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  • Magic Eden’s ME token soars 35%, reclaims $0.60 amid ‘big week ahead’ hype

    Magic Eden’s ME token soars 35%, reclaims $0.60 amid ‘big week ahead’ hype

    Magic Eden Token

    • Magic Eden price soared more than 35% amid a breakout above the key resistance of $0.50.
    • Trading volume jumped 1,280% to over $129 million to signal buying pressure.
    • “A big week” ahead and other potential catalysts could boost ME bulls.

    Magic Eden’s native token, ME, has experienced a significant price surge in the past 24 hours.

    Prices rose to intraday highs above $0.60 for the first time since the October 11 crash, with bulls’ gains coming amid a retest of a key technical barrier.

    As the altcoins rank among the top gainers in the 500 largest cryptocurrencies by market cap, buyers are likely to hold the crucial level and target a new leg up.

    But what could help ME price in the short term?

    Magic Eden among top gainers as price pumps 35%

    Per CoinMarketCap data, Magic Eden’s ME token is one of the standout performers in the cryptocurrency arena today.

    The token’s 35% uptick in the past 24 hours has come amid a robust trading volume of $129 million – the metric is up 1,280% in the past 24 hours.

    This performance has not only outpaced the broader market but also dwarfed top performers such as Pi Network, Virtuals Protocol and Zcash.

    ZEC hovered around $270 on October 24, but was near $350 at the time of writing.

    On the technical front, ME broke above the critical hurdle at $0.50, reaching intraday highs of $0.60.

    While the altcoin is well off its all-time peak above $13.24, bulls have bounced off the all-time low of $0.23.

    ME could retest $0.55 or $0.50 before seizing on an uptick across the market to target the psychological $1 mark.

    RSI at 60 suggests bulls have more room to aim for gains.

    Magic Eden price chart by TradingView

    What could help Magic Eden price higher?

    Several factors appear to have converged to ignite this pump.

    Notably, the official Magic Eden X account issued a cryptic yet bullish proclamation early this morning: “Big week ahead.”

    This post, which garnered over 300 likes and widespread speculation within the community, hinted at impending announcements or developments that could further bolster the platform’s growth.

    Such communications from project leads often serve as potent catalysts, drawing in retail traders and amplifying social sentiment.

    ME gains also follow the community cheering of the recent acquisition of Dynamic by Fireblocks, which the platforms announced on October 23.

    As a key user of Dynamic’s developer platform, Magic Eden could benefit significantly from this integration.

    Dynamic powers over 50 million on-chain accounts for industry leaders, including Kraken, Ondo Finance, Magic Eden and zerohash.

    Magic Eden’s seamless user onboarding and embedded wallet functionalities for NFT trading across chains.

    The deal merges Fireblocks’ institutional-grade custody with Dynamic’s agile tools, creating what executives describe as the “first complete custody-to-consumer stack” for on-chain finance.

    Overlaying these platform-specific tailwinds is a broader crypto market rebound.

    While gains in October 2025 remain muted as the macroeconomic environment hit risk-on sentiment, Bitcoin’s climb to $116,000 and Ethereum’s break to $4,200 has bulls excited.

    The big week for crypto includes a potential rally ahead of a Federal Reserve rate cut, the impact of the US-China trade deal and SEC approval for exchange-traded funds.

    The macroeconomic lift could spill over to altcoins like Magic Eden.

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  • Cryptocurrency is as ‘property’ under Indian law, rules Madras High Court

    Cryptocurrency is as ‘property’ under Indian law, rules Madras High Court

    Madras High Court rules cryptocurrency is a “property”

    • Madras High Court confirms crypto can be owned and held in trust.
    • WazirX has been barred from redistributing investors’ unaffected XRP holdings.
    • Ruling strengthens investor rights and Web3 governance in India.

    In a landmark ruling that could reshape cryptocurrency in India, the Madras High Court has declared that cryptocurrencies qualify as property under Indian law.

    The Court’s decision, delivered by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, affirms that cryptocurrencies can be owned, held in trust, and protected as legal property — a major step in clarifying the legal status of digital assets in the country.

    Cryptocurrency in India now recognised as property

    The case arose from a petition by an investor whose 3,532.30 XRP coins were frozen after a cyberattack on WazirX, one of India’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

    In July 2024, the platform suffered a $234 million hack involving Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens.

    While the investor’s XRP holdings were not part of the stolen assets, WazirX sought to redistribute all users’ funds under its so-called “socialisation of losses” plan.

    Justice Venkatesh firmly rejected the proposal, ruling that each investor’s digital holdings are individual property and cannot be diluted or redistributed to cover exchange losses.

    He emphasised that cryptocurrencies, though intangible, possess all the essential attributes of property — they are identifiable, transferable, and exclusively controlled through private keys.

    “It is not a tangible property nor is it a currency,” the judge observed. “However, it is a property, which is capable of being enjoyed and possessed in a beneficial form.”

    This interpretation grants digital asset holders stronger legal standing, ensuring that their cryptocurrencies are recognised as assets protected under Indian law.

    Jurisdiction and investor protection

    The Court also settled questions over jurisdiction, dismissing WazirX’s argument that Singaporean arbitration rules applied because its parent company, Zettai Pte Ltd, is based in Singapore.

    Justice Venkatesh cited the Supreme Court’s earlier decision in PASL Wind Solutions Pvt Ltd v. GE Power Conversion India Pvt Ltd (2021), noting that Indian courts have authority over assets located within India.

    Because the investor’s transactions originated from Chennai and involved an Indian bank account, the Court confirmed that the case fell squarely under Indian jurisdiction.

    The court further highlighted that Zanmai Labs Pvt Ltd, which operates WazirX in India, is registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) — unlike its foreign parent company or Binance.

    This distinction reinforced that Indian exchanges operating domestically are subject to Indian oversight and accountability, particularly in protecting user assets and maintaining transparent custodial practices.

    Strengthening Web3 governance

    Justice Venkatesh’s decision went beyond individual relief to call for higher standards of corporate governance in the Web3 and crypto sectors.

    He urged exchanges to maintain separate client funds, conduct independent audits, and uphold robust KYC and anti-money laundering controls.

    These measures, the Court noted, are vital for building trust in the digital economy and protecting consumers from future mishandling of assets.

    Legal experts hailed the judgment as a milestone in developing “crypto-jurisprudence” in India.

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Indian exchange Giottus, described it as a foundational moment that signals to all market participants — exchanges, users, and regulators — that the digital asset space will be held to strong standards of governance and protection.

    A foundation for India’s crypto future

    The Court’s ruling not only protects the rights of individual investors but also strengthens the broader regulatory framework around digital assets.

    By recognising cryptocurrency as property, the judgment fills a crucial legal gap in a country where tax enforcement on crypto remains strict, but investor protections have lagged.

    As Justice Venkatesh wrote, courts now serve as the “central stage where the future of digital value is debated.”

    Through this ruling, the Madras High Court has given India a clearer picture of ownership, responsibility, and trust in the age of decentralisation.

    With cryptocurrency in India now firmly recognised as property under Indian law, the decision marks a turning point for the country’s digital asset ecosystem — affirming that in India, crypto holdings are not just speculative instruments but protected assets under the law.

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  • Bitplanet becomes South Korea’s first listed firm to buy Bitcoin (BTC)

    Bitplanet becomes South Korea’s first listed firm to buy Bitcoin (BTC)

    Bitplanet becomes South Korea’s first listed firm to buy Bitcoin

    • Bitplanet bought 93 BTC in Korea’s first regulated corporate purchase.
    • The firm plans daily Bitcoin buys to reach a 10,000 BTC treasury.
    • Backed by major investors, Bitplanet leads Korea’s Bitcoin adoption.

    Bitplanet has made history in South Korea’s financial landscape by becoming the nation’s first publicly traded company to purchase Bitcoin (BTC) through a regulated domestic exchange.

    The KOSDAQ-listed technology firm recently acquired 92.67 BTC — worth approximately $10.9 million — marking a new chapter in the country’s corporate embrace of digital assets.

    Korea’s first regulated corporate Bitcoin buy

    The BTC acquisition positions Bitplanet as a pioneer in compliant Bitcoin adoption within Asia’s evolving financial ecosystem.

    It is the first time a listed company has acquired Bitcoin through a licensed exchange within the country’s regulated financial infrastructure.

    Executed entirely under the supervision of South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the transaction signals growing confidence among institutional investors that Bitcoin can serve as a legitimate, strategic treasury asset.

    The Seoul-based company described the move as a deliberate, rules-based initiative rather than a speculative trade.

    Co-CEO Paul Lee explained that the purchase marks the start of a disciplined, long-term accumulation plan designed to reduce timing risks while positioning Bitcoin as a strategic treasury reserve.

    The transaction was executed fully in compliance with domestic financial laws, a milestone that could encourage other listed companies to follow suit.

    Notably, the timing of Bitplanet’s move coincided with a strong rally in Bitcoin prices, which recently climbed above $115,000 amid optimism about US Federal Reserve rate cuts and increasing exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows.

    By choosing this moment to make its first acquisition, Bitplanet demonstrated not only market awareness but also confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term role as a corporate asset.

    From its IT roots to a Bitcoin treasury company

    Founded in 1997 as SGA Co., Ltd., Bitplanet has deep roots in IT, cybersecurity, and education technology services.

    The company rebranded in September 2025 to reflect a broader shift toward blockchain and Bitcoin-focused ventures.

    Its pivot follows the full $50 million acquisition of SGA earlier in the year and the completion of a $40 million fundraising round to support its new treasury strategy.

    This strategic transformation underscores Bitplanet’s vision of becoming South Korea’s first institutional-grade Bitcoin treasury company.

    The firm has developed a comprehensive infrastructure for compliant digital asset management, including regulated custody solutions, secure storage, and real-time audit systems that meet government and financial oversight standards.

    Bitplanet’s management says it intends to accumulate Bitcoin daily through licensed domestic exchanges, aiming to build a reserve of up to 10,000 BTC over time.

    This steady, methodical approach minimises exposure to market volatility and mirrors similar strategies employed by firms such as Japan’s Metaplanet, one of Bitplanet’s key backers.

    Backed by global Bitcoin advocates

    Bitplanet’s Bitcoin strategy is supported by a global network of digital asset investors.

    The firm’s backers include Simon Gerovich of Metaplanet, AsiaStrategy, Sora Ventures, UTXO Management, KCGI, Kingsway Capital, and ParaFi Capital — groups known for advancing institutional Bitcoin adoption worldwide.

    Their involvement signals strong confidence in Bitplanet’s compliance-focused model and its potential to establish a new standard for Bitcoin treasury management in Asia.

    Industry observers believe the company’s regulated approach could pave the way for broader corporate participation in South Korea’s growing digital asset market.

    The BTC purchase also aligns with the country’s forthcoming Digital Asset Basic Act, scheduled to take effect by 2027, which will formalise the rules for cryptocurrency custody and corporate holdings.

    By moving early, Bitplanet positions itself to benefit from the regulatory clarity that this law is expected to bring.

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  • What next for Avantis price after the 73% recovery?

    What next for Avantis price after the 73% recovery?

    What next for Avantis price after the 73% recovery?

    • Avantis whale activity remains weak despite strong short-term price gains.
    • Technical breakout hints at reversal, but confirmation needs $1.00 break.
    • TVL surge and new listings boost adoption amid rising volatility.

    After a steep correction that erased much of its September gains, the Avantis price has staged an impressive rebound, rising 73% over the past week and 31.9% in the last 24 hours.

    The AVNT token is now trading around $0.86, still nearly 59% below its September peak of $2.66.

    While the recovery has rekindled investor optimism, the question remains — can this rally hold, or is it merely a temporary reprieve in a larger downtrend?

    Whales are still on the sidelines

    Despite the sharp recovery, large investors appear hesitant to jump back in.

    On the daily chart, the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), a key indicator of whale participation, remains below zero, showing that major wallets are not yet accumulating AVNT.

    Avantis price chart
    Source: TradingView

    Historically, the Avantis price has moved in tandem with whale inflows; its September surge to an all-time high coincided with CMF turning positive.

    Since the indicator slipped below zero on September 26, the market has seen sustained selling pressure.

    While CMF has slightly improved in recent sessions, the momentum is weak.

    The lack of significant whale support casts doubt on the rally’s durability.

    For a genuine reversal to take hold, CMF needs to cross decisively into positive territory, confirming renewed institutional confidence.

    Technical patterns hint at a possible shift

    From a technical standpoint, Avantis appears to be trying to flip its bearish script.

    The token recently broke out of a falling wedge pattern on the 12-hour chart, a formation often associated with a trend reversal.

    The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 52.1, and the MACD histogram has turned slightly positive at +0.0088 — both signs of growing bullish momentum.

    However, beneath these signals lies a warning.

    Between October 10 and 21, the Avantis chart formed a hidden bearish divergence, where prices made lower highs while RSI posted higher highs.

    This pattern can foreshadow weakening upside pressure.

    A close above $1.00 would invalidate this bearish setup, confirming stronger buying interest.

    Until then, traders remain cautious, especially with key support anchored around $0.57.

    Rising TVL and platform growth fuel optimism

    Fundamentally, Avantis’ ecosystem continues to show progress.

    The project’s Total Value Locked (TVL) recently surpassed $111 million, up more than 430% in a month.

    Much of this growth stems from its synthetic asset trading platform on Base Chain, which has attracted new liquidity and users.

    The development of composable yield products is also boosting engagement, as AVNT’s staking and governance features tie directly to network revenue.

    This rise in TVL not only reflects increasing adoption but also suggests stronger underlying demand for the AVNT token.

    The platform’s expansion reinforces its long-term utility case, even as short-term market sentiment fluctuates.

    Exchange listings have added liquidity — but also volatility

    AVNT’s recent listings on Binance, Upbit, and Coinbase have dramatically increased liquidity, with daily trading volume now exceeding $307 million — roughly 2.4 times its market capitalisation.

    Such high turnover indicates speculative enthusiasm, but it also underscores the market’s instability.

    Following the listings in September, AVNT soared by nearly 400% before correcting by 60% in the weeks that followed.

    The current rebound, though encouraging, remains fragile unless sustained by organic demand rather than short-term trading.

    Avantis price outlook

    In the short term, all eyes are on whether the Avantis price can maintain momentum above the $1.00 resistance.

    Breaking this level would signal the start of a broader trend reversal and could open the path toward $1.32 and potentially $2.66 — the previous all-time high.

    Failure to hold above $0.57, however, could invite renewed selling and a retest of lower levels near $0.46.

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  • Crypto wrap: Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Solana, and XRP muted after CPI report

    Crypto wrap: Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Solana, and XRP muted after CPI report

    Bitcoin Price

    • Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Solana, and XRP traded higher and then pared gains.
    • Sentiment improved with the release of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, but prices failed to rally.
    • Analysts say the CPI data makes a Federal Reserve rate cut on October 29 “highly probable”.

    Major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Solana, and XRP have maintained steady prices despite Wall Street’s robust reaction to a key economic data release. 

    As such, the cryptocurrency market was largely muted on Friday October 24, 2025, with an initial price spike following the release of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report failing to flip into notable gains. 

    While several coins traded in the green, the subdued action meant the global crypto market capitalization, per CoinGecko, remained at $3.81 trillion.

    Sentiment was still largely negative as the Fear & Greed index hovered at 32 and was in fear territory.

    Meanwhile, global daily trading volume slipped to $153 billion.

    Bitcoin, Ethereum prices as investors react to CPI data

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the US CPI inflation report for September on Friday.

    Data showed inflation was cooler than expected, with headline CPI at 0.3% and core inflation at 0.2%.

    Meanwhile, both year-over-year measures for headline and core came in at 3%.

    Economist Mohamed El-Erian commented on what the data says:

    “This report makes a Federal Reserve rate cut next week highly probable. What happens beyond that, however, will depend on subsequent data, primarily confirmation of a softening labor market and continued disinflation.”

    Stocks however, soared amid the report and a host of other bullish factors.

    Bitcoin traded to highs of $111,842 before quickly retreating to $110,500.

    Ethereum on the other hand, rose slightly to near $4,000 before revisiting $3,870 and settling just above $3,900.

    Despite the cooling inflation data, analysts see a 99% likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut on October 29.

    This will feed into risk asset appeal and both BTC and ETH could rally past key supply walls around $115k and $4,250.

    BNB steady after Changpeng Zhao pardon

    BNB, the native token of Binance, has maintained its price at $1,106, with negligible movement post-CPI.

    The token is benefiting from Binance’s dominance in spot trading, and the news of President Donald Trump’s pardon of founder Changpeng Zhao buoyed the broader market.

    BNB price moved from lows of $1,048 to near $1,150 on October 24 before settling near the psychological $1,000 mark.

    Solana and XRP steady but below key levels

    Both Solana and XRP held steady at $190 and $2.49, respectively.

    Network activity, partnerships and acquisitions have complemented sentiment built around spot ETF anticipation and treasury strategy moves.

    However, SOL and XRP are below the key buy zones of $200 and $3.00, respectively.

    Confidence could skyrocket if bulls take out bears at these levels.

    News that Ripple is one of the crypto titans bankrolling donations for Trump’s White House ballroom project see XRP get further limelight.

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  • Aster price risks dip below $1 despite major buyback plan

    Aster price risks dip below $1 despite major buyback plan

    Aster Bearish Price Outlook

    • The ASTER token is teetering near a critical support level of $1.03-$1.00.
    • A potential drop below $1 risks triggering further declines to $0.90.
    • The outlook is despite a buyback plan the Aster team announced on Friday.

    Aster DEX, a decentralized exchange backed by YZi Labs and linked to Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, has unveiled a significant buyback initiative to bolster its native token, ASTER.

    Announced earlier today, the plan proposes allocating 70-80% of Season 3 fees toward ASTER buybacks, contingent on market conditions.

    However, despite this bold move, market data and technical outlook suggest that ASTER faces substantial risks of dipping below the critical $1 psychological support level.

    Aster team plans major token buyback

    The ASTER token is currently trading at $1.06, just in the red.

    However, the DEX token faces notable selling pressure as has been seen in the past week and month.

    On Friday, the cryptocurrency failed to climb despite earlier gains.

    Intraday upticks saw the altcoin’s price reject in the $1.12 and $1.15 region, with gains and the subsequent selling pressure coming amid a major ASTER buyback announcement.

    Why is ASTER price down today?

    Aster fell amid negative news on Thursday. Today, the token’s price action reflects a fragile market, with technical indicators pointing to potential downside risks.

    Notably, Aster has lost over 55% of its value since the peak of $2.42 reached in September.

    The rally that saw the exchange platform challenge and even surpass Hyperliquid in volume has dissipated, and the altcoin’s 24-hour trading volume, while robust, has dropped below $800 million.

    Market sentiment is further strained amid overall crypto action.

    On Friday, following high anticipation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index inflation for September.

    After an initial uptick alongside stocks, Bitcoin and Ethereum as well as most cryptocurrencies showed subdued action.

    The US CPI report, which indicated cooling inflation, failed to inspire sustained bullish momentum across the crypto sector.

    While the Dow Jones Industrial Average had spiked by over 530 points as of writing, Bitcoin failed to rally above $111,000, and ETH pared gains from near $4,000.

    Aster price signalled a similar outlook despite the team’s buyback announcement.

    Is ASTER set to dump below $1?

    Technical indicators highlight that the current price is at a critical support zone.

    A downturn below $1.03 means bears could strengthen in the $0.93-$0.97 region. ASTER could drop to lows of $0.90.

    Meanwhile, robust resistance lies in the $1.12-$1.15 zone, with a break to above $1.24 potentially triggering an upward momentum toward $1.52 and then $1.60.

    Aster price chart by TraddingView

    In any case, ASTER’s ability to hold above $1 is crucial for this bullish outlook.

    The buyback plan’s execution and broader market stabilization will be key for buyers.

    The token’s institutional backing and multi-chain architecture may also offer a foundation for recovery.

    However, the overall crypto market outlook suggests uncertainty could deter short-term holders.

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  • XRP on the edge: from 15% slump to supply shock — is a $12 breakout next?

    XRP on the edge: from 15% slump to supply shock — is a $12 breakout next?

    XRP on the edge

    • Recently, XRP dropped 15% as Bitcoin slipped just 1%, showing amplified volatility.
    • XRP ETF delays and $8.13M in liquidations deepened XRP’s monthly decline.
    • Analysts see XRP rebounding toward $5–$12 if ETF-driven supply shock hits.

    XRP price has become the focal point of heated debate after the token slid roughly 15% over the past month while the Bitcoin price barely moved.

    Market commentators and analysts are asking why XRP would suffer such a steep pullback when the broader market appeared comparatively steady.

    The answer, they say, lies in correlation dynamics, liquidations, regulatory lag and nascent institutional activity.

    The sharp divergence with Bitcoin

    In October, both Bitcoin and XRP rallied, with Bitcoin staying above the six-figure levels and XRP flirting with the $3 mark.

    Profit-taking followed quickly, and altcoins absorbed most of the pain.

    Traders who had piled into XRP were hit especially hard; one stretch of trading erased about $8.13 million of leveraged positions within four hours.

    That sequence amplified losses and sent XRP below the $2.50 support level it had failed to hold after the upswing.

    Charles Gasparino, a senior correspondent known for market coverage, spotlighted the paradox: Bitcoin fell only about 1% over the month, yet XRP plunged around 15%.

    The contrast underscores a structural reality where XRP has historically tracked Bitcoin’s moves but with greater intensity.

    When BTC stumbles or consolidates, that sensitivity can turn into outsized downside for XRP.

    XRP price and the ETF supply shock

    Beyond short-term mechanics, a longer-term narrative is reshaping investor expectations.

    Analyst Zach Rector has argued that the launch of multiple spot XRP exchange-traded funds and similar institutional vehicles could effectively remove a substantial portion of circulating supply from the market.

    According to Rector, that “supply shock,” Rector says, would create the conditions for a dramatic price re-rating, with conservative models pointing to targets ranging from $5 up to double-digit territory — even as high as $12 by December 2025.

    The regulatory backdrop also matters. Bitcoin and Ethereum have benefited from cleared paths to ETF adoption that flooded both markets with fresh capital.

    XRP, by contrast, still faces an unresolved approval picture for spot ETFs in many jurisdictions.

    That delay has likely depressed demand from risk-averse institutional buyers and made the token more sensitive to retail flows and sentiment shifts.

    At the same time, data points show growing institutional interest via derivatives: CME-listed XRP and Micro XRP futures have recorded substantial contract volumes over recent months, a sign that professional desks are increasingly engaging the token.

    XRP price analysis

    From a technical analysis standpoint, the $2.30 area acted as a concrete support during mid-month liquidations, and the bounce to around $2.50 suggests buyers remain interested at those prices.

    XRP price analysis
    Source: CoinMarketCap

    A sustained break above $3.40 would, in many analysts’ views, open a path toward $5.5, and if ETF-driven supply lockups occur, upside to substantially higher levels becomes plausible.

    On-chain signals constructively complicate the picture.

    The XRP Ledger is approaching a major transaction milestone, nearing 100 million recorded transfers.

    That activity signals ongoing utility and adoption within payments and DeFi niches where XRP has carved a role.

    Such resilience in on-chain throughput can buttress confidence even when price action looks shaky.

    Assessing the path forward means weighing an array of forces: correlation-driven volatility, liquidation dynamics, regulatory clarity, and institutional adoption through derivatives and potential ETFs.

    Short-term traders must manage the heightened risk that comes with XRP’s amplified moves.

    Long-term investors, on the other hand, should watch ETF developments and on-chain adoption as the main levers that could catalyse the next leg of momentum.

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  • JPMorgan Chase to start accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum as loan collateral: report

    JPMorgan Chase to start accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum as loan collateral: report

    JPMorgan Chase to start accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum as loan collateral

    • JPMorgan will let clients use Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as collateral for loans.
    • The move marks a major shift from Jamie Dimon’s past crypto criticism.
    • Other major banks are expanding crypto custody and lending services.

    JPMorgan Chase & Co. is reportedly preparing to let institutional clients use BTC and ETH as collateral for loans by the end of the year, as per a Bloomberg report.

    The move marks one of the most significant steps yet by a major US bank toward integrating digital assets into traditional finance, signalling how fast cryptocurrencies are moving from the periphery to the core of global banking.

    JPMorgan’s changing tune on crypto

    For years, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was one of the fiercest critics of Bitcoin, calling it a “decentralised Ponzi scheme” and claiming that only criminals used it.

    Dimon’s comments often shaped how Wall Street viewed the cryptocurrency market.

    But Dimon’s tone has softened in recent years, especially since Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, which brought regulatory changes that have made it easier for banks to engage with digital assets.

    Now, Dimon’s JPMorgan is taking a major step that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

    The bank’s new program will reportedly allow institutional clients to pledge their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings as collateral for loans.

    The assets will be held by a third-party custodian, ensuring compliance with existing financial and regulatory standards.

    From doubt to action

    Speculation about JPMorgan’s crypto-collateral plans first emerged earlier this year when the Financial Times reported that the bank was exploring such a move, potentially by 2026.

    At the time, scepticism ran high. Dimon’s long record of dismissing Bitcoin, combined with banks’ cautious approach to regulatory uncertainty, made the plan seem remote.

    However, the landscape has changed rapidly in 2025. With Bitcoin trading above $111,000 and Ethereum nearing $4,000, the digital asset market has reached unprecedented maturity and capitalisation.

    Bitcoin’s market cap has surged to over $2.2 trillion, while Ethereum’s market cap has climbed to nearly $478 billion.

    The rise in these asset prices, combined with increased institutional demand, has made cryptocurrencies more appealing as loan collateral.

    JPMorgan’s initiative will expand on its earlier decision to accept crypto-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as collateral.

    Other banks are also integrating crypto

    JPMorgan’s shift mirrors a broader transformation across the financial sector.

    Morgan Stanley plans to open cryptocurrency access to retail investors through its E*Trade platform in the first half of next year.

    State Street, BNY Mellon, and Fidelity are all expanding their digital asset custody services, while BlackRock recently introduced new mechanisms allowing investors to convert Bitcoin directly into ETF holdings.

    Even long-time sceptics like Standard Chartered have revised their stance, recognising the growing importance of cryptocurrencies in global finance.

    These moves indicate that digital assets are no longer being viewed as speculative outliers but as legitimate components of diversified financial systems.

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  • Bitcoin’s institutional surge widens trillion-dollar gap with altcoins

    Bitcoin’s institutional surge widens trillion-dollar gap with altcoins

    Bitcoin’s institutional surge widens trillion-dollar gap with altcoins

    • A trillion-dollar valuation gap now separates Bitcoin from other tokens.
    • Altcoin market capitalisation could be $800 billion higher, data shows.
    • A US-China trade selloff erased $380 billion from crypto markets.

    Bitcoin’s growing dominance in institutional portfolios has created a near-trillion-dollar gap between the world’s largest cryptocurrency and its altcoin peers, according to new data shared by 10x Research.

    The report attributes this widening divide to a structural shift in investor behaviour, particularly among retail traders in South Korea, who have redirected funds from altcoins to crypto-linked equities and exchange-listed vehicles that hold tokens.

    Retail shift weakens altcoin liquidity

    10x Research found that altcoin market capitalisation could be about $800 billion higher if retail investors—especially in South Korea—had not channelled their funds into crypto-related stocks and other equity markets.

    Altcoins, which typically rely on retail liquidity to sustain upward momentum, have failed to attract enough new capital in this cycle.

    Historically, South Korean traders have been a major force behind the altcoin boom.

    Local exchanges have seen altcoins account for more than 80% of total trading activity, a stark contrast to global platforms where Bitcoin and Ether dominate 50% or more of daily volume.

    But that pattern has shifted sharply this year, leading to a liquidity shortfall for smaller digital assets.

    South Korea’s trading activity declines

    From 5 November through 28 November 2024, the daily average trading volume on South Korean crypto exchanges stood at $9.4 billion, surpassing the $7 billion traded on the Kospi stock market during the same period, according to data from CCData and the Korea Exchange.

    However, since then, 10x Research noted a steep decline in crypto activity, suggesting that retail participation has cooled significantly.

    The report highlights that South Korea’s declining appetite for riskier altcoins has been instrumental in their recent underperformance.

    Retail investors who once drove speculative rallies in coins such as XRP, Cardano, and Solana have turned instead to listed blockchain firms and exchange-traded vehicles offering indirect crypto exposure.

    This shift has contributed to the overall weakness in altcoin prices.

    Market losses deepen amid trade tensions

    A recent selloff in the broader cryptocurrency market, triggered by escalating US-China trade tensions, exacerbated the situation.

    The correction wiped out about $380 billion from total market value, with roughly $131 billion concentrated in altcoins, according to 10x Research’s data.

    While Bitcoin and altcoins both suffered declines, smaller coins bore the brunt as investors sought safety in the more established and liquid assets.

    Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge within the crypto ecosystem has strengthened, reinforcing its dominance during market stress.

    The selloff underscores a changing market structure where altcoins are increasingly viewed as speculative instruments, while Bitcoin’s perceived institutional legitimacy provides it with greater resilience during downturns.

    As capital concentrates around Bitcoin and select equities, the broader altcoin market faces challenges in regaining lost momentum.

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  • Succinct (PROVE) price eyes $1.74 peak amid volume spike

    Succinct (PROVE) price eyes $1.74 peak amid volume spike

    Succinct Token PROVE

    • Succinct price jumped 20% amid a 228% spike in daily volume.
    • PROVE outpaced most altcoins in the top 100 by market cap as bulls looked to break above $1.
    • The altcoin traded higher amid a zero-knowledge proofs milestone on Arbitrum.

    Succinct (PROVE) trends among cryptocurrency outperformers in the past 24 hours, with double-digit gains pushing the verifiable computation protocol’s native token to above $1.00.

    As Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystems push boundaries in scalability and security, PROVE’s latest momentum aligns with fresh investor confidence.

    Particularly, Succinct’s zero-knowledge proofs milestone on Arbitrum has coincided with the price surge.

    The PROVE token mirrors gains for SynFutures, Aster and World Liberty Financial. Ethereum is also up amid CPI anticipation.

    Succinct price tests $1 amid a 200% volume spike

    The Succinct token (PROVE) rose sharply on Friday to test the psychologically significant $1.00 threshold.

    Gains came as trading activity exploded, with PROVE climbing more than 20% from recent lows of $0.79 to highs of $1.02.

    The uptick positioned Succinct as a standout performer in the altcoin space, outpacing Ethereum and other top altcoins.

    Significantly, the upward pressure for the altcoin comes on the heels of a dramatic 228% spike in trading volume.

    Market data from CoinMarketCap indicated Succinct’s volume exceeded $146 million as PROVE hovered above $0.98 amid a slight retreat. 

    However, PROVE price has jumped by more than 137% since touching lows of $0.41 on October 11, 2025.

    Bulls could eye strengthening above $1 in the coming weeks, with the target on a new all-time high. 

    As PROVE hovers near $1, the combination of price appreciation and elevated volume suggests a breakout is likely.

    The token reached its all-time peak of $1.73 in August 2025. Downside action could rely on critical support around $0.75.

    Succinct Chart
    Succinct prove chart by CoinMarketCap

    Succinct hits key milestone

    The crypto market has shown lacklustre action these past few days. However, Succinct has jumped by more than 32% in the past week. 

    Amid this market outlook, Succinct has achieved a landmark advancement in its mission to democratize ZK proofs.

    The protocol recently announced the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs tailored for Arbitrum, Ethereum’s leading optimistic rollup.

    Through its SP1 zero-knowledge virtual machine, Succinct has verified real Arbitrum blocks while maintaining seamless compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine and Stylus smart contracts.

    By enabling ZK proofs across all Arbitrum chains, including those built on the Orbit stack, Succinct unlocks new possibilities for modular DeFi, cross-chain bridges, and privacy-enhanced applications.

    For the Succinct ecosystem, it solidifies PROVE’s utility as the economic backbone for proof generation, staking, and governance. 

    In August, while disclosing a strategic partnership with Tandem, the Succinct team said the integration with Arbitrum could be key to PROVE revenue. 

    “Since Arbitrum chains account for ~50% of L2 TVS, our rollup market just doubled. If the SPN can monetize a fraction of that value, it will unlock hundreds of millions in revenue for our ecosystem,” they posted on X.

    While volatility remains inherent in crypto markets, the milestone and other developments affirm the Succinct’s edge against industry peers.

    Traders will watch the market closely for signals of upward momentum.

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