Katana mainnet launch nears as pre-deposit closes with $200M in active deposits

  • Katana mainnet launch is around the corner after over $200 million in productive DeFi deposits.
  • Katana’s VaultBridge and CoL mechanisms will power yield and liquidity efficiency.
  • Katana supports cross-chain assets like SOL, XRP, and SUI on-chain.

Katana, a new DeFi-centric layer-2 blockchain built on Ethereum, has people on tentacles amid its highly anticipated mainnet launch after drawing more than $200 million in active deposits and setting a new benchmark for liquidity-focused networks this year.

The launch, which comes just weeks after Katana’s public reveal, is causing excitement across the crypto community due to its impressive capital inflow and unique design, positioning it as one of the most significant L2 rollouts of 2025.

According to the Katana Foundation, the network is engineered to deliver scalable, high-yield decentralised finance applications while tackling long-standing liquidity inefficiencies in the Ethereum ecosystem.

A launch powered by liquidity

Katana has accumulated over $200 million in productive total value locked, a term the protocol uses to describe capital actively deployed in yield-generating strategies.

This approach marks a significant departure from traditional DeFi metrics, which often include idle capital when reporting TVL, thereby overestimating real usage.

The protocol’s growth was accelerated by strong pre-deposit activity, which climbed from $75 million in early June to over $232 million by launch day, highlighting a surge in user interest and institutional curiosity.

At its core, Katana promises to transform how capital flows across DeFi by integrating a variety of yield sources directly into its architecture rather than relying solely on token incentives.

DeFi tools built for efficiency

Katana’s infrastructure includes two standout mechanisms: VaultBridge and Chain-owned Liquidity (COL), both of which are designed to convert idle assets into revenue-generating positions.

VaultBridge allows bridged assets like ETH, USDC, USDT, and wBTC to be deployed into off-chain yield-bearing strategies on Ethereum, before routing the returns back into Katana’s native DeFi pools.

This setup ensures that user assets do not remain static but are constantly cycled through revenue-generating avenues, thereby increasing capital efficiency across the platform.

Meanwhile, Katana’s Chain-owned Liquidity model recycles 100% of its sequencer fees into its own liquidity reserves, creating a self-sustaining liquidity loop.

These innovations aim to reduce dependence on unsustainable token emissions while ensuring users benefit from deeper liquidity and better pricing execution.

Partnerships and cross-chain access

In addition to its Ethereum-native features, Katana’s cross-chain capabilities allow users to interact with assets outside of the EVM universe, including SOL, XRP, and SUI, which are tradable on-chain through its launch partner, Universal.

Universal has also integrated with Coinbase Prime to offer institutional-grade custody and minting services, eliminating the need for pre-seeded liquidity on decentralised exchanges.

This move signals Katana’s ambition to become a cross-chain liquidity hub while still leveraging Ethereum’s robust security and composability.

The platform also integrates with major DeFi players like decentralised exchange Sushi and lending protocol Morpho, extending its utility across the broader DeFi ecosystem.

Incentives aligned with growth

To attract early adopters, Katana has launched a series of incentives, including randomised NFT loot boxes known as “Krates” and a distribution of 70 million KAT tokens to early liquidity providers.

Additionally, roughly 15% of Katana’s total KAT token supply has been set aside for an airdrop to Polygon token stakers, including holders of liquid staking derivatives.

These incentives aim to reward early engagement while tying Katana’s success to the broader modular Ethereum landscape, particularly through its relationship with Polygon’s Agglayer ecosystem.

Speaking to Cointelegraph, Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron noted that Katana’s design prioritises active capital deployment, sustainable fee capture, and long-term DeFi growth.

He emphasised that Katana does not just aggregate liquidity—it puts that liquidity to work in ways that enhance usage, deepen pools, and sustain user incentives.

With its emphasis on “productive TVL” and built-in yield mechanics, Katana presents a different blueprint for DeFi infrastructure—one that moves beyond hype and embraces sustainable economics.

As traders and institutions seek deeper liquidity, higher yields, and safer on-chain experiences, Katana’s mainnet debut may serve as a turning point in how DeFi platforms are designed, evaluated, and adopted.

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XRP price outlook as Ripple drops cross appeal

  • Ripple nears end of legal battle, refocuses on XRP utility and growth.
  • XRP eyes a breakout above $2.30 as technical pressure builds.
  • XRP ETF hopes and EVM tools are boosting institutional and DeFi interest.

Ripple’s legal saga with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appears to be entering its final chapter, and XRP’s market is already reacting.

With Ripple dropping its cross appeal, and the SEC expected to follow suit, attention is shifting back to innovation, infrastructure, and price action.

Notably, this legal development is being hailed as a pivotal moment by Ripple’s leadership.

Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, confirmed the decision via a viral post, stating that Ripple is locking in its commitment to building the “Internet of Value.”

The statement was echoed by Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, who emphasised that XRP’s legal status remains unchanged—it is not a security.

Ripple’s legal exit clears a path for growth

For nearly four years, XRP’s price has danced to the tune of courtroom battles and regulatory uncertainty.

However, with the appeals withdrawn and clarity in place, traders and institutional investors alike are beginning to recalibrate their expectations.

Confidence is returning to the XRP ecosystem, with CoinShares data showing over $219 million in institutional inflows for 2025 alone.

Despite recent price pullbacks, this surge in capital reflects growing conviction in XRP’s long-term viability.

Notably, Ripple’s strategic pivot toward utility and enterprise expansion is timely. The company’s unveiling of an EVM-compatible XRP Ledger sidechain, supported by the Axelar bridge, is unlocking a multichain future.

For developers and institutions, this infrastructure shift means easier onboarding, better liquidity access, and increased exposure to over 80 blockchain networks.

Technical XRP price levels to watch amid cautious optimism

As of June 30, XRP was trading near $2.17, having pulled back slightly after facing firm resistance at $2.22.

Analysts are closely watching the price action between $2.20 and $2.30; a zone packed with major moving averages and historical VWAP levels.

This range, according to on-chain data and volume analysis, marks a decisive battleground.

A daily close above $2.30 could pave the way toward $3, and potentially higher, if momentum holds.

However, failure to break through could send XRP revisiting support around $2.10 and, in a deeper pullback, toward $1.90 or even $1.80.

Despite institutional interest and whale accumulation increasing steadily, the broader market remains cautious.

Open interest in XRP futures has held above $4 billion, reflecting sustained engagement, yet trading volume suggests indecision.

XRP ETF hopes and PayFi innovation add momentum

Excitement continues to build around a potential XRP ETF, with Bloomberg analysts placing the odds of approval at 95% following “very positive” SEC discussions. If approved, this could open the door to billions in new institutional capital.

Meanwhile, emerging platforms like Remittix are already pushing XRP’s cross-border utility even further.

The PayFi startup enables instant crypto-to-fiat transfers to any bank account globally, using XRP and stablecoins. With over $15.8 million raised and nearly 20,000 investors, it’s quickly being dubbed “XRP 2.0” by its early supporters.

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Chainlink price analysis as exchanges see net outflows of 3.8M LINK

  • Chainlink has seen exchange outflows of 3.86 million LINK since June 20.
  • LINK trades above $13, up 12% this past week after a recent Mastercard partnership.
  • Price targets for bulls include a potential rally to $25–$30, while bears may eye lows of $10.

Chainlink (LINK) price is up 12% in the past week as it changes hands near $13, with significant token outflows from exchanges recorded in the last ten days.

Moreover, LINK looks to continue higher after a recent high-profile partnership with Mastercard, which catalyzed gains for the token.

Despite potential profit-taking, LINK’s strength sees bulls hover near a major supply wall.

Chainlink sees 3.86 million LINK go off exchanges

According to data from analytics platform Sentora, formerly IntoTheBlock, Chainlink has experienced a consistent net outflow of tokens from centralized exchanges (CEX) since June 20, 2025.

Notably, approximately 3.86 million LINK tokens, valued at roughly $51.26 million, have been withdrawn from exchanges.

This trend typically indicates that investors are moving their holdings to private wallets.

In short, it signals long-term accumulation as opposed to potential selling pressure, with reduced exchange balances often seeing a supply squeeze that investors often allude to prices going higher.

As noted above, the exchange outflows align with growing optimism around Chainlink’s role in the crypto space.

In particular, its technology is increasingly bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), exemplified by the mega collaboration with Mastercard.

LINK price analysis

Chainlink’s price is trading at around $13.31, down 1.3% in the past 24 hours but up nearly 12% over the last week, reflecting strong weekly performance.

Despite the slight daily dip, LINK remains above the critical $13 support level.

It shows resilience amid mixed market conditions, a scenario that points to a potential bullish breakout.

The recent Mastercard partnership, announced on June 24, 2025, has fueled market enthusiasm.

Plans are to enable over 3 billion cardholders to purchase crypto on-chain via the Swapper Finance platform.

Observers and industry experts say this integration, powered by Chainlink’s interoperability infrastructure, could drive a surge in open interest.

The metric is up 0.4% to $547 million, with derivatives volume rising 51% to $607 million.

If buyers can push LINK above the immediate resistance zone around $14, the token could target the $25–$30 range.

The area marks a significant psychological and technical hurdle, above which they could target the 2021 peak of $52.

However, failure to hold above $13 could see bears take control. In this case, the key support levels would be at $10.

But a drop below this level might embolden sellers, potentially bringing the demand reload zone of $5 into play.

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Bitcoin rises above $107K as Trump’s fiscal policy comments boost hard assets

  • Bitcoin traded above $107K Sunday as focus turned to U.S. fiscal policy and Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
  • Trump urged “cost cutting Republicans” not to “go too crazy,” promising growth will “make it all up.”
  • Expectations of sustained deficits and loose fiscal policy are bolstering the bull case for hard assets like BTC and gold.

Bitcoin traded steadily above the $107,000 mark on Sunday, with market attention increasingly focused on fiscal policy tensions brewing in Washington.

A recent social media post from President Donald Trump, aimed at quelling dissent within his own party over a massive tax-and-spending package, has inadvertently bolstered the bullish case for assets like Bitcoin and gold, which are often seen as hedges against fiscal profligacy.

The latest market movements come as Bitcoin was changing hands at $107,937 as of 22:22 UTC on Sunday, up 0.54% over the past 24 hours.

Price action remained volatile, with the cryptocurrency fluctuating between $107,194 and $108,489 during that window, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis model.

The focus shifted to US fiscal policy following a pointed message from President Trump on his Truth Social platform on June 29, 2025.

Addressing Republican lawmakers amid a fierce internal debate over his sweeping legislative package, Trump wrote:

For all cost cutting Republicans, of which I am one, REMEMBER, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy! We will make it all up, times 10, with GROWTH, more than ever before.

This statement lays bare the deep divisions within the Republican party as it struggles to unify behind the ambitious legislation, which has been dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

The bill itself, exceeding 900 pages, is a complex mix of fiscal measures.

It combines approximately $3.8 trillion in tax cuts with targeted spending reductions and increased funding for defense and border security.

A key component is the aim to make permanent many of the tax breaks from Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including the elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay, and certain auto loans.

The child tax credit would also rise to $2,200 under the Senate version, while deductions for seniors would be temporarily increased.

To offset the cost of these tax cuts, however, Republicans have proposed significant cuts to Medicaid and nutrition programs, a move that has sparked intense debate within the party.

Navigating a political tightrope

The path to passing the bill is fraught with political challenges.

Moderate Republicans, particularly those from high-tax states, are pushing for a higher cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions.

In contrast, conservative factions are demanding deeper and more extensive spending cuts, with a particular focus on Medicaid.

These internal disagreements are complicating efforts to secure the narrow Republican majorities needed in both the House and the Senate to pass the legislation, which faces uniform opposition from Democrats, who argue it disproportionately favors the wealthy and will worsen economic inequality.

President Trump’s social media message appears to be an attempt to walk this political tightrope.

He is urging a degree of fiscal restraint to appease conservatives while simultaneously emphasizing a supply-side economic argument: that robust economic growth will ultimately compensate for near-term revenue losses and help reduce deficits over time.

This “growth will make it all up” approach comes as nonpartisan analysts estimate the bill could add trillions of dollars to the already substantial $36.2 trillion national debt.

A bullish signal for Bitcoin and gold?

This fiscal backdrop is being closely watched by market participants, with some interpreting it as a strong signal for holding hard assets.

Crypto analyst Will Clemente’s reaction on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posted shortly after Trump’s message, captured a common sentiment among those skeptical of current fiscal policies:

How can you read this and hold long term US treasuries at current yields lol… Also, how can you read this and not hold any Bitcoin or gold.

Clemente’s skepticism towards long-term US Treasuries reflects a growing concern that the bill’s deficit-financed tax cuts and relatively modest spending reductions signal a loose fiscal policy that could fuel inflation and devalue the currency over time.

In such a scenario, traditional fixed-income assets like Treasuries can become less attractive, as rising deficits and potential monetary accommodation (to finance the debt) threaten to erode the value of both principal and interest payments.

Conversely, hard assets with limited supply, such as gold and Bitcoin, are increasingly viewed as reliable stores of value and effective hedges against inflation and fiscal irresponsibility.

The expectation of sustained, large deficits and the clear political challenges to implementing meaningful fiscal discipline are bolstering the demand for these inflation-resistant assets.

As the Senate races to finalize the bill before the July 4 holiday, the ongoing negotiations and the ultimate fate of this consequential fiscal package will continue to be a key driver of market sentiment.

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Movement price forecast as MOVE sees 60% bounce from recent lows

  • Movement (MOVE) price saw 1% slump in the past 24 hours, but is up nearly 60% from its June 22 lows of $0.11.
  • Profit-taking and the altcoin market cooldown contribute to the recent pullback.
  • Rebranding and token buybacks fuel optimism for a potential rally toward $0.4.

The price of Movement (MOVE) was down 1.2% in 24 hours as it changed hands around $0.17.

Despite the downturn, the token remained 34% up over the past week and, crucially, nearly 60% up since dipping to lows of $0.11 on June 22, 2025.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour trading volume declined after spiking more than 300% as prices rose to near $0.20 on June 27.

The volume, per CoinMarketCap, stood at $212 million, about 46% down in the past 24 hours.

Why is the MOVE price down?

Movement’s 1.2% drop in the past 24 hours comes as traders likely look to capitalize on the token’s rapid 60% climb from $0.11.

This price level is the cryptocurrency’s all-time low, and the price surging to nearly $0.20 provides a potential opportunity for some profit-takers.

While not good for the MOVE price today, the profit-taking generally aligns with a broader cooldown across the altcoin market.

Despite the threat of a selling pressure, the price remains well above key support levels, signaling that the bullish momentum may not be over.

The 300% spike in trading volume during the rally indicates strong market participation, but the subsequent 46% drop suggests a natural consolidation phase as traders reassess positions.

CryptoQuant analysts are also pointing out that the market is showing signs of cooling down. However, there’s no overheating.

“Currently, Bitcoin is near its all-time high, but the market shows a cooling trend without signs of overheating,” the analysts said on X.

This outlook aligns with Bitcoin’s holding of prices above the $107k level after a sharp bounce from lows below $100k.

Movement price prediction

The outlook for MOVE remains cautiously optimistic, driven by technical and fundamental developments.

Movement’s rebranding efforts are shifting sentiment away from its recent negative outlook.

Additionally, token buybacks are a significant bullish catalyst.

MOVE price recently broke out of a descending channel, a bearish pattern that had constrained its price action.

This breakout, coupled with a surge in trading volume, signals growing bullish momentum.

On daily charts, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers around 59, indicating room for upward movement before reaching overbought territory.

If bullish momentum continues, key levels to watch include $0.23 and $0.34, which align with historical resistance zones.

Above these, buyers can target $0.4 and $0.55.

However, support levels at $0.15 and $0.11 remain critical if bearish pressure reemerges.

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