Coinbase Base Unlocking Revolutionary Access: cbADA and cbLTC Arrive

BitcoinWorld Coinbase Base Unlocking Revolutionary Access: cbADA and cbLTC Arrive Are you ready for a significant shift in how you interact with your favorite cryptocurrencies? The digital asset landscape is constantly evolving, and a recent announcement from crypto giant Coinbase has sent ripples through the community. Coinbase has officially launched cbADA and cbLTC on Base, its very own Ethereum Layer-2 network. This move, as reported by Unfolded on X, isn’t just another product launch; it’s a strategic expansion that promises to enhance accessibility and utility for Cardano (ADA) and Litecoin (LTC) holders within the burgeoning DeFi ecosystem on Base. Understanding Coinbase Base ‘s Latest Move The news that Coinbase is bringing wrapped versions of Cardano (ADA) and Litecoin (LTC) to its Base network is a game-changer for several reasons. For those new to the space, Coinbase Base is an Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) blockchain incubated by Coinbase. It’s designed to provide a secure, low-cost, and developer-friendly environment for building decentralized applications (dApps). By leveraging the security of Ethereum while offering significantly lower transaction fees and faster processing times, Base aims to be a cornerstone of the next wave of decentralized finance (DeFi) innovation. This strategic decision by Coinbase to integrate cbADA and cbLTC directly onto Base signals a strong commitment to expanding the utility of major cryptocurrencies beyond their native blockchains. It means that holders of ADA and LTC, which traditionally operate on their own distinct networks, can now seamlessly participate in the diverse DeFi protocols and dApps being built on Base, all while benefiting from the robust infrastructure provided by Coinbase. The Power of cbADA and cbLTC : What Are Wrapped Tokens ? At the heart of this announcement are cbADA and cbLTC , which are examples of ‘wrapped tokens.’ But what exactly does that mean? Imagine you have a physical asset, like a gold bar, but you want to use it in a different financial system that only accepts paper currency. A wrapped token is essentially a digital representation of a cryptocurrency from one blockchain that’s ‘wrapped’ or tokenized to be usable on another blockchain. Here’s a simple breakdown: Definition: A wrapped token is a cryptocurrency token pegged to the value of another crypto asset. It’s like an ERC-20 version of a non-ERC-20 coin, allowing it to be used on the Ethereum network (or an L2 like Base). How it Works: When you wrap a token, the original asset is typically locked in a smart contract on its native chain, and an equivalent amount of the wrapped token is minted on the target chain. When you unwrap it, the wrapped token is burned, and the original asset is released. Benefits: Interoperability: Enables assets from different blockchains to interact, breaking down silos in the crypto ecosystem. Enhanced Liquidity: Brings liquidity from one chain to another, opening up new trading and lending opportunities. DeFi Participation: Allows holders of non-Ethereum native assets to participate in Ethereum’s vast DeFi ecosystem. With cbADA and cbLTC , Coinbase is providing a trusted bridge for Cardano and Litecoin holders to enter the Base ecosystem. This is a significant step towards a more interconnected and fluid decentralized financial world, where assets aren’t confined to their original chains but can flow freely to where they can be most utilized. Why an Ethereum Layer-2 Network Matters for Adoption The choice of Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 Network , is crucial to understanding the long-term implications of this launch. Ethereum, while robust and secure, faces scalability challenges due to high transaction fees (gas fees) and slower transaction speeds during periods of high network congestion. Layer-2 solutions like Base address these issues by processing transactions off the main Ethereum chain (Layer-1) and then batching them into a single transaction that is settled on Layer-1. Here’s why Layer-2 networks are so vital for the mass adoption of blockchain technology: Feature Ethereum Layer-1 (Mainnet) Ethereum Layer-2 (e.g., Base) Transaction Speed Slower (15-30 TPS) Much Faster (1,000s TPS) Transaction Cost Higher Gas Fees Significantly Lower Fees Scalability Limited High, designed for mass adoption Security Inherited from Ethereum Inherited from Ethereum User Experience Can be costly/slow Smoother, more affordable By building on Base, Coinbase ensures that users interacting with cbADA and cbLTC will experience a much more efficient and cost-effective environment. This lower barrier to entry for users, combined with the immense security of Ethereum, creates an attractive platform for both developers to innovate and users to engage with DeFi applications without prohibitive costs. Unlocking New Opportunities with Wrapped Tokens on Base The introduction of cbADA and cbLTC on Base opens up a plethora of new opportunities for both existing holders of these assets and the broader DeFi community. Previously, if you held ADA or LTC, your participation in the Ethereum-centric DeFi world was limited without going through complex bridging solutions or centralized exchanges. Now, with these wrapped tokens, the doors to Base’s growing ecosystem are wide open. DeFi Integration: Holders can now use their cbADA and cbLTC in various DeFi protocols on Base, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for trading, lending protocols to earn yield, and borrowing platforms to access liquidity. Enhanced Liquidity: This move injects new liquidity into the Base ecosystem, potentially attracting more users and developers, leading to a more vibrant and robust decentralized economy. Accessibility for Coinbase Users: Given Coinbase’s massive user base, this integration makes it incredibly easy for millions of users to bridge their ADA and LTC directly into the Base ecosystem, bypassing the complexities often associated with cross-chain transfers. New Trading Pairs: Expect to see new trading pairs emerge on DEXs on Base, allowing for more diverse trading strategies and opportunities for arbitrage. This move underscores a growing trend in the crypto space: the push for greater interoperability and utility across different blockchain networks. By facilitating the seamless flow of value, Coinbase is contributing to a more integrated and user-friendly DeFi landscape. Navigating the Future: Challenges and What’s Next for Coinbase Base While the launch of cbADA and cbLTC on Coinbase Base is undoubtedly a positive development, it’s also important to consider the potential challenges and the road ahead. The primary consideration for any wrapped token solution is trust and centralization. Since Coinbase is the entity facilitating the wrapping and unwrapping of these tokens, users are inherently trusting Coinbase to custody the underlying ADA and LTC assets securely. Key considerations include: Centralization Risk: While Base itself is decentralized, the issuance of cbADA and cbLTC relies on Coinbase as a centralized custodian. This introduces a point of trust that users must be comfortable with. Smart Contract Security: The smart contracts governing the wrapping and unwrapping process on Base must be rigorously audited and secure to prevent vulnerabilities. Regulatory Landscape: The evolving regulatory environment for wrapped tokens and Layer-2 solutions could impact future operations. Looking ahead, this launch could be just the beginning. We might see Coinbase introduce wrapped versions of other popular cryptocurrencies on Base, further expanding the network’s utility and attracting more users. This also strengthens Base’s position as a leading Layer-2 solution, potentially fostering more innovation and dApp development within its ecosystem. The success of cbADA and cbLTC will likely dictate the pace and scope of future wrapped asset integrations. In conclusion, Coinbase’s launch of cbADA and cbLTC on its Base Layer-2 network is a monumental step towards a more interconnected and efficient decentralized financial future. By bridging the gap between distinct blockchain ecosystems, Coinbase is not only enhancing the utility of Cardano and Litecoin but also reinforcing Base’s position as a crucial player in the Ethereum scaling solution landscape. This move promises lower fees, faster transactions, and expanded DeFi opportunities for a broader audience, paving the way for a truly accessible and interoperable crypto economy. As the Base ecosystem continues to mature, we can expect even more innovative applications and increased liquidity, further solidifying its role in the evolution of decentralized finance. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the Ethereum Layer-2 ecosystem and institutional adoption. This post Coinbase Base Unlocking Revolutionary Access: cbADA and cbLTC Arrive first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

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Could XRP, Shiba Inu, and This New Cryptocurrency All Join the Top 10 Coins by End of 2025?

As the crypto market pushes deeper into 2025, the race for dominance is heating up once again—but this time, the contenders aren’t just the usual suspects. XRP and Shiba Inu are both mounting fresh comebacks, backed by legal milestones, whale activity, and ecosystem upgrades. Their renewed momentum has analysts revisiting the possibility of both tokens climbing back into the top 10 by market cap before the year closes. But there’s another name on the radar that’s changing the game entirely. MAGACOIN FINANCE , a new presale altcoin, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about breakout candidates of the year. While XRP and SHIB work to reclaim lost ground, MAGACOIN FINANCE is starting from the ground up—fast. Its low entry price, viral presale momentum, and strong investor engagement have positioned it as a serious contender for exponential gains. And if early signals are right, it may not just join the top 10 conversation—it could hijack it XRP and Shiba Inu Show Strength XRP and Shiba Inu have both spent years near the spotlight—but for very different reasons. As of late June 2025, XRP is once again at the center of a legal standoff with the SEC. Despite talk of settlement, a federal judge recently shut down both sides’ attempt to escape a final ruling. It’s a reminder that legal clarity for XRP isn’t guaranteed, even after years of litigation. Still, XRP isn’t standing still. Futures contracts tied to XRP are now live on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, marking a milestone moment for the token’s institutional credibility. Ripple’s acquisition of brokerage firm Hidden Road—now approved by FINRA—adds another layer of compliance strength to its growing financial ecosystem. And while XRP’s price hovers between $2.10 and $2.18, analysts are split on whether a breakout or deeper correction is next. What’s clear is that XRP remains in play, but the path forward depends on more than just technical patterns. Shiba Inu, by contrast, is fighting its way back with innovation and whale support. A massive $110 million SHIB accumulation day—its largest in five months—sparked a sharp rebound from a 16-month low. On-chain momentum is improving, but it’s the ecosystem upgrades that could give SHIB lasting strength. Developers recently launched the Shib Alpha Layer, introducing encrypted smart contracts and the infrastructure for ultra-fast Layer 3 rollups. ShibDAO is also bringing real governance to holders, moving SHIB closer to true decentralization. While neither XRP nor SHIB is guaranteed a top 10 finish by year-end, both are showing they’re far from finished. But in a market increasingly hungry for new stories, a different kind of contender is catching fire. MAGACOIN FINANCE: The Early-Stage Contender Everyone’s Watching MAGACOIN FINANCE isn’t a household name yet—but that could change fast. The project is deep in its presale phase, where token stages are selling out faster than most memecoins can update their roadmaps. It’s already raised more than $10 million, with early buyers treating this like a once-in-a-cycle opportunity. There’s no shortage of early-stage tokens, but what’s pushing MAGACOIN FINANCE ahead is the mix of timing, positioning, and momentum. It enters the market during a period of blue-chip fatigue. Ethereum is consolidating, XRP is tied up in court, and most of the top coins are moving sideways. Traders aren’t just watching anymore—they’re rotating. Unlike most meme coins that launch with hype and little else, MAGACOIN FINANCE has branding, token scarcity, and a fast-growing online movement. The token is priced under a cent, and that’s part of the draw—investors know the biggest returns are made before listings, not after. Analysts calling for 25x to 50x gains may sound aggressive, but if MAGACOIN FINANCE hits major exchanges with the kind of community firepower it’s currently building, that kind of upside becomes plausible. This isn’t about replacing XRP or SHIB. It’s about identifying the next breakout before the market catches up. And right now, MAGACOIN FINANCE looks like that play. Conclusion: A Race with Room for a Surprise Winner XRP has the legal and institutional foundation. SHIB has the community and evolving tech. But MAGACOIN FINANCE is riding pure momentum—and doing it at the exact moment when crypto traders are looking for underpriced upside. By the end of 2025, we may see all three tokens fighting for a spot in the top 10. The difference? Only one of them is still giving early investors a shot at the ground floor. For more information, please visit: Website: magacoinfinance.com Exclusive Access: magacoinfinance.com/entry Continue Reading: Could XRP, Shiba Inu, and This New Cryptocurrency All Join the Top 10 Coins by End of 2025?

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Extended Wave 5 Scenario Puts Bitcoin Price Above $300,000 With Step-Like Structure In Place

The Bitcoin price could be entering the final and most explosive phase of its current market cycle, as an analyst maps out the cryptocurrency’s next movements onto a parabolic step-like structure. Reinforcing this bullish outlook is the Elliott Wave 5 count, which points to an epic price rally that could propel Bitcoin above $300,000, eclipsing its previous all-time high and current market value by a substantial margin. Bitcoin Price Ultimate Parabolic Push Unveiled A newly released Bitcoin price forecast by X (formerly Twitter) crypto analyst Gert van Lagen boldly suggests that the leading cryptocurrency may be on the verge of its most aggressive bull run this cycle. Lagen’s price chart indicates that BTC is firmly locked into a parabolic step-like growth structure, potentially eyeing an extended Wave 5 breakout that could drive prices well beyond $345,000. Related Reading: Bitcoin Elliott Wave Count Predicts Further Crash To $94,000, But What Next? The trajectory of the analyst’s chart illustrates a clear parabolic growth curve anchored by four distinct formations, labeled Base 1 through Base 4. Each of these bases represents a phase of accumulation and consolidation that preceded a Bitcoin price breakout. This structure also mirrors a textbook parabolic setup, where each new base sets the stage for steeper upward moves. Most notably, after the completion of Base 3, marked by the inflection point on the chart, Bitcoin launched into a sharp rally, confirming the expected parabolic behavior. Lagen’s analysis now indicates that BTC’s current Base 4 has been completed, followed by a corrective A-B-C structure that appears to have reached its bottom, positioning the cryptocurrency for the anticipated final leg of its cycle. Using Elliott Wave theory, Bitcoin’s price action is still unfolding within the fifth wave, which is the final advance in the five-wave impulsive cycle. The price chart identifies Wave 1 as beginning shortly after the 2022 lows. This was followed by a powerful breakout in 2023, which defined Wave 3, while Wave 4 concluded more recently with a classic corrective pattern. Notably, the upcoming Wave 5 could see Bitcoin skyrocket anywhere between $300,000 and $425,000, depending on the timing and strength of its bullish momentum. Timeline For Game-Changing Rally A key element in Lagen’s analysis is the dynamic “sell line” drawn near the upper end of the parabolic arc that runs underneath the Bitcoin price movement on the chart. According to the analyst, the longer it takes for Bitcoin to hit this projected vertical trajectory, the higher the price at which the potential market top might occur. This is due to the upward curvature of the parabolic trend line itself, which steepens over time. Related Reading: Bitcoin To Surge To $130,000 Next? What The Wave Count Says Currently, Lagen forecasts an early breakout by July 7, 2025, if momentum resumes immediately. However, if Bitcoin continues consolidating through the summer, the projected peak could rise further, as the sell line would continue climbing over time. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

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Ripple Confirms XRP Legal Status After Judge Blocks Joint SEC Settlement Motion

Ripple reaffirmed XRP’s legal status after a federal judge upheld her previous ruling and rejected proposed settlement changes in a joint motion with the SEC, drawing renewed attention to the crypto’s regulatory outlook. Ripple Reasserts XRP’s Legal Status After Court Upholds Penalty Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty publicly addressed District Judge Analisa Torres’ rejection

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XRP: Expert Says Something Big Is Coming. Here’s Why

XRP may be gearing up for a significant upward move, according to recent analysis by Teo Mercer, a digital asset strategist with a large following on social media. Mercer believes that the current market conditions and evolving regulatory developments in the United States could provide the momentum needed for XRP to achieve higher valuations in the coming months. In a recent post, Mercer noted that XRP is showing strong indicators of a potential breakout, following an extended period of subdued performance. With XRP currently priced near $2, he suggests this range may offer an attractive opportunity for new entrants. Projected Price Range: $3 to $4 Considered Attainable Mercer’s outlook is centered around the belief that XRP could realistically climb to between $3 and $4 in the short-to-medium term. He explained that these levels are achievable if current market sentiment continues to improve and regulatory clarity is maintained. $XRP is starting to show serious signs of life. With U.S. crypto regulation entering its final stages, the environment is aligning in XRP’s favor. Feels like something big is loading. This looks like a strong entry point, with $3–$4 as a realistic target in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/TrmhZ4Us0r — ︎ Teo Mercer (@TeoMercer) June 25, 2025 Earlier in the year, XRP temporarily entered this price zone but was unable to sustain the momentum due to broader market resistance. Since then, it has hovered around $2, prompting frustration among holders. However, analysts like Mercer believe that conditions are finally aligning in XRP’s favor, particularly as legislative and regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies take shape in the U.S. U.S. Moves Toward Comprehensive Crypto Regulation The renewed optimism around XRP and other digital assets is largely being driven by recent progress in U.S. crypto regulation. Notably, the Senate recently passed the GENIUS Act , which introduces a regulatory structure for stablecoins. The law establishes oversight requirements, full asset backing, and consumer protections for these digital currencies. Additionally, new legislation proposed by Republican lawmakers aims to clarify how cryptocurrencies are categorized. The bill distinguishes between securities and commodities, assigning regulatory authority according to either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). If passed, this could significantly reduce regulatory ambiguity and support more consistent market growth. Further signaling institutional adoption, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has instructed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to incorporate digital assets in assessing borrowers’ financial qualifications. This directive could open doors for broader acceptance of crypto assets in traditional finance, particularly under the pro-crypto posture of the current U.S. administration. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Another important factor supporting XRP’s potential growth is the conclusion of its prolonged legal battle with the SEC. Ripple and the agency have reportedly agreed to a $50 million settlement, pending court approval. The end of this high-profile case removes a significant obstacle that has overshadowed XRP’s market outlook for years. Differing Views on XRP’s Upside While Mercer’s price target remains conservative compared to more aggressive forecasts, it aligns with a growing consensus that XRP could soon gain momentum. In contrast, some analysts have issued far more ambitious predictions. For instance, Dustin Layton recently suggested that 1,000 XRP, currently valued at approximately $2,000, could yield profits of $50,000 before year-end, implying a price per coin of over $52. Such a valuation would require XRP to reach a market capitalization exceeding $3 trillion, a milestone many view as unrealistic in the near term. Nonetheless, the existence of these projections reflects heightened expectations from portions of the crypto community. The supportive market sentiment has created a favorable environment for XRP’s potential appreciation. While price predictions vary, analysts like Mercer maintain that a move to $3 or $4 is not only possible but increasingly likely in the coming months as conditions continue to stabilize. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP: Expert Says Something Big Is Coming. Here’s Why appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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Russia’s Digital Ruble to Roll Out in September 2026, Says Central Bank

The Russian digital ruble, the nation’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) , will finally launch nationwide on September 1, 2026, the Central Bank claims. The Central Bank says that it expects the largest commercial banks in the nation to start providing their clients with a full range of CBDC transaction options as of September next year. Digital Ruble Rollout: Can Moscow Prevent Further Delays? Its previous statements on the matter would appear to suggest the Central Bank will follow up with an order for smaller and regional banks to follow suit in September 2027. A Russian crypto mining firm executive has claimed Bitcoin (BTC) prices could climb to the $130k mark in the second half of summer 2025. #BitcoinMiining #BitcoinPrice https://t.co/nPpvHr4KJ9 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) June 25, 2025 The digital RUB had been slated to launch on July 1 this year. But the Central Bank abruptly postponed the launch “indefinitely” in early March . The bank stunned the public when it initially gave no alternative launch timeline. This led to a flurry of speculation that Moscow was preparing to ditch its CBDC. Others suggested Moscow might push back the rollout to at least 2027 . Some forecasted that the Central Bank would pursue crypto-powered alternatives to the digital ruble. They cited a lukewarm reception for digital RUB plans from both the public and the banking sector. However, the Russian state-run news agency TASS reported that some of the biggest banks in the country are looking forward to the launch. The Russian Central Bank in Moscow. (Source: NVO [CC BY 2.5]) A VTB spokesperson said the megabank was already technologically prepared for the rollout. Sovcombank, meanwhile, said that it would be “completely ready” for customers to make digital RUB transactions by the Central Bank’s deadline. Both banks are currently working with Moscow on the ongoing digital ruble pilot. VTB said that “as the first bank to join the pilot project,” it was “technologically ready” for the launch. It added: “We are interested in providing our clients with access to the latest financial instruments as soon as possible. We expect a wide-reaching digital ruble launch for Russian citizens.” President Donald Trump said that it is possible that Russian President Vladimir Putin has territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine https://t.co/zyOyowqMjB pic.twitter.com/q2zRmeE8ST — Reuters (@Reuters) June 25, 2025 Legislation Heads to State Duma The Central Bank says it has sent a draft bill to the State Duma. It is hoping to rapidly enshrine its demands to the banking sector in Russian law. Lawmakers have previously claimed that the Russian CBDC will be interoperable with the digital currencies issued by other BRICS member states. Some have claimed that it will be put to use in the cross-border trade sector, where it will help Russian traders avoid sanctions regimes. But critics claim that the coin may violate citizens’ privacy rights. They also complain that the digital RUB will be hard to use in more remote parts of Russia, where internet connectivity is often unstable. The post Russia’s Digital Ruble to Roll Out in September 2026, Says Central Bank appeared first on Cryptonews .

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Metaplanet’s Acquisition of 1,234 BTC Suggests Growing Institutional Confidence in Bitcoin

Metaplanet Inc. has significantly expanded its Bitcoin holdings by acquiring 1,234 BTC, reinforcing its position as a leading institutional investor in the cryptocurrency space. Under the leadership of CEO Simon

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US stock futures open with a new all-time high as Bitcoin stumbles

Stock futures in the United States opened Thursday night flat, but the S&P 500 still managed to press its face against a fresh record, leaving investors glued to the screen as they wait for the official inflation numbers due Friday morning. This comes as the index climbed 0.8% during the day, ending the session at 6,141.02, just inches away from the 6,147.43 intraday record last hit in February. The Dow Jones added 0.9%, while the Nasdaq Composite moved up nearly 1%, also heading toward a potential all-time high of its own. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average added just 33 points in after-hours trading, a 0.1% lift. Meanwhile, Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 futures stayed mostly unchanged. This cautious positioning comes ahead of key inflation data that will either keep the rally going or yank it off course. Investors wait for new inflation data According to CNBC, Rick Rieder, who heads global fixed income at BlackRock, said, “There is so much money that wants to come into the market that didn’t for a while. And I just think if you don’t have any negative news, the natural gravitational pull is across all these assets.” On Friday, traders are set to dig into May’s personal consumption expenditures price index. It’s a big deal—this is the Fed’s preferred inflation measure. Economists polled by Dow Jones expect a monthly increase of 0.1%, and a year-over-year jump of 2.3%. The core PCE, which takes out food and energy, is also forecasted to rise 0.1% for the month and 2.6% for the year. That’s not all investors are watching. The morning will also bring updates on consumer spending, personal income, and consumer sentiment. The results could decide if the recent rally continues or runs out of steam. Despite the Fed still dancing around its rate strategy and ongoing geopolitical pressure, the stock market has clawed its way back from its lows earlier this year. All three major indexes have posted solid weekly gains: the S&P 500 and Dow are up over 2%, and the Nasdaq has jumped more than 3%. Bitcoin trapped in tight range as whales unload While equities flirt with records, Bitcoin is stuck pacing the same ten-foot circle it’s been walking since May 9. The price has mostly bounced between $102,000 and $112,000, with just one brief spike beyond that ceiling to hit a new high, still barely ahead of its last one. It hasn’t managed a strong rally, despite an insane amount of interest from institutions. Just this Wednesday, Bitcoin ETFs recorded their 12th straight day of inflows and are now heading toward their ninth positive week in eleven, pulling in $3.5 billion just this month, according to Coin Metrics. Yet Bitcoin itself has only risen by 2%. Markus Thielen, who leads 10x Research, explained why. “We are not seeing a lot of real demand right now because the demand has been almost perfectly offset by the selling from these larger wallets,” he said. Markus called it an “orderly” change of ownership, where old megawhales are taking their time to sell off coins to new buyers like ETFs and corporate treasuries. The wallets that are buying the most this year? Those holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC. CryptoQuant classifies these holders as dolphins, and Julio Moreno, the firm’s head of research, says that many ETFs probably fall into this group. Whales and miners control the game The biggest players in crypto right now are still whales (wallets holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC) and megawhales (10,000+ BTC). But they’re not buying. They’ve been net sellers since the start of the year. Retail wallets, those holding less than one full bitcoin, are also dumping. It’s the dolphins who are stepping in to soak up that pressure. But that balance is fragile. Julio said that companies like BlackRock and Strategy (the company formerly known as MicroStrategy) have built large positions using hundreds of wallets. BlackRock holds around 550 wallets, each averaging 1,290 BTC. Strategy controls about 490 wallets, with an average of 927 BTC per wallet. But even with these holdings spread out, they’re considered large buyers behind most of the recent ETF flows. Despite all the buying, price movement has stayed muted. That’s because some of the biggest bitcoin reserves on the planet are still in the hands of Chinese miners. Between 2013 and 2021, China controlled up to 75% of the global hashrate. Out of the 19.9 million bitcoins mined so far, between 11 and 15 million came from China-based miners. Of that, about 5 million are still under their control, according to Markus. Normally, during a big price rally, these wallets start dumping on exchanges. This time, they haven’t. “It seems that these wallets are holding – holding tight and only releasing as many bitcoin as can be scooped up by ETFs and by Strategy,” Markus said . Strategy, now focused on corporate crypto adoption, has slowed down its BTC buying this year. That’s mostly because its stock premium has narrowed, and competition from other treasury buyers is rising fast. Markus warned that “if megawhale selling accelerates further, a deeper correction is likely.” On the other hand, if those big sellers back off and whale accumulation starts to rise, the next leg up might finally begin. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges Congress to dump Trump’s retaliatory tax in BBB

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has formally asked Congress to delete a controversial provision buried in President Donald Trump’s newest budget plan. The section, known as Section 899, would’ve allowed the US to slam companies and investors from other countries with additional taxes, specifically if those countries imposed harsh tax policies under international agreements. Scott said on Thursday that the rule no longer made sense because parts of the OECD’s Pillar 2 tax regime won’t apply to US companies anymore. According to reporting from the Financial Times, Scott posted on X that the Treasury had requested lawmakers in both the House and Senate to remove the section from the “Big, Beautiful Budget.” The provision was originally designed to hit back at countries using the OECD’s global minimum tax rules to go after US multinationals. Trump signed onto the bill with the rule intact, but the economic and political climate has changed. Scott said the US had reached an understanding with G7 countries after “months of productive dialogue,” making the retaliation part of the bill unnecessary. Treasury walks away from Pillar 2 enforcement Pillar 2 was part of a 2021 deal agreed under former President Joe Biden, meant to enforce a 15% global minimum corporate tax rate. That deal gave countries the power to collect extra taxes if multinational firms weren’t paying enough at home. But now the US says those rules won’t apply to American companies anymore, meaning other countries won’t be able to collect taxes from them under Pillar 2. That’s what made Scott come out and push for the removal of Section 899. The tax had raised alarms in the financial sector. Major banks and investors warned it would drag down corporate investment and cause money to flow out of the US Some even said it could make the US a less attractive place for foreign capital. The Treasury Department had tried to narrow the damage by excluding interest on US Treasury securities from the scope, but the provision still applied to dividends, rent, and royalties, which industry groups said would wreck passive investment flows. Even within Trump’s own party, some Republicans in the House weren’t sold on the tax. They said on Wednesday that Section 899 was too risky and hinted that it might be taken out of the final bill. Scott’s announcement gave them the cover they needed to go public. Right now, the GOP wants to get the bill passed before July 4, which is when Trump wants to sign the law to mark Independence Day with a legislative win. Wall Street lobbies hard against the tax The financial industry didn’t stay quiet. They made it known that they hated the plan. Wall Street firms warned that adding this kind of penalty on foreign investors would backfire. The US already saw a drop in demand for government debt earlier this year, and investors blamed Trump’s plan to slap tariffs on nearly every major trade partner. That dip created serious concern, especially since the Treasury would need to issue a ton of bonds to pay for the spending in the budget bill. The threat of Section 899 just added fuel to that fire. Business groups feared the extra tax would discourage foreign direct investment and make investors steer clear of US markets altogether. One of the most vocal critics was Jonathan Samford, CEO of the Global Business Alliance, who said: “This is what leadership looks like. Choosing economic strength over squandered opportunity, investment over isolation, and American workers over misguided tax hikes.” The political shift came fast. Once Scott made the Treasury’s position public, the path to removing Section 899 got clearer. The House GOP moved quickly to prepare for a final vote on the broader budget package, which also includes an extension of Trump’s 2017 individual tax cuts and new tax breaks meant to appeal to middle-income Americans heading into the 2026 election season. The unfinished parts of the OECD deal—including the idea of replacing digital services taxes with new rules on profit-sharing across countries—no longer appear to be a concern for the administration. With the G7 on board and foreign tax enforcement no longer a threat to US firms, the retaliatory move lost its reason to exist. In Scott’s words, the new understanding with the G7 “provides greater certainty and stability for the global economy” and will “enhance growth and investment in the United States and beyond.” His message was clear: the US doesn’t need a revenge tax when it’s already negotiated its way out of the fight. Now it’s on Congress to act before foreign investors pull back even more. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

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Metaplanet Boosts Bitcoin Stash Above $1.3 Billion With 1,234 BTC Buy

Japan's biggest publicly traded Bitcoin treasury company now holds 12,345 BTC, following its latest purchase of 1,234 BTC.

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