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An emerging set of on-chain and market structure signals suggests Dogecoin could be coiling for a fresh advance, according to analytics platform Alphractal, which published a new chart pack and methodology notes on X on August 21. The firm argues that miner resilience, a stable “Network Stress Index,” and model-derived bands such as Alpha Price and CVDD have lined up in a way that historically preceded major DOGE trend accelerations. $1 Dogecoin Back In Play? “Dogecoin’s miners remain incredibly resilient, with hash rate activity pushing toward record highs,” Alphractal wrote, before posing the core question animating its latest study: “Could trading around True Market Mean Price and models like Alpha Price and CVDD pave the way for a potential new all-time high in DOGE?” At the foundation of the call is a composite gauge the firm calls the Network Stress Index. It blends three dimensions of chain health and pressure—“Fee Stress (fees / market cap – 40% weight), Hash Stress (30-day hash rate volatility – 30% weight), [and] Supply Stress (7-day active supply volatility – 30% weight).” As Alphractal summarizes the read-through: “Higher values suggest potential instability or major transitions. Lower values reflect a balanced network across economic, security, and activity dimensions.” In the current regime, the firm says the indicator “signals stability — showing no warning signs of network risk.” Beyond raw network conditions, Alphractal overlays two valuation and cycle tools it says have been reliable for UTXO chains such as DOGE, Bitcoin and Litecoin. “Our Alpha Price model works like a magnetic force for sentiment,” the firm noted, describing a behavioral anchor that price tends to respect over time. It pairs that with an adjusted version of Cumulative Value Days Destroyed (CVDD), a metric that tracks the age-weighted value of coins moving on-chain. “Our advanced CVDD adjustment has proven to be one of the most accurate tools for identifying tops and bottoms in UTXO blockchains like DOGE, BTC, and LTC,” Alphractal wrote. Where those models sit today is central to the thesis. “Currently, the CVDD Top sits at $0.54, but it can climb higher as dormant Dogecoins move — potentially pushing targets above $1,” the post states. The implication is explicitly conditional: if a rally entices long-inactive supply to circulate, the top band would ratchet upward, turning $0.54 from a ceiling into what Alphractal calls “just the starting floor, with euphoric network activity driving further upside.” The firm frames miner posture as a reinforcing pillar. With hash rate activity “pushing toward record highs,” the view is that security spend and miner participation leave the network well positioned “for a surge in global demand.” That strength, together with price action clustering near what Alphractal labels True Market Mean Price, is presented as the setup phase that has preceded prior Dogecoin expansions on the attached Network Stress, Alpha Price, and CVDD charts dated August 21. Even so, the message is not unqualifiedly bullish. Alphractal closes with a risk caveat tailored to crypto’s current market microstructure: “This opportunity may be sustainable… Still, with leverage building across crypto markets, traders must remain cautious of sudden traps and mass liquidations as DOGE gains momentum.” In other words, while the model complex sketches a constructive backdrop, positioning and derivatives dynamics could inject sharp downside shocks along the path. Taken together, Alphractal’s work posits a simple, testable roadmap: a stable network, resilient miners, and price hewing to historically meaningful on-chain bands create room for upside, with the CVDD “Top” currently marked at $0.54 and mechanically capable of rising toward and “above $1” if dormant supply awakens. Whether Dogecoin converts that setup into a full breakout will hinge on the interplay between organic spot demand and a leveraged market prone to abrupt squeezes in both directions. At press time, DOGE traded at $0.218.

Asia Market Wrap - Japan Inflation Hits 8-Month Low Most Read: Nikkei 225 Technical: A potential bullish reversal looms after a 4% decline as market breadth improves with earnings upgrade Asian stocks stayed mostly steady on Friday as traders waited for a key speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium this weekend, hoping for clues about future monetary policy. MSCI's broad Asia-Pacific index outside Japan fell 0.1% after early gains, reducing its monthly rise to 1.3%. Meanwhile, China's blue-chip CSI 300 index jumped 1.8%, marking its third straight day of gains. Tech stocks led the rally after DeepSeek upgraded its V3 AI model and reports that Nvidia asked Foxconn to pause work on the H20 AI chip, boosting Chinese competitors. China's tech-heavy STAR 50 index surged nearly 8%. Japan's Nikkei 225 fluctuated between gains and losses, ending down 0.1%. In Japan, core consumer prices slowed for the second month in July but remained above the central bank's 2% target, fueling expectations of a future rate hike. The headline inflation rate dropped to 3.1% in July 2025, down from 3.3% in June, the lowest level since November 2024. Electricity prices fell for the first time since April 2024 (-0.7% compared to a 5.5% rise before), while gas prices stayed the same after rising 2.7% previously. However, this didn’t help the yen, which was set to drop 1% for the week. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda is also scheduled to speak at Jackson Hole this weekend. German Economy Shrinks Germany's economy shrank by 0.3% in Q2 2025, worse than the earlier estimate of a 0.1% drop, reversing the 0.3% growth from the previous quarter. This was the biggest quarterly decline since Q2 2024, mainly due to a 1.4% drop in fixed capital investment, with weaker spending on construction, machinery, equipment, and vehicles. Trade also hurt growth, as exports fell by 0.1% (down from 2.5% growth) due to higher U.S. tariffs, while imports rose by 1.6%. Private consumption slowed significantly to 0.1% (from 0.6%), though government spending rebounded by 0.8% (from a 0.3% decline). Inventory changes added positively to growth. By sector, output declined in manufacturing, construction, trade, transport, hospitality, and financial services. On a yearly basis, the economy grew 0.2%, slightly below the 0.3% growth in Q1, marking the second straight quarter of annual growth. European Open - All Eyes on Jackson Hole European stocks edged higher on Friday, with the STOXX 600 index up 0.2%, heading for its third straight weekly gain. Most regional markets were also positive, including Germany's DAX, which rose 0.1% after a slow start. The European Union announced plans to push for reduced U.S. tariffs on certain sectors, including retroactive lower tariffs on car exports from August 1, and continued efforts for preferential tariffs on wine and spirits. This helped boost automobile stocks by 0.6%. UBS maintained a "neutral" stance on eurozone equities, citing short-term economic uncertainty, and cut its earnings growth forecast for the region this year to -3% from 0%. Despite this, European companies are expected to report 4.6% earnings growth for Q2, down from the 9.1% initially forecast before U.S. tariffs were announced in February. In the chemicals sector, AkzoNobel shares jumped 5.2% after activist investor Cevian Capital acquired a 3% stake. Standard Chartered shares rose 3.5% following a favorable ruling from the U.S. Department of Justice in a long-standing civil case. Defence companies Renk Group and Hensoldt saw gains of 1.7% and 3.3%, respectively, after Citigroup upgraded their ratings from "sell" to "neutral." On the FX front, The euro and the British pound hit their lowest levels since early August, both down 0.1%, with the euro at $1.1597 and the pound at $1.3408. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which tracks the U.S. dollar against six major currencies, rose 0.1% to 98.71, heading for a 0.9% weekly gain and breaking a two-week losing streak. Elsewhere, the Japanese yen weakened to 148.56 per dollar, set for a 0.9% drop this week. Currency Power Balance Source: OANDA Labs Oil prices held steady on Friday as hopes for a quick peace deal between Russia and Ukraine faded, setting the stage for the first weekly gain in three weeks. Brent crude fell 17 cents (0.25%) to $67.50 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 13 cents (0.2%) to $63.39. Both benchmarks rose over 1% in the previous session, with Brent up 2.8% and WTI up 1% for the week so far. Gold prices fell on Friday as the stronger dollar weighed on the market. Spot gold dropped 0.4% to $3,326.35 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery also declined 0.4% to $3,368.80. For more on Gold, read Gold (XAU/USD) Eyes $3383/oz After Bullish Pennant Breakout. Will Fed Chair Powell Add Fuel to the Rally? Economic Data Releases and Final Thoughts Looking at the economic calendar, a quiet day for the US with the biggest data release coming from Canada in the form of retail sales data. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is set to give a keynote speech today at 16:00 CET. He is likely to stick to a cautious approach, leaving the Fed's options open for September. His guidance will likely align with the Fed's June projections, which showed most members expecting two rate cuts this year. Powell may tie the Fed's September decision to upcoming data, including the jobs report on September 5 and the inflation report (CPI) on September 11. While his cautious tone might disappoint those hoping for strong support for a September rate cut, he will likely address the sharp downward revisions to job data from May and June. Despite this, the market is still likely to see a 50% or higher chance of a rate cut in September. For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the MarketPulse Economic Calendar. (click to enlarge) Chart of the Day - FTSE 100 Index From a technical standpoint, the FTSE 100 finally breached the all-time highs and continues to advance. US Indexes have been struggling but the FTSE has remained resilient. The period-14 RSI continues to fall short of overbought territory , each time a pullback before the next leg higher. There is a small triangle pattern in play on the two-hour chart which could lead to a break to the downside. So far however, such moves have been met by significant buying pressure. A break of the triangle pattern in either direction could lead to a potential 60 point move. FTSE 100 Two-Hour Chart, August 22, 2025 Source: TradingView.com (click to enlarge) Follow Zain on Twitter/X for Additional Market News and Insights @zvawda Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

BlackRock is one of the four horsemen of the US economy, along with investment giants Vanguard, Fidelity and State Street. And now there’s a Moody’s recession prediction terrifying all of these institutions. All of these investment institutions are lugubrious on the US economy - here’s why. Moody’s Recession Prediction: Two More Weeks Recession risks are rising, according to Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi. In a recent post on X, he warned that U.S. growth is faltering under mounting policy pressures. Zandi later clarified that he doesn’t believe the economy is in a formal recession yet, but said certain sectors have already slipped into one. In an interview with Business Insider, Zandi pointed to tariffs, immigration restrictions, and Federal Reserve policy as the main headwinds. Together, he said, they’ve created unusually high uncertainty, stalling investment and hiring. All of this has BlackRock, which manages over $12.5 trillion in assets under management, about 40% of the United States’s GDP, nervous and already selling its holdings. September is always a bad month for stocks. Historically, September has been the graveyard for the S&P 500, with an average loss of 1.1% dating back to 1928. Two more weeks could be the start of it. (Polymarket) Not to mention, in a recent report, BlackRock cited these economic concerns: Aging shortage: Developed countries have record-low birth rates (Google “sperm count 2045”). This may result in high inflation over time and a shift in demand toward industries catering to seniors, such as healthcare, real estate, and leisure. A fragmenting world: According to BlackRock, “We think the Ukraine war and fraught U.S.-China relations have ushered in a new era of global fragmentation and competing defense and economic blocs.” BlackRock believes global economic growth will be more volatile, but opens possibilities in emerging markets. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in July 2025 Jackson Hole: Crash the Economy With No Survivors (X) The last bit of news terrifying investors is the Fed’s meeting today in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Wall Street largely expects rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this fall, pointing to September as the most likely start. Yet, undercutting those hopes are Tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, which have added economic strain, and the administration has leaned hard on the Fed to shift policy. Unlike past Jackson Hole meetings, many experts believe Powell is unlikely to offer strong clues. (X) Inflation remains sticky above target and has been pushed higher by tariffs, muddying the case for cuts. Some analysts argue the central bank will want more evidence before moving. In reality, the U.S. economy feels a pinprick away from something bad: Student loan debt is reaching an alarming $2 trillion, while credit card debt is surging. Banks are tightening on consumer credit. When this happens, consumer spending, which has stayed strong but shifted to credit, will get shafted. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Are Things That Bad? The hour draws near now. The bell has tolled for thee, America, at long last. Food will be a luxury by early 2026. Is that how things will pan out? No. While things aren’t that bad, all signals point to a slowing, if not crashing, economy after one more run-up for stocks and crypto that many see coming in Q4 from rate cuts. But remain calm. Things will get better. Drink copious amounts of Chivas Regal. Kidding. Partially. Hang on to your long-term investments with solid foundations, sell what you must for immediate cash, and trust that everything will eventually turn out all right. Get some fresh air, touch grass. EXPLORE: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Hopes For Net Positive From US Elections, Says Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Is A Great Idea: 99Bitcoins Exclusive Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways BlackRock is one of the four horsemen of the US economy, along with investment giants Vanguard, Fidelity and State Street – and now they’re all terrified. All eyes are on Powell today at Jackson Hole. As inflation lingers and labor metrics soften. The post BlackRock and Wall St. Exit US Markets, Bracing for Recession appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

Jerome Powell is going to be stepping up at Jackson Hole today, delivering a speech that the market been waiting for weeks. He will lay out the Fed’s view on the economy, a shifts in policy and cooling inflation for a softening job market. As his term comes to an end, this talk will carry weight, especially under political heat. Crypto players are especially locked in, as Powell’s words often ripple through the market like a domino effect. As we know, for months before today’s speech, the Federal Reserve chair has ignored demands from Donald Trump to cut interest rates and defied the US president’s calls to resign. So expectation on his speech will revolve a lot around inflation trends. For now, data is showing the inflation at about 1% above the 2% target, resulted by tariffs complication. However, Powell may address balancing price stability with employment goals. The post [LIVE] Jerome Powell Today’s Jackson Hole Speech: Rate Cuts or Inflation Nightmare? Crypto Hangs in the Balance appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

Asia’s wealthy are ramping up crypto allocations as trading surges and regulation matures worldwide. Is this uptick among Asian investors driven by strong market performance, expanding institutional access, or the regulatory environment in key markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US? A 21 August 2025 Reuters report states, “Wealth managers said they are receiving more enquiries, cryptocurrency exchanges have seen trading volumes surge and crypto funds are in huge demand as high-net-worth Asian investors seek more exposure.” In fact, Swiss bank UBS recently saw overseas Chinese family offices planning to raise their crypto exposure to around 5% of their portfolios. “Many second- and third-generation individuals of family offices are starting to learn about and participate in virtual currencies,” said Lu Zijie, head of wealth management at UBS China. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Key Takeaways UBS reports some overseas Chinese family offices plan to increase crypto exposure to around 5% of their portfolios, reflecting a more formalized role for digital assets in wealth management mandates. Fundraising momentum is notable. NextGen Digital Venture founder Jason Huang said the firm raised over $100 million in a matter of months to launch a new long-short crypto equity fund in Singapore, after closing a previous vehicle that returned 375% in less than two years. The post UBS Reports Growing Interest In Crypto Exposure By Wealthy Asians appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

On-chain analytics platform Lookonchain has drawn attention to a 7-year-old Bitcoin whale who is betting big on Ethereum. This comes amid a crypto market pullback, which has seen ETH and BTC record significant losses. Bitcoin Whale Sells $76 Million To Buy Ethereum In an X post, Lookonchain revealed that a Bitcoin OG, which is holding 14,837 BTC ($1.69 billion), had sold 670.1 BTC ($76 million) and opened long positions of 68,130 ETH ($295 million). The whale made this move by depositing the $76 million BTC to Hyperliquid and selling it off before going long on ETH across four wallets, totaling 68,130 ETH. This Bitcoin whale received 14,837 BTC seven years ago, which was worth $107.5 million back then, from HTX and Binance when Bitcoin was trading at $7,242. With this recent move, there is the possibility that the whale is now turning their attention to Ethereum, as the investor anticipates a massive move from the largest altcoin by market cap. Furthermore, in another X post, Lookonchain revealed that the Bitcoin whale tried to play it safe on their Ethereum investment as they began closing the long positions and switched to buy spot ETH. In the process, the whale deposited another 1,000 BTC ($113.95 million) to Hyperliquid to buy ETH and bought 19,794 ETH ($85 million) Meanwhile, the Bitcoin OG also moved to trade Ethereum using leverage again and therefore proceeded to create a new wallet and deposited $20 million USDC to go long on ETH with 6x leverage. This brought the whale’s total holdings to 78,265 ETH ($334 million) across five wallets. More Ethereum Buys From The Bitcoin OG The Bitcoin investor has continued to double down on their conviction in Ethereum. The whale has now sold 3,142 BTC ($356.47 million) over the last two days and has bought 55,039 ETH ($237 million) through spot trading and opened a 135,265 ETH ($577 million) long position. Hyperliquid data shows that three out of the five long positions are currently in profit. The largest of them is an unrealized gain of over $2 million. Lookonchain spotted another Bitcoin OG who deposited BTC into Hyperliquid to sell and buy ETH. On-chain data shows that this whale received 85,947 BTC ($547 million) seven years ago, similar to the earlier Bitcoin OG. Based on this, the on-chain analytics platform opined that it is likely the same whale. Another whale also recently created a new wallet and withdrew 11,950 ETH ($51.32 million) from Binance. At the time of writing, the Ethereum price is trading at around $4,280, down in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

Overview: The dollar stalled after mostly extending this week's gains against the G10 currencies on the back of firmer US rates. The key event ahead of the weekend is Fed Chair Powell's speech in Jackson Hole (10 am ET). The greenback appreciated against all the G10 currencies this week, with the Antipodeans and sterling off more than 1% and the yen and euro not far behind. Emerging market currencies are mixed today, but on the week only a handful have managed to gain on the greenback, including the Chinese yuan and Mexican peso. The 10-year JGB yield rose five basis points this week and finished the week slightly above 1.60%, a new high since 2008. Most European benchmark yields are little changed today and mostly slightly firmer on the week. The 10-year UK Gilt yield is up a couple of basis points today to a new high for the week, near 4.75%. It has not been higher since May. The US Treasury yield is firm near 4.34%, near the level for the week. The month's high was around 4.40%. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index snapped a four-day slide today. Japan, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea led the advance. Of note China's CSI300 rose by 2.1% today (4.2% for the week), which is the largest gain since March. Europe's Stoxx 600 slipped fractionally yesterday, the first loss of the week, but is firmer today. The three-week rally has brought it to five-month highs. US index futures are trading with a higher bias. The S&P 500 has a five-day losing streak in tow. Gold is trading softer around $3330. It needs to close above $3336 to avoid its second consecutive week decline. October WTI reached a two-week high near $63.80 today but met sellers that pushed to back toward $63.30. Still, it settled slightly below $62 last week. USD: Stronger than expected preliminary PMI and New US house sales last month and stronger than expected existing home sales offset the bigger jump in weekly initial jobless claims in three months and a sharp drop in the Philadelphia Fed survey. US rates rose around five basis points. The Dollar Index rose to a nine-day high today near 98.85. If sustained today, it will be the fifth consecutive session that the Dollar Index held above the previous session's low. It met the (38.2%) retracement objective of this month's losses (~98.65) but may be stalling ahead of the (50%) retracement (~98.95). The couple of Fed surveys will not distract the participants from Fed Chair Powell's speech on the economic outlook at Jackson Hole. Powell can be expected to recognize the shifting balance between the Fed's two mandates and allow for the need for a less restrictive setting of monetary policy. He is also likely to be cognizant that the early estimates for this month's nonfarm payroll report are for less than 100k. Still, talk about stagflation continues to seem wide of the mark. The unemployment rate is at 4.2% and the Atlanta Fed's GDP tracker sees growth above what Fed officials see as the long-run sustainable, non-inflationary, pace. The PCE deflator, which the Fed targets is expected to be unchanged at 2.6% when the July data are reported next week. While elevated, it does not seem to raise to the level of "stagflation" either. The same can be said of the other common epitaph--fiscal dominance. Under conditions associated with fiscal dominance, the Federal Reserve would likely have succumbed to White House pressure to cut rates sharply to ostensibly reduce the debt servicing costs. EURO: Although the euro rallied on the back of the stronger than expected preliminary August PMI yesterday that saw the first manufacturing reading above the 50 boom/bust level since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it gave it all back and more in the North American session amid greenback's broad gains on stronger data and the backing up of interest rates. The two-year US premium has widened almost 10 bp since the middle of last week and set a new high for the month yesterday near 183 bp. The euro held $1.1600 yesterday, the (38.2%) retracement of this month's gains but was sold below it today. It has held above the next retracement target (50%), near $1.1560. Nearby resistance is in the $1.1620-30 area. CNY: The PBOC has introduced greater flexibility into the setting of the dollar's reference rate. Yesterday, for the second time this month, the PBOC lowered the fix by 0.14%. This is the largest since day adjustment since January. Today's fix was at CNY7.1321 after CNY7.1287 yesterday, which was the lowest since last November. Despite the greater day-to-day adjustments of the greenback's reference rate, the yuan is up a meager 0.30% this month. Recall, though, that last month, when the dollar traded firmer, the Chinese yuan was the strongest currency in the world after the pegged Hong Kong dollar, falling about 0.5% against the jumping greenback. The dollar is well within this month's range against the offshore yuan (~CNH7.1680-CNH7.1985). It approached the lower end yesterday (~CNH7.1715) but the broad dollar gains saw it recover to around CNH7.1865 before settling near CNH7.1830. Today's high is slightly shy of CNH7.19. JPY: Firmer US yields appeared to help the dollar recover back to JPY148.40, a seven-session high yesterday. The increase US weekly jobless claims saw US rates pullback and the greenback slip. It settled above JPY148 for the first time this month. If the dollar is broadly retracing the losses seen earlier this month, it has already surpassed the (38.2%) objective (JPY148), the next target (50%) is near JPY149.10, and the 200-day moving average is found around there, as well. Follow-through buying today lifted the greenback to almost JPY148.80. The key is US rates. As suggested by the Tokyo report out a few weeks ago, Japan's July CPI softened. The headline pace moderated to 3.1% from 3.3%, while the core rates, which exclude fresh food, also slipped to 3.1% from 3.3%, which matches the low for the year set in February. However, the improvement was in fresh food and energy, and without them, Japan's CPI was unchanged at 3.4%. This is the highest since January 2025. It has not moderated since July 2024. While the odds of a BOJ hike next month seem remote (~16%) in the swaps market, probability is slightly above 57% for October from a low of about 36% earlier this month. It reached 68% on July 24. GBP: Sterling recovered to almost $1.36 last week after putting in a low before the poor US jobs report on August 1, near $1.3140. It extended its pullback $1.34 yesterday and met the (38.2%) retracement objective of its rally in the first half of the half of the month (~$1.3420) and the 20-day moving average (~$1.3410). It slipped to almost $1.3390 today. The (50%) retracement is near $1.3370. The (61.8%) retracement is by $1.3315. The swaps market continues to downgrade the chances of another BOE cut this year. It fell below 50% for the first time this year this week and is now near 35%. It was closer to 60% at the end of last week and 100% before the central bank meeting earlier this month. Yet, sterling, off 1% this week, is the third worst performer after the Australian and New Zealand dollar's this week. CAD: The US dollar is threatening to extend its recovery of against the Canadian dollar for the fourth consecutive session today and the sixth session in the past seven. The greenback reached almost CAD1.3920 today to record a three-month. Near-term risk extends into the CAD1.4000-35 area. Canada reports June retail sales today, and a strong recover is expected after the 1.1% drop in May. The measure, excluding auto sales, may have risen for the first time since February. It may discourage the speculation that has increased of a Bank of Canada rate cut next month. Still, with the Federal Reserve likely to resume its easing cycle, the Bank of Canada may have more room to maneuver given the disruption that is still unfolding. The swaps market has more than a 90% chance of a cut discounted before the end of the year. The pricing at the end of July was consistent with about a 60% chance. AUD: The Australian dollar is consolidating after recording the low for the month yesterday near $0.6415. Although it steadied, it still settled lower for the fourth consecutive session. Yesterday's low has held so far today but the upside has been blocked around $0.6430. A move above $0.6440 would help stabilize the technical tone but it may take a push above $0.6460 to bolster speculation that a low is in place. Still, without a strong recovery in North America today, the Aussie will post its first back-to-back weekly loss since June, which itself was the first time since January. MXN: The market shrugged off the larger than expected decline in Mexico's June retail sales (-0.4% after a revised 1.7% rise in May, which was initially 1.8%). The data is old news in the sense that shortly Mexico will update its estimate for Q2 GDP. The initial estimate was for 0.7% quarter-over-quarter growth (0.2% in Q1). More importantly today is the estimate of CPI for the first half of August. The year-over-year rate of the headline and core are expected to have ticked up. The dollar spent the entire week inside the range set on Monday (~MXN18.7120-MXN18.8675). While the peso was virtually flat this week, coming into today, the Brazilian real fell about 1.4% so far this week, putting it near the bottom of the emerging market currency complex. Disclaimer

The Canadian dollar is unchanged on Friday, trading at 1.3912. Earlier, USD/CAD hit 1.3917, its highest level since May. Canada's retail sales expected to reboundCanada wraps up the week with the June retail sales report, which is expected to rebound with a gain of 1.5% y/y. This follows a 1.1% decline in May, as consumers cut back on spending when US tariffs took effect in April. The trade war between Canada and the US continues but consumers have had time to adjust to the new reality of tariffs and the markets expect a strong rebound in consumer spending. It is somewhat surprising that the US has concluded trade agreements with the EU and Japan but not Canada, which is one of the largest trading partners of the US. Canada sends about 75% of its exports to its southern neighbor, so it cannot afford a prolonged trade war with the US. President Trump's sharp rhetoric about annexing Canada and turning it into the 51st state has touched a raw nerve with Canadians and had a major impact on the recent Canadian election. All eyes on Jackson Hole The heads of the major central banks have converged for a meeting at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The star of the show will be Federal Reserve Chair Powell, who will deliver a speech later today. The markets have priced in a rate cut at next month's Fed meeting and are hoping for some confirmation from Powell. The Fed must chart a rate path in challenging economic conditions. Inflation is still high, which would support maintaining rates, but the labor market is deteriorating, which supports the case to lower rates and boost economic activity. What should be the Fed's priority? There is a split among members, as reflected in the rare split vote at the July meeting. The majority of the FOMC members, which voted to hold rates, judges the upside risk of inflation to be the primary concern, while the two members who voted to lower rates are most concerned by softening employment. The Fed meets next month and is widely expected to deliver its first rate cut since December 2024. USD/CAD Technical USD/CAD is putting pressure on resistance at 1.3926, which has held since May. Above, there is resistance at 1.3941There is support at 1.3897 and 1.3882 USD/CAD 1-Day Chart, Aug. 25, 2025 Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

The South African Krugerrand didn’t just enter the gold market in 1967: it created the modern bullion coin industry. By 1980, this coin commanded 90% of the global gold coin market. Today, the Krugerrand maintains its dominance through unmatched global liquidity and recognition. This article examines the technical specifications, investment advantages, and historical significance that keep the Krugerrand competitive in an increasingly crowded bullion market. What Is a Krugerrand? Before exploring its investment potential, here are the basics of what makes a Krugerrand. For additional insights into the fascinating history of the Krugerrand coin, watch this expert discussion from South African numismatic specialists. Historical Origins South Africa created the Krugerrand in 1967 to solve its very specific problem of marketing the country’s abundant gold reserves to private investors. At the time, South Africa produced 70% of the world’s gold, but private gold ownership was heavily restricted in most countries, and investors had limited options beyond bars and ingots. The solution was ingenious: create a coin with legal tender status that governments couldn’t easily ban, unlike gold bars which were often prohibited for private ownership. The South African government, working with Rand Refinery and the South African Mint, designed the Krugerrand as the world’s first modern bullion coin. It was legal tender that could be easily bought, sold, and transported without the regulatory hurdles facing other gold investments. This timing proved perfect, as countries were abandoning the gold standard, where currencies were backed by gold reserves. This left individual investors seeking new ways to own gold directly rather than through government-backed paper money. Design Significance The Krugerrand’s visual design was carefully planned to represent South African identity while ensuring global recognition. The coin’s name itself combines “Kruger” (honoring Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900) with “rand” (South Africa’s currency unit). Kruger’s portrait on the obverse aims to represent South African heritage and political independence, while the reverse features a pronking springbok, South Africa’s national animal. Image: A black and white historical portrait of Paul Kruger Source: Kapstadt.de The coin’s designer, Coert Steynberg, wasn’t starting from scratch with the springbok – he had already used this imagery on earlier South African coins, including the five shillings and 50 cents pieces. By adapting this familiar national symbol for the bilingual (English and Afrikaans) Krugerrand coin, it gained instant recognition both domestically and internationally. Manufacturing Process The Krugerrand’s manufacturing required several innovative decisions that would influence bullion coin production worldwide. Most importantly, the decision to use 22-karat gold (91.67% pure gold with 8.33% copper) was revolutionary for its time. While pure gold was traditional for bullion, the Krugerrand’s copper alloy made it significantly more durable than pure gold coins, which scratch and dent easily during handling and transport. The copper content also gave the Krugerrand its distinctive orange-reddish hue, making it instantly recognizable. To maintain exactly one troy ounce of pure gold content despite the alloy metals, manufacturers made the total weight slightly higher at 33.93 grams. This approach prioritized practicality without sacrificing the gold content that determines Krugerrand coin value for investors. Global Impact The Krugerrand’s success fundamentally changed the precious metals industry. By 1980, it accounted for 90% of global gold coin sales, proving there was massive demand for accessible gold investment vehicles. This success inspired other nations to create their own bullion coins: Canada’s Gold Maple Leaf (1979), China’s Gold Panda (1982), America’s Gold Eagle (1986), and Britain’s Britannia (1987). Each borrowed elements from the Krugerrand model: legal tender status, fractional sizes, and investor-friendly marketing. The Krugerrand’s pioneering role helped establish the modern bullion coin market, which has continued evolving alongside broader changes in global gold markets over recent decades. Even today, with dozens of competing bullion coins available, the Krugerrand’s first-mover advantage and widespread recognition keep it among the most liquid gold investments worldwide. South African Krugerrand Specifications and Technical Details The Krugerrand’s precise specifications have remained consistent since 1967, ensuring reliability for investors and dealers worldwide. Physical Characteristics The standard one-ounce Krugerrand measures 32.77mm in diameter and 2.84mm thick, with a total weight of 33.93 grams. The coin’s copper content makes it heavier and more durable than pure gold coins, while also creating the distinctive orange-gold color that sets Krugerrands apart from other bullion coins. The edge features 160 fine ridges – called reeded serrations – that help prevent counterfeiting and provide texture for handling. Proof versions have 220 serrations for enhanced detail. The matte finish of the Krugerrand coin helps conceal minor handling marks that would be more visible on highly polished coins. Gold Content Breakdown Each Krugerrand contains exactly one troy ounce (31.1 grams) of pure gold within a 22-karat gold alloy composition of 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper. To accommodate the copper while maintaining the full ounce of pure gold, the total coin weight increases to 33.93 grams. Manufacturing Standards The Krugerrand’s reputation for reliability stems from the South African Mint’s rigorous manufacturing standards, established over decades of precious metals production. The process begins with the Rand Refinery, one of the world’s largest gold refineries, which supplies gold that undergoes extensive purity testing before reaching the mint. During production, the South African Mint implements multiple quality control checkpoints, including precise weight verification and gold content analysis for every batch. This systematic approach ensures each South African Krugerrand meets exact specifications, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and global acceptance. Size Variations Beyond the standard one-ounce coin, the gold Krugerrand is available in fractional sizes. The half-ounce weighs 16.97 grams (15.55 grams pure gold), the quarter-ounce weighs 8.48 grams (7.78 grams pure gold), and the tenth-ounce weighs 3.39 grams (3.11 grams pure gold). All fractional sizes maintain the same 22-karat composition and proportional design scaling. Image: A gold Krugerrand coin reverse showing a leaping springbok Source: NGC Understanding Krugerrand Variations Not all Krugerrands are created equal. Understanding the different types helps investors determine Krugerrand gold coin value today and make informed choices. Standard vs. Proof Versions Production Differences Standard bullion Krugerrands are struck once using regular dies in a mass production process focused on efficiency and metal content accuracy. Proof Krugerrands undergo a completely different manufacturing approach: they’re struck multiple times with specially polished dies that create mirror-like surfaces. The proof production process involves polishing both the coin blanks and the dies to achieve a frosted design against a mirror-smooth background, requiring significantly more time and labor per coin. Since 1995, proof Krugerrands have come with original presentation boxes and certificates of authenticity, adding to their premium positioning. Visual Distinctions The most obvious difference between standard and proof versions lies in surface finish. Bullion coins have a standard matte appearance designed for handling and stacking, while proof coins feature highly reflective, mirror-like surfaces with frosted design elements that create a dramatic visual contrast. Another way to distinguish them is by counting edge serrations: bullion Krugerrands have exactly 160 reeded edges, while proof versions have 220 serrations. Image: A 1967 proof Krugerrand in a PCGS graded holder with distinctive mirror-like finish and 220 edge serrations. Source: PCGS Mintage Numbers Proof Krugerrands are produced in strictly limited annual quantities, typically ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands depending on the year and denomination. These small production runs create natural scarcity that appeals to collectors. In contrast, bullion Krugerrand production fluctuates dramatically based on global gold investment demand, with annual mintages ranging from as low as 24,000 in quiet years to over six million during peak demand periods like the late 1970s. This production flexibility means bullion coins from high-mintage years trade closer to gold spot price, while low-mintage years can command slight premiums even among bullion versions. Fractional Krugerrands Introduction Timeline Fractional Krugerrands were introduced in 1980 in three sizes: half-ounce, quarter-ounce, and tenth-ounce denominations. This expansion aimed to make gold ownership accessible to investors who found the full ounce financially challenging. The smallest tenth-ounce size proved especially popular for gift-giving and as an affordable entry point into gold investing. Due to their accessibility, fractional sizes often achieved substantial mintages, with the tenth-ounce frequently recording some of the highest production numbers in given years. All three fractional sizes helped democratize gold ownership during a period when precious metals investing was gaining mainstream appeal. Technical Specifications As mentioned previously, fractional Krugerrands maintain precise proportional weights (the half-ounce at 16.97 grams total, quarter-ounce at 8.48 grams, and tenth-ounce at 3.39 grams), while preserving the exact 22-karat gold-to-copper ratio of the original. This consistency ensures that all sizes share the same durability and distinctive orange hue that makes Krugerrands instantly recognizable. Unlike some coin series where fractional versions compromise on composition, Krugerrands maintain identical characteristics regardless of size, ensuring consistent Krugerrand value today across all denominations. Design Adaptations All fractional sizes feature identical designs to the one-ounce coin, with careful scaling to preserve detail clarity even on the smallest 1/10-ounce version. The South African Mint’s precision scaling techniques ensure that Paul Kruger’s portrait and the springbok design remain sharp and recognizable across all denominations. Krugerrand Investment Potential in 2025 The Krugerrand’s investment appeal in 2025 mainly comes down to proven liquidity advantages versus the practical costs of physical ownership. Advantages Global Liquidity and Recognition The Krugerrand’s 58-year track record has created unmatched worldwide recognition among precious metals dealers. Unlike newer bullion coins that may require verification or face regional acceptance issues, Krugerrands can be bought and sold easily in virtually any gold market globally. This liquidity advantage becomes particularly valuable during economic uncertainty when quick asset conversion may be necessary. Privacy and Regulatory Benefits A key advantage of owning physical Krugerrands is the privacy they provide compared to other gold investment options. Physical Krugerrand purchases below certain thresholds typically don’t trigger government reporting requirements in most jurisdictions, unlike gold ETFs or mining stocks that automatically generate tax documents and paper trails. This allows investors to build gold positions privately without the regulatory paperwork that accompanies many financial instruments. Proven Inflation Protection Historical data shows Krugerrands have successfully preserved purchasing power during inflationary periods. From 1970 to 1980, when U.S. inflation averaged over 7% annually, gold prices rose from $35 to over $800 per ounce – a gain that far outpaced inflation and protected investors’ real wealth. Krugerrands, containing one full ounce of gold, delivered these same protective returns to holders. As a physical investment, the gold Krugerrand provides direct exposure to gold’s inflation-hedging properties without the management fees or tracking errors that can affect gold-based financial products. For more details on why gold serves as an ideal portfolio complement and its performance compared to traditional investments, explore Blanchard’s gold investment insights. Considerations Storage and Security Requirements Physical ownership requires secure storage solutions, whether through safe deposit boxes, home safes, or professional vault services. Insurance and security add ongoing costs that don’t exist with other gold investments like ETFs, making storage planning crucial for larger collections. Market Timing and Premium Cycles Premium levels fluctuate based on global demand, political uncertainty, and supply constraints. Buying during high-premium periods can reduce returns, making market awareness crucial for optimal entry and exit timing. How to Buy and Sell Krugerrands Krugerrands are available through various channels, with established precious metals dealers offering the most reliable combination of authenticity guarantees and competitive pricing. These dealers provide proper documentation and buyback policies, while online auction sites and unverified sellers present higher counterfeit risks. Authentication Essentials Authentic Krugerrands have specific specifications: 33.93 grams weight, 32.77mm diameter, and the correct edge serrations (160 for bullion, 220 for proof). The distinctive orange-gold color from copper alloy should appear consistent throughout. Professional dealers can verify authenticity using precision scales and testing equipment. Image Description: A 1983 Krugerrand on digital scale showing 33.03 grams, demonstrating underweight coin that may indicate wear or authenticity concerns. Source: Reddit Selling Strategy Krugerrands maintain strong global liquidity, making them relatively straightforward to sell when needed. Local coin shops, precious metals dealers, and established online platforms all provide viable selling options. Market timing during periods of high Krugerrand price appreciation or increased uncertainty can help maximize returns. Professional Advantage Blanchard’s decades of experience in precious metals ensures authenticity verification, competitive pricing, and reliable access to both buying and selling markets. With established relationships throughout the industry and comprehensive market knowledge, Blanchard offers investors the confidence that comes from working with a trusted precious metals specialist. Conclusion The Krugerrand’s enduring success stems from practical advantages that remain relevant in 2025: unmatched global liquidity, proven durability through its 22-karat gold composition, and a 58-year track record of market acceptance. Its distinctive design featuring Paul Kruger and the springbok, combined with specific technical specifications like weight and edge serrations, makes authentication straightforward for investors. For modern portfolios, Krugerrands offer direct gold exposure without the complexities of ETFs or mining stocks, while maintaining the privacy and inflation protection that physical precious metals provide. Whether in standard one-ounce or fractional sizes, Krugerrands continue to represent one of the most liquid and widely recognized gold investments available. Explore Blanchard’s selection of authentic Krugerrands and other world gold coins and discover how these iconic coins can strengthen your precious metals portfolio. FAQs 1. How much is a Krugerrand worth today? Krugerrand value fluctuates daily based on gold spot prices plus a small premium for the coin itself. You can track current gold spot prices to understand the base value of your Krugerrand’s gold content. For the most accurate pricing, contact Blanchard directly. 2. How much does a Krugerrand weigh? A standard one-ounce Krugerrand weighs exactly 33.93 grams total, containing 31.1 grams of pure gold. The additional weight comes from copper alloy that makes the coin more durable. Fractional sizes maintain proportional weights: half-ounce at 16.97 grams, quarter-ounce at 8.48 grams, and tenth-ounce at 3.39 grams. Verifying these precise weights helps confirm authenticity. 3. What factors affect Krugerrand value? Krugerrand values are primarily driven by gold spot prices, which fluctuate based on economic conditions, inflation expectations, and global demand. Additional factors include the coin’s condition, size, whether it’s bullion or proof, and current market premiums. Rarer years or special editions may command higher premiums, while standard bullion versions typically trade closest to gold content value. The post Krugerrand: Why This Coin Still Matters in 2025 appeared first on Blanchard and Company.

The NEO blockchain, often dubbed the “Ethereum of China,” is among the biggest gainers in the last 48 hours. The coin is up nearly 15% in two days, reversing sharply from a key support level as buyers aim to break a local resistance level. At this pace, NEO crypto is not only on the cusp of adding to its two-day gains but also has a high possibility of soaring by triple-digit gains, trending at levels seen when the network dominated crypto. Based on Coingecko data, NEO crypto is firm. Although it is down nearly 3% in the last trading month, the surge of the past two days has reversed losses, pushing it back into green territory after two weeks. It is up 10% in the last week of trading and nearly 12% in the past two weeks. Still, it has yet to fully reverse the losses of the past year, and it is still down by over 30%. (Source: TradingView) A look at the NEO ▼-0.77% daily chart points to strength. If NEO crypto closes above $7 by the end of today, there is a high possibility of prices breaking above July 2025 highs and $8. When this happens, the coin will have shaken off sellers that dominated mainly in Q1 2025 before the consolidation of the past two quarters. NEOPriceMarket CapNEO$465.42M24h7d30d1yAll time Ideally, this expansion should be with rising trading volume, mirroring the last two trading days. Such a breakout will provide a solid foundation for NEO crypto to spike by at least 100%. In that event, it might rise above $14 and even retest December 2024 highs of around $26, outperforming top Solana meme coins. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Will NEO Crypto Buyers Press On? Analysts Expect a 100% Pump On X, enthusiasm around NEO crypto is high, explaining why it is one of the best cryptos to buy. One analyst notes that NEO has successfully broken through a key resistance trend line that had capped the coin for months. This breakout, supported by above-average trading volume, is a bullish signal and, according to the analyst, a “big deal.” In his view, the coin is primed for a 100-110% expansion in the coming days. It remains to be seen whether NEO crypto will break higher and free itself from the shackles of bears. If it does, it could rise higher, as it did in 2021, when the network and coin capitalized on broader market enthusiasm. The ground appears firm. Presently, Ethereum is steady, absorbing selling pressure and trading above $4,300. It nearly broke 2021 highs, a time when NEO crypto was also steady and rallying strongly. DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 China Plans to Launch a Yuan-Backed Stablecoin Additionally, NEO appears to be riding the wave of renewed interest in smart contract platforms. According to reports, China’s State Council will review a roadmap by the end of the month that could see the Asian economic powerhouse launch yuan-backed stablecoins, promoting global adoption of its currency. This decision marks a drastic reversal of China’s stance on crypto, boosting China-based smart contract platforms, including NEO crypto. Mining and trading were banned in 2021 over concerns that private digital assets would destabilize its currency. A study session with the country’s senior leadership is reportedly scheduled for the coming weeks, setting the tone for stablecoin development. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 China’s ambition to elevate the yuan to the status of a global reserve currency, similar to the USD or the Euro, makes its pivot to launch a yuan-backed stablecoin strategic. The United States has already passed the GENIUS Act into law, promoting firms to launch USD-backed stablecoins as long as the underlying security includes USD cash deposits or Treasuries. The GENIUS Act is expected to spur the growth of USD-backed stablecoins, provide legal clarity, and fast-track institutional adoption, strengthening the USD’s dominance in the global crypto market. China appears keen to counterbalance this influence, and once the yuan-backed stablecoin launches, it will also facilitate international trade and remittance. However, some analysts warn that due to China’s stance on crypto, even the yuan-backed stablecoin may face limits, capping its scalability in global markets. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in 2025 NEO Crypto Can 2X After China Yuan Stablecoin News NEO up 14% in 48 hours, reversing losses Analysts expect a 100-110% surge, targeting $14 China’s plan for a yuan-backed stablecoin China is countering the USD’s influence following the GENIUS Act passage The post NEO Crypto Leads Chinese Coins After Major Announcement: Time for a 100% Pump? appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

Arthur Hayes has a clear answer to the market’s favorite bar fight. In an August 21 interview with Ran Neuner, the BitMEX co-founder said both Ethereum and Solana will rally hard, but he is explicitly tilted toward ETH for the remainder of the cycle. “Do I believe Solana is going to go up? Absolutely it’s going to go up. Do I believe it’s going to go up more than ETH? I don’t know. Probably not,” Hayes said. When pressed on portfolio construction, he didn’t hedge: “In terms of a position… you’d be more overweight ETH? Correct. Yes.” Ethereum Vs. Solana: Who Wins This Cycle? Neuner framed the context that has flipped the conversation from “Solana-only” to an Ethereum-led trade, citing a sequence of catalysts—from stablecoins to marquee advocates—that has turned ETH into “the darling asset of Wall Street.” Hayes didn’t contest the premise. Instead, he described the contest between the two chains as a “race” increasingly defined by the scale of capital now zeroing in on Ethereum: “ETH is a bigger asset to move, but there’s a lot of money chasing it. So it’s going to be [an] interesting race.” In other words, size is not a bug if flows are thick enough; it’s the feature that channels the largest bid. That flows-first view also explains why Hayes sees ETH’s upside accelerating once resistance is convincingly cleared. Responding to Neuner’s observation that Bitcoin sits well above its prior all-time high while ETH had been “struggling to break,” Hayes raised his sights beyond catch-up toward open-ended momentum: “I think ETH goes to $10,000 [or] 20,000 before the end of the cycle… once it’s broken through, then… it’s a gap of air to the upside.” He added that on shorter time frames, “the chart says it’s going higher now,” noting he had “bought back some of the ETH” he previously sold. None of this means Hayes is bearish on Solana. He disclosed he advises Upexi, a Nasdaq-listed company with a Solana-focused treasury, and reiterated his expectation that SOL will benefit from the same risk-on currents: “They’re both going to go up. The question is which one goes up more.” But even with that proximity to the Solana ecosystem, he returned to the relative case: “Do I believe [Solana]’s going to go up more than ETH?… Probably not.” Neuner summarized the narrative shift bluntly—ETH “caught this massive Wall Street narrative,” with stablecoins, tokenized assets and high-profile champions such as Joseph Lubin and Tom Lee putting a megaphone behind Ethereum, after a period when “it’s a SOL cycle” dominated discourse. Hayes’ answer was not to relitigate the tech stack—Neuner even joked about Solana as the “fast monolithic chain”—but to anchor the ETH-over-SOL call in the mechanics of capital formation and passive demand now assembling around Ethereum’s market structure. In his telling, as institutional vehicles and public ETH treasury companies marshal fresh inflows, the “bigger asset to move” becomes the natural sink for the thickest flows. Hayes’ comparative view therefore rests on three on-record pillars. First, positioning: he is overweight ETH versus SOL on a percentage basis. Second, flows: he expects more money to chase ETH in this phase of the cycle, despite (and because of) its larger base. Third, trajectory: once ETH sustains a breakout, he sees “the sky’s the limit” dynamics taking over, with a cycle target of $10,000–$20,000 for ETH. The respect for Solana’s upside remains, but the winner—on Hayes’ numbers and his own book—is Ethereum. At press time, ETH traded at $4,285.

Crypto analyst EGRAG CRYPTO has long been one of the most vocal bulls of XRP, calling for higher prices even when the cryptocurrency was being weighed down by Ripple’s battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, as the altcoin has struggled due to the current bearish market, the analyst has called out multiple important levels to watch. While he continues to call for new all-time highs, EGRAG warns that XRP must hold this last line of defense or risk falling into a bear market. XRP Price Must Not Fall Below $2.33 As the analysis points out, the XRP price is still holding at reasonable levels that could suggest a restart of the bullish momentum. But the further the price falls, the more at risk XRP is of completely falling into the hands of bears and risking a complete crash. As the price fluctuates, the $2.90 now serves as the midpoint of the Linear Log Channel. This makes it an important level, and EGRAG suggests that the price being able to hold above this level would suggest a strong bullish setup for XRP. In the case of a failure, then the next major support and defense for XRP falls to the $2.65 level. The importance of this level cannot be overestimated, as the price must hold it even if it wicks below it. Closing below here would mean that the altcoin is ‘in trouble’, as EGRAG explains. Further down is what could arguably be the last line of defense for bulls to stage a reversal, and this last line of defense is at $2.33. This is the 2-Week EMA and is the major level to hold if the price is to reach new all-time highs. Otherwise, control falls completely into the hands of the bears, signaling a bear trend. Other major levels that signal bear control are the $1.90, which EGRAG paints as the “bear market line of defense.” A close below this puts XRP firmly in bear territory. Then $1.62 is the point of confirmation of the bearish trend as the price completely loses support. Why There Is Still Hope Despite the sentiment skewing toward the negative, the crypto analyst remains optimistic when it comes to the long-term performance of the XRP price. He points out that the White Arch outlined in the chart coincides with the Blue Upper Boundary of the Linear Log Channel. At the top of this channel, the price is sitting well above $20. The major move required here is that the XRP price manages to close above $3.65, which would push the altcoin into price discovery. If this happens, then the analyst says, “That’s the end of the story,” expecting the price to rocket.

Data shows the Ethereum perpetual futures volume dominance has set a new all-time high relative to Bitcoin, a sign of elevated speculative interest in altcoins. Ethereum Perpetual Futures Volume Dominance Has Hit 67% According to data from on-chain analytics firm Glassnode, the Ethereum perpetual futures volume has shot up recently. Below is the chart cited by Glassnode, showing the trend in the perpetual futures volume dominance breakdown between Ethereum and Bitcoin. As displayed in the above graph, Ethereum overtook Bitcoin in perpetual futures volume a while ago, indicating that speculators shifted their attention from BTC to ETH. The two have only continued to diverge since then, meaning that trader interest in the coin ranked number two by market cap is only going up. Following the latest continuation to the increase, the ETH perpetual futures volume dominance has reached the 67% mark, which is a new all-time high (ATH). The analytics firm explains, Over the years, Ethereum has generally been considered a bellweather asset, with periods of its out-performance usually correlated with broader a “altseason” phase in the digital asset market. As such, this pronounced rotation in trading activity can be a sign of growing focus on the altcoin sector among the investors. Glassnode also notes the trend could point to “an acceleration of risk appetite within this market cycle.” Ethereum’s dominance has also grown in terms of another perpetual futures market indicator: the Open Interest. This metric measures the total amount of contracts related to a given asset that are open on all centralized derivatives exchanges. Here is a chart that shows how ETH’s dominance of this metric has changed relative to BTC over the past few years: As is visible in the above graph, the Ethereum perpetual futures Open Interest dominance has climbed to 43.3% recently. Bitcoin remains dominant with the metric sitting at 56.7%, but compared to earlier in the year, the difference is a lot closer. In terms of the futures sector as a whole, the combined Open Interest across major altcoins (Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin) set a new ATH of $60.2 billion recently. Though, this high couldn’t last, as the indicator suffered a sharp $2.6 billion drawdown soon after. This drop in the Open Interest of the major altcoins is the tenth largest on record. The report notes, These rapid fluctuations underscore that altcoins are currently drawing a significant amount of investor attention, and have meaningfully contributed to heightened reflexivity and fragility across digital asset markets. ETH Price At the time of writing, Ethereum is floating around $4,200, down almost 7% in the last seven days.

This is a follow-up analysis and update of our prior report, Nikkei 225 Update: Bullish impulsive sequence intact, new resistance levels to watch after new all-time high, published on 12 August 2025. The Japan 225 CFD Index (a proxy of the Nikkei 225 futures) rallied as expected and hit the first resistance level of 43,560 as mentioned in our previous report. It printed a fresh intraday record high of 43,943 on Monday, 18 August. Thereafter, it staged a decline of -4% to record an intraday low of 42,330 on Friday, 22 August, before it recovered to an intraday level of 42,570 at the time of writing. Several technical elements and a fundamental factor suggest that the ongoing 5-day decline is likely a minor corrective decline within its medium-term uptrend phase rather than the start of a medium-term bearish trend. Fig. 1: Japan 225 CFD Index minor trend as of 22 Aug 2025 (Source: TradingView) Fig. 2: Nikkei 225 component stocks above 200-day as of 22 Aug 2025 (Source: MacroMicro) Fig. 3: Japan Citigroup Earnings Revision Index as of 15 Aug 2025 (Source: MacroMicro) Preferred trend bias (1-3 days) Maintain a bullish bias with short-term pivotal support at 42,000/41,760 for the Japan 225 CFD Index, and a clearance above 43,060 sees the next intermediate resistances coming at 43,470 and 44,050/44,110 (Fibonacci extension cluster levels) (see Fig. 1). Key elements The 42,000/41,760 key support zone is likely an inflection point, a potential bullish reversal as it confluences with the 20-day moving average and 50% Fibonacci retracement of the prior minor up move from 1 August 2025 low to 18 August 2025 high.The hourly RSI momentum indicator has traced out a bullish divergence condition after it dropped towards its oversold region on Wednesday, 20 August. These observations suggest bearish momentum of the ongoing 5-day decline has started to ease.Market breadth has continued to improve; the percentage of the Nikkei 225 component stocks trading above their respective key 200-day moving averages has increased steadily since 1 August’s print of 74% to 82% as of Friday, August (see Fig. 2).Analysts, on average, have continued to upgrade their earnings outlook on Japanese corporations. The Citigroup Earnings Revision Index has been on a path of a steady uptrend since 18 April 2025’s 5-year low of -0.72; it has jumped to 0.37 as of 15 August 2025 from -0.19 printed on 18 July 2025 (see Fig. 3).Alternative trend bias (1 to 3 days) A break below the 41,760 key support invalidates the bullish recovery to see an extension of the corrective decline to expose the 41,275/41,070 medium-term support zone. Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Dogecoin started a fresh decline below the $0.2320 zone against the US Dollar. DOGE is now consolidating and might dip further below $0.210. DOGE price started a fresh decline below the $0.2250 level. The price is trading below the $0.2250 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.220 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The price could start a fresh upward move if it stays above the $0.2080 zone. Dogecoin Price Dips Further Dogecoin price started a fresh decline after there was a close below $0.240, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. DOGE declined below the $0.2320 and $0.2250 support levels. The price even traded below $0.2120. A low was formed at $0.2078 and the price is now consolidating losses. There was a minor recovery wave above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $0.2430 swing high to the $0.2078 low. Dogecoin price is now trading below the $0.2250 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. If there is a recovery wave, immediate resistance on the upside is near the $0.220 level. There is also a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.220 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair. The first major resistance for the bulls could be near the $0.2250 level. It is close to the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $0.2430 swing high to the $0.2078 low. The next major resistance is near the $0.2320 level. A close above the $0.2320 resistance might send the price toward the $0.2450 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $0.250 level. The next major stop for the bulls might be $0.2550. Another Decline In DOGE? If DOGE’s price fails to climb above the $0.2250 level, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $0.2120 level. The next major support is near the $0.2080 level. The main support sits at $0.2050. If there is a downside break below the $0.2050 support, the price could decline further. In the stated case, the price might decline toward the $0.20 level or even $0.1920 in the near term. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for DOGE/USD is now gaining momentum in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOGE/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $0.2120 and $0.2050. Major Resistance Levels – $0.2250 and $0.2320.

Strategy (previously MicroStrategy), the software firm co-founded by Bitcoin (BTC) bull Michael Saylor has seen its stock, MSTR, take a considerable hit plummeting by nearly 20% since last month, in line with the broader market correction. This downward trend is expected to persist, according to Gus Galá, an analyst at Monness, Crespi, Hardt, who recently reiterated a Sell rating on the stock with a price target set at $175. Analyst Cautions Against Long Positions In Strategy On Thursday, shares of Strategy fell an additional 2.4%, closing at $336.48. The company has attracted considerable attention for becoming the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, with its Bitcoin treasury surpassing the 600,000 figure. Despite the recent selloff, Strategy’s stock has seen major growth, climbing over 140% in the past year, primarily due to Bitcoin reaching new highs beyond $120,000. However, Galá warns that the volatility associated with Bitcoin poses significant risks. He argues that companies with large Bitcoin treasuries are indicative of a later stage in the Bitcoin market cycle. For Strategy’s stock to defy this trend, Bitcoin would need to break free from its historical pattern of boom-and-bust cycles and sustain a prolonged bull run. Historically, there have been times when Strategy’s market capitalization exceeded its actual Bitcoin holdings by more than double. Currently, with a market cap-to-Bitcoin ratio of 1.34-to-1, Galá suggests that while investors shouldn’t increase short positions, they should also refrain from taking long positions. He believes that the market cap multiple is likely to decline, driven in part by skepticism in the credit markets regarding the debt Strategy has issued to finance its Bitcoin acquisitions. Crypto Stocks Suffer Setbacks Galá also expressed doubt that credit rating agencies will be inclined to assign investment-grade ratings to Strategy’s treasury strategy, especially in the near term. This skepticism stems from the fact that the company’s profits are largely unrealized gains from its Bitcoin holdings. Securing an investment-grade rating could potentially allow Strategy to issue and repay its debt under more favorable terms, but this would require Bitcoin to be perceived as a more stable digital asset, akin to gold. After reaching a new record price just above $124,000, the market’s leading cryptocurrency has seen its valuation drop 9% from all-time high levels currently attempting to consolidate between $112,000 and $113,000. Beyond Strategy, crypto stocks have also seen their valuations drop. On Thursday, shares of USDC issuer Circle (CRLC) dropped 4% after the initial excitement following the firm’s initial public offering (IPO). US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN) saw its shares drop toward the key $300 support, meaning a 2.5% decline compared to Wednesday’s trading session. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

XRP price is showing bearish signs below the $2.950 resistance zone. The price is struggling to recover and might decline further below $2.820. XRP price is declining below the $2.950 and $2.920 levels. The price is now trading below $2.920 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $2.910 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The pair could continue to move down if it stays below the $3.00 zone. XRP Price Remains At Risk XRP price remained in a bearish zone after a close below the $3.00 level, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The price extended losses and traded below the $2.920 support zone. The price even declined below $2.850. Finally, it tested the $2.820 support zone. A low was formed at $2.820 and the price recently attempted a recovery wave. There was a move above the $2.90 level. The price climbed above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3.095 swing high to the $2.820 low. However, the bears are active near the $3.00 zone and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3.095 swing high to the $2.820 low. The price is now trading below $2.920 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price might face resistance near the $2.90 level. There is also a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $2.910 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair. The first major resistance is near the $2.950 level. A clear move above the $2.950 resistance might send the price toward the $3.00 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $3.120 resistance. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be near $3.20. More Losses? If XRP fails to clear the $2.90 resistance zone, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $2.820 level. The next major support is near the $2.80 level. If there is a downside break and a close below the $2.80 level, the price might continue to decline toward the $2.7650 support. The next major support sits near the $2.750 zone, below which the price could gain bearish momentum. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $2.820 and $2.7650. Major Resistance Levels – $2.90 and $2.950.

Amid the controversial launch of Kanye West’s official memecoin on Solana, the crypto community has sounded the alarm for another potential celebrity token scam, with insider trading allegations outshining Ye’s party. The Rise And Fall Of YZY On Wednesday night, controversial Hip-Hop artist and public figure Ye, better known as Kanye West, launched his official memecoin, YZY, on the Solana blockchain. West announced the token in his X account, posting the contract address (CA) in a picture with the caption “YEEZY MONEY IS HERE. A NEW ECONOMY, BUILT ON CHAIN.” After the announcement, the memecoin skyrocketed to a market capitalization of $3.1 billion before quickly dropping 65% to the $1.1 billion mark in the following hours. Meanwhile, YZY’s price went from an all-time high (ATH) of $3.16 to hover between the $0.95-$1.30 price range. The crypto community reported multiple red flags, including allegations of insider trading and a lawsuit waiver. Notably, the official website has a controversial waiver that raised concerns among investors. In the “What Else Should I Know?” section, the website stated that by purchasing the token, investors agree they “will not bring, join or participate in any class action lawsuit as to any claim, dispute or controversy” that they may have against any of the “Covered Parties.” “if you’re buying this ur literally giving them permission to rug you without consequences,” a community member noted. Nonetheless, investors may opt out of the dispute resolution provision by “providing written notice of your decision within thirty (30) days of the date that you first access the Website,” the page reads. Ye’s Memecoin Supply Owned By Insiders Conor Grogan, director at Coinbase, estimated that at least 94% of the supply was owned by insiders, with 87% of the token being held by a single multisig wallet before it was distributed to multiple wallets. According to the “YZYNOMICS”, 20% of the token’s distribution would be for public supply, 10% for liquidity, and 70% for Yeezy Investments LLC. On-chain analytics firm Bubblemaps affirmed that “the bubble map of YZY mostly MATCHES the distribution on Kanye’s website,” cautioning that “the 17% address ‘public supply’ is UNLOCKED and can sell at any time.” Lookonchain highlighted that only YZY had been added to the liquidity pool, with no USDC, warning that the “Dev may sell YZY by adding/removing liquidity, similar to LIBRA.” Additionally, they noted that multiple insider wallets had prepared funds in advance and bought the memecoin, with one address knowing the CA and attempting to purchase YZY yesterday. The on-chain wallet tracker also cautioned that West had added 30 million YZY, worth $34 million, to the liquidity pool with a price range of $3.17-$4.49, signaling that “once the price climbs above $3.1716, he’ll start earning fees while gradually selling YZY for USDC. If the price rises above $4.4929, all 30M YZY will be sold.” Investors See Red Numbers On-chain researcher Defioasis affirmed that the YZY launch was “more of the same,” revealing that, so far, most wallets holding West’s memecoin are in the red. According to their analysis, 56,050 addresses traded the token in the past 13 hours, with 25,166, or 44.9% of the wallets, engaging in one-sided transactions. Out of these addresses, 23,723 only bought the memecoin, while 1,443 only sold it. They suggested that “some of the former may be dust addresses aimed at increasing the number of addresses, while others are either holding onto their positions or stuck in losses,” adding, “The latter are primarily project teams/large holders using multiple addresses to sell, making it harder to track them directly.” Meanwhile, 30,884 addresses had two-way transactions, with 38.07% of addresses registering realized profits. 30% of these wallets had a profit of up to $500, while only 1.31% of them had profits exceeding $10,000. Among this 1%, only 5 addresses had over $1 million in profits, with one of them being identified as an insider. On the contrary, over 60% of participants are still in a loss position, the report noted, with 28.2% of the addresses losing up to $500. By the time of the Defioasis post, one individual had lost over $1 million, while another had lost around half a million.

Ethereum price started a recovery wave above the $4,150 zone. ETH is now back above $4,250 but it faces many hurdles near $4,300. Ethereum started a recovery wave above the $4,200 and $4,250 levels. The price is trading below $4,320 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $4,300 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken). The pair could continue to move down if it settles below the $4,180 zone in the near term. Ethereum Price Faces Hurdles Ethereum price extended losses after there was a close below the $4,200 level, like Bitcoin. ETH price gained bearish momentum and traded below the $4,110 support zone. The bears were able to push the price below the $4,080 support zone. Finally, the price tested the $4,065 zone. A low was formed at $4,065 and the price recently started a recovery wave above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $4,580 swing high to the $4,065 low. The price failed to clear the $4,350 zone and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $4,580 swing high to the $4,065 low. There is also a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $4,300 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. Ethereum price is now trading below $4,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price could face resistance near the $4,300 level. The next key resistance is near the $4,350 level. The first major resistance is near the $4,385 level. A clear move above the $4,385 resistance might send the price toward the $4,450 resistance. An upside break above the $4,450 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $4,500 resistance zone or even $4,550 in the near term. Another Drop In ETH? If Ethereum fails to clear the $4,300 resistance, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $4,220 level. The first major support sits near the $4,180 zone. A clear move below the $4,180 support might push the price toward the $4,120 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $4,065 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $4,000. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone. Major Support Level – $4,180 Major Resistance Level – $4,385

Binance’s native token BNB reached a new milestone today, setting an all-time high of $881 before correcting slightly to $849 at the time of writing. Despite broader market consolidation in recent days, BNB’s performance marked a 2.6% increase in the past 24 hours. The development has drawn notable attention from traders and analysts, many of whom are now evaluating whether the momentum is sustainable. CryptoQuant analyst CryptoOnchain shared insights on the rally, pointing to both technical signals and on-chain data as key factors behind the altcoin’s latest upward movement. According to his analysis, the decisive breakout above the $800–$810 resistance zone has turned that range into an important support level. He noted that maintaining this threshold could sustain bullish sentiment, with the $900 level emerging as the next psychological target. Technical and On-Chain Analysis of BNB On the technical side, the altcoin’s entry into “price discovery” mode has raised questions about the sustainability of its rally. CryptoOnchain explained that breaking above historical resistance levels typically attracts new inflows and strengthens confidence in long-term holding. From an on-chain perspective, the analyst highlighted “Rolling Percentage Gains” across multiple timeframes. The data suggests that all major holder cohorts, from short-term to long-term investors, are currently in profit. This reduces potential sell pressure as investors are less motivated to exit positions. At the same time, accelerating short-term gains reflect fresh demand, while one-year rolling gains indicate that the rally is not merely speculative but backed by sustained accumulation. According to CryptoOnchain, the combination of these factors presents a case for continued strength as long as the altcoin holds above the $800 support zone. “The technical breakout is supported by confident, profitable holders,” he wrote. “As long as BNB holds the crucial $800 support level, the outlook for testing higher targets remains highly favorable.” Analysts See Potential for $1,000 Beyond technical and on-chain metrics, independent market observers are also weighing in on the altcoin’s trajectory. A crypto analyst known as BitBull on X noted that BNB’s new all-time high coincides with a structural shift in its price action. The token’s long-standing resistance has now flipped into support, creating what he described as conditions for further growth. “$BNB hit a new ATH of $880 today. It has now flipped its multi-year resistance level into support. With public-listed companies bidding BNB, $1K BNB is just a matter of time,” BitBull commented. BNB’s rise comes amid an evolving market for exchange tokens. While some have struggled to maintain relevance, BNB has consistently grown in utility, supported by Binance’s ecosystem, which includes trading fee discounts, token launches, and blockchain infrastructure through the BNB Chain. This dynamic has helped position the token as one of the top five cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView

Bitcoin price is attempting to recover from $112,000. BTC is back above $113,200 but faces many hurdles on the way up to $118,000. Bitcoin started a recovery wave above the $112,500 zone. The price is trading below $115,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $113,500 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might start another increase if it clears the $115,000 resistance zone. Bitcoin Price Faces Resistance Bitcoin price started a fresh decline after a close below the $115,000 level. BTC gained bearish momentum and traded below the $113,200 support zone. There was a move below the $112,500 support zone and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. The pair tested the $112,000 zone. A low was formed at $112,100 and the price is now attempting to recover toward the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $124,420 swing high to the $112,100 low. Bitcoin is now trading below $114,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. Immediate resistance on the upside is near the $113,500 level. There is also a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $113,500 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. The first key resistance is near the $114,500 level. The next resistance could be $115,000. A close above the $115,000 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $116,500 resistance level. Any more gains might send the price toward the $118,200 level. It is close to the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $124,420 swing high to the $112,100 low. The main target could be $120,000. More Downside In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $114,500 resistance zone, it could start a fresh decline. Immediate support is near the $112,500 level. The first major support is near the $112,000 level. The next support is now near the $110,500 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $108,250 support in the near term. The main support sits at $105,500, below which BTC might take a major hit. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now above the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $112,500, followed by $112,000. Major Resistance Levels – $113,500 and $115,000.

Bitcoin (BTC) recently surged to a new all-time high, surpassing $124,000, only to experience a subsequent drop of 9%. This volatility has sparked widespread speculation about the current state of the bull market, the potential for an ongoing “alt season,” and whether Bitcoin has reached its peak. In light of the current price action, market expert Miles Deutscher has shared insights on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that August may be viewed as a significant trap in the crypto market. Two Scenarios For Bitcoin First, Deutscher points out a significant change in market strength. Ethereum (ETH) seems to be outperforming Bitcoin in terms of both price and narrative. He claims that Bitcoin has been showing signs of structural weakness since early July. A key factor contributing to this downturn, according to the expert’s analysis, is the diminishing influence of Strategy’s (MicroStrategy) treasury purchases, which previously fueled the cryptocurrency’s last rally. Deutscher asserts that this decline in demand has resulted in stalling momentum for BTC, leading him to speculate that it may remain range-bound until further clarity emerges from upcoming interest rate decisions. In his analysis, Deutscher outlines two potential scenarios for the Bitcoin price trajectory. The first possibility involves a dip to the lows around $111,000, which could coincide with Ethereum’s critical support level of $4,000. The second scenario envisions a reclaiming of the mid-range price of $115,500, which could pave the way for renewed upward momentum. Conversely, the narrative surrounding Ethereum continues to significantly gain traction, bolstered by an estimated $27 billion in sidelined capital poised for investment in the decentralized asset token (DAT) ecosystem. What’s Next For Ethereum And Crypto Market? Interestingly, ETH has recently surpassed BTC in terms of trading volume for treasury companies. Deutscher notes that this trend suggests Ethereum still has considerable room for growth relative to Bitcoin, making it a less saturated trade. This relative strength is reflected in the performance of altcoins, which have shown resilience against Bitcoin. Unlike past corrections, where altcoins suffered significant losses, this time the altcoin market has maintained support and exhibited bullish signals. Amid the current market reaction, macroeconomic factors have played a crucial role in price action. Uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policies, in light of the upcoming Jackson Hole speech, has led to a wave of de-risking among investors. The market’s response to hot Producer Price Index (PPI) data is also highlighted as it has altered expectations regarding interest rate cuts, heightening fears of a hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve, contributing to the recent sell-off. Deutscher anticipates that this market behavior may lead to a “classic sell into the end of the month” pattern, particularly as September historically presents volatility for Bitcoin. However, the expert posits that once the uncertainty dissipates, particularly following the Jackson Hole event and the subsequent rate decision next month, the market may be well-positioned for another attempt at new highs. When writing, BTC trades at $113,000, attempting to consolidate 9% below its all-time high reached on August 14. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin continues to retrace from its record highs, with the asset trading below $115,000 at the time of writing. Current price levels place Bitcoin near $113,098, a decline of around 6.5% over the past week and close to 9% below its all-time peak. Despite the downturn, analysts monitoring on-chain data suggest the broader market cycle may still have room to extend upward. One such view comes from CryptoQuant’s QuickTake contributor, PelinayPA, who analyzed Bitcoin’s market value to realized value (MVRV) ratio. The analyst noted that while recent corrections may weigh on short-term sentiment, historical patterns in MVRV indicate that Bitcoin has not yet reached conditions typically associated with market cycle tops. Bitcoin MVRV Ratio Points to Neutral but Upward Potential The MVRV ratio is a widely tracked on-chain indicator that compares Bitcoin’s total market capitalization with its realized capitalization, which reflects the aggregated value of coins at the price they last moved on-chain. Historically, when the ratio climbs into the 3.5 to 4 range, it signals a potential overheating of the market. At these levels, most holders are in profit, selling activity rises, and price tops are often reached. Conversely, MVRV levels below 1 have historically marked accumulation phases and strong long-term entry points. Currently, Bitcoin’s MVRV ratio stands around 2.1. According to PelinayPA, this reading positions the market within a “neutral to bullish” zone, suggesting that while Bitcoin is no longer cheap, the conditions for an extended rally remain intact. The analyst noted that in previous cycles, the MVRV ratio advanced significantly higher before a peak, implying that Bitcoin’s price would need to move into the $140,000–$180,000 range for the indicator to reach historical top levels. However, the data also suggests that corrections along the way are plausible. “Since MVRV is already above 2, the market is not cheap anymore — short to mid-term corrections may occur along the way,” PelinayPA explained. The balance between potential upside and intermittent drawdowns reflects a phase of consolidation within a broader bull market structure. Exchange Flows Signal Mixed Market Behavior In a separate analysis, CryptoQuant contributor BorisD examined exchange netflow data, focusing on Binance, the world’s largest crypto trading platform. The report highlighted notable trends across several altcoins, showing how capital movements may inform future market conditions. According to the data, tokens such as ENJ (Enjin) and FET (Fetch.ai) recorded significant outflows from Binance. This pattern typically indicates that investors are moving assets to private wallets, which can be interpreted as a sign of longer-term holding behavior. In contrast, assets like ANKR and MATIC have seen strong inflows onto exchanges, raising the possibility of either upcoming selling pressure or speculative positioning ahead of market shifts. BorisD suggested that monitoring which assets are attracting inflows versus outflows could help investors identify potential opportunities in the altcoin market. “Identifying which of these altcoins are currently near potential bottoms and positioning for their next rally seems to be the most rational strategy,” the analyst wrote. Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView

The UK government is cracking down on financial networks and crypto systems that it believes are helping Russia get around Western sanctions. This latest move targets a cluster of platforms linked to a Kyrgyz-based stablecoin operation used to quietly move money across borders. A7A5 Stablecoin Raises Red Flags A rouble-backed stablecoin called A7A5 sits at the center of the enforcement. According to UK officials, the token was used to process around nine billion dollars in transactions within four months. That kind of volume, paired with its activity through Kyrgyz channels, raised concerns that it was built to sidestep restrictions. Reaching Into Kyrgyz Financial Infrastructure The UK has gone beyond the token itself. It imposed sanctions on a firm based in Luxembourg and two Kyrgyz companies, Grinex and Old Vector, both of which are closely connected to A7A5’s operations. Several individuals were also named for their alleged roles in helping Russia source materials for its military through these crypto routes. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in August2025 Reinforcing Allied Action This decision didn’t come out of nowhere. It follows similar moves already taken by the United States against some of the same targets. UK officials say the action adds to an already long list of measures aimed at cutting off Russia’s access to international finance. It also sends a clear signal that the UK and its allies are stepping up coordination. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.24T24h7d30d1yAll time Strong Words from UK Sanctions Officials Officials in London are not sugarcoating the message. A sanctions minister called out those using crypto to hide transactions, saying anyone trying to route funds through these systems to avoid penalties is playing a losing game. The tone makes it clear this is not a one-off response, but part of a longer-term enforcement effort. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 The Shadow Economy Gets Brighter Some blockchain analytics firms have been sounding the alarm for a while. They estimate A7A5 has processed more than fifty billion dollars in total since it launched. That level of activity suggests this isn’t just a niche tool but part of a broader system Russia may be using to keep financial activity alive in the face of mounting sanctions. Denials and Diplomatic Pushback Kyrgyz officials haven’t stayed silent. The President of Kyrgyzstan pushed back against the accusations, saying that traditional banks in the country have no involvement in these crypto activities. He said the government is overseeing the situation closely and noted that only one state-run bank has authorization to deal with roubles. Crypto Becomes a Sanctions Frontier This latest move underlines how far crypto has come in geopolitical relevance. What used to be a fringe technology is now a key part of the sanctions conversation. The UK is making it clear that digital assets are not outside the reach of enforcement. What Comes Next The bigger question is whether other governments follow suit. With crypto infrastructure now clearly on regulators’ radar, there’s little doubt that more scrutiny is coming. The UK’s sanctions could set the tone for a broader international effort aimed at cleaning up crypto’s darker corners. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways The UK sanctioned crypto firms linked to a Kyrgyz stablecoin used to help Russia bypass financial restrictions. A7A5, a rouble-backed stablecoin, moved $9 billion in just four months, triggering enforcement action. Authorities sanctioned two Kyrgyz firms and several individuals for allegedly enabling sanctions evasion through crypto networks. UK officials say this move aligns with U.S. efforts and marks a coordinated strategy to cut off Russia’s access to digital finance. The crackdown highlights how crypto has become central to modern sanctions enforcement and international policy. The post UK Clamps Down on Crypto Networks Aiding Sanctions Evasion appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

State Street has stepped into tokenized finance with a $100 million digital debt issuance using JPMorgan’s private blockchain. It’s not a headline-grabbing crypto stunt. It’s a serious step toward modernizing how traditional financial instruments move behind the scenes. First Third-Party Custodian on JPMorgan’s Platform What makes this different is that State Street is the first outside custodian to join JPMorgan’s Digital Debt Service. This isn’t a pilot with training wheels. It’s a working example of two established players teaming up to bring blockchain into the day-to-day reality of institutional finance. A $100 Million Transaction With Real Stakes Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation issued a $100 million commercial paper transaction. State Street Investment Management bought the full deal. It wasn’t a test run or a demo. This was live capital, real securities, and full institutional accountability. DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 Settlement on the Same Day JPMorgan’s infrastructure enables T+0 settlement, meaning transactions can be settled the same day they are executed. That kind of speed is rare in debt markets. Compared to the usual delays and coordination hurdles, this feels like skipping the traffic jam entirely. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.24T24h7d30d1yAll time Automation Replaces Manual Back Office Work The new setup also trims the usual operational bloat. With smart contracts handling things like interest payouts and redemptions, there’s far less room for human error or delays. And because everything is still recorded and auditable, no trust is sacrificed in the process. A Strategic Move by State Street State Street is treating this as more than just a tech upgrade. It fits into a larger push to unify front, middle, and back office functions under a single digital strategy. Donna Milrod, the firm’s Chief Product Officer, called it a key part of their long-term plan to modernize core infrastructure without losing touch with what already works. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Kinexys Provides the Infrastructure On the JPMorgan side, everything runs on its Kinexys platform. This is their in-house engine built for issuing and settling tokenized financial assets. With State Street now fully onboard, Kinexys has gone from an internal tool to something other institutions can actively plug into. From Experiment to Everyday Use This collaboration signals that tokenization is ready to move beyond theory. The deal checks all the boxes on scale, compliance, and risk controls. It’s not being treated as some fringe experiment, but rather as a better version of a system that already exists. No Drastic Changes for Clients What’s most interesting is how invisible the changes are for institutional clients. They still operate through familiar channels. The wallets, the automation, the faster settlement—all of that happens under the hood. For end users, the experience stays consistent and professional. A Subtle Shift With Big Implications It may not have made headlines outside the finance world, but this kind of transaction hints at what’s coming. Tokenized debt is no longer a future goal. It’s already happening quietly, with major players using blockchain to do things faster, cleaner, and with less friction. The old systems are still around, but they’re no longer the only option. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways State Street completed a $100 million digital debt transaction using JPMorgan’s blockchain, signaling tokenized finance is entering real use. It became the first third-party custodian to join JPMorgan’s Digital Debt Service, showing institutional confidence in blockchain infrastructure. The transaction achieved T+0 settlement, a major improvement over traditional debt market timelines that often involve multi-day delays. Smart contracts handled interest payouts and redemptions, reducing the need for manual back-office processes and lowering operational risk. The integration was seamless for clients, proving blockchain upgrades can happen without disrupting front-end experience or existing workflows. The post State Street Takes the Blockchain Leap in Debt Markets appeared first on 99Bitcoins.