Ethereum’s evolving layer-2 ecosystem presents a compelling narrative, emphasizing its unique scaling approach and potential impact on the crypto landscape. A recent analysis by Anurag Arjun, co-founder of Avail, underscores
Ethereum's focus on scaling through many layer-2 networks, each with its own transaction processing speed and parameters, potentially gives the network an unlimited number of unique high-throughput chains, according to Anurag Arjun, co-founder of Avail, a unified chain abstraction solution. In an interview with Cointelegraph, Arjun acknowledged that Ethereum and high-throughput competitors with monolithic architecture are fundamentally different products. However, Ethereum's choice to scale through a plethora of L2 solutions gives it an overlooked quality: "The under-appreciated beauty of this rollup-centric roadmap architecture is that it allows multiple teams to experiment with different execution environments and different block times." This allows a diverse set of high-throughput sidechains to appear rather than just one singular architecture on any monolithic layer-1s, the executive added. However, without true interoperability, switching between L2s will remain as complex as bridging assets between different blockchain ecosystems altogether, Arjun warned. An overview of Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem. Source: L2Beat The Avail co-founder's perspective runs contrary to the many critics of Ethereum's L2-focused approach, who say that the network's scaling solutions silo liquidity and are ultimately corrosive to the base layer. Ethereum's critics argue that L2s are one of the primary causes of Ether's ( ETH ) poor price performance in the last year. Related: Vitalik Buterin proposes swapping EVM language for RISC-V Ethereum fees drop to five-year lows Fees on the Ethereum layer-1 network dropped to five-year lows in April 2025, with the average transaction fee sitting at around $0.16. According to Brian Quinlivan, the marketing director for the Santiment onchain analytics firm, the reduction in fees signals decreased demand for the base layer and waning investor interest in Ethereum. Ethereum network daily transaction fees dropped significantly in Q1 2025. Source: Token Terminal "This large reduction in fees coincides with fewer people sending ETH and interacting with smart contracts," Quinlivan wrote in an April 16 blog post. These smart contract interactions include transactions across decentralized finance, digital collectibles like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital asset sectors, the Santiment executive added. Ether's declining base layer transaction fees and reduced retail interest also caused many institutional investors to slash their Ether allocations and issue revised price outlooks for the second-largest digital asset by market capitalization. Magazine: Make Ethereum feel like Ethereum again: Based rollups explained
Are you watching the markets? If so, you’ve likely noticed the ongoing discussion around the strength, or lack thereof, of the U.S. dollar. Recently, a significant voice entered the conversation with a clear stance: Goldman Sachs. The influential investment bank has issued a notable US dollar forecast , suggesting that the greenback’s troubles might not be over and predicting a further fall from its current levels. For anyone involved in global markets, including the cryptocurrency space which often reacts to macro currency movements, this prediction warrants close attention. Why is Goldman Sachs Bearish on the Dollar? When an institution like Goldman Sachs makes a call on a major currency, it’s based on a complex analysis of numerous economic indicators and global trends. Their current bearish view on the dollar stems from several key factors: Federal Reserve Policy: The U.S. Federal Reserve’s approach to monetary policy, particularly regarding interest rates and quantitative easing, plays a crucial role. As other central banks potentially begin to normalize policy or as global growth prospects improve outside the U.S., the relative attractiveness of dollar-denominated assets can diminish. Inflation Dynamics: While inflation has been a global theme, the market’s perception of how aggressively the Fed will need to tighten compared to peers influences currency valuations. Goldman Sachs’ view suggests the current stance might not provide sustained dollar support. Global Economic Recovery: A strengthening global economy, particularly in regions like Europe or emerging markets, can lead to capital flowing out of the U.S. and into these recovering areas, reducing demand for dollars. Valuation: At times, currencies can become overvalued based on historical averages or purchasing power parity. Goldman Sachs’ analysis likely incorporates a view that the dollar remains relatively expensive against certain peers. These interconnected factors create a challenging environment for the U.S. dollar, according to the bank’s analysis. Understanding the Dollar Index (DXY) in This Context When we talk about the dollar’s strength or weakness, we often refer to the dollar index (DXY). This index measures the value of the U.S. dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies, typically including the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swedish Krona, and Swiss Franc. A falling dollar index means the dollar is weakening against this basket of currencies. Goldman Sachs’ prediction of a further fall implies they expect the DXY to continue its downward trajectory from recent levels. This isn’t just an academic point; the DXY’s movement has tangible effects: A lower DXY makes U.S. exports cheaper for foreign buyers. It can make imports into the U.S. more expensive. It influences the price of commodities, many of which are priced in dollars (a weaker dollar often makes commodities like oil and gold more expensive in other currencies, potentially increasing dollar-denominated prices). It impacts corporate earnings for U.S. companies with significant international operations. Monitoring the dollar index is key to understanding the broader implications of the Goldman Sachs forecast. Impact on the Currency Market and Beyond A weaker dollar, as predicted by Goldman Sachs, has ripple effects across the entire currency market and other asset classes. Here’s a look at some potential impacts: Other Fiat Currencies: A falling dollar typically means other currencies in the DXY basket, and potentially many emerging market currencies, will strengthen against the dollar. This can make investments in those regions more attractive or impact the competitiveness of their exports. Commodities: As mentioned, dollar-denominated commodities like gold and oil often have an inverse relationship with the dollar. A weaker dollar can provide a tailwind for these assets. Equities: For U.S. multinational corporations, a weaker dollar can boost the value of their foreign earnings when converted back to dollars. However, it can also increase the cost of imported components. Cryptocurrencies: The relationship between the dollar and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is complex and debated. However, during periods of significant dollar weakness, some investors may view cryptocurrencies as an alternative store of value or a hedge against traditional currency fluctuations. A falling dollar can sometimes coincide with increased risk appetite, which can benefit crypto markets, although this correlation is not always consistent or direct. Navigating the US Dollar Forecast: Actionable Insights Given the US dollar forecast from a major player like Goldman Sachs, what are some considerations for investors? Review Currency Exposure: Assess your portfolio’s exposure to the U.S. dollar, both direct (dollar-denominated assets) and indirect (international investments). Consider Diversification: A weaker dollar environment might favor assets or investments denominated in other currencies or in non-currency assets like commodities or potentially cryptocurrencies. Stay Informed on Fed Policy: The Federal Reserve’s actions remain a critical variable that could alter the dollar’s trajectory. Understand Your Goals: Your investment horizon and risk tolerance should always guide your decisions, rather than solely relying on a single forecast. It’s important to remember that forecasts are not guarantees, and currency markets can be volatile, reacting quickly to unexpected news or shifts in economic data. Challenges and Uncertainties While Goldman Sachs presents a compelling case, there are always challenges and uncertainties that could impact their forex news outlook. These include: Unexpected changes in Federal Reserve policy (e.g., more aggressive tightening than anticipated). Geopolitical events that increase demand for safe-haven assets like the dollar. A significant slowdown in global growth outside the U.S. Unforeseen market shocks. These factors highlight the dynamic nature of currency markets and the importance of considering multiple perspectives. Conclusion Goldman Sachs’ prediction of a further fall for the U.S. dollar is a significant piece of forex news that investors should consider. Their analysis points to factors like Fed policy, global recovery, and valuation as key drivers of potential dollar weakness. A declining dollar index would have broad implications across the currency market, commodities, equities, and potentially alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. While forecasts come with inherent uncertainties, staying informed about major bank outlooks and understanding the underlying economic factors is crucial for navigating the complex global financial landscape. To learn more about the latest Forex market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the US Dollar liquidity.
Anton Siluanov, the Russian Finance Minister, has announced that the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Russia will launch a crypto exchange for highly qualified investors. The announcement came at an extended board meeting. Just last September, a law was passed allowing the central bank to make foreign settlements using cryptocurrency as part of a pilot program. In March of this year, the Central Bank requested the Experimental Legal Regime (ELR) to allow qualified investors to make crypto investments. The status of qualified investors includes individuals with deposits of over 100 million rubles or an annual income of more than 50 million rubles. “Together with the Central Bank”, said Anton Siluanov, Russian Finance Minister, “we will launch a crypto exchange for super-qualified investors. Crypto assets will be legalized, and crypto operations will be brought out of the shadows. Naturally, not within our country, but those operations that have been carried out today within the framework of the experimental legal regime”. The Central Bank has further requested that crypto settlements, such as those involving crypto derivatives, be exempt from the ELR for qualified investors. This kind of investment does not include delivering cryptocurrency to the investor, but rather links its value to a revenue and income stream. However, the problem remains that the government still does not recognise digital currencies as a form of payment. The solution to this could be to ban settlements between residents outside the ELM and introduce penalties for anyone who breaks this rule. Ivan Chebeskov, Deputy Finance Minister, said that the current infrastructure for exchanges could be used to facilitate transactions for the ELR. Chebeskov also noted that additional platforms and exchanges could be used, with additional requirements that must be met. All of these suggestions are targeted for the Experimental Regime and form part of a pilot program to test the safety and scalability of digital currencies. Cryptocurrency has become the front line for many trade wars and financial sanctions. Russia’s announcement of a regulated crypto exchange comes as many digital asset markets have been disrupted worldwide. Tether froze $28 million in assets from the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex in response to US sanctions. Deribit, another crypto platform, left the country after being subjected to EU sanctions. Anton Siluanov, the Russian Finance Minister, stated that cryptocurrency could help Russia evade sanctions. Western sanctions have severely impacted many private companies, and they welcome the opportunity to utilize digital assets. Russia further announced, at the last BRICS summit, that crypto could be used to evade sanctions. The Moscow Exchange has expressed readiness to create a crypto derivatives market and claims that the platform could be ready sometime in 2025. Saint Petersburg Exchange has stated that a crypto exchange would provide investors with more options and would contribute to more diverse portfolios. The exchange also said that they wanted to include crypto ETFs. One benefit of crypto ETFs is that they may be traded alongside traditional assets without extra regulation. An ELR-based crypto exchange, therefore, would allow ‘super investors’ to directly trade crypto assets, while retail investors could buy crypto derivatives instead. The ‘super investors’ may need access to crypto so they can evade sanctions. Russia may be limiting retail investors to avoid capital flight. An ongoing pilot study is still underway regarding the use of crypto in Russia . Plans for a crypto derivatives exchange are still in development. Russia seems to be taking a cautious approach to crypto adoption.
Bitcoin (BTC) rose to as high as $94,700, buoyed by optimism about a potential easing of US-China tariff tensions and a significant influx of institutional capital. However, on-chain analytics platform Glassnode warns that the market has not yet fully moved into bullish territory. In a recent report, Glassnode noted that US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a record $1.54 billion net inflow on April 22, indicating a wave of institutional demand. This surge helped BTC briefly reclaim its Short-Term Holder (STH) Cost Floor of $92,900, a critical threshold that typically separates bearish and bullish market phases. During the rally, approximately 5% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply changed hands, with the Percentage of Supply in Profit increasing from 82.7% to 87.3%. Despite this, Glassnode noted that some short-term holders were taking profits, as evidenced by the increase in realized gains and the STH P/L Ratio reaching 1.0, a level typically associated with high exit risk. Related News: This Binance-Listed Altcoin Shared a Mysterious Message from its Official X Account: Price Reacts Futures market dynamics are also mixed. Open interest increased by 15.6%, while funding rates turned negative, suggesting that short positions are increasing despite the broader price rally. This adds another layer of complexity to the market outlook, suggesting the possibility of a developing short squeeze, according to the report. “While Bitcoin’s move above the STH cost floor is encouraging, it has yet to be confirmed as sustainable support,” Glassnode said, adding: “The market is at a key decision point.” The analysis also noted that the performance gap between Bitcoin and Ethereum has widened, attributing this to sharp differences in ETF inflows. Bitcoin ETFs have seen inflows exceeding 10% of BTC’s spot volume in two waves over the past two weeks, while Ethereum ETFs have recorded less than 1% of ETH’s spot volume. “The disparity in ETF flows is indicative of a divergence in institutional appetite,” Glassnode said, suggesting that this could explain Ethereum’s recent underperformance compared to Bitcoin. As Bitcoin tests critical levels, analysts and investors will be closely watching whether the bulls can maintain the momentum above $92,900. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Bitcoin (BTC) Mega Bull Confirmed? Analytics Firm Issues Big Warning
Key takeaways: ICP price prediction for 2025 projects a maximum price of $11.20. Internet Computer protocol price forecast for 2028 expects the token to reach a peak price of $36.8. By 2031, ICP’s price might reach a maximum of $113.32. Internet Computer (ICP) is a groundbreaking blockchain network developed by the DFINITY Foundation. It aims to extend the functionality of the internet, enabling it to host backend software and transforming it into a global, decentralized computer. The network leverages advanced cryptography and innovative technology to provide scalable, efficient, and secure decentralized applications (dApps). Given its robust technology and expanding utility, the Internet Computer blockchain’s future price prospects look promising. As more developers build on the platform and adoption increases, ICP token demand will likely rise. Does Internet Computer coin have a future? How much will Internet Computer coin cost in 2025? Will ICP reach $1000? Let’s get into the current price analysis and predictions. Overview Cryptocurrency Internet Computer Token ICP Price $5.13 Market Cap $2,733,503,993.55 Trading Volume $77,519,461.56 Circulating Supply 532,489,517.98 ICP All-time High $750.73 May 10, 2021 24-h High $5.21 24-h Low $4.97 Internet Computer technical analysis Metric Value Volatility 8.33% 50-Day SMA $5.44 Sentiment Neutral Fear & Greed Index 63 (Greed) Green Days 14/30 (47%) 200-Day SMA $8.31 Internet Computer price analysis: ICP faces resistance at $5.20 TL;DR Breakdown ICP’s price analysis shows some gains. Resistance levels to watch are $5.20 and $5.33. ICP 1-day price analysis: ICP attempts bullish reversal, breaks above 20-day SMA ICP is attempting a bullish reversal. The price has broken above the 20-day SMA ($4.88), signaling growing buyer strength. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) is positive at 0.13, showing capital inflow, while the Money Flow Index (MFI) at 59.70 indicates moderate buying pressure without being overbought. ICP is attempting a bullish reversal Recent green candles and higher lows reflect improving sentiment, though a red candle today hints at short-term resistance around $5.20. A sustained close above this level could open the door to further gains, but failure to hold above the SMA may result in a pullback. ICP price analysis for 4-hour: ICP shows consolidation after recent gains ICP is currently trading around $5.13, showing consolidation after recent gains. The coin’s price hovers just above the middle Bollinger Band at $5.00. The MACD is still bullish, though momentum is weakening as the histogram flattens. ICP shows consolidation after recent gains Meanwhile, the Balance of Power at -0.34 indicates sellers slightly dominate the market. If bulls can reclaim control and push above $5.18, a test of the upper Bollinger Band near $5.35 is likely. On the flip side, losing support at $5.00 could see a dip toward $4.66. ICP looks neutral with a slight bearish bias unless volume picks up. ICP technical indicators: Levels and action Daily simple moving average (SMA) Period Value Action SMA 3 $4.89 BUY SMA 5 $5.03 BUY SMA 10 $4.95 BUY SMA 21 $4.98 BUY SMA 50 $5.44 SELL SMA 100 $6.72 SELL SMA 200 $8.31 SELL Daily exponential moving average (EMA) Period Value Action EMA 3 $4.83 BUY EMA 5 $4.85 BUY EMA 10 $5.01 BUY EMA 21 $5.29 SELL EMA 50 $5.98 SELL EMA 100 $7.02 SELL EMA 200 $8.04 SELL What to expect from ICP price analysis ICP shows signs of a bullish reversal after breaking above the 20-day SMA, with moderate buying pressure building. A close above $5.20 could trigger a move toward $5.35–$5.50. However, the 4-hour chart shows weakening momentum, and if $5.00 support fails, a pullback to $4.88 is likely. Is Internet Computer a good investment? The Internet Computer (ICP) has shown significant potential and volatility since its launch, which is common for relatively new and ambitious blockchain projects. Its technology aims to decentralize the internet and bring smart contract functionality to the web, which could have wide-ranging implications for the future of web speed. However, the market performance of ICP has been highly volatile, and its success depends heavily on the adoption of its technology and the broader market environment for cryptocurrencies. Why is ICP up? ICP is up after bouncing off support at $5.07. The coin is now retesting resistance at $5.16, indicating growing buying pressure and the possibility of a breakout to the upside. ICP price chart | Coinmarketcap Will Internet Computer reach $25? Yes, Internet Computer ICP might reach and surpass $25 as early as 2028. Will Internet Computer reach $50? Yes, Internet Computer is expected to reach $50. Will ICP reach $1000? Although its ATH sits at $750.73, attaining $1000 in the foreseeable future might be impossible. ICP is down 99% from its ATH and will require a massive turnaround in market fortunes to recapture previous highs. Does Internet Computer have a good long-term future? Yes, the Internet Computer coin shows a promising long-term future. Price predictions indicate steady growth, with a potential increase year-on-year, reflecting a positive trend and strong market potential. Recent news/opinion on ICP ICP’s 2025 Roadmap adds the Meridian milestone to bring Dogecoin integration. Updated ICP Roadmap 2025 goes live, introducing 40+ new features Internet Computer price prediction April 2025 In April 2025, ICP (Internet Computer) is expected to see a price range with a minimum of $4.83, an average of $5.99, and a maximum of $7.50. Month Minimum price Average price Maximum price ICP price prediction April 2025 $4.83 $5.99 $7.50 Internet Computer price prediction 2025 For 2025, ICP’s price is projected to range between a minimum of $4.29 and a maximum of $11.20, with an average estimate of $7.62. Year Minimum price Average price Maximum price ICP price prediction 2025 $4.29 $7.62 $11.20 Internet Computer price predictions 2026 – 2031 Year Minimum price ($) Average price ($) Maximum price ($) 2026 14.38 14.89 17.51 2027 21.25 21.84 24.92 2028 29.44 30.53 36.8 2029 43.57 44.79 51.32 2030 65.21 67.0 75.56 2031 96.59 99.27 113.32 Internet Computer price prediction 2026 In 2026, analysts suggest a maximum price of $17.51 for ICP. Traders and investors can anticipate an average price of $14.89 and a minimum price of $14.38. Internet Computer price forecast 2027 Projections suggest that in 2027, the Internet Computer (ICP) coin could peak at $24.92, with a minimum forecasted at $21.25 and an average of around $21.84. Internet Computer token price prediction 2028 In 2028, ICP could potentially reach a high of $36.80, with a projected low of around $29.44 and an average trading price of approximately $30.53. Internet Computer ICP price prediction 2029 The 2029 forecast indicates that ICP could reach up to $51.32, with an average price forecasted at $44.79 and a minimum expected around $43.57. Internet Computer ICP price prediction 2030 In 2030, ICP is expected to fluctuate between $65.21 and $75.56, with an average projected price of $67. Internet Computer ICP price prediction 2031 Projections indicate that the price of ICP could potentially reach a peak of $113.32 by 2031, with a projected minimum of around $96.59 and an average of approximately $99.27. Internet Computer ICP price prediction 2025 – 2031 Internet Computer market price prediction: Analysts’ ICP price forecast Firm Name 2025 2026 Changelly $24.36 $17.87 CoinPedia $19.50 $24.01 Coincodex $14.03 $10.17 Cryptopolitan’s Internet Computer (ICP) price prediction Cryptopolitan’s Internet Computer prediction showcases a gradual upward trajectory. In 2025, ICP is forecasted to range between $4 and $8, averaging around $5.8. Subsequent years show increasing potential, with projections for 2026 aiming at a maximum of $13.05 and averaging $11.21. By 2031, Cryptopolitan anticipates ICP could peak at $99, with an average price of around $90. Internet Computer historic price sentiment ICP Price history ⏐ Coinmarketcap ICP began trading in June at $49.75. It peaked at $128.43 from June to August and dropped to $37.61. It fluctuated between $39.53 and $45.15 from September to November, ending November at $38.18. From December to February 2022, it ranged from $18.14 to $24.64. From March to August 2022, ICP declined significantly from $14.55 to $5.66. Between September and November, it continued to drop, ending at $3.52 in November. From March to November 2023, ICP prices remained volatile, fluctuating between $2.88 and $6.49, ending November at $3.77. From December to February 2024, it increased to $12.58 before closing in February at $10.56. From March to May 2024, ICP ranged from $10.70 to $13.98, ending May at $11.21. From June to August, it fluctuated between $5.88 and $13.00 and traded around $9.55 to $9.98 in September. ICP touched a peak price of $8.655 in October, and in November, it maintained an average price of $12.199. December started on a high note at $12.444, followed by a push towards $15.577. However, the bear soon came in, and ICP lost about 20%, closing the year at $9.883. In January 2025, Internet Computer peaked at $12.5 but soon fell, hitting a low of $5.9 in February. In April, ICP is trading between $4.97 – $5.21.
The legal saga surrounding the collapse of crypto lender Celsius Network continues to unfold, with a significant date now set on the calendar. Attention is once again focused on Alex Mashinsky sentencing, the former CEO whose leadership presided over the company’s dramatic downfall. For many in the crypto community and especially former Celsius customers, the fate of Mashinsky represents a key chapter in the fallout from the 2022 market downturn that saw several major platforms, including Celsius, buckle under pressure. What Led to the Alex Mashinsky Sentencing? Alex Mashinsky was arrested in July 2023, facing a barrage of charges from federal prosecutors and regulatory bodies. These charges stemmed from allegations that he misled customers about Celsius’s financial health and business practices, ultimately contributing to the platform’s inability to return customer funds during the crypto market crash. Specifically, the charges included securities fraud, wire fraud, and commodities fraud. Regulatory bodies like the SEC, FTC, and CFTC also filed civil lawsuits against him, alleging similar misconduct. The path to sentencing involves a critical step: a guilty plea. According to reports, Mashinsky pleaded guilty to specific charges, narrowing the scope of the legal battle but cementing a conviction. This plea was reportedly related to commodities fraud and price manipulation, acknowledging wrongdoing in these specific areas. This development avoids a potentially lengthy and complex trial, moving the case directly towards the sentencing phase. While a plea can sometimes result in a reduced sentence compared to a conviction after trial, the potential penalties remain severe. Understanding the Charges: Commodities Fraud and Price Manipulation The charges Mashinsky pleaded guilty to, commodities fraud and price manipulation, are serious offenses. In the context of cryptocurrencies, these charges often relate to allegations of misleading investors about the value or stability of certain digital assets or manipulating their market prices through deceptive practices. Commodities fraud typically involves schemes to defraud people in connection with the trading of commodities. While the classification of cryptocurrencies as commodities is a subject of ongoing debate, regulatory bodies like the CFTC have asserted jurisdiction over certain digital assets they view as commodities. Price manipulation charges involve intentionally and deceptively influencing the market price of an asset for personal gain, often to the detriment of other market participants. By pleading guilty to these charges, Mashinsky has formally admitted to engaging in these unlawful activities, clearing the way for the court to determine his punishment. The Significance of the Celsius CEO’s Legal Outcome The case against the former Celsius CEO is one of the most high-profile prosecutions stemming from the 2022 crypto market downturn. His legal fate is being closely watched for several reasons: Accountability: It represents a push for accountability for executives who allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities within the crypto space. Regulatory Precedent: The outcome, particularly regarding the classification and handling of digital assets under existing laws, could influence future regulatory actions. Industry Perception: Such cases impact public trust and the perception of the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. Creditor Impact (Indirect): While Mashinsky’s personal criminal case is separate from Celsius’s bankruptcy proceedings, the allegations against him are intertwined with the company’s failure, which directly affected creditors. The plea and upcoming sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the legal risks associated with operating within the still-evolving regulatory landscape of digital assets. Why Was the Sentencing Delayed? Originally, Alex Mashinsky’s sentencing was anticipated sooner, potentially in April. However, the date was reportedly pushed back to May 8. Such delays are not uncommon in complex legal cases, especially following a significant development like a guilty plea. Reasons for delaying a sentencing date often include: Allowing the defense team more time to prepare their sentencing arguments. Providing the probation department sufficient time to complete the pre-sentence investigation report (PSIR), which provides the judge with background information about the defendant and the crime to help determine an appropriate sentence. Scheduling conflicts for the court, prosecution, or defense. In this instance, reports indicated the delay was specifically granted to allow Mashinsky’s defense team additional time to prepare. This preparation is crucial as they will present arguments to the judge advocating for leniency, while the prosecution will argue for a harsher sentence within the legal limits. What Happens at the Sentencing Hearing? The sentencing hearing on May 8 will be a critical day. During the hearing, the judge will consider various factors before determining the sentence, including: The nature and circumstances of the offense (commodities fraud, price manipulation). Mashinsky’s history and characteristics. The sentencing guidelines range, which provides a recommended sentence based on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history (though judges are not strictly bound by these guidelines). Arguments from both the prosecution and the defense regarding the appropriate sentence. Victim impact statements, if any. The charges to which Mashinsky pleaded guilty carry a maximum potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. It is important to note that the maximum sentence is rarely imposed, and the judge has discretion to impose a sentence anywhere up to that maximum, including probation or a shorter prison term, based on the factors considered. Broader Implications for Celsius News and the Crypto Market While the focus on May 8 will be squarely on Alex Mashinsky sentencing, the outcome resonates beyond just his personal legal situation. It contributes to the broader narrative surrounding Celsius news and the consequences faced by those involved in the platform’s operations. For former Celsius customers, the sentencing may offer a sense of closure or justice, although it does not directly impact the ongoing efforts to recover funds through the bankruptcy process. The bankruptcy plan is separate and addresses the distribution of remaining assets to creditors. For the wider crypto fraud landscape, this case serves as a high-profile example of regulatory and prosecutorial action against alleged misconduct by top executives. It reinforces the message that operating within the digital asset space is subject to existing laws and regulations, and that authorities are willing to pursue charges related to fraud and manipulation. The outcome could influence how other crypto companies structure their operations, disclosures, and marketing practices to avoid similar legal pitfalls. It underscores the increasing scrutiny on the industry from regulators worldwide. Looking Ahead: What the May 8th Date Represents The setting of the May 8th date for Alex Mashinsky sentencing marks a significant step towards concluding a major legal case in the crypto world. It brings the former Celsius CEO closer to facing the consequences of the actions he pleaded guilty to. The hearing will determine the extent of his punishment, which could range from a lengthy prison sentence to a lesser penalty, depending on the judge’s assessment of all the factors presented. Regardless of the specific outcome, this sentencing will likely be remembered as a key moment in the history of the 2022 crypto market collapse and the subsequent legal reckoning. It serves as a powerful reminder of the risks inherent in unregulated or poorly regulated financial activities and the increasing determination of authorities to hold individuals accountable for misconduct within the digital asset space. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the future of crypto.
Vladimir Putin is preparing the public in Russia for an economic slowdown in 2025, with growth dropping down to 1.9% in the first months of the year. Inflation remains high at over 10%, and the Russian head of state emphasized the need to tame prices while ensuring a “soft landing” for the country’s economy. Russia to see smaller economic growth this year, Putin admits Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the ongoing slowdown in the Russian economy that’s likely to continue throughout the year, presenting it as a foreseen and even wanted development in the light of Moscow’s attempts to calm down inflation. During a meeting devoted to economic issues, Putin noted that Russia’s gross domestic product ( GDP ) grew by 1.9% year-on-year in January and February while highlighting that a more significant growth was registered in the manufacturing sector. “As you know, the Government, the Central Bank, and experts agree that this year the dynamics of the gross domestic product will be slightly lower than last year. In fact, we talked about this, and this is what we were striving for,” the Russian leader stated, according to a press release on the Kremlin’s website. For comparison, Russia’s GDP increased by 4.5% year-on-year in Q4 of 2024, according to official data quoted by Trading Economics. The statistics website pointed out that this growth rate, fueled by war-related spending that has been overheating the Russian economy, marked the fastest expansion in three quarters. “We talked about the so-called ‘soft landing’ to a certain extent, in order to maintain macroeconomic indicators and, above all, to combat inflation,” Putin reminded government officials participating in the meeting. “Inflation is still at high levels – more than 10%,” he admitted, stressing: “As I have already said, it is important to achieve a sustainable slowdown in price dynamics.” IMF expects Russian GDP increase to drop down to 1.5% in 2025 For the whole 2024, Russian gross domestic product grew by 4.3%, according to the latest provisional data from Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat). This month, the state agency raised its estimate from an earlier 4.1%. The International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) expects Russia’s economy to grow by 1.5% in 2025, the Russian business daily Kommersant wrote in an article. And that’s the improved forecast from this week, the newspaper noted. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation’s budget deficit stood at 2.2 trillion rubles (over $26 billion) during the first quarter of the year ending in March, Putin also remarked, pointing out that state expenditures have increased by 25% in annual terms. The Russian president drew attention to the importance of constantly analyzing economic conditions in а complicated international environment with serious fluctuations in commodity and financial markets and amid intensifying global competition. He recalled that at a previous meeting, the government officials had set a goal to “ensure stable rates of economic growth while reducing inflation and maintaining a low level of unemployment” and said that the latest stats “confirm the relevance of this approach.” Putin’s remarks come as Russia is holding talks with the U.S. on the ending of the Ukraine conflict, which has caused massive changes in its economy under heavy international sanctions and increased military spending. The outcome of these negotiations and that of the brewing trade war over President Donald Trump’s tariffs are likely to significantly affect the outlook for the Russian economy, observers say. Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More
Bitcoin has a number of unique characteristics that make it stand out from all traditional assets. This trait of the major cryptocurrency became extremely relevant after the U.S. government imposed new tariffs on imports of goods into the country. The duties adopted by President Donald Trump received a lot of criticism from experts for their blow to the global economy, but in the end, they tentatively proved to be an effective tool to influence other countries. However, digital assets still benefited from the situation. What did Trump do wrong? Analysts are criticizing the financial implications of the import duties imposed by US President Donald Trump: some believe that what is happening underscores Bitcoin's unique economic properties in the face of global instability. Trump's 90-day pause on raising reciprocal duties with a return to a baseline of 10 percent for most countries except China has exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. government bond market. Economist and author of The Bitcoin Standard Saifiddin Ammus believes Trump's reversal of higher duties was likely a reaction to rising bond yields. Well that speaks to the forced nature of such a decision. Here is a quote on the subject. Trump fought the bond market, and the market won. At first it seemed like the bet had worked - a severe stock market decline was presented as an acceptable price for fiscal sustainability. But then bonds began to collapse, and it became clear how destructive the duties were, and how mistaken it was to think that a deliberate stock market crash would support the bond market. According to sources , US ten-year bond yields rose from less than 4 percent to 4.5 percent after Trump's announcement on duties amid a correction driven by inflation and recession fears. Here is another expert's opinion on the situation. The rise in yields was the exact opposite of what the president's administration wanted. The complete reversal of policy just half a day after the duties went into effect proved crushing to Trump's negotiating position. Raul Paul, founder of Global Macro Investor, said the manipulation of duties could have been just a ”public relations play” to reach a trade agreement with China. His retort was as follows. All the talk about China giving in to Trump's pressure sounds ridiculous now, given that he couldn't keep the duties in place for even two days. According to Nansen analysts, delays in concluding a trade agreement could slow down the recovery of both stock and cryptocurrency markets, as their dynamics largely depend on the outcome of negotiations. Meanwhile, Bitcoin behaves quite independently amid all economic difficulties - such a feature of the crypto was emphasized by Nexo Dispatch analyst Ilya Kalchev. Bitcoin is traded not as a technological stock, but rather as a tool of defense against economic instability. Ammus suggested that the U.S. government should continue buying BTC until it has enough coins to fully cover the dollar money supply. Then the country should ostensibly move to a Bitcoin standard. Historically the dollar was backed by gold and was exchanged for a fixed amount of this precious metal until 1933. In 1971, President Richard Nixon finally stopped the exchange of the dollar for gold to protect the U.S. gold reserve and stabilize the economy. This began the era of fiat currencies, which continues to this day. When crypto starts to grow For all the positive fundamental traits, the crypto market is starting to repeat its previous patterns. In particular, data from analytics platform CryptoQuant shows that BTC outflows on exchanges have reached a two-year high. Although BTC is trading well above the early 2023 levels, demand for the crypto among exchange users resembles the beginning of a bullish trend. The 100-day moving average (SMA) of net flows on exchanges recently hit its lowest level in two years, which is also an important feature. Experts continue. Analysis of historical patterns suggests that this may indicate that investors are re-accumulating the asset. The negative value of net flow means that outflows from exchanges exceed inflows, thus reflecting high demand from users and low willingness to sell BTC through exchanges. At the same time, the total balance of BTC on exchanges is at its lowest level in recent years. CryptoQuant experts note that trading platforms' reserves totaled 2.535 million BTC as of early April, down at least 7 percent from 2.740 million BTC at the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, larger Bitcoin holders continue to build their reserves during April, despite retail investors selling the crypto. Whales with balances from 1 to 10 thousand BTC have been actively accumulating crypto since March, despite the decline in its price. Every time the price falls, large players buy assets amid panic selling by smaller investors, which is generally a typical situation. The bottom line Bitcoin has once again confirmed its reputation as an antifragile asset - amid geopolitical instability and shaky U.S. economic policy, it is not just staying afloat, but demonstrating steady demand. Outflows from the exchanges, growing interest of major players and convergence with the image of ”digital gold” signal that the market is preparing for a new round of growth. Well, investors are presumably not done with the bullrun.
CME Group will introduce XRP futures next month, pending regulatory approval, the operator of derivatives markets exchanges announced on Thursday. The launch follows CME’s debut of Solana (SOL) futures in March, in addition to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) futures and options, which have been trading on the exchange for a while. The move to expand its suite of crypto derivatives comes amid a more conciliatory regulatory posture in the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s direction. XRP Futures Debuting On CME According to an April 24 announcement , CME will offer two contract sizes: 2,500 XRP and 50,000 XRP. These contracts will be cash-settled based on the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, which tracks the price of XRP every day at 4:00 p.m. London time. Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group’s global head of cryptocurrency products, cited the growing interest in XRP and its technology as the main reason for the forthcoming product rollout. “Interest in XRP and its underlying ledger (XRPL) has steadily increased as institutional and retail adoption for the network grows, and we are pleased to launch these new futures contracts to provide a capital-efficient toolset to support clients’ investment and hedging strategies,” Vicioso said in a statement. If approved, it will be the first time institutions can get exposure to Ripple-linked XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. It was recently trading for $2.21 per coin after a 1.3% 24-hour drop, according to CoinGecko . It is up nearly 15% over the past 14 days, part of a broader market rebound. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described CME’s upcoming launch as “incredibly important.” Garlinghouse claims that it’s “an exciting step” in the continued growth of the XRP market. While overdue in a bunch of ways, this is an incredibly important and exciting step in the continued growth of the XRP market! https://t.co/mnwJXKH5hi — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) April 24, 2025 Are Spot XRP ETFs Next? If the CME XRP futures are approved, they could pave the way for XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to be greenlighted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An XRP ETF would give sophisticated investors exposure to the digital coin via regulated shares that trade on a stock exchange. Franklin Templeton , Grayscale , Bitwise , Canary Capital , and 21Shares are all seeking an SEC sign-off for XRP-based funds. Some crypto spectators expect XRP adoption to grow dramatically now that the SEC has walked away from its appeal in the Ripple case. Case in point, Kaiko analysts earlier this month predicted that XRP was more likely to be approved for a spot ETF approval in the US ahead of other tokens, including Dogecoin and Solana.