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Nomura's digital asset division, Laser Digital, is in discussions with Japan's Financial Services Agency to obtain a crypto trading license. If approved, Laser Digital aims to provide broker-dealer services to institutional clients like banks, asset managers, and crypto exchanges operating in Japan. This move comes as Japan's crypto transaction volumes have significantly increased, doubling to 33.7 trillion yen ($230 billion) in the first seven months of 2025, spurred by regulatory changes and a more favorable crypto environment. Laser Digital already holds a crypto license in Dubai and established a presence in Japan in 2023. This push for a Japanese license signals Nomura's confidence in Japan's growing digital asset market despite previous underperformance from Laser Digital in Europe.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse addressed the XRP community's concerns about SWIFT's announcement of entering the blockchain space using Ethereum's Layer 2 Linea. Garlinghouse stated that SWIFT's move is primarily a marketing tactic and that Ripple has already developed significant infrastructure on the XRP Ledger, including payment solutions, custody options, and stablecoins. He emphasized that simply copying the XRP Ledger's code will not duplicate Ripple's established network of central banks and financial institutions that have been built over 13 years. Garlinghouse pointed out that widespread adoption and infrastructure are more critical than the underlying technology, giving XRP an advantage despite other companies, like JP Morgan, also using Ethereum for blockchain products. This statement aimed to reassure XRP holders that Ripple remains confident in the XRP Ledger's future.

Crypto analyst Crypto Bullet is recommending Shiba Inu to investors, believing its current price represents a favorable buying opportunity. He suggests Shiba Inu could experience a price increase similar to the one currently being seen by Dogecoin.

Today's crypto news focuses on the potential impact of Bitcoin options expiring. The article suggests the possibility of Bitcoin's price moving towards a "max pain" point of $115,000. "Max pain" is the price at which the greatest number of option holders would experience financial losses. The options expiry today might push the Bitcoin price closer to $115,000.

Senator Ted Cruz blocked the Protecting Americans from Doxing and Political Violence Act, a bipartisan bill designed to prevent data brokers from selling Americans' personal information. Cruz argued the bill could hinder law enforcement's ability to track criminals. The bill aimed to stop the sale of personal details like home addresses, contacts, and bank information, citing over 50 attacks against crypto holders in 2025 who were targeted via data broker information. Cruz also stopped a smaller bill protecting lawmakers, their families, staff, and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. He believes both bills need further refinement to balance privacy with law enforcement needs. Senator Wyden, who introduced the bills, highlighted the risk of criminals obtaining information to harm individuals, referencing examples like the murder of a former Minnesota representative. The bill would allow individuals to demand removal of their data from websites within 72 hours and sue non-compliant companies.

XRP has increased in value by 10% over the past week, currently trading around $3, with analysts observing a potential breakout. A key price area to watch is between $3.13 and $3.15, which could signal further upward momentum. Trading volume is nearly $7 billion, indicating strong market interest. Technical analysis suggests that if XRP breaks above the $3.13 level, targets could reach $3.25, $3.40, and $3.60. However, failure to hold above that level could lead to a price drop towards $2.85 and $2.71. Longer-term charts indicate a potential target of $4.80 if XRP continues to hold above a key support level. Other analyses suggest even higher targets of $4.17, $6, and $10 based on specific chart patterns. VivoPower International recently raised $19 million to support its XRP digital asset treasury strategy.

Cardano is now integrated with the Brave browser, potentially exposing it to Brave's 100 million users. Simultaneously, large investors, often called 'whales,' have accumulated 70 million ADA, Cardano's native cryptocurrency. This suggests increased interest and potential adoption of Cardano.

A debate about XRP's decentralization has resurfaced, with lawyer Bill Morgan countering claims that XRP is centralized. Morgan points to SEC filings from institutions applying for XRP ETFs, which legally describe the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as decentralized and permissionless. These filings are considered strong evidence because misleading statements could result in legal repercussions for the applicants. Crypto analyst Justin Bons criticized XRP as permissioned and not decentralized, but Morgan refutes this, citing the SEC filings. The debate matters because a centralized XRP would likely face regulatory hurdles and less institutional interest, while its perceived decentralization strengthens its adoption potential. The XRP community supports Morgan's stance, accusing critics of spreading false information.

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse criticized the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining during a congressional hearing on climate change, claiming it worsens climate problems. He and Senator John Fetterman introduced the Clean Cloud Act, which aims to set emission standards for AI and crypto mining facilities, using the revenue to lower utility bills and invest in clean energy. The Act proposes the EPA to establish emission standards for data centers and crypto mining facilities exceeding 100 kilowatts, with penalties for exceeding those standards starting at $20 per ton of CO2 equivalent. However, progress on the Clean Cloud Act is currently stalled as Congress prioritizes the Clarity Act, a bill focused on clarifying the regulatory framework for digital assets and defining the roles of the SEC and CFTC.

A crypto analyst suggests Bitcoin's price cycle could peak around October 27, 2025, based on a repeating pattern of 1,064 days from the bottom of a bear market to the top of the following bull market. The previous two cycles saw significant growth. The current cycle began after Bitcoin fell below $16,000 in November 2022, and has since increased significantly. Institutional investors are increasingly involved, buying substantial amounts of Bitcoin, which could potentially influence the cycle's peak. Altcoins might continue to rise for a few weeks after Bitcoin reaches its peak, offering further trading opportunities, though caution is advised.

PancakeSwap's CAKE token price increased by 28% in 24 hours, reaching a high of $3.39 after starting at $2.62. The total gains over the past week are also about 28%, with trading volume increasing by 558% to $434 million. This increase is attributed to record trading volumes of $772 billion in the third quarter, representing a 42% increase, and expansion to other blockchains like Coinbase's Base and Solana. Over 2.7 million CAKE tokens were burned in the last 30 days, reducing the available supply. The price has surpassed its 200-day EMA at $2.47, suggesting a bullish trend with traders targeting $3.46 and $3.77 as resistance levels and $3.20 as immediate support. Key risks include the upcoming token unlock on October 23, potential profit-taking after the price surge, regulatory risks, and the possibility of fading momentum if trading volumes decline.

Japanese gaming company Gumi plans to increase its treasury holdings with Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP after raising $38 million. The company is diversifying its assets by incorporating these cryptocurrencies.

XRP's price has risen to $3.03, marking a 9.68% increase over the past week, with trading volume reaching nearly $6.9 billion. Traders are closely watching the $3 level as a crucial point. If XRP breaks above this level, some analysts predict it could reach $3.95; however, failure to sustain above $3 might lead to a drop towards $2.65. Another analyst suggests that XRP needs to surpass $4.18 to confirm a bullish trend and invalidate the possibility of a price shakeout, otherwise a failure to hold key support could delay another major XRP wave until 2026.

New York State Senator Liz Krueger has proposed a bill that would impose a tiered excise tax on crypto mining operations based on their annual electricity consumption. The tax would range up to 5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for miners using over 20 million kWh annually, while those using less than 2.25 million kWh would be exempt. Mining operations powered entirely by renewable energy would also be exempt. This bill comes at a time when the median cost to mine one Bitcoin has exceeded $70,000 and energy costs are high, potentially impacting miners' profit margins and possibly leading some to relocate from New York or switch to renewable energy sources. In related news, Congressman Zachary Nunn has called for a national security review of Chinese firms Bitmain and Cango, citing concerns over their expanding presence in the US crypto mining sector and potential risks to national infrastructure due to their opaque ownership structures and possible ties to foreign governments.

The SEC did not make a decision by the deadline for Canary Capitals' proposed Litecoin ETF, leaving its approval uncertain. This delay is happening because the SEC is changing how it reviews these applications, preferring a specific type of filing (S-1) and phasing out another (19b-4). A potential government shutdown is adding to the problem, as it could slow down the SEC's ability to review and approve new financial products like ETFs. Other cryptocurrency ETFs, based on coins like Solana and XRP, are also waiting for approval. Despite these delays, some analysts are optimistic that the SEC's adoption of new listing standards may speed up future approvals. Top asset managers, including Fidelity and Franklin Templeton, have submitted updated filings for Solana ETFs. Bitcoin ETFs already hold over 1.47 million BTC, about 7% of the total supply, with BlackRock's IBIT leading the way.

Chips.gg Sports is offering a Premier League betting promotion from October 2025 to May 2026. If you place a pre-match bet (between $10 and $100) on the 'Winner' market of a Premier League game and your team goes two goals ahead but then loses, Chips.gg will still pay out the bet as a winner. This promotion applies to single, pre-match bets only. Only one payout per match is allowed for the highest eligible bet. Rewards are credited to the account within 2 days after the match. Cashed-out, voided, or bets placed using free bets are excluded from the promotion.

A crypto trader, 0x_Leo_, claimed to have lost $1.4 million in an over-the-counter (OTC) deal and requested help from blockchain investigators after the funds were allegedly transferred to KuCoin. The trader alleges that the OTC trade, which bypasses traditional exchanges and relies on direct trust, resulted in a scam. Shortly after this claim surfaced, another user, based16z, posted about depositing $1.4 million into KuCoin, sparking speculation and debate about whether the two events were related or merely coincidental. OTC deals, due to their reliance on trust and lack of regulatory oversight, are known to be high-risk, and victims often have limited options for recourse in case of fraud. Neither 0x_Leo_, based16z, nor KuCoin have commented on the situation, and blockchain investigator ZachXBT has stated he will not be investigating.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev stated at the Token2049 conference that tokenization is poised to fundamentally transform the financial system. He described this shift as an unstoppable trend.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) did not meet the deadline on Thursday to make a decision regarding Canary Capitals' proposed spot Litecoin ETF. The government shutdown contributed to the delay. Analysts suggest this missed deadline might not be crucial, as the SEC is reportedly shifting away from traditional deadline-based reviews toward a new, broader set of standards for listing crypto ETFs. This shift could change the way crypto ETFs are approved in the U.S., potentially making specific deadlines less important and creating more uncertainty about future approvals.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) has risen in market capitalization to become the 21st largest cryptocurrency. However, analysts predict that Shiba Inu's price may decline temporarily to test a previous breakout level before potentially rising again.

The article explores what XRP's price would need to be if its total market value equaled Elon Musk's $500 billion net worth. The article references a Forbes report that indicates Elon Musk has reached a personal net worth of $500 billion.

BNB, a token associated with Binance, reached a new all-time high of $1,112, increasing by 6.5% in a single day and almost 30% over the past month. This surge has increased BNB's market capitalization to $152 billion, surpassing companies like Santander and Spotify. Another Binance DEX token, ASTER, also experienced a significant increase, rising by 13% to $1.90. The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization has been boosted to $4.23 trillion, nearing its peak from mid-August. While Bitcoin is slightly below its all-time high, altcoins are driving the current market surge. Ether reached a two-week high of $4,550, and Solana also saw an increase of 2.7% to $235.

UC Berkeley's College of Engineering has launched the Center for Digital Assets (CDA) to research blockchain and digital twin technologies. Ripple Labs is funding the initiative with approximately $1.3 million in its stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD). The CDA will focus on defining and measuring the value of digital assets, and will include collaborative projects between UC Berkeley faculty, Ripple engineers, and researchers. The partnership builds upon Ripple's University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) which has supported UC Berkeley programs since 2018. In conjunction with the CDA launch, Ripple and UC Berkeley are also partnering on the Berkeley Digital Asset Accelerator (BDAX) to support startups in the XRPL blockchain ecosystem. The $1.3 million in funding will support research, student education in digital assets, and ecosystem growth. UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons praised the initiative as a driver of financial technology breakthroughs. Ripple also minted 1.8 million RLUSD tokens on the XRP Ledger at the start of October, following a separate issuance of around 8 million tokens on Ethereum on September 27.

Dogecoin's price fluctuated between $0.251 and $0.264, showing a slight net gain. Institutional trading activity appears to be a major factor influencing the price, with speculation around potential ETFs also playing a role. The price experienced a late selloff, dropping from $0.261 to $0.260. Key support for Dogecoin is around $0.251-$0.253, while resistance is near $0.262-$0.264. Traders are watching if Dogecoin can hold above $0.260, whether the $0.251-$0.253 support will be retested, and if bullish patterns emerge that could push the price toward $0.34.

Nomura Holdings, through its subsidiary Laser Digital Holdings, is seeking a license from Japan's Financial Services Agency to offer crypto trading services to institutional clients. This move comes as Japan's crypto market experiences rapid growth, with transaction values doubling in the first seven months of the year to approximately $230 billion. Supportive policies and anticipated tax and regulatory changes are fueling this momentum. Daiwa Securities, another major brokerage, now allows clients to use Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for yen loans. Laser Digital, established in 2022, already holds a crypto business license in Dubai and a Japanese subsidiary. It aims to provide broker-dealer services to both traditional financial firms and crypto exchanges in Japan. Despite some prior financial challenges for Laser, Nomura's expansion plans demonstrate its commitment to the growing Japanese digital asset market.

The U.S. government shutdown, now in its second day, is expected to last beyond October 15, according to prediction markets. The shutdown stems from disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over spending bills and healthcare policy, particularly regarding healthcare subsidies and Medicaid funding. The stalemate has led to financial hardship for federal workers, many of whom are working without pay or have been furloughed. The crypto industry is concerned that the shutdown could delay progress on digital asset regulation, potentially stalling the approval of Bitcoin ETFs and slowing oversight by the CFTC. Despite the political uncertainty, Bitcoin has surpassed $120,000, driven by a seasonal bullish trend called Uptober.

BNB's price surpassed $1,100, causing investors to shift their focus to tokens within the BNB Chain ecosystem. This increase in activity follows endorsements of BNB Chain projects by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. Typically, when a base asset like BNB increases in value, money tends to flow into related projects. PancakeSwap's CAKE token saw a nearly 30% increase, while newer tokens like ASTER also experienced gains. However, meme tokens like FLOKI and Simons Cat haven't significantly increased in value. BNB's price increase appears to be driven by genuine buying rather than risky trading practices. Over $97 million in BNB-related futures were liquidated. Despite BNB's price increase, the total value of assets locked within the BNB Chain ecosystem only rose by 2%, suggesting that traders haven't yet made long-term investments beyond the BNB token itself. PancakeSwap's trading fees, for example, are currently lower than their average from July.

The TOKEN2049 Singapore event highlighted the growing importance of institutional investment, real-world asset tokenization, and clear regulation in the crypto space. Over 25,000 people attended the event. Alpaca launched Instant Tokenization Network, a platform for tokenizing U.S. stocks 24/7, supported by Ondo Finance, Dinari, and DRW, with Solana as the settlement layer. Citrea previewed its Bitcoin mainnet, and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev announced tokenized stocks in Europe. Maelstrom launched a private equity arm for crypto investments, and MEXC Ventures increased its investment in Ethena to $66M. Celo introduced XAUt0 (Tether Gold) and Nightfall, EY’s privacy layer for B2B payments. GEMtrust DAO unveiled GEM DiCom, a gemstone-backed ERC-20 token. Indonesia's CFX presented its regulatory model, supporting 16.5 million investors. The event featured discussions on policy and adoption with figures like Donald Trump Jr.

Microsoft has signed three 20-year agreements to purchase solar power from Shizen Energy, a clean energy company in Japan. These agreements will bring Microsoft's total commitment with Shizen Energy to 100 megawatts. This is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to use renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. Renewable energy deals in the Asia-Pacific region increased significantly last year, rising by 51% to reach 10.3 gigawatts. The solar facilities involved in the Microsoft-Shizen Energy agreements are located in Japan's Kyushu and Chugoku regions. Microsoft is also investing heavily in renewable energy through a $10 billion deal with Brookfield Asset Management, aiming to remove more carbon than it produces by 2030. Separately, there are increasing concerns about the rising power costs related to AI data centers. For example, in the eastern U.S. power grid, AI server facilities accounted for almost half of a $7.3 billion increase in supply costs. Data centers drove up power costs in the PJM Interconnection LLC auctions, leading to considerations of possible state withdrawal from the regional grid.

Citibank has projected potential price targets for Bitcoin and Ethereum within the next 12 months. Their report suggests Bitcoin could reach $231,000, while Ethereum could climb to $7,500. The report also indicates that these projections consider both the potential upside and downside risks inherent in the cryptocurrency market.

Circle reports that the Asia-Pacific region saw $2.4 trillion in stablecoin activity between June 2024 and June 2025, making it the fastest-growing stablecoin market globally. Singapore and Hong Kong have emerged as the second and third-largest stablecoin hubs, respectively, after the United States, with the Singapore-China corridor being the most active for cross-border transactions. Businesses in sectors like travel and luxury retail are increasingly adopting stablecoin payments. Global circulating stablecoin supply averaged $225 billion by May 2025, a 63% year-on-year increase, with monthly transaction volumes reaching $625 billion. Hong Kong implemented stablecoin regulations in August 2025, and the US passed the GENIUS Act in June, establishing a legal framework for stablecoins.

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has predicted that Bitcoin's value could more than double by next year, potentially reaching $250,000. This forecast was shared during a recent interview.

Ripple has taken legal action to prevent Linqto from converting 4.7 million Ripple shares into a publicly traded fund as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. Ripple filed a 'Reservation of Rights,' emphasizing it's a private company and hasn't approved public trading of its shares. Ripple argues this move could distort its valuation and harm current shareholders by creating unauthorized market activity. A court hearing is scheduled for October 3, 2025, to determine the future of Linqto's bankruptcy restructuring, including how assets linked to Ripple shares are managed and how customer claims are handled. In a previous hearing, a court blocked Linqto from using customer-owned Ripple shares as collateral for a $60 million loan.

Analysts suggest a new cryptocurrency bull run is beginning, potentially lasting through 2025-2026. Bitcoin is trading near $124,000 and could surge if it surpasses $125,000, with some predictions estimating it could reach $250,000 by mid-2026. Ethereum is approaching its all-time high of $4,800 and is expected to enter a price discovery phase if it breaks this level, potentially reaching $10,000. Cardano is gaining recognition as a blue-chip crypto asset and could rally after Bitcoin stabilizes. Favorable policy changes, such as the U.S. Treasury's exemption of crypto from a corporate minimum tax, are expected to drive further adoption. JPMorgan believes Bitcoin is undervalued, and aligned global regulations could lead to significant blockchain integration across various industries.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that while inflation in Japan is still on track to meet the bank's 2% target, global economic uncertainties could prevent companies from raising wages, making it unclear when the next interest rate hike will occur. He stated that the bank will monitor global economic developments, wage and price trends, and the impact of U.S. tariffs on corporate profits before making its next decision. Following Ueda's remarks, the Yen weakened against the dollar by 0.35%, trading around 147.67. Market analysts suggest the governor's comments were interpreted as dovish, prompting the sell-off. While some traders anticipate a rate hike later this month, others expect a decision could be delayed until December, depending on upcoming economic data. The Bank of Japan ended its decade-long stimulus program last year and raised interest rates to 0.5% in January, marking its first hike in years.

The potential launch of XRP ETFs is facing delays due to uncertainty created by the U.S. government shutdown. This situation, according to some experts, gives individual investors more time to act before institutional investors potentially start buying XRP.

OpenAI has responded to Elon Musk's lawsuit by accusing him of harassment and bad faith tactics aimed at slowing down their progress and seizing control of AI innovation for his personal gain. OpenAI claims Musk's lawsuit, which includes allegations of trade secret theft and concerns over their business structure change, is unfounded and part of a pattern of behavior. They state that Musk previously sought to merge OpenAI with Tesla and take control of the company. OpenAI has filed a motion to dismiss Musk's lawsuit concerning their hiring practices, asserting they lawfully recruit talent from across the industry. The company also dismissed xAI's concerns about their collaboration with Apple, arguing it does not demonstrate any measurable harm requiring antitrust intervention. This legal battle occurs as OpenAI's valuation has reportedly surpassed SpaceX, reaching $500 billion in a deal involving employee share sales to investors including Thrive Capital, SoftBank Group, and others.

BNB, the cryptocurrency associated with the Binance exchange, has reached a new all-time high, leading a rally in the broader cryptocurrency market. An expert predicts that BNB could potentially reach $5000.

BNB, the token used on the Binance exchange, reached a new all-time high of $1108 before settling around $1097. The increase is attributed to growth within the BNB Smart Chain, which processed over 403 million transactions in the past month, a 58% increase. The chain now has over 37 million active addresses, and fees doubled to $21 million. Stablecoins on the BNB Chain reached a record $14 billion, and trading activity on BNB-based decentralized exchanges exceeded $90 billion in September. The price surge caused nearly $400 million in liquidations for traders betting against or with the token. Experts predict BNB could reach $1480 if it maintains support around $1050-$1033.

Ripple is partnering with UC Berkeley to create a Center for Digital Assets, backed by $1.3 million in RLUSD funding. The project will concentrate on research related to blockchain technology and digital twins, with the goal of finding practical applications in areas like finance and supply chain management. The collaboration seeks to promote the use of digital assets in the real world and boost innovation in the digital economy by combining Ripple's industry knowledge with UC Berkeley's research skills.

Over $4.3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options are expiring today, October 3rd, potentially causing market volatility. Bitcoin options account for $3.36 billion of this total, with a 'max pain point' of $115,000, which could draw the price down towards that level. Ethereum options expiring total $974.3 million, with a max pain point of $4,200. Bitcoin's current price is above its max pain point, potentially favoring bullish traders, while Ethereum's options market shows a more neutral sentiment. The overall crypto market is experiencing choppy price action, making profitable trading difficult, with traders struggling due to sudden intraday swings. Ethereum volatility has decreased, and interest has shifted toward Bitcoin options.

Ray Dalio, a billionaire investor, has referred to Bitcoin as an alternative form of money. Simultaneously, Bitcoin traders have realized profits totaling $3.7 billion, driven by expectations of a potential rally towards $120,000. This indicates that some investors are cashing out their Bitcoin holdings, potentially anticipating further price increases or reacting to current market conditions.

JP Morgan, a major US bank, has stated that Bitcoin is currently undervalued when compared to gold. According to JP Morgan's analysis, Bitcoin could potentially rally to $165,000, based on its volatility relative to gold.

The cryptocurrency Pump.fun (PUMP) has increased in value by 36% this week, now trading at $0.0068. This price rise is due to more investors putting money into the token. Indicators such as the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) suggest that the token's momentum is growing and that more investors are buying PUMP than selling. The immediate target for PUMP is to break through the $0.0077 resistance level to reach its all-time high of $0.0090. However, failure to maintain momentum could see PUMP fall to a support level of $0.0062.

Approximately 28,000 Bitcoin options contracts, worth about $3.37 billion, are set to expire on Friday. The put/call ratio for these contracts is 1.1, indicating slightly more short contracts expiring than long. The point of maximum pain is estimated around $115,000. Open interest is highest at the $120,000 strike price. Total Bitcoin options open interest across all exchanges is around $49 billion, while Bitcoin futures open interest is approximately $86.5 billion. BlackRock's IBIT has become the largest venue for Bitcoin options. In addition to Bitcoin, around 216,000 Ethereum contracts, valued at $987 million, are also expiring, with a maximum pain point at $4,200 and a put/call ratio of 0.93. Total Ethereum options open interest is around $13.5 billion. Overall crypto market capitalization is up 1.4%, nearing record highs at $4.23 trillion. Bitcoin briefly topped $121,000 and is up 10% for the week, while Ethereum reached over $4,500, showing a 14% increase for the week. BNB reached an all-time high of just below $1,100.

New York lawmakers have proposed a new bill, Senate Bill S8518, to tax cryptocurrency miners based on their electricity usage. The tax revenue would go towards energy affordability programs for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. The bill introduces a tiered excise tax, with exemptions for miners using 2.25 million kWh or less annually and increasing taxes up to 5 cents per kWh for those using over 20 million kWh. Miners using 100% renewable energy would be exempt. The bill follows the expiration of a two-year moratorium on fossil fuel-powered proof-of-work mining in New York. The legislation aims to address climate change and high electricity costs, with Senator Krueger stating that crypto miners impose significant costs on ratepayers and the environment. Cryptocurrency mining has reportedly increased electricity costs across New York by approximately $79 million per year for households and $165 million for small businesses.

BBVA, Spain's second-largest bank, now offers its retail customers 24/7 access to Bitcoin and Ether trading directly through its mobile app. This makes BBVA the first major bank in Spain to integrate these cryptocurrencies into its regular banking platform. The service has been approved by Spanish regulators and is one of the first major applications of the EU's new rules for digital assets. Customers can buy, sell, and store Bitcoin and Ether using the same systems they already use for foreign currency exchange. BBVA's stock price has risen significantly this year, nearly doubling from $9.50 to around $19.08, with daily trading volume exceeding one million shares, suggesting investors are reacting positively to the bank's move into crypto services.

Bitcoin's price is currently increasing, and some market analysts are predicting a potential new all-time high. One analyst, Jake Wu, suggests that Bitcoin could reach $130,558 based on a Fibonacci extension calculation using data from January to April 2025.

Ethereum's price is currently around $4,502, up 4.1% on the day, as it attempts to establish $4,500 as a support level. Analysts suggest that if Ethereum can break through the $4,500 resistance, it could rally significantly, potentially reaching $6,900 in the fourth quarter, a 50% increase. Key resistance levels to watch are $4,500 and $4,750. However, failure to hold above $4,505 could lead to a price drop, potentially testing the $4,250 support level. A weekly close above $4,200 is considered crucial for maintaining a positive outlook and potentially revisiting the $4,600 level.

According to Glassnode, Bitcoin long-term holders, who are investors holding Bitcoin for over 155 days, have decreased their selling activity after months of doing so. This change is reflected in the Bitcoin Long-Term Holder Net Position Change metric, which has returned to a neutral value in October after being negative since July. This suggests that the selling pressure from these long-term holders is easing. Simultaneously, Bitcoin spot ETFs in the US have switched back to inflows after experiencing outflows in late September. This renewed demand from ETFs, combined with reduced selling from long-term holders, could potentially stabilize the Bitcoin price and support its growth. Currently, Bitcoin is trading around $119,700, up almost 8% over the last week.

XRP's price increased by 3%, rising from $2.98 to $3.03. This followed SBI Holdings' expansion of XRP lending services and anticipation surrounding pending U.S. XRP ETF decisions, expected around October 18th. Resistance was found at $3.10. XRP traded between $2.95 and $3.10. Support for XRP is around $2.99-$3.00, while resistance is consistently seen at $3.10. Traders are closely watching if XRP can consistently stay above $3.00, how institutions are positioning themselves before the ETF decisions, and the impact of SBI's lending on Asian liquidity.

Bitcoin's price has surpassed $120,000, a level not seen in over six weeks, fueled by factors like weak US jobs data and expectations of interest rate cuts. Some analysts are optimistic about a potential surge to $200,000 by the end of 2025, pointing to technical indicators and historical patterns. For instance, the Pi Cycle Top Indicator suggests there is still room for growth, and comparisons are being drawn to gold's price surge in the 1970s. Historically, Bitcoin has shown strong performance in the fourth quarter. However, one expert argues that reaching $200,000 by year-end is unlikely. He notes the significant price increase required in a short time frame and the massive capital inflows needed to sustain such growth, considering potential selling pressure at higher price levels.

The approval of the Canary Litecoin ETF has been delayed. This delay is a direct consequence of the government shutdown, which has impacted the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) ability to review and approve such financial products in a timely manner. The next steps for Canary and other firms awaiting ETF approvals are uncertain, depending on the length of the government shutdown and how quickly the SEC can process the backlog of applications once it reopens.

Bitcoin demand has been increasing since July, potentially setting up a rally similar to those seen in late 2020, 2021, and 2024. CryptoQuant reports demand growth of roughly 62,000 BTC per month, driven largely by whales and ETFs. Large holders are accumulating Bitcoin at an annualized rate of 331,000 BTC, and ETFs bought 213,000 BTC in Q4 2024. A key price level to watch is the Traders Realized Price of $116,000; a move above this could signal a shift into a bull market phase, potentially leading to a valuation between $160,000 and $200,000 in Q4. Market conditions resemble those of last year, with CryptoQuant's Bull Score Index hovering near bullish territory. Traders are watching for a repeat of last year's Q4 surge.

This article provides price predictions for the Cronos (CRO) cryptocurrency for the years 2025, 2026, and 2030. Currently, the live price of Cronos is about $0.21. By the end of 2025, predictions estimate that the price of CRO could potentially reach a high of $0.354, with a possible low of $0.239 and an average price of around $0.297. Looking further ahead, by 2030, CRO is predicted to potentially reach as high as $1.105. These predictions are based on factors like Cronos' partnerships, its expanding DeFi ecosystem, and overall market conditions. Different firms offer varying predictions, with some being more optimistic than others. The article also highlights Cronos' focus on providing services for trading, financial services, and payments, along with its ability to process instant transactions at a lower cost.

Arthur Hayes, the former head of BitMEX, believes that France's growing debt problem will force the European Central Bank (ECB) to print more money, weakening the euro. He argues this situation will drive investors towards Bitcoin as a safe haven asset. Hayes predicts that France's economic struggles will cause a loss of confidence in the Eurozone, leading to increased investment in Bitcoin. Bitcoin's price increased by over 8% in seven days, surpassing $120,500, and Ethereum also rose, nearing $4,500, which some traders attribute to Hayes' analysis. Hayes suggests that this situation mirrors his previous claims about the US Federal Reserve and could potentially lead to significant capital flow into digital assets.

PancakeSwap's native token, CAKE, is currently priced at $3.33. Projections for 2025 estimate that CAKE could reach a high of $5.99, with a potential low of $2.40 and an average price of $4.15. Looking further ahead, by 2030, the potential high for CAKE is estimated at $16.01, with a low of $12.58 and an average of $14.29. PancakeSwap recorded $772 billion in Q3 trading volume fueled by multi-chain expansion. Approximately $1.36 million in CAKE tokens were burned weekly. Predictions vary across different firms, with Changelly estimating $28.46 by 2030, while DigitalCoinPrice projects $18.15. The token has an all time high of $666.86 on May 19th, 2021.

Despite a recent drop in trading volume share, Hyperliquid is still considered a leading decentralized exchange for perpetual futures trading, according to an analysis. Perpetual futures are crypto derivatives that let people bet on price movements without an expiration date. While Hyperliquid's share of trading volume fell from 45% to 8%, a rival called Aster saw its volume surge to over $270 billion weekly. However, the analyst emphasizes that Hyperliquid maintains strong revenue and a large portion (62%) of the total open interest (liquidity) in the perp DEX market. Hyperliquid is also expanding with its HyperEVM network, hosting many protocols and $2 billion in total value locked, and USDH, a stablecoin backed by reserves. A new system, HIP-3, aims to boost demand for the HYPE token. The analyst's positive view would change if Hyperliquid's liquidity or revenue significantly declines, or if the USDH stablecoin fails to gain traction.

XRP is seeing increased institutional interest, with XRP futures reaching $1 billion in open interest on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and trading volumes hitting $18 billion in the past four months. The anticipation of upcoming ETF approvals in October is fueling speculation about potential inflows, with estimates ranging from $4 billion to $20 billion in the first year. The approval of XRP ETFs could also attract retail investors through 401(k) accounts and pension funds, potentially unlocking trillions in long-term investment. Analysts predict that the ETF decision could push XRP's price to around $4, with resistance expected near $4.50, representing a potential gain of 50-60% from current levels. Approval of multiple ETFs could establish a sustained upward trend for XRP.

Bitcoin's price surpassed $120,000 following the US government shutdown on October 1st, which occurred after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill. Investors reacted to the shutdown by moving assets into Bitcoin and gold as safe haven assets. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson previously predicted Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by mid-2026 due to geopolitical instability. The shutdown caused market volatility, with the S&P 500 futures dropping and gold rising. Some analysts believe delayed economic data from the shutdown could prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, creating favorable conditions for Bitcoin. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin also experienced gains during this period. Economists estimate that the shutdown could negatively impact US GDP growth, potentially leading to further monetary easing and increased investment in digital assets.

Ethereum's price recently surpassed $4,400, reaching around $4,380, driven by increased investment in Ethereum-based ETFs. These ETFs saw over $80 million in net inflows over three days, indicating growing institutional interest. The U.S. and Asian countries are considering more crypto ETFs, which could further benefit Ethereum. Trading volume for Ethereum has increased significantly, suggesting strong buying activity. While technical indicators are bullish, some analysts caution about potential volatility due to factors like stabilized staking growth and reduced stablecoin liquidity. If Ethereum stays above $4,300 and ETF inflows continue, it could target higher price levels near $4,600 and potentially $5,000.

Poland is introducing stricter regulations for cryptocurrency businesses, including potential fines up to $1.3 million and even prison sentences for operating without proper authorization. This is causing some crypto businesses to consider leaving Poland and investors to look for alternative crypto investments. One cryptocurrency, MAGACOIN FINANCE, is being highlighted as a promising new project to invest in during its presale. Polkadot (DOT) is also seeing positive developments with plans to launch a stablecoin and limit the total number of DOT tokens, which has increased investor confidence. Hedera (HBAR) is experiencing mixed signals, with some large investors selling off their HBAR tokens, but also potential approval for new investment funds (ETFs) that could increase demand.

Bitcoin's price is approaching record levels, recently exceeding $120,000, a previous resistance point. This surge follows positive economic data, increasing expectations for potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Analysts at Motley Fool are optimistic, suggesting a price target of $140,000 by early 2026, supported by Bitcoin's historical strong performance in the fourth quarter, which has seen an average return of 85% between 2013 and 2024. Prediction markets indicate a 63% chance of Bitcoin reaching its all-time high by year-end, a 47% chance of hitting $130,000 by early 2026, and a 32% chance of reaching $140,000 by the same time. However, market sentiment has cooled since August, with prediction markets showing a 6% probability of Bitcoin dropping below $70,000 and a 2% chance of falling below $50,000.

Bitcoin's price surged past $120,000, continuing a positive trend from September into October, a month often referred to as 'Uptober' due to its historically strong performance. This rise occurred despite a brief dip earlier in the week and a U.S. government shutdown that significantly reduced staff at regulatory agencies like the SEC and CFTC. Other cryptocurrencies, including Ether, XRP, and Solana, also experienced gains, pushing the total crypto market value to $4.2 trillion. Market observers noted steady buying activity and repositioning of funds for the end of the year as factors driving the price increase. While the shutdown raised concerns about potential delays in regulatory approvals and guidance for the crypto industry, the market's momentum continued, with traders closely monitoring whether Bitcoin can maintain its support level above $120,000.

On October 3, 2025, cryptocurrency markets experienced a surge even as the U.S. government underwent a shutdown. Bitcoin's price briefly exceeded $121,000 during early Asian trading. BNB's value increased significantly, surpassing $1,000 and reaching a new all-time high. Ethereum's price approached $4,400, and Solana's price rose above $224. These price increases contributed to a general optimistic sentiment within the digital asset market.

Bitcoin has surged past $120,000, reaching its highest price in six weeks, even amidst political uncertainty in the US. This increase is driven by optimism about the economy and strong activity in the Bitcoin futures market, where the total value of open contracts has reached a record $32.6 billion. Some analysts believe there's a possibility of a 'short squeeze,' where the price could rapidly increase as investors who bet against Bitcoin are forced to buy it back. The US government shutdown is also contributing to the situation, as it could weaken the economy and lead to the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, which might make Bitcoin more attractive to investors. Some financial analysts who were previously unsure about a price increase now believe that Bitcoin's value will continue to rise above $120,000 in the near future.

While Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are experiencing price increases, the Pi Network's price has decreased by over 3% in the last 24 hours, currently valued at $0.26. This decline is partially attributed to the inactivity of a major investor who previously purchased 383 million Pi tokens. Concerns are also growing regarding Pi Network's tokenomics, specifically its unlimited maximum supply of 100 billion coins and the absence of a token burning mechanism, which is causing worry over inflation and discouraging new investment. Despite recent developments like a Testnet decentralized exchange and presence at TOKEN2049, the Pi Network hasn't benefited from the general cryptocurrency rally. Experts suggest Pi Network needs to adjust its token supply model, potentially through buybacks or token burns, to maintain relevance and encourage long-term holding.

A Dutch court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to overhaul its algorithm system and provide Dutch users with simpler options to control their content feeds. The court found that the current design manipulates users towards personalized timelines and violates EU digital regulations by not allowing users to easily maintain chronological or non-profiled feeds across sessions. Meta has two weeks to comply, or face penalties. Meta intends to appeal, arguing it already complies with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and that the issue should be handled at the European Commission level. Bits of Freedom, a Dutch digital rights organization, brought the case forward, arguing for user control over what they see online, especially with the upcoming Dutch general election on October 29.

Bitcoin's price increased, surpassing $119,000 after steady growth. This rise has captured the attention of larger investors, indicated by strong inflows into Bitcoin spot ETFs totaling $430 million over two days. Bitcoin's market value has significantly increased this year, reaching $2.34 trillion from $870 billion. Analysts are watching for a potential breakout towards $130,000, which could trigger further price increases. Trading volume has risen to nearly $95 billion, and liquidations totaled $157.08 million. Historically, October has been a strong month for Bitcoin, and the fourth quarter tends to deliver significant returns, contributing to market optimism.

Japanese crypto firm SBI Crypto lost $21 million in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash on September 24, 2025, due to a suspected cyberattack. Blockchain analysis indicates the stolen funds were transferred through multiple exchanges and then sent to Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer previously sanctioned by U.S. authorities. The attack is suspected to be linked to the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-sponsored cyber unit, due to similarities with previous attacks. North Korean-linked groups reportedly stole over $2.2 billion in crypto in the first half of 2025 alone. The attackers used methods such as creating fake online profiles and infiltrating companies to gain access. U.S. law enforcement has seized some funds and dismantled front companies involved in these activities, but the SBI Crypto funds have not been recovered.

Bitcoin's price increased to $120,132, reaching a seven-week high. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana also saw price increases. Analysts believe this rise is due to expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The CME Group plans to offer 24/7 trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum futures and options by early 2026, pending regulatory approval. Sweden is considering creating a national Bitcoin reserve using seized Bitcoin. However, a technical analysis pattern suggests there might be selling pressure as Bitcoin approaches $130,000. A new meme-based cryptocurrency called Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has launched a presale, raising over $2.6 million so far.

XRP is currently trading near $3, with $3.13 identified as a key resistance level. If XRP breaks above $3.13 and sustains that level, it could rally towards $3.60 and potentially $4.40. However, if XRP fails to break this resistance, it risks falling back to $2.65 or even $2.40. This indecision is creating high volatility in the XRP market, and traders are closely watching for a decisive move in either direction, up or down.

Coinbase's Cardano (ADA) reserves have increased significantly, jumping 462% in four months to over 9.5 million tokens. This increase supports Coinbase's wrapped version of Cardano, called cbADA, which allows ADA holders to participate in Ethereum-based DeFi platforms like Aave and Uniswap. Each cbADA token is backed by real ADA held in reserve. The growth in reserves suggests increased interest in Cardano and its integration with decentralized finance (DeFi). Some analysts believe this may indicate rising institutional confidence in Cardano's future.

In September 2025, the crypto market saw a decrease in the number of venture capital (VC) funding deals, but the total amount of money invested actually increased significantly. There were 62 publicly announced deals, down from 83 in August and even more compared to September 2024. However, the total funding reached $5.122 billion, a rise from both the previous month and a huge jump from the $610 million in September of the previous year. Most of the investments went into decentralized finance (DeFi) projects, followed by centralized finance (CeFi). There was also growing interest in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and tokenizing real-world assets. Some notable deals included Forward Industries raising $1.65 billion and Figure Technology's successful IPO. This shift indicates that crypto VC investment is becoming more selective, with larger amounts of capital being invested in fewer, more promising projects, particularly those focused on infrastructure and real-world applications.

The U.S. government shutdown has halted the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) review of over 90 applications for new cryptocurrency ETFs, including those linked to Solana, XRP, Cardano, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. The SEC is only processing emergency cases during the shutdown, leaving the ETF applications in a state of limbo. This delay impacts firms planning to launch these ETFs, potentially leading to missed market opportunities and increased costs. While industry participants express frustration, they remain optimistic that the SEC will resume approvals once the government reopens, although the original expectations for October approvals are now uncertain. The pause may also disrupt the overall momentum in the crypto ETF market.

Crypto.com is integrating Morpho, a DeFi lending protocol, allowing its users to borrow wrapped crypto assets like wrapped Ether and Bitcoin using their holdings as collateral, and earn yield on stablecoins. This will be available through Morpho vaults on the Cronos blockchain, with the first vaults expected to launch later this year. Morpho essentially connects lenders and borrowers via platforms like Aave and Compound. Morpho's co-founder stated that US users will be able to access the protocol because lending stablecoins to earn yield is a different activity compared to stablecoin issuers directly paying yields to holders. This announcement comes after Coinbase's recent partnership with Morpho, integrating the lending protocol directly into its app. In related news, banks have raised concerns about stablecoin issuers potentially replacing traditional banks, leading to a request for Congress to address supposed stablecoin loopholes. Coinbase responded by refuting claims that stablecoins are causing deposit losses at banks and are a systemic risk.

CME Group, a large derivatives exchange, intends to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options, starting in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. This would allow continuous trading access, except for a two-hour weekly maintenance break, addressing the demand for constant market access similar to crypto spot markets. CME's decision is driven by increased user demand, with open interest in its crypto contracts reaching $39 billion. The implementation hinges on regulatory clearance and ensuring the system can handle continuous operation, including risk controls and liquidity during off-peak hours. This move aims to narrow the gap between crypto spot and derivatives markets, potentially attracting more institutional investors and pushing other exchanges to consider similar offerings.

Ethereum's price has surpassed $4,500, fueling predictions of further gains. Market expert Gert van Lagen suggests Ethereum is following a pattern that indicates a shift to an uptrend, potentially targeting a price range of $9,000 to $18,000. Another analyst, Mr. Wall Street, forecasts a target of $7,000 to $8,000 for this cycle. Both analysts emphasize the importance of Ethereum breaking past its all-time high of nearly $5,000, which is expected to act as a resistance level. Analyst Michael van de Poppe anticipates Bitcoin will rise before a correction, after which Ethereum will likely gain momentum.

According to an analyst, Bitcoin has surpassed the $116,700 level and could potentially reach $138,800 next, based on an on-chain pricing model. This model uses the Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) Ratio to assess the profit-loss status of Bitcoin investors. The model calculates standard deviations from the average MVRV Ratio, which currently sits at $94,650. Historically, Bitcoin has experienced pullbacks after exceeding the +1 standard deviation band, as investors tend to sell to take profits. Bitcoin's price has risen by roughly 7% in the last week, reaching approximately $119,200, and it remains uncertain whether this rally will continue towards the $138,800 target or stall.

The Ethereum Foundation is reorganizing its privacy program to prioritize real-world applications and deployment. They've created a new structure called Privacy @ EF, led by Igor Barinov, and appointed Andy Guzman to coordinate the Privacy & Scaling Explorations (PSE) team. The program will focus on three key areas: Private Reads (surveillance-resistant browsing), Private Writes (shielded transactions), and Private Proving (efficient proofs for various uses). This shift emphasizes practical software development and large-scale deployment of privacy solutions, moving away from purely abstract research. The goal is to make Ethereum a foundation for civilizational infrastructure where privacy is normal. Currently, ETH is trading at $4,380.

The Danish government and Novo Holdings are backing a new $350 million quantum technology venture fund managed by 55 North. The fund aims to boost Europe's position in quantum technology, focusing on quantum computing, sensing, and communications. It has already secured $134 million in its first closing and hopes to be the biggest fund for quantum investments globally. This initiative follows previous joint investments in an AI supercomputer and a Microsoft-powered quantum computer, named Magne, expected to be operational by early 2027. While Europe has strong quantum research, the fund aims to accelerate the commercialization of these technologies. Novo Holdings sees potential in quantum applications for drug discovery and molecular modeling. The investment comes as Novo Nordisk faces increasing competition and reorganizes. The fund recognizes the long-term nature and risks associated with quantum technology, acknowledging that returns may take years or decades. If successful, the fund could strengthen Europe's role in areas like pharmaceuticals, AI, cybersecurity, and climate modeling.

Stable is a new blockchain designed specifically for stablecoins, particularly USDT. It aims to provide faster, cheaper, and more efficient transactions for USDT users, businesses, and developers. The network uses USDT for transaction fees, offers near-instant transaction completion, and can handle a large number of transactions at a very low cost. Stable is compatible with existing Ethereum applications and provides tools for developers to create stablecoin-focused apps. It seeks to address issues like unpredictable fees, scalability problems for businesses, and the complexity of using stablecoins on general-purpose blockchains. The project has a roadmap that includes features like confidential transfers, guaranteed transaction processing for enterprises, and increased scalability with a goal of becoming the primary infrastructure for USDT as the stablecoin market grows.

VanEck has registered its VanEck Lido Staked Ethereum ETF in Delaware, a preliminary step towards offering staked Ethereum products to more investors. This registration, while not a guarantee of approval from the SEC, signals VanEck's intent to expand its cryptocurrency ETF offerings. The company already manages spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, and this new offering targets the growing interest in yield-generating digital assets, specifically those staked via Lido. By packaging staked Ethereum in an ETF, VanEck aims to allow larger investors to benefit from staking rewards without needing detailed knowledge of blockchain technology. The announcement has impacted the Lido DAO (LDO) token, which has increased in value, rising 16.25% over the past week and 53.78% over the past six months.

A federal judge rejected Elon Musk's request to move a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit regarding his acquisition of Twitter (now X) from Washington, D.C. to Texas. The SEC is investigating whether Musk violated disclosure rules by not promptly revealing his accumulation of over 5% of Twitter's stock in early 2022. The SEC alleges that this delay allowed Musk to buy more shares at lower prices, costing other shareholders over $150 million. Musk's legal team argues the suit is baseless and politically motivated, claiming his actions caused no harm. The judge sided with the SEC, citing Musk's global presence and the SEC's headquarters being in Washington, D.C., making it a logical venue. The case will remain in Washington, D.C.

The $5.5 billion market for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) skins is transitioning to the Solana blockchain, enabling on-chain trading. This move aims to provide faster and cheaper transactions compared to the current system on Steam. Blockchain integration offers increased transparency and verifiable ownership of the digital assets. However, users will also face increased exposure to cryptocurrency-style volatility and market manipulation risks, including the influence of large investors (whales) and automated trading programs (bots).

Dogecoin has shown renewed strength at the start of October, fueled by positive technical patterns and increasing adoption. Analysts are watching key price levels, particularly $0.33, as Dogecoin consolidates, potentially leading to a significant upward price movement. A bullish "Golden Cross" pattern is forming, historically a precursor to rallies. Dogecoin's price is currently around $0.258. Real-world adoption is also increasing, with Buenos Aires approving Dogecoin for tax payments. Futures market data shows growing trader confidence, with open interest in Dogecoin derivatives increasing and billions wagered on exchanges. Short-term price targets are $0.30 and $0.34, with some analysts projecting a potential rise to $1 by 2026 if Dogecoin maintains momentum and breaks through the $0.33 resistance.

XRP's price has shown recent upward movement after being relatively stable for two weeks. Market analyst Altcoin Gordon suggests XRP is poised for a fast and aggressive move upwards, potentially breaking past $3 and reaching $3.6 or higher. Gordon's analysis is based on a descending triangle pattern observed on XRP's daily chart, indicating building pressure for a breakout. Another analyst, Mikybull Crypto, points to a bullish signal on the three-month chart, similar to the one seen before XRP's major price surge in 2017, suggesting a possible longer-term rally to between $5 and $15. Currently, XRP is trading at $2.98, up 4.8% in the last 24 hours. CoinCodex's algorithm projects a price of $4.20 within the next six months.

The article discusses "gas drag," a term for transaction fees that significantly reduce profits in decentralized finance (DeFi) yield farming. These fees occur when users interact with smart contracts to harvest rewards, compound earnings, or move liquidity. High-fee networks, like Ethereum, exacerbate gas drag, potentially negating a substantial portion of the advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY). While lower-fee chains offer some relief, frequent transactions can still accumulate costs. The article suggests strategies to mitigate gas drag, including using batch transactions and automation, adopting profit-triggered harvesting, leveraging autonomous agents for rebalancing, and farming on chains with lower fees. It emphasizes that real yield is calculated after deducting costs like gas, slippage, and impermanent loss, and encourages DeFi farmers to focus on net yields rather than solely pursuing high APYs.

The article discusses the possibility of a Bitcoin price drop to around $106,000, despite the current bullish market sentiment. Trader Ash Crypto predicts this correction, with Ethereum potentially falling to $3,800. This projection is based on historical market cycles where rallies are often followed by sudden declines. The current rally is fueled by factors like a potential US government shutdown and expectations of rate cuts, which may create crowded trades vulnerable to corrections if economic data shifts. While a significant drop is possible, some analysts view a pullback to $106,000 as a healthy correction before a potential surge to between $150,000 and $180,000 in Q4, with Ethereum potentially reaching over $8,000.

Italy's government has approved a budget targeting a deficit of 3% of GDP this year and aims to reduce it further in coming years, reaching 2.3% by 2028. This allows the government to allocate more funds for tax cuts and defense spending. Economic growth is projected to be modest, with public debt expected to reach 136.4% of GDP by 2028. Achieving the 3% deficit target could allow Italy to exit the EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure, strengthening its fiscal position and potentially increasing defense spending to meet NATO targets. The budget plan also focuses on tax cuts for the middle class, business support, and assistance for young families. Investor confidence in Italy has risen, leading to lower borrowing costs, but the economy remains fragile and faces challenges like potential US tariffs and the struggles of the German economy.

Two billion USDT tokens were created (minted) on the Ethereum blockchain. This is important because USDT is a stablecoin, and large mints often mean more money is coming into the crypto market. Ethereum has the largest amount of USDT on its chain, totaling $78.5 billion. This new influx of USDT could potentially trigger a market rally, often referred to as "Uptober", because historically October has been a strong month for crypto. Ethereum's price is currently around $4,380, recovering from a recent dip. Analysts are watching to see if it can break through the $4,400 resistance level, which could lead to further price increases.

Ethereum's significant 150% price increase against Bitcoin has stopped after 40 days, impacting the broader altcoin market. This halt has caused a decline in altcoin values after their previous gains. One analyst believes this pause is a healthy market correction, allowing Bitcoin to regain strength. Another analyst points to technical indicators suggesting a market reversal, noting positive signals for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins based on 4-hour chart breakouts. The Ethereum to Bitcoin ratio is considered a key indicator for the health of the altcoin market and overall Bitcoin trend.

Politicians in Sweden and the US are exploring the idea of creating national Bitcoin reserves. A Swedish opposition party proposed diversifying national assets with Bitcoin, partly funded by seized crypto, while a US representative renewed a push for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, potentially acquiring up to one million BTC. If the US were to purchase one million BTC, it would cost approximately $120 billion, based on a price of $120,000 per BTC. El Salvador's existing Bitcoin reserve is around 6,260 BTC. The Czech central bank governor suggested allocating approximately 7 billion (roughly 63,000 BTC) to Bitcoin. The creation of these reserves could lead to predictable supply absorption, automated bidding across market cycles, and regular disclosures, affecting how Bitcoin trades against real yields, foreign exchange rates, and other risk assets. The US federal government already controls roughly 200,000 BTC from forfeitures. A formal reserve race between the US and Europe is plausible if these proposals lead to purchase authority, funding rules, and transparent disclosures.

Senator Ted Cruz blocked Senate Bill 2850, a privacy bill proposed by Senator Ron Wyden, which aimed to protect Americans from data brokers selling their personal information and prevent doxxing. Cruz argued the bill would restrict law enforcement's access to data needed to track criminals, specifically sex offenders, and that the bill needed revisions. He also rejected Senate Bill 2851, a narrower version focusing on protecting lawmakers and survivors of violence, stating it also required adjustments. Cruz expressed willingness to collaborate with Wyden to refine the privacy bill while emphasizing the importance of balancing privacy with law enforcement needs. The crypto community has shown increasing concern over privacy due to a rise in targeted attacks linked to digital asset holdings, with over 50 such incidents reported in 2025. Separately, Senator Wyden is investigating Dan Morehead, founder of Pantera Capital, for allegedly avoiding over $100 million in US taxes.

Bitcoin's risk-reward balance is currently neutral, as indicated by a Sharpe-like ratio of 0.18 on Binance. This suggests that potential returns are only moderately outweighing the risks associated with Bitcoin's volatility. The average 30-day return is 0.26%, while 30-day volatility stands at 1.37%. The market is in a wait-and-see mode, trading near $119,000, awaiting a catalyst for further gains. A drop below zero for the Sharpe-like ratio could lead to a price correction, while sustaining above 0.5, coupled with a price breakout above the $120,000-$122,000 range, could signal a new uptrend. Bitcoin needs to hold the $90,000 support level to prevent a potential bear market.

Crypto analyst Jake Claver predicts XRP could reach $10-$13 by the end of 2024, primarily driven by the potential approval of XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Claver believes that SEC approval of these ETFs, possibly in October, would bring significant institutional investment into XRP. This influx of capital could provide the necessary momentum for XRP to reach the predicted price range. While ETFs are seen as the main catalyst, Claver also suggests that continued improvements in blockchain technology and increased adoption of XRP could push the price even higher, potentially reaching $20-$25 under very favorable conditions. He emphasizes that monitoring retail and institutional trends will be crucial for investors, as XRP's price journey could present new opportunities in the evolving market.

Bitcoin has surpassed $120,000, signaling potential for further gains. Long-term holders have decreased their selling activity, while short-term traders have experienced losses and are showing signs of stabilization. This market behavior suggests a possible foundation for future growth. An indicator measuring realized value suggests the market is detoxing from speculation. JPMorgan estimates Bitcoin could reach $165,000 if it continues to correlate with gold's volatility-adjusted performance. Inflows into both Bitcoin and gold ETFs have increased, driven primarily by retail traders. JPMorgan analysts also believe Bitcoin is currently undervalued by around $50,000. With Bitcoin consolidating between $115,000 and $120,000, a significant breakout could occur if this support level holds.

The article discusses a potentially positive outlook for XRP, noting that while SWIFT is testing blockchain payments with major banks, Ripple already has live cross-border payment solutions. There's anticipation around upcoming deadlines for spot XRP ETF applications. XRP's price recently bounced off $2.70 support, triggering a buy signal based on the Relative Strength Index, potentially leading to a retest of $3.40 resistance and a possible rally towards $5. The article also mentions Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), a new project aiming to improve Bitcoin's transaction speed by integrating Solana's technology. Early buyers have an opportunity to purchase $HYPER tokens before the next presale stage.

Dogecoin's price has increased by 11% in the past week, trading around $0.26. Technical analysis suggests this could be the start of a stronger upward trend for October. Analysts have identified a breakout on the daily chart and a repeating pattern on the 8-hour chart that could lead to a price target of $0.34. Dogecoin has also been forming higher lows since April 2025 and is trading above key moving averages, indicating bullish momentum. Futures data shows higher lows and balanced funding rates, suggesting a stable base for a potential rally.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is actively developing a digital version of the euro. They have chosen several companies to help build the digital euro's infrastructure. These companies will handle important functions like detecting fraud, creating the digital euro app, enabling offline payments, and securing data. The selected firms include Feedzai and Capgemini Deutschland for fraud management, Almaviva and Fabrick for app development, and Giesecke+Devrient for offline payments. The ECB's goal is to improve payment efficiency, compete with other digital currencies, and strengthen the EU's financial independence. However, no payments have been made to these companies yet, and the plans depend on future EU laws. The digital euro is not expected to launch until later in the decade, and its release hinges on the approval of the Digital Euro Regulation.

CME Group plans to launch 24/7 trading for its cryptocurrency products in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. This move aims to meet growing client demand for continuous risk management in the crypto market. CME's crypto products experienced record growth in 2025, with average daily trading volumes reaching 411,000 contracts in August, valued at $14.9 billion. Institutional interest is also at an all-time high, with over 1,010 large open interest holders trading CME's crypto products. The new system will trade on the CME Globex platform with only a two-hour maintenance window each weekend. The introduction of 24/7 trading will largely eliminate 'CME gaps,' price differences that occur during weekend closures. This decision reflects a broader trend towards continuous trading in financial markets, as predicted by CME's CEO Terry Duffy. Other exchanges like Coinbase and Cboe are also expanding their crypto trading offerings.