Lightning Network data reveals a clear pullback in both capacity and channel count over the past year. As activity thins out, the network is showing stronger pockets of centralization—clustered around a handful of node operators, specific server hosts, and dominant geographic hubs. Lightning Network Contracts: Data Reveals 30%+ Drop in BTC Capacity The most visible
South Korean lawmakers are HODLing Bitcoin (BTC) , high-cap altcoins like XRP , and meme coins like PEPE , a new report has revealed. The South Korean media outlet Energy Kyungjae reported that it had investigated some of the National Assembly committee members charged with creating new investor-friendly policies to discover what they choose to invest in. South Korean Lawmakers: PEPE, XRP-Keen The administration of President Lee Jae-myung has talked of deregulating the crypto markets and ushering in the “KOSPI 5000 era.” Authorities plan to nearly double fines for companies and individuals found guilty of deliberate accounting fraud and introduce new penalties for corporate leaders who order such misconduct. https://t.co/InaV8tnh6b — The Korea JoongAng Daily (@JoongAngDaily) August 27, 2025 The President wants to promote capital market revitalization, usher in new stablecoin- and crypto-powered investment growth, and breathe new life into the stagnant South Korean stock market. The media outlet said that it had analysed changes to the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s members’ assets since their last public declarations in March this year. The newspaper wrote that the 16 lawmakers who make up the committee have “focused their investments on cryptoassets such as XRP and PEPE, overseas tech stocks, and unlisted shares. By contrast, they seem to be “ignoring” the domestic stock market, Energy Kyungjae remarked. The most active crypto investor was Jin Jong-oh, a proportional representative and a member of the main opposition People Power Party. The South Korean lawmaker Jin Jong-oh speaking in the National Assembly earlier this month. (Source: @jinjongoh_official/Instagram) The probe found that Jin is currently holding XRP 3,359, XCORE 8, and 214 Paycoin (PCI). The dollar value of these coins has “quadrupled” in recent months, rising from $1,768 to $9,579, the outlet wrote. However, South Korean law also requires lawmakers to disclose assets belonging to their immediate family. This measure was introduced to ensure lawmakers cannot hide their income and assets by registering them in family members’ names. The investigation revealed that Jin’s mother “diversified her crypto portfolio.” She is currently holding a range of metaverse and GameFi-related coins. Her holdings include Bitcoin, Chiliz, and Sandbox. She has also bought over 3.2 billion Pepe (PEPE) coins. US Tech Stocks Also Popular On the other side of the house, crypto enthusiasm is also high. Yang Moon-seok, a member of the ruling Democratic Party is HODLing XRP 452.6 (worth around $1,355). The South Korean lawmaker Yang Moon-seok (left) on the campaign trail ahead of the June 3, 2025, presidential elections. (Source: Yang Moon-seok/Facebook) The newspaper also found that many of the committee members have also invested in US tech stocks, buying shares in firms like Microsoft, NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Broadcom, and Tesla. Others have spent money on unlisted gaming stocks, buying shares in developers such as Xten Games and Memray. The post Investigation Reveals South Korean Lawmakers Are HODLing PEPE, XRP, BTC appeared first on Cryptonews .
One of the biggest trends has seen US companies allocate a percentage of their assets toward the creation of cryptocurrency treasuries.
Circle USDC adoption is accelerating as Circle partners with Mastercard and Finastra to enable USDC settlement for merchants and banks across EEMEA, Asia and 50+ countries, integrating stablecoin rails into
Aave Labs has unveiled Horizon, a new institutional lending platform that enables stablecoin borrowing against tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). The platform has been touted as a milestone in the ongoing effort to connect decentralized finance (DeFi) with the infrastructure and rules of traditional markets, as it opens the door for institutional investors to easily access on-chain liquidity while still being compliant with regulatory standards. Horizon combines the compliance needs of regulated institutions with the open, composable infrastructure of Aave’s decentralized protocols. According to Aave Labs , institutions will be able to borrow stablecoins such as USDC, GHO, and Ripple Labs’ RLUSD against RWAs, including tokenized Treasuries, corporate bonds, and collateralized loan obligations. The platform operates on a permissioned instance of Aave V3, ensuring issuers comply with regulatory checks while preserving composability in stablecoin lending markets. Horizon combines compliance with composability Horizon balances two worlds that rarely meet. On one hand, collateral must come from issuers who clear regulatory checks, ensuring that the assets being posted are compliant. On the other hand, the borrowing side remains permissionless, so stablecoin markets like its stablecoin GHO, USDC, and Ripple Labs’ RLUSD can remain open and composable with the rest of DeFi. That hybrid structure is what Aave Labs believes will unlock institutional confidence. Horizon also integrates Chainlink’s SmartData infrastructure, such as the Onchain Net Asset Value (NAV) reporting and Proof of Reserves feeds, to continuously verify the value and collateralization of tokenized assets. Aave Labs has big-name partners lined up Aave didn’t launch Horizon in isolation. It arrives with a roster of well-known financial institutions and tokenization players already signed on. Partners include Circle, VanEck, Securitize, Superstate, Centrifuge, WisdomTree, and Hamilton Lane, among others. On day one, Horizon will support tokenized assets like Superstate’s USTB and USCC Treasury funds, Circle’s USYC short-duration yield fund, Centrifuge’s JAAA and JTRSY loan tokens, and VanEck’s VBILL Treasury bills. These aren’t fringe experiments; they’re some of the most credible efforts to bring U.S. Treasuries and other traditional fixed-income products on-chain. More capital into the $25B RWA market More than $25 billion worth of tokenized RWAs are already circulating on public blockchains. But most of that capital is kept in legacy structures, with Ethereum accounting for a sizeable chunk of the market. Horizon changes that dynamic by turning tokenized Treasuries and similar products into active collateral for stablecoin borrowing. That move doesn’t just expand liquidity in DeFi markets; it also creates new revenue streams for the Aave DAO, which governs the Aave ecosystem. For DeFi, the potential is significant. If tokenized RWAs become reliable collateral, it could deepen on-chain liquidity pools, reduce reliance on volatile crypto-native assets, and accelerate adoption by institutions that have so far hesitated. “Horizon is a very exciting new chapter in Aave’s development and really shows the next stage of the DeFi industry,” said Sergey Nazarov, co-founder of Chainlink. “We are very excited to be a key partner for Aave’s Horizon plan and are looking forward to enabling it to be highly secure, reliable, and connected to leading financial institutions.” KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage
The crypto market is heating up in Q4 2025, and one presale is standing out from the crowd — MAGACOIN FINANCE , which has already surged past $13 million in funding . This explosive growth is fueling speculation that MAGACOIN FINANCE could replicate the kind of breakout Ethereum experienced in its early years. At the same time, Ethereum itself is dominating headlines with record-breaking ETF inflows, expanding DeFi dominance, and bullish price predictions from top analysts. Together, Ethereum’s institutional success and MAGACOIN FINANCE’s grassroots momentum highlight two powerful forces shaping the next phase of the crypto bull market. Ethereum ETFs Break Records as Institutional Demand Surges Ethereum (ETH) continues to attract massive institutional capital in 2025. In August alone, spot Ethereum ETFs brought in $2.3 billion , equal to 500,000 ETH — matching the network’s issuance since the 2022 Merge. A single day even saw $1 billion of inflows into nine spot ETFs, marking the largest daily inflow in Ethereum’s history. Leading the charge is the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) , which acquired over 150,000 ETH in August. Across all issuers, Ethereum ETFs now manage a staggering $19.2 billion in assets , with nearly $2 billion added in Q3 alone. ETH/USD Chart: TradingView This surge comes as regulatory clarity strengthens Ethereum’s position: the SEC reclassified ETH as a utility token , and the CLARITY Act officially recognized Ethereum as a digital commodity. These moves have paved the way for greater institutional adoption and financial integration. Ethereum Ecosystem Growth Reaches New Highs Beyond ETFs, Ethereum’s network fundamentals are stronger than ever: DeFi Dominance: Ethereum’s Total Value Locked (TVL) has soared to $97 billion , accounting for 65% of all blockchain DeFi activity. Protocols like Aave, Lido, and Uniswap are leading this charge. Record Network Activity: With over 1.74 million daily transactions and 680,000 active addresses , Ethereum is busier than ever. The gas limit increase to 45 million has helped meet demand. Staking Surge: Over 36 million ETH is staked , representing nearly 30% of circulating supply. A recent mega-stake of 269,485 ETH by a suspected early Bitcoin whale highlighted deep institutional trust. Layer 2 Expansion: Arbitrum and Optimism now handle 60% of Ethereum’s transactions , offering sub-$0.01 gas fees and growing their TVLs to $10.4B and $5.6B respectively. Meanwhile, experts are extremely bullish on ETH price action. Tom Lee raised his 2025 target to $15,000 , while Arthur Hayes predicts ETH could soar to $20,000 this cycle . Standard Chartered holds a more conservative $7,500 target, but all forecasts point to Ethereum’s continued dominance. MAGACOIN FINANCE: The Next Big Presale? While Ethereum is proving itself as the king of institutional adoption, MAGACOIN FINANCE is generating massive retail buzz . With its presale already exceeding $13 million , the project is quickly building a strong community foundation that could fuel breakout growth once it hits major exchanges. Smart money inflows show whales are quietly accumulating MAGACOIN FINANCE , signaling growing confidence from early large-scale investors. This type of accumulation often precedes major price breakouts, as experienced traders tend to position themselves well before mainstream hype arrives. MAGACOIN FINANCE successfully completed a full smart contract audit by HashEx, attracting investor attention. This clear approval has made buyers accumulate MAGA tokens heavily. With strong foundations in place, the audit adds another layer of trust to MAGACOIN FINANCE’s growing reputation. With its fast-rising presale already crossing impressive funding milestones, MAGACOIN FINANCE is now being included in several analysts’ lists of the Best Cryptos to Buy for the upcoming multi-year bull market. Backed by strong community energy and early whale interest, it could become one of the standout performers of 2025. Could MAGACOIN FINANCE Follow Ethereum’s Path? Ethereum’s early investors saw unimaginable returns, with ETH skyrocketing from under $1 to thousands of dollars per token. While MAGACOIN FINANCE isn’t aiming to replace Ethereum, its high demand + presale momentum formula could generate similar explosive results for early holders. The project’s trajectory shows strong parallels: Ethereum Early Days: Grassroots excitement, massive upside potential, and early adoption. MAGACOIN FINANCE Today: Surging presale growth, viral buying demand, and perfect timing in a bullish crypto market. Ethereum’s success can be seen as a representation of the power held by institutions, whereas MAGACOIN FINANCE is the energy coming from the retail investors that have been the hallmark of crypto bull runs. With Ethereum breaking institutional records and MAGACOIN FINANCE igniting retail FOMO, investors in Q4 2025 have two clear paths to growth — and the chance to catch the next breakout success story. Final Thoughts Ethereum is cementing its position as the backbone of institutional crypto adoption, but retail investors are increasingly looking to MAGACOIN FINANCE as the most explosive upside potential. Ethereum ETFs & DeFi dominance show how far the network has come. MAGACOIN FINANCE’s $13M presale milestone : The $13M presale of MAGACOIN Finance underlines the impressive traction of a strong community-led growth. For investors seeking the next big opportunity , MAGACOIN FINANCE could very well be the best crypto presale to watch in 2025 , with the potential to deliver returns that echo Ethereum’s legendary breakout. To learn more about MAGACOIN FINANCE, visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Telegram: https://t.me/magacoinfinance Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Times Tabloid, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post MAGACOIN FINANCE Presale Surges Past $13M — Could It Replicate Ethereum’s Early Breakout After Launch? appeared first on Times Tabloid .
Solana (SOL) is once again testing a critical barrier at $205 after surging nearly 8% in the past 24 hours to $203.5. The move has triggered a renewed optimism among traders who see the ascending triangle pattern forming on the charts as a potential launchpad for a breakout toward $255. Related Reading: Analyst Says XRP Price Is Set To Hit $4 If It Breaks This Resistance Line According to analyst Lark Davis, Solana has been rejected three times at the $205 mark, but higher lows and sustained buying pressure suggest that momentum is building. “If volume continues to rise into this test, the setup points clearly to $255 as the next target,” Davis explained. Trading activity supports that outlook, with more than $9 billion in daily volume underscoring strong market participation. Technical Indicators Signal Solana Stability Market data shows Solana is not yet in overbought territory, with its Relative Strength Index (RSI) sitting at 55.63. This gives the cryptocurrency room to climb further without triggering immediate selling pressure. The MACD indicator has also confirmed a bullish crossover, aligning with the positive momentum. On-chain signals strengthen the case for upside. Solana’s trading volume is steadily increasing, while its clean rebounds from the ascending trendline highlight active buying on every dip. Market analyst Alex Clay further pointed out a completed W-bottom pattern on the SOL/BTC chart, suggesting Solana may outperform Bitcoin in the short term, just as Ethereum recently did. Outlook: Path Toward $255 Breakout For traders, the $205 level has become the decisive battleground. A confirmed breakout above it, supported by strong volume and sentiment, could propel Solana to the $255 technical target. SOL's price trends to the upside on the daily chart. Source: SOLUSD on Tradingview The broader crypto market backdrop also favors SOL, with Ethereum’s rally drawing attention to high-potential altcoins. Analysts caution that failure to hold above $205 could delay the move higher, leaving Solana stuck in its current consolidation zone. With institutional interest in Solana growing and network activity reaching record levels, the token remains one of the most closely watched assets in the market. Related Reading: Bitcoin MVRV Compression Signals Pause – Market Digests Recent Volatility For now, all eyes remain on $205, the resistance level that could define Solana’s next major leg upward. Cover image from ChatGPT, SOLUSD chart from Tradingview
Will VINE bulls front a comeback from $0.05?
Nvidia reported second-quarter earnings, delivering $46.7 billion in revenue, a rise of 6% from Q1 and 56% higher than the same quarter last year, according to an earnings report published Tuesday. But the market didn’t reward it. Instead, the stock dipped in extended trading as the company’s data center unit, which Wall Street treats like the heartbeat of its AI engine, underperformed estimates again. The numbers weren’t soft. Nvidia’s Blackwell Data Center revenue climbed 17% quarter-over-quarter, showing demand is still running hot. But expectations were too high for just “hot.” The company also revealed that it made zero sales of its H20 AI chips to Chinese customers during Q2. Instead, it leaned on a $180 million inventory release of previously held H20 units and sold around $650 million worth of unrestricted H20 chips to one buyer outside China. It helped smooth out the financials, but it didn’t fix the market’s mood. Nvidia pads margins and EPS with inventory release, skips China Gross margins were 72.4% GAAP and 72.7% non-GAAP. Without the $180 million bump from that inventory release, the non-GAAP margin would’ve been 72.3%. The company also printed $1.08 in GAAP EPS and $1.05 in non-GAAP EPS. Again, take out the H20 trick and tax adjustment, and the number drops to $1.04 per share. In the middle of all this, CEO Jensen Huang threw the spotlight on the company’s flagship AI product line. “Blackwell is the AI platform the world has been waiting for, delivering an exceptional generational leap,” Jensen said , adding that production of Blackwell Ultra chips was moving fast. He said demand is “extraordinary.” He also highlighted Nvidia’s NVLink rack-scale computing, calling it “revolutionary” and claiming it arrives just in time to handle the load from new reasoning-based AI models. While AI demand might be “extraordinary,” investors clearly expected more. Despite Nvidia’s year-to-date stock gain of 35%, and its 2024 run where it almost tripled, the stock still dropped after the bell. That’s two quarters in a row where the data center segment missed analyst estimates. Wall Street doesn’t care how fast the chips are if the money doesn’t land exactly where expected. Company ramps up buybacks, eyes $54 billion in Q3 revenue The company’s shareholder returns in the first half of fiscal 2026 were heavy. Nvidia gave back $24.3 billion in the form of stock repurchases and dividends. At the end of Q2, it still had $14.7 billion left in buyback authorization. Then on August 26, the board added another $60 billion, with no expiration date. Nvidia also announced that its next dividend will be $0.01 per share, payable on October 2, 2025, to shareholders who are on the books by September 11, 2025. Looking ahead, the company’s Q3 revenue forecast came in at $54 billion, plus or minus 2%. Just like this quarter, Nvidia expects no sales of H20 chips to China in that period either. The company forecasted gross margins of 73.3% GAAP and 73.5% non-GAAP, with a 50 basis point wiggle room either way. It also said it expects to exit the fiscal year with non-GAAP gross margins in the mid-70s. Operating expenses are set to climb. Nvidia projected $5.9 billion GAAP and $4.2 billion non-GAAP for Q3. The company also told investors to expect high-30% full-year growth in overall operating costs. For non-core income, it expects $500 million, excluding swings in private or public equity holdings. Tax rates are locked at 16.5%, give or take 1%, unless anything unusual happens. Even with all this, the market wasn’t thrilled. The same company that helped ignite the AI trade and posted one of the largest rallies in 2024 is now being punished for delivering “just strong” instead of “insane.” Wall Street gave Nvidia credit for revolutionizing compute. But now, it’s demanding faster, bigger, and somehow cleaner growth, even when margins are north of 70% and revenue is climbing by billions every few months. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
BitcoinWorld Dollar Stablecoin Dominance: Circle’s Bold Partnership Proposal in South Korea A significant development is unfolding in the world of digital finance, particularly concerning the future of global transactions. Circle, a leading financial technology firm, has made a compelling proposal to South Korea’s financial sector. They are seeking a partnership centered around their existing dollar stablecoin , notably expressing no interest in creating a won-pegged version. This strategic decision highlights Circle’s commitment to global interoperability and the power of the U.S. dollar in the digital realm. Why Circle Prioritizes the Dollar Stablecoin in South Korea During recent high-level meetings, Circle President Heath Tarbert engaged with key executives from four major South Korean financial groups. He clearly stated that Circle has no plans to collaborate on a won-denominated stablecoin. Instead, the focus was entirely on their established dollar stablecoin , USDC. This approach underscores a deliberate strategy. What drives this decision? Circle believes in the universal utility of a globally recognized currency for digital transactions. Here are some key reasons: Global Liquidity: A dollar stablecoin like USDC offers unparalleled liquidity, making it ideal for international trade and cross-border payments. Stability and Trust: Pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and fully reserved, USDC provides a reliable store of value and medium of exchange in the volatile crypto market. Existing Infrastructure: Circle has already built robust infrastructure around USDC, making it easier to integrate into existing financial systems worldwide. This preference suggests a vision where the dollar stablecoin acts as a bridge, connecting diverse economies and financial ecosystems. What Potential Benefits Could a Dollar Stablecoin Partnership Bring to South Korea? For South Korean financial firms, partnering with Circle on its dollar stablecoin could unlock several opportunities. This isn’t just about adopting a new technology; it’s about embracing a new paradigm for international finance. Moreover, such a partnership could significantly enhance their capabilities in the digital asset space. Consider these potential advantages: Enhanced Global Reach: South Korean businesses could facilitate smoother, faster, and cheaper international transactions using a globally accepted digital dollar. Innovation in Financial Products: Local firms might develop new services built on top of USDC, such as tokenized remittances, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, or improved treasury management. Access to Global Capital Markets: A strong connection to the dollar stablecoin ecosystem could provide easier access to international capital and investment opportunities. However, it’s also important to acknowledge potential challenges. Navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring seamless integration with existing legacy systems will be crucial steps for successful adoption. Understanding Circle’s Vision for Global Dollar Stablecoin Adoption Circle’s proposal in South Korea is not an isolated event; it reflects a broader global strategy. The company aims to position USDC as the premier digital dollar, serving as a fundamental layer for the future of money and payments. Heath Tarbert’s discussions with South Korean executives are a testament to this ambition. Circle envisions a world where a trusted dollar stablecoin streamlines financial operations across borders. This vision includes: Interoperability: Creating a seamless environment where digital assets can move freely and efficiently between different platforms and jurisdictions. Financial Inclusion: Providing access to stable, reliable digital currency for underserved populations globally. Programmable Money: Enabling new forms of financial innovation through smart contracts and automated transactions. Indeed, this strategy aligns with the growing trend of digitalization in finance, where efficiency and accessibility are paramount. The Future Impact of Dollar Stablecoin in Asian Markets Circle’s focus on a dollar stablecoin partnership in South Korea sends a clear signal about the potential trajectory of digital finance in Asia. As economies become increasingly interconnected, the demand for efficient, stable, and globally recognized digital currencies will only grow. Therefore, other Asian nations might observe this development closely. What does this mean for the wider region? It suggests a potential acceleration in the adoption of dollar-pegged digital assets for various uses, from trade finance to retail payments. Furthermore, it could influence how central banks and financial institutions in other countries approach their own digital currency strategies. This bold move by Circle could truly reshape how South Korea, and potentially other Asian markets, interact with the global digital economy. It underscores the growing importance of a reliable dollar stablecoin as a cornerstone of modern financial infrastructure. In conclusion, Circle’s steadfast commitment to its dollar-denominated stablecoin in its discussions with South Korean financial powerhouses is a significant indicator of its global strategy. By prioritizing a universally accepted digital dollar over a localized won-pegged alternative, Circle aims to foster greater interoperability, liquidity, and innovation within the region’s financial landscape. This initiative could pave the way for a more integrated and efficient global digital economy, with the dollar stablecoin playing a pivotal role. Frequently Asked Questions About Circle’s Stablecoin Strategy Q1: Why did Circle reject developing a won-pegged stablecoin for South Korea? A1: Circle’s President Heath Tarbert indicated that the company is focusing on its existing dollar-denominated stablecoin, USDC, to promote global interoperability and leverage the U.S. dollar’s universal recognition and liquidity in digital finance. Q2: What is a dollar stablecoin, and how does it work? A2: A dollar stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It achieves this by holding an equivalent amount of reserves (like cash and short-term U.S. government bonds) for every stablecoin issued, ensuring its value remains consistent. Q3: What are the main benefits for South Korean financial firms partnering with Circle on its dollar stablecoin? A3: Potential benefits include enhanced global reach for transactions, opportunities to innovate new financial products, and improved access to international capital markets, all facilitated by a globally recognized digital dollar. Q4: How does Circle’s proposal align with its broader global strategy? A4: Circle aims to establish USDC as the premier digital dollar, serving as a foundational layer for future money and payments worldwide. The South Korea proposal is part of this larger vision to foster interoperability, financial inclusion, and programmable money across various jurisdictions. Q5: Will this partnership impact other Asian markets? A5: While specifically targeting South Korea, Circle’s strategic focus on the dollar stablecoin could set a precedent and influence the adoption of dollar-pegged digital assets and digital currency strategies in other Asian countries. Q6: Is Circle’s dollar stablecoin regulated? A6: Yes, Circle’s dollar stablecoin, USDC, is fully reserved and regulated, undergoing regular attestations to ensure transparency and stability. This regulatory compliance is a key factor in its trustworthiness for financial institutions. Did you find this insight into Circle’s strategic moves compelling? Share this article with your network on social media to spread awareness about the evolving landscape of global digital finance and the crucial role of the dollar stablecoin ! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping digital currencies institutional adoption. This post Dollar Stablecoin Dominance: Circle’s Bold Partnership Proposal in South Korea first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team