Open Campus, the decentralized autonomous organization building an on-chain education network, has launched the EDU Chain mainnet on Arbitrum Orbit. Designed for education-focused decentralized applications and EduFi, the EDU Chain on Arbitrum ( ARB ) Orbit has quickly become the leading Layer 3 blockchain, surpassing $150 million in total value locked, according to L2beat. The blockchain’s TVL includes contributions from Open Campus’s treasury and liquidity providers bridging assets to the platform, according to a release shared with crypto.news. During its testnet phase, EDU Chain processed over 86.2 million transactions and engaged 358,684 unique active wallets. With 47 dApps already live on the testnet, many are now preparing to deploy on the mainnet. You might also like: MEXC deepens support for Bitcoin staking innovation with Solv Protocol token launch Open Campus’s initiatives To drive dApp development, Open Campus ( EDU ) has launched two initiatives. The first is an ongoing hackathon series with $1 million in prizes, which has already attracted thousands of developers. The second initiative, the Open Campus Incubator, is a 12-week program designed to help hackathon winners scale their projects. Participants gain access to grants, venture capital funding opportunities, and resources to grow on EDU Chain. Additionally, the platform introduced Season 1 of its Yuzu Points rewards program. By interacting with mainnet dApps, users can earn Yuzu Points, which unlock EDU token emissions. Open Campus has allocated up to 150 million EDU tokens for these rewards. The launch positions EDU Chain as a leader in blockchain-based education solutions, combining decentralized finance, gamified learning, and developer support to foster innovation in on-chain education. You might also like: Bitcoin’s resurgence: A regulatory reset and a path to innovation | Opinion
Dogecoin Rally May Be Imminent, Says Analyst Dogecoin (DOGE) could be on the verge of a significant rally, according to cryptocurrency analyst and trader Ali Martinez . In a recent post on X , Martinez noted a striking similarity between DOGE’s current price movement and its behavior during the 2021 bull cycle . In January 2021, Dogecoin underwent a 56% price correction before embarking on a massive upward move. With DOGE recently experiencing a 46% correction , Martinez predicts that a rally could begin as early as next week , provided the historical pattern repeats itself. Historical Patterns in Dogecoin’s Price Movements 1. 2021 Bull Cycle Comparison Event: In the week of January 25, 2021, Dogecoin began a major rally after a 56% price drop. Outcome: This upward move saw Dogecoin’s value skyrocket, driven by increased retail interest and social media hype. 2. Current Market Context Correction Size: DOGE has recently corrected by 46% , a pattern reminiscent of its pre-rally behavior in 2021. Potential Timing: If history repeats, a new rally could commence in the coming days. Factors Supporting a Potential Rally 1. Increased Social Media Activity Dogecoin often benefits from viral campaigns and mentions by influencers, including notable supporters like Elon Musk . 2. Positive Market Sentiment With Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies showing strength, a bullish spillover effect could benefit Dogecoin. 3. Technical Indicators Oversold Conditions: Technical analysis indicates that DOGE may be entering oversold territory, often a precursor to a price rebound. Support Levels: DOGE has established a strong support zone around $0.06, providing a potential base for upward movement. Risks to Consider 1. Market Volatility Cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, remain highly volatile, and historical patterns are not guarantees of future performance. 2. Lack of Fundamental Drivers While Dogecoin benefits from community support, it lacks the fundamental use cases of more utility-focused cryptocurrencies. 3. External Influences Regulatory news or macroeconomic factors could impact Dogecoin’s price, regardless of technical patterns. Comparison: 2021 vs. 2025 Market Conditions Factor 2021 Market 2025 Market Correction Size 56% 46% Market Sentiment Bullish, fueled by retail FOMO Bullish, driven by institutional interest Social Media Influence High, led by Elon Musk tweets Moderate, with sustained retail engagement What Traders Should Watch 1. Key Resistance Levels Price Targets: A breakout above $0.07 and $0.08 could signal the start of a broader rally. 2. Trading Volume Increased trading activity often precedes significant price movements in Dogecoin. 3. Bitcoin’s Performance Dogecoin’s price often correlates with broader market trends, making Bitcoin’s performance a key indicator. Conclusion While no prediction is certain, Ali Martinez’s analysis highlights the possibility of a Dogecoin rally based on historical patterns. With DOGE having undergone a substantial correction and positive sentiment building across the crypto market, traders and investors should remain vigilant for potential breakout signals. As always, approach the market with caution, consider the risks, and base decisions on a combination of technical analysis and broader market trends. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news , where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
Michael Lewellen, a blockchain developer, has sued the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging the agency was overly broadening its analysis of federal money transmission laws and criminalizing crypto development. The lawsuit , filed Thursday, aims to block the prosecution of his decentralized crowdfunding platform, Pharos. He says the platform falls beyond these regulations. Built on Ethereum, Pharos uses “assurance contracts,” which are smart contracts that hold funds and automatically refund donors if funding targets are not fulfilled. The lawsuit states that the platform is “non–custodial,” meaning Lewellen does not hold or control user funds as described in the lawsuit. Lewellen says the DOJ’s interpretation of 18 U.S.C. §1960 “Prohibition of illegal money transmitting businesses” incorrectly targets non-custodial software developers as unlicensed money transmitters. The lawsuit calls the DOJ’s stance a betrayal of “its own representations to the public by criminally prosecuting people who publish noncustodial cryptocurrency software.” The filing says those laws against unlicensed money transmission have nothing to do with “technologists who create tools that allow users to move money themselves.” DOJ is violating First and Fifth Amendments as per the lawsuit The lawsuit argues that the DOJ’s conduct violates the First Amendment by criminalizing the publishing of software code, as well as the Fifth Amendment, by enforcing laws based on no discernible standards. The case will fall to Attorney General Merrick Garland’s successor, as he is preparing to resign. On Wednesday, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is set to become the incoming Attorney General, underwent a Senate confirmation hearing. Today, I’m taking a stand against the Biden administration’s unjust crackdown on crypto development. I’ve filed a lawsuit against the DOJ to challenge their flawed and unjust interpretation of the law. My work on Pharos—a non-custodial protocol for public goods… — Michael Lewellen (@LewellenMichael) January 16, 2025 Lewellen mentions in an X post that the DOJ’s broad approach to money transmission laws threatens the ability to build freely. He adds, “This isn’t just about Pharos; it’s about the future of cryptocurrency innovation in America.” The case also cites the high-profile cases of Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill and Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm as proof of a troubling expansion of federal authority over non-custodial crypto tools. Storm was among those charged in 2023 with Roman Semenov on the crypto mixer Tornado Cash, which was accused of money laundering and violating sanctions laws. Storm was arrested and is facing trial in New York, but Semenov remains out of custody. Federal authorities also arrested Rodriguez and Hill in April 2024 for claiming that their non-custody Bitcoin wallet application, Samourai Wallet, was used for unauthorized transactions. Prosecutors claim the wallet contained more than $2 billion in suspicious transfers, more than $100 million of which are associated with the illicit marketplaces on the dark web. Lewellen’s lawsuit stands on these references, arguing that these types of prosecutions essentially criminalize the creation of privacy-oriented tools rather than the users that use these tools for criminal purposes. From Zero to Web3 Pro: Your 90-Day Career Launch Plan
Bloomberg Analyst Predicts Litecoin Could Be 2025’s First Altcoin ETF Eric Balchunas , a prominent exchange-traded fund (ETF) analyst at Bloomberg, has suggested that Litecoin (LTC) could become the first altcoin ETF of 2025. In a recent post on X , Balchunas noted that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed its views on the S-1 filing for the proposed Litecoin ETF, affirming its classification as a commodity . This development coincides with the anticipated arrival of a new SEC chairman, further bolstering the likelihood of approval. Additionally, Nasdaq has reportedly submitted documentation for Canary Capital’s proposed Litecoin ETF , according to CoinNess . Key Factors Supporting Litecoin ETF Approval 1. Commodity Classification The SEC’s opinion aligns Litecoin with commodities , similar to Bitcoin, increasing its eligibility for an ETF structure. This classification could simplify the regulatory process compared to other altcoins with less clear designations. 2. SEC Leadership Transition A new SEC chairman is expected to bring a more crypto-friendly stance , potentially easing approval hurdles. Previous SEC leadership had been criticized for its stringent policies on cryptocurrency ETFs. 3. Nasdaq’s Involvement Nasdaq’s filing for Canary Capital’s Litecoin ETF indicates strong institutional support for the project. If approved, it would mark a significant milestone for the altcoin market, following Bitcoin’s ETF successes. Litecoin’s ETF Potential: What It Means for the Market 1. Increased Institutional Adoption A Litecoin ETF would provide institutional investors with a regulated and convenient avenue to gain exposure to LTC. This could significantly boost trading volumes and mainstream adoption. 2. Altcoin Market Validation Approval of an altcoin ETF would represent a major step toward recognizing the broader cryptocurrency market’s legitimacy. It could pave the way for ETFs linked to other altcoins such as Ethereum, Solana, or XRP. 3. Enhanced Liquidity and Price Stability ETFs typically improve liquidity by attracting a larger pool of participants, including long-term institutional holders. This could help reduce Litecoin’s volatility , making it a more stable investment vehicle. Why Litecoin? 1. Established Market Presence Litecoin has been a consistent performer in the cryptocurrency market since its inception in 2011 , earning the moniker “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” 2. Proven Use Cases LTC is widely used for low-cost, fast transactions , making it a practical option for both investors and users. 3. Regulatory Clarity Unlike many newer altcoins, Litecoin has faced minimal regulatory scrutiny, making it a safer bet for ETF approval. Challenges and Considerations 1. Market Competition While Litecoin has a strong case, other altcoins like Ethereum or Solana may also vie for ETF approval, complicating the timeline. 2. SEC’s Stance on Altcoins Despite Litecoin’s commodity status, the SEC’s broader view on altcoins could influence the decision-making process. 3. Investor Demand The success of a Litecoin ETF will ultimately depend on whether institutional and retail investors show sufficient interest. Comparison: Litecoin vs. Bitcoin ETFs Feature Bitcoin ETF Litecoin ETF (Proposed) Market Size $1 trillion+ ~$15 billion Regulatory Status Well-established as a commodity Commodity classification confirmed Institutional Interest High Emerging Volatility Moderate Higher than Bitcoin What’s Next for Litecoin ETF Approval? 1. SEC Review Process The S-1 filing for the Litecoin ETF will undergo thorough review by the SEC before approval is granted. 2. Market Response The crypto market will closely watch for indications of approval, which could trigger increased Litecoin buying activity . 3. Competitive Filings Other asset managers may submit competing applications, leading to broader discussions about altcoin ETFs. Conclusion The prospect of a Litecoin ETF in 2025 marks a significant development for the cryptocurrency market. Backed by a clear commodity classification, growing institutional interest, and a potentially favorable regulatory environment, Litecoin is well-positioned to become the first altcoin ETF of the year. If approved, the ETF could bring greater legitimacy and liquidity to the altcoin space, reinforcing Litecoin’s position as a key player in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news, where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who will head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Donald Trump administration, made a reference to Bitcoin to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen due to a recent Chinese hacking incident. Musk's post came as the investigation into the alleged Chinese hack of the US Treasury Department continues earlier this month. New reports into the investigation have claimed that Chinese hackers gained access to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's computer in the breach. In response to these latest reports, Elon Musk commented on his X account: “Maybe he clicked on the 'Send me 1 BTC, I'll send you 2 BTC' email.” Musk, known for his support of Dogecoin, humorously commented that Janet Yellen may have fallen for an email scam where hackers asked for 1 Bitcoin in exchange for sending 2 Bitcoin back. The attackers also hacked the computers of Janet Yellen and two of her aides, Wally Adeyemo and Brad Smith, sources told Bloomberg. One of the sources said fewer than 50 files on Yellen’s computer were accessed. Maybe she clicked on the “send me 1 btc, I send you 2btc” email https://t.co/mtIfZ4Cd4Z — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 17, 2025 *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Elon Musk Sends Bitcoin (BTC) to Janet Yellen!
The Bitcoin MVRV Z-Score has historically been one of the most effective tools for identifying market cycle tops and bottoms in Bitcoin. Today, we're excited to share an enhancement to this metric that makes it even more insightful for today's dynamic market conditions. What Is the Bitcoin MVRV Z-Score? The MVRV Z-Score is derived by analyzing the ratio between Bitcoin’s realized cap (the average acquisition cost of all Bitcoin in circulation) and its market cap (current network valuation). By standardizing this ratio using Bitcoin's price volatility (measured as the standard deviation), the Z-Score highlights periods of overvaluation or undervaluation relative to historical norms. Figure 1: MVRV Z-Score effectiveness may be reduced due to diminishing volatility. View Live Chart 🔍 Peaks in the red zone signal overvaluation, suggesting optimal profit-taking opportunities. Bottoms in the green zone indicate undervaluation, often marking strong accumulation opportunities. Historically, this metric has been remarkably accurate in pinpointing major market cycle extremes. While powerful, the traditional MVRV Z-Score has its limitations. In past cycles, the Z-Score reached values of 9–10 during market tops. However, in the last cycle, the score only reached around 7. This may be due to the rounded double-peak cycle instead of the sharp blow-off top we usually experience. Regardless, there’s the necessity to factor in the evolving market dynamics, with increasing institutional involvement and changing investor behavior. The Enhanced MVRV Z-Score The MVRV Z-Score standardizes the raw MVRV data using Bitcoin’s entire price history, which includes the extreme volatility of its early years. As Bitcoin matures, these early data points may distort its relevance to current market conditions. To address these challenges, we’ve developed the MVRV Z-Score 2YR Rolling . Instead of using Bitcoin's entire price history, this version calculates volatility based only on the previous two years of data. Figure 2: MVRV Z-Score 2YR Rolling accounts for reduced market volatility. View Live Chart 🔍 This approach better accounts for Bitcoin’s growing market cap and shifting dynamics and ensures the metric adapts to more recent trends, offering greater accuracy for contemporary market analysis. It still excels at identifying market cycle tops and bottoms but adapts to modern conditions. In the last cycle, this version captured a higher peak value than the traditional Z-Score, aligning more closely with 2017's price action. On the downside, it continues to identify strong accumulation zones with high precision. Raw MVRV Ratio Another complementary approach involves analyzing the MVRV ratio without standardizing for volatility. By doing so, we can see the previous cycle’s MVRV ratio peaked at 3.96, compared to 4.72 in the cycle before that. These values suggest less deviation, potentially offering a more stable framework for projecting future price targets. Figure 3: MVRV data can help to forecast potential price targets. View Live Chart 🔍 Assuming a realized price of $60,000 (factoring in the current projected increase over the next six months) and an MVRV ratio of 3.96, a potential peak price could be close to $240,000. If diminishing returns reduce the ratio to 3.0, the peak price might still reach $180,000. Conclusion While the MVRV Z-Score is still one of the most effective tools for timing market cycle peaks and bottoms, we need to be prepared for this metric potentially not reaching similar highs as prior cycles. By adapting this data to better factor in the changing market dynamics of Bitcoin, we can account for reduced volatility as BTC grows. For a more in-depth look into this topic, check out a recent YouTube video here: Improving The Bitcoin MVRV Z-Score For more detailed Bitcoin analysis and to access advanced features like live charts, personalized indicator alerts, and in-depth industry reports, check out Bitcoin Magazine Pro . Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.
Michael Saylor’s recent tweets emphasize the growing anticipation around Bitcoin as its price approaches a critical $103,000 mark. His declaration that “We are all Satoshi” reflects a broader sentiment within
Dogecoin, the largest dog-themed meme coin has gained an upside trajectory, attracting significant interest and attention from investors. Given its robust resurgence of upbeat momentum, several crypto analysts believe that DOGE might continue to move upward toward higher levels, bolstered by bullish indicators. Impending Chart Pattern To Fuel Dogecoin’s Uptrend Following the current market upsurge, Rose Premium Signals, a technical analysis platform has delved into Dogecoin’s recent movements, revealing an optimistic outlook in the short term . The platform claims that DOGE’s price action hints at an extension of its upward trajectory as a bullish pattern unfolds on the daily chart. Rose Premium Signals contends this technical formation is a good sign of sustained momentum and the potential for a huge rally in the near term. This formation identified as a Double-Bottom pattern is consistent with rising market mood and investors’ interest in DOGE, which could fuel the meme coin to higher price levels. According to the platform, Dogecoin is showing signs of a possible bullish reversal with the double-bottom formation. With momentum increasing for an additional upward trend, the price is emerging from the descending channel pattern. DOGE’s break out from the declining channel is indicative of its renewed strength, triggered by a resurgence of the general crypto market. Furthermore, a classic recovery structure is in line with the breakout, suggesting a strong rally toward key resistance levels. Once Dogecoin embarks on the anticipated major rally, the platform has placed the next potential targets for DOGE at the $0.56261 and $0.63998 levels. Looking at the chart, Rose Premium Signals cites that the upswing might push the meme coin further to $0.70717, narrowing the gap from its all-time high of $0.73. This development is capable of fueling optimism among investors and traders anticipating DOGE’s next bullish breakout in the coming weeks. In the meantime, DOGE continues to hover between $0.369 and $0.38, reflecting price stability. DOGE Is One Of The Strongest In The Current Bull Run Even though DOGE has not been able to reclaim its current all-time high or create a new peak, it is still considered one of the best-performing crypto assets in the bull cycle. After a period of stasis, Dogecoin has regained its upward momentum, triggering a surge above the pivotal $0.35 price level. Addressing its performance during volatile conditions, Daan Crypto Trades, a market expert and trader highlighted that DOGE has held up stronger on this second market flush compared to most coins. While other major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum set new lows during this week’s flush, DOGE produced a nice higher low and is trading back within its local range. Daan Crypto Trades expects Dogecoin to trade around $0.4 shortly before making another go at the cycle highs. Thus he believes that the meme coin is one of the strongest in the ongoing cycle.
This is a segment from the Empire newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe . True believers of an impending altcoin season now have their most compelling evidence to date: XRP is at all-time highs (sort of), and the XRP Army is finally looking like the smart ones in the room. It’s for sure a big deal. Price records for XRP have turned out to be crypto’s answer to Haley’s comet: They only come around once every half-decade or so. Which is eons around here. There’ve been mixed reports over whether XRP has really broken its 2018 peak. A Fortune piece yesterday pointed out that XRP’s all-time high is $3.84 on Binance while CoinGecko says $3.40. XRP reached as high as $3.3991 on Binance on Thursday afternoon, per TradingView data. So eh, close enough. Not to mention, Ripple Labs CTO David “JoelKatz” Schwartz has historically been adamant that XRP had never actually reached $3.84 in 2018 for most of the crypto trading world. That price was supposedly met only briefly on South Korean exchanges, which at the time placed a hefty premium on many top coins, including BTC and XRP. Keep in mind that the goal for most crypto traders and investors is to avoid “round-tripping” their bags — holding coins from bull market top to bear market trough and back again. Real roundtripping in XRP’s case would mean holding through a 90% collapse between January 2018 and December 2019, and another 80% drop between April 2021 and the following June. Here’s the rub: because XRP’s last all-time high was so long ago, its equivalent today would be much higher due to US dollar inflation. What was $3.40 in 2018’s money would now be $4.25. XRP would need to rally by another 25% or so to break its inflation-adjusted all-time high, as shown by the beige area at the top of the chart above. But that’s only against the dollar. XRP’s bitcoin and ether ratios continue to be firmly underwater, even despite its near-500% rally since this time last year. The purple line on the chart below plots XRP’s performance against ETH, while the pink line is its BTC ratio. XRP has lost 64% of its value against ETH since Ethereum launched in 2015 and 42% against BTC over its record trading history, starting in 2013. No matter. XRP’s rally is still very much a symbol of a crypto groundswell in the US ahead of Trump’s second term. A sign of the times that screams the US is open for crypto business. Take Ripple’s branding and communication in its early years: “crypto” and “blockchain” were curiously absent right up until mid-2017 , instead opting to present its distributed ledger as a payments protocol similar to email. Now, they’re “ pioneers in crypto .” If there was such a thing as reverse chain abstraction , Ripple has nailed it. And it’s paying off. Start your day with top crypto insights from David Canellis and Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter . Explore the growing intersection between crypto, macroeconomics, policy and finance with Ben Strack, Casey Wagner and Felix Jauvin. Subscribe to the Forward Guidance newsletter . Get alpha directly in your inbox with the 0xResearch newsletter — market highlights, charts, degen trade ideas, governance updates, and more. The Lightspeed newsletter is all things Solana, in your inbox, every day. Subscribe to daily Solana news from Jack Kubinec and Jeff Albus.
Elon Musk has turned the U.S. Treasury Department’s cybersecurity disaster into his latest roast material. Following news that Chinese state-backed hackers breached Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s computer, Elon went to X (formerly Twitter) taking jabs at her. “A 12-year-old script kiddie could hack into Yellen’s computer. I doubt she knows how to reboot her WiFi router,” he wrote. He then threw Bitcoin out there too, saying , “Maybe she clicked on the ‘send me 1 BTC, I send you 2 BTC’ email.” Treasury officials hacked, data compromised The breach wasn’t just limited to Yellen’s device. Hackers accessed fewer than 50 unclassified files on her machine and also infiltrated the computers of her top deputies—Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith. According to a report by Bloomberg, this attack is part of a larger cyber espionage campaign by Chinese operatives targeting high-level U.S. government officials. Over 400 laptops and desktops were hacked, exposing employee usernames, passwords, and more than 3,000 unclassified files. Some of the data reportedly included “law enforcement sensitive” information and materials related to investigations by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a powerful body that evaluates the national security risks of foreign investments. The hackers operated after regular business hours to evade detection, according to a Treasury report reviewed by Bloomberg. BeyondTrust, a software contractor, was the first entry point for the breach. On December 8, the contractor informed the Treasury that its systems had been exploited. The department immediately contacted the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, and other intelligence agencies to investigate. Interestingly, this happened right after the Senate Finance Committee’s confirmation hearing for Scott Bessent, President Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary. Yellen’s crypto history makes Elon’s joke funnier Elon’s sarcastic reference to Bitcoin taps into Yellen’s complicated history with crypto. Since taking office in 2021, she has been a consistent critic. During her own Senate confirmation hearing, she actually took around 10 minutes to warn the Senators about cryptocurrencies being used for illegal activities, which set the stage for stricter regulations. Yellen’s approach to crypto became even clearer when the Treasury proposed tighter compliance requirements for exchanges to curb illicit activities. While she has praised the potential of blockchain, she’s never particularly been a fan. In 2017 when she was still the chair of the Federal Reserve, Christian Langalis, a 22-year-old intern at the Cato Institute, stood behind her with a “Buy Bitcoin” sign, an event that quickly became infamous. It also might be one of the reasons Yellen hates Bitcoin so much. From Zero to Web3 Pro: Your 90-Day Career Launch Plan