Bioventus Surpasses Q4 Forecasts, 2026 Revenue Guidance Aligns
Bioventus reported robust Q4 results, with adjusted EPS at $0.24, exceeding the $0.20 estimate. Revenue reached $157.9 million, topping the $156.08 million forecast and marking a 2.8% year-over-year increase. Organic revenue surged 10% YoY, driven by strong growth in Pain Treatments and Surgical Solutions.
CEO Rob Claypoole highlighted "strong Q4 performance," portfolio strengthening, and improved financials. Adjusted EBITDA rose 30% to $36.7 million, and cash from operations dramatically increased 97% to $38.0 million.
For fiscal 2026, the company projects revenue of $600-610 million, with its $605 million midpoint slightly __above__ analyst consensus. However, adjusted EPS guidance of $0.73-$0.77 (midpoint $0.75) is slightly __below__ the $0.77 estimate.
Bioventus reported robust Q4 results, with adjusted EPS at $0.24, exceeding the $0.20 estimate. Revenue reached $157.9 million, topping the $156.08 million forecast and marking a 2.8% year-over-year increase. Organic revenue surged 10% YoY, driven by strong growth in Pain Treatments and Surgical Solutions.
CEO Rob Claypoole highlighted "strong Q4 performance," portfolio strengthening, and improved financials. Adjusted EBITDA rose 30% to $36.7 million, and cash from operations dramatically increased 97% to $38.0 million.
For fiscal 2026, the company projects revenue of $600-610 million, with its $605 million midpoint slightly __above__ analyst consensus. However, adjusted EPS guidance of $0.73-$0.77 (midpoint $0.75) is slightly __below__ the $0.77 estimate.
US Agencies to Ditch Anthropic AI
President Trump has ordered all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic AI within six months. "We don't need it, we don't want it, and we won't do business with them anymore!" he stated.
The directive stems from Anthropic's strict ethical policies, which prohibit its Claude model from mass surveillance or autonomous lethal operations. This stance clashed with the Pentagon, despite a prior $200M contract.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously noted the DoD "will not use models that do not allow for waging wars," labeling Anthropic a "supply chain risk" after frustrations grew, including Claude's use in a Maduro capture operation.
Anthropic's CEO affirmed prioritizing democratic values over military cooperation on "mass domestic surveillance" and "fully autonomous weapons."
President Trump has ordered all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic AI within six months. "We don't need it, we don't want it, and we won't do business with them anymore!" he stated.
The directive stems from Anthropic's strict ethical policies, which prohibit its Claude model from mass surveillance or autonomous lethal operations. This stance clashed with the Pentagon, despite a prior $200M contract.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously noted the DoD "will not use models that do not allow for waging wars," labeling Anthropic a "supply chain risk" after frustrations grew, including Claude's use in a Maduro capture operation.
Anthropic's CEO affirmed prioritizing democratic values over military cooperation on "mass domestic surveillance" and "fully autonomous weapons."
DeepSeek AI Forecasts Explosive Crypto Gains by 2026
China's DeepSeek AI projects significant price surges for XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum amidst market uncertainty, citing improving technicals and a clearer regulatory environment.
XRP is forecast for a nearly 6x rise to ~$8.00, propelled by Ripple's global payment strategy, XRPL efficiency, and potential institutional ETFs.
Bitcoin eyes $260,000, valued as digital gold and an inflation hedge, influenced by geopolitical factors and potential US strategic reserves.
Ethereum, the DeFi backbone, could hit $7,500 if it breaks $5,000, leveraging strong security, RWA tokenization, and regulatory clarity.
China's DeepSeek AI projects significant price surges for XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum amidst market uncertainty, citing improving technicals and a clearer regulatory environment.
XRP is forecast for a nearly 6x rise to ~$8.00, propelled by Ripple's global payment strategy, XRPL efficiency, and potential institutional ETFs.
Bitcoin eyes $260,000, valued as digital gold and an inflation hedge, influenced by geopolitical factors and potential US strategic reserves.
Ethereum, the DeFi backbone, could hit $7,500 if it breaks $5,000, leveraging strong security, RWA tokenization, and regulatory clarity.
China's Producer Inflation Returns After Three Years
China's factory-gate prices saw their first annual increase in over three years in March, ending a 41-month decline. The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.5% year-on-year, exceeding expectations. This surge is linked to rising import costs, partly due to the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1% year-on-year, slower than February's 1.3% and below forecasts. Monthly CPI also fell 0.7%, missing expectations.
China's factory-gate prices saw their first annual increase in over three years in March, ending a 41-month decline. The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.5% year-on-year, exceeding expectations. This surge is linked to rising import costs, partly due to the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1% year-on-year, slower than February's 1.3% and below forecasts. Monthly CPI also fell 0.7%, missing expectations.
May Crypto Calendar: Bitcoin Pizza Day & Western Union Stablecoin Debut
May promises a busy crypto calendar. Key events to watch:
May 3: Sui mainnet celebrates its anniversary.
May 8-10: ETHPrague conference in Prague.
May 12: US CPI and inflation data release.
May 13: Base mainnet's Azul update launches.
May 22: It's __Bitcoin Pizza Day__.
May 26: Polkadot project marks its anniversary.
May 29: CME begins 24/7 crypto futures & options trading.
This month also sees Western Union's USDPT stablecoin debut on Solana.
May promises a busy crypto calendar. Key events to watch:
May 3: Sui mainnet celebrates its anniversary.
May 8-10: ETHPrague conference in Prague.
May 12: US CPI and inflation data release.
May 13: Base mainnet's Azul update launches.
May 22: It's __Bitcoin Pizza Day__.
May 26: Polkadot project marks its anniversary.
May 29: CME begins 24/7 crypto futures & options trading.
This month also sees Western Union's USDPT stablecoin debut on Solana.
XRP: Viral Video Fuels Bullish Outlook Amid ETF Hopes
XRP is rallying, with a viral video by crypto commentator John Squire suggesting "game over" for latecomers, predicting structural scarcity as institutional utility for global payments activates. XRP is seen as the "internet of value."
Ripple’s ecosystem strengthens this narrative, with strong fund inflows ($119.6M) and seven spot XRP ETFs awaiting SEC review by Q2 2026.
Despite consolidating around $1.45, XRP shows demand with $2.6B daily volume. Resistance at $1.50 is key; a breakout could occur if support holds and ETFs are approved.
For outsized gains, some favor early-cycle, lower-cap assets. __Maxi Doge ($MAXI)__, an Ethereum meme token, has raised $4.7M in presale, offering 60% APY staking, attracting notable interest for its "1000x leverage mindset."
XRP is rallying, with a viral video by crypto commentator John Squire suggesting "game over" for latecomers, predicting structural scarcity as institutional utility for global payments activates. XRP is seen as the "internet of value."
Ripple’s ecosystem strengthens this narrative, with strong fund inflows ($119.6M) and seven spot XRP ETFs awaiting SEC review by Q2 2026.
Despite consolidating around $1.45, XRP shows demand with $2.6B daily volume. Resistance at $1.50 is key; a breakout could occur if support holds and ETFs are approved.
For outsized gains, some favor early-cycle, lower-cap assets. __Maxi Doge ($MAXI)__, an Ethereum meme token, has raised $4.7M in presale, offering 60% APY staking, attracting notable interest for its "1000x leverage mindset."
BofA Turns Bullish on Brazil Real, Advises Selling EUR/BRL
Bank of America is increasingly optimistic about the Brazilian real's outlook, opening a short position on EUR/BRL at 5.80. This bullish stance is underpinned by significantly improved terms of trade, fueled by a commodity price shock that has boosted exports.
Brazil's central bank's cautious approach has also led to rising real interest rates, now among the highest in emerging markets. Despite a recent 13% rally, the BRL is still estimated to be about 7% undervalued. Strong external surpluses and an economy operating above potential, with tight labor markets, make a firmer currency macro-consistent with current conditions.
Bank of America is increasingly optimistic about the Brazilian real's outlook, opening a short position on EUR/BRL at 5.80. This bullish stance is underpinned by significantly improved terms of trade, fueled by a commodity price shock that has boosted exports.
Brazil's central bank's cautious approach has also led to rising real interest rates, now among the highest in emerging markets. Despite a recent 13% rally, the BRL is still estimated to be about 7% undervalued. Strong external surpluses and an economy operating above potential, with tight labor markets, make a firmer currency macro-consistent with current conditions.
Altcoin Crash Exceeds Post-FTX Lows
Nearly 38% of altcoins are approaching all-time lows, a state analyst Darkfost deems worse than the post-FTX collapse period. He attributes this to risk-averse investors diverting liquidity from crypto to traditional markets, causing altcoins to lose significant market share.
This decline is mirrored by plummeting interest. Social mentions of altcoins hit a two-year low, while global Google searches reached a yearly anti-record of 4/100. Jimmy Xue of Axis explains this as a "liquidity outflow," where scarce capital makes even minor sentiment shifts trigger mass sell-offs. He emphasizes altcoins lack the institutional support and "digital gold" status enjoyed by Bitcoin.
Despite the capital drain, Darkfost maintains optimism, viewing such severe market conditions as prime opportunities for investment.
Nearly 38% of altcoins are approaching all-time lows, a state analyst Darkfost deems worse than the post-FTX collapse period. He attributes this to risk-averse investors diverting liquidity from crypto to traditional markets, causing altcoins to lose significant market share.
This decline is mirrored by plummeting interest. Social mentions of altcoins hit a two-year low, while global Google searches reached a yearly anti-record of 4/100. Jimmy Xue of Axis explains this as a "liquidity outflow," where scarce capital makes even minor sentiment shifts trigger mass sell-offs. He emphasizes altcoins lack the institutional support and "digital gold" status enjoyed by Bitcoin.
Despite the capital drain, Darkfost maintains optimism, viewing such severe market conditions as prime opportunities for investment.
Analyst Projects XRP to $27 Following Seven-Year Correction
XRP, currently around $1.3, is drawing bold predictions of a surge to $27 from analysts. This forecast is rooted in technical frameworks, including Elliott Wave theory, which suggests XRP has concluded a lengthy seven-year correction.
The asset is positioned to enter its "third wave," typically the most powerful phase of a crypto cycle. Fibonacci extensions point to targets between $18 and $27.
Technical indicators show XRP consolidating, with RSI at 45 and MACD/Stochastic signaling early bullish shifts, implying accumulation. Key resistance lies at $2 to $2.70, with $3.00 confirming a breakout. While $27 would mean a colossal market cap, a short-term move to $2.4, potentially followed by a pullback to $1.55, is considered a more immediate, plausible scenario.
XRP, currently around $1.3, is drawing bold predictions of a surge to $27 from analysts. This forecast is rooted in technical frameworks, including Elliott Wave theory, which suggests XRP has concluded a lengthy seven-year correction.
The asset is positioned to enter its "third wave," typically the most powerful phase of a crypto cycle. Fibonacci extensions point to targets between $18 and $27.
Technical indicators show XRP consolidating, with RSI at 45 and MACD/Stochastic signaling early bullish shifts, implying accumulation. Key resistance lies at $2 to $2.70, with $3.00 confirming a breakout. While $27 would mean a colossal market cap, a short-term move to $2.4, potentially followed by a pullback to $1.55, is considered a more immediate, plausible scenario.
European Wax Center Misses Q1 Earnings and Revenue Forecasts
European Wax Center (EWCZ) reported a Q1 EPS of $-0.02, falling $0.10 short of the $0.08 analyst estimate. Quarterly revenue also missed expectations, coming in at $45.1 million against a consensus of $46.58 million.
The company's stock closed at $5.74. While it has gained 41.73% in the past three months, it is down 2.38% over the last year. Recent analyst sentiment shows 5 negative EPS revisions in the last 90 days. Despite these results, EWCZ's financial health is rated as "good performance."
European Wax Center (EWCZ) reported a Q1 EPS of $-0.02, falling $0.10 short of the $0.08 analyst estimate. Quarterly revenue also missed expectations, coming in at $45.1 million against a consensus of $46.58 million.
The company's stock closed at $5.74. While it has gained 41.73% in the past three months, it is down 2.38% over the last year. Recent analyst sentiment shows 5 negative EPS revisions in the last 90 days. Despite these results, EWCZ's financial health is rated as "good performance."
Institutions Liquidate ~25,000 BTC in Spot ETFs Amid Market Correction
Major investors sold shares equivalent to ~25,000 BTC from spot Bitcoin ETFs in Q4 last year, per Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart. Hedge funds and investment advisors were key sellers, with Brevan Howard alone liquidating over 17,000 BTC worth. This sell-off coincided with a crypto market downturn, as Bitcoin fell from above $120,000 to under $63,000.
Despite these significant Q4 sales, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $257.71M on February 24, led by Fidelity's FBTC. In other news, analyst nino points to the Coinbase Premium's failure to sustain above zero as a potential trigger for Bitcoin's recent price slides.
Major investors sold shares equivalent to ~25,000 BTC from spot Bitcoin ETFs in Q4 last year, per Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart. Hedge funds and investment advisors were key sellers, with Brevan Howard alone liquidating over 17,000 BTC worth. This sell-off coincided with a crypto market downturn, as Bitcoin fell from above $120,000 to under $63,000.
Despite these significant Q4 sales, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $257.71M on February 24, led by Fidelity's FBTC. In other news, analyst nino points to the Coinbase Premium's failure to sustain above zero as a potential trigger for Bitcoin's recent price slides.
XRP: Wall Street's Growing Interest
Major financial players like Mastercard, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton are increasingly focusing on Ripple. The XRP Ledger is emerging as a global financial powerhouse, with DeFi specialists calling it the "middleware" for transparent, cross-asset payments. RWA activity on XRPL has surged 875%, with tokenized value nearing $2.5 billion, signaling accelerating institutional validation.
XRP consolidates above $1.4, challenging resistance. A confirmed move past $1.53 could unlock targets like $2.69, or even $3-$25 if banks leverage it for settlement. Ripple's CEO highlights a $13 trillion payments opportunity. While long-term projections envision $27 by 2030 with full banking adoption, current price action suggests patience amidst stacked resistances.
Major financial players like Mastercard, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton are increasingly focusing on Ripple. The XRP Ledger is emerging as a global financial powerhouse, with DeFi specialists calling it the "middleware" for transparent, cross-asset payments. RWA activity on XRPL has surged 875%, with tokenized value nearing $2.5 billion, signaling accelerating institutional validation.
XRP consolidates above $1.4, challenging resistance. A confirmed move past $1.53 could unlock targets like $2.69, or even $3-$25 if banks leverage it for settlement. Ripple's CEO highlights a $13 trillion payments opportunity. While long-term projections envision $27 by 2030 with full banking adoption, current price action suggests patience amidst stacked resistances.
Trump Eyes Options to Tame Soaring Oil Prices Amid Iran Conflict
President Trump is set to review measures aimed at curbing oil prices, which have surged past $100 a barrel following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. The White House is concerned rising fuel costs could harm businesses and consumers ahead of November's midterm elections, where Republicans seek to retain Congress.
Discussions include a potential joint release from strategic reserves with G7 allies, restricting U.S. exports, or intervening in futures markets. Officials are also considering waiving federal taxes and easing Jones Act shipping rules.
Analysts caution that U.S. policy may have limited impact if the Strait of Hormuz, vital for a fifth of global supply, remains disrupted. Despite "Operation Epic Fury," earlier efforts to secure the waterway have not significantly boosted shipping.
President Trump is set to review measures aimed at curbing oil prices, which have surged past $100 a barrel following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. The White House is concerned rising fuel costs could harm businesses and consumers ahead of November's midterm elections, where Republicans seek to retain Congress.
Discussions include a potential joint release from strategic reserves with G7 allies, restricting U.S. exports, or intervening in futures markets. Officials are also considering waiving federal taxes and easing Jones Act shipping rules.
Analysts caution that U.S. policy may have limited impact if the Strait of Hormuz, vital for a fifth of global supply, remains disrupted. Despite "Operation Epic Fury," earlier efforts to secure the waterway have not significantly boosted shipping.
AI Models Prefer Bitcoin Over Fiat & Stablecoins
A Bitcoin Policy Institute report reveals AI systems like Claude, GPT, Grok, and Gemini prefer Bitcoin over other financial instruments.
Analysts tested 36 neural networks as autonomous economic agents, tasked with selecting optimal tools for 28 scenarios (savings, payments). 22 models chose Bitcoin as their preferred monetary currency; fiat was not a top choice for any. While Anthropic models showed highest loyalty (68%), some, like GPT, Grok, and Gemini, often favored stablecoins.
Bitcoin dominated for long-term value (79.1%), favored for its fixed supply and independence. Stablecoins led for payments (53.2%). Experts caution AI preferences reflect training data, not market predictions, yet note the consistent monetary architecture emerging across diverse AI.
A Bitcoin Policy Institute report reveals AI systems like Claude, GPT, Grok, and Gemini prefer Bitcoin over other financial instruments.
Analysts tested 36 neural networks as autonomous economic agents, tasked with selecting optimal tools for 28 scenarios (savings, payments). 22 models chose Bitcoin as their preferred monetary currency; fiat was not a top choice for any. While Anthropic models showed highest loyalty (68%), some, like GPT, Grok, and Gemini, often favored stablecoins.
Bitcoin dominated for long-term value (79.1%), favored for its fixed supply and independence. Stablecoins led for payments (53.2%). Experts caution AI preferences reflect training data, not market predictions, yet note the consistent monetary architecture emerging across diverse AI.
Chainlink ($LINK) Soars 14% on Dual Catalysts
Chainlink ($LINK) experienced a spectacular 14% rebound, climbing from $8.20 to over $9.35, its highest level since February 5. This rally is driven by two significant factors.
Firstly, a major integration with Canton Network positions Chainlink as crucial infrastructure for institutional Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization. This moves LINK beyond simple price feeds, signaling deep entrenchment in the institutional finance space.
Secondly, institutional funds are actively accumulating spot LINK ETFs. Grayscale's GLNK fund now holds over $70 million, and Bitwise's CLNK over $11 million, defying broader ETF outflow trends seen elsewhere. On-chain data also shows Chainlink's strategic reserves growing, indicating token buybacks.
Chainlink ($LINK) experienced a spectacular 14% rebound, climbing from $8.20 to over $9.35, its highest level since February 5. This rally is driven by two significant factors.
Firstly, a major integration with Canton Network positions Chainlink as crucial infrastructure for institutional Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization. This moves LINK beyond simple price feeds, signaling deep entrenchment in the institutional finance space.
Secondly, institutional funds are actively accumulating spot LINK ETFs. Grayscale's GLNK fund now holds over $70 million, and Bitwise's CLNK over $11 million, defying broader ETF outflow trends seen elsewhere. On-chain data also shows Chainlink's strategic reserves growing, indicating token buybacks.
Liberty Media Formula C Misses EPS, Beats Revenue in Q4
Liberty Media Formula C (FWONK) announced Q4 EPS of $0.40, missing the $0.41 analyst estimate by $0.01. However, revenue reached $1.61 billion, exceeding the $1.55 billion consensus.
The stock closed at $89.29, showing a 6.97% decline over the last three months and 1.88% over the past year. While recent EPS revisions were negative, the company's Financial Health is rated as "good performance."
Liberty Media Formula C (FWONK) announced Q4 EPS of $0.40, missing the $0.41 analyst estimate by $0.01. However, revenue reached $1.61 billion, exceeding the $1.55 billion consensus.
The stock closed at $89.29, showing a 6.97% decline over the last three months and 1.88% over the past year. While recent EPS revisions were negative, the company's Financial Health is rated as "good performance."
OpenAI Unveils Flagship AI Model GPT-5.5
OpenAI has launched GPT-5.5, heralded as a "new level of intelligence for real work and powering agents." This model is engineered to comprehend intricate objectives, employ tools, self-evaluate, and execute multi-stage tasks, signifying a new paradigm for automated work.
It excels in agentic programming, coding (writing, debugging), data analysis, and document creation. The model showcases superior intelligence compared to GPT-5.4, maintaining comparable speed while utilizing fewer tokens, thus boosting efficiency. GPT-5.5 demonstrates advanced logical reasoning and autonomy, proactively identifying issues without explicit instructions.
Currently accessible in ChatGPT and Codex for Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers, with API availability slated for the near future. This advanced model represents a substantial leap in AI capabilities, particularly for complex engineering and intellectual challenges.
OpenAI has launched GPT-5.5, heralded as a "new level of intelligence for real work and powering agents." This model is engineered to comprehend intricate objectives, employ tools, self-evaluate, and execute multi-stage tasks, signifying a new paradigm for automated work.
It excels in agentic programming, coding (writing, debugging), data analysis, and document creation. The model showcases superior intelligence compared to GPT-5.4, maintaining comparable speed while utilizing fewer tokens, thus boosting efficiency. GPT-5.5 demonstrates advanced logical reasoning and autonomy, proactively identifying issues without explicit instructions.
Currently accessible in ChatGPT and Codex for Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers, with API availability slated for the near future. This advanced model represents a substantial leap in AI capabilities, particularly for complex engineering and intellectual challenges.
XRP Tokyo: Stablecoin Boom & Price Outlook
XRP Tokyo is underway, potentially Ripple's most significant event of 2025. Ripple projects on-chain stablecoin volume to surpass $33 trillion by 2026, exceeding combined US and China GDPs. The company positions itself as a compliance backbone, holding over 75 global licenses. SBI Holdings' 10 billion yen blockchain bond using XRP rewards underscores real-world integration. Whale accumulation is at a 10-month peak, signaling building momentum.
XRP is currently consolidating between $1.28–$1.35. Large investors are pulling over 11 million XRP daily from exchanges, tightening supply amidst conference hype. A sustained close above $1.35 could pave the way to $1.40–$1.60, supported by $41M in YTD XRP ETF inflows. SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao hinted XRP will be "very expensive" with a favorable legal resolution. The CLARITY Act's progress remains a crucial wildcard for accelerated outcomes.
XRP Tokyo is underway, potentially Ripple's most significant event of 2025. Ripple projects on-chain stablecoin volume to surpass $33 trillion by 2026, exceeding combined US and China GDPs. The company positions itself as a compliance backbone, holding over 75 global licenses. SBI Holdings' 10 billion yen blockchain bond using XRP rewards underscores real-world integration. Whale accumulation is at a 10-month peak, signaling building momentum.
XRP is currently consolidating between $1.28–$1.35. Large investors are pulling over 11 million XRP daily from exchanges, tightening supply amidst conference hype. A sustained close above $1.35 could pave the way to $1.40–$1.60, supported by $41M in YTD XRP ETF inflows. SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao hinted XRP will be "very expensive" with a favorable legal resolution. The CLARITY Act's progress remains a crucial wildcard for accelerated outcomes.
Adidas Store in Israel Hit by Bomb
Adidas's Chief Commercial Officer confirmed a franchise store in Israel was struck by a bomb three days ago. The store was closed at the time, fortunately resulting in no injuries to staff. This incident occurred amidst escalating conflict in the region.
Adidas emphasized that its priority is "people first," noting many employees are currently in shelters. The company operates 350 stores and employs 3,000 staff across six countries affected by the ongoing situation. CEO Bjorn Gulden anticipates revenue impact from store closures and air freight delays in the Middle East.
Adidas's Chief Commercial Officer confirmed a franchise store in Israel was struck by a bomb three days ago. The store was closed at the time, fortunately resulting in no injuries to staff. This incident occurred amidst escalating conflict in the region.
Adidas emphasized that its priority is "people first," noting many employees are currently in shelters. The company operates 350 stores and employs 3,000 staff across six countries affected by the ongoing situation. CEO Bjorn Gulden anticipates revenue impact from store closures and air freight delays in the Middle East.
XRP Holders Exceed 7.7 Million, Price Jumps
XRP Ledger has reached a new milestone with over 7.7 million holders, a first in its 13-year history. This surge in usage coincides with significant price action and heightened network activity.
Active addresses hit a five-week high, and XRP's price jumped 14% in 48 hours, briefly surpassing $1.60. Trading volume soared over 60% to $5.2 billion, propelling XRP's market capitalization past BNB to $92.2 billion. Open interest on Binance also saw a substantial increase, indicating new positions are being opened.
The primary driver appears to be South Korean retail investors, particularly those aged 40-50. They are reportedly re-entering crypto, favoring XRP due to its familiarity and perceived volatility, often shifting capital from declining stock markets. XRP now dominates spot trading on major Korean exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb.
XRP Ledger has reached a new milestone with over 7.7 million holders, a first in its 13-year history. This surge in usage coincides with significant price action and heightened network activity.
Active addresses hit a five-week high, and XRP's price jumped 14% in 48 hours, briefly surpassing $1.60. Trading volume soared over 60% to $5.2 billion, propelling XRP's market capitalization past BNB to $92.2 billion. Open interest on Binance also saw a substantial increase, indicating new positions are being opened.
The primary driver appears to be South Korean retail investors, particularly those aged 40-50. They are reportedly re-entering crypto, favoring XRP due to its familiarity and perceived volatility, often shifting capital from declining stock markets. XRP now dominates spot trading on major Korean exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb.
Bitcoin Holders Face $600B Loss as BTC Slides to $66K
Bitcoin's price is bleeding, with BTC trading just above $66,000 after a nearly 6% weekly drop. On-chain data reveals a staggering $598.7 billion in unrealized losses for holders, with 8.8 million BTC now held at a loss. This follows a 47% drawdown from its October 2025 all-time high.
Analysts draw parallels to Q2 2022, a period preceding further capitulation. Long-term holders are realizing $200 million in daily losses, signaling active capitulation. Macro factors like a strengthening USD and negative Coinbase Premium add pressure.
While March 2026 saw $1.32 billion in ETF inflows, this hasn't spurred recovery. Whales have reduced positions by 188,000 BTC. A move above $71,500 is crucial for a narrative shift; dropping below $64,000 would accelerate the bear case.
Bitcoin's price is bleeding, with BTC trading just above $66,000 after a nearly 6% weekly drop. On-chain data reveals a staggering $598.7 billion in unrealized losses for holders, with 8.8 million BTC now held at a loss. This follows a 47% drawdown from its October 2025 all-time high.
Analysts draw parallels to Q2 2022, a period preceding further capitulation. Long-term holders are realizing $200 million in daily losses, signaling active capitulation. Macro factors like a strengthening USD and negative Coinbase Premium add pressure.
While March 2026 saw $1.32 billion in ETF inflows, this hasn't spurred recovery. Whales have reduced positions by 188,000 BTC. A move above $71,500 is crucial for a narrative shift; dropping below $64,000 would accelerate the bear case.