[LIVE] Crypto News Today, October 1: Bitcoin Holds $114K as Shutdown Fuels Volatility, Traders Hunt Best Meme Coins to Buy

October opened with tension in both politics and crypto. The U.S. federal government officially shut down for the first time in six years after Congress failed to agree on a budget deal. The deadlock has rattled global markets, and digital assets are no exception. Bitcoin Bitcoin BTC $114,521.87 0.76% Bitcoin BTC Price $114,521.87 0.76% /24h Volume in 24h $50.05B Price 7d Learn more is holding around $114,355, while Ethereum Ethereum ETH $4,140.20 0.94% Ethereum ETH Price $4,140.20 0.94% /24h Volume in 24h $29.68B Price 7d Learn more trades at $4,128 and XRP XRP XRP $2.84 0.98% XRP XRP Price $2.84 0.98% /24h Volume in 24h $4.76B Price 7d Learn more at $2.83. Despite Bitcoin’s relative stability, most top altcoins are struggling to gain traction, leaving traders to scout for resilience in smaller caps and even among the best meme coins to buy.

Shutdowns historically have limited direct economic impact, but they tend to heighten volatility. This time, the risk-off sentiment is amplified by $300 million in liquidations and the fact that markets are closing out both monthly and quarterly cycles. The next 48 hours could bring sharp swings in Bitcoin and altcoins as headlines drive sentiment.

Kaitlan Collins: The last two government shutdowns that happened came during President Trump's first term in office. The last shutdown, which was also the longest in modern American history, did cost the U.S. economy $11 billion. pic.twitter.com/8cv0MPT0tk

— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 1, 2025

Despite macroeconomic stress, institutions continue to quietly accumulate. On September 30, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $430 million in net inflows, while none of the 12 ETFs recorded outflows. Ethereum ETFs also closed strong, with $127 million in inflows and no redemptions. Japanese firm Metaplanet revealed it now holds 30,823 BTC, worth $3.33 billion at an average price of $107,912. Its position has returned nearly 500% year-to-date, underscoring institutional conviction even in volatile conditions.

EXPLORE: Best Meme Coin ICOs to Invest in 2025

Where to Find Strength: Best Meme Coins to Buy Amid Volatility

While large-cap tokens struggle, pockets of momentum remain. AI and launchpad projects are showing strength: Alchemist AI and Quack AI gained 12% in the last 24 hours, while LAUNCHCOIN and PUMP surged nearly 20%. Meme coins are also staging a cautious comeback. Ribbita (TIBBIR) Ribbita by Virtuals TIBBIR $0.2722 1.91% Ribbita by Virtuals TIBBIR Price $0.2722 1.91% /24h Volume in 24h $1.67M Price 7d Learn more has climbed 30% over the past week, now boasting a $271.9 million market cap.

(Source: Coingecko)

Traders looking for higher-risk, higher-reward plays are increasingly turning to meme coins as they attempt to spot the best meme coins to buy before a potential Q4 rebound.

Seasonality offers a silver lining. October and November have historically been strong months for Bitcoin, with average gains of 19% and 43% respectively. If history rhymes, today’s cautious sentiment could set the stage for a broader recovery later this quarter.

23 minutes ago

Trump Jr. and WLFI to Launch USD1 Stablecoin on Aptos, Debit Card Coming Soon

By Fatima

Donald Trump Jr. and WLFI CEO Zach Witkoff have announced that World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin, USD1, will debut on the Aptos network on October 6. According to Reuters, Witkoff also confirmed WLFI’s plans to launch a crypto-linked debit card, enabling users to spend digital assets in daily transactions.

Beyond payments, the firm is exploring tokenization of traditional asset classes, including real estate, oil, and gas. 

HUGE: @DonaldJTrumpJr & @ZachWitkoff announce LIVE that @worldlibertyfi's USD1 is coming to Aptos

Aptos is USD1's first Move-based integration. The list grows of those choosing the fastest, cheapest, & most efficient rails in the world.

Welcome to the United States of Aptos. pic.twitter.com/SiV8VcCDxQ

— Aptos (@Aptos) October 1, 2025

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