While the crypto market often operates on its own unique drivers, understanding the broader global financial landscape is crucial. Major banks like Bank of America provide insights into traditional currency markets, known as Forex, and these forecasts can signal shifts in global liquidity, risk appetite, and economic health – factors that inevitably ripple through to digital assets. Today, we delve into the recent Bank of America Forex targets for key Nordic currency pairs: EUR/SEK, EUR/NOK, USD/SEK, and USD/NOK. Understanding Bank of America Forex Outlook Bank of America’s foreign exchange analysis is closely watched by institutional investors and traders worldwide. Their forecasts are built upon complex models that consider a multitude of factors, including macroeconomic data, central bank policy expectations, geopolitical events, and market sentiment. For the Nordic region, specific attention is paid to the economic health of Sweden and Norway, their respective central banks (Riksbank and Norges Bank), commodity prices (particularly oil for Norway), and the interplay with major global currencies like the Euro and the US Dollar. A robust Bank of America Forex outlook provides a framework for market participants to anticipate potential price movements. Key components influencing their view often include: Inflation trajectories and their impact on purchasing power. Central bank interest rate decisions and forward guidance. Economic growth forecasts and industrial activity. Global risk sentiment (risk-on vs. risk-off). Specific regional factors like housing markets or export performance. Delving into the EUR SEK Forecast The EUR/SEK pair represents the exchange rate between the Euro and the Swedish Krona. Sweden’s economy, heavily reliant on exports and sensitive to global demand, presents unique challenges. The Riksbank’s monetary policy decisions, often influenced by domestic inflation and the performance of the housing market, play a significant role in the Krona’s strength. Bank of America’s EUR SEK forecast considers these internal dynamics alongside the broader Eurozone picture, including ECB policy and economic growth across the continent. Recent BofA analysis suggests a specific trajectory for this pair. While exact targets can shift based on new data, the core drivers highlighted typically include: Comparison of Riksbank vs. ECB interest rate expectations. Relative economic growth outlooks for Sweden and the Eurozone. Swedish housing market stability concerns. Global risk appetite affecting smaller, open economies like Sweden. Understanding the EUR SEK forecast involves appreciating the delicate balance between domestic Swedish issues and wider European economic forces. Analyzing the EUR NOK Forecast Picture The EUR/NOK pair involves the Euro and the Norwegian Krone. Norway’s economy is heavily influenced by oil and gas prices, making the Krone often behave like a commodity currency. The Norges Bank’s policy decisions are closely tied to inflation, wage growth, and the outlook for the petroleum sector. The EUR NOK forecast from Bank of America integrates these commodity-specific factors with the general Eurozone economic health and ECB policy. Factors central to BofA’s EUR/NOK analysis typically include: Oil price movements and their impact on Norwegian export revenues. Norges Bank’s stance on interest rates, influenced by inflation and economic activity. Relative economic performance of Norway compared to the Eurozone. Global demand for commodities. The EUR NOK forecast is particularly sensitive to energy market volatility, adding another layer of complexity to the analysis. Examining the USD SEK Forecast Landscape The USD/SEK pair pits the US Dollar against the Swedish Krona. This pair is a classic representation of global risk sentiment. The US Dollar often acts as a safe-haven currency, strengthening during times of global uncertainty, while the Swedish Krona, as a smaller economy’s currency, can be more susceptible to risk-off flows. Bank of America’s USD SEK forecast is heavily influenced by Federal Reserve policy, US economic performance, and global market risk appetite, in addition to the Swedish factors previously mentioned. Key elements driving the USD SEK forecast often include: Federal Reserve interest rate policy and the yield differential between US and Swedish bonds. Relative economic growth prospects of the US vs. Sweden. Global risk sentiment and demand for safe-haven assets like the USD. Inflation trends in both economies. The USD SEK forecast provides insights not just into the Krona’s performance but also into the broader dynamics between the world’s largest economy and a smaller, open European one. What the USD NOK Forecast Means The USD/NOK pair involves the US Dollar and the Norwegian Krone. Similar to USD/SEK, this pair is influenced by global risk sentiment and US economic factors. However, the USD NOK forecast is also significantly impacted by oil price movements. A rise in oil prices typically supports the Norwegian Krone (making USD/NOK fall), while falling oil prices tend to weaken the Krone (making USD/NOK rise). Bank of America’s analysis must balance US monetary policy and economic strength against the volatile nature of commodity markets and Norway’s specific economic response. Crucial factors in the USD NOK forecast analysis include: Correlation with oil price movements. Federal Reserve vs. Norges Bank monetary policy divergence. Relative economic health of the US and Norway. Global risk flows affecting both the USD and the commodity-linked NOK. Understanding the USD NOK forecast requires a close watch on both traditional macro indicators and energy market developments. Why Nordic Currencies Forecasts Matter While seemingly niche, forecasts for Nordic currencies matter beyond the immediate Forex trading community. They serve as indicators of several important global trends. The performance of the SEK and NOK against major currencies like the EUR and USD can signal shifts in European economic stability, the impact of commodity price changes, and overall global risk appetite. For those in the crypto space, these movements can indirectly influence market sentiment and liquidity flows. A strengthening USD, for instance, often correlates with tighter global financial conditions, which can sometimes impact risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Conversely, weakness in smaller, open economies could signal underlying global economic stress. The value of these Nordic currencies forecasts lies in: Providing potential early signals of shifts in global economic health. Highlighting the impact of central bank policy divergence. Illustrating the link between commodity markets (oil) and currency performance. Offering data points for broader cross-asset analysis, including potential correlations with crypto market movements during significant macro shifts. Actionable Insights from BofA’s Targets For traders and investors, Bank of America’s targets offer potential reference points. They are not guarantees but represent a professional assessment of likely future price levels based on current information. Here’s how one might use this information: Monitor Key Levels: Note the specific target levels provided by BofA. These can act as potential support or resistance zones if the market moves towards them. Understand the Rationale: Focus on why BofA has set these targets. Is it based on expected interest rate hikes, economic growth, or commodity price forecasts? Understanding the underlying drivers helps assess the validity of the forecast. Compare with Other Forecasts: No single bank has a monopoly on truth. Compare BofA’s targets with those from other institutions to get a more rounded view. Watch the Data: Keep an eye on the economic data releases and central bank announcements that BofA cited as influential. Deviations from expectations can cause BofA (and the market) to revise forecasts. Consider Broader Implications: Think about what the predicted movements mean for the wider market. For example, a strong USD forecast against NOK and SEK might imply a more cautious global risk environment, which could have indirect implications for other asset classes. Challenges and Caveats: It’s important to remember that Forex markets are volatile and influenced by unpredictable events. Geopolitical shocks, sudden shifts in central bank communication, or unexpected economic data can quickly render forecasts obsolete. Bank of America’s targets are projections based on current conditions and expectations, not certainties. Relying solely on any single forecast is risky. Diversification and risk management remain paramount. Conclusion: Navigating the Forecast Landscape Bank of America’s Forex targets for EUR/SEK, EUR/NOK, USD/SEK, and USD/NOK provide valuable insights into the expected performance of Nordic currencies against the Euro and the US Dollar. These forecasts are grounded in detailed analysis of macroeconomic trends, central bank policies, and specific regional factors like commodity prices. While not definitive predictions, they offer a structured view that market participants can use as a reference point. Understanding the drivers behind these forecasts – whether it’s the EUR SEK forecast influenced by Riksbank policy, the EUR NOK forecast tied to oil, or the USD SEK forecast and USD NOK forecast reflecting global risk and Fed policy – is key to interpreting their potential impact. By integrating these Nordic currencies forecasts into a broader market analysis, investors can gain a more nuanced understanding of the global financial currents that ultimately connect traditional finance and the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies. To learn more about the latest Forex market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Nordic currencies.
Solana, the popular layer-1 network, is seeing strong network activity that may help its price jump to $200 and above. Solana ( SOL ) was trading at $147.25 on Wednesday, just below last week’s high of $156. It has jumped by over 52% from its lowest level this year. Third-party data indicates that Solana’s network is performing well, and significantly outperforming Ethereum ( ETH ) in several key metrics . According to Nansen, Solana processed over 410 million transactions in the last seven days, representing a 10% increase from the previous week. This uptick likely occurred as top meme coins in its ecosystem, such as Fartcoin, Dogecoin, Bonk, and Official Trump, all surged. You might also like: Can SOL price rise to $500 as Solana meme coins surge? The spike in transactions led to a 22% increase in fees collected by the network, generating over $9.3 million in that period. In contrast, Ethereum handled over 8.6 million transactions during the same timeframe, making Solana 47 times more active. It also generated $4.45 million in fees, significantly less than Solana during this period. This divergence has been consistent over the last 30 days, with Solana processing 1.58 billion transactions compared to Ethereum’s 36 million. TokenTerminal data shows that Solana’s network fees have jumped to over $400 million so far this year, while Ethereum has made $241 million. Solana is also beating Ethereum in other numbers. For example, its decentralized exchange protocols have handled over $68 billion in volume in the last 30 days, while Ethereum’s ones processed $56 billion. Solana price technical analysis SOL price chart | Source: crypto.news The daily chart shows that Solana bottomed at $94.87 earlier this month as concerns about its meme coin ecosystem rose. It then recovered and moved to a high of $156.55 last week. SOL remains above the important support level at $121, the lowest level from June, July, August, and September of last year. It has also moved above the 50-day and 25-day Weighted Moving Averages. It is currently forming a bullish flag pattern, characterized by a tall flagpole followed by consolidation. This pattern often leads to a strong breakout. If that happens, the short-term outlook turns bullish, with an initial target at the psychological level of $200. Such a move would represent a 32% increase from the current level. A drop below the support at $121 would invalidate the bullish outlook. You might also like: XDC Network unlocks omnichain interoperability with LayerZero integration
Cardano (ADA) price has dipped 2% in the past 24 hours , now trading at $0.6971 , as the broader market cools off following a strong rally that lifted most major cryptocurrencies above their short-term moving averages. ADA has been one of the most resilient tokens this year as its yearly losses currently sit at 17.4% compared to the 46% and 22.3% that Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) have lost during this same period. $ADA is following my plan. I hope you took advantage of the dip. This is one of the strongest projects in the entire crypto space. Let's push it higher. https://t.co/8J6rjZYIxL pic.twitter.com/OVu53dQgp2 — Lucky (@LLuciano_BTC) April 26, 2025 Crypto analyst Lucky on X has shared a bullish forecast for ADA, projecting a move to at least $1.60 if it breaks out of its descending price channel. To kick off this rally, ADA would need to climb toward $0.90 in the short term — a level well within reach if current momentum builds. Today’s 19% dip in trading volume, down to $683 million , appears to be routine profit-taking rather than a shift in sentiment, suggesting that the setup for a breakout remains intact. Cardano Could Rise to $1.72 as Last Leg of Elliott Wave Unfolds An Elliott Wave analysis of Cardano shows that we could be at the beginning of the last leg of what has been a strong uptrend in the weekly chart. In most cases, the peak of the first uptrend serves as support for the second pullback of this technical setup. However, ADA has dropped below this support level and seems to be getting ready to retest it from below. If the price action rejects a move above this support, which currently sits at $0.730, this would invalidate the Elliott Wave. However, if the price climbs above it, then the pattern will be in play again and that means ADA could rise toward its target (number five). In the first leg, the price nearly tripled while ADA rose by 262% in the second leg. If we estimate another 3X move for the last leg, this means that Cardano could propel to $1.72 at least. One of the most encouraging technical signals was a bullish crossover between the 200-week EMA and 200-day EMA in November that puts ADA on an uptrend. Looking at the chart, the price has bounced off the 21-day EMA already, emphasizing the indicator’s relevance to the market. This confirms a bullish outlook for ADA in the mid-term with a first target set at $1.72. If momentum continues to build, a longer-term push toward $10 isn’t out of the question. As the broader market trends upward, some emerging projects are quietly gaining traction — including one that taps into Bitcoin’s momentum while offering unique passive income potential. BTC Bull Token Surges Toward $5.2M Raised as Bitcoin Eyes a Return to $100K Bitcoin is now just $6,000 away from the $100K mark — and that puts BTC Bull Token (BTCBULL) in the spotlight as one of the most compelling meme coins to watch. With each $25,000 gain in BTC’s price, BTCBULL triggers a unique reward mechanism: either a token burn or a Bitcoin airdrop to holders. The first milestone hits at $125K , when part of BTCBULL’s supply will be burned to boost scarcity. At $150K , holders will receive the first round of Bitcoin airdrops , making this presale project tightly linked to BTC’s next big move. To buy $BTCBULL and start earning, simply head to the BTC Bull Token website and connect your wallet (e.g. Best Wallet ). You can either swap USDT or ETH for this token or use a bank card to complete the transaction. The post ADA Price Surges Toward $1 – Is $10 Still Realistic? Cardano Price Prediction Updated appeared first on Cryptonews .
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, BlackRock has amplified its holdings in the Bitcoin spot ETF, known as IBIT. According to data from LookIntoChain, the investment giant amassed
Key takeaways : In 2025, the Shiba Inu coin price prediction suggests a maximum value of $0.000026. In 2028, SHIB can reach a maximum value of $0.000081. The price of Shiba Inu is predicted to reach an average value of $0.000215 in 2031. The Shiba Inu (SHIB) cryptocurrency, originally a meme coin, has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem with significant growth and utility. Key components include ShibaSwap, a decentralized exchange, and Shibarium, a Layer 2 solution to enhance scalability. These developments have boosted SHIB’s adoption and functionality. As SHIB’s ecosystem grows, questions arise about its future price trajectory. Will the advancements in ShibaSwap and Shibarium drive SHIB to new highs? Can SHIB sustain its current price momentum and solidify its position in the crypto market? Will SHIB ever reach $1? Overview Cryptocurrency Shiba Inu Token SHIB Price $0.00001207 Market Cap $7.11B Trading Volume $105.62M Circulating Supply 589.25T SHIB All-time High $0.00008845 (Oct 27, 2021) All-time Low $0.00000000008165 (Aug 31, 2020) 24-hour high $0.00001238 24-hour low $0.00001207 Shiba Inu coin price prediction: Technical Analysis Metric Value Volatility 5.51% 50-Day SMA $ 0.00001440 14-Day RSI 46.70 Sentiment Bearish Fear & Greed Index 26 (Fear) Green Days 15/30 (50%) 200-Day SMA $ 0.00001891 Shiba Inu price analysis: SHIB drops below key support as daily momentum weakens Support Break Confirmed: SHIB fell below $0.00001300, signaling a clear bearish shift. Indicators Show Weak Momentum. RSI and MACD confirm intense downside pressure across timeframes. Selling Volume Spikes: Increased volume and repeated rejections show growing seller control. On April 30, 2025, Shiba Inu (SHIB) declined to $0.00001291, marking a 4.66% drop over the past 24 hours. The token lost key support levels and displayed persistent bearish momentum, particularly in the second half of the day. Data from CoinMarketCap shows SHIB trading within a tight range between $0.00001306 and $0.00001376, highlighting reduced buying strength throughout the session. This breakdown follows several failed attempts by bulls to reclaim momentum above $0.00001350. A visible drop occurred during the late U.S. trading session, pushing SHIB beneath the psychologically important $0.00001300 mark. The market’s inability to stabilize above this threshold indicates a technical failure to sustain the short-term uptrend. Traders are now focused on how long this downward pressure will persist, especially as SHIB struggles to regain volume traction amid broader altcoin weakness. Shiba 1-day chart: Bearish breakdown below key support signals deeper correction On the 1-day chart, SHIB has formed a clear descending structure, with price action rejecting the $0.00001350 level multiple times. After peaking at $0.00001376, the asset faced a strong reversal, generating a large bearish candlestick that closed near the day’s low. This confirms a breakdown from a previous consolidation zone, where the price hovered for several days. The lower highs and consistent bearish closes signal a firm grip by sellers. The RSI drops below 50, showing bullish momentum without reaching oversold conditions. Volume spiked sharply as the price broke $0.00001300, which indicates a confirmation of bearish momentum rather than panic selling. The MACD is trending downward and diverging, while the moving averages now begin to cross bearishly. A failure to reclaim $0.00001320 in the coming sessions could see SHIB revisit lower support levels near $0.00001250. Shiba 4-hour chart: Sustained downtrend with no reversal signals as price tests lower support On the 4-hour chart, SHIB is exhibiting clear bearish continuation behavior. A sequence of lower and lower highs is visible, with the price collapsing through the $0.00001300 support zone late in the day. The sharp decline accelerated after a rejection from $0.00001340, confirming near-term market exhaustion. Sellers dominated the last few candles, forming full-bodied bearish bars without significant lower wicks, a sign of intense pressure. The 4-hour chart shows RSI has dropped below 40, indicating strong downside control. MACD also crossed below the signal line earlier in the day and continues to widen. The price now hovers near the session low of $0.00001291, with no immediate bullish reversal patterns. The closest short-term resistance now stands at $0.00001320, while support may emerge near $0.00001270 if the decline continues. Shiba Inu technical indicators: Levels and action Daily simple moving average (SMA) Period Value Action SMA 3 $ 0.00001662 SELL SMA 5 $ 0.00001548 SELL SMA 10 $ 0.00001475 SELL SMA 21 $ 0.00001345 SELL SMA 50 $ 0.00001440 SELL SMA 100 $ 0.00001744 SELL SMA 200 $ 0.00001891 SELL Daily exponential moving average (EMA) Period Value Action EMA 3 $ 0.00001362 SELL EMA 5 $ 0.00001446 SELL EMA 10 $ 0.00001644 SELL EMA 21 $ 0.00001893 SELL EMA 50 $ 0.00002137 SELL EMA 100 $ 0.00002153 SELL EMA 200 $ 0.00002047 SELL Is Shiba Inu a good investment? Shiba Inu (SHIB) is a highly speculative and risky investment. As of April 30, 2025, the token has broken key support levels, indicating bearish momentum, and technical indicators suggest further downside. With no strong use cases and its value driven by speculation, SHIB remains a high-risk asset. While it may offer short-term trading opportunities due to its volatility, its lack of fundamental backing makes it unreliable for long-term investment. Will Shiba Inu recover? Shiba Inu is experiencing fluctuations with a recent upward trend; there are signs of potential recovery. Will SHIB reach $0.00005? Yes, according to the long-term predictions, SHIB is projected to reach up to $0.00005 by 2027. Will SHIB reach $0.0001 Yes, according to the long-term predictions, SHIB is projected to reach up to $0.0001 by 2029. Will SHIB reach $100? Reaching $100 for SHIB is virtually impossible due to its vast circulating supply and the astronomically high market capitalization it would necessitate. Does SHIB have an excellent long-term future? SHIB shows some positive movement, suggesting the ecosystem may have a promising long-term future. However, its success will depend on continued adoption, broader market adoption trends, and other cryptocurrency market space developments. Shiba Inu price prediction for April 2025 Shiba Inu (SHIB) is expected to show a variety of price fluctuations through April 2025. The potential low is $0.000016, while the average price might be around $0.000018. SHIB could reach up to $0.000019, which is the highest expected price. Month Potential low Potential average Potential high April 2025 $0.000016 $0.000018 $0.000019 Shiba Inu price prediction 2025 In 2025, the minimum price of Shiba Inu will be around $0.000022. The maximum expected price for SHIB may be around $0.000026, and the average price is $0.000023. Year Potential low Potential average Potential high 2025 $0.000022 $0.000023 $0.000026 Shiba Inu price predictions 2026-2031 Year Minimum price Average price Maximum price 2026 $0.000033 $0.000034 $0.000038 2027 $0.000046 $0.000048 $0.000057 2028 $0.000066 $0.000069 $0.000081 2029 $0.000097 $0.000101 $0.000115 2030 $0.000141 $0.000145 $0.000172 2031 $0.000208 $0.000215 $0.000245 Shiba Inu price prediction 2026 According to predictions for 2026, Shiba Inu is expected to reach a minimum value of $0.000033, a maximum value of $0.000038, and an average trading price of $0.000034. Shiba Inu price prediction 2027 By 2027, Shiba Inu (SHIB) is forecasted to reach a minimum price of $0.000046, with a maximum of $0.000057 and an average price of $0.000048. Shiba Inu price prediction 2028 In 2028, the price of Shiba Inu is predicted to reach a minimum value of $0.000066. Investors can expect a maximum value of $0.000081 and an average trading price of $0.000069. Shiba Inu Coin price prediction 2029 The SHIB price prediction suggests that by 2029, Shiba Inu could reach a minimum price of $0.000097, a potential maximum price of $0.000115, and an average trading price of $0.000101. Shiba Inu price prediction 2030 In 2030, the SHIB coin prediction suggests the price of Shiba Inu will trade at a minimum value of $0.000141, a maximum value of $0.000172, and an average trading value of $0.000145. Shiba Inu price prediction 2031 In 2031, Shiba Inu is expected to reach a minimum price of $0.000208, a maximum price of $0.000245, and an average price of $0.000215. Shiba Inu market price prediction: Analysts’ SHIB price forecast Firm Name 2025 2026 DigitalCoinPrice $0.0000265 $0.0000297 CoinCodex $0.00001077 $0.00007703 Cryptopolitan’s Shiba Inu price prediction According to Cryptopolitan’s Shiba Inu price forecast, SHIB could reach a maximum price of $0.000026 by the end of 2025. By 2026, the price of the Shiba Inu token is predicted to reach a minimum value of $0.000033. Shiba Inu’s rise in price could take it to a maximum price level of $0.000245 with an expected average trading price of $0.0000215 by 2031. Shiba Inu historic price sentiment SHIB price history | Coinmarketcap Memecoin Shiba Inu’s price surged by over 300% within the month of its launch, sparking a trading frenzy similar to Dogecoin’s rise in early 2021. In 2022, Shiba Inu traded around $0.000025 at the start of the year but sharply declined to approximately $0.000008 by May 2022. For the remainder of the year, it stabilized, fluctuating between $0.000007 and $0.000010. In early 2023, Shiba Inu briefly spiked to $0.000015 in February but declined gradually, stabilizing around $0.000010 by June 2023 and closing the year at $0.00001033. In March 2024, Shiba Inu surged to a high of $0.000045 but consolidated between $0.0000173 and $0.00002933 by June 2024. By August 2024, the price ranged from $0.000015 to $0.000017. By October 2024, Shiba Inu traded between $0.000015 and $0.000017. In December 2024, the token traded between $0.00001853 and $0.00003343. SHIB opened trading at $0.00002118 in 2025 and currently trades between $0.0000182 and $0.00001896 as of January. As of February 2, 2025, Shiba Inu (SHIB) is trading at approximately $0.00001722. The price of Shiba Inu (SHIB) in March 2025 initially dipped slightly below $0.0000137 before experiencing a sharp upward surge, peaking above $0.0000150, and then stabilizing around $0.0000141 with some fluctuations. As of April 2025, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has seen mild volatility, generally trending downward with its price slipping from around $0.00001233 to approximately $0.00001205.
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US markets collapsed on Wednesday after fresh economic numbers showed GDP dropped 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, raising the chances of a recession to 74%, based on investor sentiment and Wall Street models. The Commerce Department released the figures , confirming that the economy shrank between January and March. That made it the first negative quarter since early 2022. The contraction slammed into Donald Trump’s second term just as he kicked off his new wave of economic policies, especially his trade wars. This drop caught many on Wall Street off guard. Forecasts from Dow Jones economists had predicted a 0.4% increase in GDP, expecting continued growth after the 2.4% gain in Q4 2024. But that confidence was shredded fast, once businesses and consumers started flooding imports to avoid Trump’s tariffs that took effect in April. Imports slash GDP as businesses rush ahead of tariffs The import surge was brutal. Imports climbed 41.3%, with goods alone jumping 50.9%, cutting over 5 percentage points off the GDP total. At the same time, exports only increased 1.8%. The net impact made the economy look far weaker than expected, even though some economists said it might bounce back later if imports ease. Stock traders reacted hard. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 615 points—about 1.5%. The S&P 500 dropped 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite bled 2.6%. April closed in red, and this GDP print nailed the coffin on any last-minute rally hopes. The hit also landed as Trump tried to push forward new economic strategies, most of which now look like they’re throwing sand in the gears instead of oil. On Truth Social, Trump posted that the slowdown was because of a “Biden ‘Overhang’” and told Americans to “BE PATIENT!!!” while claiming his economic plans would take time to deliver results. But investors and businesses aren’t buying it just yet. Scott Helfstein, head of investment strategy at Global X, said the back-and-forth in Trump’s policies is a problem. “The continual sequence of policy reversals has led to very high levels of uncertainty for businesses and investors,” Scott said. He called the GDP report “a canary in the coal mine for the new administration,” and said people may have underestimated the damage Trump’s long-game approach might cause in the short term. Consumer spending slows, investment jumps, recession fears grow Consumer spending didn’t crash, but it did slow sharply. Personal consumption expenditures rose 1.8%, which sounds okay until you realize that’s less than half the 4% jump in Q4 2024. That number is also the weakest since Q2 2023, so people are clearly tightening up. Still, business investment exploded. Private domestic investment shot up 21.9%, and a big piece of that came from a 22.5% spike in equipment spending. Analysts say that’s likely due to businesses buying machines and gear early before tariffs push prices even higher. On the other hand, the federal government pulled back. Spending fell 5.1%, which yanked about one-third of a percentage point out of the GDP number. That mix—weak consumers, heavy imports, falling government spending—is now driving up recession risk across every model on Wall Street. At the center of it all is Trump’s trade policy mess. In early April, Trump slapped a 10% tariff on all trade partners, with added “reciprocal” tariffs targeting select countries. Then on April 9, he hit pause, giving a 90-day window to strike better deals. But so far, there’s no agreement, and insiders say talks are dragging. The uncertainty is wrecking confidence. The idea that the worst is over isn’t convincing many. At Goldman Sachs, macro strategist Vickie Chang told clients that even though the market looks like it’s settling down, that might be the wrong signal. “In past equity corrections, markets tended to bottom near the trough in economic activity,” Vickie said. She explained that if the market thinks the main problem has peaked, it might start to rise before the economy actually gets better. But she warned that this situation could still blow up. “We still think there is significant vulnerability in a recession scenario, even if the worst of the underlying ‘shock’ has passed,” Vickie added. Skepticism is growing fast. Vickie pointed out that the S&P 500’s 19% drop this year doesn’t even come close to the kind of pain usually seen during a real recession. Since 1950, there have been five bigger crashes that didn’t even involve one. And in the last three recessions, the average market drop was a brutal 47%. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
The U.S. economy is displaying signs of contraction again after three years. Continue Reading: U.S. Economy Slams the Brakes: What’s Next for Bitcoin? The post U.S. Economy Slams the Brakes: What’s Next for Bitcoin? appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Sending money across borders in Africa has historically been expensive and slow. High fees eat into the amounts received, making vital remittances less effective and hindering regional trade. But what if there was a way to make these transactions faster and significantly cheaper? This is the exciting potential unlocked by a new initiative focused on USDC payments Africa . What is the Circle and Onafriq Partnership About? Leading stablecoin issuer, Circle, the company behind the widely used USDC stablecoin, has teamed up with Onafriq, a major African payments giant with an extensive network across the continent. This isn’t just a discussion; they’ve launched a pilot program focused on using USDC for settlements in over 40 African countries. The core idea behind this Circle Onafriq partnership is to leverage the efficiency of stablecoins to reduce the friction and cost associated with traditional cross-border money transfers. Onafriq’s massive network, which connects over 500 mobile wallets and facilitates transactions for more than 200 million bank accounts across Africa, provides the perfect infrastructure to test this innovative approach. Think of it this way: Instead of relying solely on traditional banking correspondent networks, which can involve multiple intermediaries and fees, this pilot uses USDC as a bridge currency for settlement between different points in Onafriq’s network. This has the potential to streamline the process dramatically. Why Are Cross-Border Payments in Africa So Expensive? Understanding the problem helps appreciate the solution. Traditional methods for sending money across African borders often involve: Multiple intermediary banks, each adding their own fees. Currency exchange costs and unfavorable rates. Delays in processing, sometimes taking days. Lack of transparency regarding final costs upfront. These factors combine to make sending and receiving money a costly affair, impacting individuals and businesses alike. Reducing the cost of cross-border payments Africa is a critical step towards greater financial inclusion and economic growth on the continent. How Can Stablecoin Settlements Help? This is where the power of stablecoins like USDC comes into play. USDC is a digital dollar, pegged 1:1 with the US dollar, designed for stability. Using stablecoin settlements offers several key advantages for international transactions: Lower Transaction Costs: Moving value via a stablecoin on a blockchain network can be significantly cheaper than traditional wire transfers, especially for smaller amounts. Faster Settlement Times: Transactions on blockchain networks can settle in minutes, not days, providing near real-time value transfer. Increased Transparency: Transactions are recorded on a public ledger, offering a degree of transparency not always present in traditional systems. Greater Accessibility: By integrating with existing mobile money and banking networks like Onafriq’s, stablecoins can potentially reach a wider population, including the unbanked or underbanked. The pilot aims to demonstrate these benefits in a real-world setting, proving that stablecoin settlements can offer a viable, cost-effective alternative for cross-border payments Africa . Leveraging Onafriq’s Extensive Network for USDC Payments Africa The success of this pilot hinges significantly on Onafriq’s pre-existing infrastructure. Onafriq isn’t just a small player; they are a dominant force in the African payments landscape. Their network spans over 40 countries, connecting a vast ecosystem of mobile wallets, banks, and agents. This means that the integration of USDC doesn’t require building a payments network from scratch but rather adding a new, efficient settlement layer to an already operational system. By enabling USDC payments Africa within this established network, Circle and Onafriq can potentially facilitate smoother, cheaper transfers directly into mobile wallets or bank accounts, bypassing some of the costly traditional routes. This is a powerful combination of innovative technology (USDC) and established distribution (Onafriq). What Does This Mean for Africa Crypto Adoption? Initiatives like the Circle Onafriq partnership are crucial drivers of Africa crypto adoption . When cryptocurrency technology, specifically stablecoins, is used to solve real-world problems like high payment costs, it demonstrates practical utility beyond speculation. This pilot could serve as a tangible example of how digital currencies can improve financial services for everyday users and businesses across the continent. Increased use cases for stablecoins in remittances, trade finance, and local payments can accelerate the broader acceptance and understanding of digital assets, contributing significantly to overall Africa crypto adoption trends. Potential Challenges Ahead While the potential benefits are clear, implementing such a system across multiple countries in Africa comes with challenges: Regulatory Clarity: Navigating the diverse and evolving regulatory landscapes in over 40 countries requires significant effort and compliance. User Education: While users interact with Onafriq’s familiar interface, understanding the underlying technology and its implications might require education. Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless and secure integration between Circle’s systems and Onafriq’s complex network is crucial. Market Perception: Despite being stable, USDC is still associated with the broader crypto market, which can be perceived as volatile or risky by some users and regulators. Overcoming these hurdles will be key to the pilot’s success and potential wider rollout. Looking Ahead: The Future of Payments in Africa If this pilot proves successful in significantly reducing costs and improving efficiency, it could pave the way for wider adoption of USDC payments Africa for various use cases, including: Personal remittances from abroad. Payments for goods and services between African countries. Facilitating cross-border trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Providing access to stable value storage in economies facing currency volatility. This initiative represents a significant step towards leveraging digital currencies to build a more connected, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem across the African continent. Conclusion The pilot program launched by Circle and Onafriq to utilize USDC for cross-border settlements in over 40 African nations is a compelling development. By targeting the high costs and inefficiencies plaguing traditional payment systems, the Circle Onafriq partnership has the potential to make a tangible positive impact on millions of users. Leveraging Onafriq’s extensive network, the pilot aims to demonstrate the power of stablecoin settlements in providing faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions. This initiative is not just about payments; it’s a significant push forward for Africa crypto adoption , showcasing how digital assets can offer practical solutions to real-world financial challenges and help reduce the burden of expensive cross-border payments Africa . To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping stablecoin price action.
DUBAI , UAE , April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit , the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to unveil the 1V1 Trading Arena , gamifying trading experience for crypto pros and beginners in the first ever 1-on-1 trading battle on Bybit. The competition allows eligible Bybit users to battle another individual trader and share in $1,000,000 in airdrops . Designed for both seasoned pros and newcomers, the event offers rewards for every trading style. From now until May 22 , 10AM UTC , participants can engage in direct PnL (Profit and Loss)-based battles against fellow traders. Highlights Pro Trader Face-Offs: Users may race one another without having to join squads, allowing individual traders to demonstrate their tradecraft to the fullest. Performance, Not Size: The trader with the higher Profit and Loss percentage will emerge victorious, no matter the invested amount. Flash Rewards in Seconds: The winning trader will get to claim the rewards of each match immediately. Race at Their Pace: Participants can choose their own battle mode from 1 to 4 hours– Blitz , Rush , or Endurance . Bybit’s powerful trading tools are at their disposal to help them set positions and automate entry and exit points. In addition, newcomers will get a chance to join a lucky draw and win up to 100 USDT when they win the first match. Users may also receive referral bonuses of up to 20% of the referees’ points. Tune in Live: The Ultimate KOL Trading Battle The 1V1 Trading Arena reinvents traditional trading competitions and enables users to take full control of their portfolios and strategies, blending gameplay with rewards powered by Bybit’s suite of trading solutions. The stakes are about to get higher on May 7 where two influential crypto traders will compete head to head on Bybit Live . The audience will get to witness the drama unfold in real time, hear tips on how to get the most out of the campaign from the trading pros, while taking part in interactive giveaways for a chance to win from a 1,000 USDT prize pool during the session. Livestream Link: 1v1 KOL Trading Arena Showdown Date and Time: May 7, 2025 , 8AM UTC Terms and conditions apply. To find out more about the unique trading competition, users may visit: 1V1 Trading Arena: Face-off for big rewards! #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube