Blockchain

XRP Breaks Out of Pennant Pattern — Price Eyes $3.20 as Futures Open Interest Soars

Casey1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

XRP is gaining fresh momentum in the crypto market after breaking out of a bullish pennant pattern on the weekly chart — a move that has traders eyeing a price target of around $3.20, a potential 40% upside from current levels. This bullish signal is being backed by a sharp increase in futures open interest (OI), up 30% in the last 10 days, suggesting renewed interest from institutional and retail traders alike. XRP Price Jumps as Bullish Signals Align On July 3, XRP surged over 7%, hitting an intraday high of $2.31, as news around Ripple’s growing ecosystem triggered renewed optimism. The breakout occurred after weeks of consolidation, confirming the end of a multimonth pennant formation on the XRP/USD weekly chart. The chart pattern, often viewed as a sign of trend continuation, has analysts pointing to $3.20 as the next key resistance. Key developments contributing to the bullish move include: XRP Futures Open Interest Jumps 30% in 10 Days In tandem with the price rally, XRP’s futures open interest has climbed to $4.75 billion, up 30% in just 10 days, and 11% in the past 24 hours alone. Historically, surges in OI have preceded large price rallies for XRP, as they indicate rising market participation and capital inflow — often driven by institutions. This increase in OI is significant when compared to earlier this year, such as in April–May 2025, when OI spiked from $3B to $5.75B, fueling a 65% price rally after a Trump tariff relief announcement. Traders Remain Bullish Despite Risk of Liquidation According to CoinGlass data, 68% of XRP traders across all exchanges are in long positions, signaling strong market confidence — but also a higher risk of long liquidations if price pulls back sharply. Still, technical analysts remain upbeat. A popular pseudonymous trader known as Best Analysts shared a chart showing XRP approaching a bull pennant breakout on the daily timeframe, targeting an extended move toward $3.40. Will XRP Hit $3.20 Soon? With the weekly breakout confirmed, improving fundamentals, and rising investor confidence, XRP appears to be setting the stage for a continued rally in July 2025. If bullish momentum holds and volumes continue to rise, the XRP/USD pair could hit the $3.20 target — or possibly extend higher to $3.40 based on analyst expectations and whale accumulation trends. Final Thoughts As XRP gains traction in both price action and investor attention, the recent breakout could be the beginning of a larger move. With strong institutional interest, ETF narratives, and on-chain growth, XRP is back in the spotlight — and traders are watching the $3.20 level closely.

The Crypto Revolution Is Still Incomplete – Here’s What’s Holding It Back

Casey1 week ago1 week ago07 mins

Cryptocurrencies were meant to level the financial playing field — especially for emerging markets. Yet despite rising adoption, the core promise of financial freedom through blockchain remains just out of reach for millions. People are earning and holding digital wealth — but using that wealth in daily life? Still a major challenge. This paradox is especially visible in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa, where crypto is growing fast. But the gap between owning digital assets and being able to spend or convert them easily is still too wide. A One-Way Door: Digital Assets With No Exit In theory, stablecoins and digital wallets are giving people in unstable economies a powerful alternative to inflation-ridden local currencies. They can store value in USD-backed assets and even tap into global markets. But here’s the catch: How do you spend those stablecoins? For most users in emerging markets, converting stablecoins back into local cash — or using them directly for purchases — is often time-consuming, expensive, or outright impossible. That means crypto has become a one-way door: easy to get in, but hard to get out. There’s a strange irony here. While Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. offer instant liquidity, people in developing nations are stuck with digital dollars they can’t even use to buy groceries. Stablecoins Are Powerful — But Incomplete Stablecoins aren’t just another crypto product. For people in volatile economies, they’re a lifeline — offering a safe, dollar-based store of value. But as powerful as they are, they don’t fix the system alone. People want more than just savings. They need: Unfortunately, most users still rely on peer-to-peer swaps or local crypto agents — systems prone to errors, fraud, and delays. And in many countries, banks are hesitant to support these services, fearing regulatory pushback. Regulation Is Improving, but Access Isn’t The good news? Governments and companies are catching up. From Meta and Visa to Fidelity, big names are entering the blockchain-powered payments space. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has signaled support for stablecoin innovation. But despite that momentum, the real access gaps remain unchanged for many on the ground. Users in rural Africa or South Asia often face limited internet, outdated smartphones, or a total lack of banking infrastructure. These are the very people crypto should be helping most — yet they remain cut off from real usage. What’s the Missing Piece? A Full-Loop Crypto Banking Experience To move from speculative tools to everyday finance, crypto needs to bridge the gap — not just between crypto and fiat, but between holding wealth and using it. The solution? Crypto neobanks built for emerging markets. Imagine a platform that lets you: That’s the full-loop system crypto needs. And it’s not just about technology — it’s about user experience. Think of how Windows made computers accessible, or how iPhones brought the internet to your pocket. Crypto needs a similar leap. Crypto Banking From the Ground Up Emerging markets aren’t just participants in the crypto revolution — they’re the testing ground. Where traditional banks fail, blockchain can shine. But it needs the right tools. It’s time to design financial systems from first principles — blending DeFi and traditional finance into seamless platforms that work for everyone, not just crypto-native users. And most importantly, it’s time to give people the tools to earn, save, and spend — all in one place. Final Thought: Crypto’s Promise Is Still Alive — It Just Needs to Evolve The foundations are there. The interest is strong. The need is undeniable. Now, it’s up to builders, regulators, and communities to complete the job. The future of crypto isn’t just about better protocols — it’s about creating real financial freedom for the billions who need it most.

Bybit and OKX Expand Crypto Operations in Europe Under MiCA Compliance

Casey1 week ago1 week ago05 mins

Europe is quickly becoming the new battleground for crypto innovation — and two major exchanges are leading the charge. This week, crypto exchanges Bybit and OKX officially launched fully regulated platforms in Europe, aligning their operations with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework. Their expansion reflects growing confidence in Europe’s unified approach to crypto regulation and marks a big step forward for user safety and cross-border trading accessibility within the European Economic Area (EEA). Bybit Launches MiCA-Compliant Exchange in the EEA Bybit.eu is now live and licensed under MiCA, giving the platform a green light to operate across 29 EEA countries. Headquartered in Austria, the new platform supports multiple languages including English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish, with German, French, Italian, and Romanian support on the way. Unlike many unregulated platforms, Bybit’s new exchange is designed with EU retail and institutional users in mind. It offers aggregated liquidity, advanced trading tools, and a strong focus on transparency — all essential under MiCA’s strict compliance guidelines. OKX Goes Live in France Under MiCA Passporting Meanwhile, OKX has launched its fully compliant crypto exchange in France, one of Europe’s fastest-growing crypto hubs. Through MiCA passporting, OKX can now offer its services across the entire EEA from a single license. According to Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, France is a “key market” and this launch marks a “major milestone” in the company’s European roadmap. The French version of the platform includes euro trading pairs, staking options, trading bots, and localized customer support, all tailored to meet local regulations and user needs. What Is MiCA and Why Does It Matter? MiCA, which went into effect in December 2024, standardizes crypto rules across the European Union. It allows licensed companies to operate across all member states without needing separate approvals — a system known as “passporting.” This level of regulatory clarity has drawn major global players to set up shop in the EU, especially compared to countries like the UK where regulatory uncertainty still looms. Europe Emerges as a Crypto Hotspot The arrival of Bybit and OKX adds to a growing list of global firms expanding in Europe: Experts like Konstantins Vasilenko, co-founder of Paybis, say the MiCA rollout is already paying off: “In the first quarter of 2025 alone, our EU trading volumes jumped 70%, even though trade count stayed the same. That tells me big money is moving in, and it’s serious.” Final Thoughts Bybit and OKX’s MiCA-compliant launches aren’t just about legal boxes being checked — they signal the start of a new era of regulated, transparent, and scalable crypto in Europe. As more platforms align with MiCA, the region is poised to become one of the most influential crypto markets in the world. If you’re a European crypto user or investor, the future just got a lot more exciting — and a lot more secure.

US Senate Passes Trump’s Budget Bill — Crypto Tax Fix Left Out

Casey1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

In a tightly contested vote, the U.S. Senate has passed President Donald Trump’s highly debated budget bill — but without a long-anticipated crypto tax provision. The legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, passed 50-50 in the Senate, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further review. No Crypto Tax Relief for Miners and Stakers Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, a leading advocate for crypto regulation, had proposed a provision to address double taxation of crypto miners and stakers. The issue? Many miners and validators are taxed twice — once when earning rewards, and again when selling them. Unfortunately, that provision didn’t make it into the final version of the bill. “I would have liked to have seen that [provision] in the final product,” said Alaska Representative Nicholas Begich, suggesting there may still be chances to add similar language in future legislation. Senate Divided Over AI, Healthcare, and Wealth Gaps The budget bill sparked strong opposition from both parties. Democrats and some Republicans raised concerns about: Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the bill sharply, claiming it prioritizes “billionaire corporations” over everyday Americans. What’s Next for Crypto in Congress? Despite the setback on crypto tax reform, the bigger picture remains active: However, most crypto-related legislation will take a backseat while Congress prioritizes budget reconciliation and spending bills. Key Takeaways

Deutsche Bank Teams Up with Bitpanda to Launch Crypto Custody Platform by 2026

Casey1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

Germany’s largest financial institution, Deutsche Bank, is taking a significant step into the digital asset world. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, the bank is gearing up to launch a full-fledged crypto custody service in 2026, in partnership with Austrian fintech Bitpanda and Swiss blockchain infrastructure provider Taurus SA. This strategic move comes amid growing momentum in Europe’s regulated crypto landscape and reflects Deutsche Bank’s deeper commitment to the digital finance revolution. What’s Coming in 2026: Crypto Custody for InstitutionsThe upcoming custody solution will allow institutional clients to securely store cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and potentially tokenized deposits and stablecoins. Bitpanda’s tech stack will be central to the platform, while Taurus SA—already involved in the bank’s crypto planning since 2022—will remain a core technology partner. While details remain limited, insiders suggest the service will cater to corporate clients, asset managers, and possibly fintech partners seeking secure blockchain infrastructure. 🇩🇪 Germany’s Banking Giants Are Going CryptoDeutsche Bank isn’t the only major German player turning to crypto: Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, Germany’s largest retail banking group, is planning to offer crypto trading for 50 million users via its mobile app by mid-2026. DZ Bank, the country’s second-largest lender, has been piloting crypto services with Boerse Stuttgart Digital and aims to roll them out across 700+ cooperative banks. Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) also partnered with Bitpanda in 2024 to provide crypto custody for institutional clients. Deutsche Bank Explores Tokenization and StablecoinsEarlier this year, Deutsche Bank confirmed it is exploring the creation of tokenized deposit systems and stablecoin-based payment solutions. This could involve either launching its own digital token or participating in collaborative initiatives that standardize tokenized payments across Europe. Notably, the bank was among the top backers of a $65 million investment round into Taurus in 2023, signaling its long-term vision for blockchain-based finance. Global Context: Why Crypto Is Becoming a Bank PriorityDeutsche Bank’s move comes at a time when financial institutions worldwide are ramping up digital asset initiatives: In the U.S., Donald Trump’s reelection has brought renewed optimism to the crypto industry, with regulatory reform and executive orders under discussion. Meanwhile, European regulations like MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) are offering clarity that’s encouraging banks to embrace blockchain more confidently. Eric Trump even recently warned that traditional banks that ignore crypto “may not survive the next decade.” Key Highlights:Deutsche Bank to launch a crypto custody platform in 2026. Partnering with Bitpanda and Taurus SA for tech and security infrastructure. Exploring stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain-based payment solutions. Joins other German banks like Sparkassen, DZ Bank, and LBBW in entering the crypto space. Reflects broader global shift as institutions align with the future of finance.

Polygon Launches Katana – A New Layer 2 Blockchain Built for the Future of DeFi

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Polygon Labs is making waves again—this time with the launch of Katana, a brand-new Layer 2 blockchain developed in partnership with trading giant GSR. The new chain is designed to fix two of DeFi’s biggest headaches: messy token distribution and inflation-driven rewards that don’t last. With over $240 million in assets deposited before the official launch, Katana has already caught the attention of the crypto world. And now, all eyes are on KAT, Katana’s native token, as many speculate it could be one of the next tokens listed on Binance. What Is Katana & Why Does It Matter?Katana isn’t just another blockchain. It’s built to support a carefully curated set of high-quality financial apps—not hundreds of random ones. This helps prevent liquidity from being scattered across too many platforms and keeps the system more efficient and reliable for users. So far, Katana is launching with several well-known protocols including: A custom version of Sushi (DEX), Morpho (lending protocol), A memecoin launchpad, and A decentralized futures trading platform. What Makes Katana Unique?Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal says Katana is all about bringing DeFi into a more stable and scalable future. Its connection to the Vault Bridge via AggLayer allows smaller blockchains to tap into deeper liquidity without risking fragmentation. Unlike traditional DeFi ecosystems, Katana pools yields into a self-sustaining rewards engine. This is a smart move to avoid the short-term inflationary tactics that have hurt other projects. The Rise of the KAT Token – Binance Listing Next?Here’s where things get interesting: 1.5 billion KAT tokens are set to be airdropped (15% of the total supply). Top assets like stablecoins, weETH (yield-bearing Ethereum), and LBTC (wrapped Bitcoin) are already active on the chain. Engagement is rising fast—driven by community interest and institutional backing. With all this momentum and Polygon’s proven success at pushing projects to the mainstream, speculation is growing that KAT could soon be listed on Binance, especially as the exchange expands its support for Layer 2 and DeFi tokens. Key Takeaways:Katana is Polygon’s new DeFi-focused Layer 2 blockchain. It launched with $240M+ in early deposits and trusted protocols like Sushi and Morpho. Built using cdk-opgeth and powered by the AggLayer Vault Bridge, Katana is made for efficient, scalable DeFi. The KAT token is gaining traction and could be a potential Binance listing candidate. This launch reflects a growing shift toward more sustainable, user-focused DeFi ecosystems.

Bitcoin, Ethereum & XRP Price Predictions for July 2025: What’s Next for the Top Cryptos?

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago05 mins

The crypto market is starting July 2025 on a positive note, showing cautious optimism across major digital assets. The global crypto market cap has edged up by 0.42% to hit $3.3 trillion, while the Fear & Greed Index is sitting at a neutral 50—signaling that investors are waiting to see what happens next. Trading volume has also jumped 13% to nearly $100 billion, showing renewed interest, especially in XRP, which is gaining momentum ahead of a big regulatory decision and a major tech upgrade. Let’s take a closer look at where Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP) could be headed this month. Bitcoin (BTC) Price Outlook for July 2025Bitcoin is currently trading around $106,900, showing slight movement in the past 24 hours. It continues to range between $104,000 and $110,000, suggesting that a bigger move could be on the horizon. Despite the sideways action, there’s strong support from institutions. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF now holds over $72 billion in assets, signaling long-term belief in BTC from big players—even as retail buying flattens. If BTC holds above $106,000, we could see a push toward $113,000, and potentially $120,000 later in the month. However, if support breaks, it might dip to around $101,500 before finding new footing. Ethereum (ETH) Price Forecast for JulyEthereum is holding steady near $2,460, trading in a tight range between $2,438 and $2,521. While that might seem quiet, something bigger could be building. On-chain data shows that the total supply of ETH on exchanges is now down to just 17.1 million ETH—a bullish sign that investors are holding instead of selling. If Ethereum breaks above $2,550, the next stop could be $2,650 or even higher. On the downside, if it fails to stay above $2,420, we may see a short dip back to around $2,200. Still, the overall trend leans positive thanks to reduced selling pressure. XRP Price Prediction: Could It Reach a New High in July?XRP is starting July strong, currently priced around $2.22—up nearly 2% in the last 24 hours. It’s riding on excitement from two major developments: The launch of Ripple’s new EVM-compatible sidechain, which connects XRP with Ethereum-based decentralized apps. A critical SEC meeting on July 3, which could have big implications for XRP’s future in the U.S. market. Trading volume for XRP has spiked to $4.05 billion, showing growing interest. As long as XRP stays above $2.17, it could aim for resistance at $2.35, and possibly stretch to $2.80 or even $3.00 if momentum continues. But a negative outcome from the SEC front could send it back to the $2.15 support level. Final Thoughts: Will July Be a Breakout Month?With market sentiment neutral but improving, and strong signs of institutional buying, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are all showing potential for bullish moves in July 2025. Keep an eye on key events like the SEC’s XRP update, the Ethereum community conference, and ongoing ETF approvals, as these could drive volatility and create new opportunities.

American Express System Upgrade Sparks XRP Adoption Buzz: Real Integration or Market Hype?

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

A sweeping system upgrade at American Express (Amex)—linked to Federal Reserve payment infrastructure changes—is fueling speculation of renewed collaboration with Ripple, particularly its XRP-powered cross-border technology. Key Highlights:Amex’s upgrade delays have triggered rumors of RippleNet integration, due to their history in cross-border payment pilots. Amex’s largest card overhaul ever, combined with its crypto reward partnership with Coinbase, suggests growing blockchain alignment. No official confirmation from American Express, but crypto influencers like Versan of Black Swan Capitalist have reignited XRP integration theories. XRP price is up ~1%, trading around $2.20, with limited reaction so far. Why Are People Talking?Amex is: Modernizing its payments system Launching a Coinbase One Card offering up to 4% BTC back Deepening digital transformation at a time of crypto adoption tailwinds Combined, this raises the question:Is Ripple quietly becoming the bridge between legacy finance and crypto rails for Amex? Amex was previously linked to RippleNet via a 2017 pilot using xCurrent, though XRP (the token) was not involved at the time. Expert View:“Payment infrastructure is being modernized, and Amex is a known Ripple partner.”— Versan, Black Swan Capitalist “This is a perfect opportunity for Ripple’s low-cost, instant cross-border settlement tech to be adopted at scale.”— Unofficial industry commentary Legal Update: Ripple vs. SEC Nears Final ResolutionRipple dropped its cross-appeal, and the SEC is expected to do the same. Despite this, a judge recently denied Ripple’s bid to reduce its $125M penalty and reverse institutional sale rulings. Ripple’s CLO Stuart Alderoty reaffirmed that XRP’s non-security status remains intact. Market ReactionXRP is showing only modest upward movement (+1%) amid the speculation. Investors may be waiting for clear confirmation of Ripple’s involvement before pricing in any major rally. Bottom LineWhile no formal announcement links Ripple to Amex’s ongoing system overhaul, the timing, history, and crypto positioning of Amex point to potential synergy. If confirmed, this would mark a significant real-world enterprise use case for XRP—bolstering its status beyond legal headlines. Keep an eye on: Statements from Amex or Ripple Fedwire/instant payments adoption news Broader enterprise adoption trends of RippleNet or XRPL EVM

Robinhood Unveils Tokenized Stocks, Perpetual Futures, and L2 Blockchain in Major Crypto Push

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Robinhood has officially signaled its ambitions to lead the convergence of traditional finance and crypto by launching a suite of bold new offerings across the U.S. and EU: Stock & ETF Tokenization Goes Live in EuropeRobinhood Stock Tokens now give EU customers 24/7 exposure to over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs. Zero commission and no spreads charged by Robinhood (standard network fees apply). Token holders are eligible for dividend payments, directly in-app. Stock tokens will initially launch on Arbitrum, with plans to migrate to Robinhood’s own L2 blockchain, optimized for real-world asset trading. “Our app transitions from crypto-only to an all-in-one investment platform.” — Vlad Tenev, CEO Layer-2 Blockchain in DevelopmentRobinhood is building a bespoke L2 blockchain based on Arbitrum, designed for: Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization 24/7 trading and seamless bridging Full self-custody support This move aims to eliminate traditional market limitations while enhancing transparency and user control. Perpetual Futures Debut in the EUEligible EU customers can now trade crypto perpetual futures with up to 3x leverage. The user-friendly interface simplifies margin and position management. Orders will be routed through Bitstamp’s perpetual exchange. Supported assets (initially): BTC & ETH, more to follow. Full rollout expected by end of Summer 2025. Robinhood acquired Bitstamp for $200M, gaining access to 50+ global licenses. Crypto Staking Launches in the U.S.Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) staking now available to eligible U.S. customers. Staking already live in EU & EEA since last year. Bonus: Earn a 1% deposit boost when transferring crypto to Robinhood — potentially 2% if total deposits reach $500M. Coming Soon: Cortex, the AI-Powered AssistantLaunching later this year, Cortex will: Deliver AI-generated investing insights Track event-driven volatility and market sentiment Help investors interpret price movements faster Key Takeaways:Robinhood is evolving into a full-spectrum, crypto-native investment platform. Their multi-pronged strategy bridges TradFi and DeFi with tokenized stocks, derivatives, and staking. The company is clearly betting big on blockchain infrastructure, institutional-grade products, and ease of access. “We’re onboarding the world to crypto by making it as easy to use as possible.” — Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood Crypto SVP

Bridging the Divide: Crypto’s True Value Lies in Enhancing — Not Replacing — Traditional Finance

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago05 mins

The Evolution of Crypto: From Disruption to IntegrationThe narrative around crypto has long been dominated by the idea of tearing down traditional finance. But in reality, the most impactful future for blockchain technology may lie in bridging the gap between tradition and disruption, not in eliminating one in favor of the other. While memecoins and hype cycles continue to draw headlines, the real value in crypto is shifting toward institutional-grade infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and programmable financial tools that make both decentralized and traditional finance more resilient and accessible. TradFi vs. DeFi: A False DichotomyThe crypto industry is no longer operating in a vacuum. Instead, it is increasingly interfacing with traditional finance (TradFi) to create hybrid models of trust, transparency, and efficiency. Institutional players are showing increased interest in DeFi protocols — not because they are anti-innovation, but because clear regulations like the MiCA framework in Europe and GENIUS/STABLE Acts in the U.S. make participation safer and more predictable. “For innovation to go mainstream, it must meet the standards of trust, security, and scale offered by legacy institutions.” The New Standards: Transparency, Compliance, and Real UtilityCrypto’s promise lies in its programmability, real-time transparency, and open access. But to thrive, projects must now adopt on-chain compliance, automated reporting, and verifiable economic models — characteristics that resonate with both regulators and institutions. This evolution doesn’t erase crypto’s original ethos. Rather, it amplifies its most valuable traits in a world that demands trust at scale. Tokenization: The Killer App for Crypto’s Next ChapterPerhaps the clearest example of crypto’s real-world impact is real estate tokenization. With over $38 trillion in commercial real estate globally, much of which remains illiquid and inaccessible, blockchain offers a path to fractional ownership, cross-border investment, and yield-generation opportunities. Through tokenization, investors from any region can hold a stake in properties thousands of miles away — democratizing wealth creation like never before. “Tokenized assets aren’t just the future — they are becoming the present.” Looking Ahead: Enhancement Over ReplacementThe crypto projects that will define the next decade won’t be the loudest — they’ll be the most compliant, scalable, and interoperable. The industry is moving from hype cycles to building foundational infrastructure that supports real-world use cases, particularly in tokenized finance, programmable payments, and regulated DeFi. The future of crypto isn’t about dismantling existing financial institutions. It’s about enhancing them — creating a more open, efficient, and accessible financial system for everyone. Key TakeawaysCrypto’s core value lies in convergence — not conflict — with traditional finance. Regulatory clarity enables institutional adoption and sustained innovation. Tokenization of real-world assets, especially real estate, is unlocking trillions in value. The next wave of crypto success stories will prioritize infrastructure, trust, and utility over speculation. The mission now is clear: Crypto must embrace the responsibility of building a better financial system — one that bridges the old and the new to create something stronger, smarter, and more inclusive.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin Holds Strong Above $107K, Institutions Push Inflows to $17.8B YTD

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

June 30, 2025 — The cryptocurrency market kicked off the week on a steady note, with major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP holding bullish structures amid consistent institutional inflows and growing investor confidence. Bitcoin continues to consolidate above $107,000, after reclaiming key resistance levels last week. The move is underpinned by institutional accumulation and a broader appetite for risk, as investors continue to hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty through digital assets. Institutional Inflows Hit $17.8 Billion YTDDigital asset investment products have drawn a total of $17.8 billion in inflows year-to-date, according to CoinShares’ latest weekly report. Last week alone, inflows reached $2.7 billion, marking the 11th consecutive week of positive fund flows. Bitcoin dominated with $2.2 billion (83% of inflows) Ethereum attracted $429 million, signaling renewed optimism Notably, short-Bitcoin products recorded further outflows, indicating bullish sentiment. Spot Bitcoin ETFs alone accounted for $501 million in net inflows last week, extending their 14-day streak, according to SoSoValue data. Ethereum ETFs also remained in demand, pulling $77.5 million on Friday, bringing the total to $4.18 billion. Market Snapshot (as of June 30)Bitcoin (BTC): $107,300 — Holding firm after breaking above $107K and $108K Ethereum (ETH): Faces slight resistance post-recovery, holding near $2,400 XRP: Pulls back toward key support at $2.10, maintaining structural strength Metaplanet Inc.: Adds 1,005 BTC to its reserves, now holding 13,350 BTC, valued over $1.44 billion Metaplanet, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO), reaffirmed its long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategy, becoming the second-largest corporate BTC holder, only behind Strategy Inc., which holds 592,345 BTC. Key Events to Watch This WeekInvestors and traders should monitor the following events likely to influence crypto markets: Tuesday, July 1: Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the ECB Forum in Sintra, Portugal JOLTS Job Openings Report (U.S.) July 1–4: Ethereum Community Conference Wednesday, July 2: ADP Nonfarm Employment Change ETF deadlines: SEC decisions on Hashdex and Bitwise crypto index proposals Thursday, July 3: U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls & Jobless Claims Friday, July 4: U.S. markets closed for Independence Day Outlook: Bulls in Control, But Macro LoomsWith institutional buying — led by ETF inflows and corporate accumulation — still dominating headlines, crypto bulls appear to have regained control. However, upcoming macroeconomic data and regulatory decisions could stir volatility. BTC’s consolidation above $107,000, ETH’s $2,400 pivot, and XRP’s $2.10 support zone are key levels traders will be watching closely for confirmation of trend continuation. Tags: #Bitcoin #Ethereum #XRP #ETFs #CryptoNews #InstitutionalInvestment #Metaplanet #FederalReserve #CryptoMarketUpdate

XRP Just Got a Major Upgrade: Ripple Launches EVM Sidechain for Ethereum Compatibility

Casey2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

In a landmark move for blockchain interoperability, Ripple has officially launched its EVM-compatible sidechain, allowing XRP to plug directly into the Ethereum ecosystem. This game-changing update enables XRP to be used with Ethereum decentralized applications (dApps), opening the door to a new era of smart contracts, DeFi integration, and multichain connectivity. Bridging XRP to Ethereum’s DeFi WorldOn June 30, Ripple and blockchain development firm Peersyst rolled out the XRPL EVM Sidechain—a new sidechain designed to run Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based smart contracts while using XRP as the gas token. In simple terms, developers can now deploy Ethereum-compatible apps within the XRP ecosystem, and users can interact with those apps using XRP instead of ETH. “This isn’t the finish line; it’s Day 1 of a much bigger journey toward interoperability, programmability, and utility at scale,” said Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst, highlighting the start of XRP’s multichain expansion. What Makes This Sidechain Special?EVM Compatibility: Developers can port over existing Ethereum dApps directly to the XRPL sidechain. XRP for Gas: Transactions on the new sidechain use XRP instead of ETH, reducing fees and simplifying user experience. Faster & Cheaper: Leveraging XRP Ledger’s native speed and cost advantages, the sidechain offers a performance edge over Ethereum. Cross-Chain Support via Axelar: The EVM sidechain is linked to the XRP Ledger through the Axelar bridge, ensuring secure and seamless token transfers across networks. Developer-Friendly, Enterprise-ReadyDavid Schwartz, Ripple’s CTO and one of the original architects of the XRP Ledger, emphasized the new sidechain’s flexibility without compromising the XRPL’s core strengths: “This expands the ecosystem while keeping the XRP Ledger’s reliability intact. Developers get a robust EVM environment connected to a fast, scalable ledger.” A Strategic Push for Institutional AdoptionRipple’s latest innovation aligns with growing institutional interest in blockchain solutions. With enterprise use cases at the forefront, this EVM integration could attract financial institutions and DeFi platforms looking for more scalable alternatives to Ethereum. Georgios Vlachos of the Axelar Foundation commented on the enterprise potential, saying: “Crypto is entering an exciting phase. The XRPL EVM Sidechain, powered by Axelar, is ready to meet institutional-grade demand with security and scalability.” Final ThoughtsThis new sidechain is more than just a technical update—it’s a major strategic step in Ripple’s mission to expand XRP’s utility beyond payments and remittances. With this launch, XRP is positioned to play a much bigger role in the multichain DeFi ecosystem, while offering developers and enterprises a high-performance platform with real-world utility. As Ripple pushes deeper into interoperability, XRP’s role in the broader crypto landscape may become more prominent than ever.

Justin Sun Bets Big on TRUMP Memecoin With $100M Investment — More Than Just Politics?

Bitcoin Surpasses Silver, Becomes Sixth Largest Asset Globally as Market Cap Soars Past $2.3 Trillion

Dogecoin, XRP, and Bitcoin Cloud Mining Opens New Doors for Passive Crypto Income in 2025

Why Is Crypto Up Today? Bitcoin Hits $117K as ETFs Surge and Dollar Weakens

Bitcoin Dominance Tops 54% as Institutional Inflows Ignite Altcoin Season Buzz

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Rally Ahead of July 9 Tariff Deadline Amid Positive U.S. Trade Deal Hopes

XRP Breaks Out of Pennant Pattern — Price Eyes $3.20 as Futures Open Interest Soars

The Crypto Revolution Is Still Incomplete – Here’s What’s Holding It Back

Bybit and OKX Expand Crypto Operations in Europe Under MiCA Compliance

US Senate Passes Trump’s Budget Bill — Crypto Tax Fix Left Out

Deutsche Bank Teams Up with Bitpanda to Launch Crypto Custody Platform by 2026

Polygon Launches Katana – A New Layer 2 Blockchain Built for the Future of DeFi

Bitcoin, Ethereum & XRP Price Predictions for July 2025: What’s Next for the Top Cryptos?

American Express System Upgrade Sparks XRP Adoption Buzz: Real Integration or Market Hype?

Robinhood Unveils Tokenized Stocks, Perpetual Futures, and L2 Blockchain in Major Crypto Push

Bridging the Divide: Crypto’s True Value Lies in Enhancing — Not Replacing — Traditional Finance

Crypto Today: Bitcoin Holds Strong Above $107K, Institutions Push Inflows to $17.8B YTD

XRP Just Got a Major Upgrade: Ripple Launches EVM Sidechain for Ethereum Compatibility