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Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) face renewed selling on Wednesday, extending their corrective move so far this week. BTC faced rejection at $64,000, and ETH failed to break above the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). Meanwhile, XRP is extending its pullback for a fourth consecutive day. The top three cryptocurrencies signal risk of extending their ongoing corrections if critical support levels fail to hold.

Bitcoin extends correction after rejection at $64,000Bitcoin price trades at $62,898 on Wednesday, maintaining a bearish near-term bias as it holds below the 50-day, 100-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) at $65,578, $69,226 and $75,229, respectively. 

The dense overhead EMA stack suggests rallies remain capped for now, even as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers near a neutral 48 and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) stays positive with the line above zero, and recent gains hint at improving but constrained upside momentum.

On the topside, initial resistance appears at the horizontal barrier around $64,004, followed by the 50-day EMA at $65,578, which reinforces a nearby supply zone. Higher up, the 100-day EMA at $69,226 and the 200-day EMA at $75,229 mark successive caps ahead of the more distant structural ceiling at $84,410, leaving the pair vulnerable to renewed selling while price trades beneath this layered resistance structure.

Ethereum faces rejection from the 50-day EMA at $1,803Ethereum price trades at $1,753 on Wednesday, maintaining a bearish near-term bias as it remains below the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs at $1,803, $1,964, and $2,234, respectively. 

Despite price being capped by this stacked EMA cluster, momentum has improved, with the RSI hovering near a neutral 52 and the MACD remaining in positive territory, with a firm reading around 27.75, hinting at ongoing recovery attempts within a broader downtrend.

On the topside, immediate resistance is located at the 50-day EMA near $1,803, followed by the 100-day EMA at $1,964 and the psychological barrier at $2,000, while the longer-term 200-day EMA at $2,234 marks a stronger cap on any extended rally.

On the downside, the next notable support sits much lower at the horizontal level around $1,385, where buyers are likely to defend the prior structural floor if the current rebound fails.

XRP shows signs of weaknessXRP price trades at $1.097 on Wednesday, holding below the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs at $1.177, $1.279, and $1.493, respectively, which keeps the broader bias bearish. Price is also tracking within a downward parallel channel, with the upper boundary around $1.098 just above the market, while momentum looks mixed: the RSI at 44 remains below the midline, and the MACD prints modest positive readings, hinting at only a mild recovery attempt within a capped structure.

On the topside, initial resistance is located at the channel boundary near $1.098, followed by the 50-day EMA at $1.177 and the 100-day EMA at $1.279. Higher up, the horizontal level at $1.300 acts as a more significant barrier ahead of the long-term 200-day EMA at $1.493 and the major resistance zone around $1.900. 

With no clear underlying support levels immediately below the current price in this dataset, any decisive rejection at the nearby $1.098 area would likely expose XRP to further downside within the prevailing bearish channel until new demand emerges.

(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)

Cryptocurrency prices FAQs Token launches influence demand and adoption among market participants. Listings on crypto exchanges deepen the liquidity for an asset and add new participants to an asset’s network. This is typically bullish for a digital asset.

A hack is an event in which an attacker captures a large volume of the asset from a DeFi bridge or hot wallet of an exchange or any other crypto platform via exploits, bugs or other methods. The exploiter then transfers these tokens out of the exchange platforms to ultimately sell or swap the assets for other cryptocurrencies or stablecoins. Such events often involve an en masse panic triggering a sell-off in the affected assets.

Macroeconomic events like the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates influence crypto assets mainly through the direct impact they have on the US Dollar. An increase in interest rate typically negatively influences Bitcoin and altcoin prices, and vice versa. If the US Dollar index declines, risk assets and associated leverage for trading gets cheaper, in turn driving crypto prices higher.

Halvings are typically considered bullish events as they slash the block reward in half for miners, constricting the supply of the asset. At consistent demand if the supply reduces, the asset’s price climbs.

Why Is Tether Investing in Mercado Bitcoin? Tether is investing $20 million in Brazilian crypto platform Mercado Bitcoin as part of a strategic financing round aimed at expanding onchain financial infrastructure across Latin America.

The investment will support Mercado Bitcoin’s growth in tokenization, payments, lending, credit, and capital markets. The company, founded in 2013 as a crypto exchange, has expanded into a broader digital financial services platform that offers tokenized investment products, stablecoin payments, cross-border banking infrastructure, and regulated financial services.

The deal gives Tether a deeper position in Brazil, one of Latin America’s largest and most active digital asset markets. It also fits the stablecoin issuer’s wider strategy of using profits to back companies building blockchain-based financial infrastructure across payments, remittances, tokenization, and settlement.

Mercado Bitcoin said it serves more than 4.5 million users, has issued more than 2 billion Brazilian reais, or about $370 million, in tokenized assets, and holds nearly a dozen regulatory licenses across Brazil and Europe. Those licenses include a payment institution license from Brazil’s central bank.

What Does Mercado Bitcoin Bring to Tether? Mercado Bitcoin gives Tether exposure to a regulated platform with an existing user base, tokenized asset issuance, payment infrastructure, and financial services operations. That matters because stablecoin adoption in Brazil is increasingly tied to practical use cases rather than only crypto trading.

The company’s expansion beyond exchange activity reflects a wider shift in Latin America’s crypto market. Platforms that began with spot trading are now moving into credit, tokenized private assets, payment rails, and cross-border settlement. That creates more room for stablecoins to function as infrastructure for financial activity rather than only as trading pairs on exchanges.

Mercado Bitcoin said it will use the new capital to expand payments infrastructure, add more tokenized offerings, develop lending and credit products, and support its onchain capital markets strategy. In February, the company said it had deployed more than $20 million in tokenized private credit on Rootstock, a Bitcoin sidechain.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said Mercado Bitcoin has built one of Latin America’s most comprehensive regulated onchain financial platforms, citing its licenses, tokenization infrastructure, and integrated financial services.

Investor Takeaway Tether’s investment is not only a bet on a Brazilian crypto exchange. It is a bet on regulated onchain finance in Latin America, where tokenized assets, stablecoin payments, and cross-border settlement are becoming part of the same market structure.

Why Brazil Matters for Stablecoin Infrastructure Brazil has become a key market for stablecoin adoption because of its large retail user base, active digital payments system, and growing regulatory framework for crypto and tokenized finance. Stablecoins already play an important role in the country’s digital asset flows, especially for users seeking dollar exposure, payments access, and faster settlement.

Tether has been increasing its activity in Brazil. Last month, Tether-backed payments app Oobit integrated Brazil’s PIX instant payment network, allowing users to deposit reais, hold funds in USDT, and spend through PIX. The payment system serves roughly 170 million users, making it one of the most important financial rails in the country.

That integration shows why Brazil is strategically important. A stablecoin issuer does not need to replace domestic payment systems to grow. It can connect stablecoin balances to existing payment rails and make crypto-based settlement easier for users who already rely on instant payments in everyday transactions.

For Mercado Bitcoin, the investment may help strengthen its role as a bridge between regulated finance and onchain products. For Tether, it expands the company’s footprint in a market where stablecoins are already being used for payments, trading, savings, and cross-border transfers.

How Does This Fit Tether’s Wider Investment Strategy? Tether issues USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin, with about $184 billion in circulation. The company reported approximately $1.04 billion in net profit in the first quarter of 2026 and has been using part of those profits for strategic investments.

In April, Tether participated in a $134 million funding round for Stablecoin Development Corporation, a NYSE American-traded company focused on expanding stablecoin access and digital asset infrastructure. A month later, it invested in remittance platform LemFi to support USDT integration as a settlement layer for cross-border payments across Africa and Asia.

Tether has also announced plans with the Government of Georgia to launch a stablecoin pegged to the Georgian lari under the country’s digital asset framework. Beyond stablecoin-related initiatives, the company has invested in artificial intelligence, energy, biotechnology, and digital media through its investment arm.

The Mercado Bitcoin deal extends that pattern. Tether is using its balance sheet to back companies that can increase stablecoin usage in payments, capital markets, and tokenized finance. The approach gives the company exposure to growth markets without relying only on USDT issuance.

Investor Takeaway The deal strengthens Tether’s position in Latin America at a time when stablecoins are moving from exchange liquidity into payments, credit, and tokenized assets. For investors, the key question is whether regulated platforms such as Mercado Bitcoin can turn that infrastructure into durable transaction volume.

What Are the Market Implications? The investment points to a more competitive phase for crypto infrastructure in Latin America. Exchanges, payment apps, tokenization platforms, and stablecoin issuers are increasingly competing to control the rails that connect users, fiat systems, and blockchain-based products.

For Mercado Bitcoin, the capital may accelerate product expansion and strengthen its position against regional and global competitors. For Tether, the deal offers another route into a market where stablecoin adoption is already high and where regulated financial platforms may become more important as oversight increases.

The broader implication is that stablecoin growth is becoming more institutional and infrastructure-driven. Rather than depending only on trading volumes, companies are building products around payments, credit, private markets, and cross-border settlement. Brazil’s combination of scale, digital payment adoption, and regulatory development makes it a natural testing ground for that shift.

Tether’s $20 million investment does not change the stablecoin market by itself. It does, however, show how the largest stablecoin issuer is using strategic capital to shape the financial platforms that could drive the next stage of stablecoin usage across emerging markets.

Tether just wrote a $20 million check to Mercado Bitcoin, Brazil’s largest regulated crypto exchange. The investment signals a deliberate push by the world’s dominant stablecoin issuer into Latin America’s fastest-growing digital asset market.

The funding will go toward expanding Mercado Bitcoin’s capabilities in tokenization, stablecoin-powered payments, credit and lending products, and on-chain capital markets. It also earmarks capital for international growth across the broader Latin American region.

Why Brazil, why now Mercado Bitcoin, founded in 2013, has grown into a full-stack financial platform with over 4.5 million users. The exchange has issued more than R$2 billion (roughly $360 million at current rates) in tokenized assets, making it a meaningful player not just in crypto trading but in bridging real-world assets onto blockchain rails.

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The platform holds more than 10 regulatory licenses spanning Brazil and Europe. Among them is a Payment Institution license from Brazil’s central bank.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino described Mercado Bitcoin as a “robust full-stack on-chain financial platform,” signaling that Tether views this less as a traditional venture bet and more as infrastructure backing.

Tether’s Latin American strategy takes shape Mercado Bitcoin’s leadership has indicated the capital will “significantly expedite” the platform’s transition toward fully on-chain services.

For context, Mercado Bitcoin raised $200 million in a Series B round back in 2021, led by SoftBank. That round valued the company at over $2 billion at the time.

What this means for investors The focus on tokenized assets and on-chain capital markets is notable. Mercado Bitcoin has already tokenized over R$2 billion in assets, and additional capital could accelerate the tokenization of credit instruments, real estate, and other traditional financial products.

There’s also the question of whether stablecoin-powered payments can genuinely compete with existing fintech solutions in Brazil, where companies like Nubank and PIX (Brazil’s instant payment system) have already captured enormous market share.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Strike’s new volatility-proof Bitcoin loans shift price risk from borrowers onto the lender’s capital providers. Tether supplies the $2.1 billion credit facility behind the program and co-designed the loan structure itself. A proposed merger would fold Strike, Twenty One Capital, and miner Elektron Energy into one Tether-linked platform. The combined stack covers every core banking function except the safety net regulated banks carry. The headline this week belongs to Strike. On July 7 the company launched Bitcoin-backed loans with no margin calls and no price liquidations, promising that collateral stays untouched no matter how far Bitcoin falls, as long as borrowers keep paying. Most coverage stopped there. The more consequential story sits one layer down, with the entity actually carrying the risk. A loan that never liquidates on price means somebody holds undercollateralized debt through every drawdown, and that somebody, directly and indirectly, is Tether. The merger proposal from April read as corporate maneuvering at the time. Yesterday’s launch is what it looks like in production: a stablecoin issuer assembling deposits, credit, energy, mining, and capital markets into a working bank for the Bitcoin economy. No banking license. No central bank behind it. No deposit insurance in front of it.

The loan Strike sells, the risk Tether keeps Strike’s volatility-proof structure only works with deep pockets behind it. A borrower posts $100,000 in BTC at the product’s 45% loan-to-value cap and takes $45,000 in cash. If Bitcoin then falls 60% and stays there, the collateral covers about $40,000 against a $45,000 debt. A conventional crypto lender would have sold at 85% LTV. This one waits, holding the shortfall until repayment or maturity.

That patience is a balance-sheet luxury, and the balance sheet providing it is not Strike’s. Jack Mallers announced a $2.1 billion credit facility that he said gives the company capacity to meet demand at any order size, and Tether co-developed the volatility-proof loan structure itself. Even Strike’s proof-of-reserves system, which lets borrowers verify their collateral at a segregated on-chain address, was built with Tether’s help. Strike originates and services. Tether underwrites the tail risk. Traditional finance has a name for this division of labor: the originator model, the same architecture mortgage banks run with their warehouse lenders.

Six of seven banking functions, already in place Take the classic functions of a commercial bank and check them against what Tether now touches. The gaps are few.

Banking function Tether’s version Scale Deposits USDT in circulation Largest stablecoin by supply Lending Own CeFi loan book + Strike credit facility $2.1B facility; top-3 CeFi lender Payments & custody Strike (proposed merger) 95+ countries Reserves / treasury Twenty One Capital BTC treasury Top-tier corporate BTC holder Physical infrastructure Elektron Energy mining (proposed merger) ~50 EH/s, ~5% of network hashrate Capital markets Planned securitization arm Loan-book and mining revenue debt Lender of last resort None – Tether Investments published a proposal to merge Twenty One Capital with Strike and Elektron Energy, a mining operator managing roughly 50 EH/s, about 5% of Bitcoin’s network hashrate, into a single listed platform integrating treasury holdings, mining, financial services, lending, and capital markets. Mallers endorsed it from the stage at Bitcoin 2026. “Simply put, I think it’s a great idea,” he said, adding that his founding goal was always a Bitcoin company rather than a payments app.

Terms and timelines remain undisclosed, but the machinery is moving: in June, Tether designated an additional independent director to XXI’s board to restore the audit committee to SEC and NYSE independence standards, the kind of housekeeping that precedes a transaction, not one that follows a dead deal.

Mallers described an operation built around loan-book securitization, mining revenue securitization, Bitcoin-backed debt, and structured products. Packaging loans into securities and selling them onward is how banks recycle capital and lend beyond their own balance sheets. Nobody in crypto has run that machine at size. A merged Tether-Strike entity would be the first with both the origination volume and the distribution to try.

Three lenders now hold 89% of a market that used to have ten The crypto credit market recovered from 2022 with far fewer players. According to Galaxy Research data, the three largest centralized lenders, Tether among them alongside Galaxy and Ledn, hold combined loan books of $9.9 billion, close to 89% of the CeFi lending market. Tether sits at the top of that group with its own book, and now also funds the most aggressive product structure in the industry through Strike.

The pre-collapse era looked different. Celsius, BlockFi, Voyager, and Genesis competed for the same borrowers, and when they fell, the survivors absorbed the clients and the market kept functioning. The 2026 market has no such redundancy. One dominant creditor now stands behind deposits (USDT), wholesale credit (the Strike facility), and soon, if the merger completes, a meaningful slice of the mining hardware securing the network itself. Bank supervisors have a term for an institution whose failure would cascade through every layer of its system. Crypto has quietly grown one without anyone signing off on the designation.

To be fair to the other side of the ledger: Tether reports billions in annual profit from reserve yields, which gives it more loss-absorbing capacity than any pre-2022 crypto lender ever had. The company can genuinely afford to sit on underwater loans through a bear market. That is exactly what makes the no-liquidation promise credible today. It is also what makes the arrangement fragile in the one scenario that counts. A shock hitting Tether itself, whether from reserves, regulation, or redemption pressure, would now propagate simultaneously into stablecoin markets, the CeFi loan book, Strike’s borrowers, and a mining fleet. Banks carry deposit insurance and central bank liquidity lines for precisely this correlation problem. This structure carries neither.

Ledn and Unchained now need a $2 billion backstop of their own For borrowers, none of this is visible. Loans get approved, Bitcoin stays put, and the plumbing behind the $2.1 billion never surfaces in the app. The market feels it differently. Competing lenders like Ledn and Unchained still run LTV-triggered liquidation models, and matching Strike’s no-liquidation terms would require a capital partner willing to eat drawdowns measured in years, not hours. Few candidates exist. The likely outcome is consolidation around whoever has the largest balance sheet, which is the opposite of what a market still scarred by 2022 says it wants.

Bitcoin’s spot price mechanics change too. Forced liquidations have amplified every major sell-off since 2018 by dumping collateral onto exchanges at the worst possible moment. Loans that never sell on price remove one of those feedback loops. The selling pressure does not vanish; it converts into credit exposure sitting on Tether-linked balance sheets, waiting.

The open question lands on regulators’ desks, not traders’ screens. U.S. stablecoin legislation focused on reserve quality and redemption rights, not on what an issuer’s investment arm does with its profits. Lending billions against volatile collateral through affiliated platforms sits outside that perimeter entirely, and European supervisors under MiCA face the same gap. The proposed merger, which would put Elektron founder Raphael Zagury in the president’s seat of a listed entity combining all these pieces, will eventually force a decision: at what point does the Bitcoin economy’s largest private creditor become subject to something resembling bank supervision, and who moves first, Washington or Brussels?

Crypto Market Slips 1.24% as US Strikes on Iran Lift Oil

Shiba Inu is still under a lot of pressure even though it appears to be stabilizing close to local lows. The meme coin is currently trading at about $0.0000044 after going through a protracted bearish trend for a few weeks, which has largely eliminated the recovery momentum that was observed earlier this year. 

For SHIB bulls, the daily chart presents a challenging picture. After supporting price action in March, April, and May, the asset recently broke out of a rising channel. Sellers swiftly regained control after that structure failed, pushing SHIB in the direction of its current range. Even though the token saw a slight increase in value in June, there wasn't enough volume in the recovery to overcome significant resistance levels. 

SHIB/USDT Chart by TradingViewFrom a technical standpoint, SHIB is still below the 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages. This alignment suggests that buyers still have a lot of work ahead of them and is usually linked to a significant downtrend. Stronger barriers still exist close to the 100-day EMA and the declining 200-day trend line, while the closest resistance zone is located around the 50-day EMA. The RSI, which is still close to oversold territory, is one positive indicator. 

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In the past, when momentum indicators hit such low levels, SHIB has frequently generated relief rallies. Oversold conditions by themselves, however, do not ensure a reversal, particularly when overall market sentiment is still unstable. Instead of initiating a full recovery, SHIB seems to be establishing a temporary base for the time being. 

A more significant rebound may occur if buyers are able to sustain support around present levels and progressively raise the price above short-term moving averages. However, the asset would be vulnerable to another downward leg if the recent lows were not held. Whether SHIB is forming a bottom or just pausing before continuing its wider decline will probably be determined over the coming weeks.

Bitcoin's shallow recovery effort Following a significant sell-off that pushed the price below a number of crucial support levels, Bitcoin is making an effort to rebound. Although the recent surge has helped Bitcoin return to the $63,000 area, it now faces one of its most significant technical challenges in months. According to the chart, after losing support from a rising trendline that had dominated price action for the majority of the spring, Bitcoin experienced a significant breakdown in June. 

Before buyers intervened, the collapse set off a wave of selling pressure that drove Bitcoin down to the low $60,000 region. Bitcoin has since recovered its short-term 50-day moving average, a sign that the bearish momentum is starting to subside. The recovery is still not complete, though. BTC is still below the 100-day and 200-day moving averages, which are located close to $66,000 and $75,000, respectively. 

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Major resistance zones that might draw sellers are represented by these levels. Additionally, during the recovery, volume has stayed comparatively low, suggesting that institutional conviction has not completely returned. 

Growing participation is a prerequisite for strong recovery rallies, which is still lacking in the current movement. The RSI is getting close to neutral territory and has greatly recovered from oversold conditions. This change does not yet prove a trend reversal, but it does imply that the worst of the panic selling may be behind us. 

The area between $65,000 and $66,000 is the most crucial level to monitor. The bullish case would be strengthened and a wider recovery toward higher resistance levels would be possible with a successful break above that zone. But if Bitcoin doesn't succeed there, the current trend might just be a relief rally within a bigger bearish structure. For the time being, Bitcoin's comeback is still viable, but before bulls can declare victory, significant technical challenges must be overcome. 

XRP stays cautious After weeks of intense selling pressure, XRP is making an effort to recover, but the asset has reached a technical crossroads that could dictate its course for the rest of the month. Bulls won their first significant victory since the June breakdown when XRP surged back above the 50-day EMA. In the vicinity of $1.18, the price momentarily rose toward the 100-day moving average, but sellers soon emerged and rejected the move. 

Because of this, XRP is still caught between a general bearish trend and rebounding momentum. Technically speaking, the chart still recommends caution. The 200-day moving average is still well above current prices, at about $1.50, while the 100-day EMA continues to serve as immediate resistance. Therefore, despite the recent uptick, the long-term structure is still bearish. 

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An encouraging indication is that momentum has improved. Panic selling has mostly stopped, as evidenced by XRP's RSI rising from oversold territory and getting closer to the neutral zone. Additionally, volume has increased during the recovery attempt, indicating that buyers are at least prepared to defend recent lows. Whether XRP can turn this bounce into a real trend reversal is the crucial question. 

The bullish case would be greatly strengthened by a daily close above the 100-day EMA, which would also pave the way for the $1.28 area, where the 200-day trend resistance starts to become apparent. However, another decline toward the $1.05–$1.08 support zone could occur if the current resistance is not overcome. 

For the time being, XRP is more resilient than it was for the majority of June, but before a more significant recovery can be verified, bulls still need a clear breakout.

Solana expresses strengthAfter regaining several significant technical levels during its recent recovery, Solana is one of the few major cryptocurrencies exhibiting observable signs of strength. SOL has recovered above its 50-day and 100-day moving averages after a protracted decline. Right now, the asset is trading close to $81 and is consolidating just below a sizable resistance area between $82 and $85. This region served as support prior to the market-wide sell-off in June, but it now poses the biggest obstacle for buyers. 

SOL/USDT Chart by TradingViewSince the June bottom, Solana has established a series of higher lows, in contrast to many altcoins that are still stuck below short-term resistance. This suggests that buyers are progressively taking back control of the market structure. Additionally, momentum indicators confirm the improving outlook. 

The RSI has risen above 60, indicating increasing buying pressure that has not yet reached overbought levels. In the past, readings within this range have frequently coincided with the initial phases of more robust recovery rallies. The breakout above the moving averages has more credibility because volume has increased during the rise.

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Thin liquidity was not the cause of the recent spike; rather, a discernible rise in market participation was. A clear move above the $85-$90 range is the next goal for bulls. The 200-day moving average around $96 would come into focus with a successful breakout there, and it might also mark the start of a more significant trend reversal. 

Nonetheless, traders shouldn't disregard the potential for a brief decline. Solana has recovered significantly from its June lows, and it would be typical to take profits close to resistance. The recovery structure is unaffected as long as SOL stays above its recovered moving averages. 

Solana currently has one of the best technical setups of any major altcoin, but before the bear trend can be deemed completely broken, it still needs to get past long-term resistance.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-brutal-truth-about-bitcoin/

Strike, a Bitcoin Lightning payments app led by Jack Mallers, has announced the launch of its “volatility-proof” Bitcoin-backed loans, which are designed to eliminate margin calls and price-based liquidations. This innovative loan structure was developed in collaboration with Tether and aims to reduce the risk of forced liquidation when Bitcoin prices decline. The new offering is part of Strike’s broader lending suite, which now includes a substantial $2.1 billion credit facility to accommodate demand.

This development has implications for the cryptocurrency market, particularly for Bitcoin-related assets. By offering loans with no margin calls or liquidations, Strike provides a more stable financial product for Bitcoin holders, potentially increasing confidence and participation in Bitcoin-based financial services. As a result, the market pricing for STRC, a token linked to Bitcoin performance, has shown significant movement.

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Market participants have adjusted their outlook in the STRC market, with the likelihood of STRC hitting $100 by December 31 priced at 54.5% YES. This is a decline from 57% the previous day, but a notable increase from 38% a week ago. The September 30 sub-market shows a 32.5% YES probability, indicating varied expectations among market participants.

Key Takeaways Market pricing suggests participants view Strike’s loan offering as consistent with increased Bitcoin investor confidence. STRC’s December 31 market odds reflect a 54.5% likelihood of hitting $100, showing a downward adjustment from the previous day. The September 30 market appears less optimistic, with a 32.5% YES probability, but has shown positive movement from a week earlier. What to Watch Observers will be monitoring any further strategic announcements from Strike and its partners that could impact Bitcoin’s adoption and price stability. Additionally, shifts in the broader cryptocurrency market, including Bitcoin price movements, may influence STRC’s pricing. Notably, any major purchases of Bitcoin by prominent firms or changes in market sentiment could significantly alter current market pricing for STRC.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h December 31 54.5% — — View market → September 30 32.5% — — View market →

U.S. spot Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) ETFs logged back-to-back daily inflows for the first time since May 5-6, pulling in $487 million across two sessions after roughly eight weeks of bleeding $8.26 billion in outflows.

BlackRock Led The Return After 11 Straight Days Of SellingThe prior session on July 2 added another $221.72 million, making the two-day stretch the clearest sign yet that institutional demand is returning after one of the longest outflow streaks since the ETFs launched.

Grayscale Research said Strategy’s $216 million Bitcoin sale yesterday should be read as a positive development rather than a bearish signal, noting the sale rebuilt Strategy’s dollar reserve to cover 17 months of preferred dividend payments. 

“The rebound in STRC suggests investors are responding positively to this decision,” Grayscale said.

Two Warning Signs Suggest The Recovery Isn’t Confirmed YetA negative premium historically signals weak U.S. demand, and bull runs have consistently featured the opposite.

Japanese bond yields add a second concern. The 10-year Japanese government bond yield hit a 30-year high Tuesday, pushing borrowing costs higher across the US, UK, and Germany. 

Rising Treasury yields historically create headwinds for Bitcoin by lifting the opportunity cost of holding a non-yielding asset.

Bitcoin’s Chart Shows Stabilization But Not A New Trend YetBitcoin trades near $63,400 after breaking down from its descending channel in June, cascading into the $58,000 to $59,000 demand zone before recovering. 

Price is attempting to reclaim the channel structure, but the broader technical setup remains bearish with the 20-day SMA at $61,872, the 50-day at $66,211, and the 200-day at $74,488 all stacked in a bearish sequence from the November 2025 death cross.

RSI sits at 51.78, a neutral reading that signals consolidation rather than a clear directional move. 

The 50-day EMA at $65,638 is the key decision zone traders will watch for any rally attempt to either stall or gain traction. 

Reclaiming and holding above that level is what separates a tactical bounce from the beginning of a real trend repair.

Image: Shutterstock

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In brief Wintermute believes recent Bitcoin and crypto price action is a clear relief rally, or short-term price recovery. The market maker pointed to rising ETF inflows, macro easing, and a dovish Fed tone as contributing variables. Bitcoin has jumped more than nearly 10% in the last week, but is still down nearly 50% from October's peak. Bitcoin has jumped nearly 10% in the last week of trading, recently changing hands at $64,023 after touching a two-week high above $64,500 on Monday.

But market-making firm Wintermute says it's still “somewhat cautious,” suggesting the recent price jump is more of a relief rally than a structural shift. In other words, the firm believes this is a temporary or short-term recovery as opposed to a significant, fundamental shift in the market.

“This looks like a textbook relief rally, and it makes sense given the input,” the firm wrote in its most recent market update. 

Wintermute pointed to easing macroeconomic conditions, a more dovish tone from the Federal Reserve, and improving headlines related to Ethereum and institutional adoption as a trio of variables aiding recent price action.

“That combination is enough to explain the bounce without needing a bigger story behind it,” it wrote. 

Nevertheless, the firm still believes things can grind “a bit higher” from its current standing, pointing to a recent flip in the ETF inflows as a reason for hope.

Last week, Bitcoin ETFs snapped a 10-day outflow streak, bringing in more than $222 million on July 2. They backed up that performance with another day of inflows on Monday, when more than $265 million filtered in, according to data from Farside Investors.

However, Wintermute conceded that one data point doesn’t make a trend, noting that a more sustained streak of inflows would be necessary in order to believe a more structural market change has taken place. 

“We'd want to see that inflow sustained over consecutive sessions before reading it as the start of a real reversal rather than a one-off, squeeze-adjacent print,” its market update says. 

“Until that broader capital flow picture actually turns, this reads as relief rather than something structural,” the firm added. 

Even with the latest leg up, Bitcoin remains nearly 50% off its all-time high of $126,080 set last October.

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Bitcoin continues to recover from its recent sell-off, but the market remains trapped beneath a major resistance cluster that has capped every relief rally since the June breakdown. While short-term momentum has improved, BTC is now approaching a decisive area where the next move could determine whether the recovery evolves into a larger trend reversal or remains a corrective bounce within a broader bearish structure.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: The Daily Chart On the daily timeframe, Bitcoin remains in a clear downtrend, trading below the 100-day and 200-day moving averages, both of which continue to slope lower. The recent recovery from the $58K-$61K demand zone has helped stabilize the price action, but the asset is still trading beneath the major resistance area between $64K and $66.5K.

It recently formed another higher low inside the broader support region, while the RSI has continued to print higher lows despite the weakness seen throughout June. This developing bullish divergence suggests that downside momentum is fading and that buyers are gradually regaining control.

However, the market structure remains bearish until Bitcoin can reclaim the $64K-$66.5K supply zone. This area aligns with previous support turned resistance and continues to act as the primary obstacle preventing a larger recovery. A successful breakout above this region would likely expose the next major resistance near $72K-$74K, while rejection could send the price back toward the $60K support zone.

BTC/USDT 4-Hour Chart The 4-hour chart shows a much more constructive picture. After establishing a base around the $58K-$59K demand region, Bitcoin produced a strong impulsive rally and pushed directly into the descending trendline that has defined the corrective structure since mid-June.

The asset recently swept the local liquidity resting above previous highs within the $61K-$62K region before encountering resistance near the descending trendline. This liquidity grab is important because it removed nearby buy-side liquidity and allowed the market to test a key technical level.

The current structure suggests that Bitcoin is attempting to transition from a series of lower highs into a potential breakout formation. A confirmed move above the descending trendline and the $64K-$66K resistance zone would significantly improve the bullish outlook and could accelerate upside momentum toward higher resistance levels.

Conversely, failure to break the trendline could trigger another period of consolidation between the $60K support and the $64K-$66K supply zone. As long as Bitcoin holds above the $60K-$61K support area, the short-term recovery structure remains intact.

Sentiment Analysis The 48-hour liquidation heatmap highlights a notable concentration of liquidity above the current market price, particularly around the $64K-$66K region. This cluster aligns closely with the resistance zone identified on the 4-hour chart, reinforcing its significance as a major magnet for price action.

Importantly, the intra-range liquidity highlighted on the technical chart is also confirmed by the liquidation heatmap. The recent push into the $61K-$62K area successfully targeted nearby liquidity resting within the range, validating the idea that price has been moving between liquidity pockets rather than trending directionally.

At present, the largest liquidation concentration remains overhead near $65K-$66K, making it a logical target if buyers maintain momentum. Markets often gravitate toward these liquidity pools before determining the next directional move.

If Bitcoin manages to sweep this overhead liquidity and secure acceptance above the $64K-$66K region, it would strengthen the case for a broader recovery toward the higher resistance zones. However, if the sweep is followed by rejection and an inability to sustain prices above resistance, the move could simply represent a liquidity-driven rally before another test of lower support levels.

For now, both the technical structure and the liquidation data suggest that the path of least resistance remains slightly higher, with the overhead liquidity cluster acting as the most likely near-term destination.

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Strategy, the company formerly known as MicroStrategy, just did something it almost never does: it sold Bitcoin. A lot of it, actually.

Between June 29 and July 5, 2026, Strategy sold 3,588 BTC for roughly $216 million. That is the company’s largest single disposal of Bitcoin since it started stacking the asset back in 2020.

The sales were executed at average prices of $59,256 and $60,773 per Bitcoin, both well below the company’s average cost basis of $75,476 per coin.

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Why Strategy sold, and what it is trying to accomplish The $216 million went primarily toward funding dividends on Strategy’s suite of preferred securities, which includes instruments labeled STRC, STRF, STRE, STRK, and STRD.

The sale completed the final condition in a three-step plan tied to a potential credit rating upgrade from S&P Global. S&P assigned Strategy a ‘B-‘ rating back in October 2025. An upgrade would lower borrowing costs and signal improved financial discipline to institutional investors.

Strategy also made a significant debt management move in May 2026, repurchasing $1.5 billion in convertible notes, which brought total debt down from $8.2 billion to $6.7 billion.

After the sale, Strategy’s cash reserves were rebuilt to $2.55 billion.

The numbers that matter for investors Strategy still holds 843,775 BTC following the sale.

The company also reported an $8.32 billion digital asset impairment charge linked to Q2 losses. Under current accounting rules, companies must mark down crypto holdings when prices fall but cannot mark them back up when prices recover. That impairment does not mean the Bitcoin is gone, but it does hit reported earnings hard.

What investors should watch now is whether S&P actually follows through with the upgrade. Completing the three-step plan does not guarantee an improved rating. If the upgrade materializes, Strategy gains access to cheaper capital. If S&P holds the rating steady or downgrades, the rationale for selling Bitcoin at a loss looks considerably worse in hindsight.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

The cryptocurrency market is a 24/7 arena filled with constant motion and instant changes. While you’re asleep at midnight, Bitcoin’s price can suddenly surge, or while you’re sitting in a meeting, your favorite altcoin might hit a local bottom. In such a fast-moving market, gaining an edge requires one essential thing: a smart assistant that delivers complete, real-time data without delay. This is exactly where a lightweight yet highly capable app steps in available on both iOS and Android, natively supporting English, Spanish and Turkish, and removing the hassle of mandatory sign-ups: CryptoAppsy.

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A Feature You Won’t Find Elsewhere: Multi-Currency Portfolio ManagementCryptoAppsy also offers a smart portfolio management tool designed to help you track your investments holistically. When you manually define your portfolio within the app, your total asset value is automatically recalculated every 5 seconds using live exchange rates. There’s no need to create spreadsheets to see your performance your real-time profit and loss figures are always visible on screen.

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What Users Say: A 5.0/5 Rated ExperienceUser feedback clearly confirms the value CryptoAppsy delivers. With ⭐5.0 on the App Store and ⭐4.7 on Google Play, reviews frequently highlight phrases like “perfect for beginners,” “excellent news summaries,” “clean and eye-friendly design,” and “no need for another app.” Many users also note that fast notifications help them act on opportunities without delay. This high satisfaction shows that CryptoAppsy is a reliable and practical solution for both newcomers and active traders alike.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

DECRYPT: Binance Introduces BTC Yield for Bitcoin Holders to Earn Yield Without Selling

With BTC reclaiming the $60,000 level on July 1, market experts believe the plunge may have been a failed breakdown rather than a sustained leg lower.

On-chain data has confirmed that June was a painful month for bitcoin (BTC), but beyond the price weakness, both spot demand and institutional flows faltered. Due to last month’s performance, there is speculation that the market may be nearing a cyclical bottom, but this remains unconfirmed.

In the meantime, analysts at the crypto exchange Bitfinex revealed in this week’s Bitfinex Alpha that historical data suggests that July could be better for BTC. However, a seasonality dynamic will not be able to sustain a recovery for BTC this month – the asset needs sustained spot and institutional demand.

Worst June in 4 Years BTC fell to a fresh cycle low of $57,800 last month, marking the worst June since 2022 and the second-worst since 2013. Analysts say this dump was intensified by waning STRC demand and six consecutive weeks of outflows from Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the longest since their launch. The decline to $58,000 marked a 54.15% plunge from current cycle highs, and BTC ended June down 20.48%.

“June’s downside was likely deepened by the failure of both principal demand engines: waning STRC demand and ETF outflows that represented the worst streak on record. The month closed down 20.48 percent from its monthly open, far below the seasonal median of negative 1.5 percent. That sharp deviation left the market technically oversold heading into July,” analysts explained.

With BTC reclaiming the $60,000 level on July 1, market experts believe the plunge may have been a failed breakdown rather than a sustained leg lower. Additionally, the rebound indicated that spot demand had begun to return at marginal lows. Although the current setup supports a positive seasonality for July, only the return of stronger demand, particularly through renewed ETF inflows, will sustain recovery.

Will July Be Better? In prior bear markets, June and November have been the weakest months, so July has historically been firmer. This month posted double-digit gains in 2018 and 2022 bear cycles. However, analysts believe it is too early to tell if the cycle lows are in. The stage for broader sustainable recovery is only set if the demand engines are repaired.

“Seasonality supports the current setup but will not drive it,” analysts stated.

Interestingly, the ETF market has witnessed a reprieve from the bearish regime – $223.5 million on July 2. However, analysts insist that one session of inflows is insufficient to reverse the damage from six weeks of outflows.

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After an eight-week stretch that saw more than $8.2 billion drain from Bitcoin spot ETFs, the bleeding has finally stopped. A single-day inflow of roughly $222 million on July 2 broke the outflow streak, driven largely by fresh capital flowing into Fidelity’s FBTC product.

The great Bitcoin ETF exodus, and its messy reversal The week of June 29 to July 3 alone saw $527 million in net outflows. Then July 2 happened. Approximately $222 million flowed back in on a single day, snapping the streak. Fidelity’s FBTC was the primary magnet for that capital.

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Solana ETFs are having a very different experience US Solana spot ETFs, which launched on October 28, 2025, have accumulated more than $1 billion in cumulative inflows in just a few months of trading.

During the same early July week when Bitcoin flows finally turned positive, Solana ETFs pulled in $5.75 million in net inflows. On July 6, daily inflows hit 103,020 SOL equivalent. Solana ETFs have experienced positive inflows on every trading day during this period. While Bitcoin and Ethereum funds were dealing with redemptions, products like Bitwise’s BSOL and Grayscale’s GSOL kept attracting fresh capital without interruption.

Bitcoin’s spot products have collectively gathered tens of billions since their January 2024 launch.

What this means for investors Investors watching for sustained recovery should track whether inflows persist across multiple issuers, not just one, as Fidelity’s FBTC absorbed the bulk of the July 2 inflow.

Breaking $1 billion in cumulative flows within months of launch puts Solana ETF products on a notable trajectory. Major issuers including Bitwise, Grayscale, Fidelity, and BlackRock are all competing in this space, with data aggregators like SoSoValue and CoinGlass tracking the daily flows.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Mike Belshe, co-founder and CEO of BitGo, stood in front of roughly 250 institutional Bitcoin decision-makers at the BFC in NYC symposium on June 26 and made a case that most of the room probably wasn’t thrilled to hear: Bitcoin’s cryptographic armor has an expiration date, and the industry needs to start fitting a replacement now.

Bitcoin’s security relies on elliptic curve cryptography, a system that would crumble under a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. Experts routinely debate whether quantum computers capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography are years away or decades away.

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The proposal getting the most attention is BIP-361, which was formally introduced on April 15, 2026. It lays out a phased migration plan for moving Bitcoin to quantum-resistant signature schemes. BIP-361 doesn’t demand an overnight overhaul. Instead, it charts a gradual path where quantum-resistant alternatives coexist with current cryptographic methods before eventually replacing them.

Belshe didn’t just theorize about quantum resistance at BFC. He came armed with a proof point. BitGo executed what it described as the first quantum-resistant transaction on the Ethereum testnet, a milestone achieved in the lead-up to the symposium.

Prior to the symposium, Belshe appeared in a May 2026 video discussion alongside Adam Back, the legendary cypherpunk and CEO of Blockstream, where the two covered quantum-resistant signatures in detail. Back’s involvement lends significant weight to the conversation. He’s one of the few people cited in Bitcoin’s original whitepaper.

BIP-361’s phased approach also addresses a perennial concern in Bitcoin governance. Hard forks, or backward-incompatible protocol changes, are politically radioactive in Bitcoin culture. The 2017 block size wars left scars that still influence how proposals are received. A gradual migration that doesn’t force an immediate fork is far more likely to achieve consensus.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

In brief Radar Chat launched Tuesday, combining encrypted messaging with Bitcoin payments. The app uses the Signal Protocol but was developed independently from Signal. Radar says users remain in control of their Bitcoin, which is sent via the Lightning Network. A new app from the team behind Cake Wallet brings Bitcoin payments directly into private messaging.

Launched Tuesday, Radar Chat combines end-to-end encrypted messaging with self-custodial Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network, allowing users to send Bitcoin via text messages without having to switch apps or copy wallet addresses.

“The idea behind Radar is that the people we talk to and the people we pay are often the same people, yet messaging and payments still live in separate places,” Radar Chat and Cake Wallet founder Vikrant Sharma told Decrypt.

Available on iOS and Android, Radar—which the company clarified is a separate company from Cake Wallet—uses Signal’s open-source protocol to let users send encrypted messages and Bitcoin payments inside private conversations without switching between separate chat and wallet apps, with private keys controlled by users.

Your messages. Your Bitcoin. Together, at last.

Radar brings private messaging and self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning together in one seamless experience, and because it's built on Signal's incredible network - the people you already talk to come with you. pic.twitter.com/Rg6BBbfvGS

— Radar.Chat (@RadarChat) July 7, 2026

“Rather than reinventing secure messaging from scratch, the team chose to build on one of the most trusted and widely respected privacy technologies available,” Sharma said. “Many Bitcoin and privacy-conscious users already rely on Signal, so Radar builds on a familiar foundation while adding something that has been missing: native Bitcoin payments inside conversations.”

While apps like PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo have simplified digital payments, Sharma said users often trade control for convenience.

“Apps like PayPal and Cash App made sending money easier, but they're centralized services,” he said. “They hold your money, they can freeze your account, and they see every transaction you make. Convenience came at the cost of control.”

Radar uses the Bitcoin Lightning Network, a layer-2 payment network designed to make transactions faster and cheaper than sending directly on Bitcoin’s base layer. While Lightning is often associated with small transactions measured in satoshis—or 1/100,000,000 of a full Bitcoin—Sharma said Radar is not limited to microtransactions.

During setup, Sharma said Radar gives users a recovery seed phrase to restore their Bitcoin on another device, while an encrypted backup tied to their Signal account provides an additional recovery option.

“Radar is developed independently from Signal,” he said, “but we deeply respect the work the Signal team has done and financially support the project, because we believe privacy-preserving communication is an important public good.”

Sharma said Radar has successfully tested payments up to $5,000, with transaction capacity determined by available Lightning Network liquidity rather than limits set by the app.

“For most people, Radar is designed around everyday payments—buying lunch, splitting expenses, paying a friend back, or sending tips,” Sharma said. “Those are exactly the types of transactions Lightning excels at because they’re fast, inexpensive, and settle almost instantly.”

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Bitcoin clawed its way back to around $64,000 this week, its highest level in several weeks. Wintermute, one of crypto’s largest market makers and algorithmic trading firms, would like everyone to calm down about it.

In a market assessment dated July 6-7, the firm characterized the rebound as a “relief rally,” driven more by improving macroeconomic conditions than by any genuine resurgence in crypto-specific demand.

The case against getting excited Wintermute’s argument boils down to a mismatch between price action and fundamentals. Bitcoin recovered from lows near $60,000 to roughly $64,000, a move that looks encouraging on a chart. But the firm points to persistently weak crypto-native indicators as evidence that this isn’t the start of something bigger.

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Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows, which served as a reliable demand barometer throughout 2024 and into 2025, remain sluggish. Stablecoin activity, another proxy for fresh capital entering the ecosystem, hasn’t picked up meaningfully either.

Instead, the bounce appears to be riding on broader macro tailwinds. More favorable US economic data and decreased geopolitical tensions have lifted risk assets generally.

A pattern of skepticism from Wintermute This isn’t the first time Wintermute has played the role of market buzzkill in recent months. Back in June, when Bitcoin tumbled from approximately $83,000 to the low $60,000s, the firm described the move as a “bear market fakeout.” At the time, the drop spooked traders who had been expecting a continuation of the broader uptrend that had defined much of early 2025.

Wintermute’s read was that the sell-off, while dramatic, didn’t constitute a structural breakdown. But crucially, the firm also stressed that a legitimate recovery would require clearer signals of institutional re-engagement. That was a month ago, and those signals still haven’t arrived in any convincing fashion.

The broader trajectory tells a sobering story. Bitcoin was trading near $83,000 before sliding more than 25% into the low $60,000s. The current bounce to $64,000 recovers only a fraction of that loss.

What this means for investors For Bitcoin holders and traders, the key metrics to watch are the ones Wintermute flagged. Spot ETF inflows need to turn consistently positive. Stablecoin market caps and on-chain velocity need to show capital is actually flowing back into crypto, not just sloshing around between existing participants.

Wintermute’s message is essentially: prove it. Until the on-chain data, ETF flows, and institutional activity start telling a different story, treating this as anything more than a temporary reprieve could prove costly.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

XRP price slipped 1.83% to $1.12 in 24 hours, but weekly gains stayed near 10%. Ripple’s full MiCA approval in Luxembourg added a fresh regulatory boost for the company. The license provides Ripple with an opportunity to develop crypto services in 27 European Economic Area nations. 

The change was given as the broader crypto market demonstrated greater momentum on Tuesday. Bitcoin price remained in positive territory and gained more than 7% for the week. The shift was amidst declining U.S. stock and increased oil costs related to geopolitical strains. 

Market sentiment also rose following a second endorsement of pro-crypto policies by Donald Trump. Ether was trading around $1770 during the day. Final GENIUS Act rules are awaited by investors before July 18, 2026.

Ripple Secures Luxembourg CASP License Under EU MiCA Rules Ripple has also obtained complete MiCA licensure in Luxembourg, reinforcing its regulated crypto payments enterprise in Europe. This was approved by Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, or CSSF. It provides Ripple with a Crypto Asset Service Provider license according to the MiCA regulations of the EU. 

The license gives Ripple passporting rights across the European Economic Area. That allows the company to offer regulated crypto services in all member markets. Ripple reported that the approval is after initial clearance in June 2026. The company is also licensed to use EU e-money license. 

This might be Ripple’s biggest European milestone in history…@Ripple $XRP has received full Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) under Europe’s MiCA regulatory framework.

As a result, it can now offer services to users in every single country in the European Economic Area… pic.twitter.com/OqntPe58Zp

— BSCN (@BSCNews) July 6, 2026

Both approvals combine to finance its banking, company, and business payment system. The framework provides a better compliance pathway of crypto transactions, said Ripple. The relocation can also aid XRP and Ripple RLUSD stablecoin in Europe. Cassie Craddock claimed that after transitioning MiCA, Ripple is all good and prepared to scale.

XRP Spot ETF Inflows Hit Eight-Week Streak With $1.49B Total XRP spot ETFs extended their eight-week inflow streak, with cumulative net inflows reaching $1.49B. SoSoValue data showed zero daily net inflow on July 6, after the latest update. Total net assets stood at $1.05B, equal to 1.47% of XRP’s market cap. 

Source: Sosovalue data The total value traded was at $14.48M among the listed funds. Bitwise’s XRP fund led with $330.84M in net assets. Canary and Franklin trailed behind with $265.30M and $261.68M, respectively. The XRP-linked products also logged market price gains above 5% at close.

Will XRP Price Hit $1.30 in July 2026? On the four-hour chart, the price of XRP was trading at 1.1278, just above the $1.12 support zone. The token lost its short-term rising channel at around $1.15. That area is now the initial defense in the way of any recovery effort.

A break above $1.15 might provide an opportunity to reach $1.20. That level remains the next major upside target on the chart, and if bulls mount more pressure, the XRP price will rally to $1.30 by the end of this month. However, failure to reclaim $1.15 may keep sellers in control.

Source: XRP/USDT 4-hour chart: Tradingview The RSI was close to 49, and the momentum was weak following the recent pullback. The MACD also displayed a weakened strength as bearish bars were being generated underneath the signal line. In case the XRP price drops by $1.12, the subsequent downside goal might be around $1.05.

Japanese crypto exchange SBI VC Trade says registered accounts surpassed 2 million, underscoring rising domestic demand for digital assets.

Companies are increasingly turning to Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) for treasury diversification.

In an official filing, SBI VC Trade, a consolidated subsidiary of SBI Holdings, said accounts crossed 1 million in the year 2025. The significant leap can be attributed to its regulated exchange services, staking products, lending offerings and stablecoin expansion.

SBI VC Trade also highlighted growing corporate demand through its "SBIVC for Prime" service, saying it has gained traction among companies holding and using crypto assets amid the weaker yen and broader treasury diversification efforts.

The firm said Japanese companies are also increasingly using Bitcoin and XRP in shareholder benefit programs, where crypto assets are distributed as part of investor rewards.

SBI VC Trade has expanded beyond spot crypto trading into staking, lending and stablecoins.

The company began handling USDC in March 2025 and added Japan’s first yen-denominated trust-type stablecoin, JPYSC, along with Ripple’s RLUSD in June 2026.

The firm said its longer-term goal is to become Japan’s top crypto exchange while supporting on-chain finance and stablecoin adoption.

Image: Shutterstock

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U.S. President Donald Trump restated his approval of cryptocurrency, asserting American leadership and rejecting the regulatory measures. The record stablecoin transactions and growth of Ethereum as an asset in digital finance keep bringing market and institutional interest. President of America, Donald Trump, reasserted his support for cryptocurrency during his recent speech as part of the growing relevance of cryptocurrency in international financial markets. In an interview, Trump stressed the need for America to stay ahead as digital assets expand internationally.

Trump said:

“I’m a big crypto guy only for one reason. If we don’t have it, China is going to have it. They would like to have it. I wasn’t initially. I didn’t know much about it. But I watched it grow, and it’s a huge industry.”

However, there was criticism of the previous government’s policies related to the digital currency industry and cryptocurrency-related companies. He said that regulations caused additional stress for the industry while it was growing.

Trump added:

“I went very pro-crypto, as you know; Biden was totally against it. But he had no idea what crypto is. They were very violently against it. What they were doing to crypto was horrible. Amazingly, it survived that onslaught.”

These comments were made during the unveiling of the new savings program by Trump called Trump Accounts. Bitcoin is not included in the program now; however, it may be considered later.

Blockchain and Stablecoin Transactions Continue Growing In addition to statements from Trump, blockchain continued to show increasing signs of adoption in digital asset markets. Stablecoin transactions grew to a historic high of $1.79 trillion in June, as adoption continues to grow within the blockchain payment networks.

USDT and USDC are the leading stablecoins in terms of circulation. Ethereum, Tron, and Solana still have the largest number of stablecoins and their transactions. Regulated adoption of stablecoins could potentially increase activity within these blockchain networks, according to market analysts.

Attention also returned to Ethereum following comments made by analyst Vivek Raman on its future use within tokenized financial markets. According to Raman, Ethereum could eventually host trillions of dollars worth of tokenized assets and financial products as blockchain adoption grows. He reiterated his long-term Ethereum price forecast at $250,000, although he admits this would take some more time.

Market Attention on Adoption Continues The latest comments from Trump, in addition to high stablecoin transaction volumes, have continued to garner attention in cryptocurrency markets. Investors and analysts continue to keep their eyes on the increasing presence of Ethereum in tokenization and blockchain technology. Despite the continued attention paid to regulations, institutional adoption, and blockchain usage, it becomes increasingly clear that digital assets are becoming a bigger part of the financial system.

Highlighted Crypto News:

BonkDAO Reports $20 Million BONK Treasury Breach Following Governance Attack

I specialize in Web3 and crypto writing, producing clear, research-driven content on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and market trends.

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Bitcoin and Ethereum supplies on exchanges are reported to be near their lowest levels since 2017 and 2015, respectively, according to Santiment. This development suggests a significant shift of these digital assets away from centralized platforms into long-term holdings, staking, and decentralized finance options. The decrease in exchange supplies could be indicative of reduced sell-side liquidity, potentially leading to increased price pressures if demand remains strong. Market participants appear to view this trend as consistent with long-term holding patterns and institutional accumulation.

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Key Takeaways Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange supplies are at historic lows, suggesting reduced sell-side liquidity. Market activity implies a shift toward long-term holding and institutional accumulation for both assets. Pricing suggests participants view this supply squeeze as potentially increasing upward price pressures on Bitcoin and Ethereum. What to Watch Market observers will be closely monitoring any changes in Bitcoin and Ethereum’s demand dynamics, as continued strong demand could amplify price increases. Key indicators include institutional investment flows, particularly through ETFs and staking platforms. Additionally, regulatory developments and technological upgrades within the Ethereum network could further impact market pricing, as seen with previous major updates such as The Merge.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h December 31, 2026 1.2% — — View market → December 31, 2026 2.6% — — View market → December 31, 2026 3% — — View market → December 31, 2026 4.2% — — View market → December 31, 2026 5.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 11.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 17.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 2.1% — — View market → January 1 2027 2.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 4.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 4.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 7.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 67.6% — — View market → January 1 2027 11% — — View market → January 1 2027 3.9% — — View market → January 1 2027 22% — — View market → January 1 2027 44% — — View market →

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

EX DeFi is gaining attention as an AI-powered cloud mining platform, offering users access to BTC, DOGE, and LTC mining without owning hardware.

Summary

EX DeFi launched a cloud mining platform with AI-powered infrastructure and free computing power for new users. It has expanded its cloud mining services, highlighting AI optimization, security features, and multi-asset support. The platform has introduced AI-driven cloud mining services for BTC, DOGE, LTC, and other major digital assets. As we enter 2026, mainstream digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC) continue to attract widespread attention from global investors. For many newcomers to cryptocurrencies, how to participate in the digital asset market with a lower barrier to entry and explore long-term profit opportunities has become a key focus. Therefore, free cloud mining platforms are gaining popularity.

Compared to traditional mining models that rely on ASIC miners, cloud mining eliminates the need to purchase expensive equipment and incur electricity costs or complex maintenance. Users simply need to register to participate in the digital asset ecosystem through cloud computing power, starting their digital asset experience in a more convenient way.

Among numerous cloud mining platforms, EX DeFi has gradually become one of the most watched platforms in the market due to its AI-driven computing power optimization technology, automated management system, and transparent operating model. The platform offers a variety of cloud computing power products, helping users participate in the digital asset ecosystem more easily and efficiently, attracting the attention of many novice users and long-term investors.

EX DeFi – A Cloud Mining Platform to Watch in 2026 Register now and receive a $17 reward of computing power for new users!

For those new to cloud mining, EX DeFi offers a low-barrier-to-entry experience. The platform provides new users with $17 worth of free computing power, combined with AI-powered intelligent hosting and computing power optimization technology, making it easier for users to participate in cloud computing services. Whether someone is a cryptocurrency novice or someone looking to learn about long-term cloud computing models, EX DeFi makes it easy to start their digital asset journey.

EX DeFi Platform Advantages Compliance and Transparency

Headquartered in the UK, EX DeFi is committed to providing digital asset services within a transparent and compliant operating framework, continuously improving its platform operation system to create a more reliable user experience.

Security Protection

The platform employs an offline cold wallet storage solution, combined with the McAfee® cloud security system and Cloudflare® enterprise-grade network protection, providing multi-layered protection for user accounts, assets, and data security.

Supports Multiple Mainstream Digital Assets

The platform supports multiple mainstream digital assets, including BTC, ETH, XRP, USDC, DOGE, SOL, LTC, and USDT, meeting the asset management needs of different users.

Daily Earnings Settlement

Cloud computing power earnings are settled daily according to platform rules. Users can flexibly manage their assets according to platform regulations, providing a more convenient experience for long-term participation in the digital asset ecosystem.

Green Energy Data Center

EX DeFi’s data center uses clean and renewable energy to provide stable support for cloud computing power services, while actively practicing green and sustainable development concepts.

Affiliate Program

The platform launches an affiliate program, where eligible users have the opportunity to receive rewards of up to $50,000, providing more incentives for long-term participation in the platform ecosystem.

How to Start Earning Passive Income? 1. Register

Visit the EX DeFi official website and create an account on the platform using an email address. Upon successful registration, users will receive a $17 newcomer bonus.

2. Choose a Smart Contract Plan

Choose a popular mining contract that matches a particular budget and contract term, and start automatic mining with one click. 

3. After purchasing the contract,

The system will automatically contribute computing power to the mining pool, and the rewards will be automatically credited to the account within 24 hours. No action is required; the principal will be automatically returned upon contract expiration.

Popular DeFi Yield Plans

BTC (Beginner Trial Contract): Investment: $100 | Term: 2 days | Daily Yield: $4 | Total Yield: $100 + $8

DOGE (Goldshell-Mini-Doge-Pro): Investment: $500 | Term: 6 days | Daily Yield: $6.5 | Total Yield: $500 + $39

BTC (Canaan-Avalon-A1466): Investment: $1,000 | Term: 10 days | Daily Yield: $13.4 | Total Yield: $1,000 + $134

BTC (Bitmain-S19): Investment: $7,000 | Term: 25 days | Daily Yield: $107.8 | Total Yield: $7,000 + $2,695

BTC (Whats-M56) Investment Amount: $30,000 | Term: 33 days | Daily Yield: $501 | Total Earnings: $30,000 + $16,533

Click here to learn more about EX DeFi mining contract options.

Conclusion: Why EX DeFi is one of the mining platforms to watch in 2026 As the digital asset industry continues to develop, cloud computing power is gradually becoming a convenient way for more and more users to participate in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Among many platforms, EX DeFi has attracted the attention of more and more new users with its transparent operating model, intelligent computing power management, and simplified usage process, providing users with a more relaxed digital asset participation experience.

For office workers, freelancers, and digital asset novices who want to understand the cloud mining model with a lower barrier to entry, EX DeFi provides a more convenient way to get started. Users do not need to purchase complicated hardware equipment to participate in the digital asset ecosystem through cloud computing power, and further understand and experience how to create more income using computing power.

Ready to start the cryptocurrency journey? Register for EX DeFi now and start the intelligent passive income journey.

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.

Tether has invested $20 million in Mercado Bitcoin, one of Latin America’s largest regulated digital asset platforms, as the stablecoin issuer expands its presence in high-growth markets.

The investment comes as USDT faces increasing restrictions across regulated platforms in Europe. This follows the implementation of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets [MiCA] framework, highlighting the contrasting regulatory environments shaping Tether’s global strategy.

Tether doubles down on Latin America’s regulated crypto infrastructure Tether said the investment forms part of a strategic financing round for Mercado Bitcoin. It operates a regulated on-chain financial platform serving 4.5 million users. The services cut across trading, tokenized assets, lending, payments, and cross-border financial services.

According to the company, Mercado Bitcoin has issued more than R$2 billion in tokenized assets. Also, it holds more than 10 regulatory licenses across Brazil and Europe, including a Payment Institution license from Brazil’s central bank.

Tether said the funding will help Mercado Bitcoin expand its payments infrastructure, tokenized investment products, lending capabilities, on-chain capital markets, and international operations.

“Tether’s mission is to build open, accessible, and efficient financial infrastructure for the world,” CEO Paolo Ardoino said. He describes Mercado Bitcoin as a regulated platform that combines tokenization, financial services, and blockchain infrastructure at scale.

Europe moves in a different direction under MiCA The announcement arrives as Europe’s regulatory landscape is becoming more challenging for USDT.

Following the end of MiCA’s transition period on July 1, several regulated crypto platforms have restricted or removed support for USDT in the European Economic Area. They cite the stablecoin’s lack of MiCA authorization. 

Platforms including Kraken, OKX, and Revolut have limited the availability of USDT for European users as they transition towards compliant stablecoins under the new regulatory framework.

While Tether has not announced plans to seek MiCA authorization, the company has continued to expand its business outside Europe. They have done this through investments and partnerships in regions where blockchain adoption and digital financial infrastructure are growing.

Investment reflects Tether’s broader infrastructure strategy The Mercado Bitcoin investment suggests Tether is looking beyond stablecoin issuance as it expands its global footprint.

Rather than focusing solely on USDT adoption, the company has increasingly invested in businesses developing tokenization, payments, and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The latest investment continues that strategy by backing a regulated platform positioned at the center of Brazil’s growing digital asset ecosystem.

The announcement repeatedly emphasizes on-chain financial infrastructure, tokenization, and regulated financial services. This underscores Tether’s interest in supporting platforms that bridge blockchain technology with traditional financial markets.

Final Summary Tether has invested $20 million in Mercado Bitcoin to support the expansion across Latin America. The investment comes as USDT faces growing restrictions on regulated European platforms following MiCA’s implementation.