USDT +0.87%   Trade now on KuCoin   BlackRock: Bitcoin Adoption Outpacing Internet and Mobile Phones Time needed to achieve 300m users. Source: BlackRock   Chart Description: Bar chart displaying time needed to reach 300 million users between crypto, the internet, and mobile phones since their inceptions. Crypto reached 300 million users faster than the internet and mobile phones. BlackRock’s new report says Bitcoin is growing faster than transformative technologies like the internet and mobile phones. Bitcoin launched in 2009 and has become a globally recognized asset. BlackRock credits three main factors for this growth: demographic shifts, economic realities, and a digital-first financial system.   Younger “digital natives” show higher rates of Bitcoin ownership. They trust tech solutions more than older generations do and see Bitcoin as a viable alternative store of value. Meanwhile rising inflation and distrust in legacy banking have driven people toward decentralized assets. BlackRock writes that Bitcoin’s independence has “resonated with investors worldwide” especially during “uncertain times.”   Maturing digital asset infrastructure also plays a key role. As major financial platforms support Bitcoin it becomes easier to buy, store and use BTC in everyday transactions. BlackRock offers its spot Bitcoin ETF IBIT for simpler Bitcoin exposure stating that direct ownership remains complex for many investors. IBIT has over $50 billion in assets under management and $38 billion in inflows according to Farside Investors. BlackRock also launched IBIT in Cboe Canada on Jan 13.   Read more: BlackRock Eyes Solana ETF: A Game-Changer for Crypto Adoption   Crypto ETPs Record $47M Inflows Last Week Crypto ETP flows by assets in the week of Jan. 6–10 (in millions of dollars). Source: CoinShares CoinShares says crypto ETPs saw about $1 billion inflows last week offset by $940 million outflows triggered by fresh macroeconomic data and Federal Reserve statements. This pushed some investors to reduce risk.   Bitcoin investment products led with $213 million inflows for the week of Jan 6 to Jan 10. Bitcoin remains the top performer in 2025 with $799 million in year-to-date inflows. Total Bitcoin ETP assets under management stand near $125.4 billion, a 3.5% drop from the prior week’s $130 billion due to broad market selling.   JPMorgan Projects $15B for Solana, XRP ETPs Source: KuCoin   A JPMorgan estimate indicates that ETPs for Solana (SOL) and XRP might gather over $15 billion in net inflows. Bitcoin’s first-year ETP growth reached $108 billion or 6% of its $1.8 trillion market cap. Ethereum’s first ETP offerings amassed $12 billion or 3% of ETH’s $395 billion market cap. By comparison SOL-based ETPs could see $3 billion to $6 billion in inflows while XRP could draw $4 billion to $8 billion.   Source: KuCoin CoinShares reports that Solana ETPs hold $1.6 billion in assets under management with $438 million net flows in 2024. XRP ETPs hold $910 million in assets with $69 million net inflows. However, approving ETFs for both assets in the US may face delays. Bloomberg analysts say President-elect Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance could open doors to new approvals but regulators have rejected Solana-tied ETFs in the past while Ripple Labs remains in a legal dispute with the SEC over XRP’s classification.   Read more: XRP Price Prediction 2025 - Could XRP Cross $8 in 2025?   Conclusion Bitcoin’s adoption curve appears to eclipse earlier tech booms. BlackRock’s IBIT spot ETF is easing entry for traditional investors who seek Bitcoin exposure. Though crypto ETPs experienced $47 million inflows last week, macroeconomic factors continue to sway market sentiment. JPMorgan’s projections suggest that next-generation assets like Solana and XRP may see multi-billion-dollar inflows if more ETF approvals materialize. The market’s next phase hinges on regulatory clarity, investor demand, and ongoing technological progress in a sector that keeps evolving at record pace.   Read More: Solana Price Prediction: Will SOL Overcome Current Hurdles to Reach $450?

Bitcoin is currently priced at $94,539, down -0.07% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,266, down -0.50%. The Fear and Greed Index remains balanced at 61, indicating a neutral market sentiment despite recent price fluctuations. Spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds have changed the crypto landscape over the past year with billions of dollars of inflows. BlackRock’s IBIT fund set new records with $33.17B inflows, MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor hinted at more bitcoin acquisitions, and Solana’s price action suggests a potential rally to $200. This article explores the highlights, volumes, and major moves that shaped these developments.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Net outflows for spot Bitcoin ETFs this week amounted to $313.2 million, while spot Ethereum ETFs saw $185.8 million in outflows. BlackRock, MicroStrategy, and Fidelity have collectively purchased approximately $94 billion worth of Bitcoin in 2024. BlackRock Shatters Records with $33.17B Inflows Read more: BlackRock Eyes Solana ETF: A Game-Changer for Crypto Adoption    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change HYPE/USDT +4.54% KCS/USDT +3.89% SOL/USDT -0.59%   Trade now on KuCoin   BlackRock Shatters Records of $33.17 billion Inflows Source: The Block   One year ago, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved spot bitcoin ETFs on January 10, which began trading the next day. In the first month, they drew almost $38 billion in cumulative trading volume. Six months in, total volume hit about $323 billion, and one year later that figure soared past $660 billion.    “Central banks cutting interest rates created a favorable macroeconomic environment for bitcoin attracting capital as financial liquidity increased,” said 21Shares head of US business Federico Brokate.   BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), ticker IBIT, outpaced competitors like Fidelity and Grayscale. Grayscale had converted into an ETF with about $29 billion in assets under management. But BlackRock’s fund grew so quickly that by early November it had net assets of $33.17 billion while BlackRock’s gold ETF, trading since 2005, had $32.9 billion.   Source: The Block “IBIT’s growth is unprecedented. It’s the fastest ETF to reach most milestones faster than any other ETF in any asset class,” said Bloomberg ETF Analyst James Seyffart.   “Absolutely wild,” ETF Store President Nate Geraci said.   IBIT’s assets have now surpassed $50 billion in the past year, establishing it as the leader among spot bitcoin ETFs, followed by Fidelity’s at about $25 billion and Grayscale at about $20 billion. Options on IBIT launched in November 2024 and are already among the top dozen most actively traded equities, according to Greg Magadini from Amberdata.   Michael Saylor posts MSTR Bitcoin tracker for the 10th consecutive week and Hints at More BTC Acquisition The MicroStrategy Bitcoin chart. Source: SaylorTracker MicroStrategy (MSTR) co-founder Michael Saylor signaled another bitcoin purchase on January 13 by posting the MicroStrategy Bitcoin chart:   “Thinking about the next green dot on SaylorTracker,” he told his 3.9 million followers.   MicroStrategy holds 447,470 BTC worth about $42 billion with an unrealized gain of roughly $14 billion up 51% on its BTC holdings according to SaylorTracker. The company’s strategy of financing bitcoin through debt remains controversial as some view it as a leveraged bet on BTC.   In October 2024, Saylor introduced a “21/21 plan” that aimed to raise $21 billion each in equity and fixed-income instruments to acquire more bitcoin. In January 2025 MicroStrategy announced a possible $2 billion preferred stock offering to purchase even more BTC and strengthen its balance sheet. Critics warn a sudden drop in BTC’s price could harm MSTR’s share price but Saylor continues to expand bitcoin holdings regardless of volatility.   November 2024 - January 2025 MicroStrategy Bitcoin purchases. Source: SaylorTracker   Read more: MicroStrategy Acquires 21,550 More Bitcoin for $2.1 Billion   Solana (SOL) Price Eyes $200 as It Hits a Historical Rebound Zone Solana NUPL. Source: Glassnode   Solana is fighting to reclaim the $200 mark after falling about 15% to near $183. Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) data shows SOL nearing the Fear Zone which often signals caution but can also spark price recoveries if investors see a strong rebound setup.   Solana’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) bounced from oversold levels last month. While RSI has yet to confirm a full bullish phase, a push above the 50.0 line could renew upside momentum. If Solana reestablishes $200 as support, analysts see a potential rise toward $221. A failure to hold $183 risks a dip to $169 which would stall recovery.   Solana Price Analysis. Source: TradingView   “Solana’s macro momentum is showing signs of recovery,” note on-chain observers. Investors are watching NUPL trends and RSI signals to gauge if SOL can sustain a rally. A firm reclaim of $200 may indicate a return to bullish territory.   Read More: Solana Price Prediction: Will SOL Overcome Current Hurdles to Reach $450?   Conclusion Over the past year spot bitcoin ETFs attracted more than $660 billion in trading volume with BlackRock’s IBIT fund alone surpassing $33.17 billion in net assets in record time. Meanwhile Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy tracks its BTC holdings at 447,470 coins worth about $42 billion and hints at further acquisitions. Solana’s price hovers near $183 hoping to reclaim $200 while its on-chain metrics suggest a potential rebound. Together these movements highlight the continued evolution of crypto markets where institutional products reach massive inflows, corporate treasuries deepen their BTC bets, and major altcoins seek to regain key support levels.   Read more: XRP Price Prediction 2025 - Could XRP Cross $8 in 2025?

Bitcoin is currently priced at $94,884.97, up +1.44% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,300.91, down -0.47%. The Fear and Greed Index remains balanced, indicating a neutral market sentiment despite recent price fluctuations. Despite the recent dip, some traders anticipate a short-term bounce, citing potential support levels and market dynamics. A new DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) named Aiccelerate has emerged with support from Coinbase, Google and ai16z to foster open-source AI within the crypto space. Donald Trump debuted his 5th NFT collection on Bitcoin Ordinals after launching four prior sets in 2022. Trump’s cryptocurrency holdings have surpassed $10 million in value. Meanwhile, Circle donated $1 million USDC to Trump’s inaugural committee reflecting growing corporate interest in pro-crypto policies. These events underscore the swift convergence of AI blockchain and digital assets.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Trump’s cryptocurrency holdings have surpassed $10 million in value. Circle donated 1 million USDC to Trump’s Presidential Inaugural Committee. Team members from Coinbase, Google, and a16z launched a DAO named Aiccelerate, aimed at accelerating the integration of crypto and AI.   Source: Arkham Data on X   Read more: Donald Trump Backed WLFI Acquires $12 Million in Ethereum, Chainlink, and Aave    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT -2.37% KCS/USDT +1.97% SONIC/USDT +0.93%   Trade now on KuCoin   Coinbase, Google, and ai16z members back New Aiccelerate DAO Source: X   Aiccelerate positions itself as an investment and development DAO seeking to propel “agentic AI.” The organization will invest in new projects and back their development phases with guidance from high-profile advisors. Team members hail from Coinbase Google ai16z and other key players. In a Jan 9 announcement Aiccelerate stated   “We believe crypto AI is at an inflection point. Our mission is to accelerate the development of decentralized open-source AI and support high-potential projects across every ecosystem.”   An AI agent is software that can interact with its environment, gather data and perform tasks to achieve specific goals. Aiccelerate’s plan is to unite developers across multiple frameworks to create a range of agents and tools. The DAO will consolidate its efforts under one token known as AICC and use some profits to buy back the token.   The list of development advisors includes Shaw the founder of ElizaOS powering ai16z EtherMage a core contributor from Virtuals Protocol Nader Dabit the head of developer relations at EigenLayer and Jason Zhao co-founder of Story Protocol. The investment arm features Andrew Kang and Marc Weinstein from Mechanism Capital, Justin Lee from Coinbase Ventures and Anil Lulla from Delphi Digital.   By leveraging these networks Aiccelerate aims to address inefficiencies found in traditional venture capital structures. It plans to fund emerging projects and deploy agents that enhance decision-making in crypto and AI. The DAO’s first project will be a public utility research agent designed to help the organization and external users make more informed market decisions. By blending human expertise with agentic AI Aiccelerate hopes to become a hub for the next wave of builders and investors.   Read More: Blockchain-Powered AI Agent ai16z Reaches $1.5 Billion Market Cap   Donald Trump’s Bitcoin Ordinals NFTs Donald Trump has launched 5 NFT collections since 2022. His latest move brings 119 “Trump Bitcoin Digital Trading Cards” to Bitcoin Ordinals. This collection is only claimable by backers of a previous project released in January 2024 known as the Mugshot Edition. At the time of writing 31% or 37 out of 119 Ordinals have already been minted. Magic Eden lists some of these Ordinals for 0.177 BTC or about $16,500 USD while others reach 20 BTC or about 1.8 million USD. The claim period runs until Jan 31, 2025.   Source: X   Trump’s first NFT set dropped in December 2022 and eventually amassed 14k owners with more than 24 million USD in sales volumes according to CryptoSlam. The Mugshot Edition minted on the Polygon network with 200 cards in January 2024 and attracted more than 6500 holders. In August 2024 Trump introduced the America First collection which offered gold sneakers, physical cards and VIP dinners for buyers. This edition did not achieve strong secondary sales on Magic Eden although photos show happy supporters attending dinners and meeting Trump.   Source: X   Circle Donates $1 Million USDC to Donald Trump’s Inaugural Committee Jeremy Allaire expresses his optimism toward Trump’s second term, announcing a donation of USDC. Source: Jeremy Allaire on X   On January 9, 2025 Circle announced a $1 million USDC donation to Donald Trump’s inaugural committee. Circle’s CEO Jeremy Allaire said   “We are excited to be building a great American company and the fact that the Committee took payment in USDC is an indicator of how far we have come and the potential and power of digital dollars.”   This donation marks Circle’s first major political contribution in the United States. The event highlights Trump’s broad-based support from the crypto industry. Ripple Kraken Ondo Finance and Coinbase have also pledged resources for the new President. Market observers note that Trump’s pro-digital asset stance resonates with industry players. He has taken concrete steps that include naming David Sacks as the country’s first crypto and AI advisor. Trump also met with Kris Marszalek from Crypto.com and hosted Brad Garlinghouse and Stuart Alderoty of Ripple at a dinner.   Source: https://app.rwa.xyz/stablecoins   RWA xyz data reveals that stablecoins have a total market capitalization of $203 billion. USDC occupies $44 billion of that figure which is roughly 21%. This strong position highlights USDC’s widespread adoption among traders and institutions. Many observers see growing demand for tokenized dollars as the crypto market matures and cross-chain liquidity develops.    Conclusion In January 2025, Donald Trump’s inauguration has brought renewed focus to his economic policies, which prioritize tax cuts, deregulation, and fostering private sector growth. His administration is expected to support blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, with favorable regulatory frameworks aimed at stimulating innovation. Additionally, discussions around the introduction of a digital dollar and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) signal a broader push to integrate digital assets into the financial system, shaping the future of both the U.S. and global economies.

Bitcoin is currently priced at $95,056, down -1.96% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,327, down -1.60%. The Fear and Greed Index decreased to 69 today. Despite the recent dip, some traders anticipate a short-term bounce, citing potential support levels and market dynamics. Analyst John Glover of Ledn suggests that if President-elect Donald Trump fulfills his pro-crypto promises soon, such as creating a strategic bitcoin reserve, Bitcoin might reach new highs, as per the report from Market Watch. Ripple RLUSD executives met with the president-elect to discuss regulatory and business opportunities, Movement Labs aims to secure a $100 million funding round, and Shiba Inu breaks adoption records. This article details the latest developments, key figures, and ongoing trends shaping crypto today.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Hails Donald Trump Meeting at Mar-a-Lago as U.S. crypto engagement grows. Movement Labs (MOVE) Set to Close $100 Million Funding Round. Shiba Inu (SHIB) Wallets Reach $1.38 Million Despite Crypto Market Downturn. El Salvador added 11 BTC to its holdings, bringing its total to approximately 6,022 BTC. Grayscale made quarterly updates to its fund composition, adding SUI, LPT, and CRV. Read more: Donald Trump Backed WLFI Acquires $12 Million in Ethereum, Chainlink, and Aave    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me  Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT -0.03% BASE/USDT -4.02% SHIB/USDT -2.49%   Trade now on KuCoin   Ripple CEO meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago: Excitement Grows with U.S. Crypto Engagement  Source: KuCoin Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty joined a private dinner with US President-elect Donald Trump on Jan 8, 2025 at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida. Garlinghouse described the event as a “strong start to 2025” in a post on X. Although exact details of the discussion remain undisclosed, Ripple's US market expansion has already accelerated. The company signed more deals in the last weeks of 2024 than in the previous 6 months and 75% of its job openings are now located in the US. Trump’s growing interest in crypto aligns with his recent meetings at Mar-a-Lago with other industry figures like Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek and a phone call with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Trump has made pro-crypto cabinet appointments including Elon Musk and David Sacks who intend to focus on both crypto and artificial intelligence. These moves signal a major shift in White House policy. Ripple President Monica Long told Bloomberg that the RLUSD stablecoin is set to appear on more exchanges “imminently.” Ripple’s payment operations have doubled transaction volume, potentially driving RLUSD’s adoption further. Long also expects an upswing in spot-based XRP ETF applications and says regulators might approve them faster than many anticipate.   On Dec 16, 2024 Brad Garlinghouse commented on Ripple’s decision to launch RLUSD under the New York State Department of Financial Services charter. He added: “As the US moves toward clearer regulations we expect to see greater adoption of stablecoins like RLUSD which offer real utility and are backed by years of trust and expertise in the industry.”   Movement Labs Set to Close $100 Million Funding Round Source: KuCoin   Movement Labs, a San Francisco startup that builds a layer-2 blockchain on Ethereum is nearing the close of its Series B round with a target of $100 million according to sources close to the deal. This funding would value Movement at $3 billion. The company’s new round comes amid a market rebound sparked by Trump’s pro-blockchain stance following his November election. Founded by two college dropouts, Movement previously raised $38 million in April 2024 led by Polychain Capital with backing from Hack VC dao5 and Robot Ventures. Multiple sources say the Series B will be co-led by CoinFund and Nova Fund, part of Brevan Howard’s digital assets arm. Investors will receive both equity and Movement’s token Move.   Movement competes in the crowded blockchain space against well-funded projects like Monad and Berachain. Unlike Aptos and Sui which also use Move but run as standalone chains Movement runs as an Ethereum layer-2 allowing developers to leverage Ethereum’s ecosystem with the Move programming language. Movement’s beta mainnet and Move token launched in December with the token now listed on CEXs like KuCoin at a market cap of about $2.25 billion. The deal is expected to finalize by the end of January.   Shiba Inu Wallets Reach 1.38 Million Despite Crypto Market Downturn Shiba Inu Funded Wallets vs. SHIB Price | Source: IntoTheBlock    Shiba Inu (SHIB) plummeted to 0.000022 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a 13.4% drop within the weekly timeframe as memecoin holders faced volatility driven by the US Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance. BTC, ETH, and XRP also recorded losses. A death cross on SHIB’s 4-hour chart points to more downside risk as it hovers near the 0.000020 support.   Despite the drop, new investors continue to flock to SHIB. On-chain data from IntoTheBlock shows funded wallets for SHIB reached an all-time high of 1.38 million with over 100,000 new addresses joining in 2024. Many see this as a sign of sustained interest in the meme-based token even as overall markets remain cautious.   Shiba Inu 4-hourly price action, January 8 | TradingView   Analysts say SHIB’s ability to attract more buyers could prevent a breakdown below 0.000020. Some traders point to the Volume-Weighted Average Price VWAP near 0.000021 as a short-term support level. A push above this mark could send SHIB toward the 0.000023 resistance although macro sentiment may still weigh on memecoins like SHIB in early 2025.   Conclusion Bitcoin's recent dip below $93,000 reflects a broader crypto market selloff, influenced by strong U.S. economic data and rising bond yields. Market sentiment remains cautious, but pro-blockchain signals from Donald Trump are sparking interest in the sector. Ripple reports record-breaking U.S. deals and is expanding RLUSD adoption, while Movement Labs approaches a $100 million raise, highlighting potential growth opportunities. Shiba Inu shows some resilience by adding new holders despite price declines. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy maintains steady GDP growth, decelerating inflation, and strong consumer spending. With the Federal Reserve signaling possible rate cuts in 2025, the market remains in a "wait and see" mode, as participants assess the balance between evolving economic conditions and crypto sector developments.

Bitcoin is currently priced at $96,959, down -5.51% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,381, down -8.30%. The Fear and Greed Index decreased to 70 today but still reflects bullish market sentiment. The crypto market has reached a pivotal moment and looks strong in early 2025. Furthermore, crypto markets are facing pivotal shifts and developments in 2025. Arthur Hayes predicts a market top for Bitcoin in Q1 April this year with liquidity returning to the crypto market in Q3. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have exceeded $1.1 billion in net inflows. Ripple has joined forces with Chainlink to boost RLUSD with secure onchain data.    What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Arthur Hayes Predicts BTC and crypto market’s 2025 Q1 Peak Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Break $1.1B Inflows Ripple Partners with Chainlink for RLUSD Stablecoin Nasdaq-listed company Thumzup purchased $1 million worth of Bitcoin. U.S.listed company, SUNation Energy announced plans to adopt Bitcoin as part of its financial strategy. Read more: What Is a Bitcoin ETF? Everything You Need to Know    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT -2.63% BASE/USDT -4.74% SOL/FTM -7.94%   Trade now on KuCoin   BitMEX’s Arthur Hayes Predicts Bitcoin Q1 2025 Peak Source: KuCoin Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX and chief investment officer of Maelstrom sees markets potentially peaking by mid-to-late March 2025. He highlights a net injection of $57 billion in liquidity through Q1 driven by Federal Reserve and US Treasury strategies. He cites the Treasury General Account TGA at $722 billion and warns of a 76% depletion that will likely fuel risk assets like Bitcoin. He also points to an offset of $180 billion from ongoing Fed quantitative tightening and expects $237 billion to enter the markets as the Reverse Repo Facility RRP nears depletion. Hayes says:    “The sasa of a letdown by team Trump on his proposed pro-crypto and pro-business legislation can be covered by an extremely positive dollar liquidity environment.”   Hayes links Bitcoin gains to the RRP drawdown. He foresees more spending from the TGA as the debt ceiling debate escalates. He says the liquidity should propel crypto and equities until at least March. He remains cautious about policy delays but believes short-term support remains strong. He also warns that April 15 US tax deadlines might trigger a correction. Hayes adds: “Right on schedule just like almost every other year it will be time to sell in the late stages of the first quarter and chill on the beach at the clerb or on a ski resort in the southern hemisphere and wait for positive fiat liquidity conditions to re-emerge in the third quarter.”   He concludes that Maelstrom will increase its exposure to decentralized science tokens and other risk assets during Q1.   Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Break $1.1B Inflows Source: The Block   On Monday January 6, US spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs drew more than $1.1 billion in combined net inflows. Bitcoin ETFs led the surge with $978.6 million including Fidelity’s FBTC at $370.2 million. This marks over 900 million in positive flows for two consecutive trading days following $2 billion in net outflows in the prior two weeks. Ethereum ETFs also showed strength with $128.7 million in net inflows on Monday led by BlackRocks ETHA at $124.1 million. Bitcoin briefly reclaimed $100,000 yesterday.    Ripple Partners with Chainlink for RLUSD Stablecoin Source: Ripple   On January 7th, Ripple announced a collaboration with Chainlink to power secure pricing data for RLUSD. RLUSD is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar with a 77 million market cap on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. This integration uses Chainlinks decentralized price feeds to give RLUSD reliable onchain data.   DeFi platforms often need accurate tamper-proof asset prices. Ripple chose Chainlink for its proven track record of delivering volume-weighted price feeds. Johann Eid Chainlink Labs Chief Business Officer says:    “The adoption of tokenized assets such as stablecoins will continue to accelerate in the coming years and having access to critical onchain data will accelerate the process.”   Several protocols including Aave have begun incorporating RLUSD into their systems. Jack McDonald Ripple SVP of Stablecoin adds: “By leveraging the Chainlink standard, we bring trusted data onchain, further strengthening RLUSD’s utility across both institutional and decentralized applications.”   Chainlink technology supports trillions of dollars in global transaction value. Many crypto projects including the Coinbase-backed Base network and institutions like ANZ have partnered with the network to improve their operations. Stablecoins can radically improve payment systems by reducing costs and settlement times. Ripple launched RLUSD, a stablecoin pegged 1:1 with the US dollar, on the XRPL and Ethereum to expand DeFi possibilities. But DeFi apps need trustworthy asset pricing to handle risks. Ripple chose Chainlink Price Feeds for its high-quality data aggregation, secure node infrastructure, decentralization, and reputation framework. This integration supports accurate market prices, boosting RLUSD adoption across DeFi.   “We’re thrilled to be working with Ripple on accelerating the adoption of their recently launched RLUSD stablecoin through the adoption of the Chainlink standard for verifiable data. The adoption of tokenized assets such as stablecoins will continue to accelerate in the coming years and having access to critical onchain data will accelerate the process.” - Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer at Chainlink Labs   Source: KuCoin   “As RLUSD scales across DeFi ecosystems, reliable and transparent pricing is essential to maintaining stability and building trust in its utility within decentralized markets. By leveraging the Chainlink standard, we bring trusted data onchain, further strengthening RLUSD’s utility across both institutional and decentralized applications.”-  Jack McDonald, SVP, Stablecoin at Ripple.   Source: KuCoin   Conclusion Hayes expects a market peak in Q1 with possible turbulence in April before a rebound in Q3. Spot ETFs show strong inflows reflecting renewed optimism. The RLUSD partnership between Ripple and Chainlink demonstrate how stablecoins gain strength from secure onchain pricing. These elements underscore the evolving landscape of crypto innovation and liquidity in 2025.

Bitcoin broke above the key resistance level of $100k again and is currently priced at $102,224, up +3.93% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,686, up +1.41%. The Fear and Greed Index increased to 78 (Extreme Greed) today reflecting bullish market sentiment. The crypto market has reached a pivotal moment and looks strong in early 2025. MicroStrategy just confirmed a new 1,070 Bitcoin purchase totalling the purchase to $101M. Solana’s 24-hour DEX volume has surpassed Ethereum plus Base. Metaplanet aims to boost its BTC holdings to 10,000 BTC. This article explains these three developments. We use clear data and direct quotes to outline why 2025 might see further market growth.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  MicroStrategy has acquired 1,070 BTC for approximately $101 million. NYSE-listed company KULR announced an additional purchase of 213.43 BTC, bringing its holdings to 430.61 BTC. MARA Holdings has allocated 16% of its Bitcoin holdings to short-term lending for additional yield generation. Prediction markets such as Polymarket indicate a 92% probability of Pierre Poilievre becoming Canada’s next Prime Minister. Read more: What Is Polymarket Decentralized Prediction Market, and How Does It Work?    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change HYPE/USDT +5.54% BASE/USDT +1.07% SOL/FTM +0.41%   Trade now on KuCoin   MicroStrategy Kicks Off 2025 with 1,070 Bitcoin Purchase Announcement MicroStrategy, a major corporate Bitcoin holder purchased 1,070 BTC in the last 2 days of 2024. The company announced this on Jan. 6 stating it spent about $101M in cash on Dec. 30–31, 2024. An SEC filing shows the average price at roughly $94,004 per BTC. MicroStrategy did not buy more Bitcoin after December 31, 2024 per its Form 8-K filing.   Source: Michael Saylor   Similarly to past acquisitions MicroStrategy used proceeds from convertible note sales for this latest purchase. No further BTC buys were mentioned in the filing dated Dec. 31.   Source: Google   Solana 24-hour DEX volume beats Ethereum and Base combined Source: KuCoin   Solana’s 24-hour decentralized exchange volume has surpassed Ethereum and Base. DefiLlama reported nearly 3.8 billion in trading volume on Jan. 6 while Ethereum saw 1.7 billion and Base 1.2 billion.   The higher trading activity shows Solana’s rising impact in DeFi. Analysts see Solana as a serious challenger to Ethereum. Solana’s price performance also outpaced Ether by around 8 times since 2023 based on TradingView data. Solana’s total value locked went from about 1.4 billion to over 9.5 billion in 2024 according to DefiLlama.   “Retail traders increasingly enter the crypto market through Solana [as] speculation intensifies around Solana-based memecoins and AI agent tokens” Grayscale Research said in December   Source: DefiLlama   Solana’s largest DEX Raydium saw 24-hour volumes jump from 180,000,000 in early 2024 to more than 3,000,000,000 on Dec. 31. Memecoin trading accounted for up to 65 of Raydium’s monthly volume in November per Messari. Memecoins are now a 130,000,000,000 market according to CoinGecko. Pump.fun one of Solana’s main memecoin platforms, earned nearly 250,000,000 in trading volume over the past 30 days says DefiLlama.   “Fueled by venture capital funding and political speculation memecoins now command approximately 130,000,000,000 in market capitalization”   Source: DefiLlama   Read More: GBTC vs. Bitcoin: Which One Should You Invest In?   Metaplanet eyes Increasing Bitcoin holdings to 10,000 BTC in 2025 Metaplanet plans to expand its Bitcoin stash from 1,762 BTC to 10,000 BTC in 2025. Analysts predict a potential bull run this year that could send Bitcoin above $200,000. Metaplanet holds 1,762 BTC now worth about $173,400,000 from 19 purchases following MicroStrategy’s lead in 2024.   Source: Simon Gerovich   Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich posted on Jan. 5, 2025 that the firm wants to increase its total holdings to 10,000 BTC by “utilizing the most accretive capital market tools available to us.” Gerovich also aims to drive Bitcoin adoption in Japan and worldwide while amplifying Metaplanet’s impact in the Bitcoin ecosystem.   Conclusion Early 2025 brings notable Bitcoin acquisitions plus major action on Solana’s DeFi front. MicroStrategy reaffirmed corporate demand for BTC with its new 1,070-coin purchase. Solana’s 3.8-billion daily DEX volume signals strong ecosystem growth. Metaplanet’s target of 10,000 BTC shows ongoing optimism for Bitcoin’s future. Observers anticipate more institutional involvement if market conditions stay positive.

Bitcoin is currently priced at $99,286, up +1.67% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,649, down +0.67%. The Fear and Greed Index increased to 76 (Extreme Greed) today reflecting bullish market sentiment. The crypto market has reached a pivotal moment. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have climbed into the top 20 by yearly inflows making an astounding 4.6% of total inflows in 2024. MicroStrategy has teased another major Bitcoin purchase. Dogecoin has rallied by 21%. President-elect Donald Trump's pro-crypto stance is adding further excitement. This article examines how these developments are shifting the digital asset and crypto landscape.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Polymarket's total trading volume in 2024 exceeded $9 billion. The Usual stablecoin USD0 surpassed FDUSD entering the top five stablecoins by market cap. Polymarket predicts a 53% probability that a Solana ETF will be approved by the end of July this year. MARA CEO: Fred Thiel said MARA will continue to increase Bitcoin holdings on its balance sheet in 2025. Read more: What Is Polymarket Decentralized Prediction Market, and How Does It Work?  Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change DOGE/USDT -0.85% USUAL/USDT +6.03% SOL/FTM -1.18%   Trade now on KuCoin   Spot Bitcoin ETFs Enter Top 20 in 2024 while Capturing 4.3% of Total Inflows Source: Bitwise   BTC ETF performance this year was unlike anything on record. Bitwise Invest projects that over $35B USD will flow into Bitcoin ETFs in 2025 outpacing 2024. In less than a year since launch IBIT and FBTC have secured positions among the top 20 exchange-traded funds by yearly flows. They amassed 49 billion USD and represented 4.3 % of total inflows in 2024. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted how BlackRock’s IBIT registered the third-largest inflow last year with over 37 billion USD in capital. IBIT’s assets under management total about 52 billion USD. Two other S&P 500 ETFs outpaced IBIT. The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF IVV registered about 87 billion USD in flows. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF VOO surpassed 116 billion USD.   Fidelity’s FBTC placed 14th with 11.8 billion USD in yearly flows. FBTC’s AUM stands near 19 billion USD. The combined net flows of FBTC and IBIT represent 4.3 % of the ETF market's 1.14 trillion USD inflows. Both funds reached this milestone with less than one year in operation. US-traded Bitcoin ETFs including spot derivatives and leverage recently surpassed gold ETFs’ total AUM in mid-December.   Read More: What Is a Bitcoin ETF? Everything You Need to Know   A Massive Influx of Capital in BTC Bitcoin staged a powerful comeback in 2024 after two years of decline. The network recorded over 19 trillion USD in transactions more than double the 8.7 trillion USD total from 2023. According to Pierre Rochard Vice President of Research at Riot Platforms “this figure decisively proves that bitcoin is both a store of value and a medium of exchange.”   This dramatic rise in activity did not happen by chance. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the United States opened the floodgates to institutional investors. Demand for BTC payments also intensified as the Lightning Network reduced costs and accelerated transactions. In this environment bitcoin is not just a speculative asset. It is evolving into a global financial infrastructure capable of handling colossal transaction volumes with unmatched security.   Read more: Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which Is a Better Investment in 2025?   Trump and Presidential Pro-Crypto Outlook President-elect Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance has sparked optimism among analysts who see an even friendlier environment for Bitcoin ETFs. Bitwise estimates 35 billion USD will flow into Bitcoin ETFs in 2025. That would bring more than 70 billion USD in total inflows in under two years. Balchunas and Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart predict a wave of new ETF approvals ahead. Yet industry giants like IVV and VOO remain formidable leaders.   Adam Back co-founder and CEO of Blockstream asked Balchunas if a spot Bitcoin ETF could secure the top position in inflows this year. Balchunas responded “Maybe… VOO will be very tough to beat by anyone let alone a newcomer like IBIT. It’s almost like a public utility at this point. Gas, electricity and VOO.”   Read More: Eric Trump Predicts Bitcoin Will Hit $1 Million and Drive Global Adoption   MicroStrategy Signals More Bitcoin Purchases MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin purchases September 2020 to January 2025. Source: SaylorTracker   MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor posted the SaylorTracker chart to 3.9 million followers on X. “Something about SaylorTracker.com is not quite right,” he teased.   This hint echoed a post one week prior on Dec 29, 2024. The next day MicroStrategy purchased 2138 BTC for 290 million USD. The company continues its 21/21 plan to secure 42 billion USD in Bitcoin by offering 21 billion USD in equity and 21 billion USD in fixed-income securities.   Read more: MicroStrategy Hits $27B in BTC, Tether Invests $775M in Rumble, Cathie Wood Eyes $1M BTC: Dec 23   Dogecoin Jumps 21%, Galaxy Digital Predicts $1 DOGE Dogecoin Whale accumulation taking place | Source: Ali Martinez on X   Dogecoin rose 21% over the past week. It is now at 0.38 USD outperforming Shiba Inu at 0.00002349 USD, Pepe at 0.00002043 USD and Bonk at 0.00003356 USD. DOGE peaked at 0.39 USD. On Jan 3 whales scooped up 1.08 billion DOGE worth 413 million USD. A single transfer of 399.9 million DOGE about 144.9 million USD moved from Binance to an unknown wallet. This often signals reduced selling pressure.   DOGE testing crucial liquidity | Source: DOGEUSDT chart on TradingView   Galaxy Digital head of research Alex Thorn believes DOGE may surge another 170% to finally reach 1 USD. He predicts a 100 billion USD market cap for the oldest memecoin. Historically, whale activity has often foreshadowed large price shifts and Dogecoin's current situation appears similar. If DOGE sustains its position above 0.31 USD the stage for a big rally strengthens. A drop below that level could open a path for more downside and heightens the urgency of this consolidation phase.   “Dogecoin will finally hit $1 USD with the world’s largest and oldest memecoin touching a 100bn market cap.”   Dogecoin’s price surged 21% over the past week, peaking at $0.39. Source: KuCoin   Conclusion Spot Bitcoin ETFs have disrupted the ETF market with near-record inflows. President-elect Trump’s pro-crypto stance hints at even stronger demand ahead. MicroStrategy’s consistent purchases underscore institutional faith in BTC. Meanwhile Dogecoin is proving its enduring appeal with whale activity and bullish predictions. This wave of spot ETFs, new inflows and token rallies reflects a rapidly changing digital asset environment that continues to attract global attention.   Read more: Crypto Market Outlook 2025: Top 10 Predictions and Emerging Trends

Bitcoin is currently priced at $96,983, up +2.54% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,455, up +2.89%. The Fear and Greed Index decreased to 74 (Greed) today reflecting bullish market sentiment. The crypto ecosystem saw major changes and a bullish sentiment as 2024 ended and 2025 just started. Ethereum ETFs crossed $2.6B in net inflows in December. Solana restaking advanced with a new governance LAYER token and a dedicated foundation called Solayer. Furthermore, there’s approximately $7B worth of tokens unlocks in January 2025. NFTs pushed their annual volume to $8.8B in 2024. This report examines each sector in a clear and concise manner.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Morgan Stanley's E-Trade is exploring cryptocurrency trading services. Telegram added features like converting gifts into NFTs and third-party verification. Ethereum ETF Net Inflows Exceed $2.6B in December 2024 Read more: BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF IBIT Gains $329M Amid Bitcoin Dip  Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change FARTCOIN/USDT +24.35% MNT/USDT +7.97% SOL/FTM +4.47%   Trade now on KuCoin   Ethereum ETF Net Inflows Exceed 2.6B in December 2024 Total net inflows into Ethereum ETFs exceeded $2.6B in December according to Farside Investors. November and December saw eight consecutive weeks of inflows. CoinShares recorded a single-week inflow high of 2.2B on Nov. 26. BTC ETFs continued to lead the market with 35B in net inflows by late 2024. Some analysts believe ETH ETFs could outperform BTC ETFs in 2025 if price action and staking yields grow. Since November ETH has outperformed BTC in spot and derivatives markets. BTC ETFs saw record outflows on Dec. 19. Matt Hougan from Bitwise said that proliferation of AI agents will likely boost ETH usage. He noted that Ethereum and Base are where many AI agents operate.   Source: Farside Investors   Top funds included BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust with $3.5B in 2024 net inflows and Fidelity Ethereum Fund with $1.5B. Grayscale Ethereum Trust saw $3.6B in outflows in 2024. It charges a 1.5% management fee. Grayscale also introduced a cheaper Ethereum Mini Trust in July. A parallel pattern appeared in Bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust posted $37B in inflows in 2024. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust had over 20B in outflows. Asset manager VanEck anticipates ETH’s spot price will reach 6000 by Q4 2025.   Ethereum Inflows 2024 Source: Farside Investors   Read more: What Is ai16z AI Agent Ecosystem on Solana?   Solana Launches Restaking Protocol Solayer and LAYER Token Source: Solayer.org   Solayer Foundation launched to support the Solana restaking protocol named Solayer. The LAYER governance token is also being introduced with a planned claim event. Solayer Labs posted the following quote: “To support the next phase of our journey we are thrilled to announce the Solayer Foundation an independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing protocols that drive SVM scaling the upcoming LAYER token and Season 1 claim” Solayer is modeled after the EigenLayer restaking method on Ethereum ETH +3.02%. Restaking lets users lock up staked assets again in AVSs to increase rewards. The protocol ranks 12th on Solana SOL +7.15% per DeFiLlama. LAYER is an SPL-2020 token aimed at governance and ecosystem growth. Solayer Labs added more details about LAYER’s functionality will arrive later. It also noted a three-phase token distribution process. “Distribution of the LAYER token will take place over three phases. The first phase will conclude with the Solayer Season 1 for all eligible participants and protocol partners. Eligible participants will receive a prompt in the Solayer dashboard advising them of their eligibility and requiring them to accept the terms and conditions.” Solayer Labs is backed by Polychain Capital, Binance Labs and Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko. It raised 12M in seed funding last August.   Read more: Restaking on Solana (2024): The Comprehensive Guide   $7B In Token Unlocks in January 2025 Data from Tokenomist indicates $7B worth of tokens will be unlocked in January. This amount comprises cliff unlocks and linear unlocks. Cliff unlocks release large sums at once while linear unlocks distribute daily. The first week will see about 1B released. The third week will see $3.7B distributed between Jan. 13 and Jan. 19.   On Jan. 1 the market observed 64.19M SUI tokens worth $270M allocated to investors, community reserves and the Mysten Labs treasury. ZetaChain unlocked 54M ZETA tokens worth 42M for growth initiatives, advisory roles and liquidity incentives. Other major unlocks in January include Kaspa at $182.23M tokens worth $20M on Jan. 6, Ethena at 12M tokens worth $12.16M on Jan. 8, and Optimism with 31.34M tokens worth 57M on Jan. 9.   Several projects run daily linear unlocks. Solana unlocks about $14M worth of tokens daily. Worldcoin releases $12.4M per day. Celestia unlocks $5.1M each day. Dogecoin releases 4.63M daily. Avalanche releases $4.02M daily. Polkadot distributes 2.94M worth of tokens daily.   Similarly, ZetaChain unlocked 54 million ZETA tokens, valued at $42 million, to fund growth initiatives, advisory roles, and liquidity incentives.   Other significant unlocks this month include:   Kaspa (KAS): Releasing 182.23 million tokens worth $20 million on Jan. 6. Ethena (ENA): Unlocking 12 million tokens worth $12.16 million for ecosystem development by Jan. 8. Optimism (OP): Distributing 31.34 million tokens valued at $57 million by Jan. 9. Linear Unlocks Linear unlocks, which distribute tokens daily, add a steady stream of new supply throughout the month, led by several high-profile projects.   Token Unlock (Source: Tokenomist)   Key projects in this trend include:   Solana (SOL): Unloading $14 million worth of tokens daily. Worldcoin (WLD): Releasing $12.4 million per day. Celestia (TIA): Unlocking $5.1 million daily. Dogecoin (DOGE): Releasing $4.63 million daily. Avalanche (AVAX): Unlocking $4.02 million per day. Polkadot (DOT): Distributing $2.94 million daily. NFT Resurgence To $8.8B in Sales in 2024 Source: CryptoSlam.io   NFTs recorded a total 2024 sales volume of 8.8B surpassing 2023 by 100M or a 1.1% increase. Ethereum and Bitcoin each held 3.1B in NFT sales for 2024 while Solana posted 1.4B. Ethereum remains the leader in all-time NFT sales with 44.9B. Solana stands at 6.1B. Bitcoin-based NFTs reached 4.9B.   The Runes protocol on Bitcoin dominated transactions in April 2024 by surpassing 753,000 transactions or 80% of Bitcoin-based activity on April 23. December saw a decline in Runes usage with its share dropping to an average of 9%. Apart from Dec. 25 at 19.9% it did not see significant activity.   Some proclaimed NFTs dead in 2024 after a seven-month slump but many survived and thrived. Animoca Brands Chairman Yat Siu and OKX global chief commercial officer Lennix Lai predict continued NFT growth in 2025 despite regulatory tests.   Conclusion These developments highlight a fast-moving crypto environment with several innovations and market shifts. Ether ETFs gained notable traction and Solana restaking platforms expanded. Token unlocks continue to affect near-term pricing. NFTs regained momentum despite macroeconomic challenges. Market observers see 2025 as a year of further growth if yields improve and network usage remains strong.   Read more: Ethereum ETFs Surge to $2.6B, Aave Hits Record Deposits of $33.4B, and NFTs Rebound: Jan 2

The crypto market displayed a blend of optimism and caution today. The global crypto market cap stands at $3.35 trillion, reflecting a 2.49% increase over the last day. However, the total crypto market volume over the past 24 hours dropped by 12.55% to $96.5 billion, with DeFi contributing $7.99 billion (8.28%) and stablecoins accounting for $88.4 billion (91.60%).    Quick Take  Bitcoin ETF outflows hit a record $188.7M on Christmas Eve, dragging prices below $98,000. Ethereum ETFs attracted over $2.6B in December, signaling institutional confidence in ETH. Aave surpassed $33.4B in net deposits, setting a new all-time high for the DeFi platform. NFTs recorded $8.8B in 2024 sales volume, up $100M from 2023, indicating steady recovery. Celsius filed an appeal over its $444M claim against FTX, escalating its legal battles. Crypto fear and greed index | Source: Alternative.me    Bitcoin's dominance decreased slightly by 0.53% to 56.20%, while Ethereum ETFs continued to attract significant inflows. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has improved to 70, signifying Greed, from yesterday’s 66.    Meanwhile, Aave hit an all-time high in net deposits, NFTs maintained their recovery momentum, and Celsius escalated its legal appeal against FTX. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the crypto landscape as we approach the end of 2024, with both growth opportunities and challenges shaping market sentiment.   Crypto Market Outlook: Mixed Signals as 2025 Begins The global crypto market cap decreased slightly by 0.48% to $3.41 trillion, while trading volume dropped by 12% to $117.91 billion. Despite these declines, Bitcoin’s dominance increased to 57.20%, reflecting sustained investor interest in the leading cryptocurrency. Ethereum's resilience and the surging interest in DeFi indicate that the market is far from bearish.   Institutional participation remains a key driver, with Ethereum ETFs leading the charge. At the same time, the rise in Aave’s net deposits and the strong performance of NFTs signal continued adoption of decentralized technologies. Analysts are closely watching for macroeconomic catalysts, such as potential rate cuts in early 2025, that could fuel a broader rally.   Read more: Crypto Market Outlook 2025: Top 10 Predictions and Emerging Trends   Bitcoin Faces ETF Outflows and Short-Term Pressure Under $95K Bitcoin ETF flows in December 2024 | Source: TheBlock   Bitcoin’s price hovered below $95,000 today, grappling with significant resistance amid record outflows from BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. The $188.7M outflow marked the highest single-day withdrawal for the fund, raising concerns about short-term sentiment.   However, Bitcoin futures data painted a more optimistic picture, with a 12% annualized premium indicating strong demand for long positions. Analysts predict that Bitcoin could break above $100,000 in early 2025, with support from its historical correlation to the S&P 500. Long-term holders remain profitable, with realized price metrics showing significant gains, potentially mitigating sell-off risks.   Read more: Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which Is a Better Investment in 2025?   Ethereum ETFs Attract Record Inflows of Over $2.6B as Optimism Builds Ethereum ETF flows in December 2024 | Source: TheBlock   Ethereum continued to show resilience, trading at $3,475 despite a 10% weekly dip. December marked a milestone for Ethereum ETFs, with over $2.6B in inflows, reflecting growing institutional interest. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust led the pack, while VanEck maintained its bullish outlook, projecting a $6,000 ETH price target for 2025.   Market participants are optimistic about Ethereum breaking the $3,500 resistance in the near term. Factors like the proliferation of AI agents operating on Ethereum and increased staking rewards through ETFs further enhance its appeal. Analysts highlight the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration as a potential catalyst for Ethereum’s next bullish run.   Read more: The History of Bitcoin Bull Runs and Crypto Market Cycles   Aave Surpasses $33.4B in Deposits, Signaling DeFi Growth Aave TVL | Source: DefiLlama   Aave reached an all-time high of $33.4B in net deposits, surpassing its 2021 peak. The lending protocol expanded its ecosystem significantly in 2024, adding support for BNB Chain, ZKsync Era, and Scroll. Community proposals for new markets in 2025, including Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions and Aptos, underline Aave’s ongoing growth. At the time of writing, Aave’s total value locked (TVL) sits at just under $21 billion, as per data on DefiLlama.    DeFi tokens rallied after the U.S. election, with expectations of pro-crypto regulatory policies under the Trump administration. The total value locked across DeFi surged by 150% in 2024, reaching $130B, driven by innovations like liquid restaking protocols and Bitcoin DeFi products.   Read more: Donald Trump Backed WLFI Acquires $12 Million in Ethereum, Chainlink, and Aave   NFTs Stage a Comeback with $8.8B in 2024 Sales Top NFT collections | Source: CoinGecko   NFTs achieved $8.8B in sales volume this year, surpassing 2023 by $100M. Ethereum and Bitcoin dominated the market, with each contributing $3.1B in sales. Solana followed closely with $1.4B. Despite a seven-month downturn earlier this year, NFTs demonstrated resilience, supported by growing interest in digital collectibles and metaverse integrations.   Read more: Top Solana NFT Projects to Watch   Celsius Appeals Court Ruling on $444M Claim Celsius filed an appeal against a court decision disallowing its $444M claim against FTX. The original claim focused on preferential transfers and alleged disparaging statements by FTX officers. While Celsius has repaid over $2.5B to creditors, the outcome of this appeal could significantly impact its remaining liabilities.   Celsius’s CEL token briefly surged earlier this year but has since fallen back below $0.20, reflecting ongoing uncertainty surrounding its bankruptcy proceedings.   Conclusion Today’s crypto updates highlight the market's complexity as 2024 ends and 2025 gets underway. Bitcoin faces resistance amid ETF outflows, Ethereum strengthens its institutional foothold, and Aave’s growth signals a DeFi renaissance. NFTs continue their recovery, while Celsius’s legal battles underscore the evolving regulatory challenges. The market remains dynamic, with potential catalysts on the horizon for 2025.   Read more: Top Crypto Milestones and Insights to Know in the 2024-25 Bitcoin Bull Run

Bitcoin is currently priced at $92,796, Bitcoin is down -1.01% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,361, up +0.17%. The Fear and Greed Index decreased to 65 (Greed) today, still reflecting bullish market sentiment. December was a landmark month for the crypto industry, with significant achievements across decentralized exchanges (DEXs), corporate Bitcoin holdings, and blockchain ecosystems. DEXs recorded a staggering $462 billion in trading volume, surpassing November’s $374 billion by 23.5%. MicroStrategy added 2,138 Bitcoin (BTC) to its holdings, bringing its total to 446,400 BTC worth $43.2 billion. Meanwhile, XRP showed growing utility, with a 430% increase in XRP price and significant activity metrics. These milestones highlight the rapid expansion and innovation in blockchain technology, solidifying its role in global financial markets.   What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  MicroStrategy added 2,138 BTC at an average price of $97,837 per coin. Tether increased its holdings by 7,628.9 BTC, worth approximately $705 million. Bloomberg: BlackRock's IBIT Bitcoin Trust Fund is “the greatest ETF launch in history.” The AI autonomous agent framework Eliza became GitHub’s hottest project of the month. Read more: What Is RLUSD? A Comprehensive Guide to Ripple's Stablecoin and Its Impact on XRP    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change XRP/USDT -4.64% VIRTUAL/USDT -1.41% LEO/FTM +0.03%   Trade now on KuCoin   Crypto Sets New Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Volume Record of $462B in December Monthly decentralized exchange volume. Source: DefiLlama   In December, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) reached a record trading volume of $462 billion, a 23.5% increase from November's $374 billion. This marked the highest monthly volume ever recorded. Uniswap led with $106.4 billion, representing 23% of total volume. PancakeSwap followed with $96.4 billion, capturing 20.9%. Raydium, Solana’s largest DEX, processed $58 billion, contributing 12.6%. Other top performers included Aerodrome at $31 billion and Orca at $22 billion. Lifinity, Curve Finance, and Hyperliquid added a combined $43.6 billion. Across all DEXs, over 1.26 billion transactions occurred in December, up from 980 million in November.   Raydium’s success aligned with Solana’s decentralized applications (DApps) generating $365 million in November. Over 55% of this revenue came from memecoins launched on Pump.fun, a Solana-based platform. Solana’s increasing DApp activity fueled broader adoption, particularly through memecoin trading.   Read More: Top Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) to Know in 2024   Top decentralized exchanges by monthly trading volume. Source: DefiLlama   MicroStrategy Acquires $209M More Bitcoin on Dec 30 Source: Michael Saylor   MicroStrategy expanded its Bitcoin holdings by acquiring 2,138 BTC for $209 million on December 30th, 2024. The purchase raised its total holdings to 446,400 BTC, valued at approximately $43.2 billion. The company achieved a Bitcoin yield of 74.1% in 2024, significantly outperforming other corporate Bitcoin holders. MicroStrategy funded the acquisition by selling 592,987 shares, raising over $210 million. Its average purchase price for Bitcoin is $26,000 per coin, showcasing disciplined acquisition strategies. Marathon Digital, the second-largest corporate Bitcoin holder, holds 44,000 BTC, only 10% of MicroStrategy’s total.   Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy’s co-founder and executive chairman, hinted at the purchase in late December. The company’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation underscores its confidence in the asset’s long-term value despite market fluctuations.   XRP Ledger Gains Momentum as it Shows Signs of Continued Usage Suggesting Price Increase XRP activity surged in December. Its velocity metric, which measures transaction frequency relative to market cap, showed steady growth. Analyst Maartunn explained that higher velocity reflects increasing network utility. This growth coincided with a 430% increase in XRP’s price, rising from $0.5319 on November 6 to $2.82 on December 3. Despite this, total deposits on XRP dropped from $71.5 million on December 16 to $58 million by month’s end, a 20% decline. XRP’s total value locked  (TVL) remains linked to automated market maker pools.   Ripple Labs launched Ripple USD (RLUSD), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, on XRP Ledger and Ethereum. RLUSD supports real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, targeting a market projected to reach $3 trillion. Ripple partnered with Archax and abrdn to launch a money market fund, which includes $5 million in tokenized treasury bills circulating on XRP. These developments aim to enhance liquidity and drive adoption of XRP’s ecosystem.   According to Businesswire’s report:    RLUSD combines the stability of traditional fiat currencies with the efficiency of blockchain technology, making it ideal for financial use cases. Backed by Ripple's enterprise experience and proven track record, RLUSD is built for:   Payments: RLUSD enables real-time, 24/7 global payments. Alongside XRP, RLUSD will be integrated into Ripple's cross-border payments solution to continue to improve transaction time, cost efficiency, and reliability. Ripple's robust payment network covers over 90 markets, representing more than 90% of daily FX volume, and has facilitated over 37 million transactions worth nearly $70B. On/Off Ramps: RLUSD provides a stable, reliable bridge between traditional fiat currencies and the crypto ecosystem. Users can easily convert between stablecoins and fiat without worrying about price volatility, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition when entering (on-ramp) or exiting (off-ramp) the crypto space. Tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWA): Compliant and transparent stablecoins, like RLUSD, provide liquidity, settlement, and collateralization for trading RWAs such as commodities, securities, and treasuries on-chain. RLUSD provides a stable medium of exchange, reducing transaction volatility and costs. Conclusion December showcased significant advancements in crypto. DEX volumes reached a record $462 billion, led by Uniswap and PancakeSwap. MicroStrategy reaffirmed its Bitcoin strategy with a $209 million purchase, bringing its holdings to unprecedented levels. XRP’s growing velocity and Ripple’s stablecoin launch hinted at future expansion. These milestones highlight blockchain’s ability to shape the financial landscape, signaling continued growth and innovation.

Bitcoin is currently priced at $93,739, Bitcoin is down -1.64% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,356, down -1.41%. The Fear and Greed Index decreased to 65 (Greed) today, still reflecting bullish market sentiment. Ethereum’s NFT trading volume surged to $186 million last week, representing a 67% increase from $111 million the previous week and achieving a three-month high. Blockchain-powered AI project ai16z reached a $1.5 billion market cap on Saturday before stabilizing at $1.3 billion on Sunday, marking the first Solana Token Extension to cross the $1 billion milestone. Simultaneously, MicroStrategy continues its aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy, adding 5,200 Bitcoin at an average price of $106,000 per coin and proposing to increase Class A common stock from 330 million shares to 10.3 billion shares.    What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  Michael Saylor from MicroStrategy shared Bitcoin Tracker information for the eighth consecutive week, possibly hinting at further BTC accumulation. The CEO stated that over 600,000 BTC are held by 60 companies. Azuki founder announced that Animecoin-related updates will be released soon, with no TGE before year-end and the token to launch before the mainnet. Bitcoin mining difficulty increased by 1.16% this morning to 109.78 T, setting a new record high. Read more: Bitcoin Faces ETF Outflows, Ethereum Resilience, Solana’s Staking Surge, and Chainlink’s 2025 Momentum: Dec 27    Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change KCS/USDT +4.42% VIRTUAL/USDT +3.38% MOVE/FTM +2.94%   Trade now on KuCoin   Ethereum NFT Volume Hits $186 Million Weekly High, Driven by PENGU Token Launch Ethereum's NFT trading volume soared to $186 million last week, marking a 67% jump from $111 million the prior week. This increase set a three-month high, showcasing Ethereum's dominance in the NFT market. By comparison, Bitcoin, the second-largest NFT ecosystem, recorded a modest $33 million in weekly volume, further solidifying Ethereum's position as the leader in NFT activity.   The key driver of this surge was the launch of the $PENGU token by the Pudgy Penguins collection. The collection accounted for $108 million in trading volume. Some individual Pudgy Penguins traded for over 29 ETH before prices dropped sharply following the token’s issuance. The token distribution was not limited to Pudgy Penguins asset holders. It included wallets from Ethereum and Solana, broadening the impact and appeal of the launch across multiple blockchain ecosystems.   Source: The Block   Read more: Top Solana NFT Projects to Keep an Eye On   Ripple Effect Across NFT Collections Source: DexScreener   The $PENGU token launch sparked speculative trading activity in other prominent NFT collections. Azuki recorded $23 million in weekly trading volume, while Doodles reached $17 million. These increases suggest a growing market expectation for tokenization strategies among major NFT projects. This trend highlights how innovation in one collection can influence broader market dynamics.   Ethereum's concentration of trading volume underscores its continued dominance as the preferred platform for high-value NFT transactions and innovative developments. While alternative chains have developed NFT ecosystems, Ethereum consistently outpaces them in trading volumes and market impact.   Blockchain-Powered AI Agent 'ai16z' Reaches $1.5 Billion Market Cap Source: KuCoin   AI-powered blockchain project ai16z reached a $1.5 billion market cap on Saturday December 28, 2024, briefly retreating to $1.3 billion on Sunday December 29, 2024. This marks the first Solana Token Extension to surpass the $1 billion milestone. Token Extensions, also known as Token 2022, enhance Solana's token standards with added functionality.   Ai16z  is a cryptocurrency token operating on the Solana blockchain. It represents a venture capital firm managed by AI agents, aiming to shape the future of artificial intelligence. The AI16Z team connects AI entrepreneurs, investors, and experts to foster growth in the rapidly growing AI ecosystem.   The live price of ai16z is $1.24 as of the press time, with a total trading volume of $ 3.09M in the last 24 hours. The price of ai16z changed by -1.66% in the past day, and its USD value has increased by +32.38% over the last week. With a circulating supply of 1.10B AI16Z, the market cap of ai16z is currently $1.36B.   Since its launch two months ago, ai16z's value has increased tenfold. Retail and institutional investors have driven this growth amid heightened interest in AI-agent blockchain projects. The project was already listed on the major exchanges like KuCoin. Whale activity, tracked by blockchain analysis firm Lookonchain, indicates growing interest, with significant purchases boosting the token's value.   The project offers the Eliza development framework, enabling developers to create AI agents. This framework has drawn attention from investors and institutions alike. Eliza Labs, the team behind ai16z, recently announced a partnership with Stanford University to study autonomous blockchain-based AI integration into the digital asset economy. Despite internal volatility and evolving narratives around AI, ai16z remains a focal point of innovation in the blockchain space.   Read more: Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) research report   MicroStrategy Eyes More Bitcoin Source: Michael Saylor   MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor recently hinted at another Bitcoin acquisition. The company completed its purchase of 5,200 Bitcoin at an average price of $106,000 per coin. Saylor shared a chart from SaylorTracker on X, fueling speculation about future acquisitions.   MicroStrategy has scheduled a special shareholders meeting in December 2024 to propose increasing the limit of Class A common stock from 330 million shares to 10.3 billion shares. The company also plans to raise the number of preferred stock from 5 million shares to over 1 billion. These moves aim to secure additional funding for Bitcoin purchases, drawing mixed reactions from the investment community.   Conclusion From Ethereum’s NFT surge driven by $PENGU tokenization to ai16z’s meteoric rise in the blockchain AI space, innovation continues to redefine market dynamics. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy's bold Bitcoin strategy demonstrates unwavering confidence in cryptocurrency as a store of value. These developments illustrate the evolving intersections of blockchain, AI, and digital assets, capturing the imagination of investors and reshaping the landscape. Though Bitcoin experienced a slight dip recently, all eyes are on its performance leading up to Trump’s inauguration day on January 20, 2025, with high anticipation in the air.   Read more: Top Crypto Milestones and Insights to Know in the 2024-25 Bitcoin Bull Run

The global cryptocurrency market navigated mixed signals as it heads into 2025. The total market cap decreased by 2.70% to $3.33 trillion, while 24-hour trading volumes rose by 5.04% to $123.04 billion. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) accounted for $9.14 billion of this, representing 7.43% of the total trading volume. Stablecoins maintained their dominance, contributing $114.2 billion to daily transactions, making up 92.81% of total volume.   Bitcoin’s dominance declined slightly to 57.08%, while the Crypto Fear and Greed Index eased from "Extreme Greed" (79) to "Greed" (74), signaling a tempered market sentiment.   Crypto fear and greed index | Source: Alternative.me   Quick Take Prediction platforms Polymarket and Kalshi forecast Bitcoin surpassing $125,000 and Ethereum exceeding $5,000 by 2025. Regulatory advancements, including ETF approvals for Solana and XRP, are anticipated. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF experienced a record $188.7 million in outflows, but long-term optimism remains strong. Futures markets project Bitcoin reaching $125,000 in 2025, supported by institutional adoption and treasury integrations. Despite a price dip to $3,337, Ethereum’s derivatives maintain a bullish outlook, with analysts optimistic about breaking $4,000 in early 2025. DeFi Total Value Locked (TVL) remains steady at 20 million ETH. Tether continues to lead stablecoin trading with $114.2 billion in volume. The company has diversified its investments into Web3-focused venture funds, tokenized assets, and energy financing deals. XRP is consolidating between $2.13 and $2.40, with a key resistance level at $2.30. Analysts predict a potential rally to $2.95, contingent on breaking resistance. Solana’s Jito staking pool earned over $100 million in monthly revenues. With $2.75 billion locked in JitoSOL, Solana is emerging as a leader in DeFi and staking innovation. Chainlink saw a 53% annual gain in 2024 and is projected to reach $45 in January 2025, with a mid-year target of $85. Its decentralized oracle services and blockchain integrations fuel this optimism. Prediction Markets Signal Bullish 2025 for Bitcoin and Ethereum Bitcoin’s high in 2025 - poll on Kalshi | Source: Kalshi   Prediction platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi are forecasting an extraordinary year for crypto in 2025. Bettors predict Bitcoin will surge past $125,000 and Ethereum will exceed $5,000. They also foresee regulatory breakthroughs, including the approval of ETFs for altcoins like Solana and XRP.   Additionally, Kalshi predicts a 59% probability that the U.S. will create a Bitcoin reserve under President-elect Donald Trump, signaling increased institutional adoption and recognition of Bitcoin’s strategic importance.   Bitcoin Grapples with ETF Outflows, Retains Long-Term Optimism Spot Bitcoin ETF outflows since 15 December | Source: TheBlock   Bitcoin faced headwinds as record ETF outflows of $188.7 million from BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) weighed on investor sentiment. This marked the largest single-day withdrawal for the fund, reflecting short-term market volatility. Bitcoin’s price hovered near $96,000, falling short of reclaiming the $100,000 mark.   BTC/USDT price chart | Source: KuCoin   Despite the outflows, institutional interest remains robust. Bitcoin futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) indicate a bullish stance, with contracts pricing March 2025 at $98,000. Additionally, MicroStrategy and other Bitcoin treasury adopters continue to strengthen Bitcoin’s institutional narrative. Analysts forecast a rally to $125,000 in 2025, supported by the increasing adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset and its integration into traditional financial products like ETFs.   Read more: Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which Is a Better Investment in 2025?   Ethereum Holds Ground Amid Volatility, Sets the Stage for $4,000 ETH/USDT price chart | Source: KuCoin   Ethereum’s price dropped to $3,337, erasing recent gains. However, its derivatives markets reflect a neutral to bullish outlook, with ETH futures maintaining an 11% premium over spot prices. Total Value Locked (TVL) in Ethereum-based DeFi apps remained steady at 20 million ETH, underscoring resilience amid broader market fluctuations.   Looking ahead, analysts remain optimistic about Ethereum breaking $4,000 in early 2025. Factors driving this outlook include continued growth in DeFi, institutional investments, and Ethereum’s role as a cornerstone of blockchain innovation.   Tether Dominates Stabelcoins, Diversifies with Bold Investments USDT dominance in the stablecoin market | Source: DefiLlama   Tether continues to dominate stablecoin trading with $114.2 billion in daily volume. The company recently invested $2 million in Arcanum Capital’s Web3-focused venture fund, signaling its commitment to supporting decentralized finance projects. Tether has also expanded its portfolio with initiatives in tokenized assets and energy financing deals, solidifying its position as a leader in the stablecoin ecosystem.   XRP Faces Critical Resistance, Eyes $2.95 in 2025 XRP/USDT price chart | Source: KuCoin   XRP consolidated between $2.13 and $2.40, with analysts emphasizing the importance of reclaiming $2.30 to maintain bullish momentum. Futures open interest declined by 54% over the past three weeks, reflecting reduced activity in derivatives markets. A breakout above $2.30 could pave the way for XRP to reach $2.95, while failure to hold support may lead to a retest of $1.85.   Read more: Could $XRP Reach $3 Ahead of XRP ETF Approval?    Solana’s Jito Staking Pool Hits $100M in Monthly Revenues Jito protocol revenues | Source: Kairos Research   Solana’s staking ecosystem continues to flourish, with Jito’s validators earning over $100 million in monthly tips from Maximum Extractable Value (MEV). The network’s rising transaction fees and growing validator participation underline Solana’s increasing popularity in DeFi. With nearly $2.75 billion locked in Jito’s liquid restaking token (JitoSOL), Solana solidifies its position as a leading blockchain for innovative staking solutions.   Read more: Restaking on Solana (2024): The Comprehensive Guide   Chainlink Prepares for Record-Breaking 2025: ATH of $85 Expected  LINK/USDT price chart | Source: KuCoin   Chainlink ended 2024 with a 53% annual gain, positioning itself for a record-breaking year ahead. Analysts forecast LINK to hit $45 in January and reach $85 by mid-2025. The network’s growing adoption of decentralized oracle services and its integration into diverse blockchain ecosystems make Chainlink a strong contender for top-performing altcoins in the coming year.   Conclusion The cryptocurrency market is gearing up for an eventful 2025. Bitcoin and Ethereum remain at the forefront of institutional and retail interest, while altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Chainlink are carving out their niches in the evolving blockchain landscape. As regulatory clarity improves and innovative projects gain traction, the crypto ecosystem is poised for sustained growth and adoption.   Read more: Bitcoin Price Prediction 2024-25: Plan B Forecasts BTC at $1 Million by 2025

The crypto market displayed a bullish sentiment today, with the Fear and Greed Index rising to 79, indicating Extreme Greed, up from 73 yesterday. Despite a 0.48% decrease in the global crypto market cap to $3.41 trillion and a 12.05% drop in 24-hour trading volume to $117.91 billion, Bitcoin’s dominance increased to 57.20%, reflecting growing investor confidence. Key market movers included significant developments in Bitcoin ETFs, Ethereum momentum, and blockchain adoption across Asia.   Crypto fear and greed index | Source: Alternative.me    Quick Take  Bitcoin hovers below $98K amid record ETF outflows. Ethereum ETFs surpass $2.5B inflows, setting a bullish tone for 2025. Singapore leads the global blockchain innovation race, with Hong Kong and South Korea close behind. Turkey mandates stricter crypto AML regulations, effective February 2025. Montenegro's court rejects Do Kwon's extradition appeal, reinforcing legal complexities. Bitcoin Under $100,000: Mixed Sentiment Amid ETF Outflows BTC/USDT price chart | Source: KuCoin   Bitcoin struggled to maintain its position near $98,000, facing resistance amid record outflows from BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), which reported $188.7 million in single-day outflows on Christmas Eve. However, Bitcoin futures data showed a bullish stance, with a 12% annualized premium signaling strong demand for long positions. Analysts predict a potential rally toward $105,000, supported by Bitcoin's correlation with traditional markets like the S&P 500.   Read more: Bitcoin vs. Gold: Which Is a Better Investment in 2025?   Ethereum: Optimism Builds for $3,500 Breakout ETH/USDT price chart | Source: KuCoin   Ethereum saw positive momentum as its ETFs surpassed $2.5 billion in inflows. Despite a 10% weekly price drop, ETH remained resilient, trading at $3,475. Analysts are optimistic about a breakout above $3,500, with projections of a $4,000 price target before President Trump’s inauguration. Institutional sentiment remains strong, with VanEck forecasting a $6,000 cycle top for Ethereum in 2025.   Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea Lead the Charge in Blockchain Innovation Source: Cointelegraph   As per a study by ApeX Protocol, Singapore has solidified its position as the world’s top blockchain innovation hub, leading with an impressive 1,600 blockchain patents and over 2,400 industry jobs. The country’s strong regulatory framework, combined with its focus on fostering fintech innovation, has made it a hotbed for blockchain-related activities. With 81 crypto exchanges operating within its borders, Singapore continues to attract global talent and investment despite its relatively small population of under six million people.   Hong Kong closely follows Singapore, leveraging its robust financial infrastructure and global connectivity to integrate blockchain technology seamlessly. South Korea has also seen remarkable growth, with over 15.6 million crypto holders—representing 30% of its population—investing more than $70 billion in digital assets. Meanwhile, Israel is set to launch six Bitcoin mutual funds on Dec. 31, allowing local investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through the Israeli shekel. These developments highlight the increasing adoption and regulatory progress in crypto across Asia and beyond.   Read more: Bitcoin Price Prediction 2024-25: Plan B Forecasts BTC at $1 Million by 2025   Legal Battles: Do Kwon’s Extradition Appeal Rejected The legal saga of Do Kwon took a significant turn as Montenegro’s Constitutional Court dismissed his appeal against extradition. This decision strengthens the claims of South Korea and the United States, both of which have sought Kwon’s extradition to face charges related to the $40 billion collapse of Terra Luna in 2022. The court’s rejection underscores the increasing global cooperation in holding key crypto figures accountable for alleged financial crimes.   Do Kwon has remained a polarizing figure in the crypto industry, with his arrest in Montenegro earlier this year for using forged documents adding to the controversy. His legal battles serve as a precedent-setting case for cross-border accountability in cryptocurrency fraud. As both South Korea and the U.S. vie for jurisdiction, the outcome of his extradition could have lasting implications for international regulatory enforcement in the crypto industry.   Market Shifts: Turkey’s New AML Rules and BlackRock ETF Outflows Turkey has taken steps to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) framework with new regulations requiring ID verification for crypto transactions above $425. The new rules, set to take effect in February 2025, aim to align Turkey with global AML standards and enhance investor protection in the burgeoning crypto market. These measures reflect Turkey's intent to create a safer and more transparent trading environment for its growing base of crypto users.   In the institutional space, BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF witnessed its largest-ever single-day outflow, highlighting ongoing market volatility. Despite this, optimism persists, with VanEck projecting Bitcoin could reach $180,000 during the 2025 market cycle. These contrasting developments underscore the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the crypto markets, where regulatory advancements and investor sentiment play crucial roles in shaping market trajectories.   Conclusion Today’s crypto market reflects a dynamic mix of optimism and caution. While Bitcoin and Ethereum face key resistance levels, bullish momentum persists in derivatives and ETF inflows. Asia continues to lead in blockchain adoption, with South Korea and Singapore setting benchmarks. Legal challenges, like Do Kwon’s case, underscore the evolving regulatory landscape. As we close 2024, the crypto market remains poised for growth amid global adoption and institutional interest.   Read more: Exploring Bitcoin's Santa Claus Rally 2024 – Will BTC Soar This Festive Season?

Bitcoin is currently priced at $94,885, Bitcoin is down -0.32% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum trades at $3,422, up +4.30%. The Fear and Greed Index increased from 70 to 73 (Greed) today, still reflecting bullish market sentiment though a bit more greedy than the previous weeks. The crypto industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, marked by new innovations in interoperability, potential acquisitions in the payments space, major corporate adoption trends, and the expansion of prediction markets in the United States. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX is using stablecoins like USDT as a hedge against Forex risks. Memecoins Dominate 31% of Investor Interest in 2024 with $335M in inflows. MoonPay’s possible acquisition of Helio with $150M underscores the growing competition among crypto payment providers. The 70% chance that a Magnificent 7 company will invest in Bitcoin by 2025 highlights the steady rise of institutional interest. Furthermore, Metaplanet's acquires $169M in Bitcoin Holdings with a 309% quarterly yield.    What’s Trending in the Crypto Community?  MicroStrategy was officially added to the Nasdaq 100 Index today. MicroStrategy acquired 5,262 BTC for approximately $561 million. The company sold 1.3178 million shares last week and still has $7.08 billion worth of shares available for issuance and sale. Telegram CEO,  Pavel Durov, reported over $1 billion in total revenue for the year. Premium subscriptions doubled to over 12 million users, while ad revenue also grew significantly. Read more: MicroStrategy Hits $27B in BTC, Tether Invests $775M in Rumble, Cathie Wood Eyes $1M BTC: Dec 23   Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: Alternative.me    Trending Tokens of the Day  Top 24-Hour Performers  Trading Pair  24H Change VIRTUAL/USDT +20.34% AAVE/USDT +15.36% DOGE/USDT +0.41%   Trade now on KuCoin   Elon Musk, SpaceX and Stablecoins: Hedging Against $3 Trillion Forex Risks Source: KuCoin   SpaceX, headed by Elon Musk, who is a well-known supporter of the memecoin DOGE unsurprisingly utilizes stablecoins like USDT. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sizable Bitcoin investment, also attributed to Musk’s guidance, has proved profitable. Its value surpassed $1 billion last month, following the cryptocurrency’s upswing after Donald Trump’s election victory. SpaceX uses stablecoins to mitigate foreign exchange (forex) risks, as revealed by Chamath Palihapitiya on the All-In podcast on Friday, December 20, 2024. Forex risks stem from currency fluctuations that can impact companies operating across international markets. For instance, a U.S. firm with clients in Brazil risks financial losses when converting payments from Brazilian Real (BRL) to U.S. dollars.   Using Stablecoins as a Hedge SpaceX collects Starlink payments in "long-tail countries" and converts them to stablecoins, minimizing forex volatility. The stablecoins are later exchanged for dollars in the U.S., eliminating the complexities of wire transfers. Palihapitiya advocates for stablecoins as the primary tool for cross-border transactions, which could disrupt banks' outdated systems and reduce transaction fees. He emphasizes that reducing fees by 3%, such as those charged by Stripe, would significantly boost global GDP.   Palihapitiya said the company re-converts the stablecoins to dollars in the U.S:   “When they [SpaceX] aggregate them [payments] in all of these long-tail countries, they don’t want to necessarily take the foreign exchange risk. They don’t want to deal with sending wires.”   Using stablecoins helps SpaceX mitigate foreign exchange risks and simplifies the payment process by converting payments into stablecoins, which are then transferred to the U.S. and converted back into dollars. This strategy is crucial for regions where local currencies are unstable, making stablecoins a practical tool for transactions. In contrast, developed regions like North America and Europe continue to rely on traditional payment methods. The move aligns with evolving regulatory landscapes, such as the EU's upcoming delisting of Tether's USDT by December 2024 under MiCA regulations. SpaceX's adoption of stablecoins reflects the growing trend of digital currencies in cross-border payments.   Stablecoins vs. Traditional Finance: $1 Billion in Savings Potential Source: KuCoin Stablecoin providers like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) are emerging as competitors to banks and payment giants such as MasterCard and American Express. Their solutions simplify international money transfers and storage, reducing costs for users. Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, supports this shift, stating that stablecoins offer a logical alternative to costly traditional systems. Elon Musk, a crypto advocate, further integrates digital assets into his ventures, using stablecoins for SpaceX and enabling cryptocurrency tipping on X (formerly Twitter).   MoonPay's $150M Strategic Move: Helio Pay Acquisition Source: Eleanor Terrett on X Crypto payments firm MoonPay plans to acquire Helio Pay for $150 million, expanding its merchant services. Helio supports over 6,000 e-commerce merchants and integrates with Solana Pay on Shopify, which sees 138 million monthly users. This acquisition would enhance MoonPay's infrastructure, building on its 20 million-strong user base across 160 countries.   MoonPay recently introduced fiat-to-crypto solutions, such as MoonPay Balance, to simplify interactions with decentralized finance (DeFi). Its rapid expansion includes integrating PayPal on-ramps for European Union and UK customers. Founded in 2018 by Victor Faramond and Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay continues to solidify its position as a leader in crypto payments.   Memecoins Dominate 31% of Investor Interest in 2024, $335M in Fees Source: Artemis Memecoins captured 31% of crypto narratives in 2024, quadrupling their popularity from last year. Initially driven by dog-themed tokens, memecoins expanded into personality- and animal-themed categories. Solana hosted over 5 million new memecoins in 2024, generating $335 million in fees.   Memecoins accounted for 14.36% of investor mindshare, surpassing AI-related tokens, which held a 15.67% share. Despite AI's prominence, its tokens underperformed with an 11.6% loss this year. Conversely, memecoins delivered an average annual return of 201%, making them the third most profitable crypto narrative.   Data from Artemis shows that memecoins ranked as the third most profitable narrative in 2024, delivering an average annual return of 201%. This performance significantly outpaced the market's average return of 128%.   Metaplanet's $169M in Bitcoin Holdings and 309% Quarterly Yield Japanese firm Metaplanet exemplifies Bitcoin-focused investment strategies. The company acquired 619.7 BTC for $60.7 million, raising its holdings to 1,761.98 BTC, valued at $169.2 million. Between Q3 and Q4 2024, Metaplanet's Bitcoin yield surged from 41.7% to 309.82%.   Metaplanet projects a 240% revenue increase for 2024, reaching $5.8 million, marking a significant recovery from last year's $1.7 million earnings. The firm also introduced a Shareholder Benefits Program offering unique incentives, including a Bitcoin lottery. These initiatives reflect Metaplanet's commitment to maximizing shareholder value and capitalizing on Bitcoin's potential. Metaplanet's 309.82% yield showcases strength in active Bitcoin investment strategy.   Conclusion: Crypto's Trillion Potential in Global Transformation Cryptocurrencies continue to redefine financial systems, from stablecoins enhancing global payment efficiency to memecoins capturing $335 million in fees and companies like Metaplanet driving innovation with 309% yields. These developments underscore the transformative potential of digital assets in reshaping economies and enabling new growth opportunities. As adoption grows, crypto’s role in the global financial landscape will only deepen.