LDO surges as SharpLink seeks to stake $200m in ETH via Lido

Key  takeaways

  • SharpLink Gaming plans to stake $200 million worth of Ethereum through Lido.
  • The allocation will be converted into wrapped staked ETH and held with Anchorage Digital.
  • wstETH enables SharpLink to earn staking rewards while retaining access to DeFi liquidity.

SharpLink Gaming (SBET) plans to allocate $200 million worth of Ethereum to Lido as the company seeks to generate additional returns from its expanding ETH treasury.

The Ethereum will be staked and converted into wrapped staked ETH, known as wstETH. Anchorage Digital will provide institutional custody for the assets, according to SharpLink’s announcement on Thursday.

The allocation adds Lido to SharpLink’s wider staking and restaking strategy, allowing the company to earn Ethereum network rewards while maintaining greater flexibility over how it deploys its holdings.

SharpLink expands its Ethereum staking strategy

SharpLink is pursuing ways to increase the productivity of the ETH held on its balance sheet instead of leaving the assets idle.

Through Lido, the company will stake $200 million in ETH and receive wstETH in return. The token represents staked Ethereum and the rewards generated from participating in the network’s proof-of-stake validation system.

Unlike directly staked ETH, wstETH can be transferred, traded or used within compatible decentralized finance applications while the underlying tokens continue generating staking rewards.

The structure could allow SharpLink to earn a base Ethereum staking yield while retaining the option to deploy its wstETH across other protocols.

SharpLink CEO Joseph Chalom described the allocation as an expansion of the company’s strategy to make its ETH holdings more productive. He said wstETH provides composability while allowing the company to maintain institutional risk standards.

SharpLink will custody the resulting wstETH with Anchorage Digital. The decision provides the company with a regulated institutional custodian while it increases its exposure to Ethereum’s staking and decentralized finance infrastructure.

Institutional custody is particularly important for corporate crypto treasuries because companies must manage operational, cybersecurity and governance risks alongside potential investment returns.

SharpLink did not disclose whether Anchorage Digital would also facilitate deployment of the wstETH into other DeFi platforms or whether the assets would initially remain in custody.

Technical forecast: LDO targets the $0.3370 resistance

The LDO/USD 4-hour chart remains bearish despite Lido rallying over the past few hours. However, the technical indicators suggest that the bulls could push the price higher in the near term.

The RSI of 57 is above the neutral 50, indicating that the bears are no longer in control of the market. The MACD lines also add further confluence to the bullish narrative.

If the rally persists, LDO could target the first major resistance at the $0.3370 level, which also coincides with the TLQ on the 4-hour timeframe.

LDO/USD 4H Chart

An extended rally could allow LDO to reclaim the $0.4063 swing high for the first time since July 27.

However, if the bears regain control, LDO could retest last week’s low of $0.2716 in the near term.

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Bitcoin holds $62,300 support as BTC attempts short-term recovery

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin trades near $63,567 on Friday after rebounding from support around $62,300.
  • BTC remains below its 50-day, 100-day and 200-day EMAs, preserving the broader bearish bias.
  • The RSI at 46 and a negative MACD signal weak momentum despite the recent stabilization.

Bitcoin (BTC) shows signs of stabilization on Friday after recovering from a correction earlier in the week.

BTC trades around $63,567 after buyers defended the $62,300 support level on Thursday. Holding this area could provide the foundation for a short-term rebound, but the price remains below all its major Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs).

Weak momentum indicators and several resistance barriers above the current price suggest that any recovery may remain limited unless Bitcoin reclaims the $64,488–$66,604 region.

Bitcoin rebounds from $62,300 support

Bitcoin found support around $62,300 on Thursday before recovering to approximately $63,567 on Friday.

The rebound indicates that buyers remain active near the lower boundary of the current range. However, BTC continues to trade below the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs, which are positioned between $64,488 and $72,035.

When the price trades below these major moving averages, they can act as dynamic resistance during recovery attempts. This structure suggests the broader trend remains bearish despite Bitcoin’s ability to defend short-term support.

A stronger reversal would require BTC to reclaim the 50-day EMA before challenging the higher resistance levels created by the longer-term averages.

Bitcoin’s Relative Strength Index stands near 46, below the neutral level of 50.

The reading indicates that sellers maintain a slight advantage, although the indicator remains well above oversold territory. A move above 50 would suggest improving momentum and could reinforce the likelihood of a broader recovery.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence remains below its zero line, supporting the bearish outlook.

Together, the indicators show that downside pressure has eased but has not disappeared. Bitcoin needs stronger buying volume and a decisive move above nearby resistance to confirm a momentum shift.

BTC faces resistance at $64,488

The 50-day EMA at approximately $64,488 represents Bitcoin’s first significant resistance level.

A daily close above this moving average could strengthen the rebound and allow BTC to challenge the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level near $65,547.

Beyond that, the horizontal resistance at $66,500 and the 100-day EMA at $66,604 form a dense supply zone. Sellers may defend this region aggressively, particularly after Bitcoin’s recent correction.

If buyers overcome the $66,500–$66,604 range, the 50% Fibonacci retracement near $67,940 would become the next upside target.

A sustained move above $67,940 would substantially improve the short-term technical outlook, although the 200-day EMA near $72,035 would remain a major long-term barrier.

On the downside, initial support sits at the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level around $62,586.

The horizontal floor at $62,300 provides the next and more critical support. This level triggered Thursday’s recovery and remains essential to Bitcoin’s short-term outlook.

BTC/USD 4H Chart

A daily close below $62,300 would invalidate the immediate rebound scenario and signal that selling pressure is strengthening.

Such a breakdown could expose Bitcoin’s broader support near $57,800, which marks the current cycle low. Buyers would likely attempt to defend this area because a sustained move below it could extend the wider bearish trend.

For now, holding above $62,300 keeps the possibility of a recovery toward $64,488 and $65,547 intact. However, Bitcoin must reclaim the major moving averages to demonstrate that bulls are taking control.

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Hyperliquid targets $58 resistance as retail demand strengthen

Key takeaways

  • Hyperliquid gained 2% on Thursday after advancing nearly 3% in the previous session.
  • Hyperion DeFi’s HYPE holdings recorded a $31 million fair-value increase during the second quarter.
  • HYPE futures Open Interest rose more than 4% to $2.38 billion, while trading volume jumped 45%.

Hyperliquid (HYPE) extended its recovery on Thursday as sustained corporate demand and improving derivatives activity supported bullish momentum.

The token gained approximately 2%, building on its nearly 3% advance during the previous session. HYPE is now approaching its 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near $58.37, which represents the next major obstacle to further gains.

A decisive break above this level could allow Hyperliquid to target the $62.58 supply zone.

Corporate treasuries maintain strong HYPE exposure

Corporate interest in Hyperliquid remains firm, with HYPE-focused digital-asset treasuries increasing their exposure while benefiting from the token’s rising market value.

Hyperliquid Strategies held 17.60 million HYPE, up from 12.50 million in January. The market value of its holdings climbed from $703 million at the end of the first quarter to approximately $980 million in the second quarter.

Hyperion DeFi also increased its treasury holdings from 1.88 million HYPE to 1.93 million. The value of its position rose from $77 million at the end of the first quarter to $107 million in Q2, representing a $31 million fair-value increase.

The stability and growth of these corporate positions indicate continued confidence in the Hyperliquid ecosystem.

Digital-asset treasury companies can provide sustained demand by accumulating and holding tokens over longer periods. However, concentrated corporate holdings may also create selling risks if treasury firms later reduce their exposure.

Retail and derivatives activity has strengthened alongside the price recovery. CoinGlass data shows HYPE futures Open Interest rose more than 4% over the past 24 hours to $2.39 billion. Increasing Open Interest indicates that the notional value of active contracts is rising, potentially reflecting the creation of new positions.

Trading volume also jumped 45% to $1.60 billion over the same period, showing that traders are becoming more active as HYPE approaches key resistance.

The simultaneous rise in price, trading volume and Open Interest supports the view that fresh capital is entering the market rather than the recovery being driven solely by traders closing existing positions.

Hyperliquid’s liquidation data reflects a bullish short-term bias. Short liquidations reached $1.34 million over the previous 24 hours, significantly exceeding the $251,040 in liquidated long positions. The imbalance suggests rising prices forced bearish traders to close leveraged positions.

HYPE’s funding rate remained positive at 0.0080%, despite experiencing brief moves into negative territory. Positive funding means traders holding long positions are paying shorts, showing a willingness to pay a premium for bullish exposure.

While the data supports further gains, rising leverage could increase volatility. An unexpected reversal could trigger long liquidations and place renewed pressure on the token.

HYPE remains above long-term support

HYPE continues to trade above its 200-day EMA at $51.29 and a rising trendline near $53.05.

These levels reinforce the token’s broader constructive structure and could attract buyers if the recovery loses momentum.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence indicator has crossed above its signal line, while its histogram remains positive. The shift indicates that bullish momentum is gradually rebuilding.

The Relative Strength Index stands near 50, reflecting neutral conditions and leaving room for further gains before the token enters overbought territory.

The 50-day EMA at approximately $58.37 remains the immediate resistance level controlling HYPE’s short-term outlook.

A decisive daily close above the moving average could confirm strengthening bullish momentum and open the way toward the $62.58 supply zone.

HYPE/USD 4H Chart

Failure to reclaim the 50-day EMA could produce another pullback toward the rising trendline at $53.05. Below that level, the 200-day EMA at $51.29 would provide the next important support.

Buyers would need to defend this support cluster to preserve Hyperliquid’s wider bullish structure.

For now, growing corporate holdings and improving derivatives metrics favor the recovery, but a breakout above $58.37 remains necessary to confirm its continuation.

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Stellar’s XLM token slides below key moving averages

Key takeaways

  • XLM remains under pressure at $0.160.
  • Positive funding rates for both tokens offer limited hope of a recovery.
  • XLM must reclaim the $0.176–$0.180 area to improve its outlook.

XLM continues to trade below several major moving averages. Mixed derivatives and on-chain signals reveal uncertainty among traders, leaving XLM exposed to further losses despite tentative signs of improving sentiment.

XLM traders show mixed positioning

CoinGlass derivatives data points to a more bearish outlook for Stellar. XLM’s long-to-short ratio was notably weaker at 0.92, approaching its lowest level in more than a month. 

A reading below one indicates that short positions outnumber longs, reflecting expectations of further downside.

Funding rates for both tokens have improved despite their weak price performance. XLM’s funding rate climbed to 0.0092%. 

Positive funding means traders holding long positions are paying short sellers, generally indicating bullish demand in the perpetual futures market.

The figures suggest that some traders are willing to maintain bullish exposure while prices remain under pressure. However, continued declines could leave those long positions vulnerable to liquidations.

CryptoQuant data presents a mixed picture for Stellar. XLM’s futures market shows selling-side dominance across both spot and futures markets. 

The presence of large whale orders adds uncertainty, but the broader data continues to favor caution while sellers control trading activity.

Stellar remains below major moving averages

Stellar traded near $0.160 on Thursday, maintaining a bearish short-term outlook below all three major EMAs.

The 50-day EMA is positioned at $0.176, while the 100-day and 200-day EMAs stand at $0.180 and $0.190, respectively. 

Their convergence above the current price creates a dense resistance zone that buyers must overcome before a meaningful recovery can develop.

Momentum indicators also remain weak. XLM’s RSI is near 33, placing it close to oversold territory, while the MACD continues to trade in negative territory.

Although the low RSI could eventually support a relief rally, it does not by itself confirm that XLM has reached a bottom.

The first important resistance zone for Stellar sits between the 50-day EMA at $0.176 and horizontal resistance at $0.177.

A break above this area could ease selling pressure and open the way toward the 100-day EMA at $0.180. Bulls would then need to clear the 200-day EMA at $0.190 to establish a stronger recovery.

XLM/USD 4H Chart

If XLM remains below these levels, the bearish outlook will persist. Continued selling could send the token toward its next meaningful horizontal support at $0.142, where buyers may attempt to defend the price.

For now, XRP’s slight bullish positioning provides limited recovery hope, but both tokens remain technically vulnerable while trading below their major moving averages.

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Uniswap slides 9% as weak retail demand threatens key support

Key takeaways

  • Uniswap falls nearly 6% on Wednesday after declining 5% in the previous session.
  • Uniswap has launched Continuous Clearing Auctions on Avalanche, allowing teams to conduct on-chain token sales and bootstrap liquidity.
  • UNI’s social dominance and volume have fallen sharply, signaling weaker retail attention.

Uniswap (UNI) faces intense selling pressure on Wednesday, falling nearly 9% after recording a 5% decline the previous day.

The pullback comes despite Uniswap’s continued product expansion, including the introduction of Continuous Clearing Auctions on Avalanche. The feature allows blockchain projects to conduct fully on-chain token auctions and establish initial liquidity through Uniswap v4.

However, declining social activity and derivatives demand suggest the launch has not been enough to offset the cryptocurrency market’s broader risk-averse mood.

Continuous clearing auctions launch on Avalanche

Uniswap’s Continuous Clearing Auctions provide Avalanche developers with a new mechanism for launching tokens and bootstrapping liquidity onchain.

The model is designed to reduce friction during token distribution by allowing teams to conduct auctions transparently through smart contracts. Projects can then connect their newly distributed tokens with Uniswap v4 liquidity.

The launch expands Uniswap’s presence on Avalanche and strengthens its role as infrastructure for token issuance, trading and liquidity management.

It follows the recent launch of the TradePools platform on Robinhood, which allows users to deposit USDC, USDT or ETH in pursuit of yield.

While these developments may support Uniswap’s long-term utility, they have yet to produce a meaningful improvement in near-term demand for UNI.

Retail interest in Uniswap is weakening as traders prepare for the release of July’s US Consumer Price Index report, scheduled for Wednesday at approximately 12:30 GMT.

The CPI reading could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate decision and affect demand for risk assets. A hotter-than-expected report could strengthen expectations for tighter monetary policy, while softer inflation could improve sentiment across cryptocurrency markets.

Santiment data shows Uniswap’s social dominance fell to 0.08% on Tuesday from 0.19%. Social volume also declined to 40 from 152.

The sharp contraction indicates that UNI accounts for a smaller share of cryptocurrency discussions and is attracting less attention from retail traders.

Uniswap’s derivatives market reinforces the decline in retail participation.

CoinGlass data shows UNI futures open interest fell more than 3% over the past 24 hours to $261.60 million. The decline indicates traders are closing positions and reducing their leveraged exposure.

Long liquidations reached $2.88 million during the same period, significantly exceeding short liquidations of just $1,950. The imbalance shows that falling prices have disproportionately forced bullish traders out of their positions.

However, UNI’s open-interest-weighted funding rate improved to 0.0016% from negative 0.0054% the previous day.

The return to positive funding indicates that the remaining leveraged market carries a slight bullish bias. Still, falling open interest and heavy long liquidations suggest overall sentiment remains fragile.

Uniswap Technical outlook: UNI tests 100-day EMA

Uniswap is testing its 100-day Exponential Moving Average at $3.55, an important near-term support level.

UNI remains below the 50-day EMA at $3.65 and the 200-day EMA at $3.93. These moving averages create overhead resistance and reinforce the prevailing bearish structure.

The Relative Strength Index has declined to 40, placing it below the neutral midpoint of 50 and indicating growing selling momentum. However, the indicator remains above the oversold threshold of 30.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence indicator has also fallen below its signal line, while its expanding bearish profile suggests downside momentum is strengthening.

A decisive daily close below the 100-day EMA at $3.55 could extend Uniswap’s decline toward the 50% Fibonacci retracement level at $3.25. This level is measured from UNI’s advance between $2.31 and $4.57.

UNI/USD 4H Chart

A successful defense of $3.55 could allow buyers to attempt a recovery. However, UNI must reclaim the 50-day EMA at $3.65 to ease immediate selling pressure.

Above that level, the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at $3.89 and the 200-day EMA at $3.93 form a significant resistance cluster.

Until Uniswap recovers above these moving averages with stronger trading activity, the short-term outlook is likely to remain bearish.

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