Bitcoin spent a full week locked between $60,000 and $64,000, absorbing a war scare, a wave of liquidations and a hawkish Federal Reserve. On July 15 it left the box upward at $64,740, and unlike most headline-driven pops, this one brought expanding volume with it. What follows is the structure of the move and the two conditions that decide whether it becomes a trend.
The Structure: a box, a catalyst, a break BTC trades at $64,740 as of July 15, 2026, per CoinGecko, up 3.3% in 24 hours and 4.4% across the week. Market cap: $1.299 trillion.
The week-long range was clean: repeated defenses of the $60,000 area on the downside, repeated stalls near $64,000 on top. Ranges that tight, held through news that violent, usually resolve with force in one direction, and the direction chose up. The trigger was macro, not crypto-native: June consumer prices fell 0.4% on the month, the largest one-month decline since April 2020, with annual inflation at 3.5% versus expectations near 3.8% and core inflation flat, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Markets moved from pricing rate pressure toward pricing a Fed on hold, and risk assets repriced accordingly.
A breakout born from a data print carries a specific vulnerability: it inherits the data’s fragility. The June inflation relief came overwhelmingly from falling energy prices, and the geopolitical backdrop that crushed oil in June has already begun reversing. If oil keeps climbing, the market will start fading the very number that fueled this move. That is not a prediction. It is the identified risk.
The Confirmation Test Two conditions separate a real range break from a headline pop, and both are measurable within days.
Condition one: acceptance above $64,000. The old range top has to become the new floor. A daily close back inside the box would mark this as a failed breakout, and failed breakouts from week-long ranges typically travel to the opposite side of the range, which puts $60,000 back on the table. Above $64,000, the next reference is the round $65,000, and beyond it the zone where June’s breakdown began, in the mid $60,000s, where trapped buyers from the last leg down are waiting to exit at break-even. That overhead supply is the honest reason not to expect a straight line.
Condition two: volume persistence. The breakout day printed $32.7 billion of volume against $27.3 billion the prior day, an expansion of roughly 20%. That is what genuine participation looks like at the moment of a break. The tell over the next sessions: if volume holds elevated while price consolidates above $64,000, positioning is building. If volume collapses back while price hovers, the move was a one-day event reaction and the box walls start pulling again.
The Data Behind the Move The single most important number in this report is not on the Bitcoin chart. It is minus 0.4%, the monthly CPI change, because it flipped the macro assumption underneath every risk asset. A market that spent June bracing for a hawkish Fed under its new chairman suddenly has room to breathe, and rate-sensitive assets, crypto first among them, repriced within hours.
The counterweight belongs in the same paragraph. One cool print does not end an inflation fight, the Fed’s own June projections leaned hawkish, and the ceasefire whose oil-price collapse produced this CPI number is publicly fraying. The bullish read and the bearish read currently share a single variable: the price of oil. Watch it alongside the chart.
Bottom Line The breakout is real on today’s evidence: a clean range break, a verified catalyst, and volume expanding into the move. It is unconfirmed by the only test that matters, time above $64,000. Acceptance above the old box top with sustained volume opens the path toward $65,000 and the mid $60,000s supply zone. A close back inside the box cancels everything and re-opens $60,000. The chart has stated its terms. Now it is the market’s turn.
FAQ Why did Bitcoin break out today? June CPI fell 0.4% on the month, the largest decline since April 2020, easing fears of further rate pressure. BTC broke its week-long $60,000 to $64,000 range at $64,740 on volume roughly 20% higher than the prior day.
Is the Bitcoin breakout confirmed? Not yet. Confirmation requires daily closes above $64,000 with volume staying elevated. A close back inside the old range would mark a failed breakout and re-expose $60,000.
What are the next resistance levels for Bitcoin? The round $65,000 first, then the mid $60,000s zone where June’s breakdown began and prior buyers remain trapped. Overhead supply there makes a straight-line rally unlikely.
What is the biggest risk to the rally? Oil. June’s inflation relief came mostly from falling energy prices, and renewed Middle East tensions are pushing oil back up, which could reverse the macro story behind this move.
What was the June 2026 CPI report? Consumer prices fell 0.4% in June, the biggest monthly drop since April 2020, with annual inflation at 3.5% and core inflation flat on the month, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Crypto assets are extremely volatile and you can lose your entire stake. Always do your own research.
AUTHOR
Farhan Karim is a technology writer and content strategist with 15+ years of experience writing thousands of articles, blogs, whitepapers, and ebooks on Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and other tech niches. His expertise in content strategy, SEO, and a keen eye on the ever-evolving tech space have led him to work with companies like Pepsi, Huawei, Arab News, and now Blockchain Reporter.
Bitcoin (BTC) may hit up to $80,000 by August, a new prediction says as data lays out key nearby BTC price levels.
Key points:
Bitcoin can continue to $70,000 and higher next month if it clears nearby resistance, says new analysis.Market participants identify the most significant support and resistance levels now circling spot price.A macro tide could be the spark to ignite the next move higher this week.BTC price roadmap sees $68,000 within two weeksIn an X update on Wednesday, crypto trader and analyst Michaël van de Poppe said that BTC/USD was successfully defending “crucial” support.
“It’s holding the crucial level at $61,000 and flipping important MAs for support, indicating that there’s more momentum on the horizon,” he wrote, referring to moving average trend lines.
“I’m expecting to see a rally to $68,000 in the next 1-2 weeks, followed by a continuation towards $75,000-80,000 in August.”BTC/USDT one-day chart. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X
Van de Poppe’s first target coincides with exchange order-book liquidity hurdles that price would encounter if it were to break out of its local range.
Updating X followers on whale orders, monitoring resource CoinGlass showed the area at $67,000 and above as key for the cohort. Support, meanwhile, sat principally between $63,500 and $63,800.
BTC/USDT 15-minute chart with whale orders. Source: CoinGlass
Others remained cautious, with declining spot-market volume causing suspicion about the strength of the latest gains.
“Wouldn’t get excited about this pump, this can easily end up being a failed auction above value area,” commentator Exitpump warned on Tuesday.
Previously, trader and analyst Rekt Capital warned that July strength should reverse by August as Bitcoin repeats standard bear-market behavior.
QCP Capital: Crypto market still needs “conviction”In market research issued on Monday, trading company QCP Capital suggested that a macro “catalyst” could be all that was needed to propel crypto higher.
As Cointelegraph reported, the coming days will see the release of key US inflation data prior to the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest-rate changes at the end of the month. Tuesday’s data came in below expectations, helping to send Bitcoin back toward $65,000.
“Should this week’s macro data and earnings continue to validate the bullish narrative, improving risk sentiment could spill over into digital assets as investors rotate into markets that have lagged the broader equity rally,” QCP wrote.
“Until then, crypto appears caught between supportive long-term fundamentals and a market still waiting for conviction.”This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph's Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research.
Jeff Walton, Chief Risk Officer of Strive, a Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin treasury company, recently projected that Bitcoin could reach a valuation of $10 to $15 trillion. Walton emphasized Strive’s commitment to leveraging this potential opportunity to enhance shareholder value. His comments come as Strive continues to employ a strategy focused on accumulating Bitcoin, reflecting a view of Bitcoin as a core balance-sheet asset. Strive currently holds between 19,000 and 19,864 BTC, making it one of the largest public corporate Bitcoin holders globally.
Walton’s ambitious valuation target is part of Strive’s broader strategy to maximize Bitcoin-per-share for its equity investors. This strategy includes recent acquisitions of substantial Bitcoin holdings and the introduction of a daily-dividend preferred stock product aimed at funding further Bitcoin purchases. Walton’s remarks underscore the firm’s belief in Bitcoin’s long-term potential, a belief that may influence sentiment within prediction markets focused on Bitcoin’s price movements.
Advertisement
Currently, Bitcoin price markets are reacting to a range of factors, with Walton’s comments potentially serving as a catalyst. The market pricing suggests participants are evaluating Bitcoin’s prospects, although recent odds reflect a decline in the likelihood of Bitcoin reaching specific price bands by mid-July 2026.
Key Takeaways Walton’s comments suggest confidence in Bitcoin’s potential to reach a $10–15 trillion valuation, aligning with Strive’s accumulation strategy. Market activity reflects mixed sentiment, as indicated by fluctuations in odds for Bitcoin price ranges leading up to July 15, 2026. The current valuation of Strive’s Bitcoin holdings positions the company as a significant player in the corporate Bitcoin landscape. What to Watch Watch for any further strategic moves by Strive that could impact Bitcoin’s valuation. Walton’s statement may influence sentiment, but other market drivers, such as regulatory developments or macroeconomic trends, could also play a significant role. Watch for any shifts in prediction market odds that could suggest changes in sentiment regarding Bitcoin’s price trajectory as the July 15, 2026, resolution date approaches.
Get live prediction-market analysis, powered by Vera. Sign up for Vera.
Term Structure
Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h July 15 2026 0.5% — — View market → July 15 2026 12.5% — — View market → July 15 2026 0.2% — — View market →
Bitcoin surged past $65,000 on Tuesday following new US inflation data that indicated consumer prices cooled significantly in June. The move eased market concerns about another interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve this month. During the day, bitcoin traded as high as $65,100, marking a daily gain of more than 4%.
Inflation drops more than forecastThe US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index fell by 0.4% in June, the sharpest monthly decline since April 2020. This result exceeded economist expectations, who had anticipated only a 0.2% fall. On a yearly basis, inflation eased to 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May. The latest figures mark the first drop after inflation reached a three-year high in the previous month.
Declining energy costs were the biggest driver of the slowdown, with gasoline prices dropping more than 9% in June. These decreases countered modest increases in food and shelter expenses.
Market reaction and crypto performanceEther, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, outpaced bitcoin’s rally, rising nearly 7% to approximately $1,895. Both assets appeared to benefit from the prospect of a less aggressive stance by the Federal Reserve on monetary tightening.
Recent surges in energy prices, fueled by tensions between the US and Iran, had contributed to inflation throughout the spring. This previously prompted market participants to anticipate further rate hikes, a scenario that tends to weigh on riskier assets like cryptocurrencies. The fresh inflation data, however, relieved some of those pressures.
AssetPrice Change (Daily)Current PriceBitcoin (BTC)+4%$65,100Ether (ETH)+7%$1,895Fed outlook and ongoing risksTraders now assign higher odds that the Federal Reserve will keep its policy rate steady, maintaining it between 3.5% and 3.75% at this month’s meeting, according to data from CME FedWatch. However, many in the market still expect the central bank to consider a 25-basis-point increase at its September meeting.
Last month, statements from the Warsh Federal Reserve indicated a more hawkish policy path despite recent data. US military officials announced Tuesday that preparations were underway to reinstate a blockade on Iranian ports, following a series of strikes near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions and the potential for resurgent energy prices continue to weigh on investor sentiment, especially for risk-sensitive assets such as cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin broke above $65,000 as softer-than-expected US inflation data reassured markets and eased speculation over an imminent Fed rate hike.
Mini dictionary: CME FedWatch, a real-time tool used by traders to gauge market expectations for future Federal Reserve interest rate moves based on Fed funds futures pricing.
The next policy decisions and geopolitical developments remain in focus, as traders continue to assess the outlook for inflation, interest rates, and digital asset performance in coming months.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
Bitcoin (BTC) price is up by 3.32% today, July 15, to trade at $64,690 at the time of writing. The gains follow a surge in buying pressure after US inflation dropped to 3.5%. Still, President Trump’s order to close Iranian ports poses a risk to BTC price if the escalating geopolitical tensions fuel sell-side pressure.
Bitcoin Defies Escalating US-Iran Tensions as Oil Prices Rise The price of Brent Crude oil has risen to $85 today, July 15, after the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump has also said the US will strike power plants and bridges in Iran if the country does not resume negotiation talks to end the war.
Trump’s threat comes shortly after the US closed the Strait of Hormuz and reintroduced a 20% fee for cargo ships passing through the Strait.
Iran is also pushing back, with the IRGC launching strikes on Middle East countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
Still, Bitcoin price remains unmoved by these tensions, and on July 14, it created its biggest green candle since June 7. BTC also moved above $65,000 on July 14 for the first time since June 22.
The gains occurred after the US inflation rate dropped to 3.5%, and the odds of the Fed raising interest rates on July 28 dropped to 14%.
Bitcoin Price Hits 3-Week High Amid Shifting Momentum The price of Bitcoin reached $65,000 for the first time since June 22 after buyers returned due to cooling US inflation.
The RSI reading of 54 also supports a bullish long-term Bitcoin price forecast because it suggests that the momentum has shifted to favor bulls.
If this RSI keeps making higher highs, the price of BTC could close above the psychological resistance of $65,000.
Bitcoin closing above the psychological price of $65,000 for three straight days could lead to another upward move to the 100-day EMA of $68,500.
But if the buying pressure that was caused by cooling inflation eases and short-traders sell to book profits, BTC could drop to the support at the 20-day EMA of $63,200.
BTC/USDT: 1-day Chart (Source: TradingView) Analyst Daan Crypto also warns that BTC could move below $60,000 if it breaks the support at $61,300. However, if Bitcoin moves above $64,644, the analyst notes that the price could reclaim $67,000.
BTC ETFs Post $181M Inflows Amid Rising Demand For Longs Bitcoin’s recent gain to $65,000 attracted demand from institutions because inflows to BTC ETFs reached $181 million on July 14.
BlackRock’s IBIT ETF had the highest inflows of $138 million, followed by Fidelity with $21 million in inflows.
The ETF inflows coincide with a rising demand for Bitcoin long positions. The top traders on Hyperliquid now hold the highest number of long positions since September 2025, per Glassnode data.
Bitcoin Long/Short Positions (Source: Glassnode) Glassnode also notes that these traders are more bullish on Bitcoin at the current price of $64,000 than they were when the price reached $83,000 in May 2026.
This long positioning suggests that these traders expect the price of bitcoin to keep rising despite the conflict between the US and Iran.
Galaxy Digital Head of Research Alex Thorn stated that between 2024 and 2025, a significant volume of long-dormant Bitcoin (BTC) was reactivated and transferred on-chain, with the activity’s scale second only to 2017. He noted that the "Great Distribution" phase driven by this wave of old BTC reactivation has now largely concluded, and it is projected that the number of BTC reactivated in 2026 will be less than half of the 2025 figure.
Relevant content
Bank of America: Fund managers’ bullishness on US stocks hits highest level since December 2024.
Bank of America’s Global Fund Manager Survey shows that fund managers’ bullishness toward U.S. stocks has reached its highest level since December 2024. A net 24% of respondents expect U.S. equities to outperform other regions, marking the third-highest allocation weight to U.S. stocks over the past five years. In contrast, investors have cut their allocations to British stocks, with fund managers’ confidence in London-listed shares falling to its lowest point since August 2020. Compared to other regions, the UK stock market has underperformed so far this year: London’s FTSE 100 has risen 5.7% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 has gained more than 10%.
6 minutes ago
SK Hynix's US-listed ADR premium over its Korean shares narrowed to 30.7%.
According to market data from BIT (bit.com), SK Hynix (SKHY) is down 5.8% in U.S. pre-market trading, with its current share price at $182.6. Bitget market data shows that SK Hynix’s closing price on the South Korean stock market today is 2,082,000 won, equivalent to roughly $1,397. Given each SK Hynix ADR represents one-tenth of an ordinary share, the $182.6 price is 30.7% higher than $139.7 (one-tenth of $1,397), a sharp narrowing of the premium from the 51.5% recorded at this morning’s U.S. stock close.
6 minutes ago
Warren Buffett: Not investing in Google back then was a mistake, and it is "more likely to be a winner" now.
Warren Buffett just stated that failing to invest in Google back then was a mistake, noting that based on its current performance, the company is now "more likely to be a winner". He also reaffirmed his optimism about Berkshire Hathaway's investment in Apple. Greg Abel is the current "decision-maker", but neither side will take any action that the other does not endorse. According to market data from BIT (bit.com), Google's US-listed stock is down 0.5% in pre-market trading, while Berkshire Hathaway currently holds approximately $310 billion worth of shares in Alphabet, Google's parent company.
6 minutes ago
Trump’s permanent daylight saving time bill passes the US House of Representatives review.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a bipartisan vote of 308 in favor and 117 against. The bill aims to make daylight saving time permanent, adopting the current March-to-November schedule year-round. This would permanently set the U.S. stock market opening time to 9:30 PM (UTC+8), instead of switching to 10:30 PM (UTC+8) during standard time periods. States may opt out before the bill takes effect. The legislation has now been sent to the Senate for consideration and has not yet passed the upper chamber. Donald Trump publicly supports the bill, noting that the biannual clock adjustments impose huge economic costs, and he will work to push it into law. Some Republicans oppose the measure, arguing that later winter sunrises will harm student safety on their way to school, possibly leading to students commuting in darkness or delayed class start times. Supporters contend that eliminating clock changes can improve sleep, reduce accidents, and boost economic activity.
6 minutes ago
BNB has completed its 36th quarterly token burn, totaling approximately 1.6158 million BNB, valued at around $913.7 million.
BNB Chain completed its 36th quarterly BNB burn today, with a total of 1,615,827.795 BNB destroyed, valued at approximately $931.7 million at the time. The burn was executed via BSC’s on-chain Auto-Burn mechanism, and the transaction hash has been made public. The remaining total BNB supply stands at around 133.17 million. BNB’s ongoing goal of reducing its total supply to 100 million is aimed at boosting its deflationary properties and supporting the growth of the BNB Chain ecosystem.
6 minutes ago
Stable announces the launch of StablePay, a global USDT-based daily payment application.
Stable, a USDT blockchain platform focused on stablecoin payments, has announced the launch of StablePay, a global daily USDT payment application that integrates everyday USDT payment and yield-earning features into a single mobile app, with no delays, no fees, and frictionless transactions.
Bitcoin may have the potential to surge to $80,000 by August, according to new projections from leading cryptocurrency analysts. Current market data highlights key price levels that traders are watching closely in the coming weeks.
Analysts focus on key resistance and supportProminent trader and analyst Michaël van de Poppe stated on X that BTC/USD has managed to defend an important support level. He reported that Bitcoin remains above $61,000, a threshold considered crucial for further upside.
“It’s holding the crucial level at $61,000 and flipping important MAs for support, indicating that there’s more momentum on the horizon,” van de Poppe stated, referencing moving average trend lines.
Van de Poppe identified $70,000 as the next major target if Bitcoin can overcome nearby resistance. This target matches areas of high liquidity, where significant order-book activity could influence price movement.
Orders from large holders, often referred to as “whales,” are clustered around $67,000 and above, according to data compiled by analytics platform CoinGlass. The strongest support now sits between $63,500 and $63,800, creating defined boundaries for Bitcoin’s current trading range.
Mini dictionary: CoinGlass, a crypto analytics platform that tracks derivatives data, order books, and on-chain activity for various digital assets.
Despite recent gains, some market watchers remain cautious. Exitpump, another analyst, warned that declining spot-market volume may not support sustained upward momentum, describing the latest surge as a potential “failed auction above value area.”
Exitpump remarked that sudden upward moves, when not backed by strong trading volume, can reverse quickly and may not signal a confirmed trend reversal.
Earlier, analyst Rekt Capital cautioned that historical patterns suggest July’s strength in Bitcoin could fade by August, noting typical bear-market behavior in this timeframe.
LevelSupportResistancePrimary Support$63,500 – $63,800–Immediate Resistance–$67,000Major Target–$70,000August Projection–$80,000Macroeconomic factors could drive next moveTrading firm QCP Capital suggested in its latest market research that a major macroeconomic catalyst could propel cryptocurrencies higher. QCP Capital, known for providing research and liquidity services in digital asset markets, outlined that both market sentiment and capital rotation play key roles at this point in the cycle.
Recent US inflation figures released on Tuesday came in below expectations, contributing to a rebound in Bitcoin’s price toward $65,000. This data arrives ahead of an upcoming decision by the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates, which many traders believe could influence short-term direction for digital assets.
QCP Capital stated that if upcoming macroeconomic data and corporate earnings continue to foster a positive risk environment, digital assets might benefit as investors look for opportunities outside of equities, especially in markets that have not kept pace with the recent stock market rally.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
Bitcoin held near a three-week high and ether steadied around its highest since June 3 as U.S.-Iran hostilities capped gains from a softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report on Tuesday.HYPE rose 4% and is targeting a new record above $78, supported by a trend of higher highs and higher lows since May. Rival LIT stalled as profit-taking set in near its all-time high of $2.76.CoinMarketCap's Altcoin Season indicator slipped to 46/100 as strength concentrated in the majors rather than spreading across the broader market.Bitcoin BTC$64,532.45 and ether (ETH) consolidated during Asian and European hours after rallying on Tuesday following a weaker-than-forecast U.S. inflation figure.
Bitcoin, while more than 3% higher over 24 hours, fell 0.6% since midnight UTC as tensions between Iran and the U.S. over tanker movements in the Strait of Hormuz ramped up. The largest cryptocurrency earlier touched a three-week high of $65,200.
Ether marked a similar trajectory, remaining 5% higher over 24 hours even after dropping 0.8% since midnight. It touched $1,895, the highest level since June 3, on Tuesday.
U.S. equities also rose in the period, with Nasdaq 100 futures and S&P 500 futures posting respective gains of 0.53% and 0.22%.
The altcoin market also showed pockets of strength; PUMP rose by 8.5% since midnight after a team and investor unlock was mopped up by investors, suggesting robust demand.
Derivatives positioningBTC derivatives positioning remains largely unchanged. Open interest ticked up to $17.3 billion, though the move is not meaningful, the three-month annualized basis held at 3.8% and funding rates remained broadly in the 0%-8% annualized range across multiple venues. In essence, the market continues to consolidateOptions positioning tilted more bullish as the 24-hour call/put ratio moved to 66/34 following yesterday's softer 58/42 read and the one-week delta skew held steady at ~15%. The ATM term structure remains in contango, with the front end around 32%–33% and the long end at ~42.5% out to mid-2027 - indicating a calm, non-stressed volatility environment with a renewed lean toward upside positioning.Coinglass data shows $357 million in 24-hour liquidations, with a 19-81 split between longs and shorts. ETH ($132 million) and BTC ($118 million) were the leaders in terms of notional liquidations. The Binance liquidation heatmap indicates $63,500 as a core liquidation level to monitor in the event of a price drop.Token talkCoinMarketCap’s “Altcoin Season” indicator fell to 46/100 on Wednesday, likely due to the strength shown by the largest cryptocurrencies, bitcoin and ether.The indicator was also dragged down by WLFI$0.05694, which lost around 1% since midnight UTC despite buoyancy in the broader market.Hyperliquid (HYPE) demonstrated its strength, adding 4% since midnight as it looks to extend May’s rally, which has been characterized by a series of higher highs and higher lows. The next target would be a record high above $78.00.HYPE’s rival token, LIT, stalled after a strong month, rising by just 0.5% as it started experiencing profit-taking and supply distribution as it neared its record high of $2.76.There was also a strong gain for zcash (ZEC), which surged by more than 10% over the past 24 hours before consolidating around $557.Related Assets
Bitcoin’s price rose above $65,000 following a notable decrease in inflation, as reported in today’s Unchained Daily newsletter. The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw a 0.4% decline in June, bringing annual inflation down to 2.9%. This development has contributed to a significant reduction in the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike, now at 15.5%, while increasing the possibility of a rate cut in September. Concurrently, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) intervened to prevent the prediction-market platform Kalshi from canceling sports-wagering contracts for Michigan residents, citing federal law supremacy over state directives.
Advertisement
Key Takeaways Bitcoin’s price increase above $65,000 appears consistent with improved macroeconomic conditions, as indicated by a sharp drop in inflation figures. The CFTC’s action against Kalshi suggests a reinforcement of federal authority over state gambling regulations in prediction markets. Market pricing aligns with scenarios supportive of Bitcoin maintaining levels above key thresholds, reflecting confidence in reduced near-term rate hikes. What to Watch Watch for upcoming statements from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, particularly any hints of interest rate adjustments during the July 28–29 meeting. Additionally, developments regarding potential regulatory changes and their implications for platforms like Kalshi could influence market behavior. The likelihood of Bitcoin sustaining its current price levels or advancing further hinges on macroeconomic indicators and regulatory actions.
Get live prediction-market analysis, powered by Vera. Sign up for Vera.
Term Structure
Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h July 15 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 15 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 15 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 15 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 15 2026 99.4% — — View market → July 15 2026 83.5% — — View market → July 15 2026 0.1% — — View market → July 15 2026 0.1% — — View market → July 15 2026 3.9% — — View market → July 15 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 15 2026 0.1% — — View market →
Here are the leaked details of the latest meeting in the Situation Room regarding the recently restarted war in the Middle East.
Bitcoin’s price charted impressive gains on Tuesday and Wednesday after the lower-than-expected US CPI numbers for June, spiking to a multi-week peak of $65,000.
However, this progress is in danger again due to the quickly escalating tension in the Middle East, especially since many reports outlined US President Donald Trump’s new attack strategy against Iran.
New Attack Strategy Revealed The two sides sat in a fragile ceasefire for weeks but failed to reach a decisive deal to permanently end the conflict. Instead, the attacks resumed last week; Trump said the memorandum of understanding is over, and they have launched strikes against each other almost daily since then.
According to multiple reports, the POTUS held a meeting in the Situation Room on Tuesday to discuss a “massive offense” against the Middle Eastern country. Some of the details that went public include:
The meeting was attended by Vice President JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, John Ratcliffe, Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials The new attack strategy will involve strikes with a wider scope than the current ones, which are mostly focused on the region around the Strait of Hormuz. Axios reported that one of the major conclusions of the meeting focused on new plans for “devastating strikes on strategic targets in Iran.” Moreover, the report claimed that Trump claimed Iran should “better make a deal” or they are “not going to have anything left.” The good news in all of this could come from this particular sentence, as the POTUS has made similar threats in the past, which actually preceded major de-escalations.
Is BTC in Danger Again? The timing of these new reported plans for mass attacks couldn’t come at a worse time for bitcoin. The primary cryptocurrency has finally shown some strength following a major macro reversal. The CPI data for June showed much lower inflation than expected, which could mean less chance for the US Fed to increase interest rates.
Bitcoin reacted with an immediate price pump that drove it to a multi-month peak at $65,000 after it slumped below $58,000 for the first time in almost two years on July 1. New negative developments on the war front have long harmed its trend reversal, as attacks typically lead to a BTC crash and a surge in oil prices.
You may also like: Is Wrapped Bitcoin Flashing a Bullish Signal? Exchange Outflows Hit Six-Week High Why Strategy’s Tiny 32 BTC Sale Changed How Investors View Corporate Bitcoin Buying Bitcoin Nears Final Stage of Bear Market Window – Is a Broader Recovery in Sight? Consequently, there’s a real threat that bitcoin can erase the recent gains if the US follows through on its plan and Iran starts to retaliate against many nations in the region as it did in the past.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has stopped at least two ships and kept the Strait of Hormuz sealed shut over the past 24 hours, escalating a standoff that has been simmering since late February. The closure of the narrow waterway that handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil trade isn’t just an energy market story. It’s a crypto story too.
Bitcoin dipped into the $61,688 to $64,000 range during the latest round of tensions before stabilizing around $64,000.
What’s actually happening in the strait The current crisis traces back to February 28, 2026, when the US-Israel-Iran conflict pushed the region into a new phase of hostility. Since then, Iran has been running an increasingly aggressive enforcement operation in the strait, including mine-laying, boarding vessels, and now outright closures.
Advertisement
The latest flashpoint came on July 11, when the IRGC stopped the Cypriot container ship GFS Galaxy for allegedly taking an unauthorized route through the waterway. Iran’s response was blunt: the strait would remain closed “until further notice,” or until the United States stops what Tehran calls acts of aggression.
That declaration has been reiterated through July 14 and 15. Here’s the thing about the Strait of Hormuz: it’s roughly 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, and there is no realistic alternative for the massive volume of oil and liquefied natural gas that flows through it daily.
Iran’s Bitcoin gambit During a prior ceasefire period, Iran proposed charging a toll of $1 per barrel of oil for any vessel transiting the strait, with payments accepted in Bitcoin or stablecoins. Then in May 2026, Iran launched something called “Hormuz Safe,” a Bitcoin-settled maritime insurance platform designed for vessels operating in the region.
Both moves signal that Iran views crypto not as a speculative asset but as a functional workaround for sanctions. That has implications for how regulators in Washington and Brussels view the entire asset class.
What this means for crypto markets The initial price reaction, that dip to the low $60,000s, follows a familiar pattern. Geopolitical shocks trigger a risk-off move, traders sell anything liquid, and Bitcoin gets caught in the downdraft.
Traders should watch two things closely. First, any signs that the strait reopens or that diplomatic channels produce a de-escalation. Second, any US government response that specifically targets crypto’s role in Iran’s sanctions evasion, which could introduce new compliance requirements for exchanges and stablecoin issuers.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
The crypto market has absorbed weeks of geopolitical jolts, ETF flow whipsaws, and choppy Bitcoin price action. Against that backdrop, a single on-chain signal from Wrapped Bitcoin’s Ethereum rails is catching attention. According to the Santiment update, 326 WBTC left exchanges in one day—the largest net outflow since early June.
WBTC outflows matter because coins sitting on trading platforms are effectively available for sale. When Bitcoin’s tokenized version on Ethereum exits exchanges, the immediate selling pressure on those assets declines. More importantly, WBTC is built to move Bitcoin liquidity into DeFi, where it can be deployed as collateral, lent out, or used in liquidity pools. So a 6-week high in outflows isn’t just a simple holder withdrawal—it points to capital rotating back into on-chain yield strategies or serving as a foundation for decentralized borrowing and trading.
What the Outflow Signal Suggests The timing aligns with a market that has been starved for durable risk appetite. Bitcoin has struggled to hold momentum through repeated macro tremors. Exchange flow balance has often been a short-term tell: when outflows spike during consolidation phases, it frequently signals that large market participants are moving coins into longer-term holding or productive DeFi use cases rather than preparing to dump.
At the same time, wrapped Bitcoin is no longer the only way to bring BTC exposure onto Ethereum or other chains. Coinbase’s cbBTC and Circle’s newly live cirBTC are giving institutions and DeFi users alternative rails. Their presence could actually amplify the WBTC outflow story. If more users are migrating BTC into on-chain environments via multiple wrapped versions, the overall pool of idle Bitcoin on centralized exchanges shrinks, and that’s typically supportive for spot prices.
Meanwhile, Ethereum itself remains a developer magnet. Recent data on developer activity, as tracked by services like Top 10 Blockchains by Developer Activity This Week, shows the network maintaining a strong lead, which underpins the smart contract infrastructure that makes wrapped Bitcoin useful. Without a vibrant DeFi ecosystem, WBTC would be less attractive as a yield-generating asset.
The Next Unknowns One large outflow event doesn’t guarantee sustained bullish momentum. Traders will want to see whether this becomes a trend over several days or remains an outlier. Also, some of the outflow could reflect a one-off rebalancing by a single fund or protocol. Without knowing the precise wallet identities, it’s impossible to distinguish between a few whales and broad market behavior.
The broader tokenization trend adds another layer. With real-world assets crossing $20 billion on-chain and major financial players executing live tokenized settlements, as covered in the Weekly Tokenization Roundup, the movement of wrapped assets is increasingly tied to institutional plumbing rather than purely retail speculation. So the WBTC outflows may be part of a deeper structural shift, not just a market-timing signal.
For now, the Santiment data adds another layer of evidence that selling appetite is thinning, even as Bitcoin navigates a difficult macro environment. The next few days will show whether the rotation back into DeFi has real legs.
AUTHOR
Max delves deep into the cryptocurrency realm, with a passion for altcoins and NFTs. Convinced of crypto's transformative potential, he envisions a decentralized financial future. Max's background in the financial sector grants him unique insights into global monetary systems. In his leisure, Max embraces the thrill of adventures and is an avid sports enthusiast, finding balance and rejuvenation away from work.
Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed “until further notice” on July 12 after the US launched its third round of airstrikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in a single week. The move threatens to choke one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, and traditional markets reacted about as calmly as you’d expect, which is to say, not at all.
Bitcoin, meanwhile, barely moved. The largest cryptocurrency traded around $63,800 on July 12 and 13, posting a roughly 0.3% daily decline while oil prices spiked and equity markets sold off.
Advertisement
What happened and why the Strait matters The US strikes targeted IRGC military installations in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway separating Iran from the Arabian Peninsula. Roughly a fifth of the world’s daily oil supply passes through this corridor. This wasn’t a one-off escalation. The July strikes represent the third round of US military action against Iranian assets in just seven days, building on earlier skirmishes in February and May of 2026.
Bitcoin’s unusual calm Bitcoin’s muted reaction to the July escalation stands in sharp contrast to how it handled previous rounds of the same conflict. During the May 28 strikes, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies dropped 3-4%, and nearly $1 billion in leveraged positions got liquidated across exchanges.
This time, the market absorbed the shock with something approaching indifference. A 0.3% decline on a day when a major global trade route gets shut down is, in crypto terms, a rounding error.
Prediction markets cash in on geopolitical chaos While spot crypto markets stayed relatively flat, prediction markets had a field day. Polymarket recorded record trading volumes on US-Iran conflict-related betting contracts, with some accounts reportedly profiting approximately $1.2 million from accurate predictions tied to the strikes. Some of those winning positions were reportedly established as far back as February 2026, suggesting that a subset of traders saw the escalation trajectory clearly months before the broader market priced it in.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Japan has given its approval to a new reform of its digital currency laws as lawmakers enacted digital assets into the country’s financial markets regulatory system. The reform will implement stricter requirements for the industry such as a prohibition on insider trading and a tax cut for crypto. Moreover, it increases the possibility for Bitcoin, crypto ETFs to be launched in the future.
Japan Advances Major Crypto Bill Reform The law classifies cryptocurrencies more as an investment product than a payment product and places them under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA). The Japanese crypto bill was passed by the lower house in mid-June following approval of the proposal by the Cabinet on April 10, 2026. It will go through the upper house and be expected to complete the remaining legislative process in 2027.
The new framework will apply securities-like regulations to about 105 digital assets. Periodic disclosures will have to be made by the token issuers and there will be increased compliance requirements throughout the market. Authorities have also tightened up on explicit bans on insider trading in crypto assets.
Penalties for dealing unlawfully with the market have been raised to higher levels. Violations will be punished by an increase in max prison time from three years to 10 years. Fines will also be raised, up to 10 million yen from 3 million yen.
The reforms also include changes to crypto taxation. At this moment, digital asset trading profits are considered miscellaneous income and tax rates can reach as high as 55%. The government has proposed to replace the current tax system with a new flat tax at rate of 20% for individual investors. If approved by law, the tax changes will go into effect in 2028.
Bitcoin ETF Approval Soon? Previously, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama has stated that the reforms will enhance investor protection and facilitate capital formation, while keeping financial markets fair.
According to the new classification, the regulation of Bitcoin and crypto ETFs in Japan should become easier as well. The revised framework may facilitate the approval of products like Yen denominated Bitcoins ETF in the future. There are already over 12 million verified crypto users in Japan with approximately $34 billion in crypto assets held under domestic custody.
For tokenized stock trading, visit our page on Best Platforms to Trade Tokenized Stocks.
Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
The appearance of the XRP cryptocurrency logo on the uniforms of the University of Kansas sports teams, the Kansas Jayhawks, has sparked a fierce legal debate on social media.
Amid calls to completely ban the promotion of digital assets among students, Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz explained why any attempt to block such advertising would be impossible under the U.S. Constitution.
The United States has the First Amendment. If you want to restrict or can speech, you need to find some exception it fits into. I don't think there is one here. See the cases I cited including one involving liquor and one involving gambling.
HOT Stories
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) July 14, 2026 The dispute was triggered by the announcement of a historic partnership between the university's athletic department and Ripple. For Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, an alumnus of the university, the deal was a personal milestone.
However, online critics reacted harshly to the integration, arguing that cryptocurrency advertising in sports should be banned alongside gambling, tobacco, and alcohol promotions.
How David Schwartz used the First Amendment to defend sports adsSchwartz quickly countered this by pointing out that in the West, governments do not typically ban legal commerce ads on campuses, highlighting a critical legal distinction — if a product is lawful to sell, it is constitutionally lawful to promote.
Rather than engaging in the usual arguments about technology, David Schwartz responded by citing the U.S. Constitution. He noted that the First Amendment protects freedom of commercial speech.
"The government cannot suppress truthful commercial speech merely because it possesses greater powers to regulate things other than speech, nor to prevent the public from making bad, but lawful, decisions," Schwartz emphasized.
You Might Also Like
To support his argument, he cited landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, including 44 Liquormart v. Rhode Island, which concerned restrictions on alcohol advertising, and Greater New Orleans Broadcasting v. United States, which addressed casino advertising.
According to Schwartz's reasoning, if XRP is legal, any attempt to block its advertising without compelling constitutional grounds would amount to direct censorship. As long as XRP is officially recognized as a commodity, any effort to restrict its promotion could be viewed by the courts as a violation of freedom of speech.
Disclaimer: In compliance with MiCA requirements, unauthorized stablecoins are subject to certain restrictions for EEA users. For more information, please click here. This is a general announcement and marketing communication. Products and services referred to here may not be available in your region. Fellow Binancians, From 2026-07-17 00:00 (UTC), Binance will launch an airdrop campaign rewarding all eligible users who hold Ripple USD (RLUSD) on our platform. Eligible users will share rewards from a grand prize pool of $800,000 in XRP. XRP will be distributed as weekly rewards to RLUSD holders every Friday. Campaign Period: 2026-07-17 00:00 (UTC) - 2026-08-14 00:00 (UTC) How to Participate: Eligible users must hold RLUSD in balance (net assets), in any of the following account categories on Binance: EARN Account (RLUSD in Flexible Savings);Margin Account (RLUSD as Collateral in Cross Margin, Isolated Margin, or Portfolio Margin);USDⓈ-M Futures Account (RLUSD as Collateral in USDⓈ-M Futures Accounts). Eligible users will have to maintain at least 0.01 RLUSD in their EARN or Margin or Futures Accounts, and have an average daily trading volume of $500 or more in Margin or Futures on any pairs to qualify for the rewards. Qualifying Trading Volume: $500 in Margin or Futures trading volume can be in any tokens, as long as users are using RLUSD as collaterals. RLUSD acquired through borrowing the other stablecoins will receive a haircut of 60%, after accounting for liabilities in Margin Accounts from other stablecoins, including USDT, USDC, U, USD1, and FDUSD. Campaign Details: Prize Pool: $800,000 in XRP tokens will be distributed over 4 weekly installments. Distribution: Rewards will be airdropped directly to eligible users’ Spot Accounts of their Binance master accounts. Distribution Frequency: Weekly airdrops during the Campaign Period. Reward Distribution: Rewards start accruing from 2026-07-17 00:00 (UTC). Weekly rewards will be distributed by 18:00 (UTC) every Friday in XRP tokens. Distribution records can be found in Distribution history. The Weekly Reward Amount will be roughly calculated as follows: Qualifying Balance of each day = Lowest RLUSD balance captured during those hourly snapshots on each day.Weekly Rewards = (7-day average of the Qualifying Balance * Effective APR on the distribution day * 7) / 365 After each weekly distribution, the effective APR for that period will be updated in this announcement. In determining the effective APR on the distribution day, Binance will take into account a number of factors, including, without limitation: Lowest balance of the snapshots each day;The daily aggregated amount of Qualifying Balances across all eligible holders of RLUSD;7-day average across all eligible holders of RLUSD For RLUSD acquired through borrowing other stablecoins: Eligible balance in Margin Account = RLUSD Balance Before Leverage + Leveraged Amount * (1 - 60%): RLUSD Balance before Leverage = MAX [RLUSD Balance in Margin Account - Margin Account Liabilities of the Other Stablecoins, 0] Leveraged Amount = RLUSD Balance in Margin Account - MAX [RLUSD Balance in Margin Account - Margin Account Liabilities of the Other Stablecoins, 0] Note: ”Other Stablecoins” include USDT, USDC, U, USD1, FDUSD. Case examples: User A holds 10,000 RLUSD as collateral in Margin throughout week 1, trades a total of $7,000 qualifying trading volume in Margin throughout week 1. Effective base APR is 20%, User A's rewards due to be received at the end of week 1 will be as follows:$7,000 / 7 = $1,000 > $500, qualify for rewards. (10,000 * 20% * 7) / 365 = 38.35 USD worth of XRPUser B borrowed 5,000 RLUSD from VIP loan or Margin (“liabilities”). Among this borrowed 5,000 RLUSD, 4,000 RLUSD was used as collateral in Margin, the remaining 1,000 RLUSD was held in their EARN Account in week 1. The effective base APR is 20%, User B’s rewards due to be received at the end of week 1 will be as follows:Qualifying Balance = 0 [(0 * 20% * 7) / 365] = 0 USD worth of XRPUser C traded a total of $7,000 qualifying trading volume in Margin throughout week 1. The user had 1,000 RLUSD in the Margin Account and used it as collateral to borrow 4,000 USDT through Margin (“Liabilities of the other Stablecoins”), then converted this 4,000 USDT to RLUSD. The user now holds 5,000 RLUSD in Margin (“RLUSD Balance”) in week 1. The effective base APR is 20%, User C’s rewards due to be received at the end of week 1 will be as follows:$7,000 / 7 = $1,000 > $500, qualify for rewards. Qualifying Balance = MAX [5,000 - 4,000, 0] + {5,000 - MAX[5,000 - 4,000, 0] } * (1 - 60%) = 1,000 + (5,000 - 1,000) * (1 - 60%) = 2,600(2,600 * 20% * 7) / 365 = 9.97 USD worth of XRP Important Notes: Users may not be eligible for rewards if there are active restrictions on their accounts.Sub-account trading volume and balances are aggregated at the Master Account level for calculation, and rewards are distributed only to the Master Account. For Broker accounts, the rewards will be distributed to virtual sub-accounts. Users’ RLUSD Qualifying Balance will be calculated as net assets (assets minus liabilities). RLUSD as liabilities (e.g., borrowed from VIP loans, Margin loan, etc) will be excluded from the Qualifying Balance for this campaign. Snapshots of user balances and total qualifying balances will be taken at any point of time each hour to get users’ hourly balances in the above mentioned account categories. The lowest RLUSD balance captured during those snapshots on each day will constitute their Qualifying Balance and be used to calculate their rewardsFor example, a user’s lowest RLUSD balance captured on day 1 is zero, then their qualifying balance for that day is zero. At any snapshot time, any one of users’ supported assets must be greater than 0.01 RLUSD to be included in the calculation.Users are recommended to maintain their RLUSD holding throughout the Campaign Period to maximize their rewards. Rewards distributed are rounded down to 2 decimal places. Rewards will be distributed to the Spot Account of Master accounts. Kindly note that the distribution time is not guaranteed and may change from time to time.There is no individual cap on rewards. Users’ rewards depend on their qualifying balance relative to the total qualifying balance of all eligible users and other factors.Stay tuned for weekly reward distributions and updates on the Campaign. Terms and Conditions: Users may not be eligible for rewards if there are active restrictions on their accounts.XRP token value for airdrop distribution will be based on the official Binance market closing price one day before the airdrop distribution day.Snapshots of user balances and total pool balances will be taken multiple times at any point of time each hour to get users’ hourly balances in the abovementioned account categories. The lowest RLUSD balance captured during those snapshots on each day will constitute the user’s Qualifying Balance and be used to calculate their rewards.At any snapshot time, any one of users’ supported assets must be greater than 0.01 RLUSD to be included in the calculation.Broker accounts are eligible for this campaign. Binance reserves the right to periodically update the rules to accommodate changes in legal, regulatory, or other factors.Users must complete account verification (KYC) and also be from an eligible jurisdiction to participate in the campaign. Currently, users residing in the following countries or regions will not be able to participate in the RLUSD campaign (notwithstanding that they may hold RLUSD): Åland Islands (Finland), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Crimea (Ukraine – disputed territory), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Donetsk People’s Republic, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luhansk People’s Republic, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cuba, Réunion, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Martin (French part), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America and its territories.Please note that the list of excluded countries provided here is not exhaustive and may be subject to changes due to evolving local rules, regulations, or other considerations. This list may be updated periodically to accommodate changes in legal, regulatory, or other factors.Binance reserves the right to disqualify a user’s reward eligibility if the account is involved in any dishonest behavior (e.g., wash trading, illegally bulk account registrations/logins, self dealing, or market manipulation). Binance further reserves the right to disqualify any participants who tamper with Binance program code, or interfere with the operation of Binance program code with other software.Binance reserves the right at any time in its sole and absolute discretion to determine and/or amend or vary these terms and conditions without prior notice, including but not limited to canceling, extending, terminating or suspending this Promotion, the eligibility terms and criteria, the selection and number of winners, and the timing of any act to be done, and all Participants shall be bound by these amendments.Binance reserves the right to suspend any user's Margin borrowing at any time, without prior notice, in its sole discretion, if any abnormal or suspicious activity is detected.There may be discrepancies between this original content in English and any translated versions. Please refer to the original English version for the most accurate information, in case any discrepancies arise. Thank you for your support! Binance Team 2026-07-15 Trade on-the-go with Binance’s crypto trading app (iOS/Android) Find us on TelegramWhatsAppXFacebookInstagramDiscord Binance reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or cancel this announcement at any time and for any reasons without prior notice. Disclaimer: Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. The APR is calculated weekly, and is expressed as an annualised percentage yield for illustrative purposes only. Each APR is not indicative of future results. The APR is likely to fluctuate week-to-week and the estimated rewards may differ from the actual rewards generated. APR is an estimate of rewards you will earn in cryptocurrency over the selected timeframe. It does not display the actual or predicted returns/yield in any fiat currency. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. This material should not be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use, and our Risk Warning. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page.
In June 2025, a week before the XRP Ledger’s EVM sidechain went live, the team building it published the arithmetic of what was coming. Polygon had contributed somewhere between $2 billion and $6 billion in total value locked to Ethereum, up to a tenth of the whole.
Summary
The XRPL EVM sidechain promised a $600 million to $12 billion TVL uplift but holds only $25,741 after one year. The chain is technically live, audited, and maintained, but almost no users or capital have arrived. Moai Finance has recorded just $95,008 in cumulative spot volume across the sidechain’s entire existence. XRPL’s institutional mainnet activity grew while permissionless EVM DeFi failed to gain traction. The result suggests EVM compatibility alone does not create demand without users already waiting for cheaper or better execution. If the XRPL EVM sidechain matched that trajectory, the post argued, the uplift to the XRP Ledger would run from $600 million to $12 billion, and it would fundamentally change the demand curve for XRP. Ninety entities were already building. Sixty days of testnet had pulled in developers who had never touched the XRP ecosystem. The technology was ready. The builders were here.The sidechain launched on June 30, 2025. The anniversary passed two weeks ago.
As of July 14, 2026, total value locked on the XRPL EVM sidechain is $25,741, according to DefiLlama. Chain fees over the past 24 hours: zero. Chain revenue: zero. Decentralized exchange volume over 24 hours: zero. Over seven days: also zero. The largest protocol on the chain, a decentralized exchange called XRiSE33 Network, holds $11,909. The second largest, a launchpad named Riddle, holds $8,831. Moai Finance, the only protocol on the chain that has ever recorded meaningful trading, has done $95,008 in cumulative spot volume across its entire existence and currently holds $1,117.
The low end of the projection was $600 million. The delivery is $25,741. That is not a shortfall. It is a rounding error against a rounding error, and it is the most instructive number in the XRP ecosystem right now, because of what else the same ledger accomplished during the same twelve months.
What was actually built The technical work was not the problem, and it is worth stating that clearly before the autopsy.The XRPL EVM sidechain is a Cosmos SDK chain running Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, connected to the XRP Ledger mainnet through the Axelar bridge, which links more than eighty networks. XRP is the native gas token. Bridged XRP locks on mainnet and mints a synthetic version on the sidechain, so the design preserves mainnet supply integrity while freeing the asset for smart contract use. Consensus is proof of authority, targeting up to 1,000 transactions per second at fees far below Ethereum’s. Squid handles cross-chain transfers as the official interface. Band Protocol supplies oracles, Grove supplies public RPC endpoints. Wormhole integration was slated to follow, extending reach to more than 200 applications across 35 ecosystems.
Ripple built it with Peersyst and contributors from the Cosmos community. crypto.news covered the mainnet launch on June 30, 2025, where Ripple’s David Schwartz framed the sidechain as extending the ecosystem without altering what makes the XRP Ledger reliable. The launch roster included Strobe, a money market for lending and overcollateralized borrowing; Securd, a lending protocol for financing collateralized leverage; Vertex, a derivatives venue; plus Moai, Elys, XRise, and Hammy. The infrastructure was audited end to end. Subsequent releases hardened it further, with a v11 upgrade focused on economic security, IBC transfer hardening, and proof of authority validator management, and an upgrade to Cosmos EVM v0.4.1 adding ERC-20 mint and burn plus current Ethereum improvement proposals.
None of that is vaporware. Every component works. Someone can bridge XRP to the sidechain right now, deploy a Solidity contract, and trade on a decentralized exchange. The chain is live, secure, and functionally complete.It is also empty.That is the part worth sitting with, because it inverts the usual crypto post-mortem. The standard failure story is a project that promised more than it could build: the whitepaper outran the engineers, the deadlines slipped, the product never shipped or shipped broken. XRPL EVM shipped, on schedule, working, audited, and maintained through multiple upgrades over the following year. Every promise about the technology was kept. The only promise that failed was the one about people.
The decline, measured The most damning fact is not the small number. It is the direction.In August 2025, roughly six weeks after launch, DefiLlama showed the sidechain hosting three decentralized exchanges and a single launchpad, with combined total value locked of $100,818. Twenty four hour volume across the entire chain was $3,238, every dollar of it from Moai Finance. Riddle, XRiSE33 Network, and SurgeDefi recorded no trading activity whatsoever. Developer data at the time counted 168 developers on XRPL EVM against 8,448 on Ethereum, a gap of roughly 98%.
That was the bad news at six weeks. Today, eleven months later, total value locked is $25,741. The chain lost roughly three quarters of the little it had. The protocol count is nominally higher, with Midas RWA, Hyperithm, Portal, Axelar, and an NFT marketplace called Mintiq now listed, but every one of those additions reports zero total value locked on this chain. They are multi-chain protocols that support XRPL EVM the way a restaurant supports a dietary restriction: the option exists on the menu and nobody orders it.
The volume figures are what turn an underperformance into something stranger. Zero over 24 hours. Zero over seven days. Moai Finance, the chain’s only functioning exchange by any historical measure, shows $95,008 in cumulative volume since inception. Not per day. Total, across a year of operation, on the flagship DeFi venue of a chain built for a token with a market capitalization near $68 billion.
A chain with $25,741 of capital and no trading is not a slow start. It is a chain nobody is using, and the trend line says that fewer people are using it every month.For scale, the entire TVL of the sidechain is currently less than the value of roughly 24,000 XRP. Ripple releases a billion tokens from escrow on the first of every month. The whole DeFi economy built on top of the XRP Ledger, through the official sidechain, could be funded out of forty thousandths of a single monthly escrow tranche.
Who was supposed to show up Reading the launch roster a year later is the clearest way to see what went wrong, because the roster was not thin. It was specific.Strobe was announced as a money market for lending and overcollateralized borrowing on XRPL. Securd was to provide passive income by financing collateralized leverage across DeFi positions. Vertex was a derivatives platform optimizing capital efficiency. Between them, those three cover the load-bearing categories of any DeFi economy: lending, leverage, and derivatives. Add a decentralized exchange for spot, an oracle from Band, RPC infrastructure from Grove, and a cross-chain interface from Squid, and the stack on paper was complete. Nothing essential was missing.
Today none of those three names appears among the protocols holding capital on the chain. The entire TVL sits in two decentralized exchanges and a launchpad. The lending market that would have made bridged XRP productive, the derivatives venue that would have given traders a reason to keep collateral there, the leverage layer that generates the recursive deposits which inflate every chain’s TVL figure: none of it materialized in a form anyone funded.
That absence explains the volume better than any macro argument. A chain with only spot DEXs and no credit has no reason to hold capital between trades. Money arrives, swaps, and leaves. On chains where TVL compounds, it compounds because deposits are collateral, collateral is borrowed against, and the borrowings are redeposited. Without a lending market, TVL is just the float sitting in a few pools, and $25,741 is what that float looks like when almost nobody is swapping.
The irony is precise. The lending layer the sidechain needed and never got is now being built on the mainnet instead, in a permissioned, institutionally underwritten form that has nothing to do with the EVM. The sidechain was the place DeFi was supposed to happen. Credit went somewhere else, and the sidechain was left holding the part of DeFi that cannot sustain itself alone.
Why the projection was never plausible The Polygon comparison that produced the $600 million to $12 billion range deserves scrutiny, because in retrospect it was comparing two things that share almost no structural features.
Polygon captured Ethereum overflow. It existed because Ethereum’s fees became unbearable during periods of intense demand, and there was a vast population of users and developers already transacting on Ethereum who wanted the same applications for less money. The demand preceded the chain. Polygon did not create appetite for DeFi; it captured appetite that already existed and had nowhere cheaper to go. Add hundreds of millions of dollars in liquidity incentives and a mature Ethereum tooling ecosystem that ported over with a config change, and the TVL followed the demand.
XRPL EVM inverted every one of those conditions. There was no congestion to relieve, because the XRP Ledger has never been congested. There was no population of XRPL DeFi users seeking cheaper execution, because XRPL DeFi barely existed: the ledger’s total value locked has run under 0.05% of its market capitalization, against roughly 20% for Ethereum and 10% for Solana. That statistic was cited in the launch material as the size of the opportunity. It is more accurately read as the size of the demand problem.
Six million XRPL wallet holders were presented as a distribution advantage, but they were six million holders of a payments asset who had spent a decade not asking for smart contracts. The sidechain did not remove a barrier between XRP holders and DeFi. It tested whether the barrier was the reason, and the answer came back no.The Peersyst material was explicit that testnet momentum arrived organically, without incentives or paid marketing, and treated that as evidence of underlying pull. Ninety logos on a testnet is a real signal of developer curiosity. It is not a signal of user demand, and the distinction is the whole story: developers show up to explore new chains constantly, at near zero cost, and the tourism ends when nobody trades.
The comparison that hurts Here is why this matters beyond a dead sidechain: the XRP Ledger had an extraordinary year, on the mainnet, at exactly the same time.
Tokenized real-world assets on the XRP Ledger grew from under a billion dollars at the start of 2026 to roughly $3.5 billion, and the ledger has led the market on 90-day RWA inflows, adding $1.9 billion. In May 2026, Ondo Finance executed the first cross-border, cross-bank redemption of tokenized United States Treasuries on the XRPL, clearing in seconds, with JPMorgan and Mastercard involved in the surrounding work. RLUSD grew past a $1.5 billion market capitalization. The native automated market maker and multi-purpose token amendments both passed validator votes. The XLS-65 and XLS-66 lending amendments are in validator voting now, an effort crypto.news examined in its analysis of what on-chain credit would mean for XRP.
The mainnet, in other words, went and built exactly the thing the sidechain was supposed to enable, using its own native primitives, aimed at institutions instead of Solidity developers, and it worked. Institutional tokenization found the XRP Ledger without an EVM. Permissionless DeFi did not find it with one.
That contrast reframes the sidechain from a failed product into a resolved question. The bet was that XRPL’s problem was programmability, and that giving Ethereum developers a familiar environment on top of XRP liquidity would unlock a DeFi economy. Twelve months of data says the problem was never programmability. It was that the XRP ecosystem’s actual demand is institutional settlement, and institutional settlement does not want an EVM sidechain with proof of authority consensus and a bridge. It wants permissioned pools, credentialed counterparties, and off-chain underwriting, which is precisely what the mainnet amendments deliver.
Notice also where XRP-adjacent DeFi capital actually went. VivoPower allocated $100 million through Flare, a separate network built specifically to give XRP holders DeFi access, rather than through Ripple’s own sidechain. When money did move toward XRP DeFi, it routed around the official product.
The case that this is unfair The bearish read above deserves an honest counterweight, and there is a real one.Timing first. The sidechain launched on June 30, 2025, roughly three weeks before XRP’s cycle high near $3.65, and spent its entire first year inside the worst crypto drawdown since 2022. Bitcoin fell more than 40% from its October peak. Digital asset funds ran multi-billion dollar outflow streaks. Three consecutive losing quarters, the longest streak since the last bear market, with institutional capital rotating into artificial intelligence equities. TVL across the market compressed. Judging a new chain’s ecosystem formation against a projection written in a bull market, and measured entirely inside a bear market, stacks the comparison. Polygon’s $2 billion to $6 billion was built during a mania.
Second, no incentives. Polygon’s TVL was purchased. Hundreds of millions in liquidity mining subsidies pulled capital that largely left when the subsidies stopped. XRPL EVM launched with none, which is defensible as a matter of discipline and fatal as a matter of cold-start economics. Liquidity begets liquidity, and a chain with $25,741 cannot attract a trader who needs to move $50,000 without moving the price against themselves. Every DeFi ecosystem that reached scale bought its first users. Refusing to do so is a choice with predictable consequences, not evidence that the underlying idea is wrong.
Third, sequencing. The credit layer was always the point. RippleX’s own framing describes a deliberate progression: represent value, move value, trade value, finance value. The lending amendments now in voting are the fourth step, and they are being built on the mainnet with institutional design constraints, not on the sidechain. If the strategy is institutional DeFi rather than retail DeFi, then the sidechain was never the main line. It was an option that Ripple bought cheaply, and options that expire worthless are still rational to have purchased.
Fourth, the infrastructure persists. A chain is not a startup that folds. It runs, it gets upgraded, and it costs almost nothing to leave running. If the market turns, if incentives arrive, if a single application finds product-market fit, the environment is there, audited and connected to eighty networks. Twelve months is a short window for infrastructure that took years to build.
Fifth, and least comfortable for the bears: the metric itself is contested. Total value locked measures deposited capital, not usefulness, and it is trivially gamed by recursive lending and mercenary liquidity on chains that do buy their numbers. A chain with honest, unincentivized TVL of $25,741 and a chain with subsidized TVL of $500 million are not obviously ranked the way the figures suggest. That argument does not rescue XRPL EVM, because zero volume is not a metrics artifact, but it is a fair caution against treating one number as a verdict on an entire architecture.
The case that it is worse than it looks Now the harder reading, which the numbers support more directly.The bear market explains compression. It does not explain zero. Solana’s memecoin economy generated tens of billions of dollars of volume through the same drawdown. Robinhood Chain launched on July 1, 2026 into the identical macro and did more than $3 billion in decentralized exchange volume in two weeks, with 19,586 tokens created on a single day. Hyperliquid, Base, and BNB Chain all sustained real activity. Capital did not stop moving in 2026. It moved somewhere else. The absence of incentives explains a smaller number; it does not explain a chain where the flagship exchange has done $95,000 in trading across its entire existence while a two-week-old competitor chain did $3 billion.The declining trend is the tell. $100,818 in August 2025 to $25,741 in July 2026 is not a chain waiting for conditions to improve. It is a chain being abandoned by the little capital that tried it. Bear markets thin the field; they do not usually take three quarters of the liquidity from a chain that started with almost none.
And the developer number from August was the leading indicator everyone skipped: 168 developers against Ethereum’s 8,448. Chains are not built by logos on a testnet. They are built by people shipping applications that someone wants to use, and the ratio said, six weeks in, that the ninety entities had not converted into an ecosystem. The launch roster is the proof. Strobe, Securd, Vertex: named as launch partners, and today the chain’s entire TVL sits in two DEXs and a launchpad nobody trades on. The applications that were supposed to give the chain a reason to exist either never shipped at scale or shipped and found nobody.
The strategic cost is subtler than the wasted engineering. For a year, “XRPfi” and the EVM sidechain functioned as an answer to the hardest question about XRP, which is how any of Ripple’s progress reaches the token. The sidechain made XRP the gas asset of a DeFi economy, which would have generated real, recurring token demand. That answer is now empirically closed, and it closes at the same moment as the structural finding that most of Ripple’s bank partners never touch XRP at all. Two of the three main value-accrual arguments for the token have now been tested against data in the same quarter. Both came back thin.
What the $25,741 is actually evidence of Step back from XRP entirely, because the finding generalizes.The industry has spent five years treating EVM compatibility as a growth strategy. The reasoning is seductive: Ethereum has the developers, the tooling, the mental models, and the applications, so any chain that speaks Solidity inherits access to all of it at the cost of an engineering project. Dozens of chains have run this play. A few worked. Most produced exactly what XRPL EVM produced, which is a technically excellent environment with nobody in it.
The reason is that EVM compatibility removes a supply-side constraint and does nothing to the demand side. It makes building easier. It does not make anyone want the thing built. When a chain has organic demand and a technical barrier, removing the barrier unlocks enormous value, which is the Polygon story and the Arbitrum story. When a chain has a technical option and no demand, removing the barrier produces an empty room with excellent acoustics.
The diagnostic question is therefore simple and almost never asked before a chain commits to the work: is there a queue? Not a waiting list of developers, who are cheap to attract and cost nothing to lose, but users currently doing the thing somewhere worse and paying for the privilege. Polygon had a queue. Arbitrum had a queue. XRPL EVM had a hypothesis that six million payment-asset holders would become DeFi users once the tooling arrived, and hypotheses are not queues.
XRPL had the cleanest possible version of the test. Six million wallets. A top-ten asset. Twelve years of uptime. Deep liquidity. Real regulatory standing. A functioning native DEX. Every input the thesis requires, and a year later the DeFi economy built on top of it holds less capital than a used car. If EVM compatibility were the unlock, it would have worked here. The mechanics of liquidity pools and automated market makers are identical on XRPL EVM to what they are on Ethereum. The pools are simply empty, because pools are filled by people who want something, and nobody wanted this.
The lesson costs Ripple very little and should cost the next chain a great deal. The company retained an option, learned that its DeFi demand is institutional rather than permissionless, and redirected to native amendments aimed at exactly that. That is a reasonable outcome from a cheap experiment. The problem belongs to everyone still pitching an EVM layer as a demand strategy, because the most rigorous public test of that thesis just returned $25,741 and no volume, and the DeFi industry has not noticed.
The number to remember The projection was $600 million to $12 billion. The delivery is $25,741 and zero trading volume, twelve months later, on a chain that works perfectly.That gap is not a failure of engineering, marketing, timing, or macro, though each contributed at the margin. It is a measurement. Somebody asked, with real money and real code and a well-built product, whether the XRP ecosystem wanted permissionless DeFi. The ecosystem answered. The answer was no, and it took a year and a nine-figure projection to hear a number that fits on a single line of a spreadsheet.
XRPL’s institutional story is doing better than it has ever done. Its DeFi story is a chain with $25,741 on it and nobody trading. Both of those things are true at once, and anyone building a thesis on XRP needs to hold both, because the second one used to be an argument and is now just a data point.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Total value locked, volume, and protocol figures are drawn from DefiLlama as of July 14, 2026, and change continuously; TVL is a contested metric and methodologies differ between trackers. Historical figures are attributed to the sources that reported them at the time. Projections cited were published by the sidechain’s development team and are not forecasts by crypto.news. Details reflect information current as of July 14, 2026. Always do your own research.
A June 2025 research paper has fueled ongoing debate in the XRP community, following claims by crypto analyst SMQKE that the study demonstrates successful testing of Ripple technology to enhance SWIFT’s financial network. SMQKE stated that Ripple had been evaluated under the Hyperledger framework using ISO 20022, suggesting compatibility with SWIFT’s infrastructure.
Research highlights and technical detailsThe paper details the development of a prototype blockchain network employing Hyperledger Fabric, an open-source enterprise blockchain platform. Developers implemented smart contracts using Go and Node.js, benchmarking the model’s performance against simulated SWIFT transactions with metrics such as speed, cost efficiency, security, and regulatory compliance.
Hyperledger Fabric v2.4 served as the foundation for the prototype. The testing dataset incorporated transaction logs from Ripple and Stellar testnets, aiming to measure processing times and compare outcomes with traditional SWIFT methods. According to the study, the new system reduced settlement times from about two days to a range of three to five seconds, and cut operational expenditures by 86.6%.
The researchers noted intentions to further explore interoperability with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and modern messaging standards such as ISO 20022. However, the paper does not claim that Ripple’s XRP Ledger directly powered the tested platform or that SWIFT plans to introduce Ripple into its live services.
Mini dictionary: Hyperledger Fabric is a permissioned blockchain framework designed for enterprise use, supporting highly modular and customizable network architecture.
SystemSettlement TimeOperational Cost ChangeTraditional SWIFT~2 daysBaselineHyperledger Fabric Prototype3–5 seconds-86.6%Community response and clarificationsDespite SMQKE’s claims, several community members offered alternative interpretations. A user named Red challenged the idea that the study demonstrated Ripple’s integration with SWIFT, emphasizing that Ripple and Stellar data only provided historical benchmarks for testing, and neither blockchain was directly deployed in the prototype.
Red further explained that researchers developed and evaluated their own blockchain infrastructure, rather than utilizing Ripple’s XRP Ledger or Stellar’s network within the prototype. He questioned any assertion that the paper supports a real connection between Ripple and SWIFT integration.
Red expressed concern that overstating undocumented ties between Ripple and SWIFT may undermine credibility and distract from ongoing work within the XRP Ledger ecosystem.
The commentary underscored the need to distinguish between experimental studies, the use of datasets for benchmarking, and concrete plans for commercial deployment by industry stakeholders.
Previous official statements on SWIFT and RippleThe current discussion echoes earlier speculation about SWIFT’s potential use of Ripple’s XRP. Previous reports featured comments from Tom Zschach, former Chief Innovation Officer at SWIFT, who directly dismissed rumors that SWIFT would support public tokens such as XRP in lieu of building a proprietary digital solution for banks.
Responding to the suggestion that SWIFT would incorporate XRP or similar assets, Zschach replied, “Not happening.”
These ongoing discussions highlight the importance of verifying technical claims about partnerships and integrations within the evolving landscape of blockchain-based financial systems. Investors and observers remain attentive to official developments from Ripple, SWIFT, and their partners.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
XRP price rose 3.45% to $1.10 during the reported session, following renewed strength across the cryptocurrency market.
The XRP token surged past $1.10 as buyers responded to the increasing stablecoin operations on the XRP Ledger. The supply of RLUSD has gradually migrated to XRPL, which has contributed to higher network usage and transaction demand expectations.
Meanwhile, legislators in the United States are working on another significant effort to promote digital asset market structure law. Senator Cynthia Lummis said revised CLARITY Act text could be introduced within days after nearly ten months of negotiations.
CLARITY Act Faces Crucial Senate Test Lummis said lawmakers are ready to move the proposal forward during four consecutive Senate working weeks. She would like the bill enacted prior to the start of the August 7 recess of the chamber.
Nevertheless, the ultimate floor schedule is determined by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. It is reported that the lawmakers might start discussing the bill next week, July 20.
Lummis says CLARITY text lands in days
Senator Lummis (@SenLummis) says the Senate will introduce CLARITY Act text within days and wants it passed before the August 7 recess. “It’s time to land this plane,” she said on Fox Business, capping nearly 10 months of work. Floor action… pic.twitter.com/57k9UxU1Jc
— BSCN (@BSCNews) July 14, 2026
The measure faces growing resistance from Democratic Senators Chris Murphy, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Van Hollen. According to them, the current proposal is deficient in the form of powerful rules of ethics to deal with the senior government officials and cryptocurrency interests.
Their protests are partly related to the reported crypto income and business ties of President Donald Trump. The senators warned that they might be able to vote against the bill unless significant conflict protections are included.
Democratic support is critical to the eventual passage of the bill as it may require 60 votes in the Senate. Additional contention may paralyze the floor procedure or force additional deliberations prior to a vote of decisiveness.
XRP Price Prediction: Will Bulls Extend To $1.20 Soon? The MACD line has crossed its signal line, and the green histogram bars are still growing. The Chaikin Money Flow is 0.14, which validates positive capital inflows.
A confirmed four-hour close above $1.12 could push the XRP price outlook toward the $1.15 resistance level.
Tradingview A Breaking $1.15 can allow a greater climb into the larger target of $1.20. Nevertheless, the next rejection at around $1.12 might postpone the bullish continuation and prolong the consolidation.
The $1.07 level remains the main support during any pullback. The loss of this area might reveal $1.05 and weaken the existing recovery structure.
XRP ETF Market Stalls Daily While Total Inflows Hit $1.48B According to SoSoValue data, XRP ETF products showed no net inflows in terms of daily net inflows on July 14. But cumulative net inflows were still high at 1.48 billion in the listed funds. The total trading value was the amount of 13.47 million, and combined net assets were 1.01 billion.
Bitwise led cumulative inflows with $493.86 million, followed by Canary Capital at $466.97 million. Franklin Templeton was the second with $413.23 million and Grayscale had 131.46 million.
According to SoSoValue data, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $181 million in net inflows yesterday (July 14, ET). Spot Ethereum ETFs saw $58.3385 million in net inflows, with none of the 10 ETFs recording net outflows. pic.twitter.com/AUMWhkHPD6
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 15, 2026
Meanwhile, 21Shares showed cumulative net outflows of $20.06 million. The same session saw higher demands of crypto ETFs. Spot Bitcoin ETFs received inflows of $181 million and Ethereum funds received inflows of $58.34 million. None of the ten Ethereum ETFs reported daily net outflows.
Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz has defended XRP advertising in college sports after critics called for tighter restrictions on crypto promotion.
Summary
David Schwartz argues truthful XRP advertising receives First Amendment protection against broad government restrictions nationwide. His argument cites Supreme Court rulings that struck restrictions on lawful alcohol and gambling advertising. Commercial speech remains regulable, meaning the Constitution does not automatically block every potential advertising restriction. The debate followed the University of Kansas athletics program’s decision to place XRP branding on team uniforms under a multi-year partnership with Ripple.
In a July 15 post on X, Schwartz argued that governments cannot broadly suppress truthful advertising for lawful products simply because officials believe consumers may make poor decisions. His position centers on First Amendment protections for commercial speech.
The United States has the First Amendment. If you want to restrict or can speech, you need to find some exception it fits into. I don't think there is one here. See the cases I cited including one involving liquor and one involving gambling.
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) July 14, 2026 Schwartz turns XRP advertising debate into constitutional question The discussion began after critics compared crypto promotion in college sports with advertising for gambling, tobacco and alcohol. They argued that universities should not expose students and younger sports fans to digital asset marketing.
Schwartz responded with a legal argument rather than a defense of XRP as an investment. He wrote that the government cannot suppress truthful commercial speech merely to prevent people from making “bad, but lawful, decisions.” His argument draws a distinction between regulating an activity and banning truthful speech about that activity.
Supreme Court cases support protection for lawful advertising Schwartz cited 44 Liquormart v. Rhode Island, a 1996 Supreme Court case that struck down restrictions on advertising liquor prices. The Court found that Rhode Island could not broadly block truthful price information simply because the state wanted to reduce alcohol consumption.
He also pointed to Greater New Orleans Broadcasting Association v. United States. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that a federal restriction could not block advertisements for lawful private casino gambling under the circumstances before the Court.
However, those rulings do not make every restriction on XRP advertising automatically unconstitutional. Under the Supreme Court’s Central Hudson framework, commercial speech receives protection when it concerns lawful activity and is not misleading. Governments may still impose properly tailored restrictions that directly serve a substantial public interest.
Kansas deal puts XRP logo across college sports Kansas Athletics announced the Ripple partnership on July 8. The XRP logo will appear on uniforms across the university’s athletic programs, making it the first cryptocurrency jersey patch used across a major college athletics program, according to Kansas.
The agreement also covers branding at athletic venues, digital properties and events. Ripple will fund financial and technology education programs for student-athletes and the wider campus community. The partnership also expands an existing recruitment link between Ripple and Kansas graduates.
As previously reported, the agreement runs for five years and has personal ties to Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, a University of Kansas alumnus. The sponsorship has since drawn wider attention to how universities should handle digital asset advertising.
XRP legal history adds context to advertising dispute The debate comes three years after a federal court issued its split ruling in the SEC’s case against Ripple. The court found that Ripple’s programmatic XRP sales did not qualify as securities transactions under the circumstances examined, while certain institutional sales violated securities laws. The case formally ended in 2025 with a $125 million penalty and an injunction remaining in place.
That history makes broad claims about XRP’s legal status more complex than simply calling the asset universally exempt from financial regulation. Schwartz’s First Amendment argument instead rests on a narrower point: truthful commercial speech concerning lawful activity receives constitutional protection.
A government attempt to impose a blanket ban on XRP advertising could therefore face a serious First Amendment challenge. But existing Supreme Court doctrine still allows some commercial advertising rules when regulators can satisfy the required constitutional test.
Cover image via depositphotos.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
Below the surface, the XRP Ledger is displaying another concerning indication. The network's daily payment volume has decreased to just 312.8 million XRP, and only about 438,000 transactions have been processed overall. The sharp contraction indicates a persistent decline in one of the most significant indicators of actual network usage, even though neither figure represents an all-time low.
Activity on the LedgerSince payment activity reflects real account transfers rather than speculative trading, it has historically been a crucial indicator of the health of the XRP Ledger. Payment volume exceeded 1 billion XRP earlier this month, indicating increased network activity. Now that this momentum has vanished, activity has dropped by over 70% from recent highs.
XRP/USDT Chart by TradingViewThe market structure of XRP makes the decline even more worrisome. XRP is still stuck below all of the major moving averages on the price chart. The 26-day EMA, near $1.11, serves as immediate resistance for the asset, which is currently trading at about $1.10. The 50-day EMA is located at about $1.14 above that, and the 100-day and 200-day moving averages are still much higher at about $1.25 and $1.46, respectively.
HOT Stories
This positioning suggests that XRP is still in the midst of a well-established downward trend. The market hasn't yet produced a convincing bullish reversal pattern, and every attempt at recovery over the past few months has failed before reaching higher resistance zones. Volume dynamics also don't help. In contrast to the periods that previously drove significant XRP rallies, trading activity is still comparatively muted.
You Might Also Like
Although buyers have found it difficult to sustain momentum as the price gets closer to the short-term moving average cluster, the most recent recovery from the June lows created some optimism. The RSI is now close to 49, indicating that selling pressure has lessened after recovering from oversold territory. Nonetheless, the indicator does not yet signal a significant trend reversal and is still below bullish territory.
XRP bulls aren't readyReclaiming the 50-day EMA and moving toward the $1.25 resistance zone is the obvious immediate task for XRP bulls. The XRP Ledger risks appearing more and more detached from the kind of adoption narrative that investors have been depending on for years in the absence of increased network activity and a significant recovery in payment flows.
For the time being, XRP has little fundamental support as it tries to stabilize above the psychologically significant $1 level, because declining payment volume and weakening transactional activity indicate that the ledger's core usage is still under pressure.
The United Kingdom has accelerated its digital asset strategy by including Ripple as a reference technology within its latest government-backed report on wholesale tokenization. The move reflects a broader push by UK policymakers to transition from small-scale pilot programs to live implementation of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in financial market infrastructure.
Ripple referenced in UK Treasury’s tokenization plansExcerpts released by BankXRP, a crypto researcher active on X, indicate that the UK Treasury selected Ripple as a convergence model in its initiative for wholesale tokenization. The report singles out Ripple’s integration in several use cases, highlighting a 12-month roadmap aimed at moving tokenized repurchase agreements (repos), UK government bonds (gilts), and investment funds into live deployment.
Alongside these plans, the Treasury document references Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road and Santander UK’s use of Ripple’s blockchain platform for cross-border payments as examples that reinforce the technical pathway toward broader adoption.
Ripple is a San Francisco-based technology company known for developing blockchain-based financial solutions focused on enabling real-time, cross-border payments for banks and financial institutions.
Mini dictionary: Hidden Road, a U.K.-based prime brokerage and payments infrastructure provider, enables access to digital assets for institutional clients through secure trading and settlement solutions.
UK Treasury’s 12-month roadmap includes deploying tokenized repos, gilts, and funds, with Ripple’s technology, its $1.25 billion Hidden Road acquisition, and Santander UK’s cross-border payment infrastructure cited as supporting examples.
DLT innovation moves beyond pilot stageThe government report characterizes the UK’s digital asset landscape as shifting away from isolated experimentation and toward practical use, notably in collateral management, payment settlements, bond markets, and stablecoins. According to the report, the transition to full-scale DLT adoption necessitates not only technical upgrades but also significant attention to governance, integration with traditional financial systems, resilience, and direct central bank access.
Regulated institutions still face compliance and due diligence challenges, resulting in costs and slow uptake for DLT solutions. The document identifies the need for flexible regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while addressing the specific risks and maturation levels of novel digital technologies.
Several examples, including Ripple’s Hidden Road acquisition and Santander UK’s adoption of Ripple technology for international transfers, are referenced as part of a broader discussion on advancing wholesale finance through distributed ledgers.
Institution/AssetApplication in 12-Month PlanRippleModel for tokenized repos, gilts, funds; cross-border payments with Santander UKHidden RoadPrime brokerage supporting tokenized asset infrastructureSantander UKCross-border payments using Ripple blockchainEconomic projections and global contextBankXRP, referring to figures in the government-backed report, pointed to potential economic impacts of this digital asset strategy, estimating an additional £33 billion in annual GDP and £14 billion in tax revenue. These numbers are presented as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the UK’s financial infrastructure through tokenization and the integration of DLT into mainstream markets.
The report highlights that, in contrast to the UK, regulatory progress in the United States has slowed, with the CLARITY Act still awaiting resolution. This suggests a widening gap in DLT adoption between the UK and other major economies.
The document urges that regulation should align with technology readiness, supporting innovation with proportionate oversight rather than imposing full institutional compliance on early-stage projects.
Community response and international outlookThe reference to Ripple within the official roadmap has sparked discussion among crypto community members. One contributor, Andries, remarked that regulatory gridlock in the US could allow other countries to accelerate blockchain implementation and ultimately capture a competitive edge in financial innovation. He criticized delays in passing key crypto legislation, suggesting that slow progress primarily benefits established financial players and impedes transformative change.
While BankXRP’s analysis describes an optimistic outlook for Ripple’s participation in the UK’s tokenization goals, the government report positions Ripple as one of several prominent industry examples in a larger policy strategy. The emphasis remains on applying DLT more broadly across wholesale financial markets, with Ripple’s technology serving as a notable case study.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
The divergence between on-chain supply trends and market sentiment highlights how multiple factors are influencing XRP's price.
Binance’s XRP reserves have fallen to about 2.61 billion tokens, their lowest level since February, and the balance has held there since the start of July.
And even though the Ripple token had been sliding toward $1.06 while those reserves were draining out, it reversed course in the last 24 hours, gaining over 3% in that period.
Exchange Reserves Shrink as Selling Pressure Lingers According to CryptoQuant contributor Arab Chain, there have been no meaningful inflows to replenish Binance’s XRP stockpile in recent months, which is why the reserve figure has held near its February 2026 low instead of climbing back.
A falling exchange balance can be considered a bullish signal since it is often taken to mean that investors are moving their stash into private wallets instead of preparing to sell. That signal took a while to show up in price, with Arab Chain noting that XRP had been falling to around $1.06 while reserves were emptying out, suggesting that liquidity, trading activity and investor sentiment were outweighing the effect of declining exchange supply.
In another market update, the same analysts pointed to the Binance CVD Confirmation Score, which blends price with Cumulative Volume Delta to track whether buy or sell orders are winning out in the spot market. That CVD reading is at -6.93 million, meaning that sell orders have outweighed buys as XRP fell from above $2.00 earlier this year toward the $1.07 area.
Meanwhile, the 30-day Price-CVD Confirmation Score is holding near 0.84, a figure Arab Chain says, while reasonably healthy, still falls short of confirming a genuine shift in buying demand. According to them, only a sustained move into positive CVD territory alongside a stronger confirmation score would point to a real reversal in buying interest.
As noted earlier, XRP’s price action has nevertheless improved modestly, with data from CoinGecko at the time of writing showing the asset trading around $1.11 after gaining about 3.7% in 24 hours, having oscillated between $1.07 and $1.12 during that period. However, the world’s sixth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap is still down 7% over the past month and more than 61% across one year, despite daily trading volume jumping 31% higher than the previous day to hit $1.26 billion.
You may also like: Binance Marks Ninth Anniversary With 323 Million Users and Expansion Beyond Crypto XRP and ETH Traders Turn Bullish as FOMO Surges to 5-Week High: Santiment 3 Years After The Key Ripple-SEC Ruling: How XRP Went From SEC Target to Institutional Asset Analysts Divided On Where XRP Heads Next Such is the state of XRP that market watchers are split on what comes next. For example, popular trader Diana has pointed to $1.08 as the level to watch and warned that losing it could send XRP toward the $0.90-$0.93 zone before one last flush to the $0.87 macro support. Fellow analyst CasiTrades holds a similar technical view but frames it as the tail end of a yearlong correction, telling followers on X that a drop toward $0.87 would “finish off the correction we’ve spent the last year building.”
But others are looking past the near-term chop, with one of them, Crypto Patel, arguing that XRP is tracing a pattern that has historically come right before rallies of more than 1,000%. On his part, crypto investor Celal Kucuker pointed to a 500% monthly gain two years ago as a reason not to dismiss $7 by the end of the year.
Ripple Joins x402 Foundation to Advance RLUSD AI Payments: Will XRP Price Benefit? Altcoin News
Ad Disclosure
Ad Disclosure
We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
Ad Disclosure
Ad Disclosure
We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
Ahmed Barakat
Author
Ahmed Barakat
Part of the Team Since
Aug 2025
About Author
Ahmed Barakat is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.
Has Also Written
Fact Checked by
CryptoNews Editorial Team
Author
CryptoNews Editorial Team
Part of the Team Since
Sep 2018
About Author
The CryptoNews editorial team is composed of seasoned writers specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Their expertise ensures comprehensive, accurate, and insightful content for...
Has Also Written
Ad Disclosure
Ad Disclosure
We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
Last updated:
1 hour ago
XRP price prediction is back in focus as it trades around $1.11, up about 3.6% over the past 24 hours. It remains pinned beneath a resistance zone that has rejected several intraday rallies this week.
So far, this has been more of a slow grind than a breakout. But Ripple’s reported alignment with the x402 Foundation to support RLUSD-powered AI payments is giving the long-term story another boost.
The x402 initiative positions RLUSD, Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin, as a settlement asset for autonomous AI agents. That narrative gained traction after the XRP Ledger processed more than one million agentic transactions using a fixed network fee of 0.0002 XRP per transaction. Meanwhile, the x402 Foundation includes major companies such as AWS, Google, Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, Circle, and Coinbase, showing the project has serious industry backing rather than just marketing buzz.
Ripple is proud to join the x402 Foundation as a Premier Member.
As AI agents begin to take on more of the transaction lifecycle, they'll need a way to pay that's as fast and reliable as the way they already exchange data. We've been helping build that future on the XRP Ledger… https://t.co/eSzTyXBQFm
— Ripple (@Ripple) July 14, 2026 At the same time, macro conditions have become a little friendlier. June’s US consumer inflation rate came in at 3.5% year over year, matching expectations after energy prices pulled the monthly index lower. That eased some concerns over tighter monetary policy and helped improve sentiment across equities and crypto.
Ripple’s payments narrative has been building for months, and RLUSD continues to expand its footprint. However, the price still needs to confirm the story. Until buyers force a clean breakout, XRP remains stuck in wait-and-see mode, with the fundamentals knocking while the chart keeps the door only slightly open.
Discover: The Best Token Presales
XRP Price Prediction: Break $1.15 This Week?XRP trades around $1.11, after climbing roughly 3.5% over the past 24 hours. The session ranged between $1.06 and $1.12, while its market capitalization sits near $69 billion. Price is still coiling beneath $1.12, which often means the market is storing energy before making its next move.
Support remains around $1.05 to $1.06, where buyers have repeatedly shown up. Meanwhile, resistance stretches from $1.11 to $1.15, and sellers have defended that area more than once. Trading activity has also picked up, hinting at accumulation, although a convincing close above $1.12 would strengthen that case.
Three scenarios still stand out. The bullish path begins with a daily close above $1.15, opening the door toward the $1.20 to $1.30 area over time. The base case keeps XRP chopping between $1.07 and $1.13 as traders digest macro data. Sometimes the market just likes to make everyone wait.
The bearish case is equally simple. A decisive break below $1.05, backed by strong volume, would hand momentum back to sellers and could send XRP toward the mid $0.90s. While longer-term forecasts remain constructive, the near-term still belongs to the charts.
Trade XRP on BYBIT, and Don’t Miss Out on Our $1,000 USDT Airdrop
Maxi Doge Targets Early Mover Upside as XRP Tests Key LevelsXRP at $1.10 with a $68 billion market cap is a legitimate holding, but the asymmetric upside that early XRP adopters captured is structurally unavailable at this size. That math drives traders to scan earlier stages of the cycle.
Technical analysis on XRP suggests the next meaningful move may take weeks to materialize, which is exactly the window that presale positions are designed to exploit.
Maxi Doge ($MAXI) is an ERC-20 meme token built around a deliberately absurd but surprisingly coherent concept: a 240-lb canine juggernaut channeling 1000x leverage trading energy, with community mechanics that go beyond a simple meme pump.
The project has raised $4.8 million at a current presale price of $0.0002829, with dynamic staking APY available to holders. Standout features include holder-only trading competitions with leaderboard rewards, a Maxi Fund treasury allocated to liquidity and partnerships, and a meme-first marketing strategy built on viral gym-bro culture.
Explore the Maxi Doge presale here.
Discover: The Best Crypto to Diversify Your Portfolio
The XRP Ledger is now home to more than 70% of the entire represented tokenized commodity market, emerging as the dominant player in the sector.
Tokenization remains one of the biggest narratives in the crypto scene in recent years, and the XRP Ledger (XRPL), originally built to support the nascent market, seems to be taking up a reasonable share of the sector.
Market data indicates that over 70% of the global represented commodity market on-chain resides within the XRP ecosystem, with Polygon and Arbitrum accounting for the remaining 30%.
Global Tokenized Commodity Growth This is according to data provided by RWA.xyz, a leading analytics platform for the tokenization market.
Notably, the worth of the global tokenized commodity market stands at $8.08 billion as of press time. This represents a year-to-date increase of $3.84 billion from the $4.24 billion figure recorded at the start of the year.
The Tokenized Commodity Market Interestingly, while only halfway through, this year’s $3.84 billion increase so far has already surpassed the $3.2 billion figure witnessed by the market in 2025. The milestone confirms the increased attention the tokenized commodity market has enjoyed in recent times.
Of the current $8.08 billion market value, distributed commodities, which refer to assets that market participants can move outside the issuing platform, account for $4.53 billion. Meanwhile, represented commodities, which include assets that investors cannot transfer off the issuing platform, total $3.55 billion.
XRP Dominates Represented Commodity Market Further data shows that while Ethereum hosts most of the distributed market value, XRP dominates in the represented commodity market.
Specifically, the XRP Ledger accounts for $2.5 billion of the total $3.55 billion worth of represented commodity sector. This gives the ecosystem a large dominance rate of 70.4%. For context, these commodities make up about 57% of the total tokenized real-world assets on the XRP Ledger, which sits at $4.4 billion.
XRP Leads Represented Commodity Market Most of the commodity value residing on the XRPL comes from the JMWH product provided by Justoken. Notably, this product boasts a value of $2.229 billion at press time, representing more than 89% of the total commodities within the XRP ecosystem.
Besides the XRP Ledger, only two mainstream networks host represented tokenized commodities on-chain, specifically Arbitrum and Polygon. While XRP accounts for $2.5 billion of the global market, Polygon has a $661.2 million share, while Arbitrum is home to just $482,700 worth of represented commodities.
How XRP Fares in the Overall Commodity Market XRP may lead the represented commodity sector, but its share reduces drastically when considering the overall commodity market, including represented and distributed assets.
In this case, Ethereum holds the largest share, with $4.2 billion across all commodities. This represents nearly 52% of the total $8.08 billion in total tokenized commodity value. Meanwhile, XRP’s $2.5 billion figure gives it a 31% market share, second only to Ethereum.
Total Commodity Market Value DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
Nonprofit Hire Heroes USA named the 25 recipients of a Ripple-funded grant program for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, distributing $250,000 as tensions with Iran escalate.
The announcement arrives while a renewed US naval blockade on Iranian ports pushes military affairs back into the spotlight.
Inside the Ripple-Funded Grant Program for VeteransThe “Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program” is a Hire Heroes USA initiative that pairs one-time funding with employer training for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses. Ripple covered the cost through a donation in RLUSD, the stablecoin it issues.
Hire Heroes USA disclosed the 25 awardees on July 13, after a selection process that ran through the spring. Each business receives $10,000, a combined total of $250,000. The figure is small by corporate standards, though relevant for firms with limited access to credit.
Follow us on X to get the latest news as it happens.
Proud to announce 25 recipients of the Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants — $250K invested in veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses through our partnership with @HireHeroesUSA.
Each recipient receives $10K + employer training + access to 20,000+… https://t.co/vo9t5ZkYSk
— Ripple (@Ripple) July 14, 2026 To qualify, companies had to be at least 51% owned by a US military veteran or military spouse and operate domestically. They must also plan to hire from the military community within 12 to 18 months, a condition the nonprofit says it will track over time. Recipients also gain access to employer resources and the organization’s pool of military-connected candidates.
The grants belong to Ripple’s philanthropic arm rather than its payments business. The company previously committed $25 million, mostly in RLUSD, to education nonprofits. Independent data on the employment impact of these donations is not yet available.
The launch coincides with a sharp escalation in the Middle East. The United States reimposed its blockade of Iranian ports in response to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz on July 14.
The measure revives a policy first enforced between April and June. American forces also launched a fourth consecutive night of strikes, while President Donald Trump threatened to hit bridges and power plants unless Iran returns to negotiations.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch leaders and journalists provide expert insights.
🚨🇺🇸 🇮🇷 Trump held a Situation Room meeting on a MASSIVE new offensive, warning: "Next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges."
-Per Axios, Trump convened his full war cabinet, Vance, Rubio, Hegseth, Caine, Ratcliffe, Witkoff, to plan devastating strikes on… pic.twitter.com/19f3eFvx05
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 15, 2026 The conflict keeps veterans and military families at the center of public attention. More than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of aircraft currently operate across the region, according to Central Command. The blockade had been lifted in mid-June under an interim peace deal that has now effectively unraveled.
Both stories will now develop on separate tracks. Hire Heroes USA plans to track the hiring commitments of the awarded businesses over the coming months, while Washington and Tehran face an increasingly uncertain path back to negotiations. Any future overlap between the two remains, for now, a matter of timing.
The XRP Ledger is signaling renewed concerns as core network activity continues to decline. Daily payment volume on the ledger has fallen to 312.8 million XRP, while overall transaction count dropped to approximately 438,000. These figures show a sharp pullback, with payment flows down more than 70% from local highs seen earlier in the month.
Payment volume and network healthPayment volume on the XRP Ledger has long been regarded as a reliable indicator of real network use, excluding speculative trading. The significant drop from over 1 billion XRP in daily payments earlier this month underscores a loss of momentum on the network.
This contraction suggests continued skepticism regarding genuine adoption of the ledger for its intended purpose—facilitating fast and efficient transfers. Although the present low does not represent an all-time minimum, it continues an established downward trend that has persisted over multiple months.
Recent daily payment volume on the XRP Ledger has dropped dramatically, signaling a persistent slowdown in meaningful network activity well below earlier peaks.
Mini dictionary: XRP Ledger, a decentralized public blockchain designed to support fast and scalable digital asset transfers, operates as the foundation for XRP cryptocurrency transactions.
Technical market structureThe current market setup for XRP reflects persistent technical weakness. The asset remains priced below all significant moving averages. The 26-day exponential moving average (EMA) acts as immediate resistance near $1.11, while the 50-day EMA is positioned at approximately $1.14. Higher resistance levels are set by the 100-day and 200-day moving averages at $1.25 and $1.46, respectively.
Moving AverageLevel26-day EMA$1.1150-day EMA$1.14100-day MA$1.25200-day MA$1.46Attempts at price recovery have repeatedly stalled below these technical barriers. The inability to reclaim higher resistance zones aligns with subdued trading activity, which remains below levels observed during prior advances in XRP’s price.
Investor sentiment and outlookDespite emerging optimism following a bounce from June’s lows, XRP buyers have struggled to sustain upward momentum. The relative strength index (RSI) currently sits at 49, suggesting that selling pressure has eased off after a period of oversold conditions. However, the indicator remains short of signaling any decisive trend reversal.
With payment activity diminished and technical obstacles still in place, XRP faces an uphill battle to reestablish fundamental support. Restoring the 50-day EMA and pushing toward resistance around $1.25 will be critical for those betting on a sustained recovery.
Until then, lagging payment volume and subdued transaction counts indicate that the core purpose of the XRP Ledger—processing real-world transfers—remains under pressure. The asset’s narrative of functional adoption risks slipping further unless meaningful improvement in network usage materializes.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
Speculation over whether XRP will fall below $1 has resurfaced in the cryptocurrency community, with investors debating if current prices present a rare buying opportunity or signal further downside ahead.
Analyst highlights key historical lowsZach Rector, a crypto commentator known for his XRP coverage, stated that an upcoming dip below $1 may be the final chance for investors to purchase the asset at these levels. Rector has built a following on X, where he referenced previous periods when XRP traded at significantly lower prices.
He pointed to March 13, 2020, noting that XRP touched 10 cents at that time and has not revisited the same low since. Rector also referenced June 18, 2022, as the most recent occasion XRP dropped under 30 cents. Both dates, according to him, marked turning points for the cryptocurrency.
Rector suggested that July or August 2026 could see XRP slip below $1 again, describing this period as a potential last opportunity for investors to purchase the token before a significant price recovery.
Many missed the chance to buy XRP at 10 cents in 2020 and below 30 cents in 2022. If XRP dips below $1 again in 2026, it might be the final time to get in at that level.
He acknowledged growing skepticism toward repeated claims about “last chance” buy zones but asserted that his earlier calls proved accurate, since XRP did not return to prior lows after those specific dates.
Rector’s comments fueled debate among X users. Some questioned the likelihood of XRP dropping under $1, especially if policy developments like the CLARITY Act receive approval and clarify regulatory issues around digital assets.
Mini dictionary: CLARITY Act, a legislative proposal in the United States aimed at providing clearer legal guidelines and classification for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, which could significantly impact prices by reducing regulatory uncertainty.
One user asked whether a price slip below $1 would still be possible if the CLARITY Act advances as expected, arguing that regulatory clarity could instead drive the price upward.
Others responded with skepticism about the recurring narrative of “last chances.” Tan Arslan replied with a sarcastic note, thanking Rector for repeatedly proclaiming last-chance buy opportunities regardless of the direction of XRP’s price. This viewpoint highlighted skepticism about the reliability of predictions tied to specific buying windows.
However, other investors shared their strategies, with user Zac Odom expressing the view that XRP remains attractive whenever it trades below $10. Odom said he continues to add to his position consistently by investing a portion of his weekly paycheck, showing support for a long-term investment approach over short-term price predictions.
In my view, $XRP is a bargain at any price under $10, as long as you believe in its long-term value. I keep investing a set amount each week, regardless of the current price.
Rector emphasized that despite market uncertainty and varied opinions, he considers a future drop below $1 as a significant opportunity for investors. The diverse reactions underscore the split sentiment over XRP’s outlook and the continued debate over its future price direction.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
Ethereum surged more than 5% in the past day, climbing above $1,800, after June’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures came in lower than expected, buoying sentiment across digital assets.
US inflation eases, supports crypto rallyThe US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that annual inflation, as measured by the CPI, rose 3.5% in June, 30 basis points below analyst expectations. On a monthly basis, prices fell 0.4%, surpassing the anticipated 0.1% decrease.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile energy prices, also fell by 20 basis points. This release reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would pursue further interest rate hikes in the near term.
CME Group’s FedWatch tool reflected this shift, with the probability of no rate cut at the September meeting increasing from 25% to 39% during the session. While a majority of participants still expect a rate adjustment, the balance has changed in response to the softer inflation print.
Cryptocurrencies, often seen as risk-on assets, responded positively. Ethereum led the move upward, gaining more than 5% within 24 hours and outperforming major peers.
Liquidations surge as ETH breaks key levelThe break above $1,800 triggered a wave of liquidations among traders who had bet against Ethereum. CoinGlass data indicated that about $300 million worth of short contracts were closed out in a single day, with ETH responsible for more than one-third of these positions.
AssetShort liquidationsEthereum (ETH)1/3 of total, over $100MBitcoin (BTC)Slightly less than ETHOthersRemaining amountAnalyst Ted Pillows observed that Ethereum maintained support above $1,750 before the rally. He noted that buyers consistently defended this area, helping fuel the upward move once the key resistance was breached.
Analyst Ted Pillows explained that holding $1,750 was a strong sign of buyer support and projected further gains if the level held, a scenario that played out as expected.
Trading volumes for ETH jumped by 33% during the same period. Analysts often view a simultaneous rise in price and volume as confirmation of a significant breakout.
Ethereum had previously established a double bottom around $1,550, which served as key support. The $1,800 zone marked the neckline of this technical pattern, and the breakout through this level reinforced the bullish sentiment.
Technical signals suggest further upsideSeveral technical indicators strengthened the bullish case. The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) showed a bullish divergence, where selling momentum weakened even as price action trended lower—often seen before trend reversals.
Crypto market analyst Ali Charts highlighted that the SuperTrend indicator turned bullish for Ethereum’s 3-day chart. This signal previously appeared ahead of rallies of 72% and 177% for ETH.
Ali Charts noted that a recent bullish SuperTrend signal on the 3-day chart has historically preceded major Ethereum rallies.
The 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) now sits at $2,200, representing the next key resistance. Should ETH clear this level, analysts are watching $2,400 as an extended price objective, supported by a longer-term buy signal seen on the weekly chart after the RSI dropped below 30.
As of publication time, Ethereum traded around $1,850, maintaining its daily gain above 5% after the inflation-driven rally.
Mini dictionary: SuperTrend indicator – A trend-following technical tool that provides buy or sell signals based on price’s relationship to calculated support and resistance bands. A turn from bearish to bullish is interpreted as a potential start of an uptrend.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
According to data from Farside Investors, on July 14, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a total net inflow of $181.1 million the previous day. Among them, BlackRock’s IBIT saw a net inflow of $138.9 million, Fidelity’s FBTC $21.1 million, Bitwise’s BITB $3.5 million, ARK’s ARKB $3.6 million, Morgan Stanley’s MSBT $7.4 million, and BTC ETFs $6.6 million; flows for the remaining products were largely flat. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs posted a total net inflow of $58.3 million, all from BlackRock’s ETHA, with all other ETFs registering zero net inflows that day.
Relevant content
Bank of America: Fund managers’ bullishness on US stocks hits highest level since December 2024.
Bank of America’s Global Fund Manager Survey shows that fund managers’ bullishness toward U.S. stocks has reached its highest level since December 2024. A net 24% of respondents expect U.S. equities to outperform other regions, marking the third-highest allocation weight to U.S. stocks over the past five years. In contrast, investors have cut their allocations to British stocks, with fund managers’ confidence in London-listed shares falling to its lowest point since August 2020. Compared to other regions, the UK stock market has underperformed so far this year: London’s FTSE 100 has risen 5.7% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 has gained more than 10%.
1 seconds ago
SK Hynix's US-listed ADR premium over its Korean shares narrowed to 30.7%.
According to market data from BIT (bit.com), SK Hynix (SKHY) is down 5.8% in U.S. pre-market trading, with its current share price at $182.6. Bitget market data shows that SK Hynix’s closing price on the South Korean stock market today is 2,082,000 won, equivalent to roughly $1,397. Given each SK Hynix ADR represents one-tenth of an ordinary share, the $182.6 price is 30.7% higher than $139.7 (one-tenth of $1,397), a sharp narrowing of the premium from the 51.5% recorded at this morning’s U.S. stock close.
1 seconds ago
Warren Buffett: Not investing in Google back then was a mistake, and it is "more likely to be a winner" now.
Warren Buffett just stated that failing to invest in Google back then was a mistake, noting that based on its current performance, the company is now "more likely to be a winner". He also reaffirmed his optimism about Berkshire Hathaway's investment in Apple. Greg Abel is the current "decision-maker", but neither side will take any action that the other does not endorse. According to market data from BIT (bit.com), Google's US-listed stock is down 0.5% in pre-market trading, while Berkshire Hathaway currently holds approximately $310 billion worth of shares in Alphabet, Google's parent company.
1 seconds ago
Trump’s permanent daylight saving time bill passes the US House of Representatives review.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a bipartisan vote of 308 in favor and 117 against. The bill aims to make daylight saving time permanent, adopting the current March-to-November schedule year-round. This would permanently set the U.S. stock market opening time to 9:30 PM (UTC+8), instead of switching to 10:30 PM (UTC+8) during standard time periods. States may opt out before the bill takes effect. The legislation has now been sent to the Senate for consideration and has not yet passed the upper chamber. Donald Trump publicly supports the bill, noting that the biannual clock adjustments impose huge economic costs, and he will work to push it into law. Some Republicans oppose the measure, arguing that later winter sunrises will harm student safety on their way to school, possibly leading to students commuting in darkness or delayed class start times. Supporters contend that eliminating clock changes can improve sleep, reduce accidents, and boost economic activity.
1 seconds ago
BNB has completed its 36th quarterly token burn, totaling approximately 1.6158 million BNB, valued at around $913.7 million.
BNB Chain completed its 36th quarterly BNB burn today, with a total of 1,615,827.795 BNB destroyed, valued at approximately $931.7 million at the time. The burn was executed via BSC’s on-chain Auto-Burn mechanism, and the transaction hash has been made public. The remaining total BNB supply stands at around 133.17 million. BNB’s ongoing goal of reducing its total supply to 100 million is aimed at boosting its deflationary properties and supporting the growth of the BNB Chain ecosystem.
1 seconds ago
Stable announces the launch of StablePay, a global USDT-based daily payment application.
Stable, a USDT blockchain platform focused on stablecoin payments, has announced the launch of StablePay, a global daily USDT payment application that integrates everyday USDT payment and yield-earning features into a single mobile app, with no delays, no fees, and frictionless transactions.
Key Takeaways Bitmine delivered $46.5M in Q3 revenue, representing a 2,200% year-over-year increase, almost exclusively from Ethereum staking operations. Staking and validation services generated 98% of total quarterly revenue at $45.7M, while Bitcoin mining contributed only $624K. The firm controls 5.77 million ETH—valued at approximately $10.5B—establishing it as the world’s largest corporate Ethereum holder. A $9.1B nine-month net loss was largely attributed to a non-cash impairment charge tied to ETH price depreciation during the reporting period. Projected annualized staking revenue approaches $242M, with 85% of the company’s ETH treasury currently deployed in staking. Bitmine Immersion Technologies delivered one of the crypto sector’s most striking quarterly performances this earnings cycle. The company reported $46.5 million in revenue for the quarter ending May 31—a dramatic surge from approximately $2 million in the same period last year. This 22-fold expansion stems almost entirely from one strategic pivot: Ethereum staking.
Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc., BMNR
Validation and staking operations generated $45.7 million in quarterly revenue, representing 98% of the company’s total top line. A year prior, this revenue stream was virtually nonexistent. Bitcoin self-mining operations contributed $624,000, while consulting services added $168,000—both representing minimal portions of the overall revenue mix.
Through its MAVAN platform, Bitmine has deployed 4.9 million ETH for staking, which equals 85% of its entire holdings. As of July 12, the company’s treasury contains 5.77 million ETH—worth roughly $10.5 billion at current valuations—representing 4.8% of Ethereum’s circulating supply.
Tom Lee, serving as Bitmine‘s chairman, emphasized that the firm has staked a larger quantity of ETH than any other organization globally. He projected annualized staking revenue could approach $284 million once the entire treasury is fully deployed. A separate internal estimate places the annualized projection at $242 million, calculated using a 7-day yield of 2.70%.
Understanding the $9 Billion Loss Figure The most attention-grabbing number in the earnings report is the $9.1 billion nine-month net loss. However, proper context is essential. Virtually the entire amount—$9.04 billion—stems from a non-cash impairment charge on digital asset holdings as ETH prices declined throughout the reporting period.
For the three-month period ending May 31, the net loss contracted significantly to $83.6 million. The quarter’s operating loss totaled $11.9 million, with an additional $92 million loss attributed to derivative contract positions.
This represents the fundamental challenge in Bitmine’s financial reporting: bottom-line results will fluctuate dramatically with Ethereum price movements, even as the underlying staking operation produces relatively consistent revenue.
MAVAN Platform and Robinhood Chain Integration MAVAN—an acronym for “Made in America VAlidator Network”—went live in March following Bitmine’s acquisition of Pier Two Holdings, an Australian validator service provider. Initially developed as internal infrastructure for Bitmine’s own Ethereum holdings, the platform has since expanded to accommodate institutional investors, custodians, and ecosystem collaborators.
Tom Lee also highlighted the July 1 launch of Robinhood Chain, noting it exceeded $1 billion in trading volume within its initial weeks and currently processes more trading volume than any other decentralized exchange. Since ETH functions as the native gas token for Robinhood Chain, the platform’s 27 million users are effectively paying transaction fees denominated in Ethereum.
Across the wider industry, recent analysis revealed that staking represented 60% of disclosed revenue among publicly traded firms holding ETH treasuries during 2025.
Bitmine’s seven-day annualized staking yield measured 2.70% according to the latest available data, with 15% of its Ethereum holdings remaining unstaked and available for future deployment.
When the guy who spent 20 years at BlackRock, including a stint running digital assets strategy, tells you he left to bet his career on Ethereum, it’s probably worth hearing him out.
Joe Chalom, now CEO of Sharplink (Nasdaq: SBET), has been making a pointed argument that Ethereum deserves a spot in corporate treasuries, not just as a speculative hold but as a yield-generating, programmable asset that outpaces Bitcoin on several practical dimensions. And he’s putting real capital behind it.
From BlackRock to Ethereum treasury company Chalom joined Sharplink in July 2025, leaving behind two decades at the world’s largest asset manager. In late June 2026, Sharplink raised $75 million through a registered direct offering specifically aimed at expanding its ETH holdings. The company stakes nearly all of its Ethereum, with roughly $200 million allocated toward liquid restaking strategies in early 2026.
The strategy is built around a deceptively simple metric: increasing ETH per share. Rather than chasing flashy DeFi plays or speculative token launches, Chalom has described a disciplined capital allocation approach. Buy ETH, stake it, earn yield, repeat.
Advertisement
Sharplink’s institutional ownership surged from 6% to 47% between mid-2024 and March 31, 2026. That’s not retail hype. That’s Fidelity-level capital walking through the door. The company also counts Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin as its board chairman.
The bull case against Bitcoin Chalom’s core argument centers on utility. Bitcoin’s value proposition has crystallized around being digital gold, a store of value, a hedge against monetary debasement. Chalom contends that Ethereum does everything Bitcoin does while also powering a massive ecosystem of actual economic activity.
The numbers he cites are striking. Ethereum constitutes over 50% of all stablecoins in circulation. It accounts for more than half of real-world asset tokenization activity. And it dominates DeFi, the sector of crypto where protocols actually generate revenue by facilitating lending, trading, and other financial services.
Staking, restaking, and the yield advantage Bitcoin holders earn nothing for holding Bitcoin. Ethereum stakers earn rewards for helping validate transactions on the network. Sharplink has taken this a step further with liquid restaking, a more sophisticated strategy where staked ETH is simultaneously used to secure additional protocols. This creates layered yield without selling the underlying asset.
That said, Ethereum’s yield is not risk-free. Smart contract vulnerabilities, slashing penalties for misbehaving validators, and protocol-level changes can all impact returns. Liquid restaking adds another layer of complexity and smart contract risk on top of that.
What this means for investors Ethereum’s quantum resistance roadmap adds another layer to the long-term bull case. The network has a dedicated post-quantum security team working on migration processes projected around 2029, part of what’s been called the “Lean Ethereum” strategy.
Investors watching this space should track Sharplink’s ETH per share metric closely. If Chalom can consistently grow that number while the underlying asset appreciates, the Ethereum treasury model will speak for itself.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Ahmed Barakat is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.
Has Also Written
Fact Checked by
CryptoNews Editorial Team
Author
CryptoNews Editorial Team
Part of the Team Since
Sep 2018
About Author
The CryptoNews editorial team is composed of seasoned writers specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Their expertise ensures comprehensive, accurate, and insightful content for...
Has Also Written
Last updated:
2 hours ago
Bitcoin and Ethereum price climbed after cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data improved market sentiment. Just hours after, a Japan Bitcoin ETF bill cleared a major committee in the country’s Upper House, raising expectations that spot Bitcoin exchange traded funds could eventually reach Japanese investors. The combination of easing inflation and friendlier regulation gave crypto traders another reason to stay bullish.
Japan’s proposal would classify cryptocurrencies as financial instruments under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act while lowering crypto taxes to a flat 20%. If passed into law, the framework could allow spot Bitcoin ETFs to launch on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by 2027.
Elsewhere, South Korea advanced plans recognizing virtual assets within national asset rules, while policymakers in India, Europe, and the United States continued debating crypto regulation.
Don’t Miss Out on Our $1,000 USDT Airdrop on ByBit
Japan Bitcoin ETF Sparks Fresh Price OptimismThe Japan Bitcoin ETF proposal has quickly become the day’s biggest story. After years of cautious regulation, lawmakers are now considering a framework that brings digital assets closer to traditional financial markets. Lower taxes and the prospect of regulated investment products could attract both institutional and retail capital once the legislation clears the remaining stages.
🇯🇵BREAKING: Japan advances landmark bill to legalize Bitcoin ETFs.
Japan’s Upper House committee has approved legislation to reclassify bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as financial instruments, paving the way for spot crypto ETFs as early as 2027.
The proposal would also… pic.twitter.com/VzTbAUcBBm
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) July 15, 2026 Outside Japan, governments are moving at different speeds. India’s Finance Ministry is pushing regulators to strengthen oversight without appearing to endorse cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, a joint U.S.-U.K. task force called for greater stablecoin innovation, and banks continue to discuss amendments to the CLARITY Act before lawmakers meet later this week. Europe is also pressing ahead with its Digital Euro pilot.
Markets welcomed the shifting backdrop as Bitcoin price briefly touched above $65,000 before easing back toward the mid $64,000 range. Even so, the move marked a clear breakout from nearly two weeks of muted trading. Softer inflation figures encouraged investors to rotate back into risk assets after fears of additional Federal Reserve tightening faded.
Bitcoin ETF Flow, CoinglassInstitutional demand also improved. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $181 million in net inflows after heavy outflows, with BlackRock accounting for the largest share. On-chain data also points to continued accumulation by large holders, suggesting long-term investors remain confident despite recent volatility. Together, stronger ETF demand and the Japan Bitcoin ETF narrative helped keep the Bitcoin price supported.
Discover: The Best Crypto to Diversify Your Portfolio
Ethereum Price Outpaces BTC as ETF Flows ImproveWhile Bitcoin grabbed the headlines, Ethereum quietly outperformed Bitcoin price. Ethereum recovered faster than Bitcoin and strengthened against BTC, signaling improving momentum after several weeks of weakness. Traders pointed to a healthier ETH/BTC ratio as evidence that buyers are becoming more confident.
ETH BTC Ratio, TradingViewFresh institutional flows reinforced that view. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs posted about $58 million in net inflows, reversing the mixed trend seen earlier this month. Morgan Stanley also updated filings tied to proposed Ethereum and Solana ETFs, naming Coinbase as custodian and staking provider. Those developments added to growing confidence around regulated crypto investment products.
The Ethereum price continued pushing toward the $1,900 level after reclaiming important technical support. Analysts say maintaining momentum above recent breakout levels could open the door to another test of psychological resistance near $2,000. At the same time, steady ETF demand remains an important tailwind.
Looking ahead, traders will closely watch incoming U.S. economic data alongside political developments in Japan and Washington. The Japan Bitcoin ETF proposal still faces additional legislative steps, yet it already marks one of the strongest pro-crypto signals from a major economy this year. If institutional inflows continue and macro conditions remain favorable, both Bitcoin and Ethereum price could have room to extend their gains.
Don’t Miss Out on Our $1,000 USDT Airdrop on ByBit
Yesterday this column said the $60,000 to $64,000 box was the whole map and the CPI print had a timestamp. The data landed cool, and the box broke upward. Bitcoin trades at $64,740, every major is green, and XRP just walked back to the exact level it lost a week ago.
The Box Broke, and the Data Says Why Bitcoin trades at $64,740 as of July 15, 2026, per CoinGecko, up 3.3% in 24 hours and 4.4% on the week. Market cap: $1.299 trillion. Volume: $32.7 billion, expanding roughly 20% from yesterday’s $27.3 billion. Breakouts on rising volume are the kind you take seriously.
The catalyst was exactly the one this column timestamped. June consumer prices fell 0.4% on the month, the largest single-month decline since April 2020, bringing annual inflation down to 3.5% against expectations near 3.8%, with core flat on the month, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A market braced for a hot print got the opposite, rate-pressure fears eased, and risk assets exhaled all at once.
The caveat travels with the celebration: the June relief came mostly from falling energy prices, and renewed US-Iran tensions have already started pushing oil back up. One cool print is a reprieve, not a regime change. Yesterday’s box top at $64,000 is now the line that matters: hold above it and the breakout stands, slip back inside and this was a one-day headline pop.
Every Hook From Yesterday, Resolved Ethereum kept the crown. Up 5.2% on the day and 8.2% on the week at $1,879.49, ETH remains the strongest major, exactly the relative-strength signal this column flagged before the print.
XRP reclaimed $1.11. Up 3.8% to precisely the level our coverage mapped on July 7, lost on July 8, and watched compress toward $1.00 all week. The round trip is complete; the full story runs in today’s XRP report.
Solana bounced 3.3% to $77.59, though its week is still barely positive at 0.4%, the laggard among recovering majors.
And Hyperliquid retired the red flag. Yesterday’s spotlight said a move back above $67 would end the concern; HYPE gained 5.4% to $67.51 and did exactly that, though its week remains slightly red at minus 1.0%.
The Numbers That Matter Today BTC: $64,000, the old box top, is the new support; the breakout is valid above it. ETH: strongest major at $1,879, up 8.2% weekly. XRP: back at $1.11, the retest verdict pending. HYPE: concern retired above $67. The risk to all of it: oil and the ceasefire headlines, which can reprice the inflation story faster than any chart.
FAQ What is the Bitcoin price today? Bitcoin trades at $64,740 as of July 15, 2026, up 3.3% in 24 hours after June inflation data came in well below expectations.
Why is crypto up today? June CPI fell 0.4% on the month, the biggest decline since April 2020, easing rate-pressure fears. Bitcoin broke above its week-long $60,000 to $64,000 range on volume that expanded about 20% day over day.
Is the Bitcoin breakout confirmed? The move came on rising volume, which supports it, but confirmation needs price to hold above the old range top at $64,000. Renewed energy-price pressure from Middle East tensions is the main risk to the move.
This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Crypto assets are extremely volatile and you can lose your entire stake. Always do your own research.
AUTHOR
Simeon is a detail-driven editor who sharpens every piece with clarity and precision, ensuring clean, consistent, and professional content throughout.
Ethereum traders didn’t wait around to interpret the latest inflation print. They just hit buy. A lot.
Following the release of June 2026 US Consumer Price Index data on July 14, Binance recorded approximately $1.2 billion in ETH taker buy volume within the first hour. To put that in perspective, Deribit clocked $15 million and OKX managed $23.6 million over the same window. Binance didn’t just dominate the flow. It was the flow.
The CPI print that moved markets Here’s what got everyone excited. The June CPI came in at negative 0.4% month-over-month, a genuine surprise to the downside. The year-over-year figure dropped to 3.5%, falling from the previous reading of 4.2%.
ETH responded with a price jump of over 4% immediately after the announcement.
Advertisement
According to CryptoQuant data cited by analyst Darkfost, the taker buy volume, meaning aggressive market orders that eat into the ask side of the order book, hit $1.2 billion on Binance alone.
Rate hike expectations collapse in real time Before the CPI release, markets had priced in roughly 46.5% odds of a Federal Reserve rate hike at the upcoming FOMC meeting on July 29. After the print dropped, those rate hike expectations collapsed.
The year-over-year CPI drop from 4.2% to 3.5% represents a meaningful shift in the inflation trajectory.
Why the Binance dominance matters The gap here is almost comical. $1.2 billion versus $15 million on Deribit and $23.6 million on OKX. That means Binance captured roughly 97% of the ETH taker buy volume across the three major platforms in that critical first hour.
Deribit, which primarily serves as an options and derivatives venue, seeing only $15 million tells you that options traders weren’t the ones driving this move. This was a directional futures bet. Traders saw the CPI number and piled into long ETH positions as fast as their systems could execute.
What this means for investors Darkfost, the CryptoQuant contributor who highlighted the data, cautioned that this kind of speculative frenzy doesn’t necessarily build the foundation for a sustained uptrend. The analyst suggested that traders were reacting to headlines rather than underlying market fundamentals.
The July 29 FOMC meeting is now the next major catalyst. With rate hike expectations having evaporated following this CPI print, any hawkish surprise from the Fed would catch a market that has rapidly repositioned for dovishness.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Ethereum price has reclaimed the $1,850 resistance after softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data triggered a sharp short squeeze, putting the $2,000 level back into focus for traders.
Summary
Ethereum price broke above $1,850 after softer U.S. CPI data sparked a broad crypto rally. Technical charts and liquidation clusters suggest $2,000 is the next major price target. Analysts say holding $1,850 as support is key to sustaining the current bullish trend. The second-largest cryptocurrency climbed nearly 5% on July 15 after June’s Consumer Price Index came in below expectations, easing concerns that Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh would resume aggressive rate hikes. Risk assets rallied across global markets, with tech stocks advancing alongside cryptocurrencies as investors priced in a more accommodative policy outlook.
Derivatives markets amplified the move. CoinGlass liquidation data shows a dense cluster of leveraged short positions between $1,800 and $1,850 was wiped out as Ethereum broke through resistance. Forced buybacks accelerated the rally toward $1,900, while the latest liquidation heatmap now shows fresh liquidity pockets concentrated around $1,900-$1,950.
Ethereum liquidation heatmap | Source: CoinGlass A successful push through that zone could expose another wave of liquidations and open a path toward the psychological $2,000 level.
Technical breakout puts $2,000 back in play Ethereum’s daily chart shows the recovery has developed from a series of rounded-bottom formations that formed after June’s selloff to nearly $1,500. Price has now completed a breakout above the neckline near $1,850, a level that capped several recovery attempts over recent weeks. The measured move from the pattern projects a target close to $2,190, matching a major resistance zone from earlier this year.
Ethereum daily price chart — July 15 | Source: crypto.news Momentum indicators continue to favor buyers. The Aroon Up indicator stands above 92 while Aroon Down has dropped to zero, suggesting bulls retain control of the prevailing trend. Relative Strength Index has climbed to around 63, leaving room for additional gains before reaching overbought territory.
The 4-hour chart reinforces the bullish structure. Ethereum has reclaimed the 100% Fibonacci retracement level near $1,897 after holding above the 78.6% retracement around $1,815. MACD remains in positive territory with widening bullish momentum, while the Chaikin Money Flow reading above zero suggests capital continues to enter the market rather than leave it.
Ethereum 4-hour price chart — July 15 | Source: crypto.news Commenting on the breakout, crypto analyst Daan Crypto Trades wrote on X:
“ETH Breaking above the $1.8K level and saw some good continuation so far. The market structure has flipped back to bullish on this timeframe.”
He added that the next major high-timeframe resistance sits near the $2,100 region, while maintaining $1,800 as support remains critical for bullish momentum.
Another closely followed trader, Ted Pillows, believes the next milestone could arrive quickly if buyers defend current levels. “$ETH has fully reclaimed its key resistance level. If Ethereum manages to hold above the $1,850 level, the pump towards $2,000 will be next,” he wrote.
Outside the charts, Ethereum continues to benefit from tightening on-chain supply. A large share of circulating ETH remains locked in staking, limiting readily available exchange balances even as demand improves.
At the same time, regulatory progress surrounding U.S. crypto legislation and spot ETF adoption has kept institutional interest intact after several weeks of macro-driven volatility tied to Middle East tensions and government-linked crypto transfers.
Loss of $1,850 support would weaken the bullish case Despite the improving setup, Ethereum still faces several hurdles before reclaiming $2,000. The liquidation heatmap shows heavy leveraged positioning between $1,900 and $1,950, where sellers may attempt to defend resistance. Failure to absorb that supply could trigger another round of profit-taking after the recent rally.
Macro risks also remain. Any resurgence in inflation, renewed geopolitical tensions that drive oil prices sharply higher, or unexpectedly hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials could reverse sentiment across risk assets.
From a technical perspective, losing the newly reclaimed $1,850 support would invalidate the breakout and shift attention back toward $1,815, followed by the stronger demand zone around $1,750. As long as Ethereum continues to post higher highs while defending $1,850, however, the probability of a move toward $2,000 and potentially the $2,100-$2,190 resistance region remains favorable.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Ethereum (ETH), günlük grafikte oluşan çift dip formasyonunu tamamlayarak kısa vadede yükseliş beklentilerini güçlendirdi. Kritik direnç seviyesinin üzerine çıkan ETH, son 24 saatte yüzde 6,88 değer kazanırken analistler 2.163 dolar seviyesinin bir sonraki önemli hedef olabileceğini değerlendiriyor. Teknik görünümün yanı sıra Ethereum ekosistemindeki yeni gelişmeler ve beklentilerin altında gelen ABD enflasyon verileri de yükselişi destekleyen başlıca faktörler arasında yer alıyor.
Çift Dip Formasyonu 2.163 Dolar Hedefine İşaret Ediyor Teknik analizlere göre Ethereum, 1.510 dolar seviyesinde iki kez destek bularak klasik çift dip formasyonunu oluşturdu. Fiyatın 1.842 dolar seviyesindeki boyun çizgisi direncini yukarı yönlü kırmasıyla birlikte formasyon resmen tamamlanmış oldu. Deneyimli analist Aksel Kibar’a göre bu teknik yapı, Ethereum için yaklaşık 2.163 dolar seviyesine kadar yeni bir yükseliş potansiyeline işaret ediyor. Analist, son günlerde oluşan fiyat hareketlerinin yükseliş senaryosunu desteklediğini ve alıcıların piyasadaki kontrolünü artırdığını belirtiyor.
İlginizi Çekebilir: Hyperliquid’de Bu Seviye Her Şeyi Değiştirebilir!
Şubat ayından bu yana oluşan daha yüksek dip seviyeleri, Ethereum’da yükselen trendin devam ettiğini gösteriyor. Çok aylık yükseliş trend çizgisinin korunması, yatırımcıların geri çekilmelerde alım yapmaya devam ettiğine işaret ediyor. Bu görünüm, çift dip formasyonundan gelen yükseliş sinyaliyle birleşerek teknik açıdan Ethereum’un pozitif görünümünü güçlendiriyor.
EthSystems ve Makro Veriler ETH’yi Destekledi Ethereum fiyatındaki yükseliş yalnızca teknik görünümden kaynaklanmıyor. Ethereum Vakfı’nın iştiraki olarak kurulan EthSystems’in bağımsız araştırma ve mühendislik şirketi olarak faaliyetlerine başlaması, topluluk tarafından olumlu karşılandı. Öte yandan ABD’de açıklanan beklenti altı enflasyon verileri, yatırımcıların yeniden riskli varlıklara yönelmesini sağladı. Bu gelişme hem Bitcoin hem de Ethereum başta olmak üzere kripto para piyasasında güçlü alımları beraberinde getirdi. Kurumsal yatırımcı ilgisinin de devam ettiği görülüyor.
Analistlere göre kısa vadede en önemli destek bölgesi 1.842 ile 1.850 dolar aralığı olarak öne çıkıyor. Ethereum’un bu seviyenin üzerinde kalmayı başarması, yükseliş senaryosunun devamı açısından kritik önem taşıyor. Yukarı yönlü hareketlerde ise ilk güçlü direnç bölgesi 1.900 ile 2.000 dolar arasında bulunuyor. Bu alanın yüksek işlem hacmiyle aşılması durumunda teknik görünüm, 2.163 dolar hedefinin önünü açabilir. Buna karşılık fiyatın yeniden 1.842 dolar seviyesinin altına gerilemesi halinde çift dip formasyonu geçerliliğini kaybedebilir ve kısa vadeli görünüm zayıflayabilir.
Değerlendirme Ethereum, hem teknik göstergeler hem de temel gelişmelerin desteğiyle yeniden güçlü bir yükseliş ivmesi yakalamış görünüyor. Çift dip formasyonunun tamamlanması ve kritik boyun çizgisi direncinin aşılması, 2.163 dolar hedefini kısa vadede öne çıkarıyor. Bununla birlikte yatırımcıların 1.842 dolar desteği ile 1.900-2.000 dolar direnç bölgesini yakından takip etmesi gerekiyor. Makroekonomik gelişmeler, kurumsal talep ve Ethereum ekosistemindeki yenilikler, ETH fiyatının önümüzdeki dönemdeki yönü üzerinde belirleyici olmaya devam edecek.
Son Dakika kripto para haberleri için hemen tıkla.
Konu ile ilgili yorumlarınızı bize yazabilirsiniz. Ayrıca, bu tarz bilgilendirici içeriklerin devamının gelmesini isterseniz, bizleri Telegram, Youtube ve Twitter kanallarımızdan takip edebilirsiniz.
In brief EthSystems launched Tuesday to build "confidential systems for institutional Ethereum," founded by the team that ran the Ethereum Foundation's Institutional Privacy Task Force. It is the third organization to spin out of the Foundation this summer, and the first for-profit one, backed by Ethereum treasury firms Bitmine and Sharplink and co-founder Joe Lubin. The firm argues that institutions won't move stablecoins, tokenized assets, and settlement onto a public ledger until they can hide trade details, positions, and client identities. The group that spent the past year running the Ethereum Foundation's institutional privacy work has spun out to start its own company. EthSystems launched Tuesday as an independent, for-profit firm building privacy and compliance technology designed to let banks and asset managers transact on Ethereum without exposing sensitive information like trade details or client identities.
The founders, Mo Jalil, Oskar Thorén, and Aaryamann Challani, built and led the Foundation's Institutional Privacy Task Force, a year-long effort that held hundreds of conversations with central banks, regulators, tier-one banks, and asset managers. Jalil, the CEO, previously worked at Goldman Sachs; Thorén spent "close to a decade" on crypto privacy infrastructure, building peer-to-peer messaging and the Waku protocols now part of Logos.
Today we're launching EthSystems.
We build confidential systems for institutional Ethereum.
Institutions want to use Ethereum, but one of the biggest problems is the lack of built-in, modular privacy tools.
We were the Ethereum Foundation's Institutional Privacy Task Force… pic.twitter.com/Gp75lgoP0z
— EthSystems (@eth_systems) July 14, 2026
Ethereum's privacy gapThe company's thesis is that Wall Street has embraced crypto "as an asset class, but not yet as commercial infrastructure." Banks and asset managers are already exploring stablecoins, tokenized assets, and on-chain settlement, but none will run real flows in full public view. On a shared, public ledger, the founders argue, confidentiality is the hard part: each party to a transaction should see only what it has a right to see, and nothing more.
EthSystems launches with a year of open-source work already published, including proofs of concept for private bonds, confidential stablecoin transfers, private cross-chain settlement, hardened shielded pools, and an Ethereum Privacy Map cataloging institutional requirements across the ecosystem. Its business model is bespoke consulting: workshops, architecture reviews, protocol specifications, and production systems, or as the company put it, continuing the work it was already doing, only now charging for it. It says it will keep publishing open-source work alongside the paid engagements.
The latest spin-outEthSystems is the latest team to break away from the Ethereum Foundation, which has spent 2026 shrinking and restructuring. The Foundation cut 20% of its staff in June, trimmed its budget, wound down its in-house privacy and scaling research unit, and reorganized around a leaner mandate after at least nine senior figures departed over the year.
In the space of weeks, three groups have spun out to take on work the Foundation is stepping back from. Ethlabs, a non-profit, handles core protocol research; Ethereum Institutional, also a non-profit, coordinates outreach to banks and asset managers; and EthSystems, the for-profit, builds the applied privacy technology. EthSystems said it left the Foundation on good terms and sees itself as complementary, focused on "depth over breadth."
EthSystems is funded by many of the same names behind the other spin-outs: Bitmine Immersion Technologies and Sharplink, the two largest publicly traded Ethereum treasury companies, along with Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin and Asia-focused investment firm SNZ. (Disclaimer: Lubin, through his company Consensys, and Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee are investors in Dastan, Decrypt's parent company.)
Those backers have a direct stake in EthSystems’ thesis. Bitmine holds some 5.7 million ETH and Sharplink around 888,000, and both have pitched public-market investors on Ethereum's role as settlement infrastructure for stablecoins and tokenized assets. Lee framed EthSystems as filling a gap, saying in a launch announcement that "the next $100 trillion of assets won't migrate on-chain without it." Lubin, meanwhile, contrasted the team with others that he said had offered institutions privacy technology that amounted to "permissioned systems with extra steps."
With Ethereum already hosting $16 billion in tokenized real-world assets and $159 billion in stablecoins, according to RWA.xyz, Jalil argued that privacy is "the difference between Ethereum holding billions today and running trillions tomorrow."
Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.
In brief EthSystems launched Tuesday to build "confidential systems for institutional Ethereum," founded by the team that ran the Ethereum Foundation's Institutional Privacy Task Force. It is the third organization to spin out of the Foundation this summer, and the first for-profit one, backed by Ethereum treasury firms Bitmine and Sharplink and co-founder Joe Lubin. The firm argues that institutions won't move stablecoins, tokenized assets, and settlement onto a public ledger until they can hide trade details, positions, and client identities. The group that spent the past year running the Ethereum Foundation's institutional privacy work has spun out to start its own company. EthSystems launched Tuesday as an independent, for-profit firm building privacy and compliance technology designed to let banks and asset managers transact on Ethereum without exposing sensitive information like trade details or client identities.
The founders, Mo Jalil, Oskar Thorén, and Aaryamann Challani, built and led the Foundation's Institutional Privacy Task Force, a year-long effort that held hundreds of conversations with central banks, regulators, tier-one banks, and asset managers. Jalil, the CEO, previously worked at Goldman Sachs; Thorén spent "close to a decade" on crypto privacy infrastructure, building peer-to-peer messaging and the Waku protocols now part of Logos.
Today we're launching EthSystems.
We build confidential systems for institutional Ethereum.
Institutions want to use Ethereum, but one of the biggest problems is the lack of built-in, modular privacy tools.
We were the Ethereum Foundation's Institutional Privacy Task Force… pic.twitter.com/Gp75lgoP0z
— EthSystems (@eth_systems) July 14, 2026
Ethereum's privacy gapThe company's thesis is that Wall Street has embraced crypto "as an asset class, but not yet as commercial infrastructure." Banks and asset managers are already exploring stablecoins, tokenized assets, and on-chain settlement, but none will run real flows in full public view. On a shared, public ledger, the founders argue, confidentiality is the hard part: each party to a transaction should see only what it has a right to see, and nothing more.
EthSystems launches with a year of open-source work already published, including proofs of concept for private bonds, confidential stablecoin transfers, private cross-chain settlement, hardened shielded pools, and an Ethereum Privacy Map cataloging institutional requirements across the ecosystem. Its business model is bespoke consulting: workshops, architecture reviews, protocol specifications, and production systems, or as the company put it, continuing the work it was already doing, only now charging for it. It says it will keep publishing open-source work alongside the paid engagements.
The latest spin-outEthSystems is the latest team to break away from the Ethereum Foundation, which has spent 2026 shrinking and restructuring. The Foundation cut 20% of its staff in June, trimmed its budget, wound down its in-house privacy and scaling research unit, and reorganized around a leaner mandate after at least nine senior figures departed over the year.
In the space of weeks, three groups have spun out to take on work the Foundation is stepping back from. Ethlabs, a non-profit, handles core protocol research; Ethereum Institutional, also a non-profit, coordinates outreach to banks and asset managers; and EthSystems, the for-profit, builds the applied privacy technology. EthSystems said it left the Foundation on good terms and sees itself as complementary, focused on "depth over breadth."
EthSystems is funded by many of the same names behind the other spin-outs: Bitmine Immersion Technologies and Sharplink, the two largest publicly traded Ethereum treasury companies, along with Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin and Asia-focused investment firm SNZ. (Disclaimer: Lubin, through his company Consensys, and Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee are investors in Dastan, Decrypt's parent company.)
Those backers have a direct stake in EthSystems’ thesis. Bitmine holds some 5.7 million ETH and Sharplink around 888,000, and both have pitched public-market investors on Ethereum's role as settlement infrastructure for stablecoins and tokenized assets. Lee framed EthSystems as filling a gap, saying in a launch announcement that "the next $100 trillion of assets won't migrate on-chain without it." Lubin, meanwhile, contrasted the team with others that he said had offered institutions privacy technology that amounted to "permissioned systems with extra steps."
With Ethereum already hosting $16 billion in tokenized real-world assets and $159 billion in stablecoins, according to RWA.xyz, Jalil argued that privacy is "the difference between Ethereum holding billions today and running trillions tomorrow."
Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.
Japan’s House of Councillors passed an amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, which officially recognizes cryptocurrencies as financial products rather than payment tools.
With this, the country is now planning to cut crypto taxes from 55% to 20% and open the door to Bitcoin ETFs.
Japan Moves Crypto Under Financial Product RulesJapan’s parliament has officially passed a landmark law amendment reclassifying cryptocurrencies as “financial assets.” Until now, cryptocurrencies have been mainly regulated under the Payment Services Act as a payment method.
Under the new law, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and other cryptocurrencies will be classified as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), bringing them closer to stocks and other investment assets.
The new law also clears the way for spot crypto ETFs in Japan.
Regulators are aiming to launch them on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by 2027 or 2028, while major firms like Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings are already preparing crypto ETF products.
List of Changes Under the New LawThe new framework introduces several rules that already apply to traditional financial markets. These include,
Insider trading ban: Trading using non-public information will be strictly prohibited.Annual disclosures: Token issuers must publish annual operational and financial disclosures.Strict penalties: Violators face up to 10 years in prison or 10 million Japanese yen fines.Retail investment cap: High-risk tokens will have a 2 million Japanese yen retail investment limitBigger Fines and Lower Crypto TaxesThe new law also brings stricter rules for the crypto industry. However, the maximum jail term for running an illegal crypto business will increase from three years to 10 years.
And the maximum fine will also increase from 3 million yen to 10 million yen, approximately $18,500 to $61,600. The government says these changes will help make the crypto market safer and protect investors.
Along with the bill, lawmakers are planning to cut the tax on crypto profits from the current maximum of 55% to a flat 20%, the same tax rate used for stock investments.
Another planned change is a three-year loss carryforward. This means investors will be able to use their past trading losses to reduce taxes on future crypto profits. If approved, these tax changes are expected to start in 2028.
Story Ends Here
Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
BitMine Immersion Technologies generated $45.7 million from Ethereum staking and validation during the three months ended May 31, making staking its main source of revenue.
Summary
Ethereum staking generated $45.7 million, accounting for 98% of BitMine’s total quarterly revenue in May. BitMine now stakes 4.9 million ETH, equal to roughly 85% of its Ethereum treasury holdings. Tom Lee projects $284 million in annual rewards once BitMine fully stakes its ETH treasury. The figure represented 98% of the company’s $46.5 million in total quarterly revenue, according to its latest 10-Q filing with the SEC.
A year earlier, BitMine reported total quarterly revenue of just $2.05 million. Machine leasing contributed $1.08 million, while Bitcoin self-mining generated $813,000. The latest results show how sharply the company’s business has shifted toward Ethereum after building one of the world’s largest corporate ETH treasuries.
Bitmine Generated $45.7M from ETH Staking Last Quarter, 98% of Revenue
According to Bitmine’s latest 10-Q filing, Bitmine Immersion Technologies generated $45.7 million in Ethereum staking and validation revenue for the quarter ended May 31, accounting for 98% of total revenue.… pic.twitter.com/eRUisDAyYl
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 15, 2026 Ethereum staking becomes BitMine’s core revenue source BitMine began native Ethereum staking in November 2025 and later launched the Made in America Validator Network, or MAVAN, in March 2026. The institutional platform provides validator and staking infrastructure and is designed to expand beyond BitMine’s own treasury to serve custodians and other institutional clients.
The company also acquired Australian staking infrastructure provider Pier Two in March. The business contributed $3.53 million of quarterly staking revenue and now operates under the MAVAN brand. BitMine said staking and validation generated $56.9 million during the nine months ended May 31, or 95% of its total revenue for the period.
BitMine now has 4.9 million ETH staked BitMine has continued expanding its Ethereum position since the quarter ended. As of July 12, the company held 5.77 million ETH and had 4,917,189 ETH staked through its operations and staking partners, equal to about 85% of its total holdings.
Notably, BitMine has steadily increased both its ETH treasury and the share placed into staking. Its long-term strategy targets ownership of 5% of Ethereum’s total supply, a goal Chairman Tom Lee calls the “Alchemy of 5%.”
Tom Lee projects $284M in annual staking rewards Lee said BitMine could generate about $284 million in annualized ETH staking rewards once its entire Ethereum balance is staked through MAVAN and partner platforms. The estimate uses a recent seven-day annualized yield of 2.70%. The figure remains a projection and could change as Ethereum staking yields, ETH prices and validator conditions move.
The company itself identified that dependence as a business risk. Its SEC filing said staking and validation revenue is highly concentrated in MAVAN-related operations. Lower staking yields, validator disruption, Ethereum protocol changes or regulatory developments could therefore have a direct effect on future revenue.
BitMine shifts away from its Bitcoin mining roots The quarter also showed how small BitMine’s older business lines have become. Bitcoin self-mining generated $624,000, while consulting brought in $168,000. Machine leasing and mining equipment sales produced no revenue after the company ended those operations.
Despite the revenue increase, BitMine reported a quarterly net loss of $83.6 million, driven partly by derivative losses and other expenses. The results show that staking has become the company’s dominant operating revenue engine, but its overall financial performance remains exposed to Ethereum prices, staking economics and its wider treasury strategy.
Recent crypto.news coverage showed BitMine’s ETH holdings reaching 5.77 million tokens as it moved closer to its 5% supply target. With about 4.9 million ETH already staked, future earnings will increasingly depend on whether MAVAN can maintain its validator performance and expand into institutional staking services.
Leading cryptocurrencies rallied alongside stocks on Tuesday following cooler-than-expected inflation numbers, despite elevated geopolitical tensions remaining in place.
Crypto Market RalliesBitcoin hit $65,000 for the first time in over three weeks, while Ethereum came close to reclaiming $1,900, amid a broader market rally.
Over $350 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with bearish short traders bearing the brunt of the losses, according to Coinglass data
Bitcoin’s open interest rose 2.09% over the last 24 hours. Interestingly, Binance derivatives traders, both retail and whale, drastically lowered their long exposure to the leading cryptocurrency.
Top Gainers (24 Hours)
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.15 trillion, contracting 2.06% over the last 24 hours.
Stocks Rally On Soft Inflation PrintStocks bounced back on Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 9.63 points, or 0.02%, to end at 52,508.27. The S&P 500 advanced 0.38% to settle at 7,543.59, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite closed up 0.9% at 26,107.01.
The June Consumer Price Index came in cooler than expected, sharply lowering odds that the Federal Reserve would increase rates at its policy meeting later this month, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
In other news, the U.S. military carried out an “additional round of strikes” against Iran in response to alleged attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. also reimposed the naval blockade against Iranian ports.
Bitcoin To Break Out?Michaël van de Poppe, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader, identified a “strong bullish divergence on Bitcoin’s daily chart.
Van De Poppe stated that Bitcoin needs a decisive break above $65,000 to enter a key range, with the next upside target shifting toward the range high between $88,000 and $92,000.
On-chain analytics firm Santiment noted cryptocurrency chatter on social media nearing its lowest levels since the summer of 2024.
“The bullish case is simple: quiet crowd, low enthusiasm, and plenty of sidelined disbelief,” Santiment added. “When attention is this washed out, even a modest shift in demand can feel much bigger than the headline mood suggests.”
Photo Courtesy: Sebastian Duda on Shutterstock.com
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Key Takeaways DOGE climbs 2.25% to reach $0.073 following US inflation figures showing CPI declining to 3.5% Meme coin selloff on Binance totals $1.2 billion since October 2025 Dogecoin has plummeted 73% from its October 2025 peak of $0.26 ETF products for Dogecoin show zero capital inflows since June 17, holding only $9.9M in total assets Critical support level identified at $0.071; breakdown could trigger decline toward $0.068–$0.064 range Dogecoin has climbed to $0.073 as of July 14, posting a 2.25% daily increase. The modest recovery follows the release of US Consumer Price Index data revealing inflation cooled to 3.5%, providing temporary support for risk-oriented assets.
Dogecoin (DOGE) Price While the token shows short-term strength, the broader trend for DOGE remains deeply negative. The cryptocurrency has collapsed 73% from its October 2025 high near $0.26. During the same timeframe, Bitcoin declined approximately 50%, highlighting DOGE’s substantial underperformance relative to the leading digital asset.
Data from CryptoQuant reveals that Binance users have liquidated $1.2 billion in meme-based cryptocurrencies since October 2025. Market analyst Darkfost characterizes meme coins as the “riskiest assets” within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, cautioning that today’s price increase may prove fleeting without a significant return of sustained buying activity.
Source: CryptoQuant Market commentator Kamran Asghar highlighted on X that $DOGE maintains a crucial weekly accumulation zone around $0.07, where previous cycle lows have established themselves, suggesting the possibility remains for a macro-level recovery toward elevated price objectives.
$DOGE is holding a key weekly accumulation zone near $0.07 where previous cycle bottoms formed keeping the door open for a macro recovery toward higher price targets pic.twitter.com/8AjI9HlTpP
— 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐫 (@Karman_1s) July 14, 2026
Chart Analysis Points to Continued Weakness DOGE currently trades beneath its 200-day, 100-day, and 50-day exponential moving averages. The Relative Strength Index registers at 41, remaining in bearish territory despite showing upward momentum. Should the RSI breach the 50 level, momentum could shift favorably and drive prices toward the 50-day EMA positioned at $0.082.
Examining the daily timeframe, DOGE has violated the $0.0715 support threshold following an unsuccessful recovery effort near $0.078. Should the closing price settle below $0.0715, technical analysts are monitoring $0.068 and the $0.064–$0.066 area as subsequent downside destinations.
A potential double-bottom formation is developing on the daily chart provided DOGE maintains the $0.071 support floor. If this pattern materializes, the initial objective stands at the July 4 peak of $0.079, with a secondary target representing a 10% advance to $0.087.
Analyst Trader Tardigrade references the monthly timeframe, suggesting the 2021–2026 pattern resembles the 2014–2017 cycle, which preceded Dogecoin’s substantial 2017–2021 bull run. The chart displays a descending wedge formation that could indicate a longer-duration trend reversal if DOGE achieves a breakout and sustains the movement.
$Doge/monthly#Dogecoin is following the exact same sequence — and we're almost at the end.
🔴 Red arrow: Bearish trend
🟣 Purple arrow: Mild recovery
🟠 Orange Falling Wedge: Final compression
🟡 Yellow arrow: Bull run
— Trader Tardigrade 🧬 (@TATrader_Alan) July 13, 2026
Investment Product Interest and Derivatives Activity Decline Dogecoin exchange-traded fund products have registered zero capital inflows since June 17. These investment vehicles have experienced no activity for six straight trading sessions beginning July 2 and maintain merely $9.9 million in aggregate net assets — representing 0.09% of DOGE’s complete market capitalization.
Open interest has contracted from $1.76 billion in May 2026 to $1 billion as of July 14. The long-to-short position ratio has declined to 0.88 according to CoinGlass analytics, indicating more market participants are betting on additional downside rather than upward price movement.
The introduction of Robinhood Chain on July 1 has generated renewed attention in select meme cryptocurrencies, with its native token CASHCAT achieving a $138 million market valuation since its debut.
Cardano (ADA) is showing renewed strength after testing a key support level, with traders closely monitoring whether bullish momentum will be sustained. ADA’s recent performance has reignited investor interest and brought whale accumulation trends to the forefront.
Cardano price action strengthens bullish outlookADA is currently trading at $0.1629 with a 24-hour trading volume of $302.62 million and a market capitalization of $5.94 billion. The cryptocurrency has recorded a 3.52% increase in the last 24 hours, stabilizing its market structure and sparking anticipation of a further push upwards.
Crypto analyst Sjuul noted that Cardano recently confirmed a bullish break on its higher-timeframe chart, establishing a new higher high and drawing renewed attention from market participants. This price movement suggested growing buyer confidence and hinted at the possibility of a sustained rally if key supports are defended.
Cardano’s confirmation of a higher high on higher timeframes has brought renewed hope of a bullish reversal, signaling that buyers are regaining control and may set the stage for another upward move in the sessions ahead.
The altcoin is now entering a corrective phase, testing a critical support area that is likely to determine its near-term trajectory. Analysts stated that maintaining this support zone would allow the bullish structure to persist, providing conditions for a push back towards resistance at $0.19. Conversely, a breakdown could put further gains at risk and potentially trigger a market correction.
Whale accumulation indicates growing long-term confidenceOn-chain data from Everstake revealed that large Cardano investors have continued to increase their holdings. Wallets containing between 100,000 and 100 million ADA have grown by 1.8% over the last four months, reaching their highest ownership share since February 2023.
In parallel, the proportion of ADA held by smaller wallets with less than 100 tokens has seen a slight decline in recent weeks. The trend suggests a consolidation of ADA supply among larger stakeholders despite ongoing market volatility.
Mini dictionary: Everstake, a prominent staking service provider, monitors blockchain network data and investor behavior, offering analytics on wallet distributions and staking trends.
This fresh accumulation is taking place as Cardano continues to make progress in network development and ecosystem growth, factors that historically have supported long-term investor enthusiasm.
Wallet TypeADA HoldingsRecent ChangeWhale Wallets100k – 100m ADA+1.8% (last 4 months)Small Wallets<100 ADADecrease in stakeMarket sentiment and outlookDespite ongoing volatility, both price analysis and whale accumulation point to an overall positive sentiment in Cardano. As Bitcoin’s price trend also turns upward, market optimism is further bolstered. However, analysts warn that ADA’s next move will hinge on the ability of bulls to defend critical support levels established after the recent breakout.
If bulls succeed in holding the current support area, ADA may rally towards $0.19, its immediate resistance. Should this effort falter, Cardano might face increased selling pressure, leading to a short-term correction. The next sessions will be crucial in defining Cardano’s direction as the market weighs ongoing network progress against immediate price action.
Market projections suggest that continued whale accumulation and network development could underpin further growth for Cardano, but near-term performance will depend heavily on how well the current support is defended following the breakout.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has expressed strong confidence in the network’s RealFi initiative, arguing that it could significantly expand Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem.
His remarks come shortly after the launch of RealFi’s Phase 1 testnet, which has already attracted strong early participation and fueled community growth.
Hoskinson Explains How RealFi Can Increase Cardano’s TVL In a statement today, Hoskinson highlighted RealFi’s ability to increase Cardano’s total value locked (TVL), one of the most important metrics for measuring capital deposited across DeFi protocols.
According to him, users who participate in RealFi must deposit assets into the protocol’s smart contracts. Those funds remain locked while generating yield, which the protocol later distributes back to participants.
As more users deposit assets and interact with the platform, Cardano’s TVL naturally grows. In addition, every deposit, withdrawal, and yield distribution generates new on-chain transactions, increasing overall network activity.
“The cool thing about RealFi is that it is gonna be a big TVL and TX generator for Cardano,” Hoskinson said.
A Catalyst for Cardano’s DeFi Expansion Furthermore, Hoskinson described RealFi as a key pillar of Cardano’s long-term DeFi strategy. He expects it to become one of the network’s most important financial applications since the protocol revolves around yield-generating deposits.
He also argued that initiatives like RealFi will strengthen Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem by attracting more liquidity and expanding the network’s financial infrastructure.
Since users deposit assets into yield-generating smart contracts, the protocol creates additional opportunities to issue and utilize stablecoins within the network. As a result, RealFi could improve liquidity while supporting the broader growth of Cardano’s on-chain financial ecosystem.
Phase 1 Testnet Gains Strong Early Traction Hoskinson’s optimism follows encouraging progress during RealFi’s Phase 1 testnet.
Earlier, he described the launch as a “wonderful start” after the RealFi team released participation figures from its Pioneer Season. According to the update, more than 1,000 users have joined the testnet, while nearly 500 verified wallets are actively participating in Phase 1. In addition, the project has attracted over 2,000 followers on X and more than 420 new members on its Discord server in just over a week.
The RealFi team emphasized that these numbers represent more than simple user growth. Instead, they reflect rising interest in developing a transparent stablecoin backed by real-world assets.
RealFi Aims to Connect DeFi With the Real Economy Cardano’s RealFi is designed to connect DeFi with real-world financial services by using blockchain liquidity to support initiatives such as microfinance and small business lending. The project aims to improve financial access for underserved communities while showcasing practical blockchain applications beyond trading.
During its initial testing phase, users can swap test assets for USDr, stake USDr for sUSDr, and later redeem their tokens. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said RealFi is progressing toward mainnet launch, which could boost Cardano’s DeFi growth and expand its real-world adoption.
In the meantime, Cardano’s TVL stands at $71.56 million, which is significantly lower than Ethereum’s $41.09 billion and Solana’s $4.91 billion.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
The ADA community has reacted strongly after Intersect confirmed that responsibility for delivering Cardano’s presence at TOKEN2049 Singapore will shift from EMURGO to the Cardano Foundation.
The decision has sparked a governance debate across the Cardano ecosystem, with several community members arguing that the transfer bypasses the treasury governance process approved by Delegated Representatives (DReps).
Intersect Explains Why the Cardano Foundation Will Lead TOKEN2049 In a recent announcement, Intersect revealed that EMURGO has been focusing its resources on managing the aftermath of the SecondFi incident. Consequently, the company informed Intersect that it could no longer allocate the personnel required to organize and execute Cardano’s participation at TOKEN2049.
Following discussions among EMURGO, the Cardano Foundation, and Intersect, the three parties agreed to transfer delivery responsibility for the event to the Cardano Foundation.
As the administrator of the treasury process, Intersect emphasized that its priority is to ensure approved governance actions are successfully delivered. Therefore, it described the change in the executing entity as the most practical solution, citing the limited time before the October conference and the need to avoid uncertainty surrounding Cardano’s participation.
The controversy traces back to an earlier governance decision. Cardano’s DReps previously approved EMURGO’s standalone treasury proposal requesting 3.3 million ADA to fund an official Cardano presence at TOKEN2049 Singapore.
Now, Intersect confirmed that the Cardano Foundation would receive the approved funds and execute the project instead.
Community Questions Governance Process Meanwhile, Intersect’s announcement immediately drew criticism from several community members, who argued that the approved proposal specifically authorized EMURGO, not the Cardano Foundation, to execute the project.
Popular DRep Chris O described the decision as a breach of Cardano’s governance framework. According to him, DReps approved a proposal that explicitly assigned execution to EMURGO. Therefore, if EMURGO could no longer fulfill its obligations, the treasury funds should have been returned rather than reassigned to another entity.
Chris also argued that the Cardano Foundation should submit its own treasury proposal if it intends to organize the event. He also criticized what he viewed as Intersect and the Foundation unilaterally changing the terms of an approved governance action without seeking another DRep vote.
Additionally, community member Dramz called for the funds to be returned entirely, expressing frustration with EMURGO’s role in the situation.
Similarly, another community member questioned why Intersect decided on behalf of the broader Cardano ecosystem. He urged the organization to return the funds to the treasury and allow a fresh governance proposal rather than modify the existing one.
Just one quick problem with this. The DReps didn’t vote to fund CF to do Token2049. They voted Emurgo. I think it’d’ve been proper to at least seek DReps’ opinions on the swap before it happened rather than telling us about it after the event.
— Kit Willow 𖤍 (@willow_kit) July 14, 2026
Despite the criticism, not everyone opposed the decision. Some Cardano supporters argued that maintaining an official presence at TOKEN2049 outweighs the need to restart the treasury process.
They contend that requiring a new proposal could delay preparations and potentially jeopardize Cardano’s participation in one of the cryptocurrency industry’s largest conferences. From their perspective, transferring execution to the Cardano Foundation ensures the original objective of the approved proposal is achieved despite EMURGO’s operational constraints.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
The Cardano Foundation has joined the newly launched x402 Foundation as an Associate Member, strengthening Cardano’s position in the next generation of internet-native digital payments.
The announcement places the Cardano ecosystem alongside some of the world’s largest technology, payment, and blockchain organizations as they collaborate to develop an open standard for machine-to-machine and AI-powered transactions across the internet.
Cardano Foundation Becomes Part of the x402 Ecosystem According to the Linux Foundation, the Cardano Foundation is now an Associate Member of the x402 Foundation. It joins an expanding group of industry leaders that includes Ripple, the Solana Foundation, Coinbase, American Express, Google, AWS, Stripe, Shopify, and Visa.
The announcement has generated excitement within the Cardano community. Supporters believe the Foundation’s participation could position Cardano to benefit from the rapid growth of AI-driven payments and autonomous financial applications.
Many community members have also argued that the move lays the groundwork for ADA to support agentic payments at scale as the emerging payment standard evolves.
Linux Foundation Launches Open Governance for x402 Notably, the Linux Foundation officially launched the x402 Foundation to provide neutral, community-driven governance for the x402 protocol.
Originally contributed by Coinbase, x402 transforms the decades-old HTTP 402 “Payment Required” status code into a native payment layer for the internet. Instead of treating payments as separate processes, the protocol enables AI agents, APIs, and applications to exchange value over HTTP just as seamlessly as they exchange data.
Linux Foundation CEO Jim Zemlin said AI agents and automated systems are becoming important participants in the global economy. However, they still lack a secure, standardized way to conduct transactions online.
He explained that the x402 Foundation aims to establish an open, vendor-neutral payment standard that remains interoperable while supporting the next generation of internet commerce.
What Cardano Foundation Membership Means Although the announcement does not introduce a direct technical integration between Cardano and the x402 protocol, the Foundation’s membership gives it a voice in the governance process that will shape the protocol’s future.
As an Associate Member, the Cardano Foundation can contribute to discussions on protocol development while helping advance open standards for internet-native payments. This role also gives Cardano greater visibility among technology companies, financial institutions, cloud providers, and developers building AI-powered applications.
The Cardano Foundation’s involvement also aligns with broader efforts to enable frictionless blockchain payments for AI systems.
Meanwhile, Cardano-native projects are already exploring these capabilities. For example, Masumi Network is exploring x402 to power automated payments, escrow services, refunds, and reputation systems for AI-driven applications.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
Djed Spence just became the first Muslim player to wear an England jersey at a FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur full-back took the pitch during the 2026 tournament, a milestone that sent waves of pride across Britain and sparked a predictable amount of confusion in crypto circles.
Because yes, there is a Djed stablecoin on Cardano. And no, the two have absolutely nothing to do with each other. But the intersection of naming coincidence, massive global attention, and a crypto-literate internet means this story landed squarely in our territory. Here’s what actually matters.
Advertisement
The football story that broke through Born on August 9, 2000, Spence plays full-back for Tottenham Hotspur, wearing kit number 24. England’s World Cup campaign has included a match against Croatia in Dallas. Spence’s Instagram posts surrounding his selection have featured faith-inspired messages, including the phrase “GOD IS THE GREATEST,” blending personal belief with national team pride.
The Djed stablecoin: same name, different universe For those unfamiliar, Djed is an algorithmic stablecoin protocol built on the Cardano blockchain. It was designed by IOG (Input Output Global) and launched with the goal of providing a decentralized, over-collateralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. The protocol uses a reserve coin mechanism, where holders of the reserve token absorb volatility to keep the stablecoin’s peg stable.
There is zero connection between Djed Spence the footballer and Djed the stablecoin protocol. No sponsorship deals. No token endorsements. No NFT collections. No blockchain partnerships.
The name “Djed” itself has ancient Egyptian origins, referring to a pillar-like symbol representing stability and endurance.
What this means for crypto investors Djed the stablecoin protocol will rise or fall based on Cardano ecosystem adoption, collateralization ratios, and DeFi usage patterns. For investors watching the Cardano ecosystem specifically, the relevant metrics remain on-chain: total value locked in Djed’s smart contracts, the ratio of stablecoin supply to reserve coin backing, and broader Cardano DeFi activity.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
