Author: BTCLFGTEAM

  • Chainlink crashes below $14 as Bitcoin slumps to $95K, altcoin market bleeds heavily

    Chainlink crashes below $14 as Bitcoin slumps to $95K, altcoin market bleeds heavily

    ethere Price Bearish

    • Chainlink price fell by double digits to below $14 on Friday, losses that came amid broader market turmoil.
    • LINK’s dump aligned with the sharp dip for Bitcoin to under $96,000.
    • Further losses could see Chainlink price plunge towards $10.

    The cryptocurrency market is reeling under intense bearish pressure, with Chainlink (LINK) price plummeting below the $14 mark alongside huge dips for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

    Bitcoin’s drop below $96,000, with bears touching $95,860, fueled losses for ETH and SOL, which fell 10% each to new multi-month lows.

    The selling pressure triggered a cascade effect, dragging other altcoins like Cardano and Chainlink into the red.

    LINK is at risk of registering a deeper rout.

    Chainlink dips below $15

    Chainlink (LINK) price is among the top coins to suffer a dramatic fall as Bitcoin’s crash to a six-month low below $96,000 slammed sentiment hard.

    LINK traded at $14.08 as of the early US market session on Friday, down 11% in the last 24 hours. According to CoinMarketCap data, the double-digit loss extends the altcoin’s plunge in recent days to 25% in the past month.

    When considering the week’s cumulative decline, bulls are sharply down since hitting a recent high of $19.12.

    The altcoin’s market cap now stands at $9.76 billion, while daily volume has spiked 43% to nearly $1.2 billion to highlight the intensified market activity.

    Bitcoin plummets as bears crash bulls

    As highlighted, Chainlink price fell sharply amid a bearish onslaught that intensified with BTC’s sudden dip.

    While cryptocurrencies had dumped on Wednesday as investor concern around macroeconomic and geopolitical turbulence mounted, alts’ decline accelerated as fake news about Strategy selling BTC surfaced.

    Posts that Michael Saylor was selling bitcoin appeared to relate to redistribution in wallets and not selling.

    Analysts like Miles Deutscher were quick to point out the fake news, and onchain data analytics platform Lookonchain shared the details below.

    However, as Bitcoin dumped amid the initial selling, Chainlink followed suit. 

    The token’s price action mirrored the market’s fear sentiment, hitting lows last seen in April. Indeed, Chainlink’s plunge below $14 allowed bears to revisit lows of $13.90.

    The alt may be hovering around the $14 mark as bulls eye a rebound, but losses threaten increased bleeding towards the all-important $10 mark.

    Despite the dip, Chainlink price remains bullish long term, with factors such as macroeconomic tailwinds, regulatory shifts and partnerships key catalysts.

    There is also the buzz around spot exchange-traded funds, which are gathering release pace with a spot XRP ETF launching in the US this week.

    LINK could also benefit from the Chainlink Reserve initiative, which added over 74,049 LINK tokens this week to bring the total haul to over 803,387 LINK.



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  • UAE makes Bitcoin wallets a crime risk in global tech crackdown

    UAE makes Bitcoin wallets a crime risk in global tech crackdown

    UAE makes Bitcoin wallets a crime risk in global tech crackdown

    • The UAE’s Federal-Decree Law No. 6 of 2025 came into effect on 16 September.
    • Article 62 places APIs, explorers, and decentralised platforms under Central Bank control.
    • Article 61 regulates all marketing, emails, and online posts about crypto services.

    In a sharp pivot from its crypto-friendly image, the United Arab Emirates has enacted sweeping new legislation that classifies basic cryptocurrency infrastructure, including Bitcoin wallets, as potentially criminal unless licensed by the Central Bank.

    Legal experts from Gibson Dunn have flagged the law’s scope as unusually broad, warning that its language introduces significant risk for global technology providers.

    This shift, embedded in Federal-Decree Law No. 6 of 2025, comes into force from 16 September and carries global consequences for developers and platforms offering crypto access.

    The law replaces the 2018 banking statute and significantly widens the definition of financial activity. What sets this legislation apart is not only its scope but also its enforcement teeth.

    Penalties for non-compliance range from fines of AED 50,000 to AED 500,000,000 (up to $136,000,000) and may include imprisonment.

    Importantly, this applies not just to entities operating within the UAE but also to those whose products are accessible from within the country.

    Licensing now applies to wallets, APIs and even analytics

    The most consequential element of the new law is found in Article 62. It grants the Central Bank control over any technology that “engages in, offers, issues, or facilitates” financial activity.

    The wording is broad enough to encompass self-custodial wallets, API services, blockchain explorers, analytics platforms, and even decentralised protocols.

    This marks a fundamental change in how crypto infrastructure is regulated in the UAE.

    Previously, licensing obligations focused on traditional financial entities, but the updated framework shifts this focus to include software and data tools.

    According to developer analysis, even public-facing tools such as CoinMarketCap and open-source Bitcoin wallets may now require licensing to remain accessible within the UAE.

    For the first time, developers may face criminal penalties for offering unlicensed crypto tools, even if they are based abroad.

    This extension of jurisdiction signals a new regulatory posture that treats access to crypto as tightly as its ownership or exchange.

    Communications and marketing now fall under regulation

    The crackdown does not stop at financial infrastructure. Article 61 of the same law defines the marketing, promotion, or advertising of financial services as a licensable activity.

    In practice, this means that simply hosting a website, publishing an article, or sharing a tweet about an unlicensed crypto service could be considered a legal violation if that content reaches UAE residents.

    This change dramatically expands the compliance footprint for companies and developers.

    Gibson Dunn highlights that these provisions materially broaden the enforcement perimeter, especially for firms with no formal presence in the UAE.

    The law applies to communications that originate outside the country but are accessible inside it.

    The result is a regulatory landscape where developers, content creators, and infrastructure providers must weigh whether their platforms are indirectly accessible by users in the UAE.

    In many cases, avoiding legal exposure may require disabling access or halting service altogether.

    Dubai’s free zones no longer shield crypto services

    Over recent years, the UAE has positioned itself as a hub for blockchain innovation.

    Jurisdictions such as Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) attracted global attention with purpose-built crypto licensing frameworks.

    However, the new federal law overrides these free-zone arrangements, asserting Central Bank control nationwide.

    Federal law supersedes any rules introduced by the UAE’s free zones, effectively dissolving the regulatory arbitrage that once drew companies to Dubai.

    The broader context includes the country’s history of digital restrictions.

    For instance, WhatsApp voice calls remain blocked across the UAE, reinforcing a consistent policy approach to centralised control over communications and digital tools.

    While this may bring the UAE in closer alignment with international pressure from groups like the Financial Action Task Force, it also puts crypto service providers in a difficult position.

    In other jurisdictions facing similar pressure, firms have withdrawn entirely to avoid enforcement risk.

    Enforcement begins in 2026, with further rules expected

    Entities have a one-year window from 16 September 2025 to come into compliance. This grace period may be extended at the discretion of the Central Bank.

    During this time, further regulations are expected to clarify how these broad rules will be applied in practice.

    Despite this, the scope of the law is already causing concern.

    The language around facilitation and communication, combined with the severe penalties under Article 170, suggests that firms offering crypto tools globally must now consider the risk of incidental exposure to UAE users.

    For software developers and platform operators, this marks a significant departure from the norms of decentralised access and open-source innovation.

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  • TEL price soars after Telcoin received final charter approval in Nebraska

    TEL price soars after Telcoin received final charter approval in Nebraska

    • Telcoin has gained Nebraska approval for the first US digital asset bank.
    • Telcoin’s TEL token surged over 95% following the approval.
    • The bank aims to bridge traditional finance with blockchain and DeFi access.

    Telcoin (TEL) price has skyrocketed following a landmark regulatory breakthrough that positions the project at the forefront of the emerging US digital asset banking sector.

    The cryptocurrency, which had already been gaining attention for its remittance-focused infrastructure, experienced a surge of more than 95% after Nebraska regulators granted the company final approval to operate as the first Digital Asset Depository Institution in the United States.

    The approval has created a wave of optimism among investors, signalling a new era where compliant blockchain banking and traditional finance converge.

    Telcoin’s historic charter approval

    The regulatory approval allows Telcoin to operate as a fully chartered US digital asset bank.

    This gives the company the authority to issue eUSD, the first bank-issued, on-chain US dollar stablecoin backed by dollar deposits and short-term treasuries.

    CEO Paul Neuner described the charter as a historic moment, emphasising that it enables the creation of “Digital Cash” for everyday use and connects traditional banking to blockchain-based financial services.

    By bridging crypto and traditional finance, Telcoin is now positioned to reduce regulatory risks while accelerating adoption of its remittance-focused network.

    The charter also opens the door for Telcoin to offer retail and commercial depository services, accept crypto deposits, and provide crypto-backed loans.

    The bank will leverage Federal Reserve payment rails, which enhances liquidity and trust for institutional and retail clients alike.

    Regulatory clarity has been a persistent barrier in the cryptocurrency space, and this approval sets Telcoin apart from other blockchain companies that operate without a depository trust charter.

    Nebraska’s decision demonstrates that compliant blockchain banking is achievable, offering a model that other states may follow.

    Telcoin (TEL) price reaction

    The market responded immediately with the Telcoin (TEL) price jumping from a low of $0.00284 to highs near $0.00689 within hours, before settling around $0.006 across major exchanges.

    Trading volumes also soared to approximately $1.74 million during this period, making Telcoin the top performer among the top 200 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation.

    The cryptocurrency’s market value now stands at roughly $610 million, reflecting investor confidence in the project’s long-term prospects and its regulatory-backed utility.

    Technical indicators have reinforced the bullish sentiment, seeing that TEL has broken above the $0.0042 resistance level and has sustained momentum above the 200-day moving average, driven by short-covering and FOMO buying.

    Although the RSI has entered overbought territory, signalling strong upward pressure, the MACD confirms the breakout’s momentum.

    Telcoin price analysis
    Telcoin price chart | Source: CoinMarketCap

    Eyes are now on the $0.0067 level, which corresponds to a key Fibonacci extension, as a potential confirmation of a macro trend reversal.

    Telcoin’s growing influence in US banking

    Telcoin’s strategic vision now includes not only issuing the eUSD stablecoin but also enabling the remaining 95% of US banks to integrate blockchain-based financial services.

    The Nebraska Financial Innovation Act of 2021 laid the groundwork for this development, while the recent GENIUS Act approval provides federal guidance for stablecoins and digital assets.

    By creating a compliant bridge between fiat banking and decentralised finance, Telcoin aims to offer practical solutions for both consumers and financial institutions, further distinguishing the TEL cryptocurrency as a utility-driven asset rather than a speculative token.

    By securing regulatory approval, Telcoin strengthens its position as a leading player in this niche, attracting investors who value legal certainty and real-world application.



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  • Aster price retests $1.2 level as whale scoops 8.4M tokens

    Aster price retests $1.2 level as whale scoops 8.4M tokens

    ASTER Price

    • Aster price jumped 7% as bulls retested the $1.2 resistance level.
    • Technical breakout signals a potential upside continuation.
    • A whale has added to their ASTER accumulation, now holds over 8.4 million of these tokens.

    The Aster (ASTER) token has its price hovering above $1.17 as bulls look to retest the $1.2 resistance level.

    While the 7% intraday gains as of writing suggest a quiet day in Aster price movement standards, the uptick comes amid a notable strategic accumulation of 8.4 million ASTER tokens.

    Consistent buying activity, coupled with emerging technical patterns, could shape an upside explosion for the DEX token.

    Whale accumulates 8.4 million ASTER

    Recent on-chain data, highlighted in a post by Lookonchain on X reveals that the whale “ThisWillMakeYouLoveAgain” has significantly bolstered its position in Aster since November 4, 2025.

    Over this period, the entity has acquired 8.41 million ASTER tokens, purchased at an average price of $0.97 per token.

    This accumulation has yielded an unrealized profit of $1.1 million as of the latest updates.

    Per onchain data, the whale’s transaction history spans multiple deposits of USDT into the Aster platform and subsequent token purchases. It speaks of a calculated strategy.

    Notably, this investor previously realized substantial profits from trading PEPE.

    Another factor that is pulling Aster up is buybacks.

    Over the past 24 hours, ASTER token buybacks surged 50%, reaching a pace of $7,500 per minute.

    The initiative removed 2.4 million ASTER coins from circulation, valued at approximately $2.8 million, equivalent to 0.12% of the total circulating supply.

    The resulting supply reduction has provided bullish momentum for the token, with market sentiment further lifted by rumors of a potential Coinbase listing and a technical rebound that has drawn renewed interest from crypto traders.

    A lot of the wins are down to astute market timing, and having bought ASTER at lows this past few weeks, the suggestion is that the bull has fresh confidence in Aster’s potential.

    Aster price outlook amid technical breakout

    While many altcoins continue to struggle, Aster’s price has exhibited a technical pattern breakout.

    The token’s uptick and potential retest of the $1.2 level align with a breakout from a symmetrical triangle pattern on the 4-hour chart.

    If bulls close above the resistance line of the triangle and print a retest around $1.215 seen earlier, it could be indicative of a reversal from bearish to bullish momentum.

    Aster Price
    Aster price chart by TradingView

    The RSI and Chaikin Money Flow indicators further support this trend, with the former above 62 and likely to extend upward.

    The CMF metric signals consistent capital inflows and hints at an accumulation phase that could propel Aster toward higher resistance levels.

    Should the $1.2 barrier be breached, technical forecasts suggest potential targets between $1.25 and $1.50 in the near term.

    Bulls’ plans will be contingent on continued market support.

    However, with broader weakness, bears might have other plans.

    The coming days will therefore be critical in determining whether the token can sustain upside momentum above $1.2 or not. In the case of a negative flip, prices may fall to immediate support at lows of $1.08 and $0.96.



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  • Bitcoin (BTC) battles macro headwinds despite improved ETF inflows

    Bitcoin (BTC) battles macro headwinds despite improved ETF inflows

    Bitcoin (BTC) battles macro headwinds

    • Bitcoin price remains range-bound amid long-term holder selling and falling demand.
    • US Bitcoin ETFs inflows signal cautious institutional optimism.
    • Macro uncertainty from the Fed and government shutdown keeps BTC under pressure.

    Bitcoin (BTC) continues to navigate turbulent market conditions as macroeconomic uncertainty and institutional dynamics shape its near-term trajectory.

    Despite renewed interest from investors and a notable surge in Bitcoin ETFs, the world’s largest cryptocurrency faces persistent pressure from long-term holder selling, cautious institutional sentiment, and a complex macro backdrop influenced by the Federal Reserve and ongoing government shutdown developments.

    Analysts and strategists are watching closely as BTC balances between cyclical signals and broader market realities in November.

    Bitcoin price struggles amid range-bound trading

    Bitcoin price has remained largely trapped between $106,000 and $116,000 over the past two weeks, signalling a period of consolidation rather than upward momentum.

    Long-term holders have accelerated their monthly distribution to roughly 104,000 BTC, marking one of the heaviest selling waves since mid-July, according to the recent Bitfinex report.

    This persistent supply pressure is coinciding with muted institutional demand following October’s sharp liquidation event, leaving BTC caught in a sideways range with limited short-term catalysts.

    Analysts warn that unless ETF inflows or new spot demand increase, the cryptocurrency could test support near $106,000, and a sustained breach of this level might open the path to $100,000.

    ETF inflows signal cautious optimism

    Despite these headwinds, Bitcoin ETFs have shown signs of recovery, injecting optimism into the market.

    On November 11, US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $524 million in cumulative net inflows.

    US Bitcoin ETFs inflows
    Total Bitcoin Spot ETF Net Inflow (USD) | Source: Coinglass

    This return of demand, alongside smart money traders adding net long positions totalling over $8.5 million, highlights a growing, albeit measured, confidence among institutional participants.

    Analysts have noted that sustained ETF inflows may signal an end to the broader de-risking phase observed after the market downturn, even as retail participation remains subdued.

    Macro factors keep BTC on edge

    Despite increased ETF inflows, macro conditions continue to weigh heavily on Bitcoin (BTC).

    The Federal Reserve’s recent 25-basis-point rate cut and the formal end of its balance sheet runoff are tempered by internal division over the next steps, with some officials citing risks from persistent inflation and others warning of slowing labour markets.

    Meanwhile, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate recently plunged to 3.92%, which financial analyst Shanaka Anslem described as indicative of market panic.

    These developments, combined with falling consumer confidence and cooling wage growth, have created uncertainty around near-term capital flows and investor appetite for risk assets like Bitcoin.

    The ongoing government shutdown adds another layer of complexity.

    While the Senate moves toward a potential resolution, analysts note that the relief may boost equities more than cryptocurrencies, as capital appears to rotate toward traditional financial markets while liquidity waits on the sidelines for normal economic data to resume.

    These dynamics have contributed to continued downside pressure on BTC, even as technical and ETF-related signals point to potential stabilisation.

    Bitcoin price outlook for November

    Looking ahead, November may not deliver the historic rallies often seen in the penultimate month of the year, as Bitcoin (BTC) remains caught between conflicting forces.

    While ETF inflows and smart money activity provide a foundation for renewed optimism, ongoing distribution by long-term holders, macro uncertainty, and cautious institutional behaviour continue to weigh on the Bitcoin price.



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  • AI-driven phishing scams and hidden crypto exploits shake Web3 security

    AI-driven phishing scams and hidden crypto exploits shake Web3 security

    AI-driven phishing scams and hidden crypto exploits shake Web3 security

    • SBI Crypto was breached, losing $21 million in assets via a suspected laundering operation.
    • A phishing scam targeting GMGN tricked 107 users into approving fake transactions.
    • Honeypot token scams rose 600% month-on-month, with over 2,100 tokens detected.

    Web3 has entered a new phase of cyber threats, with attackers now leveraging artificial intelligence, automation tools, and complex social engineering to exploit users across decentralised networks.

    According to GoPlus Security, over $45.84 million was lost in October alone from a surge of scams, phishing attacks, token exploits, and wallet hacks.

    The data reveals how scammers are evolving their methods, creating high-impact exploits that have affected thousands of users and platforms across Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Base.

    Hackers use AI and automation to boost phishing campaigns

    GoPlus observed a sharp increase in phishing attacks that led to more than $3.5 million in losses.

    A growing number of these scams are powered by “Phishing-as-a-Service” platforms, where threat actors use AI tools to rapidly generate fake websites and deploy large-scale campaigns with lower operational costs.

    One of the largest phishing cases involved the trading platform GMGN.

    In this incident, 107 users were misled by a fake third-party website into authorising harmful transactions. Losses totalled more than $700,000.

    The phishing scam replicated legitimate wallet interactions, tricking victims into signing approval requests that gave attackers control over their funds.

    In another case, a trader approved a malicious “increaseAllowance” command, resulting in a $325,000 loss in Coinbase Wrapped Bitcoin.

    Separately, another user was hit with a $440,000 loss after signing a fraudulent “permit” transaction.

    Both exploits highlight the rise in fake contract approvals, often enabled by deceptive interfaces mimicking trusted apps.

    Sophisticated exploits linked to state-style laundering tactics

    The single largest exploit came from SBI Crypto, which suffered a breach that drained $21 million worth of digital assets. The losses included Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

    Although SBI Crypto did not officially confirm the source of the breach, a joint investigation by ZachXBT and Cyvers suggested patterns similar to those used by North Korean hacker groups.

    The attackers allegedly funnelled funds through Tornado Cash, a known crypto mixer previously sanctioned for its role in laundering state-sponsored thefts.

    This laundering method closely mirrors activity linked to the Lazarus Group, though the report stressed that the connection remains unverified.

    Web3 platforms under attack from honeypot tokens

    Alongside phishing and exploits, the report found a dramatic spike in honeypot tokens.

    These are malicious smart contracts that allow users to buy tokens but prevent them from selling or withdrawing funds.

    Honeypot tokens surged 600% last month, reaching 2,189 identified tokens—though still far fewer than the 40,000 recorded in June 2025.

    Goplus honeypot tokens
    Source: GoPlus Security

    The Binance Smart Chain accounted for the bulk of these tokens at 1,780, followed by 216 on Ethereum and 131 on Base.

    These tokens are embedded with hidden restrictions that block transactions, stranding investor funds in illiquid assets.

    Their increase underscores a shift toward embedded contract-level fraud, which can bypass basic security tools.

    Tokens and socials compromised in wider exploits

    The wider ecosystem also saw losses from social media and platform-based breaches.

    Astra Nova’s official social account was hijacked, triggering a large-scale sell-off of its native token RVV and causing losses of approximately $10.3 million.

    In a separate exploit, decentralised finance platform Garden Finance was hit with a vulnerability that cost users around $10.8 million, according to ZachXBT.

    These incidents reflect a widening surface of attack across both user-facing interfaces and backend contract code.

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  • Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors ‘buy the dip’

    Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors ‘buy the dip’

    Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors 'buy the dip'

    • US Bitcoin ETFs saw nearly $300 million in net inflows on Tuesday.
    • The inflows snapped a two-week streak of redemptions from the products.
    • Fidelity’s FBTC led the way with $165.9 million, followed by Ark’s ARKB.

    US-based Bitcoin ETFs have snapped a two-week streak of redemptions, pulling in nearly $300 million in net inflows on Tuesday as investors took advantage of lower prices to rotate back into cryptocurrency-linked products.

    The renewed buying interest, which follows a period of significant outflows, suggests that institutional investors are viewing the recent market dip as a buying opportunity, reaffirming their long-term conviction in the asset despite short-term volatility.

    A decisive reversal after weeks of outflows

    Early data from SoSoValue shows a significant reversal of last week’s trend, which saw over $1.17 billion withdrawn from digital asset investment products.

    Fidelity’s FBTC led the charge with $165.9 million in fresh capital, while Ark 21Shares’ ARKB added $102.5 million.

    Notably, even Grayscale’s GBTC, which has experienced consistent outflows for months, posted a net inflow of $24.1 million.

    This return of capital to US products contrasts with the European market, which has continued to see steady inflows, suggesting a more consistent long-term positioning from investors outside the United States.

    Altcoins continue to attract capital

    While Bitcoin and Ether products have been subject to macro-driven volatility, certain altcoins have continued to attract steady investment.

    According to data from CoinShares, Solana-linked products notched another $118 million in inflows last week, bringing its impressive nine-week total to $2.1 billion.

    This pattern indicates that investors are differentiating between core assets sensitive to macro pressures and emerging networks with strong on-chain momentum.

    Fundamentals remain strong as supply milestone nears

    Despite the recent price turbulence, market experts maintain that Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals remain robust.

    Thomas Perfumo, a global economist at Kraken, highlighted an upcoming supply milestone as a key factor in the long-term investment case.

    “In approximately seven days, Bitcoin’s circulating supply will cross 19.95 million coins, 95% of its max supply of 21 million coins,” he wrote in a note provided to CoinDesk.

    Perfumo said this event underscores Bitcoin’s programmable scarcity and its enduring role as a “credibly neutral, globally accessible store of value.”

    Gold nears record highs amid fiscal warnings

    In the broader macroeconomic landscape, gold continued to trade near record highs at $4,134.6 per ounce.

    The precious metal’s strength is being fueled by growing concerns over US fiscal stability.

    Economist James Thorne has warned that the US has crossed a fiscal “Rubicon” that could trigger a “Bretton Woods 2.0” style reset, potentially revaluing gold to manage soaring debt levels.

    The impact of surging bullion prices is already being felt, with major producer Barrick Mining reporting a $1.3 billion quarterly profit and a dividend hike.

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  • Lisk (LSK) token price has soared 62%: here’s what is fueling the rally

    Lisk (LSK) token price has soared 62%: here’s what is fueling the rally

    Lisk (LSK) token price has soared 62%

    • The Lisk (LSK) token has surged 62% amid altcoin rotation and ecosystem growth.
    • The key support lies at $0.2574, while the immediate resistance lies between $0.3372 and $0.4591.
    • The breakout has coincided with a dramatic surge in Lisk open interest.

    Lisk (LSK) has captured the attention of crypto investors today as the token experienced a remarkable 62.6% surge in just 24 hours.

    The sudden rally has pushed LSK to new short-term highs, outpacing a broadly flat cryptocurrency market.

    Analysts are pointing to a combination of technical triggers, ecosystem developments, and market rotation that are fueling renewed optimism in the once-sleepy token.

    Explosive breakout drives market attention

    Lisk (LSK) has broken out of a descending wedge pattern that had constrained its price since July.

    In a single trading session, the token rocketed from $0.18 to an intraday high of $0.42, generating significant trading volumes.

    The breakout coincided with a dramatic 258% surge in open interest, with $38.9 million added in just four hours.

    However, a slightly negative funding rate of -1.96% intensified short liquidations, triggering $1.6 million worth of forced exits across major derivatives markets.

    Market rotation and ecosystem growth

    The LSK rally is also closely tied to broader market dynamics, where Bitcoin dominance has fallen to 59.3%, signalling a rotation of capital into high-growth altcoins.

    Lisk (LSK) benefited from this flow, seeing its 24-hour trading volume surge by over 5,500% to $237 million.

    Investors appear to be favouring LSK as a promising, undervalued token amid muted Bitcoin volatility.

    Further bolstering sentiment, Lisk’s ecosystem has shown meaningful development with the launch of a $15 million EMpower Fund supporting Web3 startups across Africa, LATAM, and Asia, while DeFi integrations like Gearbox Protocol have expanded LSK’s lending and borrowing utilities.

    The Lisk Network has also migrated to the Optimism Superchain, bringing its app ecosystem in line with other OP stack chains like Base.

    These developments enhance Lisk’s credibility and long-term growth prospects, attracting speculative capital and encouraging active trading in the short term.

    Lisk (LSK) token price outlook

    The LSK token has demonstrated a remarkable ability to rebound even after extended periods of decline, and recent developments in Web3 applications and derivatives trading have reignited investor interest.

    A blend of technical momentum, ecosystem growth, and capital rotation into altcoins underpins a cautiously optimistic outlook for Lisk (LSK) in the near term.

    If the Lisk price can maintain levels above $0.32, the token may target the $0.42–$0.45 range, signalling continued bullish momentum.

    However, traders should remain vigilant, as sharp rallies like this often experience short-term retracements, especially seeing that the RSI is already in the oversold region.

    The key levels around $0.345 and $0.402 will be crucial in shaping market sentiment, and sustained trading volumes above $200 million per day would further reinforce the breakout.

    From a technical perspective, LSK needs to stay above $0.2574 to support its upward trajectory.

    Lisk (LSK) token price analysis
    Lisk (LSK) token price chart | Source: CoinMarketCap

    Breaking through the first major resistance at $0.3372 could pave the way toward $0.4591, with a potential third resistance level at $0.5629 if bullish conditions persist.

    But on the downside, a breach below $0.2574 may expose the token to a deeper correction, with the next support level at $0.1891 serving as a critical floor for buyers, according to CoinLore.

    Overall, the Lisk (LSK) token price reflects a delicate balance between renewed optimism and short-term caution.

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  • Bitcoin faces quantum risk: why SegWit wallets may offer limited protection

    Bitcoin faces quantum risk: why SegWit wallets may offer limited protection

    Bitcoin faces quantum risk: Why SegWit wallets may offer limited protection

    • SegWit wallets delay public key exposure until the point of transaction.
    • Holding Bitcoin in SegWit addresses offers temporary protection if left untouched.
    • Critics believe practical quantum computing remains decades away.

    Quantum computing’s long-theorised threat to Bitcoin is resurfacing in the crypto conversation.

    The idea that a powerful enough quantum machine could break cryptographic security and expose Bitcoin keys has moved from theoretical chatter to practical concern.

    Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo recently suggested a short-term safeguard: store Bitcoin in SegWit addresses for the next seven years.

    While the tactic has sparked debate, the broader community remains divided over whether quantum computers are a real, imminent threat or just the latest tech-driven scare.

    SegWit offers delayed public key exposure

    Segregated Witness (SegWit), introduced on 23 August 2017, is a protocol upgrade that changes how data is stored in Bitcoin transactions. Woo suggests that SegWit’s delayed public key exposure could act as a deterrent against quantum attacks.

    Unlike Taproot, which exposes the public key immediately within the address, SegWit only reveals it during transaction execution.

    This delay makes it harder for a quantum computer to reverse-engineer the private key from the public one before the transaction is completed.

    Under current conditions, exposing a public key does not present much of a problem. However, if and when quantum computing advances to the point of real-time decryption capabilities, the exposure window of Taproot wallets could be a key vulnerability.

    In contrast, SegWit’s hashing conceals the public key behind a layer of encryption until absolutely necessary. This may keep Bitcoin more secure during this anticipated transition period.

    Hodling in SegWit comes with major constraints

    While the SegWit method may offer protection, it carries a critical limitation. According to Woo, users must not move their Bitcoin from the SegWit address.

    Any outgoing transaction would expose the public key, potentially inviting a quantum attack if executed during the transaction.

    As such, this method is not viable for active traders or anyone needing liquidity in the short term. It is a static defence mechanism, not a dynamic solution.

    This approach effectively puts Bitcoin in a vault. It is safe but inaccessible. It is also only as secure as the continued absence of real-time quantum decryption.

    If a breakthrough comes earlier than anticipated, even SegWit-held coins could be compromised during withdrawal. Woo acknowledges that this is only an intermediary measure.

    It is meant to bridge the gap until a quantum-resistant Bitcoin protocol becomes available.

    Experts disagree over SegWit’s efficacy

    Not everyone agrees that SegWit provides any meaningful protection. Charles Edwards, founder of digital asset fund Capriole, has dismissed the idea as ineffective.

    He argues that SegWit is not a quantum-safe model and relying on it could delay necessary network upgrades.

    According to Edwards, the belief that Bitcoin has a seven-year buffer period could create complacency, weakening pressure to accelerate work on quantum-resistant algorithms.

    This disagreement underscores a broader lack of consensus in the crypto space on how seriously the community should take quantum risk.

    Although protocol upgrades are under development, there is concern among developers that current initiatives are progressing too slowly.

    Some argue that existing security layers were not built with quantum capabilities in mind, making them structurally vulnerable regardless of transaction format.

    Sceptics say quantum fears are overblown

    Despite the alarm, some in the community believe the risk is being overstated. Critics point to quantum computing’s persistent technical limitations.

    In a post in February, Bitcoin advocate Adrian Morris claimed quantum tech is “barely viable”, citing issues with thermodynamics, memory, and persistent calculations.

    Others argue that traditional financial systems and major banks would be far more attractive targets for early quantum attacks than a decentralised network like Bitcoin.

    Woo notes that Bitcoin held by custodians, such as ETFs or treasury firms, may be better shielded in the interim. This is only true if those institutions take proactive steps to secure their holdings.

    Until a comprehensive upgrade is implemented, the quantum debate will continue to shape discourse around Bitcoin’s long-term security.

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  • Bitcoin holds $106K as shutdown optimism fuels broad market rally

    Bitcoin holds $106K as shutdown optimism fuels broad market rally

    Bitcoin holds $106K as shutdown optimism fuels broad market rally

    • Bitcoin bounced back to trade near $106,000 on shutdown resolution hopes.
    • The end of the shutdown could release a $150-200B liquidity jolt into markets.
    • However, the shutdown is stalling crucial US crypto regulation bills.

    Cryptocurrency markets started the week on a strong footing, with Bitcoin holding above the key $105,000 level as growing optimism around a potential resolution to the US government shutdown helped steady broader risk sentiment.

    Following a volatile period, a weekend rally extended into Monday, with Bitcoin recovering from an early dip to trade near $106,000.

    However, analysts warn that while an end to the shutdown could provide a short-term liquidity boost, the prolonged political impasse has created a significant, under-the-radar threat to the crypto industry’s long-term regulatory future.

    The upbeat mood was felt across the asset spectrum.

    In the crypto space, Ether traded just under $3,600, while XRP led gains among major altcoins, jumping 9% on anticipation of a potential spot ETF.

    Crypto-related stocks, which suffered heavy losses last week, also rebounded strongly, with Coinbase (COIN) rising 4.1% and Robinhood (HOOD) gaining 4.8%.

    The rally mirrored gains in traditional markets, where the S&P 500 climbed 1.6% and the Nasdaq rose 2.2%.

    This recovery was largely fueled by growing confidence that the record-breaking 39-day government shutdown may be nearing an end, a sentiment bolstered by prediction market data and a weekend social media post from President Donald Trump.

    The shutdown’s double-edged sword for crypto

    While the market is cheering a potential resolution, the shutdown has created a complex “Jekyll and Hyde” scenario for the digital asset industry, according to David Nage, head of research at Arca.

    In a Monday note, Nage explained the positive side: an end to the shutdown could release a massive liquidity injection of 150–200 billion from the Treasury General Account into bank reserves. Historically, such a jolt has been a major tailwind for risk assets like crypto.

    However, there is a significant downside.

    “The larger story for digital asset adoption over the next three to five years is being shaped behind the scenes… and the Banking Committee staff rooms are currently dark due to the shutdown,” Nage explained.

    A race against time for US crypto regulation

    The ongoing shutdown has completely stalled progress on crucial crypto legislation, including the CLARITY Act and the Senate’s digital asset market structure bill.

    Nage warned that this delay poses a greater long-term threat to the industry than recent market volatility.

    With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the window for passing comprehensive digital asset regulation is closing.

    “If comprehensive digital asset legislation is delayed until 2026 and then dies in midterm politics, the industry will miss out on the regulatory clarity needed to attract institutional capital and achieve sustainable growth,” Nage said.

    He concluded that the timing is critical. “If the shutdown ends in November, we may benefit from both a liquidity injection and a legislative opportunity,” he said.

    If it drags into December, the legislation may miss its window.

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