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Ripple Labs Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has offered rare and pointed clarity on what drives the XRP price value in the long term, despite the company’s recent spotlight on its new stablecoin, RLUSD. In a recent exchange with an XRP supporter on social media, Schwartz emphasized that the crypto continues to sit at the core of Ripple’s payment infrastructure, especially as the main bridge asset in cross-border transfers. XRP’s Role As A Bridge Asset Is Still Central While RLUSD plays a specific role, Schwartz reveals XRP’s utility in real financial use cases will ultimately boost its value. His comments reaffirm Ripple’s longstanding plan for the digital asset, relying on XRP for its proven liquidity and built-in role on the ledger as it explores other digital options. In his response, Schwartz directly addressed growing speculation that the company may be shifting its attention away from XRP in favor of its new stablecoin, assuring that the digital asset remains Ripple’s cross-currency asset that allows for fast, low-cost currency exchanges. While Schwartz didn’t share exact data, he said he was confident that the token’s usage “dwarfs every other asset” in Ripple’s system. XRP links to how the XRP Ledger functions, so an increase in ledger activity is almost guaranteed to drive more demand for the crypto token, naturally lifting its price value as it becomes more essential in global financial workflows. Schwartz argued that as real-world adoption of the Ripple blockchain networks grows, so will demand for XRP. The embedded demand, as more businesses and developers build on XRPL, is what could be the core driver of XRP’s future price value. Ripple CTO: Stablecoins Support, XRP Sustains Some community members worried that Ripple’s new stablecoin RLUSD, launched in December 2024, could replace the crypto token, but Schwartz clarifies that the stablecoin and XRP serve different purposes. He said stablecoins like RLUSD are better suited for use cases that require a fixed value, such as when companies post collateral or need to enter and exit markets without dealing with large price swings. Volatility in crypto markets can be disruptive in these scenarios, and stablecoins avoid that issue by holding a steady price. However, Schwartz believes that for most other applications, especially those related to real finance and long-term holdings, digital assets like XRP are still the better choice. He noted that, unless highly risk-averse, most long-term users would likely prefer holding the top digital asset over cash because of their potential for upside and active role in blockchain ecosystems. The Ripple exec added that as more institutions turn to XRPL for financial use cases, XRP’s role in facilitating quick currency movement becomes more vital, particularly in volatile markets where stablecoins may not be ideal. Schwartz made a subtle but important distinction, saying XRP’s place on XRPL is privileged. With this, the crypto token is less likely to be replaced or worked around, providing a long-term advantage that many other tokens may not have.

Idaho Strategic Resources (NYSE-A: IDR) surged on Friday after purchasing a land package to consolidate its position within the Murray gold belt region, where it already operates the Golden Chest mine. In a press release earlier, Idaho Strategic said it paid Hecla Mining Company $300,000 cash to acquire the Toboggan project. Hecla also retains a 1% net smelter royalty on parts of the property not previously owned by IDR. The Toboggan property, covering mining claims and prospects for a total of 143.5 acres, was once explored by Newmont, which identified two large anomalies while exploring for gold, silver and tellurium during the 2000s. Hecla, which operates the Lucky Friday silver mine in the state, later took on the project. Idaho Strategic said its acquisition of Toboggan represents the first time that a company has united two major components of the Murray gold belt, which has a rich mining history dating back to the 1880s and is viewed as the predecessor to the famous Coeur d’Alene mining district of Idaho. The company said its management team also has familiarity with the Toboggan project, as VP exploration Rob Morgan previously worked on the project while at Newmont, focusing specifically on the Idaho-Montana region. “The land package and geology are familiar to us, with similar host rocks and faulting. Given our operating mine and on-site geology staff championing the project, IDR is best suited to adequately and thoroughly evaluate the potential of this impressive land package,” Morgan stated. Shares of Idaho Strategic rose 4% on Friday to $17.07, with a market capitalization of $240.6 million. Ready to explore The company has so far consolidated a land package of 7,300 acres containing numerous historic mines such as the Giant Ledge, Goldback, Buckskin and King. It currently owns and operates the Golden Chest mine — the largest in the district by gold production and size. “The Toboggan project was one of the reasons I was originally drawn to the company over a decade ago, so it is good to once again have this horse back in the stable,” Idaho Strategic CEO John Swallow added. “We have always thought the Toboggan project held many quality prospects, and we are a much different company today than in the early 2000s. Regardless of whether a company is large or small, projects need an internal champion to get advanced.” The company has previously been focused on the gold-production side of its business after bringing its Golden Chest mine into production in 2016. Recently, it said it is now in “a position to invest in the exploration side”, having recently begun Phase 1 drilling in the Murray gold belt. In parallel to precious metals, Idaho Strategic is also exploring for critical minerals in Idaho. According to the company, its rare earth elements properties represent the largest land package in the country.

Bitcoin has broken down from the two-week consolidation range that held the market between $115,724 and $122,077, reaching a new local low near $114,000. The drop confirms a shift in short-term momentum, putting bulls on the defensive. The $117,000 level—previously a key support zone—now serves as the immediate resistance that must be reclaimed to signal a possible reversal. The breakdown comes at a critical time, as sentiment across the market begins to shift. According to fresh data from CryptoQuant, futures sentiment turned bearish today, falling sharply before bouncing back slightly to 48%. While still close to neutral, any reading below 50% signals bearish dominance in positioning. This adds pressure to an already fragile technical structure and suggests traders are bracing for more downside. Unless bulls can recover $117K quickly and close with strength, Bitcoin risks entering a deeper correction phase. With long-term support levels still intact, the broader bull trend remains in place—but this breakdown marks the first significant loss of momentum in weeks. The coming sessions will be critical in determining whether this is just a shakeout or the start of a larger trend reversal. Bitcoin Advanced Sentiment Index Signals Rising Bearish Pressure Top analyst Axel Adler has shared new insights into the Bitcoin Advanced Sentiment Index, a key metric used to gauge futures market positioning and broader investor mood. According to Adler, the index recently dropped to 40%—a sharp decline that reflected growing risk aversion and bearish positioning. Although the metric has since rebounded to 48%, it remains below the critical 50% threshold, which separates bullish from bearish territory. This rebound signals a temporary pause in negative sentiment, but the broader trend shows a shift from bullish caution to bearish fear. Adler notes that as long as the index remains below 50%, the market lacks the confidence needed to sustain upward momentum. Traders are growing increasingly defensive, reducing long exposure and bracing for further downside. If momentum continues to deteriorate, BTC could test the $112,000 level—the previous all-time high set in May. This zone may act as psychological and technical support, but failure to hold it could trigger a deeper correction. With the Advanced Sentiment Index stuck in bearish territory and price action weakening, the market appears to be entering a riskier phase. While this doesn’t yet signal a full trend reversal, it does reflect growing uncertainty. Until sentiment and price reclaim higher ground, caution is warranted. The next move will likely depend on whether bulls can defend $112K—or if bears gain full control of the trend. BTC Loses Key Support After Breakdown Bitcoin has officially broken down from its two-week consolidation range, losing the critical $115,724 support level highlighted in the chart. The price reached a new local low at $114,116 before recovering slightly to the $115,100 zone, where it’s currently attempting to find footing. This marks a significant shift in momentum, as bulls failed to defend the lower boundary of the range, which held firm throughout July. The 12-hour chart shows rising volume accompanying this breakdown, adding weight to the bearish move. BTC now trades below the 50-day SMA ($116,981), confirming weakness in short-term structure. The next major support sits around $112,000—the prior all-time high set in May—which could act as a psychological and technical floor. The 100-day and 200-day SMAs remain well below current price action, suggesting that the macro trend is still intact. However, immediate momentum has clearly shifted, and bulls must reclaim the $117,000 area quickly to invalidate this breakdown. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Gold prices rose nearly 2% on Friday to a one-week high as underwhelming US payrolls data boosted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, while fresh tariff announcements spurred safe haven demand. Spot gold climbed 1.8% to $3,348.31 per ounce as of 11:40 a.m. ET to erase all of this week’s losses. US gold futures gained 1.6%, trading just above the $3,400 level. Gold prices have recovered back from the earlier-week losses. Bullion had been trending down this week as the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady and US economic data came in better than expected. Explaining the Fed’s decision, chair Jerome Powell pointed to the risk of further inflation pressure from tariffs, while citing a seemingly healthy US jobs market. However, a new Labor Department report on Friday dented market optimism, as the July nonfarm payroll figures came in less than forecast, indicating a slowdown in jobs growth. “Payrolls numbers came in at below expectations, but a little higher than the market was printing. So, this gives a better probability that the Federal Reserve will cut (rates) later in the year,” said Bart Melek, head of commodity strategies at TD Securities. According to Reuters‘ latest poll, market participants are now anticipating the US central bank to cut rates twice by year-end, beginning in September. In his press conference Wednesday, Powell said policymakers would ensure that tariffs don’t lead to “serious inflation” and warned that balance cutting rates “too soon” could prevent inflation from reaching the 2% goal. “We’ve got a situation where we have inflationary pressures continuing from tariffs and wages, yet job numbers are disappointing. So in that situation, if the Fed cuts (rates), that’s going to have material impact on gold in a positive way,” TD’s Melek told Reuters. So far this year, bullion has surged by about a quarter as uncertainty over US trade policies and the Fed’s rate path, along with geopolitical tensions, sparked demand for havens. (With files from Reuters)

Most Read: Major NFP disappointment combined with sharp downward revisions Wall Street's main indexes dropped sharply today due to new U.S. tariffs on many trading partners and disappointing earnings from Amazon. A weaker jobs report also made investors more cautious. Just before the tariff deadline, President Trump signed an order adding taxes on imports from countries like Canada, Brazil, India, and Taiwan. The U.S. added fewer jobs in July than expected, and June's numbers were revised lower, showing the job market is slowing down. After this, traders increased their expectations for a September interest rate cut to 81.9%, according to CME's FedWatch tool. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit their lowest levels in over two months, while the Dow dropped to a one-month low. The CBOE Volatility Index, known as Wall Street's "fear gauge," jumped to its highest level in nearly six weeks, rising 20.66 points. Eight out of 11 S&P 500 sectors fell, with consumer discretionary stocks dropping the most (down 3.4%) as Amazon's stock fell 6.7%. Investors were disappointed with Amazon's cloud business growth compared to strong results from AI-focused companies like Alphabet and Microsoft. Technology and communication services sectors also fell, dropping 1.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Apple's revenue forecast for the next quarter beat expectations, but CEO Tim Cook warned that U.S. tariffs would add $1.1 billion in costs. Apple shares dipped 0.2%. Most big tech stocks also fell, including Nvidia (down 3.1%), Tesla (down 2.6%), Meta (down 2.5%), and Alphabet (down 1.4%). The big losses of the day pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq toward weekly declines, wiping out earlier gains from signs of a strong economy, AI growth, and important U.S. trade deals with the European Union and South Korea. Technical Analysis - Dow Jones Index From a technical standpoint, the Dow Jones index has failed to break above the key resistance area around the 45226 handle. This left the index vulnerable to a correction and one which needed the right catalyst. This week has seen the index put in 5 successive losing days as the Dow hovers near one-month lows. The only shining light may be that a key confluence area lies just below the current price. The level between 42883 and 42540 may prove to be a significant hurdle which the Dow might not be able to break. It also appears that a golden cross may be developing as the 100-day MA eyes a crossover above the 200-day MA, which if it does occur may embolden bulls to return with ‘buying the dip’. However, this confluence level still rests around 800-1000 points below current price. If it is not reached today, it will be intriguing to see how markets open up after the weekend. Next week is a quiet calendar week for the US in terms of data which could either work in favor of the Dow or weigh further on the index and push it lower. Dow Jones Daily Chart, August 1, 2025 Source: TradingView (click to enlarge) Client Sentiment Data - Dow Jones Index Looking at OANDA client sentiment data and market participants are short on the Dow Jones Index with 55% of traders net-short. I prefer to take a contrarian view toward crowd sentiment, however this figure actually points to indecision on the part of market participants. This could in part be down to the strong confluence level which hovers below current price. 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.

Markets are getting ignited by this morning's Non-Farm Payrolls report – You can access the details of the report right here. For a quick recap, the 73K vs 110K expectations got combined with some huge downward revisions to the previous month's number (14K vs 147K announced). Equities which had been trading in paradise territory are facing a reality check, and the US Dollar which also saw a strong relief is getting sent right back down. On this Market Reaction piece, we will take a look at a few Major pairs, Gold, and some Equity indices to spot some key levels for upcoming trading. As August begins with a hot start, it is essential to get ready – We should see some blazing hot volatility. Read More: Dollar’s Rebound: Tactical Recovery or Structural Decline?Technical Levels for some of the most traded instrumentsEUR/USD 4H Chart EUR/USD 4H Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView The Euro was on a rough stretch, stretching just below the 1.14 handle before shooting higher at the NFP release. The Pair is currently up 1.32% on the session – Watch for the reactions at the highs of the 4H downwards channel. Levels to place on your charts: Resistance Levels 1.16 Imminent Resistance/Pivot1.1650 Intermediate Resistance in confluence with 4H MA 200Main resistance 1.18Support Levels 1.1470 Pivotal Support1.15 Psychological Level1.1350 to 1.14 Support 2USDJPY 4H Chart USD/JPY 4H Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView The biggest reaction of all major pairs was in USDJPY however, currently down 1.70% and down 2.07% at the lows of the day. The pair is also reacting to the upwards channel that has been formed throughout the latter half of July. Breaching the immediate pivot zone would send the pair back into its range. Levels to place on your charts: Resistance Levels 150.00 Main Resistance150.92 last highs151.00 to 152.00 Key ResistanceSupport Levels Pivot at High of May Range 147.50 to 148.20 (confluence with 4H MA 50)146.00 Pivot turned Support (confluence with 4H MA 200144.00 Support142.00 Main Daily SupportGold 4H Chart Gold 4H Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView Gold had been sending some worrying signs right after the FOMC Rate Decision – Rates held higher is typically not supportive for the precious metal. Having just broken the $3,300 Key level, markets had started to lean more bearish on the Bullion – But this is a key lesson right here: Always be careful of pre-NFP trading, as things tend to get out of whack. Watch for the reactions at the immediate pivot zone, levels just below: Resistance Levels $3,350 to $3,375 Pivot ZoneMain Resistance 3,410 to 3,440$3,500 All-time HighsSupport Levels MA 50 and 200 as immediate Support $3,340$3,300 Major SupportNext Main support 3,250Nasdaq 4H Chart Nasdaq 4H Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView The Nasdaq had marked new all-time highs just two sessions ago at 23,732 (CFD, 23,589 on the actual index), as great earnings from the Magnificent 7 kept boosting sentiment. The Tech-focused index is evolving in an upwards channel and currently visiting its lows. This is a key level not to break for Bulls – Watch reactions at this trendline. Levels to place on your chart: Resistance Levels Pivot Zone at 23,15023,500 Resistance Zone23,732 Current All-time highsSupport Levels 22,700 Support in confluence with 4H MA 200 and low of Channel22,000 to 22,229 (Jan 2025 previous ATH)21,600 SupportDow Jones 4H Chart Dow Jones 4H Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView The Dow Jones had sent some warnings – The 45,143 all-time high wick was met with sharp correction, never a good sign for price discovery (Bulls would prefer a clean break and consolidation above). This morning actually sent the Dow below its July range, with dip-buyers currently trying to retest the low of the range (43,780). The action is getting tense, watch for sentiment on Monday. Levels to place on your chart: Resistance Levels 44,000 Support turned Pivot44,500 ResistanceAll-time high resistance zone around 45,000Support Levels Low of the session 43,32743,000 Main Support Zone42,000 June post-war Support Safe Trades! 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.

Newmont (NYSE, ASX: NEM, TSX: NGT) said on Friday it has received the final payment of $100 million related to its divestment of the Akyem gold mine in Ghana. In October 2024, Newmont agreed to sell its Akyem operation to China’s Zijin Mining Group for $1 billion in cash, of which $900 million had been paid when the deal closed in April. The remaining $100 million is payable once certain conditions are met, specifically the successful renewal of one of the Akyem mining by Zijin. In a press release Friday, the Chinese gold miner confirmed that the Parliament of Ghana has ratified the mining lease renewal, which had already been approved by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources before the deal was announced. With the condition now satisfied, Zijin has made the obligatory $100 million payment to Newmont. After adjustment for tax and other items, Newmont said it has received cash proceeds of $770 million from this deal. The Akyem mine is one of six assets that the Colorado-based miner has sold under its divestment program announced in February 2024 to reduce debt and raise cash. Other notable sales include the Éléonore mine in Quebec, the Musselwhite and Porcupine mines in Ontario, the Coffee project in the Yukon Territory, and a 70% stake in the Havieron joint venture in Western Australia. Together, Newmont expects to generate approximately $4.3 billion from the divestments, comprising $3.8 billion in mine assets and $527 million from the sale of equity received from the sales. The after-tax proceeds for 2025 alone are estimated at $3.1 billion. Shares of Newmont inched higher at $62.32 apiece in New York, solidifying its position as the world’s largest gold miner with a market capitalization of $68.5 billion.

The latest conversion drilling at Lundin Gold’s (TSX: LUG) Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador has returned results as high as 9 metres grading nearly 140 grams gold per tonne. Shares rose. That result, from 62.2 metres depth in hole FDN-C25-238 at Fruta del Norte South (FDNS), also cut 11.5 metres at 28.62 grams gold and 9.45 metres grading 9.77 grams gold; while hole FDN-C25-245 returned 9.8 metres at 43.77 grams gold from 102.7 metres depth, Lundin reported Thursday. FDN is about 400 km southeast of the capital, Quito. “Conversion drilling on FDNS continues to yield some of the highest-grade results to date alongside the discovery of a new mineralized vein that lies outside the existing inferred resource,” Lundin Gold President and CEO Ron Hochstein said in a release. “Recent drill results at FDN East continue to underscore its excellent exploration potential, located in close proximity to our existing underground development.” Mine life extension The results are part of the company’s near-mine exploration strategy aimed at extending Fruta del Norte’s 12-year mine life by expanding resources, detailing new discoveries and converting inferred resources to indicated. Ongoing engineering studies are targeting the integration of FDNS into FDN’s long-term mine plan next year. Exploration at FDN over the last three years has significantly helped with resource growth and led to the discovery of new mineralized sectors. FDN started production in 2020 and delivered a record-breaking 502,029 oz. last year. Lundin Gold shares gained 1.9% to C$65.36 apiece on Friday morning in Toronto for a market capitalization of C$15.8 billion. The stock has traded in a 12-month range of C$21.51 to C$75.19. Another noteworthy intersection at FDNS, hole FDN-C25-205 returned 8.1 metres at 31.63 grams gold from 38.6 metres depth. The conversion drilling results have confirmed continuity of mineralization at FDNS, with high-grade holes outside the geological model showing potential for resource expansion, Lundin said. At FDN East, highlight hole UGE-E-25-207 cut 10 metres grading 6.61 grams gold from 497 metres depth. FDNE’s growth potential The results at FDNE have expanded mineralization along the north extension and pointed to potential growth areas. This year’s drill program comprises at least 108,000 metres, of which 83,000 are for exploration and 25,000 metres for conversion. Seventeen rigs are operating in total. The FDNS deposit, an epithermal vein system, hosts an estimated 12.4 million inferred tonnes grading 5.25 grams gold for 2.09 million ounces.

The Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit appears to be nearing its final stages, but the path is not yet clear. Although Ripple officially withdrew its cross-appeal in June and fulfilled its $125 million penalty obligation, the SEC has yet to do the same. This case has dwelled long in the minds of the members of the XRP community, and most recently, pro-XRP attorney Bill Morgan commented that while there is technically no hard deadline for the SEC to withdraw, a key date is now fast approaching. No Deadline, But the Clock Is Ticking According to pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan, August 15, 2025, serves as a procedural checkpoint for both Ripple and the SEC on their legal standoff. This is because they are required to submit a joint status report to the appellate court on that date, effectively making it the moment when the SEC will be expected to show its hand. Although the regulatory agency is under no legal obligation to dismiss its appeal by then, the deadline is a trigger for action, or at the very least, a formal update. He wrote that “the SEC needs to report to the appeal court by 15 August 2025, which acts as a deadline… although it may just ask for more time.” This delay has left the XRP community in a holding pattern since October 2024, when the SEC filed a notice of appeal on Judge Torres’ ruling. The major consensus is that the SEC would follow Ripple’s lead of dropping its cross-appeal. What Happens If The SEC Withdraws Or Doesn’t? The longer the SEC remains silent, the more uncertainty clouds the path forward, despite growing consensus that Judge Torres’s ruling in July 2023, which declared XRP not a security in secondary market trading to retailers, should now be finalized. The appeal has essentially allowed the case to drag on for two more years. If the SEC withdraws its appeal in the coming days, that action will cement the May 2023 ruling as final. This would not only end the multi-year legal battle but also unlock several long-awaited market developments. As noted by crypto commentator Vincent Van Code, over 1,700 companies tied to Ripple through NDAs may finally reveal partnerships and projects built on the XRP Ledger. Furthermore, legal clarity would also pave the way for institutional-grade products like Spot XRP ETFs waiting for approval, which in turn would cause a rapid increase in the price of XRP. However, if the SEC requests more time on or around August 15, it could delay this next phase of XRP’s growth and continue to keep XRP’s regulatory status in limbo. Although such a move wouldn’t reverse any legal victories Ripple has secured, it would prolong the uncertainty that is restraining confidence among investors.

United States government officials are ready to guarantee critical minerals producers a minimum price for their product in a bid to raise domestic output and reduce China’s market dominance, Reuters reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. The strategy would build on a recent public-private partnership between the US Department of Defense and MP Materials (NYSE: MP) to establish a domestic supply chain for rare earth magnets. The deal – announced July 10 – included a 10-year off-take deal that sets a price floor of $110 per kilogram for neodymium-praseodymium materials. In a previously unreported July 24 meeting, US trade advisor Peter Navarro and National Security Council official David Copley told representatives of 10 rare earths producers – plus tech giants Apple, Microsoft and Corning, which rely on critical minerals to make their products – that the deal with MP Materials was “not a one-off” and that similar agreements were also in the works, Reuters said. China’s decision in April to restrict exports of rare earths highlighted US vulnerabilities and intensified calls in Washington for a more resilient industrial base. Sole US producer MP Materials is the only domestic producer of rare earth elements – vital components for the making of smartphones, jet engines, electric vehicles and defence systems. Other companies taking part in last week’s meeting included rare earths refiner Phoenix Tailings; Momentum Technologies, which developed a battery and magnet recycling system; and Vulcan Elements, Reuters said. President Donald Trump is keen to expand US rare earths output in a manner replicating the speed of Operation Warp Speed, the pandemic-era strategy that helped scientists develop the Covid-19 vaccine in less than a year, Reuters added. Navarro confirmed the meeting to the news agency, adding that the Trump Administration aims to move as fast as efficiently possible to address perceived vulnerabilities in the US critical minerals industry. He didn’t say whether the price floor was mentioned during the meeting, according to Reuters.

Between February and the end of June 2025, the US dollar was under sustained downward pressure, reflecting market expectations of an imminent rate-cutting cycle by the Federal Reserve. However, July brought a noticeable shift in investor sentiment towards the greenback, particularly evident in the final days of the month. The trigger for this reversal was the outcome of the July FOMC meeting and Jerome Powell’s press conference, both of which dampened expectations for near-term monetary easing. Fed Pushback Lowers Rate-Cut Expectations for September Just a month ago, Fed Funds Futures were pricing in over a 90% probability of a September rate cut. Following recent communications from the Fed, this probability has fallen to below 50%, prompting a rapid repricing across the rates, bond, and FX markets. As a result, the dollar began an appreciation correction, which could reasonably extend into August. Nevertheless, over the medium term, the US dollar is likely to remain on a weakening trajectory. The probability of a Fed rate cut in September as priced in by the Fed Funds Futures market; source: Bloomberg. Short-Term Dollar Strength Driven by Rates In the short term, the dollar is supported by rising US Treasury yields, adjusted Fed expectations, and broader risk-off sentiment linked to trade and geopolitical tensions. Over the longer term, however, the outlook still points to continued USD depreciation, albeit at a more gradual pace. From a technical perspective, the key level for the USD Index lies at 100. A break above this threshold could open the way to the 101.5–102 range, which appears to be the natural target for the current rebound. Trade Policy and Political Pressure Undermine USD’s Reserve Status Despite this near-term strength, the underlying risks to the dollar are mounting. The probability is rising that the Federal Reserve will eventually bow to political pressure and deliver more aggressive rate cuts. This could lift inflation expectations and undermine the dollar’s relative appeal. The recent rise in EURUSD to 1.18 was driven primarily by USD weakness, rather than euro strength. The root causes of the dollar’s fragility lie in Washington’s aggressive trade policy. The imposition of steep tariffs weakens the US growth premium, erodes trust in the dollar’s safe-haven status, and raises concerns about the greenback’s role as a global reserve currency. At the same time, President Trump’s escalating attacks on the Fed and its leadership increase fears of political interference in monetary policy. Three additional rate cuts are expected starting in May 2026, following a likely change in Fed leadership. This could push EURUSD higher towards the 1.23–1.25 range in the months ahead. Should markets lose confidence in the Fed’s independence, the dollar’s depreciation could be significantly deeper. On a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis, the dollar remains overvalued against the euro, which implies further downside potential for USD over the medium term. Although the ECB has voiced concerns about the euro’s appreciation, it has limited influence on the currency given that the rally is largely USD-driven rather than a result of eurozone fundamentals or policy divergence. EUR/USD Technical Analysis Signals Deeper Correction The EUR/USD exchange rate has reached its lowest level since June 11, confirming a technical weakening of the currency pair. On the daily chart, a double top formation is clearly emerging, the activation of which may signal a deeper corrective move to the downside. Notably, in recent days the pair has broken below the lower boundary of a short-term ascending channel, reinforcing the bearish sentiment and suggesting further appreciation of the US dollar against the euro. The current correction could mirror the magnitude of the declines observed in April and May of this year, though a more extensive move cannot be ruled out. Key technical support levels are located around 1.1320 and 1.1100, which may act as potential zones for a pause or reversal in the downward momentum. The correction in the main currency pair may deepen further. EUR/USD chart, daily interval; source: TradingView. The current pullback in EUR/USD likely reflects a partial unwinding of short USD positions in the futures market. In recent weeks, positioning data (CFTC) showed extremely negative speculative sentiment toward the dollar. This makes the ongoing USD rebound entirely reasonable in the short term and it may extend further towards the 1.13–1.11 area. However, in the medium term (several months), EURUSD is expected to resume its upward trajectory toward the 1.23–1.25 zone. Monetary Policy Divergence: ECB Nears End, Fed Set to Ease It is worth emphasising that monetary policy divergence between the Fed and the ECB is set to widen further. The US is on the cusp of beginning an easing cycle, while Europe is nearing the end of its own loosening phase. This fundamental divergence will likely reinforce medium-term euro strength against the dollar. 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.

Canada’s Eldorado Gold (TSX: ELD)(NYSE: EGO) says its Skouries copper-gold project in northern Greece is 70% complete, with first production expected in early 2026 and commercial output by mid-year. The proposed mine, part of the Kassandra Mines Complex, holds proven and probable reserves of 3.7 million ounces of gold and 1.7 billion pounds of copper. It’s forecast to operate for 20 years, producing roughly 140,000 ounces of gold and 67 million pounds of copper annually. Skouries faced years of setbacks, halted between 2017 and 2021 due to permit delays and local opposition. After signing a new agreement with the Greek government in 2021, Eldorado resumed construction in late 2022. “We continued to make steady progress, supported by a skilled team on site performing at or slightly above our productivity assumptions,” president and CEO George Burns said in a statement. “We are focused on (…) delivering first production of copper-gold concentrate in the first quarter of 2026, a key inflection point for the company.” The project’s capital cost has risen to $1.06 billion, up $143 million from earlier estimates. Eldorado attributed the increase to Greece’s tight labour market and faster procurement of high-capacity mining equipment. Another $154 million in operational capital is scheduled before commercial production begins. In the second quarter alone, the company invested $117 million in project capital and $27.1 million in accelerated operational spending. By June 30, Eldorado had spent $705.7 million in cumulative project capital and $40.5 million in operational capital under Phase 2 construction. For 2025, the miner plans to spend between $400 million and $450 million in project capital, along with $80 million to $100 million in pre-production operational capital. Once operational, Skouries is expected to reshape Eldorado’s production profile by boosting gold output and introducing copper revenue, helping lower overall cash costs. The deposit will be mined using a mix of conventional open-pit and underground methods.

Coinbase released its earnings on 31 July 2025, revealing both gains and notable shortfalls. The American crypto exchange reported a net income of $1.43 billion in Q2 2025, a climb from $36.13 million in Q2 2024. Total revenue of Coinbase in Q2 2025 totalled to $1.5 billion – a slight increase from last year’s $1.45 billion – but short of the estimated $1.6 billion. Despite revenue and trading volume missing forecasts, Coinbase’s share price remained up more that 50% year-to-trade. The company also outpaced the S&P 500, which it joined in May 2025. However, the Q2 earnings miss triggered a 6% drop in after-hours trading. The company’s shareholder letter revealed that Coinbase increased its Bitcoin holdings by 2509 BTC, bringing its total to 11766 BTC. CEO Brian Armstrong took to X to say, “Coinbase is long Bitcoin. Our holding increased by 2,509 BTC in Q2, and we keep buying more.” DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Key Takeaways Despite Q2 headwinds, Coinbase announced plans to launch new services beyond cryptocurrencies, including tokenized real-world assets, derivatives trading, prediction markets, early-stage token sales—beginning with US users. Coinbase’s close partnership with Circle and revenue-sharing arrangement on USDC interest income bolstered its earnings. Coinbase keeps 100% of revenue from USDC held on its own platform and approximately 50% of revenue from USDC held elsewhere, benefiting from the surging interest in stablecoins. The post Coinbase Shares Dip Post Q2 Results: Company Challenges FDIC’s Attempt To Dismiss Lawsuit appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

A sudden crash in the TICS token has shaken confidence in Qubetics, the blockchain project that promised to bring together Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana networks. Based on reports, the token plunged 97% after a failed airdrop launch. Investors who hoped for quick gains were left scrambling to understand what went wrong on July 30 and 31. Technical Glitch Sparks Token Collapse According to Qubetics’ own statement, a “critical error” hit the vesting contract during the live airdrop. The plan was to unlock 10% of tokens right away and then release 90% over the next 90 days at a rate of 1% per day. At first, TICS surged 950% to hit $2.16. But once users saw far less than their expected share—some got only 1% instead of 10%—selling pressure kicked in hard. By the end of Thursday, the price had tumbled almost back to zero. Within hours, community forums lit up with cries of foul play. Many wallets showed a fraction of what they should have received. Heavy sell-offs by early holders made matters worse. Based on reports, the token’s crash was as much about panic selling as it was about the initial coding mistake. Community Accusations Grow Loud Rumors swirled that presale investors once bought in at $0.33 per token, with promises of a 20% bump on listing day. Instead, TICS opened its trading at $0.19 on July 24 and then slipped to $0.06 within a week. Some users accused the team of holding back tokens, while others claimed insiders dumped large amounts on the market. On X, dozens of comments called Qubetics “scammers” and accused the team of a “rug-pull.” Team Promises Full Distribution In response, Qubetics said it will issue a full report on the mishap and ensure all eligible wallets get their full allocation. They stressed that the error came from Antier, the outside firm handling smart contracts, not the core team. The announcement reaffirmed their commitment to build a layer-1 network that aggregates the Web3 ecosystem. Roadmap items include cross-chain bridges and on-chain governance tools. Even now, the team insists that long-term holders will see value once the tokens flow correctly and the network goes live. It’s a big “if” for many investors, but Qubetics said it is sticking to its plan. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

The market highly anticipated this release with prior months of price action making renewed all-time high almost daily – A very strong earnings season is a glad contributor to that. Nevertheless, there has been some angst in Markets as some deals have been concluding with some sacrifices, rates are held higher and the August 1st deadline for those who haven't reached a deal is right here. Markets are also continuously looking to know more from the effect of the Trump Administration's policies, and it felt like Participants had been surprised to the upside for all the preceding releases – as if players were always expecting bad numbers. But bad numbers they received: Today's NFP release is at 73K vs 110K Expected but worse even is the 14K vs 147K announced revision for the prior month. Markets have corrected strongly throughout the past session but the data is not helping – The VIX is now at around 10% on the session and Cuts probabilities for September are rising. Reactions for now: Dollar down, stocks down, gold up, Bonds up – Let's see how the rest of the day unfoldds Read More: The SEC launches Project CryptoNasdaq 15m Chart Nasdaq 15m Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView Gold 15m Chart Gold 15m Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView US 10Y Bonds 15m US 10Y Bond 15m Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView US Dollar Index Dollar Index 15m Chart, August 1, 2025 – Source: TradingView Watch for more volatility throughout the session. Safe Trades! 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.

Jamie Dimon just went from branding Bitcoin a “fraud” to calling himself a “believer” in stablecoins. This, in another institutional change of heart that could see leading crypto wallets’ native $BEST token explode in the near future. Dimon’s shift isn’t small talk. For years, the JPMorgan CEO dismissed crypto as a passing fad, comparing it to tulip mania and even pet rocks. But now? He’s backing dollar-pegged tokens, not out of hype, but because client demand is too big to ignore. This pivot could mark a turning point for digital asset adoption, especially for next-gen crypto wallets built for real-world utility. JPMorgan’s Expanding Crypto Footprint JPMorgan has gone from watching the market to wiring into it. The bank’s in-house “Deposit Coin” ($JPMD) and quiet push into stablecoin issuance show a learn-by-doing approach, letting them test the rails of tokenized finance without betting the bank. Add in its partnership with Coinbase, where Chase cardholders can buy crypto and even redeem points for $USDC, and the picture sharpens. Now, with whispers of a 2026 Bitcoin-backed loans pilot, it’s clear Dimon’s pivot isn’t talk; it’s a full-on strategy shift. Why Institutional ‘Belief’ Changes the Game When giants like JPMorgan back stablecoins, it doesn’t just validate the tech; it forces the market to mature. Suddenly, stablecoins aren’t a niche degen tool. They’re payment rails. That shift creates demand for wallets that are faster, safer, and built for real-world use, not just swapping on-chain. And this is where the Best Wallet app stands out. Instead of clunky MetaMask workarounds and patchy fiat gateways, it’s building an all-in-one hub with integrated presale access, staking, and seamless payments. That’s exactly what this new wave of users will want. Enter Best Wallet & Its Native Token $BEST If JPMorgan is betting on stablecoins, you need a wallet built for where crypto is headed – not where it’s been. Best Wallet is positioning itself as that hub, combining Fireblocks-powered MPC-CMP security with a smooth, fiat-friendly interface that strips out MetaMask’s pain points. And it’s targeting a bold 40% share of the global crypto wallet market by the end of 2026. Best Wallet stands a considerable chance of making good on its ambitions. This fully non-custodial, no KYC, multi-chain, and multi-currency hot wallet is rising among the ranks of the market’s leading crypto wallets. Driving that ecosystem push is $BEST, the token that turns Best Wallet from a tool into a platform. Holding $BEST offers an abundance of utility. Token holders get reduced on-chain fees, early access to the top crypto presales, exclusive drops, boosted APYs through the staking aggregator, governance rights, and even iGaming perks – like free spins, lootboxes, and deposit bonuses. Best Wallet isn’t another app competing for screen space. It’s building the rails for the next wave of crypto adoption, and $BEST is the ticket to ride. To discover all the benefits of this trailblazing wallet, read our full Best Wallet crypto review. And if you’d like to invest in its native token, our comprehensive guide explains how to buy $BEST. Why Banking’s Stablecoin Shift Could Reshape Wallet Tokens Dimon’s U-turn on crypto isn’t just a headline. It’s proof that the rails are shifting toward stablecoins and on-chain finance. If major banks keep leaning in, $BEST could ride that wave. And with presale integrations, upcoming DeFi loan features, and a market that loves anything tied to real utility, the Best Wallet app has the makings of a future crypto hub. Still, remember: this isn’t financial advice. Always do your own research before buying into any presale. Crypto is volatile and carries inherent risks.

XRP may be entering its most explosive phase in years, according to crypto analyst CryptoInsightUK, who on July 31 released a sweeping technical breakdown that suggests the token’s breakout from a six-year consolidation range could soon send prices to $15—and potentially beyond. “This is just the start,” he said, arguing that the recent monthly close confirms structural strength that has been building quietly over the last two market cycles. XRP Flashes Bullish Signal—Next Stop: $15? In a video analysis posted to YouTube, the analyst highlighted XRP’s rare technical alignment on the monthly chart, pointing to its sustained break above the 2018 all-time high and an upcoming potential for new highs. His base case targets a move to between $8.70 and $15 in the short-to-medium term, based on historical measured moves and momentum structure. “If we just did a measured move like the last move, it could take us as far out as $15,” he said. “I don’t think that’s unreasonable.” Supporting the bullish case is a technical signal many market watchers have overlooked: a return of XRP’s monthly Relative Strength Index (RSI) to the overbought zone, historically a precursor to parabolic rallies. In the 2017 cycle, a similar RSI pattern preceded a move of over 700%, and even a “conservative” repeat could lift XRP to well above $10, he explained. “If we make a higher high on the monthly RSI here, to me that doesn’t indicate the move is over,” he said, emphasizing that momentum indicators remain firmly in bullish territory. He also drew attention to XRP’s relative strength versus Bitcoin, calling its position on the XRP/BTC chart “such a crucial place.” After bouncing from key support levels, XRP/BTC is closing the month significantly higher than nearly all months in recent years. “We’re going to be closing above everything apart from the last couple of months,” he observed. “It’s strong. It’s showing strength.” Looking at XRP dominance—a measure of XRP’s market cap share relative to the rest of crypto—CryptoInsightUK noted the token is holding the midpoint of a range formed on top of what he calls the “sign of strength” phase. “We’ve created this range on top of Wyckoff accumulation… Things are looking good there too,” he said. He further analyzed XRP futures premiums, noting that the negative premium since July 24 resembles the setup before XRP’s last major rally from $0.50 to $2.60. “We actually went red for a bit and that was when we found our lows,” he said. “Then as we broke out of this zone, we went back to being green… and that coincided with the start of the rally.” The chart structure, momentum indicators, and liquidity maps all point to a scenario where XRP could move sharply higher with relatively minor catalysts. The analyst emphasized that this does not necessarily mean a straight line up, but rather an aggressive trend formation after years of accumulation. “If you actually take a zoomed out perspective on the XRP chart, $15 doesn’t look ridiculous,” he said. “Yes, this is logarithmic, but it really doesn’t.” He also warned against dismissing high-end projections like $27 or even $50 out of hand, referencing past patterns in both price and RSI. “I’m not suggesting we do that in a month,” he said, “but I don’t think we should rule it out either.” At press time, XRP traded at $2.92.

One worker is dead and five remain missing after a collapse at a copper mine in central Chile, triggered by a 4.2-magnitude earthquake on Thursday evening, according to state-run mining giant Codelco. The incident occurred at the Andesita project, part of the El Teniente mine, the world’s largest underground copper operation. Codelco identified the deceased as Paulo Marín Tapia. Nine other workers were injured, though none critically. Rescue teams have been unable to reach the collapse site as of Friday morning. Operations at the mine were suspended immediately, and Codelco has launched an investigation Tinto the deadly collapse. The Andesita project, formerly known as the New Mine Level, is located in the northwestern part of the El Teniente division, beneath the older Quebrada Tenient production level. The project aims to access deeper mineral reserves located 180 metres below current operations as upper levels approach exhaustion. Throwback Friday:

Coinbase’s Bitcoin premium has dropped into negative territory for the first time since May. This development is bearish for the flagship crypto as it suggests that demand from the U.S. may be waning. Coinbase Bitcoin Premium In The Red CryptoQuant data shows that the Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index is at -0.00254829, marking the first time it has been in the red since May 29, when it was at -0.01626105. This Index tracks the difference between the Bitcoin price on Coinbase and the Bitcoin price on Binance. It is also used to gauge the spot demand for BTC from institutional and retail investors in the U.S. As such, this development suggests that the demand for BTC among U.S. investors is currently low. This is significant considering that Bitcoin rallies to new highs have coincided with the Coinbase premium being in positive territory. This highlights how much demand from the U.S. contributes to BTC’s uptrend. In recent times, this demand has mainly come from the Bitcoin ETFs, with Coinbase acting as a custodian for eight out of the eleven spot BTC funds. Notably, the drop in the Coinbase Bitcoin premium coincides with the drop in the net inflows and increase in outflows from these funds. SoSo Value data shows that these funds recorded net outflows of $114.83 million on July 31. Before now, they had also gone on a 3-day streak of consecutive net outflows between July 21 and 23. This indicates a wave of profit-taking among these investors, especially following the recent Bitcoin rally to a new all-time high (ATH) of $123,000. In an X post, CryptoQuant also confirmed this wave of profit-taking. The platform revealed that Bitcoin just saw its third major profit-taking wave of this bull run. Realized profits spiked to between $6 and $8 billion in late July, similar to March and December 2024 peaks. CryptoQuant added that it was new whales who led the selling above $120,000. New Investor Dominance Is Growing With Market In Stable Condition In a CryptoQuant on-chain analysis, analyst Axel revealed that new investor dominance is growing and that the market is still stable in this late Bitcoin bull cycle phase. He alluded to the demand and supply between new and old investors metric and noted that the peaks of 64% in March 2024 and 72% in December 2024 coincided with local price maximums. The analyst noted that during those periods, the influx of new liquidity into Bitcoin was exhausted, and old holders began actively taking profits. However, this time is different, as the current value of the demand and supply between new and old investors is 30%, which is only half of the overheated levels. Axel added that the trend is directed upward as the cumulative activity of young coins has been steadily growing since July 2024. The analyst remarked that this indicates that a notable layer of new buyers is entering the Bitcoin market. Meanwhile, pressure from the old holders is not yet critical. At the time of writing, the Bitcoin price is trading at around $115,550, down in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

The Canadian dollar continues to lose ground against its US counterpart and is trading at two-month lows. In the European session, the Canadian dollar is trading at 1.3875, down 0.13% on the day. USD/CAD has risen for six straight days, climbing 1.9% during that time. The US releases the June employment report later today, with nonfarm payrolls expected to drop to 110 thousand, down from 147 thousand in May. Canada's GDP declines 0.1% Canada's GDP posted a small decline of 0.1% m/m in May, matching the market estimate. This followed an identical reading in April, as the economy is essentially treading water. A drop in retail trade was a significant factor in the weak GDP reading, particularly in motor vehicles and parts. The decline in GDP in April and May can be squarely blamed on the trade war with the US, which has put a chill in economic activity. The markets are expecting a slight improvement in June, with an estimate of a 0.1% gain. Bank of Canada points finger at US trade policy The Bank of Canada held the benchmark rate at 2.75% on Thursday for a third consecutive meeting. The rate statement noted that US trade policy remains "unpredictable" and Governor Macklem reiterated this at his press conference, saying that "some level of uncertainty will continue" until the US and Canada reach a trade agreement. Trump hits Canada with 35% tariff Meanwhile, the trade war between the two sides is heating up. President Trump announced on Thursday that the US was slapping 35% tariffs on Canadian products, effective Aug. 1. The new tariff will not apply to goods covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "disappointed" with the US decision and vowed that "Canadians will be our own best customer". These are brave words, but Carney will be under pressure to reach a deal with the US, as 75% of Canadian exports are shipped to the US and Canada can ill-afford a protracted trade war with its giant southern neighbor. USD/CAD Technical USD/CAD has pushed above resistance at 1.3859 and is testing 1.3868. Next, there is resistance at 1.38841.3843 and 1.3834 are the next support levels USDCAD 4-Hour Chart, August 1, 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 Trump tariff news is wrecking the crypto and equities markets. Bitcoin’s floor gave way in Asia cracking to $114,250 and marking its lowest level since June 11. Three weeks of sideways chop ended in one clean move south that went as low as $111,000. According to CoinGlass, 158,000 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours. Total liquidations hit $630 million, with the majority from long positions. My gains, nooo!!! (X) This liquidation trauma reflects pre-emptive risk reduction. Spot crypto holdings saw $110 billion withdrawn in the 12 hours preceding Trump’s tariff announcement, underscoring heightened market anxiety. President Trump lit the fuse with a tariff blitz of 35% on Canada and up to 39% on non-allied economies. Countries without trade pacts got the worst of it; here’s how low BTC ▼-2.82% can go. “This week’s dip reflects tariff deadline fear and broader macro uncertainty… it was likely exacerbated by profit-taking after recent ATHs.” — Nick Ruck, LVRG Research Will There Be a Trump Tariff Pause, Or BTC Crashout? Trump’s tariff blitz came amidst deadline drama over a pending trade deal. The U.S. president also sharply attacked Canada’s foreign policy shift, linking it directly to its new pledge to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN. On Truth Social, he wrote: “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” The oddity: Gaza had nothing to do with tariffs orcross-border commerce, yet Trump made it central to negotiations. Countries like China, India, Laos, Switzerland, Syria, and South Africa have also been singled out for high tariff rates, with some exceeding 40%. (X) Despite the sharp dip, July closed as Bitcoin’s strongest monthly candle ever, ending at $115,784 only weeks after hitting its all-time high of $122,800. Meanwhile, DeFi activity continues unabated. Total Value Locked (TVL) across decentralized finance protocols surged from $86 billion in April to over $126 billion by mid-July, a 46% gain. On ETH ▼-5.83% specifically: Ethereum TVL climbed from $44 billion to over $72 billion in the same period, indicating robust on-chain demand and institutional trust. What’s Ahead: Support, Sentiment, and Policy Risks If Bitcoin reclaims lost ground quickly, it would reinforce resilience. However, a sustained dip below $111K could trigger deeper downside, especially if equities remain fragile. Boosting sentiment hinges on trade progress, especially a potential U.S.–China deal. Without clarity, profit-taking may deepen, and broader risk assets could remain under pressure. 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 The Trump tariff news is wrecking the crypto and equities markets. Bitcoin’s floor gave way in Asia cracking to $114,250 and marking its lowest level since June 11. A sustained dip below $111K could trigger deeper downside, especially if equities remain fragile. The post Bitcoin Crashes to 3-Week Low After Trump Tariff News Sparks $630M Liquidation appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

Based on reports, the altcoin market is heating up again and XRP is back in focus. Prices have climbed steadily, and some traders think a fresh wave of buying could push XRP far above current levels. The move in Ethereum and BNB has set the stage. Now everyone is watching whether XRP can follow. Tight Range Could Fuel Breakout According to analyst Zach Rector, XRP has been trading in a narrow band just above $3.00. It recently sat around $3.15, giving it room to spring higher. Rector points out that a push above $3.25 could send XRP into the $4–$5 range “any day now.” That jump would be about a 50% gain from today’s price. He even marks out a window from August 23 to September 7 for a bigger run toward $7 or higher. Ethereum’s surge is helping set the tone. Its price has climbed to about $3,940 while the market cap hit nearly $500 billion. BNB also made a splash, topping $850 for the first time. Those moves often drag other coins upward, and many believe XRP is next in line. Fibonacci Projections Based on weekly charts shared by Tony Edward of the Thinking Crypto Podcast, XRP has clear Fibonacci levels ahead. His targets range from $4.5 to $9.1. Those marks match up with Rector’s range, lending more weight to the idea that XRP is setting up for a big move. If XRP follows those lines, each level could act as a stepping stone. While Fibonacci is just one method, its overlap with Rector’s targets creates a story that traders can follow. It gives them clear numbers to watch and simple goals to aim for as the market moves. Anything Can Happen Other market observers take a different take. They look back at XRP’s past rallies and figures current cycles could average out to about $20 per coin. In 2017, XRP rose a whopping 2,500%, which would imply a $30 peak today. In 2021 the altcoin jumped 500%, pointing to $7.70 as we speak. By averaging those two, a $20 target for this season could be on their crosshair. Even with bullish charts, risks are still there. Regulatory news around Ripple and the SEC can send prices tumbling overnight. If Bitcoin cools off or global markets turn sour, altcoins like XRP could get hit hard. Big holders also have power. If they decide to sell into strength, any rally could stall quickly. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Asia Market Wrap - Tariffs Bite Asian shares are on track for their worst week since April after the U.S. imposed heavy tariffs on a number of trading partners. On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an order imposing tariffs of 10% to 41% on U.S. imports from other countries. Key rates include 25% on India’s exports, 20% on Taiwan’s, 19% on Thailand’s, and 15% on South Korea’s. Tariffs on Canadian goods rose to 35% from 25%, except for items under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal. Mexico was given 90 days to negotiate a broader trade agreement before higher tariffs take effect. Global markets reacted, with the MSCI All Country World Index dropping 0.1%. Asian stocks fell for the sixth day in a row, and South Korean shares plunged 3.4%. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.6%, Chinese blue-chip stocks dropped 0.7%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slipped 0.8%. European Open - European Shares Steady After Tariff Blits Tariff deadline day has arrived and markets are holding their breath following US President Donald Trump's latest round of tariff announcements. Tariff rates were set at 35% for Canada, 25% for India, 20% for Taiwan, and 19% for Thailand. Switzerland faced one of the highest rates at 39%. However, these tariffs are lower than the ones threatened on April 2, which had caused market panic. Big trade deals with Japan and the European Union have been finalized, while talks with China and Mexico are still ongoing. This in part could explain the muted reaction by markets thus far coupled with the much anticipated US jobs data release later in the day. Source: LSEG Wall Street and European markets didn’t react much to the tariff news. EUROSTOXX 50 futures dipped 0.3%, while Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures both fell 0.2%. Amazon’s 6% drop, after disappointing earnings, contributed to the decline. On the FX front, the US dollar rose 0.3% on Friday as Trump’s trade policies became clearer. The dollar index jumped 2.5% this week, reaching a two-month high. The Swiss franc and Canadian dollar are both set to gain 2.5% this week, marking their best performance since a 3.1% rally in September 2022. However, the Swiss franc slipped 0.26% to 0.8120 per dollar after Trump raised tariffs on Swiss imports to 39%, up from the previously suggested 31%. The euro stayed near a two-month low at $1.1412, weighed down by what markets see as an unfair trade deal with the U.S. It’s close to Wednesday’s low of $1.1401, the weakest level since June 10. Currency Power Balance Source: OANDA Labs Gold prices remain choppy as they struggle for overall direction. The failure to break back above the $3300/oz level looks ominous. For a full and comprehensive analysis on GOLD (XAU/USD) read Gold's (XAU/USD) Price Forecast: Mixed Signals Ahead of NFP, A Return Above $3300/oz or Further Downside Ahead? Oil prices finished yesterday in the red, and this has continued into today. This comes as US Crude Oil production rose to a record 13.49 million barrels-per-day in May, according to data from the EIA. Economic Data Releases and Final Thoughts Looking at the economic calendar, a busy day lies ahead. Euro Area CPI will be out shortly, and comes after Germany reported weaker-than-expected growth of 1.8% yesterday. The headline inflation rate is expected to slow slightly from 2.0% to 1.9%, while the core rate is likely to stay at 2.3%. This may not be enough to change expectations for European Central Bank rate cuts significantly, but it could keep some speculation about potential cuts alive. A key economic update from the US is expected later today with the release of monthly payroll data. Experts predict that job growth in July slowed to 110,000 new positions. Some believe this is a "just right" outcome, giving the Federal Reserve room to lower interest rates without raising concerns. For a full breakdown on today's NFP data and its implications, read August Non-Farm Payrolls preview 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 has not enjoyed its best week. Tariff concerns and earnings reports have not helped the index capitalize on its recent fresh ath. The pullback is however approaching a key confluence level which rests at 9048, where the 100-day MA rests as well. A bounce here would be interesting as the FTSE does appear to be consolidating between the 9048 and fresh all-time highs (ATH) ast 9194. A break below the confluence level will bring the 9000 handle back into focus and below that the 200-day MA at 8923. 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.

The Swiss franc has continued to face downside pressure against the US dollar as it extends its losses in place since last Wednesday, 23 July. In today’s Asia, it shed -0.3% at this time of writing, making it the worst-performing major currency against the greenback. Swiss franc under pressure as US hikes tariffs to 39%, SNB may turn more dovish The current onslaught of the Swiss franc has been further reinforced by a higher-than-expected US tariff rate of 39% on Swiss products versus the earlier 31% levy announced in April. The latest 39% tariff slapped on Switzerland by the US White House administration is one of the steepest levies globally, which is likely to trigger a significant adverse economic effect on the export-dependent Swiss economy. After cutting the interest rate to zero in June, the Swiss central bank (SNB) may be forced to adopt a more dovish monetary policy stance to alleviate the negative impact of the higher tariff rates on Swiss exports. The next SNB monetary policy meeting will be on 25 September 2025. Let’s now focus our attention on a short to medium-term technical trading set-up on the USD/CHF Fig 1: USD/CHF medium-term trend as of 1 Aug 2025 (Source: TradingView) Preferred trend bias (1-3 weeks) Bullish bias for USD/CHF with key medium-term pivotal support at 0.8060 for the next medium-term resistances to come in at 0.8215/8250 and 0.8350/8380 (also a Fibonacci retracement/extension cluster). Key elements Yesterday’s price action has staged a bullish breakout above the upper boundary of a former medium-term descending channel from the 3 February 2025 swing high, and the 50-day moving average. These observations suggest that the medium-term downtrend of the USD/CHF from 13 January 2025 high to 1 July 2025 has ended.The 4-hour RSI momentum indicator has reached its overbought region (above 70 level) but has not flashed out any bearish divergence condition which indicates that short to medium-term upside momentum remains intact.The yield premium between the 2-year US Treasury note over the 2-year Swiss government bond has continued to inch upward steadily since 10 July 2025, which is likely to support further potential up moves on the USD/CHF.Alternative trend bias (1 to 3 weeks) A break below 0.8060 invalidates the bullish scenario for the USD/CHF to resume its bearish movement to revisit 0.7990 (also the 20-day moving average), and below it exposes the critical 1 July swing low of 0.7870. 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.

A widely followed chartist says Dogecoin’s latest rally has run into textbook resistance and the memecoin now sits on a make-or-break support band that will determine whether momentum resumes or unwinds. Crypto analyst Kevin (@Kev_Capital_TA) published a daily chart on X on July 31, 2025, showing DOGE pulling back to roughly the $0.22 area after a rejection beneath $0.28. Dogecoin Must Hold This Key Zone “Dogecoin holders as you can see DOGE came up to the macro golden pocket at the major resistance of .26-.28 cents and saw a rejection similar to the rest of the altcoins market after a really nice move,” he wrote, adding that price is “retesting the big support zone you want to hold… .213-.189 is all of your major daily MA’s, weekly bull market support band and the 0.5 FIB. Hold that zone and all is well Doge will end up bouncing higher. Fail it then your going back down into the shadow realm at the .14-.12 cents level.” The accompanying chart—set to the one-day timeframe—depicts DOGE’s advance into the $0.26–$0.28 “macro golden pocket,” a term traders typically use for the 61.8%–65% Fibonacci retracement cluster that often caps counter-trend moves. Kevin’s map highlights how the rejection there coincides with a dense shelf of historical supply and a clearly defined horizontal resistance band dating back to prior distribution. The subsequent slide has brought DOGE back into a breadth of confluent supports: a cluster of key daily moving averages, the analyst’s “weekly bull market support band,” and the 50% retracement of the prior swing, all stacked between $0.213 and $0.189. Confluence of this kind—multiple widely watched signals occupying the same price zone—often becomes a battleground; a decisive defense can restore trend structure, while a breach can accelerate liquidations. Community responses pressed the analyst on consistency and risk framing. One user, @SmRatul1994, challenged the shift in tone: “You just said Doge was very well positioned a couple weeks ago. Now you’re saying the opposite which things change so quickly?” Kevin replied that his guidance has been contextual and level-driven rather than directional at all costs. “I remember telling people to take profits at .40+ cents in December a buy at .14 cents twice this year both of which produced 70+% gains and I also remember telling people to take profits at the highs both times. Don’t cry in the casino buddy. I have been saying BTC and the Altcoin market was at major resistance for over a week now,” he said. Another commenter, @anthonyzamanz, noted the market’s correlation to Bitcoin—“Also all depend where Bitcoin will go…”—to which Kevin answered, “yes sir,” underscoring the top-down dependency altcoins retain on BTC’s path. When a separate user quipped, “To summarize, dogecoin will go up, if not it will go down,” Kevin distilled the thesis back to the levels: “Hold those levels and go up if not go down. You almost had it.” In practical terms, the roadmap laid out is binary and technical. A sustained bid inside $0.213–$0.189 would argue for continuation, potentially setting up another attempt at the $0.26–$0.28 range that capped the recent push. Losing that band on convincing volume and closing structure would, in Kevin’s words, open the “shadow realm” below, with $0.14–$0.12 flagged as the next major demand pocket. For now, the chart places DOGE squarely at confluence, with bulls tasked to convert the moving-average cluster and mid-range Fibonacci support into a durable base before any serious discussion of upside resumes. As ever in altcoin cycles, the analyst and several respondents emphasized that Bitcoin’s behavior will likely arbitrate the outcome. At press time, DOGE traded at $0.205.