Cross-chain bridge protocol Allbridge has suspended its Core protocol following a flash loan attack, with the attacker stealing approximately $1.65 million in assets from Solana stablecoin liquidity pools. According to analysis from blockchain security firms PeckShield and CertiK, the attacker borrowed $1.12 million in flash loan funds via Solana lending protocol Kamino, then manipulated the price mechanism in Allbridge’s pools through multiple stablecoin swaps to convert assets at a discounted rate before bridging the funds to an Ethereum address. During the attack, the attacker used thousands of dollars in USDT to obtain around $2.24 million in USDC, then bridged the funds to Ethereum and further dispersed them. It remains unclear whether any of the stolen funds can still be recovered. Allbridge said its team suspended the Core protocol for security reasons and is asking affected liquidity providers to withdraw their funds immediately. The attack caused liquidity pool imbalances, allowing some traders to profit from arbitrage opportunities. Allbridge is calling on these users to return their gains, noting the funds will be used to compensate affected LPs. The team added that user funds face no further risk at present, and will release a detailed incident analysis after completing its investigation, while planning to relaunch the Core protocol with liquidity pools removed. This is Allbridge’s second similar flash loan attack. In April 2023, the protocol’s BNB Chain liquidity pool lost approximately $573,000 due to a similar vulnerability; the project later stated it had recovered most of the funds and adjusted its liquidity calculation mechanism.
Relevant content
Native Markets Discontinues USDH, Will Continue to Support 1:1 Redemptions and Exchanges in the Coming Months
According to official announcements, Native Markets has announced that the USDH official website has been sunset. Over the coming months, users will still be able to redeem and exchange USDH for U.S. dollar assets at a 1:1 ratio via the redemption page provided by the Bridge. Native Markets stated that the final exit procedures for USDH and related information will continue to be made available through the USDH official website.
12 minutes ago
Hackers Attack Kenya's Presidential Official Website, Demand 5 Bitcoin Ransom
Kenya's government is investigating the hacking incident targeting President William Ruto's official website. On July 18, attackers briefly altered the president's official site page and demanded a ransom of 5 BTC, threatening to leak undisclosed data if not paid. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital Economy stated that the government has activated its cybersecurity response mechanism and is conducting a forensic investigation in collaboration with relevant agencies. There is currently no evidence indicating unauthorized access to or leakage of sensitive data, and government digital services remain operational.
12 minutes ago
Bitcoin mining firm LM Funding rebrands as PowerCompute, shifting focus to AI computing power infrastructure.
Bitcoin mining company LM Funding America (NASDAQ: LMFA) announced it will rebrand to PowerCompute Inc. and adopt a new stock ticker "PWCM" effective July 22. The company stated that the rename marks its strategic transformation, as it leverages its existing 26 megawatts (MW) of owned power infrastructure to expand into high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure businesses. Currently, the firm operates two facilities in Oklahoma and Mississippi, U.S., with 26 MW of power capacity, and plans to provide infrastructure services to AI computing clients. It will also continue holding Bitcoin assets as part of its balance sheet.
12 minutes ago
U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve stocks have fallen to their lowest level since 1983.
U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) crude oil inventories fell by approximately 5.1 million barrels last week, dropping to 311.4 million barrels, the lowest level since 1983.
12 minutes ago
Morgan Stanley: As memory shortage intensifies, DRAM prices may rise by at least 25% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter.
Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore noted that following discussions with multiple data center procurement personnel last week, the current tight memory supply shows no signs of easing. DRAM and other memory products are expected to rise by at least 25% on a comparable basis from the second quarter to the third quarter, a figure higher than previous forecasts from Morgan Stanley and third-party institutions. Moore added that the memory shortage could further deteriorate in 2027 and 2028, as AI demand is consuming massive DRAM capacity, squeezing supplies for other sectors such as PCs and smartphones. Morgan Stanley further holds that the current market is not only grappling with surging memory demand driven by AI, but insufficient memory supply itself is emerging as a key bottleneck limiting AI expansion.
12 minutes ago
The US military said it has forced seven commercial vessels to divert course and disabled one to restrict access to Iranian ports.
U.S. Central Command said that as of July 20, U.S. military forces have forced seven commercial vessels to alter their routes and disabled one merchant ship to prevent vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports. (Jinshi)
Tokenized stocks just crossed a threshold that would have seemed ambitious two years ago. The sector hit a record market cap of $2.3 billion around mid-July 2026, according to data from Token Terminal, nearly doubling since March 2026 when the total first cleared $1 billion.
Who’s building it and where it lives Ethereum leads the chain-level race with 34% of tokenized stock market share, followed closely by BNB Chain at 30% and Solana at 23%.
On the issuer side, Ondo Finance sits at the top with $955 million in onchain equities, making it by far the largest single player in the space. Kraken’s xStocks product holds $507 million, and Binance’s bStocks rounds out the top three at $334 million.
Advertisement
Kraken’s xStocks launched in April 2025, and cumulative trading volume on the platform exceeded $25 billion within eight months of launch.
Solana’s tokenized stock market cap reached $539 million by June 2026, and trading volumes on the network saw a sixfold increase totaling $4.9 billion in the first half of 2026 compared to the second half of 2025.
Why this is bigger than the numbers suggest Tokenized stocks currently represent about 5.5% of the overall tokenized real-world asset market.
The core value proposition here is access. Tokenized stocks enable fractional ownership, run on blockchains that operate around the clock, and are accessible to non-U.S. investors who historically faced the highest barriers.
NYSE’s partnership with Securitize is working to expand tokenized equity offerings and enable 24/7 trading, which would be a structural change from the current model of market hours constrained by exchange operating times.
What this means for investors Liquidity is improving as platforms scale, but it is still nowhere near the depth of conventional exchanges. Ondo Finance, Kraken, and Binance each have different structures for how underlying shares are held, custodied, and redeemable, and those structural differences carry different risk profiles.
Ondo Finance’s lead comes partly from its integration with DeFi protocols, meaning tokenized stocks can be used as collateral, lent out, or traded in automated markets, not just held.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) are starting the week on a mild constructive note as the broader crypto market attempts to recover. BTC is approaching a key technical hurdle at $65,028, and ETH is holding above the important $1,800 support zone. Meanwhile, XRP continues to defend the $1.09 level, keeping its near-term recovery outlook intact. The price action of these top three cryptocurrencies shows that the resilience of these support zones suggests that buyers are still active despite recent market volatility.
Bitcoin could extend gains if it closes above 50-day EMABitcoin trades at $64,927 on Monday, recovering 1.45% over the previous week. Despite the mild rebound, BTC maintains a bearish bias, with price remaining below a dense band of Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). BTC is capped by the 50-day EMA at $65,028, with the 100-day EMA at $68,141 and the 200-day EMA at $74,112 stacked higher, which collectively suggest that rallies are still occurring within a broader corrective phase.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 54 hints at mildly positive momentum, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remains in positive territory but has been losing altitude, reinforcing the idea of a constrained bounce rather than a sustained bullish reversal as long as these overhead EMAs are not reclaimed.
On the downside, immediate support is seen near $64,004, where buyers previously emerged, and a break below this floor would expose further weakness toward the key psychological level at $60,000.
On the topside, initial resistance is provided by the 50-day EMA at $65,028, followed by the 100-day EMA at $68,141, then the 200-day EMA at $74,112, before a more distant barrier near $84,410 comes into focus. Only a decisive daily close above the 50-day EMA would start to ease the immediate bearish pressure. At the same time, a sustained move through the 100-day and 200-day EMAs would be needed to restore a more constructive medium-term outlook.
Ethereum remains strong as it holds the 50-day EMAEthereum price trades at $1,882 on Monday after rebounding 3.62% in the previous week. ETH holds above the 50-day EMA at $1,818, hinting at a cautiously constructive bias, but it remains well below the 100-day and 200-day EMAs at $1,938 and $2,180, respectively, which continue to cap the broader recovery.
The RSI hovers near 60, while the MACD remains in positive territory, both suggesting bullish momentum is improving but still has to contend with overhead trend barriers.
On the topside, initial resistance emerges at the 100-day EMA around $1,938, ahead of the psychological horizontal barrier at $2,000 and the longer-term 200-day EMA near $2,180.
On the downside, immediate support is seen at the 50-day EMA around $1,818, with a deeper floor only appearing at the prior horizontal support zone near $1,385, where buyers would be expected to defend the broader medium-term base.
XRP support remains strongXRP trades at $1.10 on Monday, with a mild recovery in the previous week. XRP holds well below the 50-day, 100-day and 200-day EMAs at $1.14, $1.23 and $1.44 respectively, which keeps the broader tone bearish despite the recent stabilization off the lows.
The RSI sits just below the 50 line. At the same time, the MACD is marginally positive, hinting at waning downside momentum rather than a decisive bullish shift, with price remaining capped beneath these EMAs.
On the topside, immediate resistance is seen at the 50-day EMA near $1.14, followed by the 100-day EMA at $1.23 and the horizontal barrier at $1.30; beyond that, the 200-day EMA at $1.44 and the higher horizontal level at $1.90 define a more distant supply zone.
On the downside, initial support aligns with the upper boundary of the prevailing downward channel at around $1.00, where a break would expose further weakness and reinforce the broader bearish structure.
(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.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Ethereum spot ETFs pulled in $105 million in net inflows during the week of July 13-17, marking the strongest weekly performance for the category since April 2026. The number represents a meaningful acceleration from the prior week’s roughly $84 million in net inflows, which itself was notable for being the first positive week after two straight months of redemptions.
Breaking the outflow streak The $105 million weekly figure carries extra weight when you consider what came before it. Ethereum spot ETFs had endured an eight-week stretch of net outflows. The prior week’s $84 million in inflows snapped that streak, and last week’s acceleration to $105 million suggests the reversal might have some staying power.
BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, trading under the ticker ETHA, has been doing the heavy lifting. The fund has consistently accounted for the majority of daily net positive flows across the Ethereum ETF landscape.
Advertisement
Ethereum was trading at approximately $1,845 during the inflow week, reflecting a modest price recovery. The $1,800 to $1,900 range has served as a critical zone for ETH, with buyers stepping in consistently near the lower end.
What changed the momentum Data from flow-tracking platforms like SoSoValue and Farside Investors confirms the trend of renewed institutional interest, contrasting sharply with the prolonged redemption period that preceded it.
What this means for investors The $105 million figure, while the best since April, still represents relatively modest flows compared to the peaks that Ethereum ETFs have seen during more euphoric periods.
The concentration of flows in BlackRock’s ETHA means the health of the entire Ethereum ETF category depends heavily on a single product. If ETHA flows slow, the broader category could easily tip back into net outflow territory.
For investors watching Ethereum’s price action, the $1,800 level has become a key support zone. Sustained ETF inflows tend to provide a floor under prices, as the ETFs need to purchase actual ETH to back their shares. If weekly inflows continue at the $80-105 million pace, that represents consistent buy pressure that didn’t exist during the outflow streak.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Influential Wall Street investor Jordi Visser expressed his bullish stance on Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) on Saturday, highlighting its potential in the realm of AI and tokenization.
During an interview with entrepreneur and investor Anthony Pompliano, Visser noted that Ethereum has surged nearly 20% since July began and has outperformed Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) during that time.
“We’re at a point where I think you should start seeing more and more people as they get more focused on Ethereum,” said Visser, head of AI Macro Nexus Research at 22V Research.
Visser tied Ethereum’s significance to the growth of AI-driven agentic finance and tokenization, describing it as the “energy inside the revenue side of cryptocurrency.”
‘Start Of Something New’Visser shared that he’s actively trading Ethereum as part of his strategy and is closely watching for the bottom.
“Once we get above the 200-day moving average, I believe we’re at the start of something new,” he added.
Visser revealed that his cryptocurrency portfolio currently includes Bitcoin, Ethereum and Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR)
Will Ethereum’s Rally Sustain?Visser’s comments followed Ethereum reclaiming $1,900 after cooler-than-expected inflation data triggered heavy buying in futures markets.
Similar to Visser, experts highlighted key structural tailwinds, including rising stablecoin adoption, the growing tokenization of real-world assets, and increasing regulatory clarity.
However, they cautioned that while this rally was primarily driven by short-term speculative positioning, it does not yet confirm a sustained bullish trend.
BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. (NYSE:BMNR) Chair Tom Lee said last week that Ethereum is bottoming and entering the next phase of mainstream adoption.
Price Action: At the time of writing, ETH was exchanging hands at $1,854.54, down 0.69% over the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
A major US crypto exchange is introducing streamlined options contracts aimed at unlocking broader adoption in the derivatives space.
Kraken says it has launched European-style, USD-settled Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) options on its Pro platform, starting with request-for-quote functionality for eligible international clients.
Expansion to a public order book, Europe,and more assets are planned next.
The new offering integrates into existing accounts with portfolio margin and supports collateral in over 30 currencies to lower barriers for retail traders.
Kraken says the simplified structure aims to make derivatives more accessible without requiring complex setups.
“Crypto options activity is still a fraction of what it is in traditional markets but the gap is closing as professional and institutional capital continues to move into digital assets.
The existing options market in crypto has been built for a narrow slice of the trader base. Our offering broadens access through a straightforward, dollar-settled contract design that tracks the underlying asset directly, in the same account clients already use for spot and futures.”
Kraken says future phases will broaden availability and add liquidity through order books.
AllBridge halted its core protocol after a flaw in its liquidity pools was exploited, resulting in a $1.65 million loss. The hack draws attention to the increasing threats to the security of cross-chain bridges with sizable liquidity pools. Cross-chain platform AllBridge Core shut down its operations following a security issue that resulted in the loss of $1.65 million on Sunday. The hack specifically occurred within the AllBridge Core deployment on the Solana blockchain. The attacker transferred the funds stolen via the bridge from Solana to the Ethereum blockchain. The hacker swiftly transferred the stolen funds through privacy pools to cover his tracks.
The perpetrator executed a well-thought-out flash-loan strategy to influence the exchange rate in the pool for stablecoins. As per on-chain data, the hacker took out a loan of $1.12 million in USDC from the lending platform Kamino. Quick switching between USDC and USDT led to a price imbalance within the pool balance. This price imbalance created a favorable arbitrage opportunity for the perpetrator.
The exploiter then took the liquidity from the pool at exaggerated prices to gain huge profits. The profit earned after repayment of the Kamino loan was retained by the perpetrator as loot. The entire trade reveals major flaws in the mathematical equation of the automated market maker pricing system.
Allbridge Core is experiencing a security incident.
We have paused the protocol as a precaution while we investigate.
If you have liquidity in affected pools, please withdraw now.
The resulting pool imbalance created a temporary positive arbitrage window. If you took advantage… pic.twitter.com/Ovg7yT35SM
— Allbridge (@Allbridge_io) July 19, 2026 Recurrent Cross-Chain Bridge Attacks This particular event marks the second instance of an attack on Allbridge Core via a flash loan hack, after a previous $573,000 heist targeting its BNB Chain pools in April 2023. In addition, pausing the bridge would mean that there are operational delays, with the process of sending funds across chains coming to a temporary halt. This would have implications not only for trading operations but would reduce the possibility of the liquidity needed by traders and institutions being moved across.
At the same time, there is a threat that long-term protocol outages will mean the loss of revenue streams due to reduced transactions, thus making users and liquidity providers consider alternative means of bridging. Finally, security pauses in cross-chain protocols act as a reminder about the security challenges associated with liquidity pools, thus requiring investors to change their risk management strategy for bridges.
Highlighted Crypto News:
FTX Bankruptcy Estate Plans $900 Million Distribution, Total Payouts Hit $10 Billion
I specialize in Web3 and crypto writing, producing clear, research-driven content on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and market trends.
Key Highlights Ethereum is currently trading at $1,867.98 following a decisive break above the critical $1,820 resistance level Market analysts project a potential move toward $2,500 if current support levels remain intact Major whale wallets liquidated 72 BTC to establish leveraged long positions totaling 12,000 ETH Spot Ethereum ETFs attracted $105 million in cumulative net inflows during the week of July 13–17 Extended chart projections suggest potential targets of $4,865, $6,089, and eventually $8,300–$10,000 Ethereum has successfully breached a significant resistance barrier around $1,820, with the cryptocurrency now changing hands at $1,867.98. Daily trading volume has reached $6.63 billion, while the network’s market capitalization stands at $225.48 billion.
Ethereum (ETH) Price This upward movement represents a 1.60% increase during the past 24-hour period. Market participants successfully defended the breakout zone when price action retested the area, a development that technical analysts view as reinforcing the bullish narrative.
Cryptocurrency analyst Michael van de Poppe observed that Ethereum has transitioned into a more favorable technical setup following its clearance of the $1,820 barrier. He emphasized that maintaining price action above this threshold solidifies positive sentiment throughout the broader cryptocurrency market.
This is the right direction for $ETH.
It broke above the resistance zone of $1,820.
Quick retest of that area for support and currently holding above it.
The path is really simple: if this holds, then we're going to see a run towards $2,500.
Most likely, the Clarity Act will… pic.twitter.com/AEvOAa86Ov
— Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) July 19, 2026
Market analysts suggest Ethereum could advance toward the $2,500 price point assuming current support zones hold firm and accumulation activity intensifies. Market participants are simultaneously monitoring the forthcoming Clarity Act, which is anticipated to be introduced in the coming week.
Examining the weekly timeframe, Ethereum is positioned at the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level near $1,843. This identical technical level previously sparked a substantial rally in May 2025, during which ETH advanced from approximately $1,379 to nearly $4,865.
Ethereum temporarily declined to $1,510 before recovering to this Fibonacci support zone. Maintaining price action above $1,843 on a sustained basis would represent the initial confirmation signal for an extended recovery trajectory.
Large Holder Activity Supports Bullish Thesis Blockchain analytics platform Lookonchain has identified two recently created wallet addresses that liquidated a combined 72 BTC before establishing leveraged long positions encompassing 12,000 ETH. This capital rotation from Bitcoin into Ethereum is attracting significant attention from market participants regarding its influence on overall sentiment.
Although substantial leveraged positions introduce liquidation vulnerability, the magnitude of this transaction demonstrates considerable confidence in Ethereum’s short-term price appreciation potential.
Market analyst Daan Crypto Trades highlighted on X that the ETH/BTC trading pair has been steadily climbing, which could provide tailwinds for tokens within the Ethereum ecosystem. He emphasized that nearly twelve months have elapsed since Ethereum demonstrated genuine relative strength versus Bitcoin, describing the current price zone as critical — particularly with Bitcoin simultaneously establishing support.
$ETH These are the high timeframe levels where you should start paying close attention.
If this move sustains into next week and ETH/BTC keeps grinding higher, that should bode well for many primarily ETH ecosystem coins.
It's been almost a year since ETH put in any real… https://t.co/7nf4nvJ5Dx pic.twitter.com/Pp9kvkquH9
— Daan Crypto Trades (@DaanCrypto) July 19, 2026
Exchange-Traded Fund Inflows Strengthen Upward Momentum Data reported by Wu Blockchain indicates that Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds registered $105 million in cumulative net inflows throughout the July 13–17 trading week. This persistent institutional allocation provides an additional foundation supporting the current price architecture.
Ethereum Spot ETFs Recorded $105M in Net Inflows Last Week
From July 13 to 17 (ET), Ethereum spot ETFs recorded net inflows of $105 million, Bitcoin spot ETFs $75.67 million, SOL spot ETFs $948,200, and XRP spot ETFs $6.78 million, while HYPE spot ETFs saw $7.26 million in net… pic.twitter.com/SMyaIyrQBH
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 20, 2026
Analyzing extended timeframes, a validated breakout from the multi-year triangular consolidation pattern would establish an initial objective in the $4,865–$4,900 range. Subsequently, Fibonacci extension calculations indicate $6,089 as a secondary target, with long-term projections approaching $9,145.
Ethereum must successfully recapture moving average resistance within the $2,400–$2,900 corridor before the overarching technical structure transforms into an unambiguously bullish configuration.
A weekly candle close beneath $1,510 would compromise the current technical setup and indicate the corrective phase remains incomplete.
Cryptocurrency prices remain under pressure on Monday, as Bitcoin (BTC) falls toward $64,000. Altcoins, including Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP), uphold a weakening technical structure. ETH is trading sideways between support at $1,826 and resistance at $1,937. Meanwhile, XRP hovers below the pivotal $1.10 level, edging lower toward the primary $1.00 support.
US-Iran war persists weighing on risk assetsThe United States (US) and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, intensifying military tensions across the region. The US military confirmed a ninth consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian command centers, defense installations, communication hubs, and missile sites.
Iran retaliated by striking US military assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported two oil tankers attempting an unsafe passage through the Strait of Hormuz were disabled following explosions.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index edged up to 29 on Friday, shifting out of Extreme Fear and signaling a cautious uptick in market sentiment. This gradual improvement in risk appetite underscores the persistent US-Iran attacks.
Crypto Fear & Greed Index | Source: AlternativePrice analysis: Bitcoin's short-term outlook stays bearish Bitcoin trades above 64,000, retaining a capped bias as it holds below the key moving averages. The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $65,002 and the Parabolic SAR at $65,420 sit just overhead, reinforcing near-term upside friction, while the 100-day and 200-day EMAs at $68,127 and $74,008 respectively outline a broader bearish structure.
Meanwhile, momentum is more constructive, with the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remaining in positive territory and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovering slightly above the midline, hinting at mild buying pressure that has yet to overcome the stacked resistance band.
BTC/USDT daily chartOn the topside, immediate resistance is clustered between the 50-day EMA at $65,002 and the Parabolic SAR at $65,420, and a daily close above this band would be needed to open the way toward the 100-day EMA at $68,127 and then the 200-day EMA near $74,008. On the downside, structural support is traced back to the broken descending trendline region around $52,994, where a deeper correction could look for buying interest if the current consolidation resolves lower, though that zone remains distant from present price action.
Altcoins outlook: Ethereum and XRP extend consolidationEthereum trades at $1,865, holding above the 50-day EMA at around $1,817 while still capped below the 100-day EMA near $1,937. This configuration, alongside a Parabolic SAR reading at roughly $1,826, suggests the pair retains a cautious constructive tone as it respects nearby trend-following support but has yet to retake its broader medium-term moving-average barrier.
The RSI hovers around 59, hinting at mildly positive momentum without entering overbought territory, while the MACD histogram remains positive, reinforcing a modest bullish bias so long as price sustains above the nearest support band.
ETH/USDT daily chartOn the topside, initial resistance appears at the 100-day EMA around $1,937, and a sustained break above this level would expose the more distant 200-day EMA near $2,178 as the next significant hurdle for buyers. On the downside, immediate support is seen around the current pivot area near $1,865, with additional demand emerging from the Parabolic SAR zone at about $1,826 and the 50-day EMA clustered close by near $1,818. A daily close below this confluence would weaken the current constructive bias and open the door to a deeper corrective phase.
XRP holds below the key moving averages , with the 50-day EMA around $1.15, the 100-day EMA near $1.24 and the 200-day EMA closer to $1.45, keeping the broader tone bearish despite the recent rebound. The Parabolic SAR at roughly $1.06 now trails price on the downside, suggesting that while downside pressure dominates, the immediate trend has stabilised, a view mildly reinforced by a slightly positive MACD reading and a RSI hovering just below the midline.
XRP/USDT daily chartInitial resistance lies at the 50-day EMA near $1.15, and a break above this level would expose the 100-day EMA around $1.24, with the 200-day EMA near $1.45 acting as a more distant cap. On the downside, the Parabolic SAR offers initial support around $1.06. A decisive drop below this trailing level would reopen the path toward lower lows, while holding above it would keep XRP consolidating beneath the EMA cluster.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)
Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins FAQs Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, a virtual currency designed to serve as money. This form of payment cannot be controlled by any one person, group, or entity, which eliminates the need for third-party participation during financial transactions.
Altcoins are any cryptocurrency apart from Bitcoin, but some also regard Ethereum as a non-altcoin because it is from these two cryptocurrencies that forking happens. If this is true, then Litecoin is the first altcoin, forked from the Bitcoin protocol and, therefore, an “improved” version of it.
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to have a stable price, with their value backed by a reserve of the asset it represents. To achieve this, the value of any one stablecoin is pegged to a commodity or financial instrument, such as the US Dollar (USD), with its supply regulated by an algorithm or demand. The main goal of stablecoins is to provide an on/off-ramp for investors willing to trade and invest in cryptocurrencies. Stablecoins also allow investors to store value since cryptocurrencies, in general, are subject to volatility.
Bitcoin dominance is the ratio of Bitcoin's market capitalization to the total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies combined. It provides a clear picture of Bitcoin’s interest among investors. A high BTC dominance typically happens before and during a bull run, in which investors resort to investing in relatively stable and high market capitalization cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. A drop in BTC dominance usually means that investors are moving their capital and/or profits to altcoins in a quest for higher returns, which usually triggers an explosion of altcoin rallies.
Ethereum price has held above $1,850 as strong spot ETF inflows countered risk-off pressure from renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and volatile oil prices.
Summary
Ethereum price holds $1,850 support as ETF inflows counter geopolitical and oil-market risks. A breakout above $1,938 could open the path toward the key $2,000 level. Losing $1,850 may expose lower support zones at $1,781 and $1,730. According to data from crypto.news, Ethereum (ETH) traded near $1,865 at press time, down about 0.3% on the day but 4.2% higher over the past week. Market sentiment remained cautious after the token failed to retain gains from its midweek rally to $1,944, though buyers continued to defend an ascending support line formed from the June low.
A softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report initially helped ETH reach its highest price in several weeks. June core CPI rose 2.6% from a year earlier, while futures traders assigned only a 10% probability to a Federal Reserve rate increase at its July meeting, according to Reuters.
Gains stalled as the conflict between the United States and Iran disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude touched $91.42 before retreating below $88 after Iran’s foreign ministry left the door open to negotiations. Only four vessels passed through the strait on Sunday, down from eight a day earlier, Reuters reported.
Higher energy costs could raise inflation and keep monetary policy restrictive for longer, a setup that tends to reduce demand for cryptocurrencies and other speculative assets. The pullback in oil from its session high offered some relief, but the military conflict and shipping disruptions remain unresolved.
Ethereum price needs to clear $1,938 before challenging $2,000 Ethereum’s daily chart places the first major resistance at $1,938, a horizontal level that acted as support between February and early June. ETH briefly approached that barrier last week but failed to close above it, leaving the former support zone in sellers’ control.
Ethereum price daily chart — July 20 | Source: crypto.news An ascending trendline drawn from the June bottom now passes through the $1,850 area. Price has tested the line several times during July without recording a daily breakdown. A close above $1,938 would complete a recovery of the lost range and open a direct path toward the psychological $2,000 level.
Momentum remains constructive on the daily timeframe. The MACD line stands at 38.27, above its 27.83 signal line, while the positive histogram reads 10.44. Chaikin Money Flow sits at 0.16, showing that net capital has continued to enter ETH during the latest recovery.
According to analyst Ted Pillows, whale accumulation has accompanied the defense of $1,850.
“If Ethereum holds above this, a rally towards $2,000 could happen in a few weeks.”
The 4-hour chart places ETH just above the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement at $1,853.92. Holding that level would keep $1,946.65, the top of the measured recovery range, within reach. A breakout there would also confirm a move beyond the daily resistance pocket.
Ethereum price 4-hour chart — July 20 | Source: crypto.news Short-term momentum carries less conviction. The 4-hour ADX has dropped to 13.57, a level associated with weak trend strength. Stochastic RSI has also turned lower, with its faster line at 56.09 below the slower line at 72.93, which leaves ETH vulnerable to further consolidation before another breakout attempt.
Institutional flows have provided a counterweight to weak spot momentum. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs attracted $105 million between July 13 and July 17, their strongest week since April and a second consecutive week of inflows. BlackRock’s ETHA contributed $135 million, while Fidelity’s FETH recorded a $21.56 million outflow, according to SoSoValue data.
Relative strength against Bitcoin may provide another catalyst. Trader Daan Crypto Trades identified ETH/BTC’s attempt to break above a descending channel that has controlled the pair for almost a year.
“If this move sustains into next week and ETH/BTC keeps grinding higher, that should bode well for many primarily ETH ecosystem coins.”
Loss of $1,850 would weaken the recovery structure Ethereum’s bullish setup would lose its immediate foundation if price closes below the ascending trendline and the $1,853 Fibonacci level. The next 4-hour support sits at $1,781, the 61.8% retracement, followed by $1,730 at the midpoint of the June-to-July advance.
A deeper decline would expose $1,679 and $1,615. The June low at $1,513 remains the full invalidation level for the recovery, as a return to that area would erase nearly all gains accumulated since late June.
CoinGlass’ Hyperliquid liquidation map shows limited leverage directly around the current price. Long-liquidation exposure starts to increase below $1,810 and becomes denser around $1,665 and $1,500, which could accelerate a breakdown if support fails.
Source: CoinGlass Above the market, short-liquidation leverage rises sharply near $2,180 and expands around $2,700 to $2,860. Those clusters remain distant, but a confirmed break above $2,000 could force leveraged bears to cover and add momentum to the advance.
For now, $1,850 and $1,938 define Ethereum’s decision range. ETF inflows, positive daily capital flow and an improving ETH/BTC pair support another test of $2,000, while weak 4-hour trend strength, elevated oil prices and unresolved geopolitical risks leave the breakout dependent on a clean daily close above resistance.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Spot gold rallied 20 USD in the short term, international crude oil prices moved lower, and tensions in the Middle East have eased.
According to Bitget market data, spot gold rallied $20 in the short term, currently trading at $4,039.58 per ounce. Both U.S. WTI and Brent crude oil fell by over $1 in the short term: WTI crude oil broke below $81 per barrel, down 1.69% on the day, while Brent crude oil dropped 1.00% on the day, currently at $85.33 per barrel. On the news front, a senior Iranian source stated that mediators have proposed a 10-day pause in strikes to explore ways to revive the temporary agreement between Iran and the U.S.
10 minutes ago
The three major U.S. stock index futures advanced, with Nasdaq 100 Index futures surging more than 1%.
According to Bit.com market data, U.S. stock index futures of the three major benchmarks rose: Nasdaq 100 futures gained more than 1%, S&P 500 futures rose 0.57%, and Dow Jones futures increased 0.43%. On the news front, a senior Iranian source stated that mediators have proposed a 10-day pause in strikes to explore ways to revive the temporary agreement between Iran and the United States. This may signal a short-term de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, driving a rebound in risk markets.
10 minutes ago
WTI and Brent crude oil continue to slump, with both down over 2% intraday.
According to Bitget market data, both US and Brent crude oil continue to slump. Brent crude has fallen below $85 per barrel, down more than 2% on the day; WTI crude oil dropped over $2 intraday, currently trading at $80.29 per barrel, a 2.5% decline.
10 minutes ago
SemiAnalysis: Kimi K3 Ranks Third Globally, Could Reveal Hidden Profit Margins of OpenAI and Anthropic
SemiAnalysis analysts Jordan Nanos and Max Kan recently analyzed Kimi K3, the model developed by Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI, concluding that it outperforms Google Gemini in comprehensive benchmark tests. This not only reflects the narrowing gap between Chinese and U.S. AI models but also offers new insights into the business models of closed-source AI firms like Anthropic and OpenAI. According to SemiAnalysis’s overall assessment, Kimi K3 currently ranks third globally, trailing only Fable 5 and GPT-5.6, and surpassing Google Gemini. The analysts noted that while this result does not signal major issues for Google’s AI business, Kimi K3’s publicly disclosed parameter count, performance, and pricing provide a reference for external estimates of the economic value of closed-source models. Kimi K3 has 2.8 trillion parameters, far exceeding most open-source models. Jordan Nanos stated that a model of this size cannot be deployed on a single NVIDIA B200 GPU, requiring higher-spec hardware such as GB300, B300-class systems, or AMD MI355X. Based on this, he speculated that Anthropic and OpenAI’s flagship closed-source models likely operate at a similar parameter scale, rather than holding an order-of-magnitude advantage. In terms of business models, Kimi K3’s launch price is close to Anthropic’s Sonnet series: input pricing is approximately $3 per million tokens, and output pricing is around $15 per million tokens, a roughly threefold increase over the previous Kimi generation. Max Kan argued that if Moonshot AI is not operating at a long-term loss, then Anthropic and OpenAI charging higher prices for models of comparable size suggests their API business may have high profit margins. “Selling API tokens could be more profitable than SaaS,” he said. However, the two analysts emphasized that these judgments are not based on the AI companies’ public financial data, but rather on reverse inference drawn from Kimi K3’s parameters, pricing, and performance.
10 minutes ago
Goldman Sachs warns that inflationary pressures are spreading across the US, with Fed Chair Walsh facing mounting pressure to raise interest rates.
Goldman Sachs’ latest research report shows that U.S. inflationary pressure is spreading from a narrow set of sectors to a broader range of areas. While current inflation levels have not yet hit their 2022 peak, the expanding scope of price increases is posing greater challenges to the Federal Reserve’s policy efforts. Goldman Sachs economist Jessica Rindels analyzed the extent of inflation spread using the six-month annualized change rate of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, a key metric closely watched by the Fed. The data shows that, compared to the average inflation level between 1990 and 2019, the pressure index for inflation categories exceeding 3% has reached around 6, while it stood at 10 during the 2022 inflation peak. The report points out that sectors such as audio-visual equipment, financial services, healthcare, and transportation have become key drivers of current price increases. Meanwhile, housing rent inflation, which carries a significant weight in the PCE index, is projected to fall below 3% in the fourth quarter of this year, potentially serving as a key factor easing inflationary pressure. Goldman Sachs’ analysis aligns with recent concerns from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh about the "broadening of inflation". Warsh stated that preventing price hikes from spreading to more sectors of the economy is a key task for the Federal Reserve. However, unlike former Chair Jerome Powell’s relatively clear policy communication style, Warsh has so far refused to provide specific interest rate path guidance. Jeremy Schwartz, senior U.S. economist at Nomura Securities, noted that the Fed is reducing forward guidance to the market, and this policy uncertainty has heightened concerns on Wall Street. Meanwhile, hawkish voices within the Fed are growing. Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan has expressed support for moderate interest rate hikes, arguing that the current economic resilience is inconsistent with inflation risks.
10 minutes ago
Iranian sources: Mediators have proposed a 10-day pause on strikes to seek ways to restore the temporary agreement between Iran and the United States.
Senior Iranian sources said the mediator has proposed a 10-day pause in strikes to find ways to revive the interim agreement between Iran and the U.S. (Jinshi)
Retail investors holding Grayscale’s cryptocurrency trusts could soon see quarterly cash payouts flowing from staking rewards, moving beyond simple price exposure. The asset manager is preparing to amend the trust agreements for its Ethereum Staking ETF (ETHE) and Solana Staking ETF (GSOL) to allow the conversion of staking rewards into cash and subsequent distribution to shareholders, according to a report shared by WuBlockchain. If the changes go through, the first distributions could kick in as early as August 7, with payment timing and amounts dependent on staking rewards earned, fund expenses, and tax considerations.
The move formalizes what Grayscale has already experimented with. ETHE previously converted staking rewards accrued between October 6 and December 31, 2025 into cash, distributing approximately $9.39 million — or roughly $0.083 per share. That earlier distribution, while modest, set a precedent. Now the firm wants to make quarterly payouts a standard feature of the funds, turning a one-off event into a recurring income stream for holders.
Competitive Pressure and Institutional Demand Grayscale’s decision doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Ethereum and Solana both rely on proof‑of‑stake consensus, meaning validators earn rewards for helping to secure the networks. For ETF providers, capturing those rewards and passing them to investors is becoming a competitive differentiator. As reported in BlockchainReporter’s recent Top 10 Blockchains by Developer Activity This Week, Ethereum and Solana continue to lead in developer engagement, underscoring the durability of those networks’ staking mechanisms. The more active the network, the more predictable the reward flow — and the easier it is to build a reliable distribution model.
While some crypto‑native exchanges and staking services already offer yield products, regulated fund structures have been slower to embrace direct reward distributions. Grayscale’s approach mirrors, in certain ways, the institutional staking momentum seen elsewhere. For instance, a Nasdaq‑listed firm’s staking involvement was a key driver behind the SUI token’s 18% surge, as detailed in a separate BlockchainReporter analysis. The cash distribution model, however, is distinct: it detaches the yield from the underlying token’s volatility, offering a fixed‑ish payout in dollars rather than accumulating staking derivatives. That simplicity could attract advisors and conservative investors who want yield without the operational headache of managing staking themselves.
What Remains Unclear Despite the clear product logic, significant questions linger. Grayscale specifically notes that payouts will depend on tax considerations, and the tax treatment of staking rewards — particularly when funneled through a trust or ETF — remains a grey area in the US. The Internal Revenue Service has issued some guidance on staking income, but applying that to a publicly traded fund structure with quarterly distributions adds layers of complexity. A misstep here could saddle investors with unexpected tax obligations, something the fund’s disclosures will need to address bluntly.
Regulatory posture is another unknown. The SEC has historically been cautious about staking services within exchange‑traded products, and while Grayscale’s ETFs have already launched, the shift to regular cash distributions might invite a closer look. If the agency interprets these payouts as a securities‑like dividend rather than a straightforward return of blockchain rewards, it could demand additional safeguards. For now, Grayscale appears to be moving ahead, betting that the operational details and disclosure framework will satisfy both the SEC and investors’ demand for yield in a low‑volatility wrapper.
What’s certain is that the clock is ticking toward August 7. If the amendments take effect, ETHE and GSOL holders will find themselves in the unusual position of earning fiat‑denominated income from assets that exist purely in code. That alone rewrites expectations for what a crypto ETF can be.
AUTHOR
Freelance writer and crypto enthusiast with a focus on Web3, delivering clear and engaging articles. Known for his well-researched articles and insightful analysis, Shayan covers a broad range of topics including market trends, blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and emerging crypto projects. His writing aims to educate both beginners and experts, providing clear, engaging content that helps readers stay informed about the fast-evolving crypto space. Shayan's expertise and dedication make him a trusted voice in the blockchain community.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital and a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency market, recently made noteworthy comments regarding Ethereum and its co-founder, Vitalik Buterin.
The renowned CEO stated that Ethereum founder Buterin deserved the “crypto hero” award, while also saying that declining activity was harming ETH.
Speaking at a recent event, Mike Novogratz stated that Buterin’s vision and technical leadership played a decisive role in Ethereum’s current position, adding that Buterin’s influence on the industry is undeniable.
However, Novogratz added that Buterin’s recent decline in activity has been detrimental to the Ethereum ecosystem.
At this point, Novogrtaz argued that Buterin’s more visible and active leadership would significantly contribute to the Ethereum community and the network’s development.
While the Ethereum ecosystem has remained in the spotlight recently due to network updates, institutional interest, and increasing competition, Novogratz’s statements have reignited debates within the community regarding Buterin’s leadership role.
Vitalik Buterin has gradually withdrawn from daily updates and public announcements over the past two years. While this stance has been the subject of debate, it has been interpreted within the industry as an attempt to allow the Ethereum community to become more self-sufficient and decentralized.
*This is not investment advice.
Follow our Telegram and Twitter account now for exclusive news, analytics and on-chain data!
Aurora, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible blockchain network running on the NEAR Protocol, reportedly experienced access issues on its mainnet. According to information shared by Onchain Lens, the Aurora mainnet became unavailable at 05:16:11 and the outage was ongoing at the time of writing.
Aurora stands out as a layer that enables Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts to run on the NEAR Protocol infrastructure with lower transaction costs and higher scalability. Thanks to EVM compatibility, developers can migrate existing Ethereum applications to the Aurora network without making significant changes.
In its 2021 funding round, the project raised a total of $12 million from investors including leading venture capital firms in the sector such as Pantera Capital, Electric Capital, and Dragonfly Capital.
At the time, Aurora, which offered alternative solutions to Ethereum’s high transaction fees, stood out and achieved significant growth in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
However, DeFiLlama data shows that the network has shrunk significantly in recent years. Aurora’s total value of assets locked (TVL) peaked at approximately $2.5 billion in 2022, but subsequently declined by about 99 percent to $4.65 million due to market contraction and decreased user interest.
Aurora has not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the main network outage. It remains unclear whether the problem was due to a technical malfunction, scheduled maintenance, or another reason.
Experts say that such outages on blockchain networks can temporarily affect user transactions, decentralized finance applications, and smart contracts. While the Aurora team is expected to continue working to resolve the issue, users are advised to follow announcements from official channels.
*This is not investment advice.
Follow our Telegram and Twitter account now for exclusive news, analytics and on-chain data!
Allbridge has asked users to withdraw liquidity immediately after a $1.65 million exploit.
Cross-chain stablecoin bridge, Allbridge Core, suffered a security exploit that resulted in losses of approximately $1.65 million, according to blockchain security firm PeckShield.
The firm said the attacker has already bridged the stolen funds from Solana to Ethereum.
Allbridge Responds Allbridge confirmed experiencing a security incident and that the protocol has been paused as a precaution while the team investigates. The project also urged users with liquidity in affected pools to withdraw their funds immediately.
According to Allbridge, the exploit created a temporary positive arbitrage opportunity due to an imbalance in the affected liquidity pools. The team asked anyone who profited from the arbitrage to voluntarily return the funds, while adding that they would be used to compensate affected liquidity providers.
Meanwhile, blockchain security firm Onchain Labs explained that the exploit began with a $1.12 million USDC flash loan obtained from Kamino on Solana. The attacker allegedly used rapid USDC and USDT swaps to manipulate Allbridge Core’s stablecoin pool ratios before withdrawing liquidity at distorted rates, repaying the flash loan within the same transaction, and extracting the funds. Onchain Labs added that the stolen assets were later moved through privacy protocols for mixing.
Allbridge has faced a similar attack before. In April 2023, the protocol lost around $573,000 in a flash loan exploit on BNB Chain. The attacker took advantage of a bug in the smart contract to manipulate token swap prices, which allowed them to steal about $289,900 in BUSD and $290,900 in USDT.
A String of Bridge Exploits Cross-chain bridges remain a favorite target for hackers. In April, Syndicate Labs lost about $330,000 worth of SYND tokens after a leaked private key let an attacker take control of its Commons bridge contracts.
You may also like: Ethereum Tops $1,900 in a Six-Week High, Where to Next For ETH? Here’s Why Robinhood Chain Is Ultra Bullish for ETH Despite Cannibalizing Revenue Expert: Bitcoin Faces $8B Attack Risk, Ethereum More Secure A month later, the Verus-Ethereum bridge was exploited for more than $11 million because one of its contracts failed to validate transactions properly, although most of the funds were later returned.
In June, the Ethereum Layer 2 network Taiko told users to pull their assets from its bridges after attackers stole $1.7 million from one of its bridge protocols.
Quarterly Cash Distributions Set for AugustGrayscale is moving to convert staking rewards from its Ethereum ($ETH) and Solana ($SOL) exchange-traded funds into regular cash payouts for shareholders. The asset manager filed a prospectus supplement on July 17, 2026, outlining changes to its Grayscale Solana Staking ETF (ticker: GSOL) that introduce mandatory quarterly cash distributions of staking rewards, with the amendment expected to take effect on or around August 7, 2026. A parallel amendment has been filed for its Ethereum Staking ETF (ticker: ETHE) on the same timeline.
Under the proposed structure, both trusts would convert staking rewards to cash no less often than quarterly, with the net proceeds distributed to shareholders after expenses and a facilitation payment to the sponsor. SEC documents explicitly state that there is no guarantee of a fixed distribution amount, as payouts will depend on the actual staking rewards received during each period.
IRS Guidance and the Case for Standardised PayoutsGrayscale views the change as necessary to align with IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-31, so each trust can continue to be treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. That procedure allows a compliant trust to distribute net staking rewards consistently, either in kind or after a cash sale, no less frequently than quarterly. Grayscale's proposed agreements specifically choose cash, requiring the trusts to sell the native-asset rewards before passing net proceeds to shareholders.
The move also has a practical benefit for investors. By aligning both the ETHE and GSOL trusts to the same payout cadence, investors gain a common framework to compare net cash returned across the two funds. GSOL stakes all of its Solana holdings, generating approximately 6.1% in annual rewards, which are converted to cash and paid out after fees. By contrast, gross staking rewards on Ethereum currently range from 3.1% to 3.3% annually, with net distributions to shareholders coming in at around 1.9% to 2.6% after fund fees and custody costs.
The Ethereum fund has already tested this model. In January 2026, Grayscale's ETHE became the first spot crypto ETP in the U.S. to distribute staking rewards to shareholders, paying out proceeds from rewards earned between October 6, 2025 and December 31, 2025. That initial distribution totalled $9.4 million, paid on January 6, 2026.
Investors should note the tax implications. Grayscale explicitly flags in the filing that cash distributions carry tax consequences, and the fund encourages investors to consult tax advisors, as distributions from a staking ETF are likely treated as ordinary income in most jurisdictions.
Sources:
Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF, SEC Form 424B3 Filing, July 17, 2026
Grayscale Solana Staking ETF, SEC Form 424B3 Filing, July 17, 2026
CryptoSlate: Grayscale quarterly cash distributions analysis, July 19, 2026
Cross-chain bridge protocol Allbridge Core has paused operations after suffering a security exploit that drained roughly $1.65 million from its Solana-based infrastructure.
Allbridge said it paused the protocol as a precaution and urged liquidity providers in affected pools to withdraw their funds while the investigation continues. Blockchain security firm PeckShield estimated the total loss at around $1.65 million, while on-chain analysts reported that the attacker moved the stolen funds from Solana to Ethereum.
On-chain analyst Hupzy described the rapid cross-chain movement as a common money-laundering tactic that can make stolen funds harder to recover. However, Hupzy said the direct impact on Solana’s price is likely to remain limited because the loss is relatively small compared with the network’s overall market value.
Cross-chain bridge protocol Allbridge Core was exploited for approximately $𝟭.𝟲𝟱𝗠, with the attacker already bridging stolen funds from Solana to Ethereum — a classic laundering pattern that complicates recovery.
𝗛𝘂𝗽𝘇𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: Bridge exploits remain a persistent DeFi… pic.twitter.com/VLvk5lMhM0
— Hupzy (Spot On Chain) (@hupzy_agent) July 20, 2026 Analyst Explains the Flash Loan AttackAccording to another analyst, the incident did not involve a leaked private key or a conventional bridge exploit. Instead, the attacker reportedly used a $1.12 million flash loan from Kamino.
🚨 Allbridge Core on Solana just got drained in a single transaction
No leaked key
No bridge exploit
The attacker didn't spend a dollar of their own money to do it
Here's what actually happened:
Step one: flash-borrow ~$1.12M USDC from @KaminoFinance
No collateral, no risk,…
— DBCrypto (@DBCrypt0) July 20, 2026 The attacker borrowed the USDC without collateral and then repeatedly traded USDC and USDT inside Allbridge Core’s stablecoin pool. This activity distorted the pool’s internal exchange-rate calculations and created an artificial imbalance.
The attacker then withdrew liquidity at the manipulated rate. After repaying the $1.12 million flash loan within the same transaction, the attacker kept the remaining difference as profit. The analyst said the entire attack followed a simple sequence: borrow, manipulate, withdraw, repay and keep the difference.
A single withdrawal was reportedly worth around $2.24 million.
He further described the incident as a classic flash-loan price-manipulation attack, a vulnerability pattern that has affected DeFi protocols since 2020. The analyst argued that the pool effectively trusted its own manipulable balances to determine pricing, allowing borrowed capital to distort the exchange rate.
Reports also suggested that the stolen funds were being routed through privacy-focused infrastructure, potentially making recovery more difficult.
Bigger Concern Is Bridge ConfidenceOverall, the exploit is unlikely to create major direct pressure on Solana’s price. Solana (SOL) traded at $76.66, gaining 1.06% over the past 24 hours, with daily trading volume reaching $1.43 billion.
However, the incident could damage confidence in liquidity connected to cross-chain bridges.
Now it will be interesting to see whether the attack triggers withdrawals from Solana-based bridges and causes a broader decline in bridge-related total value locked (TVL).
Story Ends Here
Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
Allbridge Core has paused its cross-chain stablecoin protocol after a security incident on Solana that PeckShield estimated at about $1.65 million.
Summary
Allbridge paused Core after a Solana exploit drained about $1.65 million, according to PeckShield estimates. The attacker used a $1.12 million USDC flash loan to quickly distort stablecoin pool rates. Allbridge urged liquidity providers to withdraw while investigators traced funds moved from Solana to Ethereum. The protocol told users with funds in affected liquidity pools to withdraw while its team investigates. PeckShield also said the attacker moved the stolen assets from Solana to Ethereum.
The incident appears to involve manipulation of Allbridge Core’s USDC/USDT liquidity pool. Onchain Lens said the attacker used a $1.12 million USDC flash loan from Kamino, changed the pool balance through rapid swaps and withdrew liquidity at distorted rates. The exact loss figure remains under review, with Onchain Lens describing more than $1.1 million extracted and PeckShield estimating the broader exploit at about $1.65 million.
Allbridge pauses Core and warns liquidity providers “Allbridge Core is experiencing a security incident,” the team said in its public notice. It added that the protocol had been paused as a precaution while the investigation continued. The project also issued a direct warning: “If you have liquidity in affected pools, please withdraw now.”
Allbridge Core is experiencing a security incident.
We have paused the protocol as a precaution while we investigate.
If you have liquidity in affected pools, please withdraw now.
The resulting pool imbalance created a temporary positive arbitrage window. If you took advantage… pic.twitter.com/Ovg7yT35SM
— Allbridge (@Allbridge_io) July 19, 2026 Allbridge said the attack left some pools temporarily out of balance. That imbalance created an arbitrage window that allowed some traders to profit from unusual pricing. The team asked anyone who benefited to consider returning funds to a recovery address. It said returned assets would go toward compensating affected liquidity providers. At the time of writing, the notice did not give a reopening date or publish a technical report.
In addition, according to Onchain Lens, the attacker borrowed $1.12 million in USDC through a flash loan from Kamino. The attacker then carried out rapid USDC and USDT swaps that changed the ratio inside the Allbridge stablecoin pool. After the pool price moved, the attacker withdrew liquidity using the distorted rate and repaid the flash loan within the same transaction.
Flash loans allow users to borrow and repay funds in one blockchain transaction without posting normal collateral. In this case, the loan itself was not described as the vulnerability. Instead, the borrowed liquidity allegedly gave the attacker enough capital to move the pool ratio and extract value before the transaction ended. PeckShield later said the stolen funds were bridged from Solana to Ethereum.
Allbridge faces another bridge security incident The latest Allbridge Core exploit follows an earlier attack against the project. As crypto.news previously reported, Allbridge suffered a separate exploit in April 2023 after an attacker manipulated the swap price of a BNB Chain pool. The loss was estimated at about $573,000, and the project later recovered roughly $465,000 after offering the attacker a white-hat reward.
The new incident also comes during another active period for cross-chain security breaches. In May,the Verus-Ethereum bridge lost more than $11.5 million in an attack linked by researchers to missing validation checks. A separate crypto.news report said Transit Finance lost about $1.88 million in another cross-chain protocol exploit. Allbridge has not said whether the Solana incident shares technical similarities with those attacks.
Leading cryptocurrencies moved sideways on Sunday as U.S. strikes on Iran continued into their “ninth consecutive night.”
Crypto Market CoagulatesBitcoin hovered between $64,000 and the low $65,000 range, even as trading volume surged 12% over the past 24 hours. Ethereum was stuck in the $1,800 zone, while XRP and Dogecoin also moved sideways
Nearly $120 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with bearish short traders bearing the brunt of the losses, according to Coinglass data
Bitcoin’s open interest fell 0.42% over the last 24 hours. That said, retail and whale derivatives traders on Binance remained long on the apex cryptocurrency.
"Fear" sentiment prevailed in the market, according to the Crypto Fear & Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24 Hours)
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.22 trillion, up 0.44% over the last 24 hours.
Iran Tensions Pressures Stock FuturesStock futures were mixed in overnight trading on Sunday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures were down 16 points, or 0.03%, as of 8:51 p.m. EDT. Futures tied to the S&P 500 gained 0.08%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures climbed 0.32%.
Geopolitical tensions kept investors on edge as the U.S. military said it had struck Iran for the “ninth consecutive night” in an effort to degrade Iranian military capabilities further.
Iranian strikes on Friday killed two U.S. service members in Jordan and left another missing. The total U.S. death toll in the war now stands at 16
Why $69,000 Is Key For BitcoinAli Martinez, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader, noted Bitcoin trading below the previous cycle’s all-time highs. Historically, reclaiming this level has marked the transition from a “bear market back into a sustained bull trend,” they added
“If BTC can successfully reclaim $69,000 and hold it as support, it would be another strong piece of evidence suggesting that the next major uptrend could already be underway,” the analyst said.
Michaël van de Poppe, another popular cryptocurrency commentator, anticipated a “big week” for cryptocurrency ahead, forecasting Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) and ETH as “clear plays” over Bitcoin.
“I assume that these will outperform when Bitcoin breaks that $65,000 area,” Van De Poppe projected.
Photo courtesy: Wirestock Creators on Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Aurora, the Ethereum-compatible blockchain layer built on NEAR Protocol, went dark at 02:16 UTC on July 20, 2026. Hours later, the network remains completely unavailable, with no official statement from Aurora Labs explaining what happened or when service might resume.
For a network that once locked up $2.5 billion in total value, this would have been a five-alarm fire. Today, with Aurora’s TVL sitting at roughly $4.65 million, the outage reads more like a quiet alarm going off in an increasingly empty building.
What we know so far On-chain monitoring flagged the outage shortly after it began in the early morning hours UTC. Aurora’s mainnet, which allows developers to deploy Ethereum-compatible smart contracts and decentralized applications at lower costs than Ethereum mainnet, has been completely inaccessible since.
Advertisement
The @auroraisnear account has not issued any public explanation. No root cause has been identified publicly, and there’s no estimated timeline for restoration.
The long decline of Aurora’s TVL When Aurora launched in 2021, it had genuine momentum. The project raised $12 million from a roster of over 100 investors that included Pantera Capital and Electric Capital. It was positioned as the bridge between Ethereum’s massive developer ecosystem and NEAR Protocol’s scalable architecture.
By 2022, things were looking solid. Aurora’s TVL peaked at approximately $2.5 billion, and the broader NEAR ecosystem initiated a $90 million developer fund, allocating 25 million AURORA tokens to boost DeFi activity on the platform.
From $2.5 billion to roughly $4.65 million represents a drop of about 99%. The month preceding the outage was unremarkable. Aurora had been quietly pushing routine updates related to its Virtual Chains and Intents features, but nothing that suggested a major technical crisis was brewing.
What this means for investors and developers For anyone still holding positions on Aurora or building applications on the network, this outage demands a serious reassessment. Extended downtime without communication from the team is one of the clearest warning signals in crypto infrastructure.
A 99% decline in TVL tells you that capital has already voted with its feet. An unexplained, multi-hour mainnet outage tells you that operational resilience may also be deteriorating.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Monday was extremely painful for the BTC funds, but the rest of the week managed to offset the losses.
After a violent eight-week streak with nothing but substantial withdrawals, the spot Bitcoin ETFs changed their course in the middle of July and now extended their recovery period with another green performance.
However, the funds tracking the largest altcoin managed to beat the market leader in terms of weekly net inflows.
BTC ETF Green Wave Endures Perhaps due to the rising tension in the Middle East over the previous weekend, Monday began with a massive $424.66 million net outflow from the spot BTC ETFs. This was the single-largest withdrawal since June 26. Thus, the good news from the previous week started to look like a fluke that cannot be repeated.
However, investors’ behavior changed in the following four days, and fresh capital started to flow in. Data from SoSoValue shows that $181 million entered the funds on Tuesday, another $107.8 million on Wednesday, $79.15 million on Thursday, and $132.30 million on Friday. As such, the weekend ended in the green, with net inflows of $75.67 million.
Nevertheless, these numbers are nowhere near the mass exodus experienced from the middle of May and the beginning of July. In five out of these eight weeks, investors pulled out $1 billion or more, with the week that ended on June 26 registering the second-highest net outflows of $1.79 billion. Overall, the funds lost more than $8 billion in approximately two months.
The cumulative total net inflows dumped from $59.34 billion to $51.08 billion before they recovered some ground to $51.35 billion as of July 17.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs Net Flows. Source: SoSoValue ETH Funds Do Even Better While the financial vehicles tracking BTC attracted just over $75 million last week, those following the largest altcoin did even better. The spot Ethereum ETFs gained $105.44 million, building on the previous week’s $84.42 million.
You may also like: The ETF Battle Between Gold and Bitcoin: Is BTC Really Losing? Bitcoin Nears Final Stage of Bear Market Window – Is a Broader Recovery in Sight? Bitcoin Records Worst June in Four Years – Is a Cyclical Bottom in Play? Monday was also in the red, but in a more modest manner. Investors took out $15.41 million. Thursday saw $28.04 million in net outflows, but the $58.34 million on Tuesday, $53.83 million on Wednesday, and $36.73 million on Friday offset all the losses.
Similar to the BTC ETFs, the Ethereum counterparts were on an eight-week red streak, in which they lost well over $1.1 billion in cumulative total net inflows, going from $12.09 billion to $10.89 billion. However, the figure has risen to $11.08 billion after the two consecutive weeks in the green in mid-July.
Leading Ethereum software firm Consensys has firmly denied rumors that user data or funds were compromised after a North Korea-linked IT worker temporarily gained access to the core codebase of its popular Web3 wallet, MetaMask.
The security incident, which took place earlier this year, involved an individual operating under the alias "Tyler Knapp" (GitHub username: "imyugioh").
The individual was not a direct employee of Consensys, but was instead engaged as a consultant through an unnamed third-party provider.
HOT Stories
Between March 9 and early April 2026, the contractor contributed directly to MetaMask’s core codebase, specifically working on the wallet's fiat on-ramp and off-ramp features.
Upon detecting the threat, Consensys took immediate and aggressive action. The firm froze all product releases, swiftly terminated the contractor's access, and launched a comprehensive internal security audit.
You Might Also Like
The company also confirmed that it has notified law enforcement agencies regarding the infiltration.
Correcting misinformationIn a public statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Consensys sought to correct recent misinformation circulating online about the severity of the breach.
"Earlier this year, we identified and contained a threat from an individual engaged as a consultant through a third-party provider," the company stated. "After the threat was quickly identified, we immediately terminated all access, launched a comprehensive investigation, and notified law enforcement."
Consensys emphasized the results of its internal audit, confirming that the threat was neutralized before any damage could occur.
"Our investigation confirmed no malicious code was deployed, no customer assets or data were compromised, and there was no impact to user safety, funds, or security," the firm concluded.
Consensys, a prominent blockchain software company known for developing the MetaMask crypto wallet, has denied reports of a security breach affecting user assets or data. This clarification comes after the company discovered that an external contractor with connections to North Korea temporarily accessed MetaMask’s core codebase earlier this year.
Security incident and contractor backgroundThe incident centered on a consultant operating under the alias “Tyler Knapp,” identified on GitHub as “imyugioh.” According to Consensys, this individual was not a direct staff member, but was engaged through a third-party provider to work on MetaMask. The consultant’s involvement with the wallet’s codebase spanned from March 9 to early April 2026, primarily focusing on features related to fiat on-ramp and off-ramp functionalities.
Consensys took immediate steps to address the potential threat upon its discovery. The company froze all new product releases, ended the consultant’s access, and initiated a thorough internal security review. Law enforcement agencies were promptly notified of the incident as part of the firm’s response protocol.
Mini dictionary: Fiat on-ramp and off-ramp, services that facilitate the conversion between traditional currency and cryptocurrencies, allowing users to deposit or withdraw funds using bank transfers or other standard payment methods.
Official statement and investigation resultsConsensys addressed the concerns in a post on X, seeking to counter online speculation about the scope of the breach. The company outlined that its detection protocols worked as intended, enabling it to contain the threat rapidly.
Earlier this year, we identified and contained a threat from an individual engaged as a consultant through a third-party provider. After the threat was quickly identified, we immediately terminated all access, launched a comprehensive investigation, and notified law enforcement.
According to Consensys, a comprehensive internal assessment was conducted. This review found no indication that malicious code was introduced or that user funds or information were at risk during the incident. The firm further emphasized that there was no effect on the wallet’s performance, security, or functionality.
Our investigation confirmed no malicious code was deployed, no customer assets or data were compromised, and there was no impact to user safety, funds, or security.
Consensys response and user reassuranceAfter identifying the threat, Consensys placed a hold on all product updates to prevent any chance of an undetected security lapse. The company’s security team reviewed all recent changes to the codebase and worked to ensure full system integrity. Users were also notified that law enforcement was handling the case in collaboration with Consensys’ internal team.
With MetaMask serving millions of users globally as a gateway to decentralized web applications, Consensys moved quickly to address any potential risk. The company underscored its ongoing commitment to user safety and its investment in routine audits and security measures.
The identity and deeper background of the contractor remain under law enforcement investigation. Consensys has not disclosed further personal information regarding the individual or the specific third-party provider involved. The company stated that its protocols for screening external contributors are being reviewed and updated.
Consensys reiterated that MetaMask users do not need to take any additional action as a result of the incident, as customer assets and information remain secure.
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.
A South Korean trading platform triggered the KOSPI index circuit breaker, halting program trading for 5 minutes.
South Korean exchange KRX triggered the sidecar mechanism due to KOSPI index volatility, suspending program trading for approximately five minutes. The sidecar mechanism is designed to address sharp short-term fluctuations, restricting only program trading while manual trading remains normal. Unlike the circuit breaker mechanism, the sidecar does not halt entire market operations, functioning more like a "speed bump" during periods of market volatility. By contrast, circuit breakers are typically used in extreme market scenarios, suspending all trading across the market when triggered to prevent panic-driven volatility from escalating further.
6 minutes ago
Citigroup downgraded its rating for the South Korean stock market to "Neutral".
Citigroup has adjusted its rating on South Korean stocks from "overweight" to "neutral" amid sharp volatility in chip stocks over recent weeks, as the bank seeks to reduce its exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) themed investments. A poster child for the global AI trading frenzy, South Korea’s KOSPI index has become the world’s best-performing stock market this year. However, in recent weeks, the market has faced sharp swings due to retail investors’ enthusiasm for single-stock leveraged ETFs and valuation concerns. Citigroup remains structurally bullish on the AI sector’s outlook, but has shifted its stance on the South Korean market to neutral.
6 minutes ago
SK Hynix experienced sharp price swings that trapped three newly entered whales, with the latest buyer chasing the rally only $60 away from liquidation.
According to Hyperinsight monitoring, SK Hynix (SKHX) on Hyperliquid saw sharp volatility after opening this morning. The token opened at $1168.1, surged to a high of $1270.1 within half an hour, marking an ~8.7% gain, before quickly pulling back. At 9:55 a.m., it hit a low of $1185.3, down ~6.7% from its peak. During this swing, three whales sequentially opened long positions on SKHX, holding a total of 11,620.674 contracts worth roughly $14.036 million. Based on SK Hynix’s current quoted price of $1198, all three long positions are now underwater: - Whale starting with 0xf4b: New long position with 10x leverage, holding ~$2.715 million, average entry price of $1210.6, unrealized loss of ~$9,000, liquidation price of $1130.4. - Whale starting with 0x564: New long position with 10x leverage, holding ~$4.918 million, average entry price of $1238.9, unrealized loss of ~$125,000, liquidation price of $851.5. - Whale starting with 0x2ab: Converted from a short position to long and continued adding to longs, with 10x leverage, holding ~$6.403 million, average entry price of $1212.8, unrealized loss of ~$25,000, liquidation price of $650.3. Notably, the 0xf4b whale is closest to liquidation. When SKHX dipped to $1185.3 intraday, the gap between its entry price and liquidation price narrowed to just ~$54.9; as the price rebounded to $1298, the gap has since widened to ~$68.
6 minutes ago
Whale Alert: A single whale holds a long BTC position worth $107 million, now the largest BTC bull.
According to Hyperinsight monitoring, a 40x-leveraged whale (0x66f) accumulated a long position of 1,662.50 BTC between last night and early this morning, with the position valued at approximately $107 million, marking the address’s only current holding. Its average entry price is $63,958.4, generating an unrealized profit of $926,900 and a return of around 34.87%, while its liquidation price stands at $63,143.1. Over the past seven days, this whale has opened a total of 1,882.87 BTC in long positions, with a trading volume of roughly $121 million for these longs; at 7:12 AM today, it added 2.04 BTC to its long position at $64,700, making it the largest BTC long holder on Hyperliquid.
6 minutes ago
South Korea's KOSPI index dropped over 4% once again, with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics both down 4.4%.
According to Bitget market data, South Korea’s KOSPI index has fallen by over 4% again. Both SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics dropped 4.4%.
6 minutes ago
Analysis: Binance and Bybit recorded over $2.3 billion in stablecoin outflows over the past 30 days, while Bitcoin (BTC) liquidity continues to contract.
CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost stated in a recent post that stablecoin reserves on Binance and Bybit have been steadily declining, with a combined outflow of more than $2.3 billion over the past 30 days, a trend reflecting insufficient new liquidity in the crypto market. Binance’s stablecoin reserves decreased by roughly $1.55 billion in that period, while Bybit’s fell by approximately $786 million, bringing the total outflow from the two major exchanges to nearly $2.3 billion. Bitcoin has been fluctuating around the key $60,000 level for about 165 consecutive days; although it briefly surged past $80,000 in May, the upward momentum could not hold. The current market lacks new capital inflows, with weak new demand for both BTC and the overall crypto sector. Exchange stablecoin reserves have been on the decline since the start of the year, with outflows dominating, signaling that investors are reducing their fund allocations to exchanges, and some capital may even be exiting the market. Liquidity contraction and cautious market sentiment have become major obstacles for BTC to break out of its current trading range.
South Korea has accelerated its move into blockchain-based finance with the launch of a pilot program aimed at its $900 billion bond market. The initiative comes as Ripple’s XRP Ledger approaches a major milestone, with the total stablecoin supply on the network climbing close to $1 billion, spurred primarily by strong growth in the Ripple USD (RLUSD) token.
XRPL stablecoin supply approaches $1 billionBSC News reported that XRP Ledger’s total stablecoin supply grew by over 5% in the past week, reaching approximately $980 million. Data from DefiLlama confirmed these numbers, showing the network’s stablecoin market capitalization at $980.33 million—an increase of roughly $47.4 million in a single week.
XRP Ledger is edging toward stablecoin dominance, with a surge in supply placing it just short of the symbolic $1 billion mark. The majority of the increase is attributed to RLUSD, which maintains a dominant share of the network’s stablecoin market cap.
RLUSD remains the leading stablecoin on the XRP Ledger, accounting for about 90% of the total supply. USDV ranks as the second-largest token following another period of rapid growth.
The network’s stablecoin supply has shown volatility throughout 2026. XRPL briefly surpassed the $1 billion threshold earlier this year before stabilizing in the $760 million to $980 million range in recent months.
Mini dictionary: RLUSD (Ripple USD) is a USD-backed stablecoin issued on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, facilitating fast and low-cost transactions. The token’s recent migration trends have made XRPL the primary platform for RLUSD circulation.
NetworkStablecoin Market CapRLUSD ShareTVLXRP Ledger$980 million~90%$32.8 millionEthereum–<50% of RLUSD–RLUSD migration strengthens XRPL dominanceRecent market data indicate that more than half of RLUSD’s circulating supply now resides on the XRP Ledger. Until early 2026, the stablecoin was primarily issued on Ethereum, but migration activity has shifted the balance, making XRPL RLUSD’s principal blockchain by supply.
Cumulative trading volume for RLUSD pairs on XRPL has surpassed $2.5 billion since its 2025 launch. However, decentralized finance activity on the network remains subdued when compared to the growth in stablecoin supply. DefiLlama’s dashboard shows XRPL’s total value locked at just $32.8 million—far behind its stablecoin circulation.
XRP price stable as South Korea tests blockchain bondsXRP is currently trading at $1.09, achieving a market capitalization near $68.4 billion and ranking sixth among all cryptocurrencies. Daily trading volume stands at $611 million, and the circulating supply is recorded at approximately 62.46 billion XRP.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s bond market pilot marks a significant step for institutional blockchain adoption. The program aims to digitize infrastructure in a market worth around $900 billion, reflecting growing interest among financial institutions in blockchain technology.
Ripple, established in 2012, is a US-based technology company known for developing payment settlement solutions and maintaining the XRP Ledger, a decentralized blockchain designed for fast asset transfers. South Korea’s public sector blockchain initiative and Ripple’s network expansion highlight parallel advances in both institutional and crypto-native segments.
Both developments are seen as signals of increasing blockchain integration across different areas of finance. Market analysts continue to monitor adoption trends, network growth, and liquidity patterns as the sector matures.
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.
Ethereum posted renewed upward momentum after confirming a key breakout above $1,820, with leading analysts indicating potential further gains if current trends persist. The cryptocurrency’s technical setup, supported by whale accumulation and improved regulatory sentiment, is strengthening confidence among traders eyeing a near-term rally.
Technical breakout lifts price outlookETH is currently trading at $1,867.98 with a 24-hour trading volume of $6.63 billion and a market capitalization of $225.48 billion. The asset advanced 1.60% over the past day, adding to optimism about a bullish reversal.
Michael van de Poppe, a prominent crypto analyst known for his technical analysis, identified the close above $1,820 as a major shift for Ethereum. That resistance level had previously blocked rally attempts, but recent buying activity and a firm retest of the zone have reinforced support and signaled a stronger market structure.
According to analysts, holding the $1,820 support could set the stage for Ethereum to approach $2,500 if buying pressure continues to mount and market conditions remain favorable.
Traders are also monitoring the proposed Clarity Act, anticipated to be introduced next week, which could have implications for digital asset regulation and bolster investor sentiment.
Whale accumulation and leveraged trades drive momentumOn-chain platform Lookonchain provided data highlighting a sharp increase in whale activity following a breakout. Two recently created wallets, identified as major investors, have moved significant funds from Bitcoin into Ethereum, advancing the asset’s upward trajectory.
Both addresses reportedly sold a combined 72 BTC before initiating long leveraged positions totaling 12,000 ETH. Large positions of this nature typically draw attention due to their influence on broader market psychology and price stability.
While leveraged trades carry significant liquidation risk, the confidence in these large ETH exposures underlines growing optimism for further price appreciation if market conditions stay supportive.
Mini dictionary: Lookonchain is a blockchain analytics service that provides real-time tracking of large crypto transactions and on-chain movements, helping traders monitor whale activity.
MetricDataETH price$1,867.98Support level$1,820Trading volume (24h)$6.63 billionWhale leveraged position12,000 ETHBTC sold by whales72 BTCMarket capitalization$225.48 billionAnalyst target$2,500Regulatory updates and market sentimentUpcoming regulatory proposals, including the Clarity Act, are being closely tracked by market participants for their potential impact on the crypto sector. Positive developments on this front could serve as a catalyst for further gains and mitigate concerns around legal uncertainty.
Alongside technical signals and on-chain trends, the improved tone in wider crypto markets—enabled by a rebound in Bitcoin—is also contributing to bullish sentiment in Ethereum.
If Ethereum successfully builds above current support levels, analysts believe that the ongoing trend of whale accumulation and sustained demand could enable ETH to move toward the $2,500 mark in the near term.
Market watchers caution, however, that abrupt volatility and the risk associated with large leveraged positions may still affect price action over coming sessions.
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.
PANews, July 20 – According to SoSoValue data, crypto market sectors continued to pull back, while the Meme sector was relatively resilient, rising 0.56% in the past 24 hours. Among them, Pepe (PEPE) gained 4.38%, BUILDon (B) surged 31.65%, and Pump.fun (PUMP) jumped 22.76%. Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTC) dipped 0.25%, rebounding above $64,000; Ethereum (ETH) edged up 0.52%, narrowly oscillating around $1,800.
In other sectors, the Layer2 sector fell 0.11% over the past 24 hours, with Mantle (MNT) staying relatively firm, up 1.55%; the Layer1 sector slipped 0.14%, but Canton Network (CC) rose 3.15%; the PayFi sector declined 0.31%, while Telcoin (TEL) pulled up 5.05% intraday; the CeFi sector lost 0.41%, with Cronos (CRO) down 2.30%; the DeFi sector dropped 0.60%, while Jupiter (JUP) bucked the trend, gaining 1.73%.
Crypto sector indices that track historical sector performance show that the ssiMeme, ssiNFT, and ssiLayer1 indices rose 1.27%, 0.65%, and 0.45%, respectively.
Cross-chain bridges keep getting robbed. The latest target is Allbridge, a protocol designed to move stablecoins between blockchain networks, where an attacker made off with approximately $1.65 million before routing the funds from Solana to Ethereum and converting them into ETH.
What happened According to on-chain data flagged by Arkham Intelligence, the attacker extracted the funds from Allbridge’s infrastructure and deliberately moved them across networks, bridging from Solana to Ethereum before swapping into ETH.
Allbridge is a cross-chain bridge protocol focused on stablecoin transfers, operating across EVM-compatible networks as well as non-EVM chains like Solana.
Advertisement
This is not Allbridge’s first rodeo with attackers. In April 2023, the protocol suffered a flash-loan attack targeting its BNB Chain liquidity pools, which resulted in roughly $570K in losses. That incident involved price manipulation rather than a direct fund drain. Allbridge eventually recovered approximately $465K of those funds through a white-hat hacker arrangement.
Bridge exploits are having a moment A separate incident in April 2026 saw Kelp DAO’s LayerZero-powered bridge lose $292 million in a single exploit.
Allbridge integrated with Algorand in January 2026, broadening its cross-chain stablecoin capabilities.
What this means for investors and the broader market Allbridge’s 2023 response, recovering most of the stolen funds and engaging a white-hat hacker, set a reasonable precedent. Whether the team can replicate that outcome with a larger theft, spanning two separate blockchain ecosystems, is the critical variable to watch.
For traders specifically, the Solana-to-Ethereum fund movement is worth monitoring at the wallet level. Arkham and similar on-chain intelligence platforms will likely continue tracking the attacker’s address, and any movement toward centralized exchange deposit addresses could provide an early signal of whether a recovery or freeze is possible.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Air raid sirens blared across Bahrain after Iranian attacks targeted the Gulf nation, marking a sharp escalation in regional hostilities that has investors across every asset class, including crypto, recalibrating their risk exposure.
At least five air raid siren activations have been reported in Bahrain in July 2026. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged citizens to remain calm and seek shelter, confirming that incoming threats were being intercepted.
What’s happening on the ground The strikes are part of a broader pattern of Iranian military aggression targeting US interests in the Gulf. Bahrain serves as a critical hub for US military operations in the region, housing key installations including the Sakhir airbase.
Advertisement
The escalation traces back to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints. Roughly a fifth of the global oil supply passes through that narrow waterway every day. The US responded with strikes on Iranian targets, and Iran has now apparently decided to escalate further by hitting Bahrain directly.
How crypto markets are reacting Major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced declines of 1-3% amid the ongoing hostilities in July 2026. During the earlier flare-up in February 2026, Bitcoin managed to hold above $63,000, showing a degree of resilience, but downside risks persisted even after the immediate crisis cooled.
If the Strait of Hormuz becomes a genuine conflict zone, energy prices spike. When energy prices spike, inflation expectations shift. When inflation expectations shift, central bank policy responses come into play. And when central banks start making moves, risk assets, including crypto, feel the pressure.
Bahrain’s strategic importance Bahrain hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet, making it the linchpin of American military presence in the Gulf.
Bahrain has also been building its own presence in the digital assets space, with regulatory frameworks designed to attract crypto businesses to the region.
What this means for investors Historical data from earlier 2026 tensions suggests Bitcoin has some capacity to absorb geopolitical shocks without catastrophic drawdowns. The 1-3% declines observed so far could deepen if the conflict escalates further or if oil markets start pricing in sustained supply disruptions.
The key variable to watch is whether this escalation remains contained or spirals into a broader regional conflict. A limited exchange of strikes that leads to diplomatic off-ramps would likely see crypto recover quickly, as it did after the February tensions.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
TLDR: BlackRock crypto ETF inflows reached $343.4 million across IBIT, ETHA and ETHB during the five trading days ending July 17. IBIT attracted $204.1 million despite opening the period with a $185.5 million outflow before recording four positive sessions. BlackRock’s Ethereum products added $139.3 million, with ETHA supplying nearly all the new capital received during the week. The figures represent net investor flows into BlackRock-managed ETFs, rather than cryptocurrency purchases for BlackRock’s corporate balance sheet. BlackRock crypto ETF inflows approached $350 million during five trading sessions as demand returned for regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum products. The asset manager’s three major crypto funds attracted a combined $343.4 million from July 13 through July 17.
The total included $204.1 million for the iShares Bitcoin Trust, known as IBIT. BlackRock’s Ethereum funds, ETHA and ETHB, received another $139.3 million. The activity followed several weeks of unstable flows across the wider digital asset ETF market.
BlackRock Crypto ETF Inflows Rebound After Early Outflow IBIT started the week with a $185.5 million withdrawal on July 13. That loss placed the fund under pressure as all U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a combined $424.7 million daily outflow.
Demand shifted during the following session. IBIT gained $138.9 million on July 14, followed by $80.8 million on July 15. It then collected $33.4 million on July 16 and $136.5 million on July 17.
Those four sessions produced $389.6 million in gross inflows. They erased the opening redemption and left IBIT with $204.1 million in net weekly additions. Farside Investors’ data also shows IBIT supplied the largest Bitcoin ETF inflow on the final trading day.
The figures describe capital entering the ETF rather than a direct BlackRock Bitcoin purchase. Authorized participants create new fund shares as demand rises, while the trust adjusts its Bitcoin holdings to support those shares.
Source: Coinglass Bitcoin ETF inflows also recovered across the wider market. U.S. funds posted positive totals during each session from July 14 through July 17 after the sharp Monday withdrawal.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Funds Drive BlackRock ETF Demand Ethereum ETF demand added another source of growth for BlackRock. ETHA received $58.3 million on July 14 before adding $45.3 million the next day.
ETHB attracted $4 million on July 15. ETHA later recorded $31.7 million on July 17, bringing its five-day total to $135.3 million. The two funds therefore collected a combined $139.3 million.
BlackRock crypto ETF inflows were especially concentrated in ETHA during the final session. The fund supplied $31.7 million of the $36.7 million entering all U.S. Ethereum ETFs that day. Historical inflows into ETHA have reached about $11.3 billion.
ETHB gives brokerage investors exposure to Ethereum and staking rewards, while ETHA offers spot Ethereum exposure without direct wallet management.
Source: Coinglass The ETF activity arrived as BlackRock reported record assets under management of $15.3 trillion. The company collected $192 billion in net inflows during the second quarter and $321 billion during the first half of 2026. ETFs, private markets, and fixed-income products supported those results.
BlackRock’s iShares business collected $178 billion during the quarter. Total companywide net inflows reached $868 billion over the previous 12 months, showing that crypto products represent a small but expanding part of its broader ETF operation.
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, recorded strong inflows to its crypto ETFs over five trading days, with investor demand rising for both Bitcoin and Ethereum products. Across its three major funds—IBIT, ETHA, and ETHB—BlackRock drew a combined $343.4 million in net inflows between July 13 and July 17.
IBIT reverses early outflow with strong demandThe period began with the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) experiencing a significant $185.5 million withdrawal on July 13. This outflow contributed to a total $424.7 million single-day drawdown across all U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Circumstances shifted over the following four sessions as capital moved back into IBIT. On July 14, the fund received $138.9 million in inflows, followed by $80.8 million on July 15. It saw additional gains of $33.4 million on July 16 and $136.5 million on July 17, according to data from Farside Investors.
For the remainder of the trading week, IBIT attracted $389.6 million in gross inflows, offsetting the previous loss and closing the five-day period with $204.1 million in positive net investor flows.
Unlike direct asset purchases, these numbers reflect funds entering the ETF as investors create or redeem shares. The trust then adjusts its underlying Bitcoin holdings to supply liquidity for those shares.
The trend was echoed elsewhere in the market, with most U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs reporting net inflows during each of the last four sessions after the steep opening withdrawal.
FundNet Inflows (July 13-17)IBIT$204.1 millionETHA + ETHB$139.3 millionTotal$343.4 millionEthereum ETF inflows led by ETHABlackRock’s Ethereum funds supplied a further boost to its digital asset ETF business. ETHA, designed for spot Ethereum exposure, collected $58.3 million on July 14 and $45.3 million on July 15. ETHB, which enables brokerage clients to gain Ethereum price exposure along with staking rewards, brought in $4 million on July 15.
On July 17, ETHA received another $31.7 million, bringing its five-day total to $135.3 million. Combined, ETHA and ETHB added $139.3 million across the period, with most new capital directed into ETHA during the final session. ETHA’s lifetime inflows have now reached about $11.3 billion.
Mini dictionary: ETHA and ETHB, BlackRock’s Ethereum ETFs—ETHA tracks the spot price of Ethereum, giving exposure without managing wallets, while ETHB provides access to Ethereum and yields from staking rewards through brokerage accounts.
BlackRock’s inflows into ETHA on July 17 accounted for $31.7 million of the $36.7 million that moved into all U.S. Ethereum ETFs that day.
BlackRock asset growth and crypto’s expanding roleThe inflows to crypto ETFs coincided with record assets under management at BlackRock, totaling $15.3 trillion. In the second quarter alone, the firm raised $192 billion in net new assets, with $321 billion flowing in during the first half of 2026.
The iShares unit, which comprises a significant share of BlackRock’s ETF business, added $178 billion in new inflows during the quarter. Over the past 12 months, BlackRock has recorded $868 billion in total net investments. Although digital asset ETFs represent only a small portion of its overall portfolio, these products are showing steady growth amid renewed investor appetite for regulated crypto exposure.
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.
Ethereum has entered a new phase of recovery after breaking above a trendline that limited price gains for nearly six months. As of the latest session, ETH was trading around $1,868, with market participants closely watching whether the recent breakout will sustain and lead to higher prices.
Breakout Restores Bullish PotentialETH has surpassed a descending resistance line that previously capped every recovery effort, giving buyers the most promising opportunity for a sustained rebound in months. The move above this barrier interrupts a longstanding pattern of lower highs and positions Ethereum for a potential trend change.
Several traders now identify the $1,950 to $2,000 range as a critical area of focus. With improved momentum indicators such as the MACD recovering near the zero line, analysts highlight these levels as key resistance spots for the near term. If ETH manages to hold above the former resistance-turned-support, market attention could shift to the $2,300 zone as the next significant target.
Momentum is improving as Ethereum flips its six-month trendline into support, keeping $1,950, $2,000, and $2,300 in focus for the next stage of recovery.
Liquidity and Trader Flows Signal Potential UpsideLiquidity maps reveal several clusters above the current price, including a pocket around the $1,800 level which may already have been tested. The next key liquidity zone appears closer to $1,950 and $2,000, providing additional reasons for traders to monitor this range as momentum builds.
Market data shows that advanced traders and large holders, commonly known as whales, have been repositioning. On-chain analytics firm Lookonchain tracked two newly created wallets that sold 72 BTC, valued at approximately $4.66 million, and subsequently opened 20x long positions on 12,000 ETH worth about $22.4 million. This substantial rotation from Bitcoin into leveraged Ethereum exposure suggests a shift in sentiment among influential participants.
Mini dictionary: Lookonchain is an on-chain analytics platform that monitors the movements and behaviors of significant crypto wallets, including large-scale “whale” transactions and leveraged trading activities.
Two sizable accounts moved funds from BTC into $22.4 million of highly leveraged ETH longs, indicating growing confidence in Ethereum’s recovery potential.
AssetPositionAmountValue (Approx.)LeverageBTCSold72 BTC$4.66 million–ETHLong (Opened)12,000 ETH$22.4 million20xTechnical Structure and TargetsETH’s price action shows that buyers continue to defend the breakout support area, particularly around $1,820 to $1,850. This has become the critical technical zone that bulls must maintain for the recovery structure to remain valid. If successful, it opens up the path for a return towards $1,900, and from there, the $1,950 to $2,000 liquidity band comes into play.
Some analysts suggest that Ethereum may see another short-term dip or a “shakeout” around current levels before any significant move towards higher resistance in the $2,400 to $2,500 range. Such a move could clear weaker hands before a possible larger rally begins.
Short-Term Outlook Hinges on SupportWhile Ethereum is up 1.31% over the past 24 hours and sits just below $1,900, the main support band remains at $1,820 to $1,850. A decisive break above $1,900 could lead to a swift rally towards the next major liquidity cluster near $2,000. If ETH then overcomes this area, targets at $2,120 and as high as $2,300 may come into focus.
However, a breakdown below $1,820 would cast doubt on the sustainability of the breakout and potentially indicate the resumption of bearish pressures. As long as Ethereum maintains support at current levels, its market structure keeps the prospect of further recovery alive.
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.
Ethereum [ETH] has continued to hover around $1.8k. After successfully rebounding from $1800, the altcoin has shown relative strength, rising to $1876.
As of this writing, Ethereum was trading around $1866, up slightly by 1.7% on the daily charts. As ETH hovered around $1.8k, whales turned optimistic and opened long positions.
According to Lookonchain, two newly created wallets sold 72 Bitcoin [BTC] worth $4.66 million and then jumped to Ethereum.
After dumping BTC, the trader opened a 20x long position in 12,000 ETH, worth approximately $22.4 million. So far, with ETH holding above the entry price, the whale is already up $275k, having spent $5.8k in funding fees.
With the trader dumping BTC for ETH, the whale viewed it as a better alternative and a more promising bet. Interestingly, this whale was not an isolated case, as buyers have made a strong comeback in the market.
Source: CryptoQuant The Derivatives Taker Buy-sell Ratio climbed, reclaiming the 1 mark, and has so far held this level for two consecutive days. At 1.13, it suggests that more buy orders were executed on the derivatives side.
As a result, significant capital has flowed into the Futures positions. Over the past 24 hours, $3.67 billion flowed into Futures positions, while $3.32 million flowed out.
Source: CoinGlass For that reason, Futures Netflow rose 213% to $351.1 million, suggesting more capital flowed into new positions.
Even more importantly, it seems most of these funds flowed into opening long positions. The Long/Short Ratio has held above 1, with an average of 2 across Binance.
Source: Coinglass This implies that more traders were bullish and anticipated more gains on ETH price charts.
Can this bullish shift help ETH? Ethereum buyers, especially in derivatives, have begun to regain market control. In fact, the altcoin’s True Strength Index has held on an upward trajectory, rising to 15 at press time.
When TSI is rising, it indicates that bullish momentum is strengthening, with buyers gradually retaking the market. Often, when this indicator rises, it suggests the uptrend is strengthening and likely to continue.
Source: TradingView In fact, the Momentum Adjusted Moving Average (MaMa) confirms the strength of this trend. ETH sits above both the MaMa at $1848 and the Positive Feedback Band at $1875.
Under these conditions, if buyers hold the derivatives side, the altcoin will flip $1900 and extend the uptrend. To hold this bullish outlook, Ethereum must hold above the MaMa’s Positive Feedback Band at $1875.
Final Summary A trader opened a 20x long position in 12,000 ETH, worth approximately $22.4 million, after dumping 72 BTC. Ethereum shows relative strength, as buyers eye a daily close above $1.8k again.
TL;DR U.S. consumer prices fell 0.4% in June, easing immediate fears of another Federal Reserve rate hike. Bitcoin briefly reached $65,500, while Ethereum climbed above $1,900 before both surrendered part of the rally. Renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and sharply reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz brought energy and inflation risks back into focus. Bitcoin moved from roughly $62,600 before the latest U.S. inflation report to a monthly high near $65,500, only to return toward the $63,000-$64,000 area as geopolitical pressure resurfaced. Ethereum followed the same pattern, climbing from below $1,800 to almost $1,945 before falling back into the mid-$1,800s.
Source: CoinMarketCap The reversal was not simply a failed crypto rally. Markets spent the week moving between two competing macroeconomic signals: cooling U.S. inflation and an escalating conflict that could push energy prices higher again.
The CPI Rally Contained Its Own Weak Point The U.S. Consumer Price Index fell 0.4% in June after rising 0.5% in May, marking its largest monthly decline since April 2020. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, was unchanged for the month and increased 2.6% from a year earlier.
The report reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would need to raise interest rates at its July meeting. Bitcoin rose above $64,000 after the release, while Ethereum gained more than 6% during the session and continued above $1,900 the following day.
The composition of the inflation decline introduced an important limitation. Energy prices fell 5.7% in June and were the largest contributor to the lower headline reading. That means part of the relief depended on cheaper fuel, the same component now threatened by renewed instability in the Middle East.
Hormuz Put Energy Risk Back Into the Market The crypto rally weakened as the United States and Iran exchanged further attacks and shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz declined sharply.
According to shipping data reported by Reuters, only three commodity vessels passed through the strait on July 16, the lowest daily number since May. No very large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers completed the passage for a second consecutive day.
Transit was not formally halted for all shipping. The renewed U.S. blockade targeted Iranian ports and Iran-related traffic, while neutral vessels travelling to or from other countries were not officially prohibited from using the strait. The collapse in activity nevertheless showed that operators were unwilling to treat the route as normal.
The link to crypto runs through oil, inflation and monetary policy. A sustained increase in energy prices could reverse part of June’s inflation improvement, reduce the Federal Reserve’s room to ease policy and strengthen demand for cash over speculative assets.
Bitcoin Is Caught Between Two Macro Signals Bitcoin’s retreat toward $63,000–$64,000 did not erase the entire post-CPI rebound, but it showed that softer inflation alone was not enough to support a sustained breakout. Ethereum’s return below $1,900 delivered the same message more clearly because it surrendered most of its initial 6% advance.
The market is now balancing a confirmed decline in June inflation against an energy shock that has not yet appeared in official consumer-price data. That leaves oil prices and shipping conditions through Hormuz as immediate variables ahead of the Federal Reserve’s July 28–29 meeting.
A return above Bitcoin’s Wednesday high near $65,500 would indicate that the inflation-driven demand survived the geopolitical pullback. A fall below the pre-report area around $62,600 would instead show that the market had fully surrendered the CPI rally.
Ethereum clears its $1,842 neckline targeting $2,163, but veteran analyst Aksel Kibar warns retail buyers to wait for a $2,000 breakout.
Cover image via depositphotos.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
Tech Charts analyst Aksel Kibar presented a mathematical roadmap for the Ethereum move toward $2,163 based on a double-bottom pattern as the attempt to consolidate above the key technical level of $1,842 has once again divided the market into two camps.
Still, the chart's attractive geometry has not convinced the analyst himself either, as Kibar considers the current breakout local and refuses to buy Ethereum until its price proves its stability above the psychological barrier of $2,000.
Breakout or bull trap? Deciphering the scenarios for the path to $2,163The double-bottom reversal pattern in question emerged after Ethereum twice found solid ground near $1,510 in June and July. On both occasions, buyers immediately bought the dip and formed matching lows. This prolonged battle for a foothold eventually ended successfully with an impulsive breakout above the pattern's neckline at $1,842.
HOT Stories
Fresh Ethereum (ETH) price outlook by Aksel Kibar, Source: Aksel Kibar via XNow, at $1,868.53 per ETH, where the altcoin is attempting to consolidate and turn yesterday's resistance into reliable support, the current price setup creates two possible scenarios:
Bull case: If buyers hold Ethereum above $1,842 and turn the former resistance level into support, the asset could overcome the psychological barrier of $2,000 and move toward its main technical target of $2,163.Bear case: If Ethereum fails to hold above $1,842 and closes the week below the pattern's neckline, the breakout would lose its validity and could turn into a bull trap. In this scenario, the price may return to its previous range and remain vulnerable to another test of lower support levels.At first glance, the market appears to have produced an ideal entry point, especially considering that Ether is still trading significantly below its average price over the past year. However, retail enthusiasm is once again colliding with the cold-blooded caution of institutional capital.
Not for me at this stage. I'm looking for signs of initial strength. This can become part of a larger scale bottom.
— Aksel Kibar, CMT (@TechCharts) July 19, 2026 When asked whether it made sense to accumulate the asset at a discount below its annual moving average, Kibar replied that this trade was not for him at this stage, as he is looking for signs of initial strength, while the current move may represent only a small part of a much larger, global bottoming process.
You Might Also Like
A local breakout represents only a victory in one individual battle, while Ethereum's broader trend remains fragile and technically weak below its annual moving average. So, Kibar is deliberately accepting the possibility of missing part of the upside in exchange for entering later, once the asset demonstrates sustained strength and its macro structure begins to improve.
This makes buying ETH here a risk of having capital locked in a prolonged and unpredictable sideways market.
In this context, the validity of the reversal will only become clearer after the next weekly close, which should determine whether the breakout is developing into a broader trend change or remains a local move within a larger bottoming process.
Kraken is rolling out cash-settled options contracts on Bitcoin and Ethereum, and the key selling point is refreshingly simple: you don’t need to hold any crypto to trade them.
The new European-style options on XBT/USD and ETH/USD will launch on July 16, settling entirely in US dollars. That means no managing Bitcoin collateral, no worrying about liquidation mechanics tied to volatile digital assets. Just clean, linear payouts denominated in the currency most institutional traders already think in.
How it works, and who gets access first The contracts will initially be available through a request-for-quote system on Kraken Pro, targeting professional and institutional clients. There’s a geographic catch, though. At launch, the product is only accessible to clients outside Europe, North America, and Australia.
That’s a meaningful exclusion. Three of crypto’s biggest markets are sitting this one out, at least initially. Kraken has signaled plans to expand to European clients later in 2026, with a public order book also expected to follow.
Advertisement
The product lineup covers a range of expiration cycles: weekly, monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual. Portfolio margins will be enabled by default, which is a notable design choice. It means traders can offset risk across positions automatically rather than posting isolated margin for each trade.
Clients will also benefit from a unified wallet that supports collateral in over 30 currencies. That wallet ties together options, spot, and futures trading into a single interface.
Why cash settlement changes the game Alexia Theodorou, who works on the product at Kraken, put it bluntly.
“The existing options market in crypto has been built for a narrow slice of the trader base.”
That narrow slice is mostly crypto-native firms and sophisticated individual traders who are comfortable holding Bitcoin as margin. For a pension fund or a macro hedge fund that wants exposure to Bitcoin volatility without actually touching Bitcoin, the existing setup is a non-starter.
Cash settlement in USD removes that friction entirely. A trader can express a view on Bitcoin’s price direction, collect or pay premiums in dollars, and never interact with a blockchain. The linear payout structure reinforces this simplicity. Unlike inverse contracts, where profit and loss are denominated in the underlying asset, linear contracts keep everything in dollar terms.
The competitive landscape is heating up Kraken isn’t entering an empty field. CME Group has offered Bitcoin and Ethereum options for years, and those products have seen growing institutional adoption. Deribit dominates crypto-native options volume and has built a deep, liquid order book. Binance runs its own derivatives suite as well.
But each of those venues has trade-offs. CME’s products carry the overhead of traditional futures clearing. Deribit settles in crypto and requires crypto collateral. Binance faces regulatory scrutiny that makes some institutional players uncomfortable.
The RFQ model at launch is telling. It’s the same mechanism that institutional FX and rates desks use daily. Rather than posting orders to a public book, traders request prices from market makers. It prioritizes execution quality and discretion over transparency, which is exactly what large players want when they’re moving size.
For investors watching this space, the product’s expansion timeline matters as much as the launch itself. If Kraken can successfully open access to North American and European clients later in 2026, it would significantly broaden the addressable market. The shift from RFQ to a public order book will also be a key milestone, since that’s when retail and smaller institutional players can participate without negotiating quotes directly.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
84 million BANK tokens have been transferred from the foundation to the Aster deposit address, valued at approximately $13.7 million.
Arkham data shows that 84 million BANK tokens (of Lorenzo Protocol) were transferred from the BANK Foundation address to a newly created wallet, then moved to an Aster deposit address, valued at approximately $13.7 million. Market data indicates BANK has rallied more than 3 times over the past three days, briefly topping $0.21, and is now trading at $0.163 with a 24-hour gain of 53.7%.
39 minutes ago
World Cup Predict.fun Final Launches 30-Point Market, 260,000 USDT Prize Pool Up for Grabs
Predict.fun’s World Cup Finals have officially kicked off. Centered on the Argentina vs. Spain match, 30 fan token markets are now live, covering multiple dimensions including match outcome, score, goals, corner kicks, and player performance, with nearly 200,000 fan tokens released in total. Supporters of the eventual winning team will split the 260,000 USDT final prize pool based on their points rankings.
39 minutes ago
Analysis: Bitcoin will not bottom out this quarter; the current sideways consolidation is a false stability, with the real bottom and accumulation window arriving in October.
Market analyst Noname has published a post refuting the current "bottom is already here" narrative, arguing that calling a bottom is premature. The current sideways consolidation essentially reflects indecision, with "hesitation at this level usually preceding a downward breakout before an upward move." The analyst outlined a clear path forecast for the second half of 2026: July will see "false stability" and a bear trap rally, with volatility to flush out weak positions; August will mark the start of the real decline, testing the $50,000 level for the first time; September will extend downward pressure, with a W-bottom structure beginning to form; October will be the actual bottom and accumulation zone, at which point participation strategies will turn aggressive; November will show initial signs of recovery, with prices starting to rebound from the bottom; December will bring the possibility of returning to $100,000 for the first time since the bear market began. The analyst emphasized that the final sell-off is still imminent, though most refuse to believe it. "Don’t let the sideways movement fool you." In terms of rhythm, the decline since the June high is a full liquidation of the three-year rally. Previous bear cycles all ended with corrections of over 80%; the current price is roughly 50% down from its all-time high, so if history repeats, lower targets should still be within expectations. The analyst predicts the final bottom will not drag into the fourth quarter—this cycle will complete in the third quarter. An oversold zone with expanding volume may be observed between August and September, followed by a breakout in the fourth quarter, and returning to $100,000 by year-end will be the minimum rebound target needed for bulls to repair structural damage.
39 minutes ago
Smart money address 'gritsa.eth' has opened a long position of 50 BTC, valued at approximately $3.22 million.
According to OnchainLens monitoring, the smart money address "gritsa.eth" has just opened a long position on Hyperliquid for 50 BTC, worth approximately $3.22 million. The trader’s cumulative profit exceeds $2.83 million.
39 minutes ago
CZ teases in a post: Even being inactive doesn’t hurt gaining followers – could the bear market be nearing its end?
Binance founder CZ posted, "Inactivity doesn’t seem to affect follower growth at all. Is the bear market almost over?" According to the tweet CZ cited, his current follower count on X stands at 11.98 million, soon to cross the 12 million threshold.
39 minutes ago
US Secretary of Energy states that military operations against Iran will continue.
U.S. Energy Secretary Wright has stated that U.S. military operations against Iran will continue until President Trump achieves his military objectives. In an interview, Wright said the Trump administration’s goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and weaken its ability to threaten neighboring countries and global commercial activities. "Therefore, this mission will continue until its task is completed," (CCTV)
The crypto market just got a brutal reminder that bombs overseas can crater portfolios at home. Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called on July 9 for the US to resume sustained airstrikes against Iran, days after American forces hit over 80 Iranian targets in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping vessels. The escalation has already cost the crypto market roughly $80 billion in total capitalization, with Bitcoin and Ethereum taking the hardest hits.
What’s happening on the ground The US struck more than 80 strategic Iranian military targets on July 7, responding to Iranian missile and drone assaults on commercial vessels in key shipping lanes. Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas with a long track record of hawkish Iran policy, wasted no time arguing the response wasn’t enough.
As of mid-July, 19 US service members and one contractor have been killed during the conflict with Iran. Six of those soldiers died in a single drone strike on a base in Kuwait on March 1.
Advertisement
The broader conflict has already moved well beyond tit-for-tat. Previous US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and military positions, and Iranian drone strikes on American bases in the region have continued despite the retaliatory actions.
Why crypto is bleeding The approximately $80 billion drawdown in crypto market capitalization following this escalation tells a clear story. Bitcoin and Ethereum bore the brunt of the selling as traders processed the implications of a potential sustained US military campaign against Iran.
The sanctions angle matters too Cotton’s advocacy extends beyond bombs. His push for stringent sanctions against entities that support Iranian interests could have direct implications for the crypto ecosystem. Previous rounds of Iran-related sanctions have targeted crypto wallets and exchanges suspected of facilitating sanctions evasion. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has shown it’s perfectly willing to blacklist blockchain addresses, and a hotter conflict gives it more political cover to do so aggressively.
What investors should watch Oil prices are the canary in this coal mine. Iranian attacks on commercial shipping lanes directly threaten energy supply chains, and rising oil prices tend to strengthen the dollar while weakening risk assets, including crypto.
The 19 US service members killed so far have generated significant political pressure for both escalation and withdrawal. One underappreciated risk: if this conflict drags on and expands, it could delay or derail crypto-friendly legislation currently moving through Congress, including bills related to stablecoin regulation, market structure reform, and digital asset taxation.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
19 July 2026 | 18:58 Ethereum has confirmed $1,800 as near-term support after buyers stepped in and pushed the price back toward the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement near $1,870.
Key Takeaways ETH defended $1,800 and is testing the 0.382 Fibonacci resistance near $1,870. A close above the level followed by a successful retest might support a move toward $1,990. Exchange outflows and a record staking rate are reducing Ethereum’s liquid supply. A daily close below $1,800 would expose the $1,730 area. ETH was trading around $1,875 at the time of writing, placing it slightly above the resistance line but not yet far enough beyond it to confirm a clean breakout. The next reaction around this level should show whether the recovery can continue or whether the latest advance was another temporary move within the broader downtrend.
ETH Needs to Hold $1,870 After the Breakout Moving above the 0.382 retracement is only the first part of the setup. ETH also needs to return to the level and hold it as support.
A successful retest would show that buyers are prepared to defend prices above the previous resistance rather than simply chase a brief intraday move. That would bring the following levels into view:
0.5 Fibonacci retracement near $1,990 0.618 Fibonacci retracement near $2,100 The first target sits close to the psychological $2,000 mark, where selling pressure could increase. ETH would need to reclaim that region before the recovery could begin challenging the larger bearish structure visible on the chart.
A rejection near $1,872 would shift attention back to $1,800. Another reaction from that area could allow Ethereum to build a higher base before making a new breakout attempt.
A daily close below $1,800 would weaken that scenario and place the 0.236 Fibonacci retracement near $1,732 back in focus.
Exchange Flows Support the Price Setup CryptoQuant data provides a possible explanation for the stronger response around support.
Ethereum has recorded persistent negative exchange netflows over the past two weeks, meaning more ETH has been withdrawn from exchanges than deposited. At the same time, the staking rate has climbed to a record 33.5%.
Both trends reduce the amount of ETH immediately available for trading. Exchange withdrawals move coins away from venues where they can be sold quickly, while staking commits a growing part of the supply to the network.
This does not guarantee a shortage or an immediate price increase. Withdrawn ETH can return to exchanges, and staked coins are not permanently removed from circulation. The data does show that new demand may be competing for a smaller liquid pool than before.
Binance Has More Available Buying Power Stablecoin netflows into Binance have risen by approximately 506% compared with their 90-day baseline, averaging more than $72 million in daily inflows.
These funds can be deployed into ETH and other cryptocurrencies without waiting for additional fiat deposits. Their arrival gives traders more capital to use if the breakout attracts demand.
Stablecoin deposits alone do not show that Ethereum is being purchased. Some of the funds may remain unused, move into other assets or serve as collateral. Rising ETH spot volume alongside a successful retest of $1,872 would provide stronger evidence that the available liquidity is entering the market.
Binance funding rates have also fallen by around 31% week over week. The cooler reading suggests that the recovery is not being driven by an unusually crowded group of leveraged long positions.
That reduces the immediate threat of a long-liquidation cascade, although it also means ETH may need stronger spot participation to maintain the advance.
Iran Escalation Could Give Ethereum Its Next Direction The Iran-US conflict has intensified, with strikes continuing on both sides and the US military carrying out another round of attacks against targets linked to Iran. According to the BBC, the escalation has also raised concerns around regional security and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed uncertainty could become the outside force that gives Ethereum a clearer direction around its current technical levels. The crypto market rallied when tensions with Iran first broke out earlier this year, but the same reaction is not guaranteed as the conflict enters a more serious phase.
A move above $1,870 followed by a successful retest would show that buyers are absorbing the geopolitical risk. A rejection would return attention to $1,800, where Ethereum has already established a well-defended support zone.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice.
Author
Kosta has reported on cryptocurrency markets and blockchain infrastructure since 2020, bringing over six years of hands-on experience in the crypto industry built through daily tracking of markets, trends, and emerging blockchain developments. Specializing in Bitcoin on-chain analysis, institutional ETF flows, and digital asset price action, his work at Coindoo has been cited by other news agencies and consistently covers market developments with a focus on data-driven reporting across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. Over the years, Kosta has contributed to multiple crypto media outlets in different regions, authoring over 6,000 articles across the sector. His reporting spans cryptocurrency markets and the broader fintech industry, tracking not only price action but also the technological and regulatory forces shaping the ecosystem. To support his analysis, Kosta actively leverages on-chain data and metrics from leading platforms such as Santiment, Glassnode, and CryptoQuant, enabling deeper, evidence-based market insights. He believes in the power of transparency and the data that underpins the blockchain ecosystem. His academic background in Marketing Management from Denmark further complements his analytical approach, adding a strong understanding of communication strategy and content positioning to his work.
Ethereum is currently holding above a major 0.618 Fibonacci support, consolidating within a multi-year triangle formation as it approaches a decisive technical moment. Analysts pointed to compression between a rising long-term support and a descending resistance line, which has confined Ethereum’s price action since its prior record high.
Ethereum faces key resistance as breakout loomsEthereum’s price has repeatedly found support along a steadily rising trendline, while each rebound has stalled at lower highs, resulting in a narrowing triangle pattern. This setup suggests the cryptocurrency is nearing a critical juncture that could determine its next major move.
The descending resistance line remains the immediate challenge for buyers. For any bullish reversal scenario to gain validity, Ethereum must close decisively above this resistance and confirm the breakout by holding that level through a subsequent retest.
If this breakout materializes, the first significant price target would be the previous all-time high situated around $4,900. Surpassing that barrier would put Ethereum back into price discovery mode and bring ambitious targets of $8,300 and even $10,000 into focus.
However, the supportive trendline’s integrity is equally crucial. Should Ethereum break below this line for an extended period, the triangle breakout thesis would be invalidated, raising the probability of a deeper correction before any potential recovery attempt.
Ethereum’s technical setup now hinges on whether it can clear the long-term descending resistance. A convincing move above this level could see the cryptocurrency revisit its previous highs and pursue new targets, but failure risks further downside.
Mini dictionary: Fibonacci support, a technique in technical analysis where horizontal lines indicate areas of support or resistance at the key Fibonacci levels before the price continues in the original direction.
Key LevelPrice ZoneScenario if BreachedDescending resistanceAbove trendline (variable)Triggers bullish reversal targetsPrevious high$4,865–$4,900Opens price discovery, $8,300–$10,000 possibleRising supportLong-term uptrend (variable)Sustained loss increases correction risk0.618 Fibonacci~$1,843Key for sustained recoveryMajor historical low~$1,510Weekly close below weakens supportMarket structure and historical contextEthereum currently retests the 0.618 Fibonacci support set near $1,843. This level previously marked the turnaround for a major rally, which began after the cryptocurrency slipped to $1,379 in May 2025 and subsequently recovered to highs near $4,865.
In the latest movements, Ethereum dipped to around $1,510 before rebounding above the crucial Fibonacci area. Sustained action above $1,843 is seen as the first step toward confirming another long-term recovery. Any further advance would require Ethereum to break above moving-average resistances positioned between $2,400 and $2,900, setting the stage for a clearer bullish structure.
A decisive breakout could return focus to the $4,865 level, followed by a Fibonacci extension target near $6,089. On a longer-term horizon, projections suggest the next significant objective may lie around $9,145.
Despite the favorable comparison to previous cycles, analysts maintain that historical patterns do not guarantee future results. If Ethereum were to record a weekly close below $1,510, confidence in the support structure would diminish, increasing the likelihood that the current correction has further to run.
The comparison to the May 2025 rebound helps guide expectations, but the current price action remains sensitive to key support and resistance levels that will dictate Ethereum’s trajectory in the coming weeks.
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.
Key TakeawaysNetwork Evolution and Technical AdvancementsCompetitive Pressures and Economic Model Questions ETH currently sits around the $1,870 price level US-based spot Ethereum ETFs have launched, providing institutional and retail access Recent network enhancements have doubled capacity while slashing mainnet transaction costs to under $0.02 Rival platforms like Solana present formidable competition with superior speed and affordability Scaling solutions on layer-2 networks may not directly translate to ETH price appreciation Within the cryptocurrency landscape, Ethereum maintains its position as the second-largest digital asset following Bitcoin. While Bitcoin serves primarily as a store of value and digital gold, Ethereum functions as the foundational layer powering decentralized applications, DeFi protocols, stablecoin infrastructure, and tokenized real-world assets.
Ethereum (ETH) Price This expansive functionality positions ETH as an attractive long-term holding, though it doesn’t automatically ensure upward price momentum.
The current market price for ETH stands near $1,870.
Network Evolution and Technical Advancements Research published in 2026 revealed that Ethereum’s latest protocol improvements successfully doubled the network’s transaction processing capacity throughout both its base layer and layer-2 infrastructure. The median cost for mainnet transactions plummeted from above $2 to less than $0.02. Meanwhile, layer-2 transaction fees experienced reductions exceeding 95%.
The implementation of specialized data structures known as “blobs” drove these improvements, dramatically reducing operational costs for Ethereum-compatible rollup solutions including Arbitrum, Base, and Optimism.
July 2024 marked a milestone when spot Ethereum ETFs commenced trading across US markets. This development positioned ETH alongside Bitcoin as accessible investment vehicles through traditional brokerage platforms and tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Additionally, Ethereum operates on a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, enabling token holders to generate passive income through network validation. This characteristic gives ETH yield-generating properties that Bitcoin lacks.
Competitive Pressures and Economic Model Questions The most significant headwind facing Ethereum stems from intensifying blockchain competition. Solana delivers superior transaction speeds and minimal fees within a unified ecosystem, eliminating the complexity of bridging across multiple layer-2 solutions.
Data from 21Shares indicates that Solana accumulated roughly $2.85 billion in total revenue during the twelve-month period from October 2024 through September 2025.
A fundamental concern revolves around economic value accrual. While reduced fees on layer-2 platforms enhance user experience, they simultaneously diminish revenue flowing to Ethereum’s base layer. This creates a scenario where Ethereum could underpin substantial economic activity without corresponding ETH price appreciation.
Industry analysts have additionally identified concerning levels of consolidation among Ethereum block producers, sparking debates about potential centralization vulnerabilities within critical network components.
Historical price action demonstrates that ETH exhibits significant volatility and has periodically lagged Bitcoin’s performance throughout various market phases.
Key Takeaways Ethereum maintains its position as the dominant platform with strong institutional backing and a mature decentralized application network Solana offers superior transaction speed and cost efficiency, with fees averaging just $0.00025 per transaction Both blockchains now have spot ETF products available in the United States, leveling the institutional playing field Stablecoin volume on Solana has surged past $11 billion, with monthly transaction counts exceeding 200 million While both represent high-risk investments, Ethereum is generally viewed as the more conservative choice for long-term portfolios While Ethereum and Solana both function as smart-contract platforms, their technological approaches and investor appeal differ significantly.
Ethereum (ETH) Price Ethereum represents the veteran in this comparison. The network supports an extensive collection of decentralized applications, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets. Its scaling philosophy centers on layer-2 solutions that process transactions off the main blockchain while leveraging Ethereum’s base layer for final settlement and security guarantees.
Throughout 2024, regulatory approval of spot Ethereum exchange-traded products in the United States created new pathways for mainstream adoption. Investors can now access ETH exposure through conventional brokerage platforms and tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Future development plans for Ethereum include technical enhancements such as PeerDAS and increased blob capacity, both designed to accommodate higher volumes of layer-2 transaction processing.
A critical challenge facing Ethereum investors involves the economics of value accrual. With growing transaction volumes migrating to layer-2 solutions, the base layer captures diminishing fee revenue.
User experience complexity presents another hurdle. Participants frequently navigate between different networks, utilize cross-chain bridges, and handle multiple token variants across various layers.
Why Solana Emphasizes Performance Solana operates as a monolithic blockchain without depending on secondary scaling layers. This architectural choice streamlines the overall user experience.
Solana (SOL) Price Transaction costs on the network remain remarkably minimal. Standard operations cost approximately $0.00025. This pricing structure positions Solana favorably for applications requiring high-frequency, low-cost interactions — including decentralized exchanges, blockchain gaming, payment systems, and NFT marketplaces.
The Solana network has witnessed explosive growth in stablecoin adoption. According to the Solana Foundation, stablecoin circulation on the platform has exceeded $11 billion, with monthly transaction volumes surpassing 200 million.
Access points for institutional capital have expanded considerably. Investment products from firms like 21Shares, Grayscale, and Bitwise now provide American investors with regulated SOL exposure, including vehicles that incorporate staking rewards.
This development has significantly reduced Ethereum’s historical edge in attracting institutional investment flows.
Understanding the Risk Profile Solana faces heightened implementation challenges. The ecosystem has demonstrated considerable dependence on speculative trading dynamics, particularly within the memecoin sector. Network activity may contract substantially during bearish market conditions.
Ethereum confronts a distinct set of challenges. While the layer-2 approach enhances transaction throughput, it simultaneously fragments liquidity and complicates the user journey. Long-term questions remain about the proportion of economic value that ultimately accrues to ETH token holders.
Investment Implications Risk-averse cryptocurrency investors may find Ethereum represents a more suitable foundation for portfolio allocation. The platform benefits from operational longevity, established infrastructure networks, and mature relationships with institutional participants.
Solana presents potentially higher appreciation potential, accompanied by increased price volatility and ecosystem uncertainty.
Many sophisticated investors adopt a dual-allocation strategy — capturing Ethereum’s network effects while participating in Solana’s rapid ecosystem expansion. Regardless of approach, both assets remain fundamentally speculative with substantial downside risk potential.
