Layer-1 blockchain Supra has announced the public testnet debut of two key innovations it believes are critical to fulfill its ambitions of becoming the leading execution hub for cross-chain decentralized finance.
They include AutoFi, a system-level automation engine that’s designed to execute DeFi transactions instantly, without delays, and SupraNova, an interoperability protocol that facilitates trustless communication between L1 networks without relying on risky blockchain bridges.
First announced last month, AutoFi is a novel solution that aims to address some of the biggest challenges in DeFi, such as transaction slippage, front-running attacks by validators and execution delays. The big innovation here is its system-level automation, which makes it possible for smart contracts to execute with zero-block delays. In other words, transactions can be completed instantly, within the same block, the moment the contract’s conditions have been met.
Built natively into the Supra stack, AutoFi represents a significant advance for DeFi. It will allow users to execute sophisticated trading strategies with laser-like precision, ensuring they can capitalize on market opportunities with unprecedented accuracy.
It’s the latest in a string of exciting innovations that set Supra apart from other blockchains. Supra is also the first L1 to feature integrated oracle price feeds and verifiable on-chain randomness, while it’s powered by a Moonshot consensus mechanism that supports up to 500,000 transactions per second with sub-second latency, making it one of the fastest networks in the business.
Streamlined transactions and sustainable economics
Supra believes AutoFi is a game-changer for three reasons. The obvious benefit is increased fairness, as AutoFi eliminates the opportunity for others to manipulate transactions. More broadly speaking, it will also help to enable a new era of artificial intelligence-powered agents that can execute advanced DeFi strategies on behalf of users.
The third major benefit is how AutoFi will help to boost Supra’s blockchain economics, redistributing revenue it generates across its ecosystem in a way that incentivizes growth. Supra’s team explained that 25% of transaction fees will go to the DeFi dApps they originate from, while another 25% is allocated to the node operators for maintaining the network. The other 50% will be redirected to Supra’s treasury, ensuring it will always have funds available to provide liquidity to the ecosystem and support other protocols building on its network.
AutoFi derives its revenue from automation task fees, which are recurring fees charged to users who register automated DeFi actions. In addition, the system features a competitive bidding mechanism, where users can bid for the rights to execute high-value actions such as liquidations.
Supra co-founder and Chief Business Officer Jon Jones likens the system to Google AdSense.
“Instead of just charging for blockspace, we’re monetizing execution priority in real time, opening up entirely new, sustainable revenue models,” he pointed out.
The result will be a self-sustaining and anti-inflationary economic loop, and Supra is so confident in the model that it believes it will be able to wean itself off block rewards within just two years.
Trustless L1-to-L1 Communications
With these capabilities in place, Supra is now turning its attention to cross-chain interoperability. SupraNova will launch its testnet on April 29, and is said to be the first truly bridgeless protocol for cross-chain communications, It eliminates the bridge by recomputing external chains’ consensus mechanisms natively and directly on its L1 network.
When a user attempts a cross-chain transaction on a supported chain, it generates a cryptographic proof of that event and submits it to Supra. SupraNova will then verify this transaction by recomputing the source blockchain’s consensus to ensure its validity, without any need for external validators, relays or multi-sigs. In this way, it ensures full preservation of the source chain’s consensus and the security guarantees it provides.
Surpa Chief Executive Joshua Tobkin said SupraNova allows blockchains to communicate with one another without any of the risks posed by bridges, which have lost billions of dollars over the years due to exploits. “It doesn’t rely on external multi-sigs or wrappers, removing the biggest vulnerabilities in interoperability,” he said.
For now, the public testnet of SurpaNova only supports Ethereum transactions, but will soon expand to include EVM-compatible proof-of-stake networks. It will then move to embrace MoveVM-based networks and ultimately, numerous other L1s and L2s.
Strategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, has expanded its cryptocurrency portfolio once again. On Monday, the company revealed it had acquired an additional 15,355 Bitcoin between April 21 and April 27, investing approximately $1.4 billion. The average purchase price was $92,737 per Bitcoin.
The move was made possible through proceeds raised from stock sales. According to a new SEC filing, Strategy sold 4.02 million shares of its Class A common stock (MSTR) and 435,069 shares of its 8.00% Series A preferred stock (STRK), generating the necessary funds.
Growing Holdings and Soaring Value
This latest acquisition brings Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings to a staggering 553,555 BTC, currently valued around $52.7 billion. Bitcoin’s price surge to roughly $95,300 has significantly boosted the company’s portfolio value, turning a $37.9 billion investment — purchased at an average of $68,459 per Bitcoin — into nearly $15 billion in unrealized gains.
Strategy’s aggressive buying spree shows no signs of slowing. The recent purchase follows a similar move last week when the company announced the acquisition of 6,556 Bitcoin.
Market Response and Future Outlook
Market watchers anticipated this move following a post by Michael Saylor on Sunday, in which he highlighted Strategy’s Bitcoin portfolio tracker — often a precursor to major announcements.
Following the news, Strategy’s stock (MSTR) rose 1.6% in pre-market trading on Monday, building on a 5% gain from the previous Friday. With Bitcoin prices maintaining strength, Strategy’s bold bet on the cryptocurrency appears to be paying off handsomely.
Healthcare technology firm Semler Scientific has further deepened its Bitcoin investment, acquiring approximately $10 million worth of the digital asset since February 14, according to a statement released on April 25.
The company confirmed the purchase of 111 Bitcoin at an average price of around $90,000 per coin. Overall, Semler now holds more than 3,300 Bitcoin, valuing its total crypto treasury at about $300 million.
Measuring Bitcoin Yield Performance
Semler highlighted that its Bitcoin acquisitions have contributed to a Bitcoin yield of 23.5% for shareholders so far this year. The Bitcoin yield metric compares the company’s Bitcoin holdings to its number of outstanding shares, helping to demonstrate how Bitcoin exposure per share has grown.
“Semler Scientific uses BTC Yield as a [key performance indicator] to help assess the performance of its strategy of acquiring bitcoin in a manner Semler Scientific believes is accretive to stockholders,” the company explained.
Since initiating this strategy in February, Semler has been aggressively building its Bitcoin position.
Financing the Bitcoin Strategy
The company stated it purchased its Bitcoin treasury for an average price close to $89,000 per coin. With Bitcoin currently trading at around $95,000, Semler’s investment has seen early gains.
To support its Bitcoin acquisitions, Semler has financed the purchases by issuing roughly $125 million in new stock. Additionally, in January, the firm announced plans to raise another $75 million through a private offering of convertible senior notes.
Semler Scientific primarily operates in the healthcare sector, developing diagnostic products that help detect chronic diseases.
Corporate Bitcoin Holdings on the Rise
Semler’s move follows a broader trend among corporations accumulating Bitcoin for their treasuries. Data shows public companies collectively hold approximately $71 billion worth of Bitcoin as of April 25.
Leading the pack is Michael Saylor’s Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), which boasts a treasury valued at over $50 billion. During the week of April 14 alone, Strategy acquired an additional 6,556 Bitcoin at an average price of $84,785 per coin.
Despite corporations building significant Bitcoin reserves, they still trail behind Bitcoin holdings managed by exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which control about $110 billion in Bitcoin.
Semler’s aggressive Bitcoin strategy mirrors the growing institutional appetite for digital assets, signaling a continuing shift in corporate finance strategies.
Bitwise Asset Management is making waves in the crypto investment space once again with its registration of the Bitwise NEAR ETF in Delaware. This move could pave the way for the first U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to NEAR, the native token of the NEAR Protocol.
A Strategic Expansion into Altcoins
The newly registered trust marks Bitwise’s ongoing effort to diversify beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. If approved, this ETF would grant institutional investors streamlined access to NEAR through a regulated product. This eliminates the hassle of managing private keys, wallets, and complex custody arrangements.
Unlike private placement vehicles, ETFs provide real-time price transparency and are easily accessible via public exchanges. The fund would track NEAR’s spot price and disclose its holdings daily, helping investors better manage risk and portfolio exposure.
Previous NEAR Investment Products
Bitwise’s push comes amid rising interest in altcoin ETFs. Competitors such as 21Shares and Grayscale have already launched NEAR-related products, though not in the ETF format. 21Shares offers a staking ETP, while Grayscale’s NEAR Trust targets accredited investors via private placement.
Bitwise’s offering, however, would be the first of its kind on a U.S. exchange, opening the door for broader institutional engagement with NEAR.
Growing Crypto Product Portfolio
Bitwise has become a heavyweight in the digital asset investment landscape. As of October 2024, the firm managed over $5 billion in assets, a fourfold increase within the year. Its product suite spans crypto index funds, spot ETPs, separately managed accounts, and more.
One of its most successful launches, the spot Bitcoin ETF (BITB), debuted in January 2024 and has already amassed $3.6 billion in assets. This fund is now considered one of the top-performing Bitcoin ETFs in the market.
Looking ahead, Bitwise plans to expand its ETF offerings to include other high-profile crypto assets like XRP, Dogecoin, and Solana.
Regulatory Momentum Under Trump-Era Policies
Bitwise’s latest move is also seen as part of a larger trend driven by a more crypto-friendly political climate. The Trump administration’s return to power has fostered optimism in the industry, with many anticipating quicker approvals for innovative financial products.
Earlier this week, Trump Media and Crypto.com announced plans to launch “America-first ETFs,” including funds tied to Cronos. These announcements reflect growing confidence that the new SEC leadership will take a more favorable stance on digital assets.
All Eyes on the SEC
Ultimately, the fate of the Bitwise NEAR ETF rests with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins is expected to oversee the review of numerous pending crypto fund applications in the coming months.
If approved, Bitwise’s NEAR ETF could open a new chapter in institutional crypto investing—signaling that the altcoin era is gaining mainstream financial traction.
Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company behind the conservative social platform Truth Social, is diving headfirst into the world of finance and digital assets. In a major development, the company has signed agreements with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital to introduce a suite of exchange-traded products—including ETFs linked to Bitcoin and the Cronos token.
Expanding into Fintech with Truth.Fi
The move marks a strategic expansion for TMTG, which earlier this year launched its fintech division, Truth.Fi. The new entity aims to invest up to $250 million in ETFs and separately managed accounts (SMAs), targeting sectors such as digital assets and core American industries like energy.
“This agreement is a major step forward in diversifying TMTG into financial services and digital assets,” said CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes. He added that the company’s goal is to create investment products “for investors who believe both the American economy and digital assets are poised for tremendous growth.”
Global Ambitions and Regulatory Pathways
The ETFs, once they receive the necessary regulatory approvals, are set to roll out later this year across North America, Europe, and Asia via existing brokerages and platforms. Foris Capital US LLC, Crypto.com’s registered broker-dealer, will handle distribution.
These developments come after Trump Media revealed a non-binding agreement with Crypto.com in March. In addition to ETFs, the company plans to introduce Truth.Fi-branded SMAs, although further details are still under wraps.
Crypto.com’s Role in Bridging TradFi and Crypto
Crypto.com’s involvement is key to the project’s execution and credibility. CEO Kris Marszalek called the partnership “a testament” to the platform’s ability to connect traditional finance with the crypto world.
“It’s a win for Trump Media, Crypto.com, CRO, and Yorkville America Digital,” Marszalek stated, signaling confidence in the upcoming product lineup and its global distribution potential.
Troy Rillo, CEO of Yorkville America Digital, added, “Finalizing our agreement with Trump Media and Crypto.com for our ETF launch is a significant milestone as we work to bring to market new products that align with the America-First focus of our firm.”
Future Roadmap: Cronos ETF and Stablecoin
Looking ahead, Crypto.com has ambitious plans for the remainder of 2025. A spot ETF for Cronos (CRO) is scheduled for application submission in Q4 2025. In parallel, the company is also preparing to launch a stablecoin by Q3. While full details are still unknown, the stablecoin is expected to improve cross-border payments, DeFi usage, and on-platform transactions.
Additionally, brokerage giant Charles Schwab has been appointed custodian for the $250 million fund set aside by Trump Media, further reinforcing institutional backing behind the effort.
With this partnership, Trump Media is positioning itself at the intersection of conservative finance and crypto innovation—an area likely to attract both political and investor interest in equal measure.
Gold and Bitcoin surged in early Asian markets after Donald Trump posted a cryptic but impactful message on social media, reinforcing the symbolic link between wealth and power. This latest boost for the two assets came amid broader economic jitters and renewed global uncertainty.
Trump’s post on Truth Social read:
“THE GOLDEN RULE OF NEGOTIATING AND SUCCESS: HE WHO HAS THE GOLD MAKES THE RULES.”
This message, which alludes to gold as a tool of influence, triggered immediate market reactions. Gold soared to a record high of $3,385, climbing nearly 2% in just 24 hours. Bitcoin, following close behind, jumped roughly 3% to reach $87,500, adding to a 4.5% gain over the previous week.
Analysts Point to Broader Global Concerns
While Trump’s comment added a flashpoint, market analysts suggest the underlying momentum for both assets stems from escalating US-China tensions and fears surrounding the strength of the US economy. These concerns appear to be fueling investor interest in assets traditionally seen as safe havens.
The Kobeissi Letter offered a broader interpretation of the situation:
“Gold has hit its 55th all-time high in 12 months, and Bitcoin is officially joining the run, now above $87,000. The narrative in both Gold and Bitcoin is aligning for the first time in years: Gold and Bitcoin are telling us that a weaker US Dollar and more uncertainty are on the way.”
These synchronized movements suggest growing skepticism about the US dollar’s stability, potentially signaling a broader economic shift.
Dollar Woes Amplify the Trend
Monday trading saw the US dollar index plummet to a three-year low, compounding the sense of uncertainty. The decline followed remarks from National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, who revealed that President Trump is still exploring options to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
This revelation rattled markets, sparking fears that Trump may seek increased control over the Federal Reserve. Traders responded swiftly, selling off the dollar as confidence in monetary policy independence took a hit.
Bitcoin Defies Its Typical Patterns
Interestingly, Bitcoin’s climb during this dollar slump represents a notable deviation from past behavior. Typically, a weakening dollar sees Bitcoin decline or remain stagnant, given that both are viewed as alternative stores of value.
However, this time, Bitcoin surged, with some analysts calling it a potential “regime shift.” The move suggests that Bitcoin may be evolving beyond its classification as just another risky asset, hinting at a maturing role in financial markets.
Still, some remain cautious. While this divergence could indicate a new chapter for Bitcoin, analysts are not ready to conclude that the cryptocurrency has decoupled completely from other risk-sensitive investments.
Gold vs. Tech: Bitcoin’s True Alignment
Despite its reputation as “digital gold,” Bitcoin has historically been more closely correlated with tech stocks than with precious metals. According to Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, the correlation coefficient between Bitcoin and gold has rarely topped 0.3, indicating weak alignment.
In contrast, Bitcoin’s connection with the tech sector has been far more robust. Over the past three years, its correlation with tech equities has reached as high as 0.7—suggesting that market movements in Bitcoin often mirror those in technology stocks.
As uncertainty builds and safe-haven narratives evolve, investors appear to be re-evaluating where Bitcoin fits in the larger financial ecosystem.
One year after Bitcoin’s 2024 halving event, market observers are applauding BTC’s strength in the face of economic headwinds. The halving, which reduced block rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC, appears to have triggered not only scarcity-driven optimism but also speculation around a faster market cycle.
Bitcoin Holds Strong Despite Global Tensions
Since the May 2024 halving, Bitcoin has surged over 33%, even as fears surrounding a global trade war between the U.S. and China have escalated.
“So, even though Bitcoin’s showing resilience, I think the mix of past experiences, economic uncertainty, and this selling pressure is keeping investors on the sidelines, waiting for a stronger green light before they jump in,” said Enmanuel Cardozo, market analyst at Brickken.
Cardozo believes institutional players could influence the timing of this cycle. “For the 2024 halving in May, that puts the bottom around Q3 this year and a peak mid-2026, but I think we might see things move a bit sooner because the market’s more mature now with more liquidity.”
Monetary Policy Could Shape BTC’s Next Leg Up
Cardozo also pointed to potential monetary policy moves as a catalyst. A U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut, possibly in May or June, could inject additional liquidity into markets and help push Bitcoin higher.
The halving mechanism itself is a built-in feature of Bitcoin’s monetary policy, designed to reduce supply and maintain scarcity. This supply shock, when paired with heightened demand, has historically preceded bull runs.
Institutional Demand and ETFs Alter the Playing Field
Another analyst, Vugar Usi Zade of Bitget, suggested the market cycle might be accelerating due to institutional adoption and ETF activity.
“With growing scarcity triggered by the halving, Bitcoin will likely retest its all-time high if it breaches the $90,000 mark in the coming weeks,” he explained. “While the halving offers a good basis for growth based on demand and scarcity, the timeline for impact on price can vary over time.”
Zade emphasized that Bitcoin’s growth remains closely tied to broader financial markets and investor sentiment.
New All-Time High Came Quicker Than Previous Cycles
Recent price action supports the idea of a compressed cycle. According to data from trader Jelle, Bitcoin reached a new all-time high above $109,000 on January 20—just 273 days after the 2024 halving.
That’s a significant acceleration compared to previous cycles: the 2021 halving took 546 days to peak, and the 2017 cycle needed 518 days.
As the ecosystem matures with institutional players, ETFs, and evolving market dynamics, many analysts believe Bitcoin may no longer follow its traditional four-year pattern. Instead, the cryptocurrency could be entering a new era of accelerated, liquidity-driven growth.
Bitcoin’s price may be heading for new highs in the coming months, according to recent research by economist Timothy Peterson. His analysis suggests that Bitcoin could reach as high as $138,000 within 90 days — provided current macroeconomic trends hold.
Statistical Edge for Bitcoin Bulls
Peterson’s latest forecast is rooted in a data-driven look at the U.S. High Yield Index Effective Yield, which is currently above 8%. Based on historical data, this level of yield has coincided with positive Bitcoin performance more often than not.
“This has happened 38 times since 2010 (monthly data),” he explained. “3 months later: Bitcoin was up 71% of the time. The median gain was +31%. If it went lower, the worst loss was -16%.”
With these odds favoring the bulls, Peterson outlined a potential BTC price range between $75,000 and $138,000 over the next three months.
Strong Floor, Bullish Ceiling
Peterson’s models, including his proprietary “Lowest Price Forward” tool, continue to suggest solid support for Bitcoin even in the face of market volatility. Earlier this year, he gave 95% odds that Bitcoin would not fall below $69,000 in March.
For Bitcoin to hit the upper end of his new forecast, it would require a 62% rally from current levels. While ambitious, the projection is not out of reach if the macroeconomic environment remains favorable.
Unusual Correlation With the U.S. Dollar
In a notable shift, Bitcoin has shown a rare positive correlation with the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), diverging from its historical pattern. Peterson attributes this anomaly to shared responses to broader economic stressors.
“This level of BTC-USD correlation is unprecedented. The relationship is not causal, but reflective of underlying conditions affecting both,” he said.
He further explained that in 2024, Bitcoin and the dollar began reacting similarly to factors like tightening liquidity, elevated real interest rates, and global risk aversion. However, he believes this alignment is temporary.
“BTC will decouple and rise when real yields drop + liquidity returns,” Peterson predicted.
Dollar Weakness Could Fuel the Next Rally
Recent data shows the DXY holding below the critical 100 threshold — one of its weakest points in the last three years. This decline in dollar strength may offer Bitcoin a tailwind, mirroring conditions during the early 2023 bull run.
While macroeconomic uncertainty continues, analysts like Peterson remain optimistic that Bitcoin could capitalize on the current environment, potentially ushering in a new phase of growth.
Coinbase’s layer 2 blockchain, Base, found itself at the center of controversy after a post on its social media account was transformed into a tradeable token using Zora. What started as a seemingly light-hearted experiment quickly evolved into a volatile market event.
Token Minted from a Tweet Sparks Frenzy
The drama began when Base’s official X account shared a post reading “Base is for everyone,” followed by a second post linking to Zora and saying “coined it.” That post indicated the message had been minted as an ERC-20 token on the platform.
Despite Zora’s disclaimer that the token wasn’t official, speculation exploded. The market cap shot up to $17 million before collapsing by roughly 94% to around $1 million, based on data from DEXScreener.
Market Whiplash and Wallet Concentration Raise Eyebrows
On-chain analyst Hantao Yuan highlighted that nearly half of the token’s supply was held by just three wallets. One of them alone controlled 25.6%. Yuan also noted that volume bots played a major role in the price swings. Over 2,500 wallets were affected, with many users feeling misled.
In a statement issued after the chaos, the Base team described the incident as a content tokenization experiment. Although they received 10 million of the tokens, they assured the community they wouldn’t sell them.
Mixed Reactions Across the Crypto Space
While some users expressed confusion and frustration, others mocked the situation. Alon, co-founder of Pump.fun, weighed in by saying this kind of tokenization might become standard practice in the future, but for now, it shows a disconnect with today’s expectations.
He added, “Tokenizing everything is a great idea, but with that power comes responsibility.”
Value Rebounds but Concerns Remain
In a surprising twist, the token rebounded strongly after its initial drop, reaching a valuation of approximately $23 million before settling around $18 million. Trading volume exceeded $30 million in just 12 hours. Zora’s data shows the creator earnings for Base reached about $70,000.
Despite the backlash, Base’s creator Jesse Pollak doubled down on promoting on-chain content. He called on brands to embrace tokenization through platforms like Zora. Pollak framed it as a “new form of marketing” offering greater engagement and monetization potential.
This comes on the heels of Coinbase reviving its plans to tokenize its $COIN stock, aiming to bring blockchain-based securities into the U.S. financial landscape.
A senior Russian Finance Ministry official has called for the development of local stablecoins in the wake of U.S. and European action targeting digital wallets tied to Russian interests. Osman Kabaloev, deputy director of the ministry’s financial policy department, made the remarks after wallets holding Tether’s USDT were blocked last month.
Push for Non-USD Stablecoins Grows
The sanctions have forced Russian officials to consider creating stablecoins similar in function to USDT but pegged to currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The motivation stems from the disruption caused by the freezing of Russian-linked digital assets and increasing difficulty in accessing Western financial systems.
Garantex Sanctions Trigger Crypto Clampdown
In February, the European Union sanctioned Garantex, a major Russian crypto exchange, citing its associations with blacklisted financial institutions such as Sberbank, T-Bank, and Alfa-Bank. The EU accused the platform of helping these banks evade restrictions.
Following the EU action, Tether blocked Garantex-linked wallets that held over 2.5 billion rubles (approximately $30 million). This move forced the exchange to halt operations temporarily, suspending crypto withdrawals and leading to broader implications for Russia’s crypto landscape.
The platform’s infrastructure was subsequently seized by U.S. and European authorities, escalating enforcement efforts. The U.S. Department of Justice later unsealed indictments against several key Garantex figures, alleging the platform processed $96 billion in illicit transactions linked to cybercrime and money laundering.
Crypto Payments in International Trade
Despite official resistance to crypto for domestic use, Russia has been experimenting with its application in cross-border payments. Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina reiterated her opposition to crypto for internal transactions but confirmed international crypto payments were being tested.
These tests come at a time when Russia is searching for alternative methods to bypass Western sanctions. In March, reports surfaced that the country had utilized cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and USDT, for oil trades with China and India.
Stablecoins and Digital Ruble in Focus
Moscow has been exploring a variety of financial workarounds since the onset of sanctions, including launching its own central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble. Alongside this, there is growing interest in non-dollar stablecoins to provide payment flexibility and geopolitical resilience.
While these strategies are seen as innovative ways to circumvent restrictions, progress has been slow. The adoption of a digital ruble remains in its infancy, and stablecoin projects are still conceptual, highlighting the significant hurdles ahead for Russia’s financial evolution in a sanction-heavy environment.