Market Signal Briefing

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) underperforming against gold has prompted its prominent critic Peter Schiff to highlight the divergence.

What Happened: In a post on X on Wednesday, Schiff noted that many Bitcoin advocates expect gold's record-breaking rally to trigger a similar surge in BTC, arguing that the two assets move in tandem as alternative stores of value.

However, Schiff warned that Bitcoin's inability to rise alongside gold signals weakness rather than latent potential.

Instead of a delayed breakout, he predicts a "belated bust", marking the end of Bitcoin's speculative phase: “the party is over,” Schiff wrote.

On Oct 14, Schiff projected that if Nasdaq futures decline 7.5%, the index would enter correction territory, which is over 10% below recent highs.

In that scenario, Bitcoin could fall at least 15%, slipping below $95,000, with the next major support zone around $75,000.

Also Read: Bitcoin, Ethereum Crash Was A Blip, Not A Fundamental Shift, Bitwise’s Matt Hougan Says

Why It Matters: Schiff also analyzed broader markets, citing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's bullish view on China's economic pivot toward wealthier global customers as upside potential.

Schiff argued that while Bessent dismisses gold's rise and praises Alan Greenspan's low interest rates, Greenspan's easy monetary policy was a key driver of the 2008 financial crisis.

Schiff warned that the next dollar crisis could be significantly more severe.

After Bitcoin's bounce from the crypto market's largest liquidation event, Schiff criticized Bitcoin’s volatility and emphasized safer, more stable assets like gold and silver, which are delivering strong returns.

Read Next:

Bitcoin Stalls At $112,000, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Consolidate On Thursday
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Gold’s massive rise in 2025 is capturing investor attention, with market veteran Ed Yardeni declaring it the “new bitcoin.” 

Yardeni argued that gold has outperformed bitcoin as a safe-haven asset amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty.

“Bitcoin has been described as ‘digital gold,’ but we would describe gold as ‘physical bitcoin,’” Yardeni wrote, highlighting gold’s historical reliability compared with bitcoin’s shorter track record and risk-on behavior, Yardeni wrote in a Wednesday note from Yardeni Research reported by CNBC. 

The numbers back up his claim. Gold has surged roughly 60% year-to-date, while bitcoin’s gains have been closer to 20%. In recent weeks, gold has rallied nearly 4%, while bitcoin has fallen 9%, and the Nasdaq has dipped almost 1%. 

Gold is currently priced at over $4,200 an ounce. One year ago, it was roughly $2,600 an ounce.

The surge in gold today can be partially attributed to President Trump threatening China with “retribution” over trade, including a potential ban on Chinese cooking oil, amid longstanding tensions involving soybeans and other commodities. 

The escalation raises U.S. economic uncertainty, boosting demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Yardeni: Bitcoin has liquidity strain
Yardeni attributed bitcoin’s decline to liquidity strains, with around $19 billion in recent liquidations in leveraged positions, forcing some auto-deleveraging and widening market spreads.

By contrast, gold climbed after President Donald Trump hinted at 100% tariffs against China, reflecting its role as a geopolitical hedge. 

Yardeni sees gold pushing past $5,000 in 2026, potentially reaching $10,000 by decade’s end. 

“Investors seeking protection from mounting geopolitical risks have been heading for the hills to mine for gold as well as silver,” he said. 

Bitcoin has settled near $111,000 this week, following a record high above $126,000 and one of the market’s most violent corrections in years. The rally to all-time highs was driven by renewed institutional demand, falling real yields, and growing adoption of the “debasement trade,” as investors sought protection against monetary expansion.

The recovery came after a brutal weekend that wiped out over $19 billion in leveraged positions, forcing more than 1.6 million traders to liquidate in cascading margin calls. 

Despite the turbulence, long-term holders remained steady, and metrics like Coin Days Destroyed suggested most selling came from new entrants capitulating at a loss. Bitcoin’s fundamentals, including hash rate, transaction throughput, and active addresses, continued to trend upward. 

Micah Zimmerman

Micah first discovered Bitcoin in 2018 but remained a skeptic on the sidelines for too long. Since 2021, he has covered crypto and business and now works as a junior news reporter for Bitcoin Magazine, based in North Carolina.

A Lubian-linked wallet has reactivated, moving 11,886 BTC (~$1.3B) hours after U.S. prosecutors detailed a DOJ filing. Arkham and Lookonchain have traced flows as observers weigh timing around the Lubian Bitcoin transfers within a Forfeiture Case tied to broader enforcement.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is struggling around the $111,000 range, with sentiment dropping into the fear zone again.

CryptocurrencyTickerPriceBitcoin(CRYPTO: BTC)$111,300.21Ethereum(CRYPTO: ETH)$3,998.93Solana(CRYPTO: SOL)$197.27XRP(CRYPTO: XRP)$2.43Dogecoin(CRYPTO: DOGE)$0.1988Shiba Inu(CRYPTO: SHIB)$0.00001043Notable Statistics:

Coinglass data shows 155,884 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $413.18 million.       
The CoinMarketCap Fear and Greed Index slipped from 42 (Neutral zone) to 37 (Fear zone) in two days.
In the past 24 hours, top losers include Plasma (CRYPTO: XPL), Dash (CRYPTO: DASH) and MYX Finance (CRYPTO: MYX).
Notable Developments:

Coinbase Boosts Stake In Indian Crypto Exchange CoinDCX, Values Company At Nearly $2.5 Billion
Bitfarms’ $300M AI Pivot Sparks ETF Rethink: Can Blockchain Funds Handle The AI Boom?
Bitcoin, Ethereum Crash Was A Blip, Not A Fundamental Shift, Bitwise’s Matt Hougan Says
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Creates America’s First-Ever Municipal Office For Crypto And Blockchain
Bitcoin Reserves Held By US Could Swell To $36 Billion As DOJ Files Largest Ever Forfeiture Linked To Cambodian ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams
Trader Notes: Crypto trader IncomeSharks highlighted that he's preparing for Bitcoin's potential downside while still expecting a rally.

The current setup resembles a previous pattern, though the major sell-off may already be behind us.

Further declines would primarily affect leveraged traders rather than spot holders.

Ted Pillows noted that Bitcoin's long-term structure remains bullish. Staying above $102,000 is key to maintaining the bull run, while a monthly close below this level would raise concerns.

The Cryptomist remains optimistic about a push toward weekly high. The bullish falling wedge pattern appears intact, and a breakout could take BTC toward $116,000, with altcoins likely retesting their weekly highs.

Read Next:

Tom Lee Stays Bullish: Bitcoin To $250,000, Ethereum To $10,000 In 2025
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Journalist

Posted: October 16, 2025

Key Takeaways
Why is crypto struggling to recover from the recent losses?
The market sentiment was weak. Bitcoin and altcoins made small gains on Sunday and Monday, but the first hint of a retracement in the early hours of Sunday saw increased selling from short-term holders.

Are short-term holders selling or accumulating now?
They were holding BTC at a loss and collectively sent 56k BTC to exchanges at a loss, showing panic-driven selling.

Between the 13th of October and the early hours of the 14th of October, Bitcoin [BTC] experienced a 5.05% price drop.

In the space of 14 hours, it fell from $115,868 to $110,012. Over the past 24 hours, BTC has made a slight move higher, measuring 2.03%, at press time.

However, even the dip on the 14th of October was enough to scare short-term holders into selling.

After the enormous liquidations on the 10th of October and the swiftness of the fall, market participants were bracing themselves for another price drop.

Selling and bearish sentiment prevail in crypto land
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), crypto analyst Darkfost observed that the short-term holders were still in panic mode. The 5% price dip that ended in the early hours of Tuesday was enough to spook the short-term holders.

56k Bitcoin was sent to exchanges at a loss during the price dip. This was more than the amount sent to exchanges during the actual liquidation episode. It revealed trigger-happy sellers fearful of another price crash.

The analyst observed that, for the third time in just a few days, short-term holders (STHs) were moving their coins in a panic-driven manner. In the 20 hours leading up to the report, Bitcoin mostly traded within the $112,000 to $113,000 range.

A price drop below $111.8k could once again alarm this cohort, leading to heightened selling and greater volatility.

Crypto analyst Axel Adler Jr showed that short-term holders were realizing losses using the Bitcoin STH SOPR, as its value was below 1. The metric also pointed toward weakness in demand.

A drop below 0.975 would mean the STH SOPR was in a “high stress zone”, which had previously been reached in April 2025.

It is possible that spooked sellers could feed the cycle, driving prices lower and selling at a greater loss until exhausted, leading to a bottom formation.

Akashnath S is a Senior Journalist and Technical Analysis expert at AMBCrypto. He specializes in dissecting price action, identifying key market trends through advanced chart patterns, and forecasting both short-term and long-term asset trajectories.
His distinct analytical method is grounded in his academic training as a Chemical Engineer. This background provides him with a systematic, process-oriented approach to market data, enabling him to analyze the complex dynamics of financial markets with precision and objectivity.
Having actively covered the cryptocurrency space since the landmark 2017 market cycle, Akashnath possesses years of experience navigating both bull and bear markets. This seasoned perspective is critical to his insightful reporting on market volatility and evolution.
As an active market participant, Akashnath enhances his analysis with crucial, hands-on experience. This practical application of his technical skills ensures his insights are not merely theoretical, but are also relevant and actionable for an audience looking to understand and navigate trading opportunities. He is dedicated to educating readers on the nuances of technical analysis, empowering them with the knowledge to make more informed financial decisions.

TL;DR

Coinbase added BNB, the token of its main competitor Binance, to its official listing roadmap.
The decision comes amid an intense industry debate over fees and transparency in token listings.
The price of BNB reacted with an immediate 2% jump after the announcement, reflecting the news’s impact.

In a surprising turn that has captured the attention of the entire cryptocurrency industry, Coinbase has added support for BNB, the native token of its main rival’s ecosystem, Binance.

The news was confirmed when Coinbase Markets included BNB in its official listing roadmap, marking the first time the U.S. exchange platform has decided to list its competitor’s flagship asset.

This move is not an isolated event. It comes after days of heated debate over the standards and listing practices on centralized exchanges.

The controversy intensified after Limitless Labs CEO, CJ Hetherington, made claims about Binance’s alleged practices for listing tokens, to which Jesse Pollak, head of Coinbase’s Base network, responded by stating that listings “should cost 0%.” This prompted a call from the community for Coinbase to “lead by example,” a challenge that now seems to have culminated with Coinbase listing BNB.

A Change in Strategy and a Message to the Market
A few hours before this announcement, Coinbase reinforced its position by publishing a blog post introducing “The Blue Carpet,” a new suite of tools and transparency measures for asset issuers, reaffirming that it does not charge listing or application fees. The decision for Coinbase to list BNB appears to be the definitive statement of this policy, a strategic move that could redefine the competitive dynamics between the two industry giants.

The market’s reaction was immediate. BNB, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, experienced a 2% jump to $1,175 right after the news, although its price has since adjusted. Coinbase has specified that trading will begin once “market-making support and sufficient technical infrastructure” are secured.

This historic step not only opens a new access route for BNB investors but could also mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation or, at the very least, a more nuanced competition within the crypto ecosystem.

Peter Zhang
Oct 15, 2025 18:12

** XRP trades at $2.43 following 3.5% decline as Ripple CTO transition announcement weighs on sentiment despite strong institutional ETF inflows totaling $210 million in September.

**

Quick Take
• XRP trading at $2.43 (down 3.5% in 24h)
• Ripple CTO David Schwartz's transition to board role creates technical leadership uncertainty
• Testing critical support near lower Bollinger Band at $2.34
• Following Bitcoin's 5% decline in broader crypto market selloff

Market Events Driving Ripple Price Movement
The most significant catalyst pressuring XRP price today stems from Ripple's announcement that Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz will step back from daily responsibilities by year-end to assume a board position. This leadership transition has introduced uncertainty regarding Ripple's future technical direction, contributing to the current 3.5% decline as investors reassess the company's development trajectory.

However, this bearish sentiment is being partially offset by sustained institutional interest driven by XRP ETF approval anticipation. September saw remarkable institutional inflows totaling $210 million, reflecting growing confidence in XRP's long-term utility and potential for mainstream adoption. This institutional backing provides a fundamental floor beneath current price action.

The broader cryptocurrency market downturn, triggered by Bitcoin's significant 5% decline on October 10, has created additional selling pressure across altcoins including XRP. This correlation demonstrates how XRP price remains tethered to Bitcoin's performance during periods of heightened market volatility.

XRP Technical Analysis: Testing Lower Band Support
Price Action Context
XRP price currently sits well below its key moving averages, with the token trading at $2.43 compared to the 20-day SMA at $2.77 and 50-day SMA at $2.87. This positioning indicates sustained bearish pressure in the medium term. Notably, XRP is approaching its 200-day moving average at $2.58 from below, which could serve as dynamic resistance on any recovery attempt.

The 24-hour trading volume of $366.8 million on Binance spot market reflects moderate institutional participation, suggesting the current decline lacks panic selling characteristics despite the leadership uncertainty.

Key Technical Indicators
The RSI reading of 34.66 places XRP in neutral territory but approaching oversold conditions, indicating potential for a technical bounce if support holds. The MACD histogram at -0.0432 confirms bearish momentum remains intact, though the magnitude suggests selling pressure may be moderating.

Most critically, Ripple technical analysis shows XRP's Bollinger Band position at 0.1002, placing the token very close to the lower band support at $2.34. This technical setup often precedes either a bounce or a more significant breakdown.

Critical Price Levels for Ripple Traders
Immediate Levels (24-48 hours)
• Resistance: $2.77 (20-day moving average and previous support turned resistance)
• Support: $2.34 (Lower Bollinger Band and key psychological level)

Breakout/Breakdown Scenarios
A breakdown below the $2.34 lower Bollinger Band support could trigger accelerated selling toward the strong support zone at $1.25, representing potential downside of nearly 50%. Conversely, a recovery above $2.77 resistance would signal that institutional ETF inflows are overwhelming the CTO transition concerns, potentially targeting the $3.10 immediate resistance level.

XRP Correlation Analysis
Bitcoin's influence on XRP price remains pronounced, with today's decline following Bitcoin's broader market selloff pattern. This correlation typically strengthens during periods of uncertainty, as institutional investors treat cryptocurrencies as a single asset class for risk management purposes.

Traditional market correlations appear muted currently, with focus remaining on crypto-specific catalysts rather than S&P 500 or gold movements. This suggests XRP price action will likely continue following Bitcoin's lead until the leadership transition concerns subside.

Trading Outlook: Ripple Near-Term Prospects
Bullish Case
Sustained institutional inflows driven by ETF anticipation could provide buying support at current levels. A successful defense of the $2.34 lower Bollinger Band, combined with Bitcoin stabilization, could trigger a relief rally toward $2.77 resistance. Positive clarity on Schwartz's successor or transition timeline would likely accelerate any recovery.

Bearish Case
Failure to hold $2.34 support amid continued Bitcoin weakness could spark algorithmic selling toward the $1.25 major support zone. Additional uncertainty around Ripple's technical leadership or delays in ETF approval processes would compound selling pressure.

Risk Management
Conservative traders should consider stop-losses below $2.30 to limit exposure to a potential breakdown scenario. Given XRP's daily ATR of $0.21, position sizing should account for potential 8-10% daily moves in either direction. Current volatility levels suggest reducing position sizes until clearer directional bias emerges.

Image source: Shutterstock

xrp price analysis
xrp price prediction

TL;DR

A Bitcoin wallet associated with the “LuBian” scam moved more than $1.3 billion in BTC.
The transaction occurred just after the DOJ announced a record $15 billion seizure.
This movement has generated speculation about a possible connection between both criminal networks.

A high alert has been issued for the cryptocurrency ecosystem. A massive transaction of the pioneering cryptocurrency, valued at $1.3 billion, was detected. The impressive move was executed from a digital wallet linked to the notorious “pig butchering” scam known as “LuBian.”

The timing of this transaction is what raised alarms: it occurred just one day after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the largest forfeiture action in its history against Chen Zhi and the Prince Group, valued at $15 billion in Bitcoin.

The blockchain analysis firm Arkham Intelligence was the first to report the significant wallet movement linked to LuBian. Specifically, 11,375 BTC were transferred, which has fueled speculation in the community about a possible connection between the LuBian network and the Prince Group’s operations. Although there is no official confirmation directly linking the two groups, the timing of the transaction suggests that LuBian’s operators could be reacting to the DOJ’s strike, seeking to move their funds to avoid a similar fate.

A Chain Reaction in the Crypto Underworld?
The “pig butchering” scams operated by both LuBian and the Prince Group share a similar modus operandi: building trust with victims and then persuading them to invest large sums on fraudulent platforms. The Prince Group’s operation was also linked to forced labor camps in Cambodia, where individuals were compelled to carry out these frauds.

The recent movement from the wallet linked to LuBian could indicate that criminal actors are feeling the pressure from U.S. authorities and are taking preventive measures. This event highlights the growing sophistication of law enforcement agencies in tracking and seizing illicit assets on the blockchain, but it also demonstrates the agility of these networks in attempting to secure their ill-gotten gains before they are seized. The crypto community and authorities will be closely monitoring the trail of these funds.

Rebeca Moen
Oct 15, 2025 18:18

Cardano trades at $0.67 amid 4.5% daily decline, testing key support despite positive Hydra Node 1.0 release and Brave Browser integration catalysts.

Quick Take
• ADA trading at $0.67 (down 4.5% in 24h) • Hydra Node Version 1.0.0 release and Brave Browser integration providing fundamental support • Critical support test at $0.66 daily low with Bollinger Band lower boundary nearby • Following broader crypto weakness despite Bitcoin's recent all-time high above $120,000

Market Events Driving Cardano Price Movement
The release of Hydra Node Version 1.0.0 on October 13th represents a significant milestone for Cardano's scalability roadmap, marking the first production-ready version of the layer-2 scaling solution designed to increase transaction throughput and reduce network latency. This technical advancement has provided underlying support for ADA price action, even as broader market pressures create near-term headwinds.

Brave Browser's integration of native Cardano support on October 10th expanded ADA's accessibility to 100 million users through the Brave Wallet, enhancing the token's utility and adoption potential. This development strengthened the fundamental case for Cardano despite current price weakness, as increased accessibility typically correlates with longer-term demand growth.

Bitcoin's surge to new all-time highs above $120,000 on October 9th initially lifted altcoin sentiment, but the subsequent cooling in Bitcoin momentum has created correlation pressure across major altcoins, including ADA. The ETF-driven institutional demand that propelled Bitcoin has not yet translated into sustained altcoin strength.

ADA Technical Analysis: Support Zone Testing
Price Action Context
ADA price currently trades below all major moving averages, with the 7-day SMA at $0.70 providing immediate resistance. The current $0.67 level sits near the Bollinger Bands lower boundary at $0.63, indicating potential oversold conditions. Trading volume of $122.8 million on Binance spot reflects moderate institutional interest during this consolidation phase.

The token has declined from recent highs near the 20-day moving average at $0.78, suggesting continued selling pressure from shorter-term holders taking profits after the recent positive developments.

Key Technical Indicators
The RSI reading of 37.27 indicates ADA is approaching oversold territory without reaching extreme levels, suggesting potential for a bounce if support holds. The MACD histogram at -0.0137 shows bearish momentum persisting, though the magnitude suggests this selling pressure may be moderating.

Cardano technical analysis reveals the Stochastic oscillator at 64.57 remains in neutral territory, indicating neither extreme buying nor selling conditions in the near term.

Critical Price Levels for Cardano Traders
Immediate Levels (24-48 hours)
• Resistance: $0.70 (7-day moving average and psychological level) • Support: $0.66 (24-hour low and critical support zone)

Breakout/Breakdown Scenarios
A break below $0.66 support could trigger selling toward the Bollinger Band lower boundary at $0.63, with the next major support at the 52-week low region near $0.54. Conversely, reclaiming $0.70 resistance would target the 20-day moving average at $0.78, representing a 16% upside potential.

ADA Correlation Analysis
Bitcoin: ADA price is following Bitcoin's recent pullback despite the leading cryptocurrency's strong monthly performance, maintaining typical altcoin correlation patterns during market uncertainty.

Traditional markets: Recent S&P 500 volatility has influenced crypto risk appetite, with ADA showing sensitivity to broader risk-off sentiment affecting growth assets.

Sector peers: Cardano is underperforming relative to some layer-1 competitors, suggesting ADA-specific profit-taking following recent fundamental developments.

Trading Outlook: Cardano Near-Term Prospects
Bullish Case
Sustained hold above $0.66 support combined with renewed Bitcoin strength could trigger a relief rally toward $0.70-$0.72. The positive fundamental backdrop from Hydra 1.0 and Brave integration provides underlying support for any technical bounce. Strong institutional Bitcoin flows could eventually rotate into quality altcoins like ADA.

Bearish Case
Failure to hold $0.66 support risks accelerated selling toward $0.63 and potentially the $0.54-$0.58 zone. Continued Bitcoin weakness or broader market risk-off sentiment could pressure ADA price further despite positive fundamentals.

Risk Management
Conservative traders should consider stops below $0.65 to limit downside exposure, while aggressive buyers might accumulate near $0.66 support with stops at $0.63. Given ADA's daily ATR of $0.08, position sizing should account for potential 12% daily volatility swings.

Image source: Shutterstock

ada price analysis
ada price prediction

TL;DR

Ethereum is facing a historic liquidity shortage. One-third of the supply is staked, and a large portion of tokens remain inactive.
ETFs and public companies hold over 6.8 million ETH ($28 billion), reducing exchange liquidity and increasing price sensitivity.
The market anticipates rallies that could push the price to $8,000–$10,000, although a breakout is not guaranteed.

Ethereum is experiencing an unprecedented liquidity shortage, with much of its supply out of circulation due to staking, ETFs, and inactive wallets.

About one-third of the total supply is locked in staking contracts, where withdrawals can take weeks. Another significant portion resides in decentralized treasuries or dormant wallets, many of which may not move for years.

Ethereum Could Face Severe Pressure During Demand Spikes
On-chain researchers describe the situation as a “liquidity blackout.” The combination of staking, ETF accumulation, and long-term storage has simultaneously reduced the available supply, creating a scenario never seen before. Institutional demand could amplify this effect, triggering sharp price increases during demand surges.

U.S.-listed ETFs have absorbed more than 6.8 million ETH, equivalent to $28 billion. Public companies hold over 12% of Ethereum’s total supply. Bitmine exceeded $12 billion in ETH, controlling nearly 5% of circulating tokens. This structural accumulation removes coins from circulation and decreases liquidity on exchanges, increasing price sensitivity during sudden demand shifts.

Toward $10,000 per ETH?
Ethereum reserves on Binance have fallen to their lowest level since May. Investors are moving assets to private wallets or staking pools. Historically, this pattern has coincided with strong price rallies when scarcity meets market optimism. Ted Pillows projects that ETH could reach $8,000–$10,000 within the next year, driven by undervaluation.

However, some firms warn that scarcity does not guarantee sustained price gains. Ethereum has not yet established momentum above its previous peak, and some analysts consider that reduced liquidity and the “supply vacuum” do not ensure an immediate breakout.

Joerg Hiller
Oct 15, 2025 18:24

SOL trading at $198.19 after SEC delays Solana ETF decision to October 16, creating uncertainty despite recent technical breakout from year-long downtrend.

Quick Take
• SOL trading at $198.19 (down 2.7% in 24h)
• SEC ETF decision delay until October 16 weighs on sentiment
• Testing critical $195 support after breaking year-long downtrend
• Following broader crypto weakness amid regulatory uncertainty

Market Events Driving Solana Price Movement
The most significant catalyst pressuring SOL price this week was the SEC's decision to delay ruling on several Solana ETF applications until October 16, 2025. The regulatory body cited the need for additional time to evaluate market integrity and investor protection concerns, creating immediate selling pressure as traders reduced risk ahead of the pending decision.

This regulatory overhang overshadowed what had been a positive technical development earlier in the week. On October 10, Solana broke above a year-long macro downtrend that had capped price action since late 2024. The breakout reclaimed the downtrend line as support, typically signaling a momentum shift from bearish to neutral-bullish territory.

The timing contrast between these events illustrates how regulatory uncertainty can quickly override technical improvements in crypto markets. While the downtrend break suggested institutional accumulation and renewed interest in SOL, the ETF delay reminded traders that regulatory clarity remains a key overhang for alternative cryptocurrency products.

SOL Technical Analysis: Support Test After Downtrend Break
Price Action Context
SOL price currently sits just above the $195.17 daily low, representing a critical test of short-term support. The current level at $198.19 places Solana below its 7-day moving average of $199.04 and significantly under the 20-day SMA at $213.08. However, the token maintains its position well above the 200-day moving average at $173.38, preserving the longer-term bullish structure.

Trading volume on Binance spot reached over $1 billion in 24 hours, indicating heightened institutional interest during this support test. This elevated volume suggests significant participation from both buyers defending current levels and sellers taking profits ahead of regulatory clarity.

Key Technical Indicators
The RSI at 44.05 sits in neutral territory, providing room for movement in either direction without reaching oversold conditions. This reading suggests the recent selloff hasn't reached capitulation levels, leaving potential for further downside if support breaks.

The MACD configuration shows concerning momentum with the main line at -5.22 below the signal line at -2.61, while the histogram at -2.60 confirms bearish momentum persistence. This technical setup suggests sellers remain in control of near-term price action despite the broader bullish trend.

Bollinger Bands positioning shows SOL trading at just 0.26 of the band width, indicating the token sits much closer to the lower band at $182.13 than the upper resistance at $244.03.

Critical Price Levels for Solana Traders
Immediate Levels (24-48 hours)
• Resistance: $213.08 (20-day SMA and psychological level)
• Support: $195.17 (today's low and short-term technical floor)

Breakout/Breakdown Scenarios
A break below $195 support could trigger algorithmic selling toward the $182.13 lower Bollinger Band, with stronger support emerging at $168.79. Conversely, reclaiming the $213 resistance zone would signal buyers stepping in ahead of the ETF decision, potentially targeting the $237.79 level.

SOL Correlation Analysis
Bitcoin's concurrent weakness is amplifying Solana's regulatory-driven decline, as institutional traders often reduce altcoin exposure when BTC shows vulnerability. This correlation has intensified during periods of regulatory uncertainty, making Bitcoin's price action a key variable for SOL's near-term direction.

Traditional market movements haven't shown strong correlation with SOL price recently, as crypto-specific factors like ETF approvals and blockchain adoption metrics carry more weight for Solana's valuation than broader equity movements.

Trading Outlook: Solana Near-Term Prospects
Bullish Case
A positive ETF decision tomorrow could trigger significant short covering and renewed institutional interest, potentially driving SOL price back toward the $237-$244 resistance zone. The successful defense of current support levels combined with regulatory clarity would validate the recent downtrend break.

Bearish Case
ETF rejection or further delays could extend the current correction toward the $168-$182 support cluster. Weak Bitcoin price action combined with continued regulatory uncertainty presents the primary risk to SOL's technical structure.

Risk Management
Traders should consider stops below $190 to limit downside exposure while maintaining enough room for normal volatility given the 14-day ATR of $16.45. Position sizing should account for elevated volatility surrounding tomorrow's regulatory decision.

Image source: Shutterstock

sol price analysis
sol price prediction

If you manage a Bitcoin treasury, now is the moment to shift from passive reserve to active participant in the Bitcoin economy, argues Voltage’s Bobby Shell. Oct 15, 2025, 5:29 p.m.

In the early days, holding Bitcoin on your balance sheet felt like the boldest move you could make as a company. Companies locked in exposure to a scarce, appreciating asset with the conviction it’s the best form of money. But now a new paradigm is emerging: using Bitcoin as money, not just as a long-duration asset reserve. Thanks to the Lightning Network, Bitcoin treasury companies can begin to earn native, non-custodial yield by supporting the payments infrastructure itself, a complete breakthrough for corporations looking to put their BTC treasury strategy to work.

In the short term, Bitcoin treasury companies gain a new yield source by deploying idle BTC into Lightning liquidity channels, earning routing fees and transaction volume rewards. They also improve treasury efficiency by keeping capital liquid and revenue-generating, rather than passively held. This turns their Bitcoin from a dormant store of value into productive digital capital that compounds both financial and strategic returns.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

The ability to leverage native bitcoin payments for revenue growth matters in a way that transcends mere yield. It aligns the incentives of treasurers, payments companies, and the broader Bitcoin mission: the more companies route payments and provide liquidity, the better the Lightning network becomes, encouraging more usage, adoption, and value. The payments stack of Bitcoin-as-money is no longer hypothetical. This week, Square announced that beginning November 10, all four million+ small businesses with Square terminals will be enabled to accept Bitcoin payments using Lightning. Earlier this year, at Bitcoin 2025, Cash App reported that already 25% of its Bitcoin payments were processed over Lightning.

That combination — treasury companies deploying Bitcoin as productive capital, plus payment volume scaling via Lightning-enabled merchant — represents a powerful inflection point for the Bitcoin economy.

From passive reserve to active utilityWhat does it look like in practice? A treasury company holding Bitcoin can lend or deploy that liquidity into the Lightning network. They can sell liquidity to market participants, new entrants, payment originators, consumer wallets, that need inbound or outbound channel depth, using tools like Amboss. As payments fly through the network, treasurers also earn routing fees: every payment forwarded is a small reward, compounding with scale.

Unlike custodial yield products (which often introduce counterparty risk or centralized control), this yield is native to the network. Custody is always maintained by simply placing liquidity in the network and letting market participants route through the users node. Not only does this uphold the Bitcoin ethos of sovereignty, it enhances Bitcoin’s utility.

Consider two proof points:

LQWD (a publicly traded company) has disclosed 24% annualized yield in their filings. Their conservative baseline models illustrate how routing and liquidity provision can produce significant returns.Cash App / Block has publicly highlighted a 9.79% yield on Lightning: their growth in Lightning-processed payments suggests upward pressure on demand for liquidity, which yields direct revenue upside for liquidity providers and node operators.These case studies validate that non-custodial yield on bitcoin is not theoretical, it is happening now, and the momentum is real.

The virtuous circle: payments, liquidity, and network growthAs more merchants accept Bitcoin via Lightning, payment volume increases, and with it, the need for liquidity that treasury companies are uniquely positioned to supply. This growing demand for liquidity fuels more routing activity, which in turn enhances node performance, channel connectivity, latency, and reliability across the network.

A recent Fidelity Digital Assets report highlights how Lightning is expanding Bitcoin’s use cases from passive store-of-value to an active, scalable medium of exchange, one where liquidity providers play a central role in improving the payment experience. Better infrastructure attracts more users and frictionless transactions, reinforcing a flywheel of growth anchored in Bitcoin’s fixed supply and utility as sound money.

That flywheel works through alignment: treasury companies deploying capital, merchants adopting Lightning, and users seeking instant, low-cost settlement. The recent Cash App and Square integration may be the largest catalyst yet, connecting millions of merchants to that network in one sweeping motion.

Why this yield is unlike any otherNon-custodial: Users / treasury companies never relinquish control. Yield accrues organically from network utility, not from trusting a third party.Bitcoin-native compounding: The asset both users and treasury companies hold is the asset generating income. There is no swapping or converting tokens; Bitcoin does all the work in the network.Scarcity leverage: With Bitcoin capped at 21 million, each additional unit of productive capital becomes more meaningful in a world of increasing network utilization.Network alignment: Yielding via routing directly reinforces the health of the Lightning payments infrastructure, leading to less friction, more liquidity and better UX.Scalability upside: Because every added payment and route is additive, the yield opportunity scales as the network scales.These properties contrast sharply with fixed yields, staking derivatives, or custodial interest accounts, which often introduce centralization, dilution, or counterparty risk.

The challenges and guardrailsThis model is not without its challenges, however.

Operating Lightning Network nodes demands technical expertise to manage channel strategies, handle failed HTLCs (Hash Time Locked Contracts) and rebalance liquidity, although B2B enterprise solutions can simplify these challenges, making it so businesses do not have the deal with this complexity.

Poorly placed liquidity risks idling or missed opportunities, exposing capital to inefficiencies. Network congestion and competitive fee undercutting can compress routing fees, making a differentiated strategy and strong reputation critical for success. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's market volatility, driven by unpredictable macro shifts, poses risks for liquidity providers despite yields being denominated in Bitcoin.

Nevertheless, these risks are well understood operational and infrastructure challenges in the Lightning community; the upside makes them worth navigating.

Moving on from the HODL-only mindsetIf you manage a Bitcoin treasury, now is the moment to shift from passive reserve to active participant. Don’t just HODL, put your Bitcoin to work for the network. Evaluate your node strategy. Partner with Lightning infrastructure providers. Explore novel routing strategies. Stake your claim in the payments layer of Bitcoin.

The convergence we’re seeing, from Cash App’s push to Lightning payments to the expanding opportunity for native yield, signals the start of the Lightning-era for treasuries. The companies that lean in now will reap advantages: yield, differentiation, and mission alignment in one package.

When treasuries stop treating Bitcoin as a static asset and start using it as a living network, they discover what’s been there all along: a yield engine powered by real payments, not speculation.

Note: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CoinDesk, Inc. or its owners and affiliates.

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Trading activity falls 17.5% in September slowdown: Combined spot and derivatives volumes dropped to $8.12 trillion, marking the first decline after three months of growth. September has now seen reduced trading volume for the fourth consecutive year.Open interest reaches record high despite derivatives market share decline: Total open interest surged 3.2% to $204 billion and peaked at an all-time high of $230 billion during the month.Altcoins on CME outperform as Bitcoin and Ether futures decline: While CME's total derivatives volume stayed flat at $287 billion (-0.08%), SOL futures jumped 57.1% to $13.5 billion and XRP futures rose 7.19% to $7.84 billion. BTC and ETH futures fell 4.05% and 17.9% respectively.View Full Report

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Zeta Network Group has secured a $231 million bitcoin-backed investment through a private placement involving solvBTC. The company aims to strengthen its balance sheet and signal growing institutional confidence in bitcoin-based treasury assets.

Rising short-term holder activity and strong investor profits signal Bitcoin's late-stage bull cycle.

Key takeaways: 

Bitcoin is down 4.3% in October despite historically strong monthly returns.

The CME FedWatch tool shows a 96.7% probability of a 25% interest rate cut, fueling optimism.

Inflows into the spot Bitcoin ETFs and equities correlation hint at a potential rebound.

Bitcoin (BTC) may be down 4.3% in October so far, but optimism around the month’s historically bullish trend remains intact. Since 2019, Bitcoin’s average October gain has stood near 20%, with a median return of roughly 15%. While this year’s performance currently lags, market participants are looking to macroeconomic policy shifts for potential fuel.

According to the CME FedWatch tool, the probability of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut now stands at 96.7% for a 25-basis-point reduction. A cut in interest rates generally signals more liquidity entering the system, reducing borrowing costs and supporting risk-on sentiment across asset classes, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. 

Fed Reserve interest rate cut probability. Source: CMEGroupInstitutional flows appeared to be front-running this narrative. Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have absorbed nearly $5 billion in net inflows in the first two weeks of October, indicating renewed confidence from large investors. 

Meanwhile, Cointelegraph reported that total institutional holdings across public companies have now climbed to $117 billion, a 28% quarterly rise, with over one million BTC collectively held in corporate treasuries. 48 new entities joined the cohort in Q3, expanding institutional reach further into digital assets.

Stock correlation hints at Bitcoin’s next moveBitcoin’s current weakness can also be linked to the US equities market. Macroeconomic analyst Jesse Colombo said that Bitcoin’s 92% correlation with the Nasdaq makes it a “leveraged play on tech stocks.” This was on display last Friday when the S&P 500 fell 2.7%, the Dow Jones 1.9%, and the Nasdaq 100 Composite over 4.2%, their sharpest daily drops since April, dragging Bitcoin down alongside them.

BTC, SPX, DJI, and NAS100 correlation. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe sell-off stemmed from renewed trade tensions between the US and China, after reports of potential 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, which rattled risk sentiment. However, as markets stabilized early this week, US stocks began recovering, though Bitcoin’s rebound has lagged. 

According to the Director of Global Macro at Fidelity, Jurrien Timmer, the recent pullback resembled the late-1990s “super bull” phase, when speculative assets saw sharp but temporary drawdowns before surging higher again.

If US equities sustain their recovery heading into earnings season, it could create favorable conditions for Bitcoin’s own upside revival. A renewed rally in tech and growth stocks, bolstered by easier monetary policy, might help extend “Uptober” optimism into a stronger finish for the month.

Bitcoin price outlook with respect to ETFs/ETPs demand. Source: Jurrien TimmerThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Could XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) ever hit $1,000 — a level that would make its market cap larger than the U.S. economy itself?

The idea sparks fierce debate, with some calling it crypto's "impossible dream" and others arguing that such a valuation would redefine global finance in ways no digital asset has done before.

XRP Market Cap Math Shows Why $1,000 Looks UnrealisticAs of Oct. 15, 2025, XRP holds a circulating supply of about 59.9 billion tokens.

At current prices, this gives the cryptocurrency a market value of $145 billion.

If XRP were to trade at $1,000, its market capitalization would be nearly $60 trillion, or more than $100 trillion if the full 100 billion token supply were included.

The global cryptocurrency market is valued around $2.5 trillion, while U.S. GDP is about $28 trillion. 

A $1,000 XRP would therefore exceed the size of the entire American economy, which makes the idea far beyond today's financial scale.

Can Global Payments Really Drive XRP to Trillion-Dollar Demand?One of the main bullish arguments is that XRP could capture global cross-border payment flows. 

According to industry estimates, total payment volumes exceed $200 trillion a year and may rise to $300 trillion in the coming decade.  

However, XRP's settlement speed of roughly 3–5 seconds means only a limited amount needs to circulate at once.

If $30 billion in daily transactions were processed through the XRP Ledger, the circulating amount of XRP required would be less than $2 million.

This shows that large transaction volumes do not automatically translate into sustained trillion-dollar demand for the token.

Escrow Overhang and Weak Token Burns Keep Pressure on XRP PriceRipple originally placed about 55 billion XRP into escrow, with 1 billion released each month. 

Although Ripple often re-locks unused tokens, nearly 39 billion XRP remain in escrow and may eventually enter the market.

XRP burns only 0.00001 per transaction, destroying about 14 million tokens since launch as per July data.

This is insignificant compared with the 100 billion maximum supply, limiting the potential for scarcity-driven price appreciation. 

What Would It Take for XRP to Reach $1,000 Target?Reaching $1,000 would require a combination of extreme conditions. 

The circulating supply would need to shrink dramatically, global banks and governments would need to adopt XRP on their balance sheets. 

Stablecoins along with central bank digital currencies would have to be replaced by XRP as the primary settlement medium. 

Without such structural changes, this valuation is not possible. 

Investor OutlookA $1,000 XRP would not just be a price milestone, it would represent a financial paradigm shift greater than Bitcoin's (CRYPTO: BTC) own rise. 

A $1,000 price implies capital flows that surpass the U.S. economy itself.

This forces policymakers, banks, and investors to rethink how value is measured. 

The scenario highlights a deeper truth: crypto valuations are not simply about technology or speed of settlement.

It is about whether global trust can migrate away from fiat systems into decentralized rails. 

Even if $1,000 never materializes, the debate exposes how disruptive XRP's role in cross-border finance could become.

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In the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, Ethereum staking continues to expand, with retail and institutional investors increasingly adopting this key initiative in order to generate additional revenue. ETH staking is still proving its importance and relevance in the crypto and financial sector, as evidenced by SharpLink Gaming’s massive staking rewards.

SharpLink’s Ethereum Holdings Bolstered By Staking Rewards
With its entry into the Ethereum staking ecosystem, SharpLink Gaming, a leading public online performance marketing company, has become a leader in ETH adoption. SharpLink Gaming’s foray into ETH staking underscores the rise in confidence among institutional investors in the network’s long-term fundamentals.

In a post on X, SharpLink Gaming disclosed that the company’s Ethereum holdings or treasury reserve have grown exponentially. Interestingly, this growth is propelled by a surge in its ETH staking rewards that continue to compound its crypto treasury strength.

The company’s increasing ETH reserves show a strategic plan to increase its exposure to the larger decentralized ecosystem while taking advantage of Ethereum’s proof-of-stake reward potential. In addition, the move reflects how the altcoin is now being viewed beyond its status as a digital asset, but rather as a productive and yield-generating treasury asset in the financial landscape.

SharpLink ETH staking is soaring | Source: Chart from SharpLink Gaming on X
According to the report from SharpLink Gaming, its crypto holdings now boast 840,124 ETH, valued at approximately $3.45 billion at current price levels, after several notable staking rewards. Its staking rewards of about 488 ETH from last week pushed its overall holdings to the aforementioned number of Ethereum.

The company’s ETH holdings have been steadily increasing since launching its treasury strategy. With 488 Ethereum generated from staking rewards last week, SharpLink Gaming’s total cumulative rewards from staking activity are currently at 5,211 ETH, worth around $20 million. Despite recent market fluctuations, the firm’s vision that ETH will spur the next wave of finance still remains unchanged.

ETH Staking Explodes To Unprecedented Territory
Given the rise in retail and institutional staking, there has been a sharp increase in Ethereum staking. Leon Waidmann, the head of research at Onchain Foundation, reported that ETH staking is at its all-time high (ATH) levels, which signals a robust conviction from investors across the leading blockchain.

As more ETH continues to be locked up in staking contracts, the supply of liquid tokens in circulation is shrinking. While Ethereum staking has increased sharply, the total supply of ETH on crypto exchanges continues to hit record levels.

Data shared by Waidmann shows that nearly 30% of all ETH is locked up in staking. Meanwhile, ETH supply on all crypto exchanges has fallen to 15 million, raising the possibility of a textbook supply squeeze for the leading altcoin.

Waidmann has declared that Ethereum is in its best position ever on a fundamental level. His bold statement hinges on ETH’s remarkable on-chain performance, as the blockchain’s Layer 1 transactions and active addresses skyrocket to new all-time highs. At the same time, ETH gas fees have also declined sharply, drawing dangerously close to all-time lows.

ETH trading at $4,122 on the 1D chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

The move aims to boost the price of the Nasdaq-listed stock to appeal to large mutual funds with “minimum stock price threshold limitations.”

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider ANI Pharmaceuticals (ANIP - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

This drugmaker has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 27.26%.

For the last reported quarter, ANI came out with earnings of $1.8 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.38 per share, representing a surprise of 30.43%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.37 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.7 per share, delivering a surprise of 24.09%.

Price and EPS Surprise

With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for ANI. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

ANI currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.15%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner.

With the Earnings ESP metric, it's important to note that a negative value reduces its predictive power; however, a negative Earnings ESP does not indicate an earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider AerCap (AER - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

This airplane leasing company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 19.86%.

For the last reported quarter, AerCap came out with earnings of $2.83 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.75 per share, representing a surprise of 2.91%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $2.69 per share and it actually produced earnings of $3.68 per share, delivering a surprise of 36.80%.

Price and EPS Surprise

With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for AerCap. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

AerCap has an Earnings ESP of +0.56% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on October 29, 2025.

Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Weatherford (WFRD - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Oil and Gas - Field Services industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

This oilfield service company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 54.26%.

For the most recent quarter, Weatherford was expected to post earnings of $0.97 per share, but it reported $1.87 per share instead, representing a surprise of 92.78%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.89 per share, while it actually produced $1.03 per share, a surprise of 15.73%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Weatherford lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Weatherford has an Earnings ESP of +2.39% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on October 21, 2025.

Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider HCI Group (HCI - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

This property and casualty insurance holding company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 17.52%.

For the last reported quarter, HCI Group came out with earnings of $5.18 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.47 per share, representing a surprise of 15.88%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $4.49 per share and it actually produced earnings of $5.35 per share, delivering a surprise of 19.15%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for HCI Group lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

HCI Group currently has an Earnings ESP of +87.40%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner.

With the Earnings ESP metric, it's important to note that a negative value reduces its predictive power; however, a negative Earnings ESP does not indicate an earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is trading higher on Wednesday. The company reported earnings that exceeded analyst estimates. It also increased its forecast.

At least for now, the move higher has stalled at around $52.70. There was resistance at this price before. This is why Bank of America is our Stock of the Day.

Stocks often encounter resistance at levels that have previously been resistance.

As you can see on the chart, there was resistance around $47 in November. There was also resistance in February.

The same thing happened with the $48.50 level. It was resistance in June and then again in July.

Resistance can form at a previous peak when people who bought shares regret doing so when the price drops soon after. Some of them decide to hold onto their losing positions.

Read Also: USA Rare Earth (USAR) Stock Is Falling Wednesday: What’s Driving The Action?

However, they also decide that if they ever have the chance to exit the position at breakeven, they will.

As a result, if and when the stock rallies back to its purchase price, they will place sell orders. If there is a large number of these sell orders, it will cause resistance to form.

Now, Bank of America is hitting resistance around $52.75. As you can see on the chart, this level was at resistance in September. Remorseful buyers selling their stocks have, at least for now, put a top on the price.

Experienced traders recognize the importance of trading and investment psychology in the market. The chart of Bank of America shows how remorseful or regretful buyers can create resistance at former resistance levels.

Sometimes, earnings or fundamentals, such as P/E Ratios, can influence the price of a stock. But most of the time, the moves are the result of emotions and psychology. Traders who understand the importance of these aspects in trading have an edge over those who don't.

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October 15, 2025 1:15 PM EDT | Source: First Nordic Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2025) - First Nordic Metals Corp. (TSXV: FNM) (FNSE: FNMC SDB) (OTCQX: FNMCF) (FSE: HEG0) ("First Nordic") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Non-Brokered Private Placement") and its "best efforts" brokered private placement (the "Brokered Private Placement" and together with the Non-Brokered Private Placement, the "Offerings") of subscription receipts raising aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$80 million.

Pursuant to the Non-Brokered Private Placement, First Nordic issued 178,947,368 subscription receipts (the "Non-Brokered Subscription Receipts") at a price of C$0.38 per Non-Brokered Subscription Receipt (the "Offering Price"), for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$68,000,000.

The Brokered Private Placement was led by Desjardins Capital Markets ("Desjardins"), as lead agent and sole bookrunner, for and on behalf of a syndicate of agents including H&P Advisory Limited and Haywood Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Agents"). Pursuant to the Brokered Private Placement, First Nordic issued a total of 31,578,947 subscription receipts (the "Brokered Subscription Receipts") at the Offering Price, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$12,000,000.

On September 14, 2025, First Nordic and Mawson Finland Limited ("Mawson") entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") pursuant to which First Nordic agreed to acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of Mawson by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction", with First Nordic following completion of the Transaction referred to herein as "NordCo Gold"). Refer to the press release of First Nordic and Mawson dated September 15, 2025 for further details on the Transaction.

Each Brokered Subscription Receipt and Non-Brokered Subscription Receipt (together, the "Subscription Receipts") entitle the holders thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action on part of the holder thereof, at the effective time of the Transaction, one (1) common share of NordCo Gold (to be adjusted to reflect a 4:1 consolidation to be completed by First Nordic prior to completion of the Transaction (the "Consolidation"), such shares being, the "NordCo Gold Shares"). The Subscription Receipts are subject to a statutory four-month hold period; however, the underlying NordCo Gold Shares will not be subject to a statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws once issued in connection with the completion of the Transaction.

Proceeds from the Offerings will be used to fund exploration programs across the combined portfolio of NordCo Gold, for costs related to the Transaction and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The proceeds of the Offerings, net of certain expenses and 50% of the Agents' Fee (as defined below), are held in escrow pending the satisfaction of the escrow release conditions, including the satisfaction of the conditions to the closing of the Transaction, and certain other customary conditions.

In connection with the Non-Brokered Private Placement, First Nordic will pay aggregate cash finder's fees of C$258,000 to certain finders and will issue an aggregate of 1,091,273 NordCo Gold Shares (to be adjusted to reflect the Consolidation) (the "Finder Shares") to certain other finders, in each case, for their efforts in placing subscriptions under such financing (collectively, the "Finders' Fees"). In addition, First Nordic will issue an aggregate of 3,568,563 NordCo Gold Shares (to be adjusted to reflect the Consolidation) (the "Corporate Advisory Shares") to an advisor in connection with providing corporate advisory services for the Non-Brokered Private Placement (the "Corporate Advisory Fee"). In connection with the Brokered Private Placement, First Nordic will pay the Agents a cash commission of C$720,000, being 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Brokered Private Placement (the "Agents' Fee"). Payment of the Finders' Fees, Corporate Advisory Fee and the remainder of the Agents' Fee will be made upon the release from escrow of the proceeds of the Offerings. The Finder Shares and the Corporate Advisory Shares will be issued at a deemed price per share equal to the Offering Price and will be subject to a four-month statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws

Certain insiders of First Nordic subscribed for a total of 1,447,650 Non-Brokered Subscription Receipts under the Non-Brokered Private Placement. Each subscription by an insider of First Nordic is considered a "related party transaction" of First Nordic within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Subscriptions by insiders of First Nordic in the Non-Brokered Private Placement are exempt from the formal valuation requirement of MI 61-101 in reliance on Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 in reliance on Section 5.7(1)(a) as the fair market value of the Non-Brokered Private Placement, insofar as it involves subscriptions from such insiders, is not more than 25% of First Nordic's market capitalization.

Stikeman Elliott LLP acted as counsel for First Nordic in connection with the Offerings. Peterson McVicar LLP acted as counsel for Mawson in connection with the Offerings. Wildeboer Dellelce LLP acted as counsel for the Agents in connection with the Brokered Private Placement.

The Offerings, including payment of the Finders' Fees and Corporate Advisory Fee in connection therewith, remain subject to the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

The Subscription Receipts have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Transaction Update

Mawson has called a special meeting of its shareholders to approve the Transaction on December 4, 2025 (the "Meeting"). Subject to receipt of the approval of 66⅔% of the votes cast by Mawson shareholders at the Meeting, approval of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), final acceptance of the TSXV of the Arrangement and satisfaction or waiver of the other closing conditions set out in the Arrangement Agreement, the Transaction is expected to close in December 2025.

About First Nordic Metals Corp.

First Nordic Metals Corp. is a Canadian-based gold exploration company, consolidating assets in Sweden and Finland, with a vision to create Europe's next gold camp. First Nordic's flagship asset is the Barsele gold project in northern Sweden, a joint venture project with senior gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Immediately surrounding the Barsele project, First Nordic is 100%-owner of a district-scale license position comprised of two additional projects (Paubäcken, Storjuktan), which combined with Barsele, total approximately 80,000 hectares on the Gold Line greenstone belt. Additionally, in northern Finland, First Nordic is the 100%-owner of a district-scale position covering the entire underexplored Oijärvi greenstone belt, including the Kylmäkangas deposit, the largest known gold occurrence on this belt.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No securities regulatory authority has reviewed or approved of the contents of this news release.

Forward-looking Information:

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified using words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds of the Offerings; payment of the Finders' Fees and the Corporate Advisory Fee and the issuance of the Finders' Shares and the Corporate Advisory Shares; statements relating to the Consolidation; and receipt of final acceptance of the TSXV. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, First Nordic cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the timing and ability of First Nordic to obtain and the timing of the approval of relevant regulatory bodies, if at all; risks relating to property interests; risks related to access to First Nordic's projects; risks inherent in mineral exploration, including the fact that any particular phase of exploration may be unsuccessful; geo-political risks; the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental risks; political risks; and community and nongovernmental actions. Neither First Nordic nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. First Nordic does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

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Jeff Bezos’ ownership stake in Amazon has fallen below 10% for the first time in the company’s history — marking a milestone in the billionaire’s decades-long relationship with the e-commerce giant he built from a Seattle garage.

The Amazon founder disclosed in a Tuesday securities filing that he now holds roughly 9% of the company’s outstanding shares after unloading more than 100 million shares over the past year.

A year ago, Bezos controlled about 10.1% of the company, according to regulatory records. When Amazon went public in 1997, he owned more than 43%.

Jeff Bezos’ ownership stake in Amazon has fallen below 10% for the first time in the company’s history. Getty Images
Bezos’ latest divestments are part of a broader stock-selling spree that began after he stepped down as CEO in 2021 and handed day-to-day operations to successor Andy Jassy.

At that time, he still held about 14% of the company, filings show.

In February, Bezos filed to sell 25 million shares — a move that would net roughly $5 billion based on Amazon’s stock price at the time.

A subsequent filing in August revealed plans for another 25 million-share sale worth an estimated $5.4 billion.

He also donated more than 500,000 Amazon shares to charity in recent months, according to SEC disclosures.

Amazon’s stock has soared 38% since late April, giving Bezos an ideal window to cash out portions of his holdings.

A year ago, Bezos controlled about 10.1% of the company, according to regulatory records. When Amazon went public in 1997, he owned more than 43% of it. AFP via Getty Images
The boom came as investors bet heavily on the company’s artificial intelligence push and cost-cutting drive under Jassy.

Even factoring in the sell-offs, Bezos remains one of the world’s richest individuals, with Bloomberg placing his net worth at about $240 billion. That trails the fortunes of only Tesla CEO Elon Musk and French luxury titan Bernard Arnault.

Bezos’ exit from Amazon’s corner office has freed him to focus on other ventures, including The Washington Post, which he bought in 2013, and his aerospace company, Blue Origin.

Both have undergone management shakeups in recent months as he looks to reboot performance.

At a New York Times conference last year, Bezos said “turning around The Washington Post” was among his top priorities.

Bezos’ ex-wife, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, has also been trimming her Amazon stake. A regulatory filing viewed by Bloomberg this month showed that Scott cut her holdings by about 42% over the past year. Getty Images
“I have a bunch of ideas, and I am working on that right now,” he said.

“We saved The Washington Post once — this will be the second time.”

Under Bezos, the Washington Post has undergone a sweeping overhaul this year, merging key newsroom divisions, cutting about 4% of its staff and shifting to a digital-first approach amid falling subscriptions.

Bezos also refocused the opinion section around themes of free markets, patriotism and personal liberty — prompting both leadership shakeups and subscription cancellations.

The 60-year-old mogul — who married former TV anchor Lauren Sánchez in a star-studded Venice wedding in June attended by Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio — has become a regular presence in Los Angeles social and business circles.

Bezos has regularly used stock sales to fund his space ambitions for Blue Origin and for other private projects. He previously said he intends to give away most of his wealth during his lifetime.

The 60-year-old mogul married former TV anchor Lauren Sánchez in a star-studded Venice wedding in June. ZUMAPRESS.com
His ex-wife, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, has also been trimming her Amazon stake.

A Tuesday regulatory filing viewed by Bloomberg showed that Scott cut her holdings by about 42% — roughly $12.6 billion — over the past year.

Scott, who walked away with 4% of Amazon in their 2019 divorce, now owns about 81 million shares. The 55-year-old has donated more than $19 billion to charitable causes since the split.

Bezos’ gradual pullback from Amazon contrasts sharply with his early years, when his stake represented nearly half of the company. He serves as executive chairman and retains significant influence even as his ownership stake approaches single digits.

When Amazon went public at $18 per share in 1997, it raised about $54 million and instantly made Bezos a multimillionaire.

His holdings soared in value through the dot-com boom and subsequent waves of expansion that transformed the online bookseller into a trillion-dollar global powerhouse.

Bezos’ latest divestments are part of a broader stock-selling spree that began after he stepped down as CEO in 2021. AFP via Getty Images
After 27 years at the helm, Bezos stepped aside as CEO in July 2021 and handed control to Jassy — a longtime lieutenant who led Amazon Web Services.

Since taking over, Jassy has made his own mark by expanding the company’s sports-rights portfolio, including a blockbuster Thursday Night Football deal and a new pact with the NBA expected to begin later this month.

Bezos’ share sales this year have been executed through prearranged 10b5-1 trading plans, a mechanism designed to prevent insider trading by scheduling transactions in advance.

Neither Bezos nor Amazon immediately responded to Post requests for comment Wednesday.