In the fast-paced world of digital assets, seamless access to your funds is paramount. That’s why recent reports of a significant Kraken wallet connection issue have caught the attention of users across the platform. As a leading crypto exchange , any technical hiccup at Kraken can impact a large number of traders and investors. What’s Happening with the Kraken Wallet Connection? U.S. cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has officially acknowledged a technical problem impacting how users connect to their digital wallets on the platform. The core of the issue appears to be related to the wallet connection process itself. According to Kraken’s statements, users attempting to access their wallets may encounter several frustrating experiences, including: Errors: Specific error messages popping up when trying to view wallet details or initiate transactions. Indefinite Loading: The wallet interface simply spinning or freezing, failing to load account balances or transaction history. Inability to Access Funds: The most critical impact, preventing users from seeing their holdings or performing essential actions like depositing, withdrawing, or trading. This issue specifically pertains to the integrated wallets users manage directly within the Kraken exchange platform, rather than external self-custody wallets. Why is a Stable Wallet Connection Critical for a Crypto Exchange? For any crypto exchange , the wallet function is the gateway for users to interact with their digital assets. It’s where your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies are held (or more accurately, where the private keys controlled by the exchange that give you access to those funds are linked). A reliable wallet connection is essential for several key functions: Viewing Balances: Users need to see exactly how much crypto they hold. Depositing Funds: Sending crypto from an external wallet or another exchange to Kraken. Withdrawing Funds: Moving crypto from Kraken to an external wallet or another platform. Trading: While trading interfaces might load, you need a connected wallet to execute buy or sell orders using your existing balance. Checking Transaction History: Reviewing past deposits, withdrawals, and trades. When the Kraken wallet connection fails, all these fundamental activities become impossible or severely hindered, leading to significant user frustration and potential financial implications, especially in volatile market conditions. Kraken’s Response: Investigation and Communication Upon identifying the problem, Kraken has stated they are actively investigating the root cause of the wallet connection issue. Transparency and timely communication from a cryptocurrency exchange during such incidents are crucial for maintaining user trust. While the initial announcement indicated an investigation was underway, users should monitor Kraken’s official communication channels for updates. These typically include: The official Kraken Status Page. Kraken’s official social media accounts (e.g., Twitter). Email notifications from Kraken support. Staying informed through these verified sources is the best way for users to understand the progress of the fix and when normal service is expected to resume for the Kraken wallet . What Challenges Do Users Face During This Kraken Wallet Issue? Beyond the immediate frustration of not being able to access funds, the Kraken wallet connection problem presents several challenges: 1. Trading Limitations: If you can’t see your balance or access your wallet, you cannot make timely trades. In a market known for rapid price swings, this can mean missed opportunities or the inability to react to sudden drops or pumps. 2. Uncertainty and Anxiety: Not being able to view your assets can be stressful for any investor. Users may worry about the safety of their funds, even if the underlying issue is technical and not a security breach. 3. Deposit and Withdrawal Halts: The inability to move funds on or off the exchange locks users into their current positions, regardless of their needs or external market factors. 4. Planning Disruptions: Investors who planned to make specific transactions at a certain time based on market analysis find their strategies disrupted by the unexpected outage. These challenges highlight just how vital a stable and reliable platform is for a major cryptocurrency exchange like Kraken. Actionable Insights: Navigating the Kraken Wallet Problem If you are a Kraken user affected by this wallet connection issue, here are some actionable steps you can take: Action Why It Helps Check Official Channels Get accurate, real-time updates directly from Kraken’s status page or official social media. Avoid relying on unverified sources. Be Patient Technical issues, especially on large, complex platforms, take time to diagnose and fix properly. Rushing the process can lead to further complications. Avoid Unofficial Support Be wary of individuals contacting you via social media or other platforms claiming to be support and asking for your login details or private keys. These are likely scams. Kraken support will not ask for this information. Review Security Practices While waiting, take the opportunity to review your account security: enable 2FA, use a strong unique password, and be aware of phishing attempts. Consider Diversification (Long-Term) For future preparedness, consider holding assets across multiple reputable exchanges or in self-custody wallets to avoid being entirely reliant on one platform’s uptime. Remember, Kraken is investigating the issue, and their technical teams are working to restore full functionality to the Kraken wallet and the platform as a whole. The Broader Picture: Reliability in the Cryptocurrency Exchange Space Incidents like the Kraken wallet connection issue, while frustrating, are not entirely uncommon in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Technical glitches can arise from various factors, including software updates, infrastructure load, or external network problems. What distinguishes a reliable platform is not necessarily the absence of issues, but the speed and effectiveness of their response, their communication with users, and their ability to implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence. Users of any crypto exchange should be aware that platform downtime is a possibility and factor this into their trading and investment strategies, especially during periods of high market volatility. Conclusion: Awaiting Resolution for the Kraken Wallet The current Kraken wallet connection issue serves as a reminder of the technical complexities underlying even the most popular cryptocurrency exchange platforms. While frustrating for users unable to access their funds or trade, Kraken has acknowledged the problem and is working towards a resolution. For affected users, the best course of action is to remain patient, rely solely on official Kraken communication channels for updates, and take basic security precautions. As the investigation progresses, the crypto community will be watching for Kraken to restore full functionality and provide insights into the cause of the disruption to their wallet connection services. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping cryptocurrency exchange reliability and trading.
Ripple’s $5 billion acquisition bid was reportedly snubbed as one expert says Circle is eyeing a $10 billion IPO amid bullish momentum and favorable crypto regulation. Ripple’s Acquisition Bid Rejected? Expert Suggests Circle Has $10B IPO in Its Sights Attorney John E. Deaton, a well-known advocate for XRP holders, explained that Circle’s market value could
Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, questions the likelihood of the US government purchasing more Bitcoin due to its high debt levels and public perception. Hayes emphasizes the negative stereotypes of
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes says the United States is unlikely to add more Bitcoin to its reserves beyond what it has already seized due to the country’s high debt levels and the stereotype behind “Bitcoin bros.” “I’m not really into the whole Strategic Reserve situation,” Hayes said in a May 1 interview. Hayes doubts print money plans for Bitcoin “The United States is a deficit country; the only way they can do a Strategic Reserve is not sell the Bitcoin they took from people, fine, that’s 200,000 Bitcoin,” he said. Arthur Hayes spoke to Kyle Chasse on his crypto interview series. Source: Kyle Chasse However, Hayes said it’s hard to imagine any “properly elected” politician openly announcing that the government plans to print money to buy Bitcoin ( BTC ). “Especially when the popular narrative is a bunch of Bitcoin bros going to the club.” “Is that really what you want people to think about your policy?” he asked. On March 6, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a Bitcoin strategic reserve and digital asset stockpile in the US. The US holds 198,012 Bitcoin worth over $18 billion, as per recent data. The reserve is primarily formed of Bitcoin seized in criminal and civil cases , including significant amounts from the Silk Road and Bitfinex hack cases. However, many crypto industry leaders believe that if the US government starts buying Bitcoin, it could set off an aggressive domino effect. Sergej Kunz, co-founder of exchange aggregator 1inch, said during Cointelegraph’s LONGITUDE event in Dubai that if the US starts buying Bitcoin for a strategic reserve, even smaller countries may soon struggle to acquire the cryptocurrency. He added. “I’m pretty sure we’ll soon see countries battling over who owns more Bitcoin. The US will start.” Hayes sees Bitcoin to altcoin rotation playbook staying the same Hayes remains confident that the Bitcoin cycle leading into altcoin season will follow the same pattern as it did in 2021, despite differing views from other analysts. “I personally think Bitcoin dominance is going back to where it was before the 2021 altcoin season, which is about 70%,” Hayes said. Hayes isn’t convinced the pattern will change. “Then people just start rotating,” he said. “It’s back at all-time highs; bull markets are back, and altcoins should outperform. Should is a keyword there,” Hayes said. “Depends on what you buy,” he added. Related: Bitcoin price about to ‘blast’ higher as Fed rate cut odds jump to 60% Bitcoin dominance — the ratio of Bitcoin’s market capitalization to the entire crypto market — is 64.78% at the time of publication, according to TradingView data. Bitcoin dominance was 57.59% on Jan. 1. Source: TradingView This represents an 11.68% increase since Jan. 1, when Bitcoin dominance was hovering just below 60%, a level where some analysts said would be its peak before altcoin season began. Several analysts doubted that Bitcoin dominance would ever return to 70%. One of those skeptics was Into The Cryptoverse founder Benjamin Cowen, who explained in August that he doesn’t “think it is going back up to 70%,” and his target for Bitcoin dominance has been 60%. Meanwhile, in December CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said “altseason is no longer defined by asset rotation from Bitcoin.” He said the traditional signal marking the beginning of an altcoin season when capital rotates from Bitcoin to altcoins is outdated. Instead, altcoin trading volume has become more prevalent against stablecoin and fiat currency pairs. Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, and now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight
Get ready, crypto enthusiasts and developers! Apple, a giant in the tech world, has made a significant move that could reshape how we interact with digital assets on our mobile devices. The long-anticipated changes to Apple crypto rules are finally here, bringing new opportunities for iOS crypto apps and users alike. For a long time, navigating the App Store’s policies around cryptocurrencies and NFTs felt restrictive for developers. Now, following a key U.S. court ruling, Apple has updated its guidelines, opening up new possibilities, particularly concerning payments and NFT transactions. What’s Changing with Apple Crypto Rules? The core of the update addresses two major pain points for developers integrating crypto functionalities: External Payment Links: Previously, apps were heavily restricted in linking to external websites for purchases, forcing many transactions through Apple’s in-app purchase system, subject to their commission. The updated guidelines now allow developers of U.S. apps to include buttons or links that direct users to an external website to complete a purchase, including those involving crypto. NFT Secondary Marketplace Purchases: This is a big one for the digital collectibles space. Apple now explicitly allows apps to facilitate the buying and selling of NFTs on secondary marketplaces within the app, provided the transaction complies with other App Store Review Guidelines. This directly impacts how developers can build experiences around the NFT on App Store ecosystem. These changes, as reported by outlets like Decrypt, represent a notable shift from Apple’s historically cautious stance on decentralized technologies within its walled garden. Impact on iOS Crypto Apps and Developers So, what does this mean if you’re building or using iOS crypto apps ? The implications are substantial: Increased Flexibility: Developers have more options for handling transactions, potentially reducing reliance on Apple’s in-app purchase system for certain crypto-related activities. New Business Models: Enabling secondary NFT sales directly within apps unlocks new revenue streams and user engagement models for platforms focusing on digital art, collectibles, and gaming. Improved User Experience: Users might see more seamless integration of crypto purchases and NFT trading within their favorite apps on their crypto apps iPhone . This update signals Apple’s adaptation to the evolving digital economy, acknowledging the growing importance of crypto and NFTs. Accessing NFT on App Store: What’s Possible Now? The ability to buy and sell NFTs on secondary marketplaces directly through apps is a game-changer for the NFT on App Store experience. Before this change, facilitating such transactions within an app was often a complex and restricted process. Now, platforms focused on NFTs can offer a more integrated trading experience, potentially attracting more users to the space via the familiar and trusted App Store environment. Imagine browsing a digital art gallery app and being able to not just view, but also purchase or sell NFTs from other users directly within the app, using an external payment method if the developer chooses to offer it. This was previously a significant hurdle. Navigating the Apple App Store Crypto Landscape While the rules have eased, it’s crucial to understand that not everything is a free-for-all. The updated Apple App Store crypto guidelines still maintain restrictions on certain activities deemed high-risk or non-compliant with Apple’s broader policies. Activities such as cryptocurrency mining within apps, initial coin offerings (ICOs), and other securities-related crypto activities remain prohibited. Developers must still navigate the complex review process and ensure their apps comply with all other guidelines related to user safety, privacy, and financial regulations. What Remains Restricted for Crypto Apps iPhone Users? Even with the relaxed crypto apps iPhone rules, some core limitations persist: Mining: Running cryptocurrency mining processes in the background is still not allowed due to battery and performance concerns. ICOs and Securities: Apps cannot facilitate the trading of cryptocurrency futures, options, or other securities, nor can they conduct ICOs. Compliance: Apps must still comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including financial regulations, which can be complex for crypto. So, while buying an NFT or using an external payment link for a crypto-related service is becoming easier, don’t expect to turn your iPhone into a Bitcoin miner via an app anytime soon. Summary: A Step Forward for Crypto on iOS Apple’s updated App Store guidelines represent a significant step forward for the integration of crypto and NFTs into the mainstream mobile ecosystem, particularly for users and developers in the U.S. By allowing external payment links and facilitating secondary NFT sales, Apple is acknowledging the growing importance of decentralized technologies and providing developers with more flexibility. While restrictions on activities like mining and ICOs remain, these changes pave the way for more innovative and user-friendly iOS crypto apps in the future. This move is poised to benefit developers seeking alternative payment methods and users looking for more direct access to the vibrant NFT market on their iPhones. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our articles on key developments shaping the crypto space and institutional adoption.
The world of finance is constantly evolving, and perhaps no sector has seen more dramatic shifts recently than the intersection of traditional investments and digital assets. A significant development has just emerged, capturing the attention of both crypto enthusiasts and financial analysts: a leading Ivy League institution has publicly disclosed a substantial holding in a spot Bitcoin ETF . Ivy League Embraces Digital Assets: Brown University’s Bold Move In a move that underscores the increasing legitimacy and integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, Brown University , one of the United States’ most prestigious Ivy League universities, has reported holding shares in BlackRock’s popular spot Bitcoin ETF . This isn’t just any investment; it’s a clear signal from an institution known for its cautious and long-term investment strategies. According to a recent securities filing, as reported by Wu Blockchain via X, Brown University held 105,000 shares of BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF , ticker IBIT, as of March 31st. This holding was valued at approximately $4.9 million at the time. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that these shares were a new addition to the university’s portfolio during the first quarter of this year, indicating a recent strategic decision to gain exposure to Bitcoin via this regulated investment vehicle. While $4.9 million might seem modest compared to the multi-billion dollar endowments managed by Ivy League schools, its significance lies in the institution itself. An Ivy League university adding a spot Bitcoin ETF to its holdings sends a powerful message about the growing acceptance and perceived stability of Bitcoin as an asset class among sophisticated, long-term investors. Understanding the Significance of Spot Bitcoin ETFs Spot Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock IBIT provide investors with exposure to the price movements of Bitcoin without requiring them to directly buy, hold, or manage the cryptocurrency itself. This structure simplifies investment, reduces technical hurdles, and operates within traditional brokerage accounts and regulatory frameworks. The approval of these ETFs by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier this year was a landmark event, paving the way for broader Institutional Adoption . For institutions like universities, pension funds, and endowments, investing in a spot Bitcoin ETF is often the preferred or only viable method to gain Bitcoin exposure due to internal investment mandates, regulatory requirements, and operational simplicity. The fact that an institution like Brown University has chosen this route highlights the effectiveness of the ETF structure in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset world. BlackRock IBIT: A Popular Choice for Institutional Adoption BlackRock IBIT has quickly emerged as one of the most successful and popular spot Bitcoin ETFs since its launch. Its rapid accumulation of assets under management speaks volumes about investor confidence, both retail and institutional, in BlackRock’s reputation and the ETF structure itself. Brown University’s choice to invest specifically in BlackRock IBIT further validates the fund’s position as a leading vehicle for Institutional Adoption of Bitcoin. Brown University’s overall investment portfolio is substantial, totaling $216 million across 14 different stocks (as per the specific filing mentioned). The $4.9 million allocated to BlackRock IBIT represents a calculated allocation within a diversified strategy. It signals a belief that Bitcoin, accessed through a regulated ETF, has a role to play in a modern, diversified portfolio, potentially as a hedge against inflation or as a growth asset with unique characteristics. What Does This Mean for Institutional Adoption and the Market? This disclosure from Brown University is more than just news about one university’s portfolio; it’s a potential bellwether for broader trends. Here’s why it’s significant: Validation: An Ivy League university adding a spot Bitcoin ETF provides significant validation for Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. Precedent: This move could encourage other endowments, foundations, and institutional investors who have been watching from the sidelines to consider their own allocations. Liquidity and Stability: Increased institutional participation through ETFs adds liquidity and can contribute to market stability over the long term. Education and Awareness: Such disclosures bring attention to Bitcoin and digital assets within traditional financial circles and educational institutions themselves. While it’s crucial not to extrapolate too much from a single data point, the pattern of increasing interest and allocation from sophisticated investors and institutions like Brown University , facilitated by products like BlackRock IBIT , points towards a future where digital assets are a more integrated part of the global financial landscape. Looking Ahead: The Future of Institutional Bitcoin Investment The disclosure from Brown University is likely just the beginning. As spot Bitcoin ETFs mature and gain longer track records, and as regulatory clarity potentially improves, more institutions are expected to explore allocations. The due diligence processes for large endowments and pension funds are rigorous, but the fact that an institution like Brown has completed this process and made an investment is a positive sign for the broader trend of Institutional Adoption . Investors watching this space should pay attention not only to the performance of the ETFs themselves but also to future filings from other large institutions. These disclosures provide valuable insights into the evolving sentiment and strategic thinking among some of the world’s most influential investors. Conclusion: A Milestone for Bitcoin’s Mainstream Journey Brown University’s decision to invest nearly $5 million in BlackRock IBIT is a significant milestone in Bitcoin’s journey towards mainstream financial acceptance. It highlights the effectiveness of spot Bitcoin ETFs in facilitating Institutional Adoption and demonstrates that even historically conservative Ivy League institutions are beginning to recognize the potential role of digital assets in their portfolios. This development adds another layer of credibility to the asset class and could pave the way for further institutional inflows in the future, solidifying Bitcoin’s position within the global financial ecosystem. To learn more about the latest Institutional Adoption trends in the crypto market, explore our articles on key developments shaping Bitcoin’s price action and future.
A Bank of America customer says the lender repeatedly denied reimbursement after thousands of dollars disappeared from his account in the middle of the night. In September of last year, $38,000 was stolen from an account that Justin Chan jointly held with his sister, reports the ABC-affiliated news station KGTV. The theft happened after a SIM-swapping attack, where a hacker managed to convince Xfinity Mobile to port Chan’s cellphone number to a new device. With access to two-factor verification codes, Chan says the hacker changed his login credentials and initiated three outgoing wire transfers. “All these instances occurred within a three-hour period starting at around 2:00am, 3:00am. It was very fast.” Chan reported the fraudulent incident to Bank of America, but says the lender refused to reimburse. “ Our investigation found the transaction in question was confirmed valid by you via (SMS/MMS) text message response or speaking directly with Fraud Detection Employee.” Bank of America later reopened an investigation in November but still denied Chan a refund. Chan also presented a letter to Bank of America from Xfinity Mobile saying that his phone number was “likely accessed by a third party as a result of fraudulent activity” but the lender did not respond. “ I didn’t think I would get the money back. It was a very tough situation to begin with. Bank of America was being difficult.” KGTV says things took a positive turn after the news team continued to press Bank of America on the matter. The lender reimbursed $20,000 and the trading platform Robinhood, where the remaining $18,000 had been sent, refunded the remaining funds. Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post Bank of America Refuses To Reimburse Customer After $38,000 Disappears From Account: Report appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
It was another week of recovery for both Bitcoin and altcoins as the flagship crypto slowly climbed towards the $100k mark for the first time since February. As bullish sentiment returned, the total crypto market cap climbed almost 3.5% to stabilise around $3.11 trillion on Friday. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index cooled off after hitting a multi-month high of 72 last week, but still closed the current week in “greed” at 67, suggesting that some caution remains. The altcoin sector saw more modest action compared to Bitcoin, with most top cryptocurrencies giving up last week’s gains, and only a handful managing to hold on to double-digit returns. Altcoin trading remained relatively muted, hinting that traders were still sitting on the sidelines, weighing macro cues before making riskier bets. Why is Bitcoin going up? Macroeconomic data dominated sentiment through the week, keeping Bitcoin rangebound as traders waited for clarity on the Fed’s next move. The first catalyst came midweek with the release of US PCE inflation data, which showed no month-on-month growth and a continued decline in core PCE to 2.6%, its lowest reading in nearly a year. The figures were stable, but not soft enough to justify an immediate rate cut, prompting a brief dip in crypto prices. The cautious mood deepened after fresh labour market data showed signs of cooling. ADP’s private payroll report came in well below expectations, while first estimates for Q1 GDP revealed a surprise 0.3% contraction. The downturn was largely driven by a spike in imports ahead of Trump’s new tariff wave, reinforcing investor concerns around slowing growth and elevated trade tensions. However, sentiment began to recover on Friday following a statement from China’s commerce ministry expressing openness to trade talks with the US. The news sparked optimism across global markets, lifting Bitcoin past $97,000 as hopes for de-escalation in the ongoing tariff standoff gained traction. Momentum strengthened further after April’s nonfarm payrolls beat expectations, easing fears of a deeper slowdown. While the Fed is still expected to hold rates steady next week, markets are now more confident that easing could come later this summer, especially with Trump renewing pressure on the central bank to cut. As of late Asian trading hours on Friday, bulls were back in control, pushing Bitcoin toward the $98,000 level and setting the stage for a potential breakout toward six figures in the days ahead. Will Bitcoin hit $100k? The answer may rest heavily on geopolitics, particularly the thawing trade tensions between the US and China. Analysts now view May as a crucial month. As Nansen’s Aurelie Barthere explains, exemptions on several tariff categories—including auto parts and low-value shipments—are set to expire. If no progress is made this month, recession risks could grow, dragging Bitcoin and other speculative assets down. However, Barthere believes a deal or “agreement in principle” is more likely, with both sides keen to avoid economic disruption. Beyond trade tensions, recession fears are also back in focus. Analysts at Apollo Global have warned that the US could slip into a recession by summer, pointing to the biggest drop in corporate earnings expectations since 2020. While a slowdown could initially pressure Bitcoin, some analysts say it might ultimately benefit from the shift in Fed policy expectations. Historical trends show Bitcoin has performed strongly in post-recession environments, particularly when monetary easing follows. Most analysts were bullish regarding the short-term price action over the weekend. According to Cas Abbé, spot demand will be the real deciding factor for what comes next for Bitcoin. “If there is a spike in Coinbase Bitcoin Premium during US hours, my bet will be to the upside. If BTC fails to attract spot demand, I think we could see a long squeeze with BTC potentially reaching the $94K to $95K level,” Abbé wrote in a May 2 post. Others like Nonzee also echoed similar sentiment, as he shared a Wyckoff accumulation schematic suggesting Bitcoin is nearing the final phase of a breakout structure. According to a chart he shared, Bitcoin appears to have completed its “spring” and “test” phases, key markers in Wyckoff theory that often precede a strong upside move. Bitcoin/USD 1-day chart. Source: Nonzee Offering an alternate perspective, well-followed analyst Ted added that Offering an alternate perspective, well-followed analyst Ted said that Bitcoin may still need a brief consolidation phase before its next leg higher. According to Ted, the $96K–$99K zone could act as near-term resistance, with price action potentially stalling there for a few days. However, he expects Bitcoin to eventually break out to the upside, continuing its recovery in line with the Wyckoff structure’s “Sign of Strength” phase. When writing, Bitcoin was trading at $97,423.72, up 2% in the past days. Altcoins’ momentum is yet to return Broader crypto markets followed Bitcoin’s lead, with most major altcoins posting modest gains. Ethereum rose 1.4% to $1,838, XRP edged up 0.5% to $2.22, while Solana and Cardano added 0.6% and 2.7% respectively. Dogecoin led the pack with a 3.3% surge. The total altcoin market cap rose just over 1.6%, holding steady around the $1.2 trillion mark. While altcoin season hasn’t kicked off yet, Bitcoin’s dominance climbed to 64.89% this week, its highest level since January 2021, raising speculation that it could be around the corner. According to Rekt Capital, traders may need to wait until Bitcoin dominance approaches the 71% level, where past rejections have typically triggered sharp altcoin rallies. Still, several top altcoins outperformed the market this week, logging double-digit gains. The top performers were: Virtuals Protocol Virtual Protocol (VIRTUAL) soared over 100% in the past 7 days, hitting a 3-month high of $1.86 as of press time. Its market cap crossed the $1.2 billion mark, though daily trading volume was down 45% from the previous day, sitting at $371 million, hinting that trading activity is starting to cool off a bit. Source: CoinMarketCap The main driver behind this week’s gains was the successful rollout of Virtual’s Genesis Launch update. This update introduced several key features, like letting developers auto-lock their token allocations and set up transparent vesting schedules. Another major boost came from the announcement that Recognized Staked Agents are now eligible to earn points in the ecosystem, opening up new incentives for participants, rewarding those actively staking and engaging with the platform. VIRTUAL also gained steam from its recent listing on crypto exchange Binance.US, which likely attracted fresh investor interest and liquidity, pulling in both retail and institutional buyers. Solayer Over the past week, Solayer (LAYER) climbed 29% to $3.03, lifting its market cap to over $638 million. However, daily trading volume slipped 22% over the past day, settling at around $146 million at the time of writing. Source: CoinMarketCap The week’s gains appear largely tied to renewed market attention following the reveal of the Solayer Emerald Card. The card allows users to spend USDC directly via Visa without converting to fiat, and also offers an annual yield option through sUSD, a stablecoin backed by US Treasury bills. Additionally, the Emerald Card includes a rewards system where transactions generate points, which can be exchanged for LAYER tokens, partner airdrops, or referral bonuses. Monero Monero (XMR) was up 26% over the past week, trading at $288.7 at the time of writing. Its market cap stood at $5.3 billion, with daily trading volume hovering over $120.7 million. Source: CoinMarketCap While no major positive development or news could be identified as of press time, part of this recent surge appears linked to on-chain activity flagged by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who identified a suspicious transfer of 3,520 BTC (worth about $330.7 million) that was later swapped into XMR. The large-scale conversion led to a sharp price surge, which likely drew the attention of day traders and scalpers, further contributing to the token’s sharp price increase. The post Bitcoin eyes $100K as market sentiment rebounds; Virtual surges 100% appeared first on Invezz
Options exchange Deribit is latest company to look at building presence after president’s pledge to make US world’s ‘crypto capital’
The Bitcoin price has just printed a major bullish signal, officially confirming a strong local bottom and sparking renewed sentiment among analysts. This bullish shift comes after April closed in the green, reclaiming technical levels and signaling the potential for a significant move toward the six-figure price territory. Market expert Titan Of Crypto has announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Bitcoin has officially hit a local bottom. The analyst shared a chart showcasing that Bitcoin is flashing one of the strongest bullish signals. Bitcoin Price Establishes Solid Local Bottom According to the Ichimoku Cloud analysis, BTC’s price has closed firmly above the Tenkan (red line), Kijun (blue line), and Kimo cloud. All of these Ichimoku lines are sloping upwards, reinforcing that Bitcoin’s momentum and trend structure are aligned. Related Reading: Bitcoin Raging Bull Indicator Turns Back On, But This Level Holds The Key A close above the Tenkan signals short-term bullish momentum, while the Kijun confirms strength in a medium-trend. The thick Kimo cloud represents the most bullish configuration, indicating clear trend dominance. Furthermore, when Bitcoin closes above all Ichimoku lines, it establishes a dynamic support or resistance zone, validating the overall bullish structure. Adding more weight to this bullish signal, Titan of Crypto revealed that Bitcoin has reclaimed the April high, a key resistance level of around $95,173, which is now acting as a support area. The rectangular zone highlighted as “the local bottom” on the chart reflects price action between February and April 2025, where BTC formed a higher low above the Kijun. The bullish April monthly candle close above this zone officially establishes this region as a strong foundational support, which validates the possibility of a local bottom from a technical standpoint. With the local bottom confirmed and momentum on its side, Bitcoin could be headed to the next likely resistance area, marked on the chart as the “Next Point of Interest.” This area sits above the $110,000 region, near $115,000. For this bullish scenario to play out, BTC must maintain its position above the April high and the Kijun as dynamic support. Bulls will need to defend any retracements toward these zones to preserve momentum. Failure to do so could lead to a deeper correction, effectively invalidating the bullish outlook. BTC Price Action Looks Strong In a more recent X post, Titan of Crypto announced that Bitcoin is breaking out of a tight range and its price action looks strong. He shared an Ichimoku Cloud analysis of the cryptocurrency, showing a potential bullish breakout setup on the 1-day timeframe. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Flashes Golden Cross That Only Happens Once Every Cycle, What To Expect Looking at the price chart, Bitcoin has been consolidating between $92,880 and $95,800 over the past several days, but momentum appears to be building for a potential breakout. A confirmed close above $95,800 would validate the breakout and open the door for a bullish continuation, with the price target set near $99,000. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from Tradingview.com