Из жизни альткоинов

The Ethereum price continues to disappoint investors who expected that the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap would have hit new all-time highs alongside Bitcoin crossing $100,000. However, this has not been the case as Ethereum has reversed violently and returned to levels not seen in five years. Even with so much value lost already, expectations remain that the ETH price still has a lot of falling to do, as crypto analysts continue to predict violent crashes.

Ethereum Price Headed For $1,400

In a post on TradingView, crypto analyst TradeNation outlined the possible directions that the Ethereum price could go from here. Mainly, the important level is the $1,724 level, which the crypto analyst points out would be the crucial deciding factor for the cryptocurrency. This is essentially the make-or-break point for Ethereum and will likely see a battle from bulls and bears for control.

This level has become a major resistance for the Ethereum price after the price decline in the last few months. It means that if there is to be any type of sustained breakout, then the Ethereum price would need to completely clear this resistance and turn it into support in the meantime. Then the next major resistance moves to $1,840, with $1,926 on the horizon.

However, if the bulls fail to clear this level and the bears successfully reject it at this level, then a continuation of the downtrend should be expected. The first target in such a decline is the $1,409 level. This is where the first support is expected to form in a downtrend. Then, in the case of a complete break, the crypto analyst sees the Ethereum price crashing further to $1,350 and then $1,265 in the long term.

Still Locked In Bearish Sentiment

The entirety of the crypto market is currently very bearish, but sentiment on the Ethereum price is even worse due to its poor performance. The crypto analyst points out that this bearish sentiment is actually being reinforced by the downtrend, since Ethereum has failed to make any notable moves this time around. If sentiment does not improve, then sell-offs could continue and ETH could plummet further.

On-chain metrics have also shown a lack of interest in the Ethereum blockchain. For example, Bitcoinist reported that ETH gas fees have dropped to 2020 levels, the lowest they have been in five years. Ethereum whales have also been leading the sell-off trends, dumping more than 143,000 ETH in a single week. These poor on-chain metrics and the sell-off trends suggest that the decline may be far from over.

Crypto exchange Coinbase revealed that Oregon’s Attorney General plans to file a lawsuit similar to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s dismissed case. According to the exchange, Oregon is reportedly trying to revive the US regulator’s long-criticized “regulation by enforcement” approach.

Coinbase To Face New Lawsuit In Oregon

On Friday, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, shared that Oregon’s Attorney General will file a securities enforcement action against the crypto exchange on April 18.

According to the blog post, the Attorney General’s “copycat case” is “asserting the same stale, repeatedly refuted theories that the SEC rightly disavowed (with prejudice) when it dismissed its case against Coinbase.”

Grewal slammed the Oregon Attorney General’s decision, stating, “These hand-me-down arguments are years out of date and defy public opinion, technological progress, and good governance.”

For context, the SEC sued the crypto exchange in 2023, alleging that the platform was an unregistered securities exchange. The Commission argued that Coinbase operated as an unregistered broker-dealer and illegally sold unregistered securities through its staking program.

Nonetheless, the regulatory agency dismissed the lawsuit in February 2025, following the departure of the SEC’s former chairman, Gary Gensler, and the new regulatory approach. Under the pro-industry Trump administration, the Commission, led by acting chair Mark Uyeda, has dismissed multiple crypto litigations and investigations, including Gemini, Binance, Uniswap Labs, and Robinhood.

Similarly, Coinbase was sued in June 2023 by 10 US state regulators, including Alabama, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The multi-state task force accused the crypto exchange of violating securities law by offering its staking rewards program. After the SEC’s case dismissal, three states have also dropped their lawsuits.

Crypto Legislation A Top Priority

In an X threat, the CLO stated that the Attorney General’s office “made it clear” that they are “literally picking up where the Gary Gensler SEC left off,” which he considers an “embarrassing waste of Oregon taxpayer dollars.” He also assured customers that Coinbase is prepared to fight as “Oregon’s lawsuit, like the SEC’s, is meritless.”

Grewal asserted that the industry won the “war against crypto waged by the previous SEC and its allies,” as the regulatory agency “finally caught up with the reality that the vast majority of digital assets are not securities —and that there is widespread public support for this revolutionary technology.”

He added in the blog post that Oregon’s campaign does nothing to move the conversation forward. Instead, it takes two steps back from the recent progress and the “constructive policymaking happening in DC.”

Bipartisan momentum has never been stronger to pass comprehensive federal legislation for digital assets—legislation that would enable domestic crypto businesses to thrive while preventing rogue state governments from bringing politically motivated actions against crypto firms. Yet instead of waiting for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to enact clear rules of the road, Oregon has taken it upon itself to try to regulate a worldwide industry through enforcement.

Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer (CPO), Faryar Shirzad, has previously called for clear crypto legislation to prevent “rogue attacks” on the industry, urging the US Congress to act now and unlock the industry’s potential in the US.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has initiated legal action against Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency trading platforms in the United States. 

The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, alleges that Coinbase has violated Oregon Securities Law by facilitating the sale of unregistered cryptocurrencies to residents of the state, leading to notable financial losses for investors.

Allegations Of Misconduct

In his statement, Rayfield emphasized the trust that Oregon consumers placed in Coinbase, which he claims was breached when the platform sold high-risk investments without adequate vetting. “Oregonians lost money, and we believe Coinbase should be held accountable and take steps to protect consumers,” he asserted.

The complaint alleges that Coinbase operates as an exchange that supports the sale of unregistered securities, which are often associated with higher risks. 

The platform is accused of approving cryptocurrencies, connecting buyers and sellers, managing trades, and promoting various digital assets to Oregonians without proper regulatory oversight.

“You don’t go in for a medical procedure without knowing the risks. It’s the same for everyday folks who want to invest in cryptocurrency,” Rayfield stated.

The lawsuit points out that these alleged unregistered securities are “vulnerable to schemes” such as pump-and-dump operations and fraud, which can result in devastating losses for investors. 

A notable example cited by the Attorney is the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), which the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously identified as an unregistered security. 

After its launch on Coinbase, ICP’s price dramatically fell from $700 to $72 within a month, and it now trades around $7—a staggering drop of nearly 99%.

This legal move comes in the wake of the SEC’s recent decision to drop its case against Coinbase and reassign the attorney leading that case. Rayfield highlighted the necessity for state-level enforcement in the absence of robust federal action.

Coinbase’s Response

In response to the lawsuit, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, expressed strong dissent on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He described the lawsuit as a “copycat case” of the SEC’s earlier enforcement action against Coinbase, which was dismissed. 

Grewal further criticized the legal action as a “politically motivated effort” that wastes taxpayer dollars and detracts from the urgent need for bipartisan legislation addressing digital assets.

The executive also pointed out perceived omissions in the Oregon AG’s complaint, claiming it disregarded key judicial rulings and appeared influenced by private law firms seeking to profit from the lawsuit. 

Grewal asserted that the exchange remains confident in its legal standing and is prepared to contest what he characterized as a misguided lawsuit. He concluded by stating that business operations in Oregon would continue as usual.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Donald Trump isn’t exactly known for subtlety, and now he’s aiming his wrecking ball straight at the Federal Reserve.

The rumor mill is spinning fast – will President Trump really fire Jerome Powell? Anthony Pompliano, crypto investor and entrepreneur, says that could set a dangerous precedent.

Meanwhile, prediction markets like Polymarket are lighting up with bets on Powell’s early exit.

But beyond the headlines and political drama, something deeper is happening: trust in the old financial guard is cracking.

As Wall Street braces for impact, a growing wave of users is turning their backs on traditional finance altogether. Not just for investing — but for living. Enter Solaxy ($SOLX), a fresh Web3 ecosystem where money, community, and fun collide.

The Big Picture: Why People Are Losing Faith in the Fed

The U.S. Federal Reserve used to be the quiet grown-up in the room – predictable, steady, and trusted.

Not anymore. Since Trump began teasing the idea of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, cracks in that trust have deepened.

According to Polymarket, odds that Trump will sack Powell are climbing, and crypto influencers like Anthony Pompliano are warning it would set a dangerous precedent, threatening the Fed’s independence altogether.

The idea that a sitting president could boot the central bank chief for political convenience has rattled more than just the crypto crowd – it’s ignited fears of short-termism and instability in the very system meant to prevent those things.

Add rising national debt, interest rate whiplash, and a volatile global economy, and suddenly, ditching centralized finance doesn’t sound radical – it sounds rational.

That’s where decentralized alternatives start to shine.

Solaxy ($SOLX) – The First Ever Solana Layer 2, and It’s a Game Changer

Solaxy ($SOLX) isn’t just a new crypto project – it’s a new crypto movement. As the first Solana Layer 2, it steps in where the base chain starts to wobble.

Yes, Solana is fast, but it’s also infamous for network congestion, failed transactions, and scalability bottlenecks that can turn even the best trades into missed opportunities.

Solaxy fixes that by supercharging Solana’s core strengths – speed and low fees – while solving its pain points.

Think of it like upgrading your car to handle any terrain without sacrificing horsepower. With Solaxy, you get smoother performance, higher throughput, and fewer hiccups across the board.

Here’s the kicker: $SOLX is multichain. It lives on Ethereum and Solana, bridging the world’s most liquid DeFi market with crypto’s most explosive meme coin playground.

Whether you’re chasing meme coins or scouting the next big crypto gem, $SOLX gives you access to both worlds – and more ways to win.

With over $30M already raised and each token priced at just $0.001698, it’s one of the best altcoins to watch right now.

Some forecasts suggest $SOLX could reach up to $0.032 by 2025, with a potential high of $0.043 by 2030 – not bad for a token currently priced under two-tenths of a cent.

Solaxy Levels the Playing Field for Everyday Traders

Now let’s talk power – the kind Solaxy puts directly into your hands.

This isn’t some vaporware whitepaper. It’s a real, working ecosystem that makes elite trading tools accessible to everyone.

By tapping into Solaxy’s speed and scalability, even casual users can trade like pros. Sniper bot-level speed, but without needing a PhD in scripts – just tap, click, and go.

That means better odds at catching meme coin pumps before they blast off.

Entry is easy. The $SOLX presale is open to buyers using $ETH, $BNB, $SOL, or even your bank card – covering the most active crypto communities worldwide.

And with long-term forecasts projecting major upside, early buyers may be getting in at a steep discount. Solaxy isn’t just solving technical problems. It’s rewriting the rules of who gets to win in crypto.

As Trump Targets Powell, Trust in Traditional Finance Hits a Breaking Point

Whether Trump follows through on firing Powell or not, the writing’s on the wall: people are tired of legacy systems that serve the few and confuse the rest.

Solaxy offers more than just a financial alternative – it’s a cultural shift. In a world of inflation, rate hikes, and political power plays, this Web3 ecosystem gives users a place to engage, earn, and belong.

It’s not about escaping the system – it’s about building a better one.

Before investing into crypto, always do your own research (DYOR). This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute financial advice.

Although Bitcoin (BTC) continues to hold steady in the mid-$80,000 range, analysts are forecasting that significant volatility may be imminent for the leading cryptocurrency. That said, most analysts predict a potential price rally for the apex digital asset.

Bitcoin Ready To Experience Significant Volatility

In a CryptoQuant Quicktake post, contributor Mignolet highlighted that approximately 170,000 BTC has recently moved from the 3–6 month holder cohort. Historically, such large movements from this group have often preceded notable price swings.

Mignolet shared the following chart, noting how spikes in BTC movement from the 3–6 month cohort have frequently led to heightened price volatility. Notably, green boxes denote upward price movement, while red boxes indicate price declines.

Several crypto analysts have shared their insights on recent BTC price action based on both on-chain metrics and technical chart patterns. For example, seasoned crypto analyst Master of Crypto made an observation about the realized price of short-term holders (STH) versus long-term holders (LTH).

According to the analyst, STH are currently mostly in the red, with a realized price of around $92,700, while LTH have a realized price of $26,500, meaning they’re sitting on gains of over 200%.

Master of Crypto added that whenever such a wide gap exists between STH and LTH realized prices, it often paves the way for severe price volatility. They concluded by saying “either the weak hands fold, or we rip higher.”

Seasoned crypto analyst Ali Martinez provided an optimistic take on potential BTC price action based on on-chain analytics. The analyst noted that more than 15,000 BTC have been withdrawn from crypto exchanges over the past week.

Low exchange reserves are typically bullish for BTC, as they suggest investors prefer to hold rather than sell at current prices. Additionally, reduced exchange balances reinforce the supply scarcity narrative for the asset.

Analysts Forecast BTC Reversal In Near-Term

Another analyst, Ted, drew attention to BTC’s correlation with the global M2 money supply. According to Ted, Bitcoin is tracking the growth in global M2 with a 108-day lag, suggesting a potential trend reversal as early as May. The analyst further added:

I think for the next few weeks, BTC could consolidate between $75K-$90K. During this timeframe, retail will most likely panic sell while smart money will accumulate.

Meanwhile, noted analyst Titan of Crypto recently stated that BTC’s consolidation around the $83,000 level could be laying the groundwork for a rally toward $135,000. At press time, BTC trades at $84,553, up 0.5% in the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin whales are buying again, and that’s rarely a quiet signal.

Large holders are scooping up $BTC at levels not seen since the last bull market, while mid-sized wallets are finally flipping bullish too.

Add to that a bold prediction from crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen – who sees a potential 137% upside for Bitcoin in a perfect scenario – and you’ve got a cocktail of rising confidence.

But here’s the thing: when Bitcoin rallies, it rarely moves alone.

Altcoins with strong narratives, meme energy, or smart positioning often surge even faster. If you’re scanning the market for the best altcoins to watch as momentum builds, we’ve got three that are starting to heat up.

Whale Moves and Wild Forecasts: Why Bitcoin Is Back in Focus

On-chain data shows a clear pattern: large Bitcoin holders – aka whales – are steadily increasing their positions. That kind of accumulation usually signals long-term confidence.

More interestingly, even mid-sized holders, who tend to be more reactive to short-term sentiment, are now showing signs of accumulation too. This double signal suggests that broader belief in a new bullish cycle is forming.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Cowen, a well-known analyst in the space, recently said in an interview that Bitcoin could climb as much as 137% if macro and market conditions align.

While that’s a best-case scenario, it shows just how much upside analysts are starting to factor in. If $BTC does take off like that, the altcoin market could ignite in its shadow.

1. BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) – Riding the Bitcoin Whale Wave Like a Meme Cowboy

BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) isn’t just another meme coin hoping to go viral. It’s designed to mirror Bitcoin’s rise – but with serious perks.

As Bitcoin climbs to key milestones like $150K, $200K, and beyond, $BTCBULL holders are rewarded with real $BTC. Yes, actual Bitcoin.

This meme-powered, community-driven token is built around a simple yet powerful idea: let regular investors benefit from $BTC’s legendary performance without needing to own a full coin.

At a current price of $0.00247, $BTCBULL has already raised over $4.8M during its presale, signaling strong early interest.

The token also features built-in supply burns as $BTC hits milestones, creating natural scarcity that could drive value over time.

Every time Bitcoin hits a milestone, $BTCBULL’s supply shrinks (hello, token burns), and rewards drop straight to holders – but only if you bought $BTCBULL through Best Wallet and still hold it there. No Best Wallet? No airdrops.

The project has already partnered with Best Wallet to make claiming rewards easy – no BRC-20 headaches or complex $BTC wallets required. Buy $BTCBULL on Ethereum, hold it in Best Wallet, and if Bitcoin pumps, so do your rewards.

With Bitcoin whales accumulating and price predictions turning bullish, $BTCBULL is positioned to capitalize on the surge like few others.

2. Mind of Pepe ($MIND) – Where Meme Culture Meets AI Power

Mind of Pepe ($MIND) is a meme coin unlike anything the space has seen before.

At its core is a self-evolving AI agent designed to act in the best interest of $MIND holders. It has its own blockchain wallet, can interact with decentralized apps (dApps), and even launch new tokens – all autonomously.

What sets this project apart is the AI’s integration with social media. Mind of Pepe runs its own autonomous account on X, where it scans crypto conversations on X in real-time using hive-mind analysis.

Mind of Pepe identifies early narratives, predicts meme trends before they go mainstream, and engages with influencers to help shape the conversation.

This intelligence isn’t just for show – it’s delivered exclusively to $MIND holders through token-gated communities and Telegram drops.

Even more, the AI can create and launch its own tokens within its community. $MIND holders get first access to these launches, giving them a rare early-trader advantage in an increasingly fast-moving market.

As the AI continues to learn and evolve, it becomes a stronger force in the space – part influencer, part analyst, part builder. In a world where narrative drives value, $MIND offers direct access to the machine that’s helping write it.

With market sentiment turning bullish again, $MIND is well-positioned to ride the next meme-fueled breakout. If you’re looking to buy in, $MIND is currently priced at $0.0037215, with over $8M already raised during its presale.

3. Green Bitcoin ($GBTC) – Gamified Staking With an Eco-Twist

Green Bitcoin ($GBTC) is a new crypto project offering a fresh take on staking – combining climate-conscious values with a gameified DeFi experience.

Priced at around $0.09914, $GBTC runs on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, promoting sustainability while letting users earn rewards through prediction-based staking.

Here’s how it works: holders can stake their $GBTC and guess the future price of Bitcoin. If their prediction is accurate, they earn extra rewards. If not, they still receive base staking income. It’s part DeFi, part game, and built for a market that’s increasingly leaning into eco-aware narratives.

Unlike standard staking platforms, Green Bitcoin adds this layer of interactivity to keep users engaged – and connected to Bitcoin’s price action.

The token’s supply is capped, with deflationary mechanics in place, and the platform plans to use part of its ecosystem to fund renewable energy initiatives.

In a crypto world trying to shake off its carbon-heavy image, $GBTC offers a rare value proposition: make money, have fun, and feel a little better about your portfolio’s footprint.

With bullish Bitcoin sentiment rising again, it could quietly become one of the best altcoins to watch in the months ahead.

Altcoins, Momentum, and a Market on the Move

Bitcoin’s momentum is building fast – and it’s pulling some high-potential altcoins into the spotlight.

$BTCBULL mirrors Bitcoin’s rise with real $BTC rewards, $MIND fuses memes with AI-generated insights, and $GBTC gamifies staking with a green twist.

Together, these projects capture where the market is heading: narrative-driven, utility-backed, and community-powered. With whales accumulating and sentiment flipping bullish, this could be the ideal time to explore beyond Bitcoin itself.

Just don’t forget – all crypto investments come with risk. Never invest more than you’re willing to lose, and always do your own research (DYOR).

Роскомнадзор, федеральная служба по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций, в пятый раз заблокировала доступ к BestChange.ru, крупнейшему в России сервису по мониторингу информации о криптовалютных обменниках.

Председатель Национального банка Казахстана Тимур Сулейменов заявил, что в стране назрела необходимость в создании общенационального криптовалютного обменника, так как спрос на такие операции среди населения постоянно растет.

В Советский районный суд города Уфа направлено уголовное дело в отношении бывшего оперуполномоченного полиции на транспорте. Он обвиняется в краже биткоинов на 20 млн рублей у задержанных им в 2022 году граждан.

Galaxy Research has returned to the Solana governance arena with a fresh proposal that seeks to sidestep the deadlock that stymied last month’s SIMD‑228 vote on inflation. Published on GitHub on April 17 and titled “Multiple Election Stake‑Weight Aggregation (MESA) Vote for Reducing Inflation,” the document lays out a procedure that would let validators express a full spectrum of preferences instead of the blunt YES / NO / ABSTAIN triad that governs Solana referenda today.

New Solana Inflation Proposal Follows First Failure

Solana’s monetary schedule is presently hard‑coded: annual issuance starts at 8 %, declines by 15 % each year, and plateaus at a 1.5 % “terminal” inflation rate. According to dashboard provider Solana Compass, the network’s effective inflation stands at 4.591 %. While SIMD‑228 revealed broad agreement that those figures amount to “security overpayment,” the binary ballot failed to gather the two‑thirds super‑majority needed to tighten the curve.

Galaxy’s new plan keeps the familiar fixed, time‑dependent decline toward 1.5 % but replaces single‑outcome votes with what it calls a market‑driven aggregation. “Instead of throwing darts until the community is happy with an individual proposal,” the authors write, “it is more efficient to simply ask each person what they want and settle on the aggregate.”

Under MESA, validators would send stake to multiple YES accounts representing discrete disinflation rates—15 %, 17.5 %, 20 % and so on—while NO and ABSTAIN remain unchanged. The weighted average of those YES buckets would set the new curve. A worked example in the post shows how 5 % of YES stake for “unchanged,” 50 % for 30 % deflation and 45 % for 33 % would yield a composite 30.6 % rate.

Galaxy stresses that the scheme is “not to be confused with a market‑driven curve as detailed in SIMD‑228,” because the underlying schedule would still be deterministic once chosen. Yet, the firm argues, the method is “democratic and progressive” and could “eliminate the need to repeatedly take the idea to single‑outcome vote until a universally acceptable number is proposed.”

The pitch has already drawn scrutiny from core developers. Max Resnick of Anza responded on GitHub that the arithmetic of averaging creates a perverse incentive to vote tactically rather than truthfully: “Suppose I believe the best policy is 25 % a year. … With the average aggregation rule the best thing to do is try to forecast where the final outcome will be and set the most extreme policy in whichever direction you want to pull the policy from there.”

Resnick argues that selecting the median of submitted preferences would be “a truthful aggregation rule” and reiterates his preference for “a dynamic market‑based approach to issuance” over any static curve, adding, “I have faith that the Solana community is intelligent enough to understand a dynamic inflation policy.”

Galaxy’s authors acknowledge that critical implementation details remain open. They invite debate on how many YES buckets to include, whether SIMD‑228’s 33 % quorum and two‑thirds super‑majority thresholds should carry over, and whether a weighted average is in fact the fairest way to collapse the vote.

At press time, SOL traded at $133.83.

Суд федеральной палаты Кампина-Гранди, бразильского штата Параиба, приговорил трех участников криптовалютной пирамиды Braiscompany к суммарному сроку заключения более 170 лет.

Эксперты аналитической платформы DappRadar сообщили, что в период с января по апрель криптоиндустрия потеряла около $6 млрд из-за мошеннических схем вывода ликвидности (rug pull).

Bitcoin is currently in a consolidation phase after enduring weeks of selling pressure and heightened volatility. Despite struggling to break above the $90K level, BTC continues to hold strong above the $80K–$81K zone—a crucial support range that has kept the broader market from slipping into deeper losses. However, macroeconomic tensions persist, with the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China fueling global uncertainty. The threat of further tariffs and an impending recession continues to weigh on risk-on assets like Bitcoin.

Still, on-chain metrics suggest that larger players remain confident. According to data from Glassnode, wallets holding more than 10,000 BTC continue to accumulate, with their trend score hovering near 0.7—indicating sustained bullish activity from long-term holders. Meanwhile, smaller cohorts—ranging from less than 1 BTC to 100 BTC—have started easing their distribution, with the 10–100 BTC group now approaching a 0.5 trend score.

With whales leading the charge and smaller holders beginning to follow, Bitcoin’s consolidation may set the stage for the next major move once macro conditions stabilize.

Bitcoin Whales Lead Accumulation Amid Global Uncertainty

Bitcoin is at a pivotal moment as global tensions and economic instability continue to drive volatility across markets. The escalating trade war between the United States and China has triggered waves of investor uncertainty, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause for all countries except China. With trade relations between the world’s largest economies hanging in the balance, market participants remain cautious, and Bitcoin—often viewed as a high-risk asset—continues to trade below key moving averages.

Despite the bearish overhang, on-chain data from Glassnode reveals a more nuanced picture. Wallets holding over 10,000 BTC maintain a strong accumulation trend, with the trend score hovering around 0.7. This sustained activity suggests that long-term, deep-pocketed investors are undeterred by short-term price swings and continue to build positions.

More notably, smaller investor groups—from wallets holding less than 1 BTC to those holding up to 100 BTC—are easing off their distribution. In particular, the 10–100 BTC group now hovers near a 0.5 trend score, a sign that this mid-sized cohort could be pivoting from selling to accumulating.

This potential shift in sentiment among smaller holders could mark a turning point for the market. If macroeconomic conditions begin to stabilize and momentum follows, Bitcoin’s next breakout could be shaped by this growing alignment between whales and mid-sized investors.

BTC Price Tests Liquidity Bands As Bulls Eye $90K Breakout

Bitcoin is currently trading around critical liquidity levels, caught in a tight range as the market lacks clear direction. After weeks of volatility, BTC now sits in a consolidation phase, where both buyers and sellers hesitate to take control. The key challenge for bulls is to reclaim the $90K mark, which would set the stage for a recovery rally and potentially open the door for a breakout above the $95K level—a crucial threshold for re-establishing a strong bullish structure.

However, before bulls can think about $90K, they must first overcome two important moving averages. The 200-day EMA, located around $85K, and the 200-day MA, near $88K, are acting as firm resistance levels. These technical indicators have historically played a key role in determining trend direction and sentiment. A sustained move above both would confirm strength and increase the likelihood of further upside.

On the flip side, failure to reclaim these levels could expose BTC to renewed selling pressure. A breakdown below the $82K support zone could trigger a deeper retrace, possibly dragging price back toward the $75K region. For now, Bitcoin remains in limbo, awaiting a decisive move.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView 

Dogecoin’s price action on the 1-hour candlestick timeframe chart has been defined by a sharp decline since April 14, with the meme coin slipping into a falling wedge formation. This three-day downtrend, however, is now showing signs of reversal. According to an analysis by crypto analyst KledjiCuni on the TradingView platform, the correction phase may have come to an end, and Dogecoin could be gearing up for a short rally.

Dogecoin Short-Term Correction May Come Before Upside Resumes

The analysis of Dogecoin’s bullish potential reveals that the meme coin recently broke out of a falling wedge, a pattern often considered a precursor to bullish momentum. Notably, this falling wedge formation, which saw the Dogecoin price fall from $0.17 to $0.15 over three days, is part of an extended bearish sentiment that has persisted for almost two months.

However, Dogecoin is starting to break out of this falling wedge, a move that marks a shift in short-term sentiment as price begins to reclaim upward momentum despite lingering bearish pressure in the broader crypto market. 

Currently, Dogecoin appears poised to embark on an upward trend. The breakout has occurred, but the analyst cautions that a pullback to the $0.1550 zone is still likely in the immediate term. Such a correction would serve as a retest of the breakout structure and could help confirm support before the next leg upward. This short-term dip does not invalidate the bullish setup. Instead, it could offer an entry point for traders anticipating further upside. 

Upside Price Targets Identified At $0.1607 And $0.1670

Once Dogecoin completes its expected pullback toward the $0.1550 zone, the next projected move is a continuation of the bullish reversal, with price action that cancels out the entire correction that began on April 14. Interestingly, analyst KledjiCuni identified two key resistance levels to watch in the short-term rally phase. The first resistance level is at $0.1607, a level that formed a lower high in the falling wedge formation.

If Dogecoin manages to clear $0.1607 with strong volume, this will push the price towards the second key resistance at $0.1670. This price level aligns with the apex of the falling wedge and is the technical origin of the downtrend in this wedge. Reaching this point would effectively complete the recovery from the bearish wave.

These targets represent realistic bullish objectives that traders can capitalize on in the short term, provided the market holds above the recent breakout zone and avoids slipping back below the wedge. 

At the time of writing, Dogecoin is trading around $0.1560, still hovering slightly above the $0.155 support zone highlighted. The meme coin has declined by 0.34% in the past 24 hours. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility of a bounce back to $0.17 before the end of the week.

Slovenia’s Finance Ministry released a draft bill that would tax profits from the sale of cryptocurrencies at 25%, potentially sealing the nation’s status as a tax haven for investors in digital assets. The plan is designed to close a loophole that currently excludes individual crypto traders from taxation while businesses are taxed on similar activities.

Tax Changes Target Individual Crypto Investors

According to the proposed rules, Slovenians will remit a quarter of their earnings when exchanging crypto to conventional money such as euros or when they use digital currencies to buy goods and services. The government seeks to establish equitable tax treatment between crypto and conventional investments, which already receive extensive taxation.

The draft law makes an important distinction: exchanging one cryptocurrency for another would remain tax-free. This approach mirrors regulations being adopted across Europe as governments try to balance innovation with tax revenue needs.

Alert: Slovenia Considers 25% Crypto Tax – Decoding the Impacthttps://t.co/hK9olUMgUR

— BitcoinWorld Media (@ItsBitcoinWorld) April 17, 2025

Record-Keeping Requirements Will Increase

If enacted, the bill would provide new documentation to crypto holders. They would be required to document all of their transactions and provide annual tax forms by March 31 covering activity from the past year. Businesses receiving more than €500 worth of payments in crypto would be subject to other reporting responsibilities.

The ministry has made exceptions for central bank digital currencies, electronic money, security tokens, and NFTs, which will not be included in this tax regime. These definitions are in line with European Union’s MiCA regulation and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s CARF framework standards.

‘Reset’ Provision Provides Transition Relief

To facilitate the transition, the proposal contains a useful provision for existing crypto holders. All the digital assets held prior to 2026 would get a “reset” on their cost of acquisition, tied to their value on January 1, 2026. This implies early investors will not be taxed on profits that accrued prior to the new regime coming into operation.

Finance Ministry estimates put the revenue from the new crypto tax between €2.5 million and €25 million annually for the government of Slovenia. This range is a function of not knowing how many Slovenians have crypto assets and their potential worth.

Public Feedback Period Now Open

The proposal has been made open for public comment until May 5 by the government, with the targeted law aimed at becoming effective from January 1, 2026, should it get approved by parliament.

The development is a big change for Slovenia, which numerous investors have been viewing as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction. Existing regulations exempt profits earned in cryptocurrencies from tax if trading does not amount to a “permanent business activity” – an expression not precisely defined.

Featured image from Pixabay, chart from TradingView

With the anticipation for the approval of XRP ETFs XRP ETFs by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) growing rapidly, the price of the cryptocurrency may be on the cusp of a dramatic surge. According to a crypto analyst, ETFs could become the ideal driver for a continual price rally for the altcoin fueled by a powerful combination of institutional demand and adoption. 

XRP ETFs Act As Fuel For Steady Price Surge

In a recent podcast, a crypto analyst identified as ‘Good Morning Crypto’ and a speaker on X (formerly Twitter) discussed how the approval and launch of an XRP ETF could positively influence the cryptocurrency’s price. 

The speaker likened these ETFs to “giant vacuum cleaners” placed over the XRP pool, sucking up all of the available liquidity directly from the asset. Each time someone invests in one of these financial instruments, the XRP used is transferred into a secure custodian and effectively taken out of circulation, no longer available for trading or use. 

At present, nine companies have officially filed for an XRP ETF in the US. However, these filings are still under review and awaiting approval by the US SEC. Rumors are swirling that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with over $11 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM), may be preparing to announce its own XRP ETF. 

If true, this move could dramatically speed up both the demand shock and adoption rate of XRP. The influx of investor interest and the shift in sentiment if the SEC greenlights XRP ETF would likely create upward pressure on the cryptocurrency’s price, potentially driving it to new highs. 

The speaker also illustrated a scenario in which the market gets new US laws and legislation passed by August—things like market infrastructure bills, tax clarity, and stablecoin rules. Once these are settled, he predicts that businesses and financial institutions will begin using XRP for payments. More so, over time, these companies will need to use the network every day to operate. 

As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly integrated into daily financial activity, companies watch as their ETF counterparts continue buying up the altcoin, contributing to its price growth. In anticipation of an ETF-driven scarcity, businesses may begin acquiring large amounts of XRP in advance, potentially adopting a buy-and-hold strategy before prices climb even higher. 

This creates what’s known in commodity markets as a “front-loading effect,” where anticipated future price increases lead to aggressive present-day buying. As a result, the analyst believes that the ongoing demand from ETFs and daily users could be “the perfect storm for a price surge.”

The Altcoin’s Price Predicted To Hit $9 Soon

Now, back in the spotlight, the XRP price is forecasted to experience an explosive breakout to $9.08. According to the Crypto General on X, after recording a significant rally to new highs above $3 this year, the token has been trading within a tight range. 

A TradingView chart shared by the crypto expert shows the formation of a classic Bull Pennant pattern — a typical continuation signal that often precedes sharp upward movement.

The analyst notes that despite the tightening range, the altcoin is moving as planned, with price action respecting key support levels and building pressure below resistance. The key levels on the XRP price chart include a final target of $9.08 and support areas around $1.97 and $0.94.

Input Output Global’s (IOG’s) research arm has formally asked the Cardano community to bankroll a twelve‑month programme of cutting‑edge R&D that it says is essential to keeping the blockchain competitive through the end of the decade. In a post on X on Thursday, the company wrote, “Cardano’s sustainable future and competitiveness depends on research & innovation. Today, Input | Output Research submitted its ‘Cardano Vision – Work Program 2025’ proposal to fund the foundational work required for long‑term growth.”

The message goes on to spell out the scope of the request: twenty fundamental research streams—among them Ouroboros, Tokenomics, Hydra and Interchains—and six technology‑validation streams covering Leios, Minotaur, Jolteon Liveness, RSnarks and a revamped anti‑grinding defence, all of them “aimed at scalability, sustainability & interoperability and defined through an evidence‑based approach.”

‘Cardano Vision 2025’

The proposal, archived on the Cardano Gov Tool, sits in the Research budget category and is formally titled “Input Output Research (IOR): Cardano Vision – Work Program 2025.” It seeks 26.848 million ADA—equivalent to $13.42 million at a placeholder rate of $0.50 per ADA—to finance a head‑count of 56.1 full‑time equivalents and the associated equipment, licences, subcontracting and overhead. According to the cost breakdown, the research department would receive roughly $5.895 million for 27.5 FTEs, while the innovation arm would absorb $7.525 million to field 28.6 FTEs. IOG says that equates to an average burdened cost of about $239,000 per person, or $1,030 per working day.

At the heart of the application is a five‑year vision that IOG describes as “an ambitious research initiative spanning nine thematic focus areas, organised into structured annual work programmes.” The 2025 tranche alone covers next‑generation consensus (Ouroboros Omega, Leios vertical scaling, the hybrid Minotaur protocol, proof‑of‑useful‑work schemes and congestion‑aware fee markets), macro‑level tokenomics, decentralised identity, a two‑part governance overhaul dubbed Democracy 4.0, an expanded Hydra layer‑2 stack, and a suite of Interchains studies on light clients and partner‑chain tokenomics. Each stream will, the firm says, be staffed by multidisciplinary teams drawn from what it calls “the leading blockchain research network worldwide including more than 14 universities,” a consortium whose previous output already exceeds 200 peer‑reviewed papers.

The problem statement attached to the filing is blunt: “Commercialising deep technologies like Web3 cannot rely solely on market demand; it depends on sustained scientific and technical excellence. Without proactive investment, valuable opportunities may be lost.” IOG argues that Cardano’s clean record of 100% uptime will count for little unless the protocol can absorb quantum‑resistant cryptography, high‑throughput zero‑knowledge proofs and sophisticated smart‑contract logic fast enough to match an accelerating competitive field. “By focusing on high‑potential R&D areas,” it writes, “this initiative builds a strong foundation for innovation, accelerates time to market, and drives meaningful economic and societal outcomes.”

Deliverables are framed in software‑readiness terms. On the research side, IOR promises “at least 20 peer‑reviewed publications and artefacts” every year, noting that a typical paper now takes two years from inception through conference acceptance. Six of those streams are expected to graduate each year to technology‑validation status, yielding formal specifications, prototypes, simulations, Cardano Problem Statements and Cardano Improvement Proposals. Quoting the proposal, “Prototypes and technical documentation will provide in‑depth analysis and serve as critical foundations for product development within the Cardano ecosystem,” while CIPs “promote transparency and community‑driven evolution.”

Cardano stakeholder endorsement, a prerequisite for funding, appears to be gathering momentum. The proposal notes that eighteen months of drafting culminated in six months of review by the Intersect Product Committee. According to the Cardano Gov Tool website, 63% of participating Delegated Representatives are signaling support for the proposal.

At press time, ADA traded at $0.61

Cryptocurrency exchange eXch will close down on May 1 after being accused of facilitating money laundering of funds stolen in the record-breaking Bybit hack. The firm made the announcement yesterday in a statement that cited pressure from law enforcement as the primary reason for closure.

North Korean Hackers Tied To Stolen Funds

eXch was allegedly employed by North Korea’s Lazarus Group to wash around $35 million, part of a significantly larger $1.4 billion heist in February from rival exchange Bybit. The attack is one of the largest ever on the cryptocurrency space.

After initially claiming not to have participated, eXch later acknowledged that it had facilitated some funds from the hack. The exchange minimized this operation, referring to it as “an insignificant portion of funds” but refusing to state precisely how much money passed through their service.

Cryptocurrency exchange eXch announced it will cease operations on May 1 following allegations linking it to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, accused of laundering approximately $35 million connected to the $1.4 billion Bybit hack. The exchange acknowledged handling a small portion…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 18, 2025

Management Team Votes To ‘Cease And Retreat’

Most of the leadership of eXch decided to shut operations instead of ongoing struggles with what they termed as “an active transatlantic operation” geared towards them. Law enforcement appears to be trying to develop evidence to lead criminal charges against the exchange.

“We do not see any utility to work in a hostile environment where we are targeted by SIGINT merely because some individuals misunderstand our objectives,” eXch said in their release. SIGINT is a term used to describe “signals intelligence”, implying government agencies are intercepting their communications.

The exchange attempted to present their shutdown as a stance on privacy. They asserted that other cryptocurrency platforms “abuse customers with nonsensical policies” in rolling out anti-money laundering measures. This position seems to put eXch forward as a victim instead of addressing the charges directly.

Bybit Recovers From Record-Breaking Hack

The February attack on Bybit caused immediate panic, with users withdrawing more than $5 billion from the platform. CEO Ben Zhou initially reassured customers on February 22 that the exchange could “cover the loss” if the stolen money wasn’t recovered.

After the hack, Bybit shut down its non-fungible token market and suspended certain Web3 services. Despite all this, the exchange has recovered very well. By April 10, Bybit had regained its pre-hack market share of around 8%.

Bybit provided more than $2 million in incentives for bounty hunters who assisted in tracking the stolen money. This move seems to have paid off. According to reports, officials have been able to freeze about 85% of the stolen $1.4 billion by following transactions to other exchanges.

The eXch shutdown illustrates repeated difficulties in the regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges. In providing users with privacy and convenience, these websites occasionally serve as conduits for transferring stolen funds, causing a conflict between advocates of privacy and those combating financial crime.

Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Amid the recent market downturn, several developments have occurred in the Dogecoin and Shiba Inu ecosystems. These include fundamentals, which provide a bullish outlook for the foremost meme coins. 

Developments In the Dogecoin Ecosystem

Recent developments in the Dogecoin ecosystem include the launch of 21Shares’ Dogecoin ETP in partnership with the House of Doge, the corporate arm of the Dogecoin Foundation. This is the first fund that the House of Doge is officially backing. The ETP is set to go live in Europe on the SIX Swiss Exchange. 

Shortly after the announcement of the Dogecoin ETP in Europe, 21Shares also filed for a Dogecoin ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), becoming the third firm to do so, following Grayscale and Bitwise. 21Shares and House of Doge will also collaborate for the DOGE ETF, as the latter will help in marketing the fund. 

The Dogecoin ecosystem recently celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Elon Musk and the X team temporarily changing the social media’s logo from the iconic blue bird to DOGE’s logo. This happened in the first week of April 2023, just before Twitter rebranded to X. The Dogecoin price had surged about 30% following that move.  

The Dogecoin team also recently countered Michael Saylor after the MicroStrategy co-founder stated that “Bitcoin is Chess.” In an X post, the DOGE team replied, saying that “Bitcoin is Hungry Hungry Hippos.” This suggests that the BTC ecosystem is filled with Degens who are driven by frenzy and hype. 

Recent Happenings In The Shiba Inu Ecosystem

Meanwhile, in the Shiba Inu ecosystem, SHIB’s burn rate has witnessed a 1,944% surge in the last twenty-four hours, with 17.5 million tokens burnt during this period. One transaction accounted for most of these token burns, with 16.6 million SHIB sent to a dead wallet. The burn rate has also surged over 70% in the last seven days, with 130.9 million coins burnt during this period. 

This development is bullish for the Shiba Inu price, as its value could skyrocket as more SHIB tokens are burnt. SHIB’s price is currently on the decline along with the broader crypto market, but could quickly rebound as soon as the market picks up, thanks to the sustained momentum in the token burns. 

Another recent development in the Shiba Inu ecosystem is the return of the Lead Developer, Shytoshi Kusama. SHIB’s marketing lead, Lucie, shared a Telegram message from Kusama on her X platform. In the message, Kusama suggested that he would continue to play an active role in Shiba Inu’s development, stating, “Next week, let’s go back to it, can we?” 

Kusama also shared the first episode of his podcast, in which he discussed the Karma system, which is set to help boost transparency in the SHIB ecosystem.

Ripple Labs-owned Hidden Road has announced that its subsidiary, Hidden Road Partners CIV US LLC, has received approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to operate as a FINRA-member broker-dealer. 

This approval allows Hidden Road to enhance its recently launched fixed income prime brokerage platform, which currently offers Fixed Income Repo and Global Funding services.

New Broker-Dealer Status Amid Ripple Acquisition

The designation as a broker-dealer enables Hidden Road to provide both new and existing institutional clients with a comprehensive suite of regulatory-compliant services, including prime brokerage, clearing, and financing for fixed income assets. 

Noel Kimmel, President at Hidden Road, emphasized the importance of this registration, stating, “Our broker-dealer registration is a significant step in the development of Hidden Road’s fixed income prime brokerage platform and bolsters our capabilities in traditional financial markets.”

With its new status, Hidden Road aims to deliver a technology-driven service offering to a wider range of institutional clients. Kimmel noted the momentum behind the business and expressed optimism about continuing to provide “superior execution.”

The backdrop to this announcement includes Ripple’s recent definitive agreement to acquire Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, which was disclosed on April 8, 2025. The acquisition is expected to close in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals. 

US Market Ready For Digital Asset Adoption

With Ripple’s substantial financial backing, Hidden Road anticipates a significant expansion in its service capacity, positioning itself as one of the largest non-bank prime brokers globally.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, highlighted the current landscape for digital asset adoption in the US, noting that the market is now more receptive than ever following regulatory changes. 

“We are at an inflection point for the next phase of digital asset adoption – the US market is effectively open for the first time due to the regulatory overhang of the former SEC coming to an end,” he stated. 

The acquisition also enhances the utility of Ripple USD (RLUSD), an enterprise-grade USD-backed stablecoin, which will be utilized as collateral across Hidden Road’s prime brokerage products. 

Furthermore, Hidden Road plans to migrate its post-trade activities to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), which is expected to streamline operations and reduce costs.

Ripple also aims to optimize costs and liquidity within its cross-border payments solution, Ripple Payments, while providing essential custody services for Hidden Road’s clientele who require bank-grade digital asset custody.

Marc Asch, Founder and CEO of Hidden Road, remarked on the transformative potential of the deal, stating, “With new resources, licenses, and added risk capital, this deal will unlock significant growth in Hidden Road’s business, allowing us to increase capacity for our customer base, expand into new products, and service more markets and asset classes.” 

Asch emphasized that the partnership with Ripple will maintain the trust and reliability that institutional clients expect from traditional markets, now designed for a digital future.

At the time of writing, XRP trades at $2.0570, down over 10% on the monthly time frame. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com