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Tron has captured renewed attention following a major development: its planned entry into public markets. Justin Sun, Tron’s founder, has reached a deal with Nasdaq-listed SRM Entertainment (SRM.O), under which SRM will acquire Tron-related tokens, rebrand as Tron Inc., and appoint Sun as an adviser. This move marks a significant step in bridging the gap between blockchain projects and traditional finance, potentially making Tron one of the first major public blockchain entities. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have sparked volatility across the broader crypto market, including Tron. Despite this uncertain macro environment, Tron’s on-chain fundamentals remain strong. Top analyst Darkfost shared data showing that Tron’s daily transaction volume has surged from 2.5 million in 2021 to over 9 million today. This exponential growth underscores a sharp rise in user activity and developer engagement across the network. The sustained increase in transaction volume also reflects growing confidence in Tron’s infrastructure as a scalable and reliable alternative to other high-throughput blockchains. With both institutional exposure via SRM and strong on-chain growth, Tron finds itself at a pivotal moment in its evolution—one that could reshape its trajectory in the months ahead. Tron Retraces After Public Listing Surge: Network Fundamentals Remain Strong Tron is currently trading around key demand levels after a sharp retrace from Monday’s breakout rally. The surge—triggered by the announcement that Tron would go public via a deal with Nasdaq-listed SRM Entertainment—briefly sent TRX up over 9%, generating widespread attention. However, escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have weighed on market sentiment, dragging the price back to pre-announcement levels. Despite short-term volatility, Tron’s fundamentals continue to paint a bullish picture. According to Darkfost, the Tron blockchain has demonstrated strong and consistent growth since 2021. Daily transaction volumes have risen from 2.5 million to over 9 million, reflecting increasing adoption and sustained demand for its infrastructure. This activity surge signals heightened investor interest and developer confidence in the network. Yet, high volume alone doesn’t guarantee quality. What sets Tron apart is its impressive transaction success rate, which has remained above 96% throughout this growth phase. This reliability counters criticisms often aimed at other high-throughput chains like Solana, where failed or spammy transactions can inflate metrics. Additionally, Tron’s block production has remained stable and linear, showcasing its operational consistency. Even amid rising global transaction fees, Tron continues to attract usage, suggesting that users still view it as a cost-effective, scalable solution. This blend of high performance, strong demand, and network resilience positions Tron as one of the most technically mature blockchains in the current market cycle. If macro conditions stabilize, Tron’s public listing and robust on-chain metrics could reignite bullish momentum. TRX Price Analysis: Key Support Levels Hold Tron (TRX) is currently trading at approximately $0.273, consolidating just above the 50-day simple moving average (SMA), which sits around $0.268. After a sharp spike on Monday that pushed the price toward $0.30 following the announcement of Tron going public, the price retraced back to pre-announcement levels amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite this pullback, TRX remains in a bullish structure on the daily chart. The 100-day and 200-day SMAs, currently around $0.252 and $0.253, respectively, continue to trend upward and act as solid dynamic support, confirming that the medium- to long-term trend remains intact. Volume surged on the breakout but has since cooled, which is expected during periods of consolidation. Technically, TRX is forming a higher low structure while staying within a broader uptrend that began in late March. As long as the price holds above the $0.268 support level, bulls may attempt another push toward $0.285 and potentially retest the recent high near $0.30. A break below $0.268 could invalidate the bullish momentum and trigger a move toward the $0.252–$0.255 zone. For now, price action remains constructive as TRX holds above all major moving averages and key structural support. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Interest is building among XRP investors after Crypto Beast, a well‑known analyst, put forward a bold forecast. He sees a minimum breakout level of $8 on the horizon. With the US Securities and Exchange Commission no longer posing a roadblock, Crypto Beast believes XRP has a clear path ahead. His view rests on the idea that the market still hasn’t fully priced in XRP’s cleared status with regulators. Short‑term traders and long‑term holders alike are tuning in. Regulatory Milestone And Market Reaction According to court records, XRP won a key victory in July 2023 when Judge Analisa Torres ruled that it’s not a security under US law. That moment sent XRP from about $0.48 to $0.93 very fast. But prices slipped back over the next few weeks, bringing it down to the $0.50 area again. Then, after US President Donald Trump won re‑election and signaled a shake‑up at the SEC, XRP marched into a new range around $2.00. Despite that climb, Crypto Beast argues the legal win hasn’t been fully valued by the wider market. Technical Pattern Points To Upside Crypto Beast pointed to a bull flag chart pattern that starts with a rally from $0.40 up to $3.40. A flag pattern formed when XRP pulled back into the $2.00–$3.00 zone. He marked the breakout level at $3.37. By measuring the height of that $3.00 pole and adding it to the low of the flag, he arrived at a target near $10.69. In another post, he set a more conservative floor of $8.80, a roughly 4x gain from today’s price around $2.20. That kind of move would push XRP’s market cap above $500 billion, putting it in league with big firms like Oracle, Netflix and Mastercard. Broader Crypto Trends And Correlation Based on reports from his channel, Crypto Beast isn’t just upbeat on XRP price about to “explode”. He’s looking for a 3x rise in Solana, a 2x pop in Ethereum and a 5x run in SUI. Even more, he’s penciled in potential 40x gains for select smaller tokens. Still, these forecasts rest on a growing crypto mood—mostly led by Bitcoin. When BTC stalls or dips, large altcoins often follow suit. So any rally in XRP may need fresh money flowing into the whole market. Risks And Exit Strategy Crypto Beast says he’ll flag when it’s time to sell. He reminded followers that patterns do fail and charts alone can’t guarantee gains. A sudden market shift or a change in macro sentiment could spoil the setup. He advises setting stop‑loss levels and watching BTC for hints. His trust in XRP’s future is strong, but he wants traders to be ready for any twist. Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Log in to today’s North American session Recap for June 18 Today's session was filled with headlines surrounding the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, but markets have shown limited reaction—at least for now. One potential trigger for broader risk-off sentiment remains the possibility of direct U.S. involvement, which appears increasingly likely. President Trump, true to form, has remained characteristically vague on the matter. On the sidenote, markets have been cut short from their volatility despite a well-anticipated FED Meeting and the release of the Summary of Economic Projections. Only cryptocurrencies have corrected amid some continuation of profit-taking. Oil prices have been volatile, trading within a $73–$75 range and experiencing a sharp pullback after briefly touching new weekly highs at $75.70. Equity indices are sending mixed signals. Major U.S. indices ended the day flat, with the exception of the Russell 2000, which closed up 0.55%. In contrast, European markets mirrored that move in reverse, finishing down by roughly the same margin. Japan’s Nikkei stood out with a 1.08% rally. Read More: US Dollar finds a bottom as Fed Funds stay unchanged 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Australian space exploration company Fleet Space Technologies announced Wednesday a series of partnerships with innovators mDetect, Nomad Atomics, and DeteQt. The collaborations aim to expand the technology frontier of the mining industry by developing the next generation of sensors needed to fuel the growth of AI-powered mineral exploration, the company said. mDetect specializes in muon tomography, a passive imaging technique that utilizes naturally occurring particles from space known as muons to create 3D density maps of the subsurface. Nomad Atomics is developing high-precision quantum gravimeters and accelerometers while DeteQt produces patented ‘diamond-on-chip ‘ quantum magnetometers, portable sensors that detect vector magnetic fields. Fleet Space said it will advance the acquisition and processing speed of geophysical datasets and build an innovation path for muon tomography to become input for enhancing the geological predictions of modern AI systems. As part of its expansion of its ExoSphere platform, the company is advancing exploration technology development with Stanford’s Mineral-X and MIT’s Space Exploration Initiative. Last year, Barrick tapped Fleet Space’s technology to advance copper exploration at its Reko Diq project in Pakistan, and this year inked a deal with Saudi state miner Ma’aden to deploy ExoSphere across 12,000 km^2 of the Arabian Shield. “We must build the deep technologies and infrastructure that integrate breakthrough sensing modalities into a unified system,” Fleet Space CEO Flavia Tata Nardini said in a news release. “With our ExoSphere platform, Fleet Space has created the next-generation of satellite-connected geophysical methods while also investing in the development of frontier technologies like quantum gravimetry and muon tomography to enhance the predictive power of AI in exploration on a planetary scale.”

The Ethereum price action is showing remarkable similarities to its 2017 market cycle, with analysts pointing to a near-identical technical setup and market behaviour. Crypto analyst Merlijn the Trader, who shared a side-by-side weekly chart comparison of 2025 and 2017 on X (formerly Twitter), suggests that Ethereum is now following the same breakout pattern that once led to a historic rally. This time, however, the analyst believes that the move could be even more significant. Ethereum Price Mirrors Historic Breakout Pattern In the current 2025 chart, Ethereum has reportedly claimed the 50-week Moving Average (MA) after months of downward pressure and range-bound movement. Following a decisive breakout from support levels near $2,250, the price of the cryptocurrency is now consolidating below the 50 MA, forming a tight sideways pattern. According to Merlijn the Trader, this structure is visually and technically similar to price movements that occurred in late 2016 and early 2017, just before Ethereum began a powerful upward surge. The analyst’s 2017 Ethereum chart shows the altcoin breaking above the 50 MA, followed by a brief period of sideways action under resistance. Once momentum was built, the price launched into a parabolic rally that marked the beginning of its major bull cycle. Notably, the 2025 chart situated on the right panel displays an almost identical playbook to the 2017 setup, with Ethereum moving out of a prolonged accumulation phase and into a zone of consolidation beneath key resistance levels. However, this time, market conditions are significantly different. The analyst notes that the crypto space is far more developed, with increased institutional involvement, broader retail adoption, and growing infrastructure supporting Ethereum’s ecosystem. While the technical patterns align closely with the 2017 breakout, the scale and context suggest that the potential upside could even be greater. The similarities between Ethereum’s 2017 and 2025 price action lie in the timing of the 50 MA reclaim and the tight range of consolidation that follows. If ETH can maintain this trajectory and break above the current resistance zone, it could mark the beginning of a fresh macro rally, which the analyst predicts will not just repeat history but possibly amplify it. Ethereum Eyes $4,000 As 2017 Pattern Repeats Based on Merlijn The Trader’s comparable chart analysis, Ethereum may be on the verge of a major breakout, with technical patterns pointing to a potential price target above $4,000. In the 2017 setup, Ethereum skyrocketed past $28 from a low between $6 and $7.5 after reclaiming the 50 MA. If history is any guide, Ethereum’s next move could propel it from its current price of $2,541 to $4,000, which aligns with the upper red horizontal line on the 2025 price chart or above the line to fresh all-time highs, with no ceiling in sight, according to the analyst.

The weekly opened had seen the US Dollar retreat but one ongoing theme is of an overdone USD selling – With war headlines coming out by the minute, the Dollar Index has failed to break new lows and is making its way to the 99.00 pivot zone. Jerome Powell is currently speaking at the FOMC Rate Decision Press Conference. This nice chart offered by Bank of America in their latest Global Funds Manager Survey shows how positioning is changing – Reminder that it's more an opinion from the Funds Managers than numbers, as global exposure to USD assets is still massive. 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

BNB finds itself at a pivotal moment as price action tightens between two critical technical zones. After a period of consolidation, the cryptocurrency is testing resistance near the 200-period moving average, hovering around the $653 mark. Meanwhile, support around the $640 level continues to hold firm, acting as a safety net for bulls trying to defend the current structure. 200 MA Acts As A Ceiling Against BNB Uptrend According to Thomas Anderson in a recent X post, the M15 BNB chart reveals that the price is currently testing resistance around the $651.50 level, marked by a horizontal yellow line. This move follows a recent bounce off the ascending white trendline support, indicating that buyers are still defending the short-term uptrend. However, price action remains just beneath the 200-period moving average (red line), which is acting as a dynamic resistance zone near the $653 mark. Momentum indicators are offering mixed signals at the moment. The MACD continues to print negative values, showing that bearish pressure hasn’t fully dissipated, while the RSI has started recovering from previously oversold conditions. This combination suggests the potential for a short-term bounce within the ascending channel. M30 And H1 Charts Are Aligning In an updated post, the analyst also went further to examine the BNB M30 chart, where price is currently trading at $650.10 and appears to be consolidating just below the 200-period moving average (red line) situated around the $653 level. This area is acting as a key short-term resistance zone, and price action has shown hesitation around it, reflecting a battle between buyers and sellers. Interestingly, the H1 chart mirrors this behavior, showing a broader ascending channel structure that suggests an underlying bullish bias, though still unconfirmed. The immediate resistance to watch remains near the $653 mark, aligned with the 200 MA on both the M30 and H1 timeframes. If bulls can muster enough strength to break and sustain above this level, it could trigger a fresh wave of upward momentum for BNB toward the next resistance at $657. This would represent a potential continuation of the ascending channel’s structure and hint at growing bullish control in the short term. On the flip side, if price fails to push above the $653 resistance, consolidation may begin to lose steam. In such a scenario, a retreat toward the previous swing low near the $640 level becomes likely. This support area has already proven its strength and could be the next level of defense if bearish pressure increases. Traders are watching closely, as these levels may determine BNB’s next directional move.

In a post on June 17, prominent crypto strategist Astronomer (@astronomer_zero) outlined his high-conviction roadmap for Bitcoin’s next major breakout, emphasizing that timing—not just price—is the most critical factor for those still on the sidelines. Despite projecting a continuation of the broader uptrend that began at $18,000 in 2023, Astronomer warned that jumping in prematurely could blunt the risk-reward ratio of the next leg. “Planning to buy now into BTC is expected to net you a move of over 70% in a short period of time,” he wrote. “But the closer we get to those 10 weeks, confirmed with price action, the closer BTC is to breaking out.” Buy Bitcoin Now? His primary thesis: Bitcoin’s breakout will not occur before June 30, and any significant move is statistically more likely after that date. This aligns with what he calls one of the “most ancient crypto mechanics”—Bitcoin moves first, and altcoins follow. Astronomer’s roadmap presents a tiered accumulation strategy rooted in probabilistic support zones. “Upon statistical analysis, the expected close before going up only is around $103k,” he wrote. “Probably a good level to start getting involved. […] The expected level to be reached based on all prior signals (lowest wick) is $96k. Probably a good level to buy heavy if given. […] And finally, the expected lowest close is $90k. Probably a good level to allocate (almost) all your dry powder.” But beyond the price levels, Astronomer places stronger emphasis on timing: “If the price doesn’t go as deep into the $90’s—which I don’t think is very likely—I expect June to close between $95-110k and not go much lower. Then I’d buy more and more the closer we get to those 10 weeks regardless of the price. Time is more important than price.” He also pointed to structural market dynamics supporting his thesis, including a bullish spot-to-perpetual rotation: “The order books start to rotate towards green into spot, red into perps (aggressive shorts, aggressive spot buys), simply visible with the increasing spot premiums.” Adding to the signal strength is a recent weekly hash ribbon print—“one that never failed,” he noted. Astronomer further offered guidance for navigating altcoins, advising traders to wait for the breakout rather than attempting to catch falling knives. “Buying alts when BTC breaks out […] is smarter than trying to knife catch them. To eliminate the drawdown and reap the upside rewards.” Summarizing his plan, he said, “If I was sidelined, I’d look to buy below $103k and as much as possible as close to $90k as possible. And the closer we get to those 10 weeks, confirmed with price action, the more confident I become.” Astronomer’s final message underscores that his bullish stance hasn’t changed since the flip at $18K: “No top being in yet, until we reach at least 170k+. That is the plan.” And for those still unsure? He offers a blunt reminder: “This post is indeed on the backbone of our overall bull market masterplan. Good information if you want to make money—even if you’re sidelined, holding, or want to top up your bags.” At press time, BTC traded at $105,094.

Get ready as there is less than an hour to the FOMC Rate Decision, broadly expected to stay unchanged. What will be more market moving are the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), released in every Quarterly meetings. Both will release at 2:00 P.M. E.T. – We will update this page with the latest report as it gets released. Don't forget to tune in to FED Chair Powell's speech starting at 2:30 P.M. You can access the Powell livestream here. March Meeting (past) SEP 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

The recent four-week rally in the EUR/AUD cross pair, from the 14 May 2025 low of 1.7254 to the 13 June 2025 high of 1.7884, may have reached an inflection point where the odds now favour the start of another potential medium-term (multi-week) corrective decline sequence. close Fig 1: EUR/AUD medium-term trend as of 19 June 2025 (Source: TradingView) Fig 1: EUR/AUD medium-term trend as of 19 June 2025 (Source: TradingView) Preferred trend bias (1-3 weeks) Bearish bias with key medium-term pivotal resistance at 1.7890, and a break below the 1.7625 near-term support (intersection area of the 20-day and 50-day moving averages) exposes the medium-term supports of 1.7475 and 1.7255. Key elements The upward move of the EUR/AUD from the 14 May 2025 low to the 13 June 2025 high has triggered a bearish reaction at the upper boundary of a medium-term descending channel that is still evolving from the 9 April 2025 medium-term swing high. The 20-day and 50-day moving averages have turned flat, which suggests that the prior minor uptrend phase from 14 May 2025 low to the 13 June 2025 high has ended. The 4-hour RSI momentum indicator has printed a series of “lower highs” and inched below the centreline without hitting the oversold region yet (below 30). These observations suggest bearish momentum has surfaced. Alternative trend bias (1 to 3 weeks) A clearance above 1.7890 swings the pendulum back to bulls for the start of another potential impulsive bullish up move sequence within its major uptrend phase to see the next medium-term resistances coming in at 1.7980 and 1.8150 in the first step. 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Weir Group announced Wednesday it has signed a binding agreement to acquire US-based engineering product maker Townley, as well as its foundry business, for an enterprise value of £111m ($150m). Weir says this acquisition will help strengthen the group’s market channels and manufacturing footprint in North America, including in the phosphate market, a key mineral in fertilizers. The deal will be financed from Weir’s existing debt facilities and has no impact on its previous debt guidance for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the Glasgow-based firm said. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, subject to the customary US antitrust approvals. North American expansion Founded in 1963, Townley provides mining wear and abrasion solutions with a product range including slurry pumps, dredge pumps, cast foundry products, valves, urethane parts, hoses and rubber linings. Its operations are based in Ocala, within the phosphate mining region of north-central Florida. Townley’s strategic locations, according to Weir, will enhance the firm’s existing North American channels to market and provide access to new customers. The in-region manufacturing capabilities of Townley will also enable Weir to drive further localization and lead-time reduction within North America, it added. “The acquisition of Townley will significantly enhance our geographic presence in North America, enabling us to serve customers in the region more effectively and sustainably,” Weir CEO Jon Stanton Weir said in a statement. “It enhances our domestic manufacturing platform and strengthens Weir’s position in the attractive market for phosphate, an important mineral in the fertilizers that are needed to support population growth.” Post-completion, Townley’s business will be integrated into the North American region within Weir’s Minerals division. The deal is expected to be EPS accretive in the first full year of ownership, with return on invested capital expected to exceed weighted average cost of capital in 2028, Weir said.

Cryptocurrency markets are holding tight despite anxious and volatile conditions. Bitcoin is trading in a volatile range but still consolidating above the 100,000 Key mark, and Ethereum, which attempted a breakout last week, saw this attempt rejected and is now back to its initial range. New highs are tough to attain for risk-assets as the Market tone gets more pessimistic, however, one of the first uses for cryptocurrencies is a hedge against fiat currencies that get thrown around amid geopolitical turmoil – Something to keep in check if anything major materializes. The total market cap for cryptocurrencies is holding above $3 Trillion – Keep this in check to spot any major outflows. The Total market cap came shy of $3.5T as Bitcoin hit its last record highs of $112,000, but still hasn't broken the $3.70T record hit in December 2024. Read More: Markets Today: Oil Retreats, UK Inflation Falls, FTSE 100 Holds the High Ground Ahead of the FOMC Meeting 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Bitcoin has continued to hover above the $100,000 mark over the past few days, and its price action has stabilized around $105,000 in the wake of recent market tensions and despite inflows into Spot Bitcoin ETFs. A new analysis shared by crypto market commentator Gert van Lagen suggests that this current phase is going to precede an explosive move similar to those seen in previous market cycles. Backing his prediction with historical data and Glassnode’s AVIV Ratio chart, the analyst noted that the current on-chain structure echoes moments before Bitcoin’s major rallies in past bull markets. AVIV Ratio Flashes Familiar Pattern Before Market Top Bitcoin’s price volatility has slightly cooled since the initial surge to a new all-time high above $111,800 in May, and the latest candlestick structure suggests it may be preparing for another leg higher. Taking to the social media platform X, Gert van Lagen revealed a Bitcoin price prediction that centers around the true market Deviation metric known as the AVIV Ratio. This orange-colored line on the chart tracks a specific deviation in Bitcoin’s market behavior and has always crossed a red line denoting +3 standard deviations at or just before cycle tops. The current AVIV behavior can be compared to previous price points before market tops in previous cycles. For instance, in 2013, the AVIV Ratio flagged a major rally when Bitcoin was trading near $200, shortly before the price pushed past $1,200. In 2017, the metric behaved similarly when Bitcoin was trading at $3,700 and later peaked near $20,000. The current AVIV Ratio can also be compared to when Bitcoin was priced at $13,000 in the 2021 bull market run, before its surge to an all-time high of $69,000. According to the analyst, today’s AVIV ratio level is closely aligned with those previous mid-cycle breakouts. The current ratio has not yet crossed the red +3σ line, which the analyst refers to as the cycle top trigger. As such, its current reading suggests Bitcoin may be in the early phase of a major bull market expansion. If history repeats itself, a 3x move from today’s levels would be a standard price move in line with previous price action. $300,000 Target Within Sight If AVIV Behavior Holds Crypto analyst van Lagen stops short of calling for an immediate top, but his analysis implies that Bitcoin could be preparing for a new parabolic surge to the upside. Using the AVIV model as a reference, a conservative 3x multiplier on the current Bitcoin price places a possible target around $300,000. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $104,997, having decreased by 1.4% in the past 24 hours. This decline has brought its price down from an intraday high of $106,795 back into its consolidation range around $105,000.

Fed day has arrived and in just a few hours we will hear from Federal Reserve President Jerome Powell as well as get information on the Feds economic projections. President Trump renewed his scathing assessment of the Federal Reserve and in particular Chair Jerome Powell. Trump said he’ll wait until Powell is out before thinking long-term. He also mentioned he doesn’t expect Powell to cut rates today, criticized his performance as poor, and stated that interest rates should be two percentage points lower. close Source: TradingView.com Source: TradingView.com 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

The New Zealand dollar has posted gains on Wednesday. In the North American session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6042, up 0.45% on the day. The New Zealand dollar sustained sharp losses a day earlier, declining 0.75%. New Zealand GDP expected to fall 0.8% The New Zealand economy is in recession and the markets are bracing for a contraction in first-quarter GDP of 0.8%. The economy declined in Q4 2024 by 1.1%. A weak GDP report would put pressure on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to reduce interest rates at the next meeting on July 9. The Reserve Bank has been aggressive and lowered rates for a sixth straight time in May to 3.25%, for a total of 225 basis points. US retail sales take a hit Is the resilient US consumer showing cracks? US retail sales slumped in May, falling 0.9% m/m. This was well below the revised -0.1% reading in April and worse than the market estimate of -0.7%. Annually, retail sales fell to 3.3%, down sharply from a revised 5.0%. The monthly retail sales is particularly concerning because it marked a second straight decline. The pre-tariff spike in consumer spending has fizzled as the tariffs have taken effect. Consumers are wary that the tariffs will boost inflation and dampen consumer spending power and concerns about hiring have risen, prompting consumers to batten down the hatches in anticipation of tougher times ahead. If additional key US data heads lower, this will increase pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. The markets have priced in a hold at Wednesday's meeting at practically 100%, with little chance of a rate cut before September. NZD/USD Technical NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6035. Above, there is resistance at 0.60600.5990 and 0.5965 and providing support close NZDUSD 1-Day Chart, June 18, 2025 NZDUSD 1-Day Chart, June 18, 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to impact cryptocurrency prices, with Bitcoin (BTC) recently dipping below the $105,000 mark, market analyst VirtualBacon has shared insights suggesting that altcoins are gearing up for a potentially robust summer. Emerging AI Memecoins In a recent update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted several promising developments within the altcoin space. VirtualBacon pointed to an emerging wave of AI-focused Layer-1 blockchain projects, many backed by prominent figures in both the cryptocurrency and traditional finance sectors. He mentioned several names to watch, including Sahara Labs, Sentient AGI, and Gaianet, among others. While these projects have yet to release tokens, many are expected to conduct airdrops or early access rounds, presenting opportunities for early investors. For those seeking “higher-risk, high-reward investments,” VirtualBacon noted the impressive performance of artificial intelligence (AI) agent memecoins. He cited the launch of IRIS, which skyrocketed from a $220,000 fully diluted valuation (FDV) to $120 million, representing a 600x return. Platforms such as Virtuals, CreatorBid, and SeedifyFund are turning user engagement into allocation opportunities, likening this phenomenon to a form of airdrop farming on steroids. In addition, VirtualBacon highlighted a relatively overlooked area: Bittensor subnet tokens. He mentioned that seasoned investors can now acquire early-stage subnets directly on Bittensor’s chain, with projects like SN65_TPN and inference_labs raising capital through token auctions at valuations below $4 million. Stablecoins Take Center Stage Turning to real-world assets (RWAs), VirtualBacon advised focusing on mid-cap infrastructure projects with tangible revenue streams. He pointed to CHEX and CPOOL, which has shown consistent upward movement, as examples of promising investments. Another emerging narrative is the merger and acquisition activity involving public companies and crypto projects. VirtualBacon noted that Tron is set to go public through a Nasdaq reverse merger, while Mixie has been acquired by Netcapital, which boasts a team that includes notable figures like Tim Draper and a co-founder of Helium. A particularly intriguing development is World Liberty Financial (WLF), co-founded by Eric and Donald Jr. Trump, which aims to become a major player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. With plans for its own stablecoin, USD1, and expected to launch in October, the token could have an estimated FDV of $10–15 billion, a conservative projection given its potential. VirtualBacon also pointed out that stablecoins are becoming central to macroeconomic strategies. Tether now ranks as the fifth-largest holder of US Treasuries, highlighting the increasing need for buyers in the market. The analyst urged investors to keep an eye on stablecoin projects that integrate artificial intelligence technology and yield generation, such as USD1, Circle’s USDC, and others. Liquidity Shifts To Altcoin Platforms In the gaming sector, liquidity is coalescing around BlackholeDex, a decentralized exchange (DEX) backed by the AVAX Foundation. With a fee-sharing model similar to Aerodrome and Shadow, BlackholeDex has launched veNFT staking, aligning long-term incentives for users. Lastly, in the Solana ecosystem, Saros DLMM is emerging as a strong competitor to existing platforms like Jupiter and Meteora, utilizing similar bucket-based liquidity pools but with lower fees. It also plans a RADY meme airdrop for SAROS stakers, which could attract early adopters and fuel rapid growth, thus closing the list of highlighted altcoins. As of this writing, Ethereum, the market’s leading altcoin, is trading at $2,521. It has consolidated above this level after dropping sharply from its two-week high of $2,878. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Troilus Gold (TSX: TLG) announced on Wednesday it has reached terms with Germany’s Aurubis AG for an offtake agreement on future production of concentrates from its copper-gold project in Quebec. The final agreement, says Troilus, is expected to be executed in connection with the project’s broader $700 million debt financing package announced in March 2025. The financing is being structured by a syndicate of global financial institutions, including Société Générale, KfW IPEX-Bank and Export Development Canada. This financing arrangement follows financial backings Troilus received last year from four global export credit agencies to support the project’s construction. Among those was Euler Hermes, which on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action expressed its interest in providing a $500 million loan, contingent on an offtake agreement with Aurubis. Hamburg-based Aurubis is Europe’s largest producer of refined copper, with over 20 production and sales sites across the globe. “Reaching an agreement on indicative offtake terms with a world-class partner like Aurubis marks a key milestone as we advance toward construction of the Troilus mine,” Troilus CEO Justin Reid commented in a press release. “This agreement enhances both the technical and financial readiness of the project and reflects the quality of concentrate we expect to produce.” “The agreement with Troilus further strengthens our global raw material portfolio with high-quality concentrates and reinforces our competitive position in the international market,” Aurubis COO Tim Kurth stated. $1.1B project Situated in the Val-d’Or district of Quebec, Troilus’ flagship property is host to a former mine that produced nearly 70,000 tonnes of copper between 1996 and 2010. The company acquired the project in 2017 with a view of restarting the mine operation. As outlined in a feasibility study last May, the Troilus project would require an initial capital of $1.1 billion to build. Over an estimated 22-year mine life, it is expected to produce on average 135.4 million lb. in copper equivalent, or 75,000 wet metric tonnes in concentrate, annually. The mine project has an after-tax net present value (at 5% discount) of $884.5 million and an internal rate of return of 14% under the base case scenario. The payback period is estimated at 5.7 years.

Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel has finalized its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), ending an 18-month political and regulatory battle. The deal is a win for President Donald Trump’s administration, which negotiated a “golden share” giving the US government sweeping veto rights. Nippon Steel’s $55-a-share acquisition creates the world’s second-largest steelmaker. The deal, which faced opposition from US labor unions and political leaders including Joe Biden, was revived under Trump, who oversaw a new national security review. That review resulted in the creation of a golden share, allowing the US government to block key decisions such as plant closures, production cuts, or job relocations. The arrangement was first revealed in a weekend social media post by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. US Steel will retain its iconic name and headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A majority of the members of US Steel’s board of directors will be US citizens and key management personnel, including its CEO, will also be US citizens. Nippon Steel’s chairman, Eiji Hashimoto, credited Trump for helping bring the deal to completion and said the merger marks a new era for the historic American steelmaker. Nippon Steel will make approximately $11 billion in new investments in US Steel by 2028, which includes an initial investment in a greenfield project that will be completed after 2028. The acquisition expands Nippon Steel’s crude steel output capacity to 86 million tonnes annually, nearing its strategic 100 million-ton target. Timeline First proposed in December 2023, the deal was derailed when the Biden administration blocked it on national security grounds. Legal action followed, but under the Trump administration, a new 45-day review was initiated by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US. Nippon also hired former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and engaged labor leaders to help steer the deal to completion amid strong political headwinds. The resulting agreement included unprecedented terms: a US-appointed board member, capital spending guarantees, and citizenship rules for executives. While the golden share was key to regulatory approval, it raises concerns about future foreign interest in strategic US assets.

The Forex currency board is showing some undoing of yesterday’s action that had given a decent rebound in the US Dollar versus other currencies. However, that correction was insufficient for GBP bulls to push the Sterling back to its weekly highs. The Pound has dropped as UK Inflation data comes in line, shy of a slight miss on the Core Inflation. Markets were moved by some major geopolitical shifts and that hasn't led to much appreciation for the GBP. As a reminder, Markets will see the release of the Bank of England rate decision at 7:00 A.M. with close to 10% chance of a cut priced in – BoE Speakers haven't hinted towards more cuts until the latter part of Summer 2025. Also, don't forget the upcoming FED Rate decision at 14:00 P.M. E.T today! 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. © {CURRENT_YEAR} OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Since late 2024, BBVA’s private‑banking arm in Switzerland has been quietly advising clients to add Bitcoin and Ether to their holdings. According to Philippe Meyer, who leads digital and blockchain solutions at BBVA Switzerland, wealthy customers should allocate between 3% and 7% of their portfolios to crypto. Based on reports, this advice aims to boost returns without exposing investors to outsized risk. Early Adoption Timeline BBVA began executing crypto trades in 2021 for a handful of clients. By September 2024, Meyer says the bank had started formally recommending a 3% Bitcoin stake in balanced portfolios. Now, risk‑tolerant clients can move up to 7% into digital assets, reflecting BBVA’s growing confidence in crypto as a mainstream option. Client Reaction And Risk Views Many clients have responded well so far. Meyer notes that even a small 3% allocation “already boosts the performance” of a diversified portfolio and “you are not taking a huge risk” at that level. Short‑term swings still occur—crypto markets can drop 20% in a week—but private clients seem ready to ride those waves in pursuit of higher gains. Regulatory And Market Context Europe’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets regulation (MiCA) took full effect at the end of December 2024. This rulebook governs token issuers and service providers across the EU. Yet the European Securities and Markets Authority reports that 95% of EU banks avoid crypto activities entirely. BBVA stands out: in March 2025, Spain’s securities regulator gave it formal approval to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading in the country. Next Steps For App And Investors BBVA plans to roll out buy, sell, and portfolio management features inside its existing mobile app over the coming months. The launch will begin with select clients before expanding more broadly. As rival banks like Santander explore their own stablecoins—pegged to dollars and euros—BBVA’s move could spur a wave of mainstream crypto services. For now, only high‑net‑worth clients hear this crypto advice. But if allocations deliver solid returns and BBVA weathers any market crashes, other banks may follow. That would give more investors the chance to include crypto alongside stocks, bonds, and real estate. The real test will come if Bitcoin or Ether plunge sharply. If BBVA’s cautious plan holds up under stress, it may reshape how mainstream finance treats digital assets. Featured image from ESG News, chart from TradingView

After days of rumors around the identity of the mysterious ‘JPMD’ token filed by JPMorgan, widely supposed to be a stablecoin, the truth has finally emerged. JPMD isn’t a stablecoin after all – it’s a deposit token on the Base blockchain (Coinbase’s own blockchain). With JPMD, institutions have a round-the-clock method of making deposits, incorporating established banking systems with blockchain technology. It’s one more step along the path towards crypto as a normal part of everyday life, alongside core crypto projects like Best Wallet token. Time to learn more about why JPMorgan thinks deposit tokens are part of the future of crypto. Not a Surprise After All: JPMorgan Champions Deposit Tokens Perhaps everyone should have guessed what JPMD was. After all, one of the largest banks in the US is hardly likely to do anything without a lot of research and preparation. And in this case, JPMorgan has been championing blockchain-powered deposit tokens since at least 2022. That was when the company published an extensive report on the utility and function of proposed deposit tokens. Calling them ‘a foundation for stable digital money,’ JPMorgan outlined a number of core advantages a deposit token could offer to traditional banks: Digital form of commercial bank money – deposit token fills the role of existing deposit claims Blockchain-native programmability – with deposit tokens, banks can access smart contracts, an atomic settlement option, and automated processing Payment efficiency and cost reduction – on-chain deposit tokens provide real-time transfers; no more waiting for deposits to settle after-hours Seamless integration with banking – established use cases, existing support networks, and even clear legal status; there’s little to prevent immediate use of deposit tokens within the current banking infrastructure That last point is critical. Even while stablecoins draw increased attention, deposit tokens like JPMD hold one clear advantage: they fit neatly into existing rules and regulations. Trademark Filed, JPMorgan Builds Base for Crypto-Finance Integration JPMorgan filed the trademark application on June 15, 2025. As it turns out, the deposit token will be built on the Base blockchain and will leverage that chain to provide round-the-clock crypto access for its clients (Coinbase is one). If JPMD takes off – and it should, since JPMorgan has a market cap of roughly $738B – it could be the next step in the growing conjunction between crypto and finance. Institutions have led crypto adoption in recent months, but there are growing signs that retail adoption won’t be far behind. Success in a fully integrated crypto-financial world will rest partly on the power of your crypto wallet. Best Wallet app is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet, and now the Best Wallet Token launch takes the wallet to the next level. Best Wallet Token ($BEST) – Upgrade Your Crypto Wallet to be Future-Proof Best Wallet token ($BEST) takes the power of the Best Wallet app up a notch. $BEST token holders gain: Exclusive crypto presale access Reduced trading fees Increased staking rewards Governance rights and participation Best Wallet is the only crypto presale wallet, offering an Upcoming Tokens feature where you can research and invest in the best crypto presales. It’s all part of a growing crypto ecosystem where Best Wallet, Best Wallet Token, and the upcoming Best Card work together to equip you to navigate a brave new crypto world. That gives $BEST unique utility, even among other crypto presales. Currently, tokens cost $0.025195, and early investors can stake them for a 104% variable APY. Our price prediction sees the token price potentially reaching $0.035215 by the end of the year, delivering 40% returns to anyone who buys in now. Learn how to buy Best Wallet token, and don’t forget to visit the Best Wallet Token presale page today. JPMorgan, Best Wallet Show Path Forward for Crypto Together, the launch of both $BEST and $JPMD highlights the way forward for crypto. Traditional finance and crypto are no longer separate things – they’re two sides of the same coin, and crypto wallets connect them. Before purchasing $BEST, do your own research. This isn’t financial advice.

In a striking forecast, two academic researchers, Murray Rudd and Dennis Porter, have predicted that Bitcoin (BTC) could soar to an astonishing $4.3 million by 2036 if institutional buying trends continue. This prediction was highlighted by market expert Giovanni Incasa, who emphasized the significance of applying rigorous supply-demand theories to Bitcoin’s unique economic structure. Supply Shock Warning Rudd and Porter have employed pure mathematical modeling to analyze Bitcoin’s market dynamics, warning that the impending supply shock could lead to price fluctuations ten times more severe than anything seen to date. Their findings suggest that the effects of this supply shock will result in permanent wealth redistribution, fundamentally altering the landscape of digital assets. According to their conservative estimates, the Bitcoin price could reach $2.2 million per coin by 2036, a projection rooted in what they describe as “economic physics.” The researchers note that the current liquid supply of Bitcoin stands at only 11.2 million coins, with an estimated 4 million Bitcoin lost forever due to lost keys and Satoshi Nakamoto’s unspent stash. Their analysis reveals that only half of BTC’s total supply is actively liquid, meaning that even modest institutional purchases could lead to significant supply shortages. Evidence of this trend can be seen in the daily buying habits of US exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have averaged 285 Bitcoin per day since their launch, and the actions of Bitcoin treasury companies that are removing thousands of coins from circulation through debt financing. Senator Cynthia Lummis has also proposed a strategic reserve of one million Bitcoin, which would involve an acquisition of approximately 550 coins per day over five years. The researchers calculate that if 2,000 Bitcoin are removed from circulation daily, the price could reach $106,000—a figure that is already close to today’s trading price of $104,800, suggesting that their mathematical framework is holding true. The crux of the researchers’ findings is that traditional supply curves are not applicable to BTC. Its perfectly inelastic supply creates significant bottlenecks as demand rises, leading to dramatic price increases. They emphasize that institutions that delay their investments risk becoming permanently priced out of the market. Three Scenarios For Bitcoin Rudd and Porter outline three potential scenarios for Bitcoin’s future. In a conservative scenario, with a 20-fold increase in demand and continued institutional adoption leading to 2,000 daily Bitcoin withdrawals, prices could reach $2.2 million by 2036. Their bullish scenario posits a 30-fold demand growth, where Bitcoin could hit $5 million by early 2031. The most extreme, hyperbolic scenario anticipates a 40-fold demand increase, with daily withdrawals escalating to 4,000 Bitcoin, potentially driving prices to $4.3 million by 2036 and valuing Bitcoin at six times the current market cap of gold. The implications of Rudd and Porter’s research extend beyond mere speculation. It highlights a transformative period for BTC and the broader financial landscape, where strategic positioning and early adoption could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in the digital economy. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

After more than five weeks of unrelenting downside pressure, Cardano (ADA) finds itself approaching a potentially decisive juncture. In a new analysis published June 18, crypto analyst Quantum Ascend (@quantum_ascend) offered a fresh take on ADA’s price structure, warning that the final leg of a downward five-wave Elliott pattern may now be unfolding—with a critical resolution point drawing near. How Low Can Cardano Crash? “We dropped down into that second wave… and had it highlighted, it bounced from there. So we did call that correctly,” the analyst began, referencing earlier predictions. But despite the brief bounce, he now sees a more extended impulse playing out. “It does look like we’re turning this into more of a five-wave move down. So one, two, three, four, and working on a fifth wave now,” he explained while analyzing the one-day chart of ADA. At the core of the bearish outlook is Fibonacci confluence. Quantum Ascend pointed out that ADA currently hovers around the 0.702 retracement level, with the 0.786 level lying just beneath it—both key zones often associated with deeper corrections in Elliott Wave theory. “Makes complete sense for us to go ahead and drop in right to this area at the very minimum,” he noted. Yet despite the grim technicals, the analyst maintains that no structural damage has occurred—at least not yet. “As long as we hold the 51 cent level, nothing’s broken, it’s not a problem, right?” he reassured. The broader context, however, is less encouraging: “We need Bitcoin to catch a little bit of a bid or Ethereum or something. We need some kind of good news to come in to alleviate a little bit of this because the market’s just pretty much been bleeding… for over a month now.” ADA has underperformed relative to its peers since early May, with sentiment sliding alongside price. But Quantum Ascend encouraged viewers not to overreact to the current downtrend. “All it is is an opportunity to dollar cost average,” he said, before addressing the exhaustion many long-term holders are feeling. “I know what you’re saying, QA. I’ve been dollar cost averaging for seven months. I get it. I’ve been there.” Rather than panic-sell or obsess over day-to-day moves, the analyst recommended mental distance and patience. “Go do something fun, it’s beautiful, it’s summer. Go do something else, anything else. But this thing is gonna resolve itself and alt season is around the corner,” he said. Despite short-term bearishness in the chart, his long-term conviction remains intact. “World War III is not starting. I could not have more conviction in all those things.” With ADA potentially entering the final leg of a corrective structure and broader markets searching for a catalyst, all eyes are now on whether support zones hold—or if Cardano is headed even lower before the long-awaited resolution finally arrives. At press time, ADA traded at $0.6158.

Bitcoin’s grip on the market has remained firm. Its dominance, measured as a percentage of total crypto market capitalization, currently hovers near 63.9% after hitting a high of 65.3% in May. Historically, such strength from Bitcoin precedes a broad shift where traders rotate profits into smaller assets. Yet this time, that shift hasn’t materialized on a meaningful scale. People are wondering: When will altcoin season begin? Many expected 2025 to be the year altcoins made their comeback, but that optimism is starting to wear thin halfway through the year. EXPLORE: OnlyFans Rich List 2025: Sophie Rain Steals Crown as Cracks Emerge in Creator Inequality Still, Experts Agree: Altcoin Season Is Not Dead, Just Delayed Several factors explain this unusual dynamic. One of the most significant is the rise of institutional investors, who now view Bitcoin as a regulatory-safe entry point into crypto. With the launch and rapid adoption of spot Bitcoin ETFs, large-scale capital flows directly into BTC. In earlier cycles, altcoins sometimes served as speculative stand-ins for Bitcoin. Today, institutions can access BTC directly. This is exactly what they’re doing. This shift has had a dampening effect on the rest of the market. Bitcoin remains the consensus trade among institutions. The perception of BTC as a safer bet, backed by regulatory clarity and operational reliability, makes it difficult for capital to rotate toward altcoins. In contrast, many altcoins are still grappling with smart contract risks, unclear regulations, and high centralization. This makes institutional investors reluctant to venture beyond Bitcoin, at least for now. Bitcoin Dominance Chart Signals: Still in a BTC-Led Phase (BTC.D) A look at the Bitcoin dominance chart reinforces this narrative. Around 64.8% of Bitcoin’s market share has been climbing steadily since late 2022. In contrast to the 2020–2021 bull run, when BTC dominance peaked at ~73% before rapidly falling and sparking a full-fledged altcoin season, there is no sign of reversal yet. The weekly chart shows consistently higher highs and higher lows, with capital continuing to flow into Bitcoin while most altcoins lag. This dominance becomes even clearer in the ETH/BTC chart. (BTCETH) Ethereum has struggled to outperform BTC. While it has remained relatively stable against the U.S. dollar, it has lost ground against Bitcoin for nearly two years. Simply put, holding BTC over ETH during this period delivered a better ROI. Why this matters: ETH/BTC is often seen as a proxy for altcoin confidence. When ETH performs well against BTC, it typically signals growing risk appetite and a healthier altcoin market. A falling ETH/BTC ratio, on the other hand, suggests defensive positioning and capital consolidation into Bitcoin. Jess Houlgrave, CEO of Reown, notes that altcoins lag because hype rather than fundamentals still drives many. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has solidified its reputation with institutional trust, consistent utility, and macro relevance. Some crypto influencers believe the biggest altcoin season in history could still begin in June—echoing previous cycles. But macroeconomic factors can’t be ignored. Geopolitical tensions, interest rate uncertainty, and a cautious risk environment have made investors hesitant to embrace volatility. Liquidity is also spread thin across an ever-growing pool of new altcoin projects, diluting market attention. The result is a fragmented environment where few altcoins manage to sustain significant momentum. Ethereum Accumulates Quiet Strength as Bitcoin Dominance Holds On the bright side, Ethereum is seeing strong accumulation from whales and steady inflows into spot ETFs: over 870,000 ETH was bought in one day recently, the highest since 2017. ETFs have now seen 19 consecutive days of net inflows, totaling over $500 million. (Source) Despite this, ETH’s price has dipped slightly due to a sharp rise in short positions on CME futures, with net shorts now at $1.55 billion. This reflects a popular delta-neutral strategy: investors go long via ETFs or spot while shorting futures to hedge and earn yield without direct price exposure. If staking is approved for U.S.-based ETH ETFs, this strategy could expand significantly, offering yields close to 8%. For now, Ethereum’s strong fundamentals are being weighed down by sophisticated hedging activity. For crypto enthusiasts wondering when Bitcoin dominance will finally fall, the answer may be: not yet, but soon. Altcoin season may be taking its time, but it’s far from canceled. As Bitcoin’s surge plateaus and fresh capital looks for higher returns, the altcoin market could stage a comeback, potentially as we near the end of 2025 or enter 2026. DISCOVER: Top Solana Meme Coins to Buy in 2025 Key Takeaways Is an altcoin season near? Bitcoin dominance remains near 64%, showing no signs of reversal and delaying the start of a broad altcoin rally. Institutional capital flows into BTC via ETFs, reducing speculative interest in altcoins compared to past cycles.today’s Institutional investors are prioritizing Bitcoin, leaving less liquidity for the broader altcoin market. Ethereum underperforms against Bitcoin, but whale accumulation and ETF inflows suggest quiet strength building. Whales are accumulating ETH, and ETFs have seen over 19 consecutive days of inflows. Altcoin season may emerge by late 2025, as Bitcoin plateaus and investors rotate into higher-risk assets seeking stronger returns. The post Expert Predictions For Altcoin Season Trigger: When Will Bitcoin Dominance Finally Fall? appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

Crypto analyst Cyclop has made a potentially significant statement, claiming that the ongoing crisis between Israel and Iran may inadvertently boost the performance of digital assets. Despite recent volatility, which saw a sell-off of approximately $140 billion in the crypto market, Cyclop’s long-term analysis reveals a more optimistic outlook for the broader digital asset industry. Analyst Predicts Bullish Trends For Crypto Amid Conflicts In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Cyclop pointed to historical patterns that suggest geopolitical tensions often lead to bullish trends in cryptocurrency. Citing specific instances from April and October 2024, he noted that Bitcoin (BTC) experienced an initial decline of 18% and 10% respectively during these conflicts, only to rebound with impressive gains of 28% and 62% shortly thereafter. This trend, he argues, indicates a recurring cycle where war-related dips in crypto prices eventually transform into significant growth, as can be depicted in the chart below shared by Cyclop. The analyst explains that while such conflicts can trigger short-term bearish movements, the overarching impact tends to be favorable for cryptocurrencies. As wars ignite fears of inflation and instability, Cyclop has noted that many investors for the traditional finance arena turn to crypto as a hedge against weakening fiat currencies. Unlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrencies are not subject to freezing, he said, making them appealing during times of geopolitical unrest. Increasingly, digital currencies are being viewed as a form of “digital gold,” a safe haven in tumultuous times. Favorable Macroeconomic Factors The current market dynamics echo previous events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and US-Iran tensions in 2020, which similarly resulted in temporary dips followed by recoveries. Cyclop remains confident that the present situation will yield similar outcomes, despite the typical summer slowdown that often affects market activity. Supporting this bullish sentiment are favorable macroeconomic factors. Recent developments indicate that the US and China have reached a compromise, easing tariffs and aiming to stabilize global supply chains. This move is expected to help cool inflation and restore investor confidence. Moreover, President Donald Trump’s decision to delay new tariffs has contributed to a more risk-friendly environment, allowing liquidity to flow back into crypto markets. Further aiding this positive outlook is the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed a modest increase of just 0.1% month-over-month, slightly below forecasts. With year-over-year inflation at 2.4%—down from an expected 2.5%—the Federal Reserve (Fed) is now anticipated to cut interest rates twice by the end of the year. Historically, such rate cuts have been bullish for cryptocurrencies, as they often lead to increased liquidity in the markets. While the immediate aftermath of the Israel-Iran conflict may present challenges, historical data suggests that cryptocurrencies have the potential to thrive in such environments. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com