Crypto Intelligence - Page 6

Artificial Intelligence Dominates Family Office Strategy While Crypto Lags Behind

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Artificial intelligence has become the clear priority for the world’s largest family offices, with a strong majority identifying AI-driven opportunities as central to their future investment strategies across multiple regions and asset classes.

A new report from JPMorgan Private Bank surveyed 333 single-family offices across 30 countries and found that 65% are either currently investing in AI or planning to do so soon.

By comparison, cryptocurrencies and digital assets continue to attract far less enthusiasm, with only 17% of respondents identifying the sector as an important theme for future allocations.

The findings also revealed that 89% of family offices currently hold no crypto exposure at all, while the global average allocation to digital assets stands at just 0.4%.

Exposure to Bitcoin is even more limited, averaging just 0.2%, suggesting that digital assets remain on the fringes of institutional family wealth strategies.

Private Equity And Growth Sectors Lead Allocation Plans

Private equity remains the dominant asset class among respondents, with 37% planning to increase allocations over the next 12 to 18 months as they pursue long-term growth opportunities.

Growth equity and venture capital are also rising in prominence, particularly as family offices view them as primary entry points into early-stage AI innovation and emerging technology ecosystems.

Despite this, more than half of the offices surveyed still report having no exposure to those segments, indicating that capital deployment into innovation remains selective rather than widespread.

Geographically, 59% of respondents are based in the United States, while others span Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, creating a diverse but cautious global investment footprint.

Gold And Traditional Hedges Fail To Attract Interest

Even traditional safe-haven assets such as gold are failing to capture meaningful attention from family offices, with 72% reporting no exposure despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

“Despite geopolitical fears, family offices avoid gold and crypto,” the report wrote, adding that “appetite for traditional and emerging hedges remains limited.”

Geopolitical instability was cited as the top portfolio risk by 20% of respondents, followed by concerns over liquidity and trade policy, each highlighted by 12% of participants.

Other concerns included asset valuations, slowing economic growth and risks tied to concentrated portfolio positioning across fewer high-conviction investments.

Asian Family Offices Show Growing Interest In Crypto

While global interest in digital assets remains subdued, family offices across parts of Asia appear to be taking a different approach toward cryptocurrency exposure.

Reports have suggested that wealthy families in Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China are exploring allocations closer to 5% of their portfolios amid rising demand for crypto-focused funds.

One Hong Kong-based multi-family office with $4 billion under management recently confirmed plans to invest up to $10 million into specialist crypto strategies for the first time.

This regional divergence highlights how attitudes toward digital assets can vary significantly depending on market maturity, regulatory clarity and client demand.

Tether Reports Lower Profits as Treasury Reserves Reach Record Levels

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Tether revealed that its net profit for 2025 declined by roughly $3 billion compared to the previous year, even as the company’s holdings of United States Treasury bills climbed to the highest level in its history.

Figures verified in a report prepared by accounting firm BDO showed the stablecoin issuer generated more than $10 billion in net profit during the year, down from the $13 billion it recorded in 2024.

Treasury allocation reflects focus on safety and liquidity

Direct exposure to U.S. Treasuries surpassed $122 billion, a level the company described as evidence of an ongoing shift toward highly liquid, low-risk assets within its reserve management strategy.

Total assets on the balance sheet increased by $49.17 billion year on year, reflecting expanding issuance and continued accumulation of reserves as the stablecoin ecosystem grew across international markets.

USDt issuance rises as demand for digital dollars accelerates

Over the past twelve months, the company issued approximately $50 billion worth of new USDt tokens as demand for digital dollars increased in regions where traditional banking systems remain slow or fragmented.

Tether chief executive Paolo Ardoino said the stablecoin’s adoption has expanded because of “global demand” for U.S. dollars increasingly moving outside conventional financial infrastructure.

“Particularly in regions where financial systems are slow, fragmented, or inaccessible,” he said, claiming that the stablecoin has “become the most widely adopted monetary social network in the history of humanity.”

Market attention remains fixed on Tether’s reserves

Market participants continue to monitor Tether’s disclosures closely because USDt represents a substantial share of liquidity used across exchanges, trading desks, and decentralised finance platforms worldwide.

USDt ranks as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation behind Bitcoin and Ether, making its reported reserves an important indicator of confidence across the broader stablecoin market.

Traders frequently rely on USDt as a digital dollar substitute for collateral, settlement, and margin purposes, increasing the importance of reserve composition and overall profitability figures.

Gold exposure strengthens alongside dollar-backed reserves

Alongside Treasuries, Tether has steadily increased its exposure to gold, reporting approximately $12 billion in gold-related reserves as of September 2025.

The company holds 520,089 troy ounces of gold specifically backing its XAUt tokens, equivalent to roughly 16.2 metric tons, which are kept separate from its broader bullion holdings.

“Tether maintains approximately 130 metric tons of physical gold, and the gold backing every XAUT token is held separately, making it eligible for physical delivery redemption,” a spokesperson for Tether recently told Cointelegraph.

Broader physical gold reserves amount to about 130 metric tons, valued at nearly $22 billion at current market prices, adding another layer of perceived stability to its overall reserve structure.

Ether Drops Below Key $2,750 Support Level

Ether has suffered a sharp pullback over recent days, breaking below a key support level and raising concerns that the broader downtrend may not yet be complete.

The ETH/USD pair has fallen more than 10% in just three days, slipping under the closely watched $2,800 zone for the first time since early December.

That breakdown has weakened confidence among traders, with many now focusing on lower price levels that could come into play if selling pressure persists.

At the time of writing, Ether was trading close to $2,700, a level described by analyst Metacryptox as a critical battleground for bullish market participants.

“A failure to hold here confirms the bearish dominance, potentially opening the doors to the $2,500 mid-range,” Metacryptox said.

Technical patterns converge near $2,100

From a chart perspective, Ether has breached the horizontal support of a descending triangle, a formation that often signals trend continuation to the downside.

The next significant area of support sits near $2,500, which also aligns with the 200-week simple moving average, an indicator closely followed by long-term investors.

If that level fails to attract sustained buying interest, technical projections point toward a deeper slide toward the $2,150 to $2,100 region.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has highlighted that Ether has also broken down from a symmetrical triangle, placing the “burden of proof” firmly on bulls.

Based on the width of that formation, the measured downside target sits near $2,100, representing a potential decline of more than 20% from current levels.

Momentum indicators add to the cautious outlook, with the relative strength index dropping sharply from January highs and signalling weakening buying strength.

Onchain data echoes early bear market signals

Beyond price charts, onchain metrics are also flashing warning signs that mirror previous market downturns for Ether.

The net unrealized profit and loss indicator has shifted from the “anxiety” zone into the “fear” zone, a transition historically associated with prolonged corrections.

This measure tracks the balance between unrealized profits and losses across the network, offering insight into broader investor sentiment.

In past cycles, similar moves into the fear zone coincided with extended periods of declining prices before a durable bottom was formed.

Additional concern comes from moving average crossovers, with the 111-day moving average now trading below the 200-day average.

Comparable setups in 2018 and 2022 preceded deeper drawdowns, suggesting Ether may still face further downside before stabilising.

Bitcoin Targets $93,500 as Traders Watch Massive Short Liquidation Zone

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Bitcoin showed sharp volatility on Wednesday after briefly rallying to $90,600 before losing momentum following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged.

The price reaction highlighted how sensitive crypto markets remain to macroeconomic signals, particularly those tied to monetary policy.

Although the rally faded quickly, traders are now focused on a higher price zone that could define Bitcoin’s next major move.

Market data suggests $93,500 has emerged as a critical level where billions of dollars in short positions are vulnerable to liquidation.

If Bitcoin approaches this area, forced buying could significantly accelerate price action.

This scenario would turn what appears to be a modest recovery into a fast-moving breakout.

Many traders view liquidation clusters as magnets that attract price due to the liquidity they provide.

The concentration of shorts near $93,500 makes it one of the most watched levels in the current market structure.

Why $93,500 Has Become a Key Target

Crypto trader Mark Cullen highlighted the importance of the $93,500 level on Bitcoin’s liquidation maps.

He described the zone as standing out clearly, calling it a “come get me” signal for traders.

According to Cullen, the size and visibility of the liquidation cluster make it difficult for the market to ignore.

Data shows more than $4.5 billion in cumulative short positions positioned around this price.

If Bitcoin trades into that region, many of these positions could be automatically closed.

Short liquidations force traders to buy Bitcoin to exit losing positions.

This buying pressure can quickly compound and push prices higher in a short period.

Such events often produce sudden, aggressive price spikes rather than slow upward movement.

Liquidation-driven rallies are common in markets dominated by leveraged trading.

Bitcoin’s derivatives market remains one of the most active in the global financial system.

The size of these positions suggests that even modest upward movement could create significant momentum.

Leverage Dominates While Spot Demand Lags

Despite the technical appeal of the $93,500 target, underlying market participation tells a more cautious story.

The Coinbase Bitcoin premium index remains firmly negative.

This indicates weaker demand from US-based spot investors.

A negative premium usually means Bitcoin is trading cheaper on Coinbase compared to offshore exchanges.

That gap suggests US institutional and retail buyers are not aggressively accumulating.

Instead, futures markets appear to be driving most of the recent volatility.

Futures trading relies heavily on leverage, which increases both potential gains and risks.

When price moves against leveraged positions, forced liquidations occur rapidly.

This structure makes rallies more explosive but also more fragile.

Without spot demand backing price increases, gains can reverse just as quickly.

Sustainable bull markets typically require strong participation from spot buyers.

At present, that component appears weak.

Risk-Off Signals Continue to Flash

Crypto analyst Leo Ruga highlighted that broader market indicators still reflect caution.

He pointed to the composite risk oscillator, which compares Bitcoin with assets like stocks, gold, oil, and the dollar.

The oscillator remains in what he described as risk-off territory.

Its current reading near 52 suggests stress rather than expansion.

Ruga also noted elevated readings in the on-chain pressure oscillator.

This metric tracks selling pressure from large holders and long-term investors.

Levels above 34 have historically coincided with market distribution phases.

These signals imply that sellers may still have influence.

For a sustainable recovery, selling pressure must diminish significantly.

Until that happens, bullish momentum may struggle to persist.

Short-term pumps remain possible, but they lack confirmation from broader indicators.

Whale Activity Remains Neutral

Analyst Pelin Ay focused on Bitcoin’s Whale Ratio as another important signal.

The Whale Ratio tracks the proportion of large transactions flowing into exchanges.

High readings often suggest whales are preparing to sell.

Low readings suggest accumulation or holding behavior.

Currently, the ratio sits near its 100-day moving average.

This position signals neutrality rather than conviction.

Whales are not aggressively selling, which limits downside risk.

However, they are also not accumulating aggressively, which limits upside momentum.

Strong bull trends usually emerge when whales actively accumulate.

The absence of that behavior suggests hesitation among large market participants.

This neutral stance contributes to choppy and unpredictable price movement.

Volatility may continue without a clear directional bias.

What Comes Next for Bitcoin

Bitcoin’s structure shows tension between liquidation-driven upside and weak underlying demand.

The $93,500 level remains a powerful magnet due to the massive short exposure clustered there.

If price moves higher, liquidations could push Bitcoin rapidly toward that zone.

However, without strong spot buying, such a rally may lack staying power.

Risk-off indicators and neutral whale behavior suggest caution is still warranted.

Bitcoin may continue moving in sharp, volatile swings rather than a smooth trend.

Traders will closely monitor whether price action becomes supported by spot market participation.

Until then, Bitcoin remains driven by leverage rather than conviction.

Morgan Stanley Moves to Expand Its Crypto Strategy With Amy Oldenburg Appointment

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Morgan Stanley has appointed veteran executive Amy Oldenburg to lead its newly established crypto unit as the bank accelerates its push into digital assets.

The move comes only weeks after the investment bank revealed plans to launch three crypto exchange-traded funds and introduce a crypto wallet for its clients.

This marks one of the firm’s most decisive steps into the crypto space after years of cautious engagement.

Oldenburg will transition into the role of head of digital asset strategy after more than two decades with Morgan Stanley’s emerging markets equity team.

She has been with the bank since 2001 and has played a central role in shaping its approach to developing markets and new financial products.

Her appointment signals that Morgan Stanley is taking a long-term and structured approach to building its digital asset operations.

A Leadership Shift with Strategic Intent

Oldenburg has led the emerging markets team since November 2021, where she was responsible for driving the division’s digital asset strategy.

Her experience in navigating volatile markets and complex financial products is expected to be instrumental as Morgan Stanley deepens its crypto exposure.

The transition highlights how digital assets are no longer seen as a side project but as a core part of the bank’s future strategy.

By placing a seasoned executive at the helm, Morgan Stanley is aiming to blend traditional financial discipline with emerging technology innovation.

This approach could help reassure clients who remain cautious about crypto while still capturing new growth opportunities.

It also reflects growing competition among major financial institutions to position themselves as leaders in digital finance.

Expanding the Crypto Workforce

Job postings indicate that Morgan Stanley is actively growing its digital asset team.

The bank is recruiting for roles such as digital assets strategy director, digital assets strategist, and digital assets product lead.

These positions suggest that the firm is building a comprehensive structure covering research, product development, and client strategy.

Such hiring activity shows that the crypto unit is being designed as a permanent fixture rather than a temporary experiment.

It also signals confidence that client demand for digital assets will continue to rise.

The expansion supports the idea that Morgan Stanley is preparing for a broader adoption of crypto-related services across its business.

New Crypto ETFs and Market Impact

Morgan Stanley recently filed to launch spot Bitcoin and Solana exchange-traded funds.

These filings represent the firm’s first major entry into crypto ETFs after largely staying on the sidelines during the earlier wave of institutional adoption.

Later, the bank also filed for a staked Ether ETF that would hold ETH while staking an undisclosed portion to earn additional income.

If approved, these products could open the door to significant new inflows into BTC, ETH, and SOL.

Morgan Stanley serves around 19 million clients through its wealth management division, giving it enormous distribution potential.

This reach could make its crypto offerings highly influential in shaping market demand.

Building a Crypto Wallet and Tokenized Assets

Beyond ETFs, Morgan Stanley is planning to launch a crypto wallet that supports both cryptocurrencies and tokenized real-world assets.

These assets may include stocks, bonds, and real estate represented in digital form on blockchains.

Such a platform would position the bank at the center of the growing trend toward asset tokenization.

It would also give clients more flexibility in managing and transferring both traditional and digital investments.

The move reflects a broader shift toward integrating blockchain technology into mainstream finance.

Oldenburg’s Stance on Self-Custody

Oldenburg has consistently emphasized the importance of crypto self-custody.

She has spoken publicly about the principle of “Not your keys, not your coins” and the need for stronger infrastructure that allows individuals to control their own assets.

“I want my liquidity 24/7, and also we have clients that want to move assets that they have and potentially bank them with us and be able to leverage all of the features that the digital assets space allows you,” Oldenburg said at the Digital Assets Summit 2025.

She previously expressed skepticism toward ETFs because they did not support staking and direct asset utility.

However, regulatory attitudes have since shifted toward greater openness to more advanced crypto products.

This change may align better with her vision of a more functional and user-controlled digital financial system.

Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Reacts to Rumours of Him Returning After Trump Move

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Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao has firmly ruled out any return to the crypto exchange, even after receiving a presidential pardon that removed the legal barriers preventing him from doing so.

Zhao said the pardon issued by US President Donald Trump lifted all previous restrictions that had stopped him from holding a position at the company.

Despite that, he made it clear that returning to Binance was never part of his future plans.

“I haven’t really needed to go back. I didn’t really want to. I thought it was a pretty good way for me to step down, away from Binance after seven years,” he said.

Zhao explained that while the separation from the company was painful at the time, it eventually became something he accepted.

“At the time, it was very painful. I didn’t like it. But after, you get used to it. I don’t think it’s good for me to go back. I think we should leave room for other strong leaders to grow,” Zhao added.

His comments reflected a broader view that leadership transitions should be respected rather than reversed.

Zhao pleaded guilty in November 2023 to failing to maintain an effective Anti–Money Laundering program at Binance.

He was later sentenced to four months in prison and barred from working at the exchange.

Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao in October sparked controversy among US lawmakers.

Some questioned Binance’s alleged connections to Trump-linked crypto ventures.

Trump denied knowing who Zhao was when asked about the decision.

Zhao has consistently maintained that Binance has flourished since his departure.

He described the company as stable and progressing under its new leadership.

“Two capable CEOs” are now guiding the exchange forward, according to Zhao.

He said Binance had experienced growth across several important metrics.

These included increases in users, trading volume, and overall market share.

In a December open letter, Binance executives revealed the platform had surpassed 300 million users.

The company also reported total annual trading volume of $34 trillion.

Zhao described himself as a passive shareholder rather than an active executive.

“I just thought, look; they don’t need a backseat driver today. I’m still a shareholder,” Zhao said.

He added that his involvement was limited to offering advice through social media.

“I’m just a pretty passive shareholder, and today when I want to give them advice, I just write it on Twitter,” he said.

Zhao’s withdrawal from daily operations has allowed him to focus on broader crypto industry trends.

One of his most notable predictions involves Bitcoin’s future market behavior.

He believes the traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle could be nearing its end.

Bitcoin has historically followed a pattern of sharp rises followed by steep corrections.

This pattern has repeated roughly every four years since its creation.

Zhao suggested that a new market environment may disrupt that structure.

“Normally, Bitcoin follows four-year cycles, if you look at historic data every four years there’s an all-time high, and then there’s a drop,” Zhao explained.

“But I think this year, given the US being so pro crypto and every other country is kind of following, I do think we will see this; we will probably break the four-year cycle,” he added.

He believes Bitcoin could be entering what economists describe as a super cycle.

A super cycle represents a prolonged period of exceptional growth driven by strong fundamentals.

Such cycles often mark structural changes in markets rather than temporary rallies.

Zhao sees growing institutional adoption as a key driver of this potential shift.

He also pointed to regulatory clarity in the United States as a major catalyst.

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has accelerated mainstream acceptance of digital assets.

Institutional capital is now flowing into crypto at unprecedented levels.

This has changed Bitcoin’s role from speculative asset to financial infrastructure.

Zhao said government support could transform crypto from a niche market into a global standard.

He suggested that international governments are closely watching US policy direction.

Many countries are now adjusting their regulatory frameworks accordingly.

Despite recent market weakness, Zhao remains optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term outlook.

Crypto prices and sentiment have dipped at the start of the year.

Zhao described the downturn as temporary rather than structural.

He believes the foundations of the industry are stronger than ever.

Bitcoin’s supply structure and growing demand form a powerful economic equation.

The limited supply of Bitcoin makes it uniquely positioned in an inflationary environment.

Zhao said these conditions could support sustained upward price movement.

If a super cycle does emerge, it would mark a historic turning point for crypto markets.

It would reshape how investors interpret Bitcoin price behavior.

The traditional boom-and-bust model may no longer apply.

Zhao’s views reflect growing confidence among crypto industry leaders.

While he has stepped away from Binance leadership, his influence remains significant.

His commentary continues to shape market sentiment and long-term strategy discussions.

Zhao’s departure from Binance now appears final and deliberate.

He has positioned himself as a strategic observer rather than an executive decision-maker.

The industry, he believes, is stronger when leadership evolves naturally.

His focus has shifted from building exchanges to shaping ideas.

Bitcoin’s future, in Zhao’s view, is only just beginning.

SEC Case Against Gemini and Genesis Dismissed With Prejudice After 3-Year Battle

The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil lawsuit against Gemini Trust Company and Genesis Global Capital has been dismissed with prejudice, effectively ending the long-running legal dispute.

Court filings show the parties jointly agreed to dismiss the case in the Southern District of New York.

The dismissal still requires approval from a federal judge to become final.

Once approved, the SEC will be permanently barred from bringing the same claims again.

The lawsuit centered on Gemini’s Earn program, which allowed customers to lend crypto assets through Genesis.

The SEC had alleged the program involved the sale of unregistered securities.

The case was originally filed in January 2023 during a period of aggressive regulatory enforcement against crypto firms.

The dismissal marks a significant legal victory for Gemini and the broader crypto industry.

It also signals a shift in regulatory priorities under the current administration.

Background of the Earn Program

Gemini Earn allowed customers to earn interest by lending digital assets to Genesis.

Genesis then used those assets for institutional lending and trading activities.

The program collapsed following Genesis’s bankruptcy in 2022 after major market disruptions.

Many investors feared they would never recover their funds.

However, the bankruptcy process ultimately resulted in a 100% in-kind return of assets.

The SEC cited this recovery as one reason it agreed to dismiss the case.

Gemini also committed up to $40 million to support the full repayment of customers.

The regulator acknowledged that customer harm had been effectively resolved.

Genesis had already settled with the SEC earlier by paying a $21 million fine.

That settlement removed Genesis from further litigation risk related to the case.

Regulatory Shift Under New Leadership

The SEC paused the Gemini lawsuit in April 2024 while Mark Uyeda was serving as acting chairman.

The pause suggested the agency was reassessing its broader crypto enforcement strategy.

Since the Trump administration took office in January 2025, several crypto cases have been dropped.

The administration has publicly promised to reduce regulatory pressure on the digital asset sector.

Gemini’s case adds to a growing list of abandoned lawsuits.

Other firms benefiting from dismissals include Binance, Kraken, Uniswap, Immutable, and Robinhood.

The trend signals a dramatic departure from the aggressive enforcement seen under the prior administration.

Regulators now appear more focused on collaboration and clarity rather than punishment.

This shift has been welcomed by much of the crypto industry.

It has also improved investor confidence across digital asset markets.

Impact on the Crypto Industry

The dismissal provides reassurance that crypto lending programs may be revisited under clearer legal frameworks.

Many companies paused innovation after facing legal uncertainty.

With the SEC retreating from several major cases, development may accelerate again.

Firms may feel more comfortable launching new financial products.

The outcome also highlights the importance of bankruptcy resolution in regulatory negotiations.

Returning customer funds played a decisive role in shaping the SEC’s decision.

That sets a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future.

It shows regulators are willing to compromise when investor losses are fully addressed.

The case also reinforces the importance of compliance transparency.

Crypto firms are expected to work more closely with regulators going forward.

Broader Legal Developments

The SEC is not the only agency pulling back from crypto litigation.

The Department of Justice recently dismissed its NFT insider trading case against Nathaniel Chastain.

That decision followed a federal appeals court reversal of his earlier convictions.

The outcome further weakens the government’s recent track record in crypto prosecutions.

Together, these dismissals indicate a cooling of legal hostilities toward digital assets.

They suggest a more balanced regulatory environment may be emerging.

For crypto companies, this represents a chance to rebuild trust and credibility.

For investors, it offers greater confidence that the market is stabilizing legally.

The Gemini dismissal may become a landmark moment in crypto regulation history.

It could mark the beginning of a more cooperative era between regulators and innovators.

Bitcoin Price Approaches Critical Resistance As Traders Eye Six-Figure Breakout

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Bitcoin is trading around $95,000, representing a gain of roughly 9.5% compared with its Jan. 1 opening price near $87,500.

Market participants broadly agree that the short-term trend remains constructive as the asset consolidates just below a major resistance zone.

Analysts describe the current phase as an inflection point, where a decisive move could define Bitcoin’s next major trend.

The level drawing the most attention is near $98,000, which aligns with the short-term holder cost basis.

This area has not seen a strong retest recently, making it a key hurdle for bullish continuation.

Glassnode analyst Chris Beamish said Bitcoin is approaching a “key inflexion point” as it challenges this level.

“Reclaiming the STH cost basis would signal that recent buyers are back in profit, typically a prerequisite for momentum to re-accelerate,” he said.

Trend Structure Still Favors The Bulls

Several market observers argue that Bitcoin’s broader structure remains intact despite recent consolidation.

MN Capital founder Michael van de Poppe said the trend remains upward as long as Bitcoin holds above its 21-day moving average near $91,200.

He added that a move above $100,000 would be a matter of time if this support continues to hold.

On a higher timeframe, analyst Mags pointed to Bitcoin bouncing from a multi-year trendline that has remained intact since March 2023.

“Bitcoin is bouncing from the long-term trendline support it has been holding since March 2023,” Mags said.

“Each time the price has bounced from this support, we have witnessed a strong run-up.”

The last bounce from this trendline in October 2023 preceded a rally of more than 170% to a record high near $73,800.

Technical Patterns Signal Potential Upside

From a charting perspective, Bitcoin is currently trading within an ascending triangle formation on the daily timeframe, as noted by newbettingsites.uk.

The pattern suggests growing buying pressure as higher lows compress against horizontal resistance.

A resistance zone between roughly $96,000 and $99,500, defined by the 100-day and 200-day exponential moving averages, remains the key barrier.

A clean break above this region could open the path toward the pattern’s measured target near $113,200.

Analyst Matthew Hyland described the setup as an ascending triangle with confirmed hidden bullish divergence on the weekly timeframe.

“Price goes up,” Hyland said, summarizing the outlook.

Momentum Indicators Support Further Gains

Momentum indicators also lean bullish, though they suggest room remains before conditions become overheated.

The relative strength index has climbed to 64, recovering sharply from oversold territory seen in mid-November.

Daan Crypto Trades said this indicates Bitcoin is trading strongly without being overbought in the short term.

“There’s definitely a good amount of room to move higher for now,” he said.

Traders note that maintaining bullish market structure on lower timeframes remains essential for follow-through.

If those conditions hold, many expect Bitcoin to challenge six-figure territory in the weeks ahead.

Cumulative BTC ETF Inflows

Total Bitcoin ETF inflows have become a key metric for tracking institutional demand for Bitcoin, offering insight into how traditional investors are allocating capital to digital assets.

Since the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, cumulative inflows have grown steadily, reflecting sustained interest from asset managers, hedge funds, and long-term investors seeking regulated exposure to BTC.

Periods of strong inflows often coincide with broader market optimism, rising Bitcoin prices, or expectations of looser monetary policy. Large daily and weekly inflow figures suggest that ETFs are increasingly being used as a primary entry point for institutional capital, replacing more complex custody and direct ownership models.

At the same time, temporary outflows tend to appear during price corrections or heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, highlighting the sensitivity of ETF demand to market sentiment.

Over time, total inflows have reached substantial levels, reinforcing the view that Bitcoin ETFs are no longer a short-term trend but a structural part of the crypto market.

The dominance of a handful of major funds has also concentrated liquidity, improving price discovery and reducing volatility compared to earlier market cycles.

As adoption deepens, total BTC ETF inflows are widely seen as a long-term indicator of Bitcoin’s integration into traditional financial markets rather than a purely speculative asset.

Ethereum Gains Momentum Around $3,300 As ETF Inflows And Network Activity Surge

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Ether is trading near $3,310, up roughly 11% since the start of the year. The move comes as renewed institutional interest and accelerating onchain activity strengthen the bullish case.

Market participants increasingly believe Ether could rally toward $4,500 if key support levels remain intact.

A major driver of optimism has been the return of strong inflows into spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds. Over a four-day period, US-based spot Ethereum ETFs attracted a combined $474.6 million in new capital.

The $175.1 million recorded on a single midweek session marked the largest daily inflow of the year so far, as noted by newbettingoffers.co.uk.

ETF Buying Outpaces New Supply

Data tracking institutional activity shows that ETF inflows have recently exceeded Ethereum’s new token issuance.

According to Capriole Investments, daily institutional buying, including ETFs and other digital asset products, reached nearly 7,000 ETH per day.

This sustained accumulation suggests growing confidence among larger investors despite broader market volatility.

While some Ethereum treasury firms have reduced activity on a monthly basis, select participants continue to add exposure.

Analysts note that consistent institutional demand will be essential to support a prolonged price recovery.

Short bursts of inflows can spark rallies, but sustained buying typically underpins longer-term trends.

Ethereum Network Activity Reaches Multi-Year Highs

Beyond price action, Ethereum’s underlying network metrics are showing notable strength.

Active addresses have surged by more than 50% over the past month, reaching a 28-month high near one million.

This marks the highest sustained activity level since late 2023.

Daily transaction counts have also climbed to a record high near 2.9 million.

Observers point out that rising usage alongside low transaction fees reflects improved network efficiency.

“Daily Ethereum transactions are exploding,” said CryptoRover, reacting to the milestone.

“This is what real scaling looks like,” analyst FenoXBT added, noting that fees remain near historic lows.

Price Structure Remains Constructive

From a technical standpoint, Ether continues to trade within a favorable structure on higher timeframes. Holding above the $3,050 to $3,170 demand zone is viewed as critical for maintaining bullish momentum.

This region also contains the 50-week exponential moving average, a widely watched trend indicator. Trader Coinvo Trading said a weekly close above this level preserves the bullish structure.

“The weekly structure stays intact, ETH is going higher,” he said.

Targets Point Toward $4,500 And Beyond

Several analysts believe Ether is setting up for a larger breakout following recent consolidation. CryptoRover said Ether is showing strength after breaking out of a symmetrical triangle on the daily chart.

The measured target from this pattern points toward $4,500 in the near term.

More optimistic projections suggest a potential extension toward $5,500 based on Fibonacci analysis. While short-term pullbacks remain possible, traders broadly agree that Ethereum’s trend favors higher prices as long as key supports hold.

Ethereum Network’s Growth

Ethereum’s network growth continues to be driven by a combination of technological upgrades, expanding real-world use cases, and a rapidly maturing developer ecosystem.

Following the shift to proof-of-stake, Ethereum has seen steady increases in network efficiency and sustainability, making it more attractive to institutions and long-term builders. Lower energy usage and improved economic incentives have helped strengthen validator participation, contributing to overall network security and resilience.

Layer-2 solutions have played a major role in Ethereum’s expansion. Networks built on top of Ethereum now handle a growing share of transactions, reducing congestion and lowering fees while still benefiting from Ethereum’s security. This scaling approach has enabled faster adoption of decentralised finance, gaming, and NFT platforms without compromising decentralisation.

Developer activity on Ethereum remains among the highest in the blockchain industry. Thousands of applications are actively maintained, ranging from decentralised exchanges and lending platforms to identity, payments, and tokenisation tools. This depth of innovation continues to reinforce Ethereum’s position as the primary settlement layer for decentralised applications.

As enterprise interest, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure improvements continue to evolve, Ethereum’s network growth is increasingly defined by utility rather than speculation. The focus on scalability, security, and real-world integration suggests the network is entering a more mature and sustainable phase of expansion.

Ether Net Taker Volume Suggests Renewed Futures Demand

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Ether (ETH) is showing signs of a structural shift after years of sell-side dominance in derivatives markets.

Since January 6, ETH net taker volume has registered a $390 million positive imbalance, the largest buy-side dominance seen since January 2023.

This metric tracks traders’ aggressive buying or selling, with positive readings indicating conviction and long-term positioning.

Positive Imbalance Signals Potential Upside

Historically, surges in net taker volume have coincided with bottoming ranges and early-stage uptrends rather than peaks.

The current shift indicates renewed interest from futures traders and suggests a potential continuation of ETH’s broader trend.

Cumulative volume delta (CVD) remains slightly negative at -3,676 ETH, showing short-term selling, but larger participants are gradually repositioning.

ETH continues to hold above the $3,000 support level, reflecting absorption by institutional or larger traders.

Technical Landscape and Liquidity

From a technical perspective, ETH has reverted to its five-month point of control between $3,050 and $3,140.

The broader uptrend remains intact as long as daily closes stay above $3,000, with a break below signaling potential bearish pressure.

Hyblock data shows approximately $540 million in net long positions near $3,100 and $500 million liquidity cluster just below $3,000.

This suggests the price may continue oscillating within the range as liquidity gradually rebalances.

The emerging trend in derivatives highlights the growing influence of strategic futures traders, providing insight into ETH’s likely market direction over the coming weeks.

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