Kategorie: Crypto Markets

• Whale addresses now hold 9.44% of XRP supply, up from 8.24% in January.
• FedWatch Tool shows expectations for interest rates to remain at 4.25%-4.5%.
• RSI below 50 signals bearish momentum and possible downside pressure.

Ripple’s XRP token is holding steady at $2.14 despite a significant slowdown in trading volume and increasing caution across the wider crypto market.

Source: CoinMarketCap

The token’s price consolidation comes as investors await the US Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision and watch closely for developments in upcoming trade talks between the US and China.

On-chain data suggests that large investors are continuing to accumulate XRP, with wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million tokens increasing their holdings by 1.2% since January.

This rise in so-called whale activity is helping to maintain a floor at the $2.10 support level, even as momentum indicators such as the RSI point to growing trader uncertainty.

The broader crypto market is similarly rangebound, with Bitcoin fluctuating between $94,000 and $96,000 ahead of the Fed’s policy statement and key diplomatic meetings set to take place in Switzerland this weekend.

Fed expected to keep rates steady at 4.25%-4.5%

According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, most market participants anticipate that the Federal Open Market Committee will leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged.

The current range of 4.25% to 4.5% reflects the central bank’s cautious stance amid ongoing global economic volatility, particularly stemming from trade policy and geopolitical tension.

K33 Research’s latest weekly report notes that the Fed’s conservative approach is being driven in part by uncertainty over tariffs and broader macroeconomic concerns.

These macroeconomic headwinds are weighing on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have absorbed over 50,000 BTC since April 21, yet Bitcoin has struggled to maintain upward momentum beyond $97,000, underscoring the broader market’s hesitancy.

XRP’s own muted performance in recent days reflects similar indecision, with bulls and bears locked in a stalemate above the $2.10 level.

Trade tensions push XRP into consolidation

XRP’s current price movement reflects more than just domestic economic uncertainty. International trade disputes have intensified after the US placed new restrictions on chip exports to China.

Specifically, NVIDIA’s advanced H20 processors were barred from shipment, prompting China to retaliate by halting exports of rare earth materials to the US.

These tit-for-tat actions have destabilised sentiment and triggered panic across global markets in April.

In response to this escalating trade war, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has confirmed a planned meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Switzerland.

Scheduled for this weekend, the meeting is expected to focus on resolving some of the key tariff barriers and opening channels for improved bilateral trade.

Market analysts suggest that progress in these talks could reduce volatility and improve sentiment for risk-on assets, including cryptocurrencies.

XRP price faces resistance at $2.20

XRP continues to trade within a tight range between its 200-day exponential moving average at $1.99 and a dual resistance level formed by the 50-day and 100-day EMAs around $2.20.

A long-term descending trendline dating back to January adds further pressure on bullish traders attempting to break past the upper resistance zone.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dipped below the neutral 50 level, indicating that bearish momentum may be strengthening. This shift in sentiment raises the possibility of losses below $2.10.

Should the $1.99 support break, traders may look to lower levels at $1.80 or even $1.61—the latter being the low recorded on April 7—for signs of a reversal.

Despite these technical headwinds, whale wallets are quietly increasing their holdings.

According to Santiment data, addresses holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP now control 9.44% of the total supply, up from 8.24% at the start of the year.

This trend could serve as a stabilising force as investors navigate short-term volatility ahead of the Fed’s decision and international trade negotiations.

The post Whales boost XRP exposure by 1.2% as Fed decision and US-China talks loom appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Bitcoin surged ~3% to $97,200 after US and China signaled upcoming trade talks in Switzerland.
• US Treasury Sec. Bessent & China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed willingness to engage on tariff issues.
• US stock futures (Nasdaq 100, S&P 500) jumped ~1% on the positive trade negotiation news.

A significant thaw in the often-frosty trade relations between the United States and China sent a jolt of optimism through global financial markets late Tuesday and into Wednesday, propelling risk assets, including Bitcoin, sharply higher.

The positive momentum came as officials from both nations signaled a mutual willingness to engage in substantive discussions aimed at de-escalating the ongoing tariff conflict.

The renewed hope for a trade resolution was sparked by key statements from both sides.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to travel to Switzerland for trade talks with his Chinese counterparts over the upcoming weekend.

“The current tariffs and trade barriers are unsustainable, but we don’t want to decouple,” Bessent stated, signaling a potential shift in the US approach.

Echoing this sentiment, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed Beijing’s readiness to engage.

“Senior US officials have made a series of remarks hinting at adjustments to tariffs and have expressed, through various channels, a desire to engage with the Chinese side on tariff-related issues,” the spokesperson said, according to CoinDesk report.

China has carefully evaluated these messages from the US side and, after fully considering global expectations, China’s own interests, and the appeals of American industries and consumers, has decided to agree to engage with the US.

This news of impending high-level dialogue triggered an immediate positive reaction in markets.

Bitcoin (BTC) surged approximately 3%, climbing to around $97,200.

Futures contracts for major US stock indices also jumped, with both Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 futures up about 1% in the hours following the announcements.

Amidst trade hopes, Trump’s crypto ventures draw senate scrutiny

While markets cheered the trade developments, a separate undercurrent of political and regulatory scrutiny emerged concerning President Donald Trump’s personal and business ties to the cryptocurrency industry.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, initiated a preliminary inquiry into potential conflicts of interest and legal violations stemming from these ventures.

On Tuesday, Senator Blumenthal dispatched letters to executives associated with Trump-affiliated crypto entities, including Bill Zanker of Fight Fight Fight LLC (linked to the TRUMP memecoin) and Zach Witkoff, a co-founder of World Liberty Financial (associated with the USD1 stablecoin).

The letters also targeted entities like CIC Digital LLC (involved in Trump’s NFTs) and DTTM Operations LLC (manager of Trump’s IP rights).

“The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is conducting a preliminary inquiry into potential conflicts of interest and violations of the law from President Trump’s cryptocurrency ventures … and associated businesses’ financial dealings with foreign nationals, foreign governments and other cryptocurrency firms,” both letters stated.

They explicitly questioned whether these businesses “may be enabling the violation of government ethics requirements.”

The inquiries seek detailed information regarding ownership structures, investment sources (particularly concerning foreign governments), revenue generation, and protocols for identifying or blocking participation by individuals facing prosecution or investigation.

Blumenthal also requested records tied to these Trump-affiliated crypto businesses.

As Democrats are in the Senate minority, Blumenthal currently lacks subpoena power for this inquiry unless his Republican counterpart, Senator Ron Johnson, co-signs the effort.

Senator Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This Senate probe reflects a broader unease among Democrats regarding Trump’s crypto activities.

Earlier this week, Representative Maxine Waters, the leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, objected to a joint hearing on crypto market structure legislation, opting instead to host a separate hearing focused specifically on these crypto tie-ups.

Furthermore, a recent statement from Senator Ruben Gallego and several other Senate Democrats, indicating they would not support the current iteration of the Senate’s stablecoin bill, also appears linked to these concerns.

A key trigger was the announcement by Eric Trump that Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX would use the Trump-affiliated USD1 stablecoin for a $2 billion investment into the Binance cryptocurrency exchange.

Adding to the legislative pressure, Senator Chris Murphy introduced a bill on Tuesday aimed at banning the US president and other senior government officials from issuing memecoins or other financial assets.

While financial markets reacted positively to signs of a potential US-China trade détente, the unfolding scrutiny of President Trump’s personal crypto dealings introduces a new layer of political and regulatory complexity for the digital asset industry in Washington.

The post Crypto news today: Bitcoin surges past $97K as US, China signal trade talk breakthrough appeared first on CoinJournal.

• CRO price was down nearly 2% despite 21Shares’ launch of a new Cronos exchange-traded product.
• The ETP is live on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam exchanges.
• Cronos’ price has struggled amid the broader market downturn.

21Shares, a leading crypto asset manager, launched a new exchange-traded product (ETP) tied to Cronos, a Layer 1 blockchain network developed by Crypto.com.

This move aims to provide investors with regulated exposure to Cronos’ native token, CRO, without the complexities of managing digital wallets or navigating crypto exchanges.

The announcement, shared by Cronos on X, highlights a growing trend of major asset managers integrating cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems.

Many of these have recently hit the market via exchange-traded products.

The investment vehicles offer a bridge for investors seeking exposure to the fast-evolving web3 ecosystem.

21Shares announces Cronos ETP launch

Exchange-traded products like ETPs have become a popular vehicle for investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without directly owning them.

ETP products, traded on regulated stock exchanges, track the performance of underlying assets like $CRO and are accessible through conventional brokers and banks.

The launch of the 21Shares Cronos ETP aligns with the broader market’s increasing acceptance of crypto-based ETFs.

The 21Shares Cronos ETP, trading under the ticker CRON, is now live on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam, as confirmed by both 21Shares and Cronos.

With a 2.5% annual fee, the ETP allows investors to add $CRO to their portfolios seamlessly.

This product eliminates the need for self-custody, a common barrier for traditional investors hesitant to engage with cryptocurrencies directly.

The launch sees 21Shares, a Zurich-based firm, continue to expand its suite of crypto-linked ETPs, which already includes various cryptocurrencies.

The company has also been making strides in the US.

Recently, it filed an S-1 registration form for an SUI ETF, joining many other fund applications before the SEC.

Experts believe the regulator will approve several of the ETFs before the end of the year.

CRO price performance amid market trends

Despite the positive news, the price of $CRO experienced a slight decline, with the altcoin’s price down nearly 2% in the past 24 hours at the time of writing.

This movement aligns with the broader cryptocurrency market performance in the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin, which rose to highs of $97k over the weekend, was down to near $93k as stocks also struggled amid tariff uncertainty.

CRO price could dip further amid this outlook. However, the launch of the ETP may yet spark fresh optimism within the Cronos community, helping CRO higher.

The post CRO price forecast as 21Shares launches Cronos-linked ETP appeared first on CoinJournal.

• TST fails to break $0.070 resistance, support at $0.0648.
• VINE eyes $0.0324 support amid potential death cross.
• BROCCOLI’s fate unclear after CTO post sparks selloff.

Three meme tokens—Test Token (TST), Vine (VINE), and Broccoli 714 (BROCCOLI)—have emerged as high-volatility plays this week on BNB Chain, generating a combined $139 million in 24-hour trading volume.

TST, a former tutorial token, has shocked markets by gaining serious traction.

VINE is flashing signs of instability with trading volumes exceeding its market cap, and BROCCOLI has dropped sharply on rumours of a sudden shutdown.

This sudden market shift follows a 21.14% weekly drop in BNB Chain’s overall decentralised exchange activity, even as it remains the third-largest chain by weekly volume.

The surge in meme coin activity may be filling that gap, drawing speculative capital from other ecosystems.

These moves reflect a broader trend where social sentiment, token mechanics, and liquidity dynamics have more immediate impact on price than fundamentals, particularly in meme coin markets.

TST gains momentum

Test Token (TST), originally launched on the four.meme platform as a demonstration project has unexpectedly gained momentum.

Its daily volume rose by nearly 65%, reaching $50.75 million, despite a broader downturn in BNB Chain DEX activity.

The network still ranks third by seven-day DEX volume, behind Solana and Ethereum, with $6.2 billion.

TST has a circulating supply of 900 million tokens, capped at 1 billion, with a fully diluted valuation of $64.5 million.

The token recently tested resistance at $0.070. Analysts are watching key support at $0.0648.

A breakdown may lead to $0.060. If bulls regain strength and break past $0.072, the next resistance lies at $0.0865.

Source: CoinMarketCap

VINE under pressure

Vine (VINE), launched in January 2025, has dropped 7% in the past day.

Its $43.86 million trading volume now exceeds its $35.25 million market cap, pushing the volume-to-market cap ratio to 125.72%.

This suggests speculative churn and a fragile price base.

VINE’s total supply is 1 billion tokens, with a fully diluted valuation of $35.25 million.

Technical charts show a potential death cross forming, which could send the token to support at $0.0324.

Source: CoinMarketCap

A breakdown from there might lead to $0.0287 or $0.0262. If the trend reverses, resistance levels to watch include $0.0389, $0.0424, and $0.0482.

BROCCOLI crashes

BROCCOLI 714 has plunged over 10% following a social media post from an account claiming to be its CTO, alleging that the project will be discontinued.

No official statement has followed, fuelling speculation that the post may be unauthorised.

BROCCOLI launched in February 2025 with a maximum supply of 1 billion tokens and a fully diluted valuation of $27.36 million.

The lack of clarity has driven selling pressure, pushing the token toward its $0.025 support.

Source: CoinMarketCap

If this level fails, the next target is $0.022. If the project team clarifies the situation, recovery toward $0.0292, then $0.032 and $0.034, remains possible.

Volatility reflects shifting sentiment

The divergence across TST, VINE, and BROCCOLI shows how sentiment, not fundamentals, continues to drive meme coin action.

Despite an overall decline in DEX traffic, traders are zeroing in on speculative coins for quick moves.

TST’s unlikely rise, VINE’s imbalance, and BROCCOLI’s panic selling all signal the unpredictability of this corner of the market.

As traders monitor key technical levels, meme coins on BNB Chain remain volatile assets driven by social sentiment, sudden announcements, and liquidity spikes.

With over $139 million moving across just three coins, investors are likely to stay tuned to every shift in these token narratives.

The post Meme coin chaos: TST, VINE, and BROCCOLI see extreme volatility on BNB Chain appeared first on CoinJournal.

• A three-year compliance period is proposed for digital asset firms.
• Democrats raise concerns about national security and money laundering.
• Crypto leaders say the US risks falling behind Europe and Asia on regulation.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has intensified pressure on the US Senate to act on crypto regulation, calling for a debate on the bipartisan GENIUS Act, which aims to establish a national framework for stablecoins.

With more than $1 trillion in stablecoin volume settled monthly and global competitors advancing their regulatory regimes, Armstrong’s urgency comes amid fears that the US may lose its foothold in digital finance.

His call underscores the growing push from crypto leaders for legislation that supports innovation while offering clear rules and consumer protections.

GENIUS Act sets uniform standards for stablecoins

Formally known as the Lummis-Gillibrand Payment Stablecoin Act, the GENIUS Act would mandate all stablecoins be fully backed 1:1 by US dollars, insured bank deposits, or Treasury bills, a move designed to eliminate concerns about solvency and run risk.

Only firms with a national licence would be permitted to issue these tokens, putting an end to the current patchwork of state-by-state regulations.

A three-year compliance window would give firms time to adapt, during which digital asset service providers must adjust their systems to align with new standards.

Supporters argue this would not only protect users, but also encourage institutional adoption by setting a clear regulatory perimeter.

Coinbase and other platforms dealing with dollar-pegged tokens such as USDC are expected to benefit if the act becomes law, potentially unlocking broader financial applications such as instant settlement and tokenised payments.

Democrats cite AML, security gaps as concerns

Despite initial bipartisan support, the bill is facing internal hurdles.

Senate Democrats have raised objections around national security, money laundering, and consumer protection, arguing the bill’s current provisions may not go far enough in curbing illicit finance.

This hesitation could delay progress before the August recess, even as Republicans and many industry leaders urge immediate action.

Without a compromise, the bill could stall in committee, leaving stablecoins in continued regulatory limbo.

Armstrong warned on X that the longer the US waits, the more likely it is to fall behind regions like the European Union, which already passed the MiCA framework, and Hong Kong, which plans to finalise its stablecoin rules this year.

Analysts have said this regulatory lag could push innovation offshore, depriving the US of its lead in blockchain-driven finance.

Industry calls the bill a turning point

If passed, the act would give stablecoin firms a green light to operate with confidence, possibly attracting more traditional finance players to the space.

Coinbase’s advocacy, including Armstrong’s direct appeal to lawmakers and other lobbying efforts in Washington, indicates that exchanges see regulatory certainty as key to unlocking the next phase of crypto adoption.

Still, the bill’s path to passage remains uncertain. It requires 60 votes in the Senate to move forward, which means several holdout Democrats would need to be swayed.

With time running out ahead of the August recess, much depends on whether lawmakers can strike a balance between risk mitigation and industry growth.

The post Coinbase CEO pushes for US stablecoin rules as Senate weighs GENIUS Act appeared first on CoinJournal.