GMX price dives 20% after $40 million hack

  • GMX price fell 20% after the decentralised perpetuals exchange suffered a $40 million exploit on its V1 platform.
  • Investor panic and concerns over repeated security incidents put bulls under pressure near $11.45.
  • GMX’s response to stabilise confidence and mitigate further losses will be key.

GMX, an on-chain perpetual and spot exchange, experienced a substantial security breach.

The exploit, which resulted in the loss of approximately $40 million, has triggered a sharp decline in the value of the GMX token.

As far as hacks go, this incident further underscores the dangers and impact of persistent vulnerabilities within the decentralised finance space.

Prices have often dipped sharply amid such news.

GMX hacked for $40 million

On July 9, 2025, GMX announced that its V1 platform and GLP liquidity pool on the Arbitrum network were compromised, leading to the unauthorised transfer of around $40 million in tokens to an unknown wallet.

The GMX team detailed in a post by X that, following the incident, trading, minting, and redeeming of GLP on both Arbitrum and Avalanche were disabled to mitigate further risks.

SlowMist also highlighted the exploit, noting on X:

“The root cause of this attack stems from GMX v1’s design flaw where short position operations immediately update the global short average prices (globalShortAveragePrices), which directly impacts the calculation of Assets Under Management (AUM), thereby allowing manipulation of GLP token pricing.”

By leveraging the Keeper’s ability to enable timelock.enableLeverage, the attacker created massive short positions, artificially inflating GLP prices, and subsequently profited through redemption operations.

The highlighted code snippet from the post illustrates the critical section where global short profit/loss calculations were exploited, enabling the manipulation.

GMX’s response included a commitment to investigate the incident with the assistance of security partners, promising a detailed update.

“Out of an abundance of caution, GMX had already updated the caps for the GM tokens of GMX V2 on Arbitrum and Avalanche, so that minting new tokens is currently restricted in most liquidity pools. A follow-up notification will be sent out once this restriction is lifted,” the platform wrote.

GMX price dives 20% amid market reaction

The reaction of GMX holders to the hack was largely negative, with the price falling sharply to see the DEX protocol lag the overall crypto bounce.

According to data from CoinMarketCap, the GMX token experienced a double-digit decline.

It traded above $14.54 but dropped more than 20% to lows of $10.40.

GMX price chart by CoinMarketCap

The breach of GMX adds to the list of key crypto protocol exploits in 2025, with Cetus Protocol among those to suffer a malicious attack a few months ago.

Unless GMX successfully recovers the funds or implements robust security enhancements, the negative sentiment could impact its price.

Currently, the GMX token trades near $11.45, still under pressure after falling from highs above $14.54.

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Elon Musk’s tweet reignites interest in Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) memecoin

  • Elon Musk’s tweet has triggered a sharp rally in Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) memecoin.
  • PNUT trading volume has also surged over 150% to $273 million.
  • Analysts predict a potential 654% breakout for PNUT.

Elon Musk has once again ignited a crypto market frenzy, this time by reviving interest in an unlikely memecoin, Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT).

A single post on X, formerly Twitter, triggered a sharp rally in the price of the Solana-based token, causing both volume and open interest to surge in a matter of hours.

The coin, previously flying under the radar, soared after Musk made a veiled yet sarcastic remark referencing a controversial incident involving a squirrel named Peanut and a broader jab at US authorities.

The viral tweet by Elon Musk that sent PNUT flying

The sudden spike in PNUT’s price came shortly after Musk posted on X, expressing his frustration that no one from Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged list had been arrested, while also referencing the euthanisation of a squirrel named Peanut.

His mention of Peanut reignited sympathy and outrage from a previous incident during the Biden presidency, when the squirrel was reportedly taken from its owner and put to sleep, sparking widespread backlash and recurring mentions by Musk.

In his latest post, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO once again used the word “Peanut,” a move that historically precedes market reactions among memecoin enthusiasts.

This particular tweet caused the PNUT token to leap over 10%, peaking at $0.235 before slightly pulling back to around $0.2193.

Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) volume spikes as traders pile in

Speculative interest exploded shortly after Musk’s post, with PNUT’s daily trading volume surging by over 150% to reach $273 million.

This dramatic increase highlights the strong influence Musk continues to wield over digital assets, especially low-cap, narrative-driven tokens.

Open interest in PNUT futures also rose by 14%, hitting $132 million, suggesting that traders are becoming increasingly bullish about the coin’s short-term trajectory.

The trading frenzy comes despite the fact that PNUT has no formal utility, roadmap, or protocol backing — its popularity rests entirely on its meme appeal and Elon Musk’s unpredictable support.

Analyst predicts massive upside potential for PNUT

At the time of writing, Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) was trading at $0.2193, reflecting a modest gain of 1.3% over the past 24 hours but still far below its all-time high of $2.44 recorded in November 2024.

The coin’s price has fluctuated within a daily range of $0.2128 to $0.2386, with its seven-day range stretching from $0.2104 to $0.2536.

Despite the recent rally, the token remains down more than 90% from its peak, though it has gained over 580% from its all-time low of $0.03187.

While some observers dismissed the rally as another short-lived meme coin bubble, technical analysts have started taking notice of PNUT’s price action.

Crypto analyst Javon Marks shared his outlook on X, projecting a potential 654% rally that could see the token break out toward a target of $1.7907.

According to Marks, key indicators suggest that bullish momentum remains intact, setting the stage for further gains if sentiment holds.

This forecast, though speculative, has attracted fresh attention from retail traders eager to ride the next meme coin wave.

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South Korea’s crypto reform plans offer tax cuts and funding access to companies

  • The move would give digital asset firms access to tax breaks and state funding.
  • Dunamu paid ₩24 billion in taxes after losing venture status in 2018.
  • Policy is part of President Lee’s pro-crypto economic strategy.

South Korea is moving to formally recognise crypto businesses as venture companies, a decision that could give the industry access to tax relief, government-backed loans, and startup funding for the first time.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has introduced a proposal to reclassify virtual asset firms, removing them from a list of restricted industries that includes gambling and nightlife.

If passed, the policy would reverse a long-standing rule that has blocked crypto startups from the country’s thriving venture ecosystem.

This legislative push follows years of regulatory exclusion, with one major flashpoint in 2018. Dunamu, the parent company of crypto exchange Upbit, lost its venture status and was forced to pay ₩24 billion ($18 million) in taxes.

Dunamu challenged the decision in court but lost, highlighting the financial consequences of South Korea’s previous stance.

The ministry now says it wants to acknowledge the innovative and entrepreneurial qualities of crypto companies, bringing them in line with other emerging technology sectors.

New law aligns with Seoul’s broader pro-crypto pivot

The proposal marks a significant departure from previous policy. Until now, crypto-related businesses have been grouped with sectors barred from receiving government support.

The proposed revision would remove virtual asset firms from this restricted category, allowing both new and existing startups to register as venture businesses without risking their certification.

The ministry argues that the new framework will expand South Korea’s venture ecosystem and promote growth in the blockchain and crypto industries.

Public feedback on the draft law is being collected until 18 August 2025, signalling the beginning of a formal legislative process.

If enacted, it would enable crypto firms to access the same support tools—such as tax cuts, subsidies, and loan guarantees—that are currently available to other recognised startups.

The change could also benefit companies that already hold venture status and want to expand into crypto, which previously risked losing their designation if they added digital asset operations to their business models.

President Lee’s crypto policies begin taking shape

The venture company proposal is one of several initiatives under President Lee Jae Myung’s new administration. Since taking office last month, Lee has made digital assets a cornerstone of his economic strategy.

His government is supporting the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exploring a won-based stablecoin, and reviewing the ongoing ban on institutional trading of cryptocurrencies.

Major South Korean banks are already responding. Some have filed trademarks for stablecoin products, while others are working on blockchain infrastructure and digital wallet services.

Industry legitimacy and investment may follow

The proposed legal amendment could have wide-reaching effects beyond tax incentives.

Recognising crypto firms as venture companies may lend credibility to an industry that has long operated on the fringes of formal finance in South Korea.

Greater legitimacy could attract institutional investors, encourage new business formation, and reduce compliance-related friction.

It may also align South Korea with other markets advancing similar policies, such as the European Union’s MiCA framework and Japan’s reforms to allow limited crypto fundraising.

With venture-backed crypto projects potentially gaining access to bank loans and innovation grants, the ecosystem may see accelerated development and a stronger foothold in South Korea’s broader tech economy.

Public submissions on the proposal are currently open, with final decisions expected later this year.

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BNY Mellon to custody Ripple’s stablecoin reserves

  • Ripple partners with BNY Mellon to custody RLUSD reserves, aiming to enhance regulatory compliance and institutional trust.
  • The move comes amid a surge of corporate and institutional interest in stablecoins, dubbed “stablecoin summer.”
  • Ripple has also applied for a US banking charter and Federal Reserve master account to deepen its role in the US financial system.

Ripple has appointed the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) as the primary custodian for reserves backing its US dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD.

The partnership, announced Wednesday, aims to strengthen regulatory compliance and institutional credibility for Ripple and its stablecoin product.

BNY Mellon, the oldest bank in the United States and a major provider of financial services to institutional clients, will facilitate the movement of reserve assets and cash to support RLUSD conversions.

The arrangement marks a significant development in Ripple’s stablecoin strategy, which launched in December 2024.

“As primary custodian, we are thrilled to support the growth and adoption of RLUSD,” said Emily Portney, global head of asset servicing at BNY. “We are proud to be working closely with Ripple to continue propelling the future of the financial system.”

Institutional interest signals “Stablecoin Summer”

The collaboration between Ripple and BNY Mellon reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions entering the stablecoin space.

This wave of engagement, dubbed “stablecoin summer” by CNBC, is gaining momentum amid shifting regulatory dynamics in the US.

The Trump administration is rolling back restrictive crypto policies from the Biden era, while the Senate recently passed the GENIUS Act to set guardrails for US dollar-pegged stablecoins.

This regulatory clarity is attracting major corporate players. Amazon and Walmart are said to be exploring stablecoin initiatives, while companies such as Uber, Apple, and Airbnb are also reportedly assessing similar possibilities.

Stablecoins, which are digital tokens pegged to assets like the US dollar, aim to combine the speed and efficiency of blockchain networks with the price stability of fiat currencies.

Their growing appeal among institutions underscores their perceived utility in modernizing financial infrastructure.

Ripple Eyes US banking charter, federal reserve access

In addition to securing BNY Mellon as a custodian, Ripple recently applied for a US national banking charter and a Federal Reserve master account.

If approved, this would enable Ripple to hold RLUSD reserves directly with the central bank and integrate more deeply into the US payments system.

Ripple, founded 13 years ago, is best known for its cross-border payments platform serving banks, payment providers, and other financial institutions.

While its operations are largely international, the RLUSD launch represents a strategic move to expand its US footprint.

BNY Mellon’s involvement in crypto dates back to 2021, when it established a digital assets unit focused on servicing bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

The bank’s custodial partnership with Ripple is its latest step in supporting the broader digital assets ecosystem.

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XRP price forecast as coins surges 2.19% to $2.33

  • Ripple applies for US banking licence, deepening regulatory alignment.
  • CEO Garlinghouse is involved in shaping the Senate CLARITY Act on crypto.
  • Traders are closely watching for a breakout above $2.3531 to confirm bullish continuation.

XRP is gaining momentum, holding firm around $2.33 after rising nearly 3% over the past 24 hours.

 

XRP price
Source: CoinMarketCap

The renewed optimism comes amid broader crypto market recovery, but XRP appears to be outperforming as regulatory clarity aligns with growing institutional interest.

Ripple’s move to apply for a US banking licence and CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s growing role in shaping national crypto policy have also contributed to market sentiment.

Garlinghouse is reportedly involved in discussions around the Senate’s CLARITY Act, a proposed bill that aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States.

XRP technicals show an upward bias toward $2.40

XRP/USD is currently trading inside an ascending channel, with both the 50 and 200 exponential moving averages (EMAs) showing bullish alignment.

The 50 EMA is near $2.29, while the 200 EMA sits around $2.25.

The crossover between these two averages suggests a shift in market structure from neutral to bullish.

The price is making higher highs and higher lows, with candles consolidating along the midline of the channel.

The next significant resistance level is $2.3531.

A confirmed close above that mark could open the door to $2.38 and eventually $2.40, a psychological barrier.

Relative Strength Index (RSI) is approaching overbought levels, currently near 68, indicating some consolidation may occur before further upside.

XRP trade setup hinges on breakout confirmation or support retest

Traders are closely watching for a breakout above $2.3531 to confirm bullish continuation.

A clean break and close above this resistance would signal potential for a push to $2.38 and possibly $2.40.

The price structure remains supportive of this scenario, with gradually increasing volume and technical indicators showing positive momentum.

Alternatively, if XRP fails to break above $2.35 and prints a bearish reversal signal, such as a shooting star or long upper wick, traders may look for re-entry around $2.30.

This level is aligned with the 50 EMA and the lower boundary of the current channel, providing a potential support zone.

In either case, XRP’s technical setup offers clearly defined entry and exit levels for traders responding to short-term price action.

Outlook turns bullish as regulatory hurdles ease

XRP’s recent strength comes as the broader crypto market rebounds from macroeconomic pressures earlier this year.

While other assets are still regaining footing, XRP’s position has been bolstered by decisive legal victories, active policy involvement, and an improving technical structure.

Ripple’s alignment with US regulatory frameworks and ongoing efforts to engage with lawmakers place it at the centre of evolving crypto legislation.

As Ripple continues to push for institutional adoption, the combination of legal clarity, policy engagement, and technical momentum could support further growth for XRP in the weeks ahead.

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