Market Signal Briefing

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Tesla stock could be headed for a sharp correction if it doesn't commercialize its robotaxi and humanoid robot soon.

Tesla (TSLA 3.94%) stock has soared by 65% over the past year and is closing in on a new record high. Investors are enthusiastic about the company's innovative product pipeline, which includes an autonomous robotaxi called the Cybercab and a humanoid robot called Optimus. In fact, CEO Elon Musk believes these new platforms will make Tesla the most valuable company in the world one day.

But 74% of the company's revenue still comes from selling passenger electric vehicles (EVs) like the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Unfortunately, sales have plummeted this year as manufacturers of affordable EVs are snatching market share from Tesla in many key markets around the world.

On or around Oct. 2, Tesla will tell investors how many EVs it delivered to customers during the third quarter of 2025 (ended Sept. 30). According to Wall Street, the number will be a slight improvement over the first- and second-quarter figures, so should investors buy Tesla stock ahead of the release?

Image source: Tesla.

Tesla's EV deliveries likely shrank yet again
Tesla delivered 720,803 EVs during the first half of 2025, which was down 13% from the same period last year. This led to a 14% decline in the company's revenue and a 31% crash in its earnings during the same period, which is concerning because the EV business supplies the cash flow to develop new products like the Cybercab and Optimus.

Competition is the main reason for Tesla's sluggish sales. In Europe, for example, the company's sales plunged by 36% year over year during August, despite EV sales growing by 30% in the region overall. In other words, Tesla is rapidly losing market share to other brands.

China-based BYD is one of those brands. Its sales tripled across Europe during August, as its low-cost EVs resonated with consumers who are increasingly budget conscious.

Wall Street's consensus estimate suggests Tesla delivered around 445,000 EVs worldwide during Q3, which would be down 3.9% from the year-ago period. While that is a shallower decline than the company experienced in the previous two quarters, it's mainly because analysts predict American consumers were front-running the end of the $7,500 EV tax credit, which expires on Oct. 1.

In other words, some of Tesla's third-quarter sales might have been pulled forward from the fourth quarter, which could lead to a much weaker result to close out the year.

It's still early days for Tesla's new products
Investors who are banking on the success of Tesla's other product platforms might be waiting a while. The company's full self-driving (FSD) software isn't approved for unsupervised use anywhere in the U.S. right now, and without clearing that hurdle, the Cybercab robotaxi won't be hauling any passengers when it hits the road next year.

In the meantime, Tesla is scaling up its autonomous robotaxi business using its passenger EVs. These cars are fitted with a supervised version of FSD, which requires a human safety officer in the passenger seat who can take control if necessary. This places Tesla behind competitors like Alphabet's Waymo, which is already completing over 250,000 paid, fully autonomous trips every week across five U.S. cities.

Moving onto the Optimus humanoid robot, Musk predicts this product platform will bring in a staggering $10 trillion in revenue for Tesla over the long term. He thinks humanoids could outnumber humans by 2040, because of their versatility in both business and household settings.

However, like the Cybercab, Optimus is still a while away from making a real contribution to Tesla's financial results. Musk expects production to start next year, but he says it could take five years to reach the company's target output of 1 million units annually.

Should you buy Tesla stock before Oct. 2?
Declining EV deliveries aside, I think there is an even bigger reason to be cautious about Tesla stock ahead of Oct. 2: its valuation.

The stock trades at a sky-high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 244, making it 7 times more expensive than the Nasdaq-100 technology index, which trades at a P/E ratio of 32.6. It also makes Tesla the priciest stock in the "Magnificent Seven," which is a group of tech giants leading various segments of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom:

TSLA PE Ratio data by YCharts

High valuations are typically reserved for companies generating significant growth. Since Tesla's earnings are currently shrinking, its premium to the Magnificent Seven is extremely difficult to justify. In my opinion, this leaves the stock open to a significant potential decline in the future, especially if there are bumps along the way to commercializing the Cybercab and Optimus.

Therefore, it probably isn't a wise decision to buy Tesla stock ahead of Oct. 2, and it might be best to avoid it until those new products are officially generating revenue.

Anthony Di Pizio has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends BYD Company and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Investors looking for stocks that offer attractive yields and recession-resilient businesses should consider these two Dividend Kings today.

Stocks in the S&P 500 offer an underwhelming average dividend yield of 1.2%. The average consumer staples company has a 2.5% yield. You can beat both of those numbers with Dividend King stalwarts like Coca-Cola (KO -0.47%) and Procter & Gamble (PG 0.21%). The best part is that both offer recession-resistant businesses that have stood the test of time. Here's why each of these reliable dividend stocks could be a steal today.

Why buy consumer staples stocks?
The consumer staples sector is populated with businesses that sell necessity items. The products are usually relatively low-cost compared to the benefits they offer, and there tends to be strong brand loyalty among consumers. You aren't going to stop buying food or deodorant if there is a recession. And while a deep recession may make you consider trading down to lower-cost alternatives, you will probably think twice about giving up your preferred choices.

Image source: Getty Images.

This is why the consumer staples sector is considered recession-resistant. Two of the best-known consumer staples makers are Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola. In fact, they are both among the largest publicly traded consumer staples businesses on the planet, holding the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively.

There are notable differences between Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble. Coca-Cola makes beverages, which fall into the broader food category. Procter & Gamble makes personal care products from toilet paper to toothpaste. They don't compete and, thus, could be purchased together to provide broad exposure to the consumer staples sector. In fact, it might be better for diversification purposes to buy them both rather than to pick just one or the other.

Why buy Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble today
Their status as Dividend Kings is the first big reason to like these two consumer staples giants. The last 50-plus years have seen many recessions, including the painfully deep Great Recession, and not a single one stopped Coca-Cola or Procter & Gamble from steadily increasing their dividends. That's dollars and cents proof of the resilience of their businesses.

Then there's the yields each is offering. Coca-Cola's yield is currently a bit over 3% while Procter & Gamble's yield is roughly 2.8%. They are both multiple times larger than the scant 1.2% yield on offer from the S&P 500 index and higher than the 2.5% yield from the average consumer staples stock.

But the real story here is that both of these highly respected businesses are currently trading at what look like attractive valuations. Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble have price-to-sales, price-to-earnings, and price-to-book value ratios that are below their five-year averages. To be fair, neither stock is shockingly cheap. But the truth is that they don't often go on sale at all, so a reasonable price is a steal for these iconic companies.

Buying good businesses at reasonable prices sounds familiar
Warren Buffett has long owned Coca-Cola stock in the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio. This is notable because Buffett's investment approach is widely followed on Wall Street, with the Oracle of Omaha focused on buying good businesses when they are attractively priced. It looks like that is the case for both Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble today.

But there's one more piece to Buffett's success: He buys and holds. The goal is to benefit from the long-term growth of the businesses he owns. If you take that approach with Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble, you'll likely end up pleased with the outcome. And what today looks like a reasonable to slightly cheap price could, in hindsight, end up being a downright bargain over the long term.

Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in Procter & Gamble. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Forget waiting 10 years for quantum computing to matter. IBM and HSBC are already using it to find hidden patterns in messy market data that classical computers tend to miss.

British mega-bank HSBC (HSBC 1.29%) just achieved something remarkable with quantum computers from IBM (IBM 1.22%) -- 34% better predictions in bond trading using real market data. The companies announced this result in separate press releases this week, referencing a joint research paper with the thrilling title "Enhanced fill probability estimates in institutional algorithmic bond trading using statistical learning algorithms with quantum computers."

That may sound drier than an Arizona doorknob, but it's actually kind of a big deal. This isn't another "quantum will change everything in 10 years" story -- IBM can deliver something modestly useful today.

HSBC and IBM achieved significantly stronger prediction results on current quantum hardware, using data from over a million real trades. HSBC says they're "on the cusp" of actually using the underlying system in day-to-day operations.

Image source: Getty Images.

IBM's quantum secret: It's not a speed race
Here's what investors need to understand: This breakthrough isn't about quantum computers being faster (they're actually slower). Instead, IBM's quantum processors found hidden patterns in noisy market data that classical computers simply couldn't see. Think of it like classical computers seeing in black and white while quantum adds color -- you're not processing faster, but you're seeing things you couldn't before.

For IBM investors, this adds support for Big Blue's entire quantum strategy. While smaller specialists like Rigetti Computing (RGTI -2.88%) and IonQ (IONQ -3.10%) are still working to prove that their technology works at all, IBM just demonstrated real business value in partnership with a major bank. Their quantum-as-a-service model, where clients access quantum computers through the cloud, suddenly looks like a fairly near-term revenue stream rather than a costly science project.

Reality check: Where quantum helps and where it doesn't
But let's be realistic about what quantum can actually do today. There's clearly more work required before this technology earns its stripes as a cost-effective computing solution.

Financial researchers from HSBC put their heads together with quantum computing experts from IBM to build a clever hybrid system where quantum computers grab tons of financial data to do the deep analysis offline. The analysis involved overnight portfolio optimization, risk analysis between trading sessions, and finding new patterns in historical data. I'm talking about millions of real-world bond trades on European markets, analyzed months after the fact to see if the quantum computers could come up with accurate trade predictions.

In a production-level version of this research effort, the analysis would happen quickly, perhaps even with trading data as it happens, rather than looking back at older info. Then classical computers would step in to use these insights for real-time trading.

The quantum computer is like a brilliant strategist advising a fast executor. This architecture could work across many financial applications where better insights matter more than raw speed. To be clear, the HSBC and IBM research teams didn't brag about hyper-fast conclusions -- just high-quality predictions of future trades based on older data.

The investment implications are clear. IBM has moved quantum computing from laboratory curiosity to a potential business tool, though it's a specialized tool for specific problems, not a magic bullet. On the other side of the collaborative fence, HSBC could get a competitive advantage in trading and position itself as a tech-forward bank. Both companies would love to speed up the quantum computing analysis, generate even more accurate predictions, and make the whole system more cost-effective, of course. It's still a big baby step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, smaller quantum companies face pressure to show similar real-world results or risk being left behind.

The weird twist: Quantum noise actually helps
In an unexpected turn of events, the quantum computer's "noise" -- usually considered a problem -- actually helped the researchers find better patterns in messy financial data. They don't fully understand why yet, noting that more research is required, but HSBC doesn't necessarily need to understand this effect before using it profitably. It doesn't take much of an edge to produce strong financial results when you operate on HSBC's massive scale.

For investors watching this space, the message is clear: quantum computing's revolution will be evolutionary, enhancing rather than replacing current systems. But that evolution is already underway, not in some distant future. The smart money should watch how quickly IBM can mirror this success in other areas -- credit risk, fraud detection, portfolio optimization -- where better pattern recognition beats pure number-crunching speed.

Quantum-based data analytics might never enter the arena of microsecond trade execution in real time, but that's OK. Good data can be more profitable than fast trades -- in the right hands.

This isn't the quantum supremacy moment where quantum computers overtake classical ones entirely. It's potentially more important for investors: the moment quantum computing starts making money for its end users (HSBC in this case).

HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Anders Bylund has positions in International Business Machines. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends International Business Machines. The Motley Fool recommends HSBC Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

By Reuters

September 29, 20258:35 AM UTCUpdated ago

A woman walks past a logo of Tik Tok social network on Wangfujing street in Beijing, China August 7, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

CompaniesJAKARTA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - TikTok has been fined 15 billion rupiah ($900,000) for the late reporting of its acquisition of e-commerce platform Tokopedia, Indonesia's anti-monopoly agency said on Monday.

TikTok, which is owned by China's ByteDance, completed a deal in January 2024 to buy 75.01% of Tokopedia for $840 million from PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

(GOTO.JK), opens new tab.

Sign up here.

($1 = 16,665 rupiah)

Reporting by Dewi Kurniawati; Writing by Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by John Mair

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Rockfire Resources PLC (LSE:ROCK) has agreed a binding farm-in arrangement with Eastern Resources Limited (ASX: EFE) to advance exploration at the company’s 100%-owned Marengo Gold Project in Queensland, Australia.

The partnership aims to unlock high-grade gold, silver and copper potential at the Marengo Goldfield.

Under the terms of the deal, Eastern will sole-fund exploration activities at Marengo for three years, with staged expenditures totalling A$1.5 million.

Eastern will acquire incremental ownership stakes culminating in an 80% interest in the tenement upon completion of all funding obligations.

"The establishment of this Farm-in and eventual joint venture is a positive step for the Marengo project and for Rockfire generally," Rockfire chief executive David Price said.

"This enables our team to focus its efforts on the Molaoi project in Greece and allows for the advancement of Marengo at the same time."

Rockfire will have the option to retain a 20% interest and continue funding on a pro-rata basis or convert its holding into a 1.5% net smelter royalty.

In London, Rockfire shares rose 19% changing hands at 0.25p.

AstraZeneca announced plans to change how it lists shares in the United States by moving from American depositary receipts (ADRs) on Nasdaq to a direct listing of its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

HomeIndustriesPublished: Sept. 29, 2025 at 4:46 a.m. ET

GSK CEO Emma Walmsley will be stepping aside after nine years. Photo: Leon Neal/Getty ImagesShares of GSK rallied on Monday after the U.K. pharmaceutical giant turned to an insider to become its next CEO.

Luke Miels, chief commercial officer, will take the reigns on Jan. 1 from Emma Walmsley, who has led the company for nine years. Miels also held senior roles at other European pharmas including AstraZeneca, Roche and Sanofi.

About the Author

Steven Goldstein is based in London and responsible for MarketWatch's coverage of financial markets in Europe, with a particular focus on global macro and commodities. Previously, he was Washington bureau chief, directing MarketWatch's economic, political and regulatory coverage. Follow Steve on Twitter: @MKTWgoldstein.

RAPT on track to initiate trial this year

September 29, 2025 05:00 ET

 | Source:

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPT), a clinical-stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapies for patients living with inflammatory and immunological diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared RAPT’s Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to proceed to a Phase 2b clinical trial of RPT904 for the treatment of patients with food allergy. The planned Phase 2b trial in food allergy is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RPT904 dosed every 8 weeks (Q8W) and every 12 weeks (Q12W).

“Clearance of our IND application, which included data from our Chinese partner Jeyou, is an important and meaningful step for the program,” said Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of RAPT. “We are excited to advance clinical development of RPT904, our next-generation, half-life extended anti-IgE molecule with a differentiated product profile. We are on track to initiate our Phase 2b clinical trial by the end of the year, taking us closer to our objective of delivering a best-in-class therapeutic option to patients in the large and underserved food allergy community. Furthermore, we look forward to data from Jeyou’s Phase 2 trials in chronic spontaneous urticaria and asthma, which we also expect by the end of the year.”

About the RPT904-01 (prestIgE) Phase 2b Trial
The Phase 2b trial, named “prestIgE”, is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of RPT904 monotherapy in participants with IgE-mediated food allergy. The two-part, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will compare two dosing regimens of RPT904 (administered subcutaneously every 8 weeks or every 12 weeks, including a loading dose at Week 2) to placebo in a 2:2:1 ratio. In Part 1, approximately 100 participants with at least one food allergy (peanut, milk, egg, walnut or cashew) will be treated for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint for the trial is the proportion of participants who achieve a prespecified target threshold at a double-blind, placebo-controlled, oral food challenge (DBPCFC) at Week 24. In Part 2, the participants in the RPT904 treatment arms will continue treatment for another 24 weeks, while participants on placebo will be re-randomized 1:1 to receive RPT904 either every 8 weeks or every 12 weeks (with a loading dose at Week 26) through Week 48 and all participants will undergo a DBPCFC at Week 48. Participants will also be followed for an additional 16 weeks in a safety follow-up period.

About RPT904
RPT904 is a novel, half-life extended anti-IgE bio-better monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the same epitope as omalizumab for the treatment of patients with food allergies, chronic spontaneous urticaria and other allergic inflammatory diseases. RPT904 is designed to inhibit free and cell-bound human immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key driver of allergic diseases, and in early clinical studies has demonstrated extended pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties compared to omalizumab, a first generation anti-IgE mAb.

About RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.
RAPT is a clinical-stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapies for patients living with inflammatory and immunological diseases. Utilizing our deep and proprietary expertise in immunology, we develop novel therapies that are designed to modulate the critical immune responses underlying these diseases.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimates,” “expects,” “look forward,” “on track,” “planned,” “potential” “will” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Each of these statements is based only on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the development of RPT904, regulatory interactions, the therapeutic and commercial potential of RPT904, the design and timing of clinical trials and the availability of data therefrom, and other statements that are not historical fact. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected or unfavorable safety or efficacy data observed during clinical studies, preliminary data and trends that may not be predictive of future data or results or that may not demonstrate safety or efficacy or lead to regulatory approval, our reliance on our partners and other third parties, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, unanticipated or greater than anticipated impacts or delays due to macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions (including the long-term impacts of ongoing overseas conflicts, tariffs and trade tensions, fluctuations in inflation and interest rates and other economic uncertainty), changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, the uncertainties and timing of the regulatory approval process and the sufficiency of RAPT’s cash resources. Detailed information regarding risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by statements in this press release may be found in RAPT’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 7, 2025, and subsequent filings made by RAPT with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. RAPT disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

RAPT Investor Contact:
Sylvia Wheeler
[email protected]

RAPT Media Contact:
Aljanae Reynolds
[email protected]

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 29, 2025 / American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the"Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTCQB:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P3) is pleased to confirm that it has made the required annual payments to renew its 100% interest in 11 State of Utah ("SITLA") Mineral and Minerals Salt Leases covering approx. 7,050 acres, 1,094 Federal Lithium Brine Claims (BLM Placer Claims) covering approx.

Accelerating AI Innovation toFind New Growth Driver

, /PRNewswire/ -- Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) ("Yiren Digital" or the "Company"), an AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial services in Asia, announced increasing growth momentum in its internet insurance business. The Company has continued to strategically evolve and expand this business by leveraging innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to precisely identify and capture customer demands within existing acquisition channels, while building a scalable foundation for future growth.

Accelerated Growth with Expanding User Base

Yiren Digital's internet insurance business has demonstrated strong growth momentum since it began scaling in the first quarter of 2025. As of September 25, 2025, the cumulative number of registered users reached 4.3 million. The growth was driven by accelerated customer adoption and the proven scalability of Yiren Digital's AI-powered insurance discovery and delivery platform. The Company expects this positive trajectory to persist through the second half of 2025.

"Our AI-powered approach is transforming how customers access insurance coverage and driving growth," stated Mr. Ning Tang, Chairman and CEO of Yiren Digital. "By continuously integrating insurance solutions into various use case scenarios where customers are already engaged, we're building a seamless insurance experience that makes coverage more accessible and intuitive."

"We are strategically positioned to expand the potential of AI-driven demand discovery," added Mr. Ning Tang. "Our continued investment in technological advancement enables us to identify and develop new market opportunities as they emerge, building a sustainable foundation for long-term growth in this high-value business segment."

Building a High-Value Business Model with Strong Unit Economics

Currently, the platform has established strategic partnerships with a range of leading insurance carriers to offer comprehensive coverage solutions encompassing health, critical illness, accident, property and casualty, and travel insurance products. This diversified portfolio addresses the full spectrum of customer insurance needs through an innovative digital platform.

This scalable business model is powered by advanced AI technology that effectively identifies qualified prospects within the Company's existing customer ecosystem, significantly reducing dependence on conventional marketing channels while driving operational efficiency.

Strategic AI Development Enhances Customer Demand Discovery

Yiren Digital continues to enhance its proprietary AI-driven platform that analyzes customer behavior patterns to identify insurance needs through user interaction data. The Company's multi-modal technology demonstrates exceptional precision, successfully identifying potential customers with a 98% approval probability from insurance carriers.

Yiren Digital's integrated sales and marketing platform connects with carrier insurance systems, utilizing customer digital engagement analytics to optimize the user experience. Through the implementation of OCR and speech recognition technologies, the platform delivers a streamlined onboarding process that reduces customer dropout rates by more than 30%.

Ongoing Innovation and Strategic Development

Yiren Digital remains focused on enhancing its AI capabilities to uncover additional product demand opportunities. By applying advanced machine learning and predictive analytics, Yiren Digital aims to uncover subtle patterns in customer behavior, anticipate emerging insurance needs, and translate these insights into innovative product solutions.

To support this, the Company continues to invest in self-developed technologies to handle increasingly complex and dynamic data sets. These upgrades will allow Yiren Digital to deliver more personalized and efficient solutions. Additionally, the Company is enhancing its AI-driven customer interaction models — from natural language processing to image and voice recognition — to create seamless, user-friendly experiences across channels.

About Yiren Digital

Yiren Digital Ltd. is a leading, AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial services in Asia. Our mission is to elevate customers' financial well-being and enhance their quality of life by delivering digital financial services and tailor-made insurance solutions. We support clients at various growth stages, addressing financing needs arising from consumption and production activities, while aiming to augment the overall well-being and financial security of individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, please visit https://ir.yiren.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Yiren Digital's control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Yiren Digital's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yiren Digital does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Yiren Digital

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Darius Baruo
Sep 29, 2025 07:34

** UNI price trades at $7.66 despite platform achieving record $1 trillion annual volume, as governance debates intensify over token utility and fee-sharing mechanisms.

**

Uniswap Market Update: Key Highlights
• Latest UNI price: $7.66 (24h: +1.82%)
• Platform achieves historic $1 trillion annual trading volume milestone
• Governance tensions emerge over token's fee-sharing structure
• Technical innovation continues with The Compact v1 launch

The disconnect between Uniswap's operational excellence and UNI price performance has become increasingly apparent this week, with the protocol celebrating unprecedented volume achievements while token holders grapple with valuation concerns.

Breaking: Recent Developments Affecting UNI
Uniswap's achievement of $1 trillion in annual trading volume represents a watershed moment for decentralized finance, yet the UNI price has struggled to reflect this fundamental strength. The milestone underscores the protocol's dominant position in DeFi infrastructure, processing more volume than many traditional exchanges.

However, this operational success has been overshadowed by an intensifying governance debate that struck at the heart of UNI's value proposition. Arca's Jeff Dorman publicly challenged the token's utility, arguing that without fee-sharing mechanisms, UNI serves little purpose beyond governance rights. This criticism prompted a spirited defense from Uniswap founder Hayden Adams, but the controversy has clearly weighed on market sentiment.

Adding a positive technical dimension to the narrative, Uniswap Labs unveiled The Compact v1 on September 23rd. This ownerless ERC-6909 smart contract aims to revolutionize cross-chain swaps by enabling tokens to be locked as reusable resources, potentially addressing one of DeFi's most persistent challenges around fragmentation.

How Traders Are Reacting to Uniswap News
Market participants have demonstrated mixed reactions to recent developments, with UNI/USDT trading volumes on Binance spot reaching $13.8 million over the past 24 hours. The governance controversy appears to have created uncertainty among institutional holders, while retail traders seem more focused on technical levels and short-term price action.

The 26% decline mentioned in recent reports highlights how fundamental achievements don't always translate immediately to token appreciation. This disconnect has prompted many traders to reassess their positions, particularly as the fee-sharing debate questions the token's long-term value accrual mechanisms.

UNI Price Action: Technical Perspective
From a Uniswap technical analysis standpoint, UNI price action reveals a complex picture. Trading at $7.66, the token sits precariously close to key Uniswap support levels, with immediate support at $7.27 representing a critical line in the sand for bulls.

UNI's RSI reading of 31.04 places the token in neutral territory but trending toward oversold conditions, suggesting potential for a technical bounce. The MACD histogram shows bearish momentum continues to dominate, with the -0.1205 reading indicating selling pressure remains intact.

Uniswap technical analysis reveals the token trading within Bollinger Bands, with the current position at 0.1799 placing UNI near the lower band support. This positioning often precedes either a technical rebound or a breakdown to new lows, making the next few sessions crucial for direction.

Key UNI resistance levels to watch include the immediate barrier at $10.36, while stronger Uniswap support levels emerge around the $7.27 mark where both technical and psychological factors converge.

What's Next for Uniswap? Expert Analysis
The short-term outlook for UNI price depends heavily on how the governance debate resolves and whether technical innovation can reignite investor enthusiasm. The Compact v1 launch represents genuine technological progress, but its impact may take time to materialize in token valuations.

Technical indicators suggest UNI price could experience increased volatility, with the Daily ATR of $0.46 indicating substantial intraday movement potential. Traders should monitor the $7.27 support level closely, as a break below could trigger further selling toward the strong support at the same level.

The governance controversy, while challenging in the near term, could ultimately lead to positive changes in UNI's tokenomics if the community decides to implement fee-sharing mechanisms. Such developments would fundamentally alter the token's value proposition and could serve as a significant catalyst for future price appreciation.

Risk factors include continued regulatory uncertainty in the DeFi space and potential further governance disputes that could undermine confidence in UNI's long-term utility.

Image source: Shutterstock

uni price analysis
uni price prediction

Legendary cryptographer Nick Szabo is back online after five years, and he’s diving straight into one of Bitcoin’s hottest debates. 

The creator of Bit Gold, often called a precursor to Bitcoin, shared his thoughts on the controversial Bitcoin Core v30 update and a recent $44 million BTC move that has the crypto community talking.

Here’s the chatter.

Bitcoin Core v30: Big Changes AheadThe Bitcoin Core team recently released v30.0rc2, the second test version of their major update. It brings a new wallet format, phases out old wallets, and simplifies command systems.

The real debate, however, is about OP_RETURN, a feature that lets users embed data in transactions. Its limits are set to rise from 80 bytes to potentially 4 MB per transaction output.

Bitcoin purists argue this is risky. They say the network should focus on financial transactions, warning that storing large amounts of data could bloat the blockchain, raise costs, and open the door to spam or malware. 

Maximalists counter that users paying fees should be free to use block space however they want, and the market will naturally limit misuse.

Szabo Weighs InSzabo didn’t hold back.

On X, he said: “Fees protect the miners, but they don’t provide enough disincentive to protect the full nodes. This has always been a problem, of course. But increasing the OP_RETURN allowance will likely make this problem worse. It will also increase legal risks.”

His return adds weight to the conversation as Bitcoin Core v30 approaches its likely release in late October.

Legal Risks Loom LargeThe legal angle is tricky. Node operators could face liability if illegal content is stored on the blockchain. 

Szabo pointed out: “Illegal content in a standard format, thus readily viewable by standard software, is more likely to impress lawyers, judges, and jurors, and thus is legally more risky, than data that has been broken up or hidden and thus requires specialized software to reconstruct.”

This intersects with regulations like California’s AB 1052, which could classify coins untouched for three years as unclaimed property.

$44M BTC Moves Spark SpeculationEarlier this week, a 2013 Bitcoin address moved 400 BTC, worth around $44 million. Some linked it to “Salomon Brothers” notices or possible state seizure. 

Szabo explained: “I think this is somebody moving their Bitcoin to other addresses in preparation for such a law, while at the same time protesting the law. (P.S. for security as well as such legal reasons, it’s a good idea to move your Bitcoin every few years).”

Whether for legal caution, security, or protest, it highlights the mix of regulation, tech updates, and market moves shaping Bitcoin today.

With v30 updates, OP_RETURN debates, legal risks, and large BTC moves, Bitcoin is at a turning point and Szabo is encouraging conversation. 

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

Joerg Hiller
Sep 29, 2025 07:51

LTC price holds $106.03 despite trading below critical SMAs. Technical indicators reveal mixed signals as Litecoin's RSI approaches oversold territory.

Litecoin Performance: Market Leader or Laggard?
The LTC price currently sits at $106.03, reflecting a modest 1.82% daily gain that masks underlying technical weakness. While Litecoin managed to climb from its 24-hour low of $102.70, the cryptocurrency remains positioned below multiple key moving averages, suggesting institutional selling pressure continues to weigh on price action.

Litecoin's performance relative to Bitcoin reveals a concerning divergence. Where Bitcoin has maintained relative strength above key technical levels, LTC has broken below both its 20-day and 50-day simple moving averages at $111.66 and $114.14 respectively. This positioning places Litecoin in a more vulnerable technical stance compared to major cryptocurrencies, despite trading well above its 200-day SMA of $97.77.

The unique factor driving LTC's current consolidation appears to be profit-taking behavior among medium-term holders. Binance spot market data shows concentrated selling pressure around the $107-$108 resistance zone, where Litecoin's EMA 12 intersects with psychological resistance levels.

Why Litecoin Is Moving Differently Today
Despite the absence of significant news catalysts in recent sessions, Litecoin's price action reflects broader altcoin sector rotation rather than LTC-specific fundamentals. The cryptocurrency's 24-hour trading volume of $22,013,206 on Binance spot markets indicates moderate institutional participation without the explosive momentum seen in previous rallies.

Compared to sector peers, Litecoin demonstrates relatively contained volatility with its daily ATR reading 4.31. This measured price action contrasts sharply with more speculative altcoins experiencing double-digit swings, positioning LTC as a stability play within the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.

LTC Technical Scorecard
Litecoin technical analysis reveals a cryptocurrency caught between conflicting momentum signals. The LTC RSI reading of 41.76 places the asset firmly in neutral territory, avoiding both overbought and oversold extremes that typically precede major directional moves.

Litecoin's MACD configuration tells a more bearish story, with the indicator printing -2.5472 against a signal line of -1.8188. The resulting histogram value of -0.7285 confirms bearish momentum remains intact despite today's modest price recovery. This MACD setup suggests any near-term rallies may face selling pressure from technical traders.

The Bollinger Bands framework provides additional context for LTC/USDT positioning. With Litecoin trading at a %B position of 0.2464, the cryptocurrency sits well below the middle band, indicating sustained selling pressure has pushed prices toward the lower boundary of the established trading range.

Trading Litecoin: Opportunities and Risks
Current LTC resistance levels present clear risk parameters for active traders. Immediate resistance emerges at $120.83, representing a critical test zone where previous support converted to resistance. Beyond this level, Litecoin support levels become increasingly sparse until the strong resistance area near $134.19.

On the downside, Litecoin support levels converge around $100.25, creating a significant technical floor. This level represents both immediate and strong support according to current market structure, suggesting aggressive buying interest should emerge if LTC approaches this zone.

The stochastic oscillator readings of 30.07 (%K) and 28.82 (%D) indicate Litecoin approaches oversold conditions without reaching extreme levels. This positioning creates potential for tactical bounces while maintaining the broader corrective structure.

LTC Outlook: Standalone Thesis
Despite current technical headwinds, Litecoin's fundamental positioning remains constructive for medium-term holders. The cryptocurrency's established role as a Bitcoin testing ground continues attracting developer attention and institutional adoption, independent of short-term price fluctuations.

Key levels to monitor include the $100.25 support zone as a potential accumulation area and the $120.83 resistance level as a signal for trend resumption. A decisive break above Litecoin's 50-day SMA at $114.14 would represent the first technical milestone in any sustainable recovery attempt.

The LTC price trajectory will likely depend on broader cryptocurrency market sentiment rather than Litecoin-specific catalysts. However, the cryptocurrency's relative stability during market stress continues supporting its thesis as a lower-volatility alternative to more speculative digital assets. Traders should monitor volume patterns around key technical levels, as institutional participation often precedes significant directional moves in LTC/USDT markets.

Image source: Shutterstock

ltc price analysis
ltc price prediction

XRP has long been one of the most debated cryptocurrencies in the market. For years, critics questioned its purpose, decentralization, and future. Among those skeptics was billionaire investor and Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz, who once boldly said, “I didn’t think XRP would last.”

But now, Novogratz admits he was wrong — he underestimated both the digital asset and the loyal supporters behind it.

Speaking with podcaster Kyle Chasse, Novogratz revealed that he once believed XRP would not survive the legal storm it faced with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2020. 

Novogratz was publicly skeptical, believing that heavy regulatory pressure, along with Ripple’s large control over the token, would eventually crush the project. But I was wrong about XRP as Ripple completely outplayed. 

Ripple stood firm in court, while the loyal “XRP Army” kept supporting the project through every wave of doubt and market swings. Instead of fading, XRP regained trust, rebuilt strength, and proved far more resilient than many expected. 

The Power of Loyal CommunitiesNovogratz praised Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and attorney John Deaton for leading from the front, noting that the XRP case became more than just a legal fight; it united holders globally and proved how a network effect and loyal base can insulate a crypto project. 

“XRP has one of the strongest communities there is,” Novogratz commented, comparing its loyalty to Bitcoin’s and noting how crypto projects can survive tough times when their supporters stand firmly behind them.

XRP Emerges as a Top Performer in CryptoAs the Ripple SEC lawsuits end, Novogratz admitted that XRP turned out to be one of the best-performing tokens since November 2024. 

 “Who would have ever guessed that?” 

Since November 2024, the XRP price has been up approximately 47.4% as it rose from $1.94 to about $2.86 by September 2025, despite major market volatility and regulatory challenges throughout the period

He added that XRP’s community never sees the token as “too expensive,” a mindset uncommon in traditional markets.

As of now, the XRP Price is trading around $2.87, reflecting a rise of 3% seen in the last 24 hours.

Token launches are resurging in 2025, but unlike the 2017 ICO boom, they leverage on-chain tools for fairness, scale, and transparency.Stephen Hess of Metaplex says on-chain fundraising is faster, global, and community-aligned, making it the default model for startups.Venture capital isn’t disappearing; instead, it’s adapting by joining tokenized markets and integrating equity with decentralized finance.The pace of new token launches has picked up, with blockchain ecosystems introducing fresh assets at an unprecedented rate. For many, the trend recalls the initial coin offering (ICO) frenzy nearly a decade ago, when speculation overshadowed fundamentals. Yet industry leaders argue that today’s environment rests on stronger ground.

Stephen Hess, Founder and Director of Metaplex, is among them. In an exclusive interview with BeInCrypto, he explained that modern launch frameworks aren’t simply fueled by hype — they are the product of years of infrastructure development, making them more responsible and scalable. Hess believes the shift is so significant that token-based fundraising is set to become the default path for startups.

The Rise and Fall of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
For context, an ICO is a fundraising mechanism used by blockchain and cryptocurrency projects. It’s somewhat similar to an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in traditional finance, but instead of selling shares of a company, projects sell digital tokens. 

Sponsored

Sponsored

In exchange for their investment, investors receive the new tokens, which they can use within the project or potentially sell later for profit.

In 2017, ICOs exploded in popularity and investors poured billions into crypto startups. According to data from Goat Finance, that year alone saw more than 800 ICOs launched, raising over $5.6 billion in total funding.

“In 2015, Ethereum’s introduction of a standard for implementing tokens (ERC20) further streamlined the ICO process. From just 9 ICOs in 2015 and 74 in 2016, the market surged to over 1,000 ICOs in 2018,” ICO Bench noted.

ICO Bench further revealed that coin offerings delivered 3.5 times more capital to blockchain startups than traditional venture capital (VC) rounds between 2017 and 2020. However, the ICO boom was marred by challenges. 

A study of 3,392 ICOs from 2016 to 2018 revealed a sharp decline in success rates, from nearly 90% in early 2017 to 30% by Q4 2018. Plummeting cryptocurrency prices, regulatory scrutiny, and high-profile scams eroded investor confidence. A Statis Group study found that over 80% of ICOs were identified as scams. 

“The consequences of the ICO bust were severe: By 2019, over 80% of ICOs were considered ‘dead’ or ‘scams.’ Many investors lost significant sums. The term ‘ICO’ became associated with high risk and potential fraud,” Goat Finance wrote.

Notable ICO Scams. Source: ICO Bench
But with so many new tokens hitting the market today, the question remains: has the industry learned its lessons, or is history destined to repeat itself?

Why Token Launches Look Different in 2025
Reflecting on the ICO era, Hess stressed that the process had serious flaws. 

Sponsored

Sponsored

“In the ICO era, capital raises were plagued by opacity, unfair access, and technical limitations, like no robust smart contract frameworks for equitable distribution, leading to regular front-running, sniping, and insider advantages that eroded trust and fueled speculation,” he said.

Nonetheless, the executive emphasized that today’s token launches are far more sustainable than the 2017 ICO frenzy, supported by stronger products for founders and more advanced tools for developers. Hess noted that modern token issuers now leverage sophisticated on-chain mechanisms to overcome the shortcomings of the past.

Fully on-chain auctions and launch pools, for example, enable real-time price discovery. They also ensure that all participants receive tokens at the same fair price, eliminating opportunities for manipulation. 

Beyond distribution, issuers are operating within a more mature ecosystem powered by proof-of-stake networks like Solana (SOL). It supports scalable, web-level applications and real revenue-generating businesses. 

This marks a fundamental shift from hype-driven speculation toward utility and adoption, avoiding the pitfalls of launching projects without proven traction or genuine community alignment.

“Platforms like Genesis demonstrate this sustainability. Its fully onchain auctions and launch pools ensure everyone gets the same price with real-time price discovery, eliminating front-running and sniping that fueled 2017’s excesses. This fosters genuine community participation and long-term value, rather than pump-and-dump schemes. We also have thousands of crypto businesses with revenue-generating projects and protocols, grounding launches in real economics instead of pure speculation,” Hess mentioned to BeInCrypto.

Why More Crypto-Native Companies Are Choosing Tokens to Raise FundsSponsored

Sponsored

Backed by strong infrastructure, crypto-native companies are now increasingly opting for token launches to raise capital over traditional VC funding. According to Hess, this trend is driven by the speed, flexibility, and community alignment offered by on-chain fundraising. 

“Raising capital through a token launch on-chain allows companies to move faster, bypassing the rigid timelines of traditional funding rounds. Projects can raise capital directly from a global, liquid market, giving them more control over their expansion. This strategy also aligns incentives with their customers and community from day one, as early participants become token holders. A strong, engaged community creates a healthier, more durable capital base, which is ultimately beneficial for all investors, including VCs,” he remarked.

The Metaplex founder elaborated that token launches expand access to capital beyond traditional institutional investors by opening participation to a global online market. Retail participants, as token holders, contribute liquidity and alignment, serving not only as backers but also as stakeholders who provide capital, feedback, and network effects. 

This dynamic democratizes fundraising and fosters startups that are more closely aligned with their communities. Despite this, Hess added that token launches still carry risks, including regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and potential manipulation. 

Onchain Fundraising Pushes Venture Capital to Adapt, Not Disappear 
So, does the rise of token-backed fundraising mean the end of traditional VC funding? Not quite. Hess told BeInCrypto that this shift doesn’t eliminate venture capitalists — it brings them on-chain.

“This creates a more level playing field where everyone, including VCs, participates directly,” he stated.

Hess highlighted that the rise of on-chain fundraising is pushing venture capital firms to adapt. The funding space is becoming increasingly democratized, allowing startups to raise capital on-chain much earlier in their development. 

Sponsored

Sponsored

In addition, Hess said that token-based fundraising doesn’t operate in isolation — it coexists with traditional financing. Networks and protocols can issue utility tokens that generate value through adoption, governance, and utility, while still driving returns for equity holders who helped build them.

“Onchain equity issuance also enhances traditional financing by enabling tokenized shares to be traded or used as collateral in DeFi lending programs. These security tokens offer greater liquidity and accessibility than traditional equity. For instance, a company could tokenize equity for global trading and use it to secure loans. This integration creates new opportunities for capital efficiency and investor engagement,” he commented. 

The Future of Startup Fundraising 
Finally, Hess predicted that the model pioneered by crypto-native companies will expand to a broader range of startups. It signals a future where direct, community-driven capital becomes the standard.

“Token-based fundraising will become the default path for startups, as companies launch onchain early to access the internet capital markets,” Hess revealed to BeInCrypto.

He added that in parallel, much of the economy will shift toward decentralization, powered by tokenized protocols and peer-to-peer networks.

“Platforms like Metaplex will drive this by offering advanced, fair token creation and launch tools on Solana, lowering barriers for founders and builders,” the executive said.

Thus, the resurgence of token launches reflects a maturing industry that has learned from the excesses of 2017. By prioritizing transparency, utility, and community alignment, today’s token launches aim to avoid the pitfalls of the ICO era. 

While risks remain, the evolution of on-chain infrastructure and the integration of traditional and decentralized financing models signal a promising future for startup capital raising—one that balances innovation with responsibility.

Disclaimer

Following the Trust Project guidelines, this feature article presents opinions and perspectives from industry experts or individuals. BeInCrypto is dedicated to transparent reporting, but the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of BeInCrypto or its staff. Readers should verify information independently and consult with a professional before making decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

With the final quarter of 2025 approaching, traders are preparing for a possible shift toward altcoins. Charts for Bitcoin dominance (BTC.D), Tether dominance (USDT.D), and the Altseason Index hint that market conditions may soon favor altcoins. According to an analyst, Ethereum (ETH), Immutable X (IMX), and Solana (SOL) are among the tokens showing setups worth tracking.

Bitcoin Dominance and Altseason Index

Bitcoin dominance recently tested resistance near 59.3 percent. A move lower toward 57 percent would signal room for altcoins to gain. The Altseason Index sits at 73, just below the mark that defines an altcoin season. The reading shows that while Bitcoin remains strong, the market is edging closer to a phase that benefits altcoins.

Tether Dominance Weakens

Tether dominance rejected at the 200-day moving average and key Fibonacci resistance. The chart has since turned lower, suggesting stablecoin supply could flow back into Bitcoin and altcoins. A sustained drop in USDT.D would strengthen the case for a broader market recovery in October.

Ethereum’s Support Levels

Ethereum has shown a reversal on the daily chart. A dip into the $3,600–$3,400 area would match long-term Fibonacci support and set up bullish divergence. Resistance sits between $4,185 and $4,250, while the $4,400 zone remains a high-risk area.

Solana Near Key Zones

Solana bounced from $190 but may retest lower levels if weakness continues. The $176–$166 range combines the 200-day moving average and major retracement levels. A reaction here would likely confirm support and open the door for a rebound.

Immutable X as an Early Signal

Immutable X has often moved ahead of the wider market. Price action on IMX could provide early signs of whether altcoins are ready to gain strength.

Q4 Predictions

The coming weeks may bring more downside before a recovery. If both Bitcoin and Tether dominance confirm bearish patterns, conditions would favor altcoins. Ethereum, Solana, and Immutable X stand out as important projects to monitor as October trading begins.

Cryptocurrencies started the week on a bullish note, with Bitcoin leading the rebound. As the market starts to turn green ahead of anticipated “Uptober” rallies, Sonic Labs has signalled plans to expand from a high-performance blockchain into a serious contender within the global finance space.

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) capped an otherwise underwhelming week on a high, rallying alongside the broader cryptocurrency market on Sunday. Dogecoin Pares Losses The world's largest meme coin rose 2% in the last 24 hours, in line with other large-cap cryptocurrencies.

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Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz used a weekend appearance on Kyle Chassé’s podcast to make an unexpected—if nuanced—bull case for XRP, arguing that the asset’s value today is anchored less in on-chain activity than in an unusually durable, identity-forming community that has survived lawsuits, bear markets and cycles of derision from rivals.

“XRP has one of the strongest communities there is. You want to learn about it, say something bad about them,” Novogratz said. “People will be out in front of your house with picket signs protesting you. Those community members love their token. They have a narrative, it’s going to be payments…” He acknowledged that present-day activity trails faster networks—“We can look at how much use case is on the blockchain. It’s not nearly as much as on Solana, right? Small. It doesn’t matter for their value proposition right now. Their value proposition is the intensity of that community.”

The Galaxy CEO framed that intensity as a rational response to a broader collapse of trust since the 2008 crisis. “We have so little trust that we’re finding trust in these online crypto communities,” he argued, describing the strongest crypto ecosystems as “cults” in the sociological sense—conviction-driven communities that substitute identity and shared myth for institutional trust. “All the crypto that are successful are cults,” he said. It is the kind of commitment that inspires permanence signals—“that’s why people get tattoos… No one gets tattoos about their stock.”

Novogratz contrasted equity investors’ price discipline with crypto tribal loyalty. “I’m an Oracle guy. I like Oracle when it’s cheap. I don’t like it when it’s expensive,” he said. “You’ve never heard an XRP Army guy think XRP is expensive… They just want to be in XRP.” The same identity logic, he noted, permeates Bitcoin: “I’ve got one employee who loves Bitcoin so much… if Bitcoin went away, he would have almost no purpose in life. Like, his purpose is Bitcoin.”

Chassé pushed the analogy into equities by name-checking Tesla’s fandom. Novogratz agreed: “Tesla, because it’s become a cult. It’s a community. It’s a cult.” That bleed-through between markets, in his view, is the tell: culture can dominate valuation models for long stretches, and crypto’s most resilient assets are those whose communities behave as movements.

XRP’s path through US litigation became his central case study in resilience. “I didn’t think XRP would last after the lawsuits and all the… It did. And it’s stronger. It’s actually been the best token you could have bought post-election,” he said, calling the phenomenon “almost irrational” but instructive for understanding why dismissing a community can be costly. Novogratz credited Ripple’s chief executive directly: “Brad Garlinghouse has done a world-class job of navigating these lawsuits, of keeping that community…”

He also used the moment to revisit his own priors about decentralization purity tests. “I used to get angry about it because I was like, oh, it’s not Bitcoin. It’s not as decentralized… Like, who am I to judge where people want to store their money?” He extended the principle beyond XRP: “The same holds true for XRP or Cardano. If people want to store their money in that community, go for it… The arrogance of thinking my community is good, but your community sucks. It’s just stupid. Now, I can make technical arguments for more decentralized than you… Like, who cares? No one cares.”

For Novogratz, crypto communities behave like polities—“They each have their own constitution, Declaration of Independence. They each have their own culture.” He illustrated the point with a story about Galaxy’s own office décor: “We have the Bitcoin white paper on our freaking ceiling… like the beginning [crawl] in Star Wars… That is the constitution of the Bitcoin community.” The implication for XRP is straightforward: as long as the “constitution” of its community remains intact—an ethos he sees as forged under legal fire—the token’s bid can be sustained by identity as much as by immediate utility.

Chassé briefly touched on price perceptions from retail—“people think XRP is very cheap at $3 because if it gets the same price Bitcoin’s at one day, imagine the upside”—to which Novogratz responded by reiterating his refusal to play judge over others’ monetary choices. “When people thought I was crazy, I was like, who the freak are you to judge where I want to… save my money?”

At press time, XRP traded at $2.85.

XRP price, 1-day chart | Source: XRPUSDT on TradingView.com
Featured image from YouTube, chart from TradingView.com

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Aster has set crypto traders abuzz with a powerful price rebound, up 9.89% in one day and a striking 32.77% weekly gain. With its $3.17 billion market cap registering steady growth and a surge in both volume and onchain activity, Aster’s climb isn’t just about hype. It’s the result of a high-profile whale action, combined with platform fee milestones, and technical signals attracting both short-term traders and longer-term believers.

Whale Activity and Adoption SurgeMajor players have made bold moves in the Aster ecosystem in the past 24 hours. Most notably, celebrity investor MrBeast, who purchased over 167,000 ASTER tokens, worth $305k. At the same time, as per Defillama, Aster’s daily fee haul is topping $14.3 million, more than Uniswap, and second only to Tether. 

On September 29, its perpetual trading volume reached an eye-popping $42 billion, outpacing crypto trading heavyweights dYdX and GMX. The “Trade & Earn” model, delivering yield to users on their trading collateral, continues fueling platform adoption and token demand.

Aster Price AnalysisAster’s 27% price drop from its all-time high near $2.43 found support at the $1.83 pivot, which is now a critical floor. The bounce to $1.97 signals that buyers are stepping in on dips. With the 7-day RSI at 69.56, there is momentum but not overheated conditions yet. The 7-day SMA at $1.94 forms the first test for bulls. A clear close above this level could reignite the Aster crypto price for an upside, with $2.12 and $2.37 as potential next targets.

However, caution lingers: futures market outflows of nearly $140 million over seven days. This shows that some speculators are trimming positions after Aster’s huge rally. With an 8.8% token unlock approaching on October 17, holding above $1.83 will be key to maintaining market confidence.

Source: CoinGlassFAQsWhy did Aster price go up so suddenly?

Aster’s rally was sparked by large whale purchases and record daily protocol fees, signaling both influential backing and strong, real-world usage.

What support and resistance levels matter now?

The crucial support is at $1.83, with resistance first at $1.94 and potential targets at $2.12 and $2.37 if momentum stays strong.

Is this price rally sustainable?

The sustainability depends on staying above $1.83 support, continuous fee generation, and monitoring October’s token unlock and whale movements.

After weeks of sluggish performance, the XRP price has broken a key level as traders gear up for an “Uptober” rally and the SEC’s decision on multiple Ripple ETF filings.

Summary

XRP price trades at $2.85 after bouncing from $2.70 support last week.
Technical indicators hint at more upward movement with $3.20–$3.50 being a potential target.
The US SEC is expected to give a decision on five major XRP ETF filings from asset managers like  Grayscale, Bitwise.
ETF approvals could unlock institutional demand and shift market sentiment.

XRP price is showing early signs of recovery after a dip to $2.70 last week, stabilizing just under the key $3 psychological level. The Ripple token has gained 2.6% in the past 24 hours, according to market data from crypto.news, fueled by optimism around the broader market recovery and the much-anticipated Uptober rally.

XRP price indicators hint at potential reversal
XRP (XRP) recently broke out of its tight trading range between $2.70 and $2.83, and is now trading at $2.85. While it remains slightly down 0.3% on the weekly chart, buyers appear to be regaining control.

Technical indicators support this narrative. The RSI has climbed to 45.79, signaling recovery from oversold territory, though it still lacks full bullish strength. Meanwhile, the MACD histogram is fading in red, indicating that bearish pressure is subsiding. However, the MACD line remains below the signal line, suggesting a need for stronger momentum to confirm a true reversal.

XRP price chart | Source: crypto.news
For bulls, the $2.90–$3.00 range is a crucial resistance zone. A successful daily close above $3 could trigger further gains toward $3.20 or even $3.50, especially if Uptober delivers on investor expectations. On the downside, $2.70–$2.75 remains key support, with failure to hold that zone potentially leading to renewed declines.

Looking ahead, October could be a pivotal month for Ripple. The U.S. SEC is set to rule on five major XRP ETF filings, including applications from Grayscale, Bitwise, 21Shares, and WisdomTree, between October 18 and October 25. 

An approval could unlock a new wave of institutional demand, similar to what has been observed with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). For now, XRP holders are watching closely. A breakout above $3.00 could mark the beginning of a new bullish phase.

The rise of Aster DEX revived other protocols offering similar services. Demand for dark pool trading awakened Solana’s HumidiFi, surpassing Orca and Meteora in the past few days. 

HumidiFi rose to the top 3 of Solana protocols, on rising demand for dark pool trading. Following the success of Aster, the protocol gained attention, surpassing Orca and Meteora. The dark pool model, also known as proprietary market maker, is gaining on the fully transparent public order DEX, as well as concentrated liquidity pools.

HumidiFi reached peak volumes in September, driven by demand for dark pools and veiled orders. | Source: DeFiLlama.
The dark pool DEX achieved $8.55B in trading volumes for the past week. On September 25, the DEX achieved an all-time record of $1.91B in daily volumes. HumidiFi rose alongside ZeroFi and SolFi, though those markets are now lagging, with ZeroFi volumes near an all-time low. 

During peak Solana trading periods, HumidiFi has risen up the ranks of DEXs. The exchange has carried up to 15% of Solana on-chain trading volumes, even without opening a front-end to retail trades. 

HumidiFi acts as a proprietary, closed pool with a single market-maker. The DEX is not permissionless, but its liquidity, spreads and slippage are controlled. HumidiFi is used to make orders for the most liquid pairs, especially SOL/USDC.

HumidiFi dark pools prevent sandwich attacks
Solana has allowed dark pools as a way for institutional trading, as well as a tool to disable sandwich attacks. The network still undergoes front-running by bots, extracting over $4M in 10 days. 

Raydium remains the leading DEX on Solana, still driven by retail activity. However, whales and other professional traders aim for minimal slippage and available liquidity that does not register through on-chain analysis. 

Previously, transparent exchanges have led to whale-tracking, as well as aggressive counter-trading. In the case of Aster and HumidiFi, the trading pools remain fully veiled, though they still produce significant volumes. 

Dark pools boost Jupiter volumes
The recent rise in DEX activity boosted Jupiter, based on its direct DEX involvement and its own perpetual futures market. Jupiter itself offers options to select one of the available automatic market makers, giving exposure to the available dark pools that lack a direct front end.

However, Jupiter is also the key router for the dark pool orders. Some of the recent Jupiter activity reflects the hidden effect of HumidiFi, which operates directly, even without a front end. Jupiter still has significant inflows of meme token orders, but HumidiFi is the key source of SOL/USDC requests for routing. 

During the busiest days, HumidiFi takes up to 80% of SOL/USDC requests on Jupiter. SolFi is also highly active, along with smaller dark pools. 

Dark pool activity picked up as SOL briefly dipped under $200. In the new week, SOL recovered to $208.22, with additional USDC inflows in the past week. 

Demand for SOL/USDC trading increased as the stablecoin supply rose to 13.79B tokens, up 7.15% in the past week. Of those tokens, USDC supply is 9.65B, up around 10% in the past month.

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Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the United States ended their four-week inflow streak as investor demand weakened amid new Trump tariffs and uncertainty over the likelihood of another Federal Reserve rate cut this year.

Summary

Bitcoin ETFs recorded $902.5 million in net outflows over the past week.
Investor sentiment remains weak amidst a fresh round of Trump tariffs and uncertainty over additional Fed rate cuts this year.
Bitcoin has confirmed a bullish reversal pattern on the hourly chart.

According to data from SoSoValue, the 12 spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $902.5 million in net outflows over the past week, dated Sep. 22-26, ending a four-week inflow streak that saw over $3.9 billion enter the funds.

Fidelity’s FBTC experienced the largest net outflows over the past week, with $737.8 million exiting the fund. ARK 21Shares’ ARKB and Bitwise’s BITB followed with outflows of $123.3 million and $92.4 million, respectively.

Other ETFs that also saw net redemptions over the week included Grayscale’s GBTC and BTC funds, VanEck’s HODL, and Franklin Templeton’s EZBC, which reported combined outflows of $127.9 million.

BlackRock’s IBIT and Invesco’s BTCO managed to buck the trend, posting inflows of $173.8 million and $10 million, respectively. The remaining BTC ETFs saw zero flows over the week.

Looking at their Ethereum counterparts, the nine Ethereum ETFs fared no better, recording $795.56 million in net outflows over the past week and ending a two-week inflow streak amid investor caution.

Despite heavy redemptions over the past week, September is still shaping up as a strong month for the Bitcoin funds, which have attracted $2.57 billion in inflows, a significant improvement from the previous month’s $751 million in net outflows.

One potential reason for the risk-off sentiment shown by investors over the past week is uncertainty over the possibility of additional Fed rate cuts this year. 

In his latest appearance, Fed Chair Jerome Powell struck a hawkish tone when discussing the possibility of further rate cuts this year, while key Federal Reserve officials such as Beth Hammack and Austan Goolsbee have noted that the bank should be cautious when cutting interest rates.

Investor sentiment was further rattled after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs targeting pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks, home fixtures, and furniture, reviving fears of a renewed global trade war and its potential impact on risk assets.

Bitcoin price confirms bullish reversal
On the hourly chart, Bitcoin has confirmed a breakout from the upper side of a descending broadening wedge pattern on the hourly chart. In technical analysis, such a breakout confirms a bullish reversal, which in turn can lift trader sentiment and support price gains in the days that follow.

BTC breaks out of a descending broadening wedge pattern | Source: crypto.news
However, some analysts have cautioned that for an upside rally to materialize, the leading crypto asset needs to decisively reclaim the $112k support level. On the contrary, if the price fails to hold said level, a deeper correction towards the $105k region may be a possibility, according to analyst Ted Pillows.

$BTC has been going sideways since losing the $112,000 level.

Either Bitcoin will reclaim this level, or it could drop towards the $105,000 support level.

If BTC doesn't hold a $105K support level, expect a bigger dump. pic.twitter.com/anjTTy6P3E

— Ted (@TedPillows) September 28, 2025

Bitcoin (BTC) bulls briefly managed to push its price above the $112k level during early Asian trading hours on Sep. 29, but failed to hold above it. At press time, BTC was trading at $11,675, up 2.2% in the past 24 hours.

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

By Reuters

September 29, 20256:09 AM UTCUpdated ago

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