💰 Ether ETFs Attract $19.02 Million Inflows; Bitcoin ETFs Face $71.07 Million Outflows

📈 On February 18, crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) showed divergent trends. Ether ETFs saw a net inflow of $19.02 million, largely due to Fidelity’s FETH, while bitcoin ETFs experienced a net outflow of $71.07 million, with significant withdrawals from Fidelity’s FBTC and Valkyrie’s BRRR.

Ether ETFs attracted net inflows totaling $19.02 million with Fidelity’s FETH leading the positive trend.

💚 Fidelity’s FETH led the way by attracting $24.47 million in new investments. Despite Grayscale’s ETHE facing an outflow of $5.45 million, ether ETFs ended the day positively. This marked the fourth consecutive day of inflows for ether ETFs, indicating a preference among investors for ether over bitcoin in the current market.

🚫 In contrast, bitcoin ETFs had a tough day, recording a net outflow of $71.07 million. The majority of this was from Fidelity’s FBTC, which saw a withdrawal of $48.39 million. Other significant outflows included Valkyrie’s BRRR at $9.27 million, Ark and 21Shares’ ARKB with $8.65 million, and Vaneck’s HODL experiencing a $4.77 million exit. Notably, no bitcoin ETFs reported inflows during this period, suggesting a cautious sentiment among bitcoin investors.

This contrasting movement between ether and bitcoin ETFs highlights the evolving trading patterns of crypto investors.

📊 Since February, ether ETFs have seen nine days of inflows compared to just two days of outflows. As of now, net inflows for ether ETFs in February stand at $480.84 million, while net outflows for bitcoin ETFs are at $63.41 million.

🚨 Kanye West's Alleged X Account Sale Sparks Meme Coin Controversy

👀 Kanye West, also known as Ye, is reportedly preparing to launch a meme coin called YZY. Speculation has arisen that he may have sold his X account, which boasts 32 million followers, to a member of the Doginals crew.

📺 Bitcoin News recently covered Ye's YZY meme coin launch and an X spaces livestream hosted by the Doginals NFT crew. During the livestream, accounts Tall and Barkmeta discussed the upcoming YZY launch and debated its potential platforms, BNB or Solana.

🤔 It is suggested that West partially sold admin access to his X account to meme coin trader Barkmeta. Crypto influencers have raised concerns about this development. Ye's now-deleted X posts included a pinned Community Note claiming that Barkmeta and Tall are the same person who purchased his account. The note stated:

Kanye sold access to his account to @barkmeta, the account he follows (@tall_data) is barks alt account.

🚫 Barkmeta has denied these claims while continuing to post on X. He stated,

Imagine the whole space telling us we’re scammers when it would’ve been so easy to rinse like $20M doing a fake Kanye coin today.

Despite his dismissal of the accusations, many influencers continue to caution 'crypto Twitter.'

🗣 Dave Portnoy, a crypto supporter and founder of Barstool Sports, tweeted about Ye's alleged X account sale. He wrote,

Kanye West sold his account to the Barkmeta Doginals crew for $17M—they’re gearing up to scam the entire space.

This warning post has garnered over 19,000 likes and 4,700 re-posts.

⚠️ With the uncertainty surrounding Ye's alleged X account sale and the warnings from crypto influencers, potential buyers should proceed with caution. The combination of deleted posts, pinned warnings, and conflicting statements creates a confusing situation. Whether this is a marketing strategy or a cash grab, anyone considering investing in the YZY meme coin should think carefully before proceeding.

📉 Bitcoin Price Drops Below $84,000 Amid Record ETF Outflows

📉 The price of Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen below $84,000 as spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced record outflows. As of 2:30 p.m. (ET), Bitcoin was trading at $84,378, marking a significant decline.

📉 Over the past day, Bitcoin fell to a three-month low, with spot Bitcoin ETFs registering a record $1 billion in outflows. Earlier in the day, Bitcoin was trading at $87,670, reflecting a 0.77% decline since yesterday and a 9.10% drop over the past week.

📉 In terms of market performance, Bitcoin has fluctuated between $83,365 and $89,351.20 in the last 24 hours. The trading volume for the past day stands at $56.38 billion, indicating a 31.70% drop from the previous day. Bitcoin's total market capitalization is currently at $1.73 trillion, showing a slight increase of 0.12%.

📉 Yesterday's record ETF outflows significantly impacted Bitcoin's price. This capital flight suggests a shift in investor sentiment towards Bitcoin, although it remains uncertain whether this shift will be permanent. Additionally, Ether ETFs also recorded a net outflow of $50 million, contributing to the overall bearish sentiment in the crypto market.

📉 Looking ahead, Bitcoin's ability to maintain its position above $80,000 will be crucial. The recent decline in futures open interest and trading volume indicates that traders are adopting a more cautious approach. If Bitcoin can reclaim the $90,000 mark, it may signal a short-term relief rally targeting $92,500 as the next resistance level. However, if selling pressure increases and Bitcoin falls below $83,000, it could lead to a retest of the $82,000 to $80,000 support zone.

📉 With ongoing ETF outflows affecting market sentiment and participants closely monitoring macroeconomic developments, Bitcoin's price remains in a fragile state. Investors will likely keep an eye on trading volume, derivatives positioning, and institutional activity for signs of a potential trend reversal in the coming days. Just before 3 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, Bitcoin was trading at $83,827 per coin.

🦠 Gitvenom: The Stealthy Malware Campaign Hijacking Crypto Wallets on Github

🔍 A newly discovered cyber campaign called Gitvenom is targeting Github users by embedding malicious code in fake open-source projects. Researchers from Kaspersky, Georgy Kucherin and Joao Godinho, uncovered this operation where cybercriminals create fraudulent repositories that imitate legitimate software tools.

💫 The Gitvenom campaign has seen the creation of hundreds of Github repositories containing malicious code. These include an automation tool for Instagram, a Telegram bot for managing bitcoin wallets, and a hacking tool for Valorant. To make these repositories seem credible, attackers use AI-generated README.md files, add multiple tags, and inflate commit histories.

🛠 The method of embedding malicious code varies by programming language. In Python projects, the payload is hidden using long lines of whitespace followed by a script decryption command. In Javascript projects, malware is concealed within a function that decodes and executes a Base64-encoded script. For C, C++, and C# projects, a hidden batch script is placed in Visual Studio project files to ensure it runs during project build.

📥 Once executed, these scripts download additional malicious components from an attacker-controlled Github repository. This includes a Node.js-based stealer that extracts credentials, cryptocurrency wallet data, and browsing history before sending it to attackers via Telegram. Also included are open-source remote access tools like AsyncRAT and Quasar backdoor, along with a clipboard hijacker that replaces copied cryptocurrency wallet addresses with attacker-controlled ones.

🌍 The Gitvenom campaign has been active for at least two years, with infection attempts detected globally, especially in Russia, Brazil, and Turkey. Kaspersky researchers warn about the increasing risks of malicious repositories, stating that as code-sharing platforms like Github are used by millions of developers, threat actors will continue to exploit fake software as an infection lure.

⚠️ They emphasize the importance of carefully handling third-party code:

Before attempting to run such code or integrate it into an existing project, it is paramount to thoroughly check what actions it performs

. As open-source platforms are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, developers must remain vigilant to protect their environments from compromise.

🕵️‍♂️ Coinbase Investigates SEC's Crypto Actions Costs

🔜 Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., has initiated an investigation into the financial implications of the Biden administration's actions against the crypto industry. The company aims to uncover how much taxpayers have contributed to the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) efforts against crypto, particularly through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

🔍 Paul Grewal, Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, explained that the investigation seeks to understand not only the impact of these actions on the crypto industry's progress in the U.S. but also the monetary costs involved. The FOIA request demands detailed information about all activities related to digital assets, including enforcement actions, employee involvement, and third-party contractor expenses.

It may take time to get the full picture, but I think we’ve shown that we will do what it takes for as long as it takes

Grewal emphasized.

⚖️ Coinbase has previously faced legal challenges from the SEC, which accused it of providing access to unregistered securities for U.S. customers. However, the exchange successfully defended itself, leading the SEC to drop this case and others against various crypto entities.

📊 The investigation also aims to shed light on the “Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit,” a division within the SEC's Enforcement branch that played a significant role in these actions under former chair Gary Gensler. Grewal stated that Coinbase seeks to understand the unit's budget, employee count, and associated costs.

🔗 Through this FOIA request, Coinbase demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability regarding government actions affecting the crypto sector.

📉 NFT Market Faces Decline: Dappradar Report

📉 The NFT market is experiencing a significant downturn, with global sales dropping by 40% and trading volumes decreasing by 35%, as reported by Dappradar. This decline indicates a return to the "NFT winter" conditions last observed in 2022. The researchers attribute this downturn to fading hype, macroeconomic pressures, and shifting consumer priorities.

📉 Even high-profile collections such as Cryptopunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) experienced significant sales contractions of 52% and 47% respectively. This trend highlights a broader market correction where traders are increasingly prioritizing utility-driven projects over speculative assets. However, it is noted that the current downturn is less severe than the 2022 crash which saw a 60% drop in sales over six months.

📈 Despite the overall decline, niche sectors like art and music NFTs have shown resilience. Dappradar reported a 15% increase in art NFT sales, driven by collaborations with traditional artists and galleries. Music NFTs also rose by 12%, reflecting a growing interest in fan engagement models.

🔮 Looking ahead, Dappradar researchers caution against viewing the current slump as a permanent decline. They predict that innovation in gaming, decentralized identity, and AI-driven content will reignite growth in the market. The report concludes that the 2025 NFT winter is a necessary phase for sustainable development. While speculative excesses are being trimmed, strategic innovation and real-world applications will ultimately define the market's future.

📉 XRP's Current Market Status: Bearish Trends and Support Levels

⚡️ XRP is trading at $2.23 with a market cap of $129 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $2.8 billion. The price has been fluctuating between $2.21 and $2.36 under significant selling pressure. The 1-hour chart shows strong bearish momentum, with XRP forming lower highs and testing critical support at $2.20. A spike in trading volume suggests a possible local bottom, but the downward trajectory remains dominant. Resistance is between $2.30 and $2.32, which could act as a barrier for buyers.

📉 The 4-hour chart reinforces the bearish trend, showing a sequence of lower highs and lower lows. Support is at the $2.20 to $2.25 range, being retested amidst growing selling volume. Resistance is around $2.40 to $2.45. A short-term rally is possible if buying pressure emerges near support, but failure to hold this level could accelerate downward movement.

📉 The daily chart reflects an extended downtrend, with XRP struggling to hold above $2.20 after previously failing to maintain gains above $3.00. Resistance is well-defined at $2.50 to $2.60, with stronger rejection near $3.00. A recent volume spike suggests increased selling pressure. Consecutive red candlesticks indicate a lack of bullish conviction, and a break below $2.20 could trigger further declines.

📉 Oscillator readings are largely neutral, with the relative strength index (RSI) at 43.09 and the stochastic at 33.61. The average directional index (ADX) at 23.15 suggests a weak trend. Moving averages reflect a strong downward trend, with multiple sell signals across different periods. The exponential moving average (EMA) for 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 periods indicate selling pressure. However, the EMA for 200 periods stands at 1.85, signaling a potential long-term buying zone.

🟢 Bull Verdict: Despite the bearish momentum, XRP's ability to hold above the $2.20 support level could provide a foundation for a potential recovery. If buyers push the price past the $2.50 resistance, a short-term bullish reversal may develop.

🔴 Bear Verdict: XRP remains in a downtrend across multiple timeframes, with strong selling pressure reinforcing bearish dominance. The failure to reclaim resistance at $2.50 suggests further downside risk. If $2.20 fails as support, the next leg down could see XRP retesting lower levels.

📉 XRP Market Analysis: Current Trends and Future Outlook

📊 XRP is trading between $2.27 and $2.32 with a market cap of $131 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $4.82 billion. The intraday range is $2.14 to $2.28, showing mixed technical indicators with both bullish and bearish signals.

📈 On the one-hour chart, XRP is consolidating between $2.25 and $2.30, facing resistance at $2.30 and support near $2.25. A breakout above $2.30 could lead to a price increase towards $2.40, but low volume suggests caution. The short-term price action indicates a potential bullish flag or pennant pattern, but if volume continues to decline, a retracement to the $2.22 support level may occur before any significant upward movement.

📊 The four-hour chart shows a steady climb from a low of $1.90, with current resistance around $2.35 to $2.40. While the initial uptrend saw increased volume, recent price action suggests consolidation as traders evaluate the next move. A successful retest and hold of the $2.15 to $2.20 support range would reinforce bullish momentum, with potential upside targets at $2.50 to $2.55. However, failure to hold above $2.20 may indicate a deeper pullback before attempting to reach higher resistance levels.

📉 On the daily chart, XRP recently rejected a spike to $2.99 and found strong support around $1.90 before stabilizing towards $2.30. The lack of a significant buying surge suggests that current price action is more of a recovery than a strong bullish trend. Key resistance remains at $2.55 to $2.60, and unless the price decisively breaks through this level with higher volume, the overall trend remains uncertain. Holding above $2.10 to $2.20 is crucial for sustaining the current upward trajectory.

📉 Oscillators present a neutral market stance, with the relative strength index (RSI) at 46.75, the Stochastic at 29.48, and the commodity channel index (CCI) at -32.63, all signaling indecision. The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) level at -0.09279 indicates a sell signal, while momentum (10) is in buy territory at -0.10196, hinting at potential short-term bullishness. Meanwhile, the awesome oscillator remains slightly negative, reflecting an overall weak trend without a clear direction.

📉 Moving averages (MAs) reflect a bearish outlook in the short-to-mid-term, with the exponential moving average (EMA) 10 at 2.27937 suggesting a buy, while the simple moving average (SMA) 10 at 2.31070 signals a sell. The 20-period EMAs and SMAs also indicate a sell, reinforcing the downward pressure. Long-term trends provide some optimism, as the 200-period EMA and SMA remain in buy territory at 1.86573 and 1.63488, respectively. This divergence suggests that while XRP is experiencing near-term resistance, the broader trend still holds potential for a sustained recovery if key support levels are maintained.

📈 In conclusion, XRP's price action shows signs of resilience with consolidation near key support levels and a potential breakout forming. Despite mixed signals from oscillators and short-term moving averages, the broader trend suggests that a move above $2.40 could trigger bullish momentum toward the $2.50–$2.60 range. Holding above $2.20 strengthens the case for further upside, making this a buy-the-dip opportunity for traders anticipating a continuation of the recovery.

🪙 Gold Reaches Historic Highs Amid Global Tensions

📈 On March 18, 2025, gold prices surged to a record high, surpassing $3,038 per ounce in spot trading. This unprecedented rise is attributed to a mix of global uncertainties, including increased tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, strained U.S.-Iran relations, ongoing Houthi maritime disruptions, and the impacts of President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

📊 At 10:30 a.m. ET, gold was trading at $3,028 per ounce, marking an 18.32% increase against the dollar over the past six months. April futures were even higher at $3,047 per ounce, while silver also saw a rise, trading at $34 per ounce.

📉 The climb in gold and silver prices began before Trump's return to office, coinciding with Western nations tightening sanctions on Russia. The U.S. dollar initially strengthened after Trump's November 2024 electoral victory, reaching multiyear highs due to expectations of aggressive tariffs and strong domestic economic output. However, by February 2025, the dollar began to falter against currencies like the euro and yen as trade uncertainties and concerns about sluggish growth emerged.

💵 Despite the recent dip in the dollar's strength, March 2025 sees significant capital flowing into U.S. dollars and U.S. Treasuries. The 10-year Treasury yield stands at 4.31%, reflecting a steady demand for these debt instruments amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

🔍 While the dollar's vigor has waned due to lackluster data and fiscal concerns, it still maintains near-term resilience supported by attractive rate spreads and its status as a reserve currency. Gold, U.S. Treasuries, and the U.S. dollar each play a significant role in the current financial landscape, influenced by shifting investor sentiment and the effects of Trump's policies.

🚀 Coinbase Advocates for Crypto Regulation Reform with 36 Recommendations

📢 Coinbase, the prominent crypto exchange, has presented 36 bold recommendations to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), urging for a comprehensive overhaul of crypto regulations. This initiative comes in response to SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce’s call for industry input, emphasizing the need for collaboration in shaping a clear regulatory framework.

🗣 Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, remarked on the evolving landscape of crypto in America, stating,

It’s a new day for crypto in America.

He highlighted significant strides such as White House engagement with crypto leaders and congressional efforts towards stablecoin regulation. Coinbase acknowledged the SEC’s increased willingness to engage with the industry after a prolonged period of limited dialogue.

📄 In its response, Coinbase outlined a blueprint for digital asset regulation, proposing a clear taxonomy that differentiates digital commodities from securities. The exchange argued that assets lacking rights in a business enterprise should be classified as commodities and emphasized that secondary market sales of digital commodities should not be treated as securities transactions. Furthermore, Coinbase urged the SEC to defer to Congress in establishing a broader market structure framework.

💡 Coinbase also stressed the importance of regulatory clarity to foster blockchain adoption and maintain the U.S. position as a leader in digital innovation. The company expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to Commissioner Peirce’s initiative and highlighted the necessity of ongoing collaboration between the SEC, Congress, and industry stakeholders.

🤝 Emphasizing the role of grassroots advocacy in mainstreaming crypto, Coinbase encouraged continued industry participation in regulatory discussions. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the future of digital assets, stating,

Crypto is here to stay. Together, we can modernize the financial system, create a system that creates more opportunities for participation by the public, and secure America’s future as the world leader in digital innovation.

💫 Bitcoin Approaches $90,000 Amid Bullish Momentum

🪙 Bitcoin (BTC) is nearing the $90,000 mark, trading just below it at over $88,000. This upward movement follows a weekend of bullish momentum. As of the latest report, BTC is priced at $88,147.25, showing a 3.56% increase in the last 24 hours and a 5.73% rise over the past week. The cryptocurrency has experienced a 24-hour trading range between $84,832.16 and $88,758.73, indicating strong upward activity.

💰 In terms of market metrics:
- 24-hour Trading Volume: $27.65 billion, up by 154.27% from the previous day, primarily recovering from the usual weekend slump.
- Market Capitalization: $1.74 trillion, up by 3.51% in the last 24 hours.
- BTC Dominance: 61.70%, slightly down by 0.07%.
- BTC Futures Open Interest: $58.44 billion, an increase of 8.92% in the past day, indicating growing interest from both institutional and retail investors.
- Bitcoin Liquidations: Totaling $106.78 million, with $13.55 million in long liquidations and $93.23 million in short liquidations as bearish bets were caught off guard by BTC’s recent rise.

🗣 Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, shared his insights on Bitcoin's role in financial markets. He anticipates that Bitcoin will cross the $90,000 threshold this week. Kendrick views BTC as both a hedge against traditional finance risks and a proxy for tech stocks due to its correlation with the Nasdaq.

Over the medium term, I see bitcoin as a hedge against TradFi issues,” Kendrick said. “But over shorter time horizons, it trades very much like the Nasdaq.

📊 Kendrick attributes Bitcoin's potential for strong performance this week to several factors:
- Easing tariff concerns: The White House is reportedly reducing the severity of its upcoming tariff announcements, which may lessen the overall impact on markets.
- Nasdaq rebound potential: After a challenging first quarter for the Nasdaq, there may be opportunities for portfolio rebalancing that could lead investors to increase their allocations to tech stocks, potentially driving Bitcoin prices higher.

🔮 Considering these elements, Kendrick predicts a positive week for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, with BTC aiming for the $90,000 level.

⚖️ Bipartisan Efforts to Clarify Crypto Regulations

🗓 U.S. Representatives Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Darren Soto (D-FL) have reintroduced the bipartisan Securities Clarity Act to address regulatory uncertainties in the digital asset sector. The bill aims to establish clear distinctions between securities and commodities, which have been a source of legal ambiguity for some time.

🔍 The act seeks to clarify jurisdictional boundaries for regulators and provide market certainty for innovators and investors. It proposes to differentiate digital assets from their associated securities contracts, a crucial step given that current laws do not make this separation. This lack of clarity poses compliance challenges for decentralized projects that evolve beyond their initial fundraising stages.

💬 Emmer emphasized the need for clarity, stating,

Entrepreneurs need clarity to calculate risk accurately, create new investment opportunities, and grow our economy.

Soto echoed this sentiment, noting that the bill would

maximize the potential of virtual currencies

while ensuring protections for investors and consumers.

👍 The legislation has received support from various industry groups, including Coin Center and the Blockchain Association. Peter Van Valkenburgh of Coin Center described it as

the smartest approach

to applying securities law to digital assets. Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association added that it provides

clear rules of the road

for companies operating in this space.

📜 A key feature of the act is its definition of “investment contract assets” as separate from securities offerings. This allows tokens to transition from being regulated as securities to being classified as commodities as projects become more decentralized. Advocates argue that this prevents outdated regulatory frameworks from hindering the use of utility-driven tokens.

🌍 The revived proposal, which was previously part of the House-passed FIT21 Act of 2024, reinforces efforts to position the U.S. as a leader in blockchain innovation. Supporters claim it strikes a balance between consumer protections and fostering competition in the global digital economy.

📢 Organizations like the Chamber of Digital Commerce and the Crypto Council for Innovation also back the bill, highlighting the urgent need for legal frameworks in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. Emmer’s office pointed out that the legislation is technology-neutral and applies to all assets linked to investment contracts.

🪙 Yescoin: Revolutionizing Cryptocurrency Investment through Strategic Partnerships

🤝 Yescoin, a Telegram-based Web3 platform, is transforming the cryptocurrency investment landscape by addressing issues of liquidity, trust, and market coverage through strategic partnerships with industry influencers and leading exchanges. This approach is particularly significant in a market where 74% of new tokens lack institutional backing.

🌐 Key partnerships with platforms like Crypto, OKX, and Bitget enhance Yescoin's visibility and reduce post-launch volatility risks. Crypto connects Yescoin to its 80 million users, while OKX and Bitget contribute to 15% of global crypto exchange liquidity. Additionally, Mantle provides Ethereum-compatible infrastructure for seamless DeFi onboarding.

🎮 Yescoin stands out with its functional ecosystem that includes gamified mini-apps, ad marketplace integration, and staking options. This strategy has propelled the platform to 500,000 monthly active users and a 25% month-over-month growth rate, significantly outperforming competitors like Axie Infinity.

💰 The platform's unique revenue model addresses the sustainability challenges in crypto. Unlike meme coins that rely on speculative trading, Yescoin generates revenue through on-chain advertising and deflationary mechanics. This approach creates perpetual buy pressure and contributes to a deflationary environment, reducing dependency on token sales.

📊 Yescoin boasts impressive user metrics, including 180,000 daily active users and a 38% weekly retention rate. This is particularly notable compared to the 12% weekly retention of average Uni DeFi apps. The platform's integration with Telegram facilitates user participation without the need for additional downloads.

⚠️ Despite its strong pre-launch traction, Yescoin faces challenges such as the need for infrastructure scaling and regulatory scrutiny in the EU. However, its diversified revenue streams, active products, and strategic partnerships position it well for success in the 2025 crypto market landscape.

💰 Bitcoin ETFs Recover with Significant Inflows; Ether ETFs Struggle

📈 Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced a remarkable turnaround on April 2, rebounding from three consecutive days of outflows with an impressive inflow of $220.76 million. This resurgence was primarily driven by strong interest in Ark 21Shares’ ARKB and Fidelity’s FBTC. Despite a significant exit of $115.87 million from Blackrock’s IBIT, the overall sentiment towards Bitcoin ETFs remained bullish.

After 3 days of relentless outflows, bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) roared back on Wednesday, April 2, recording a massive $220.76 million inflow in a show of renewed investor confidence.

💵 Other contributing ETFs included Grayscale’s BTC with an inflow of $34.28 million, Bitwise’s BITB adding $33.38 million, and Franklin’s EZBC securing $10.01 million. Vaneck’s HODL and Valkyrie’s BRRR also contributed with $7.33 million and $2.69 million respectively. By the end of the trading day, total trading volume for bitcoin ETFs reached $2.51 billion with net assets rebounding to $97.35 billion.

📉 In contrast, ether ETFs continued to face challenges with a significant outflow of $51.24 million. The decline was led by Grayscale’s ETH fund which saw an exit of $31.08 million and Blackrock’s ETHA experiencing a $20.17 million outflow. The rest of the ether ETFs remained relatively stagnant with no notable activity. Trading volume in the ether ETF space was $236.69 million with net assets dipping to $6.49 billion.

The story was different for ether ETFs, which continued their downward trend with a steep $51.24 million outflow.

🔍 As the market digests these recent inflows and outflows, attention turns to whether bitcoin ETFs can maintain this momentum or if ether ETFs can initiate a reversal in their performance.

🆕 Pump Resumes Live-Streaming for Select Users with New Moderation Policies

🔜 Pump, a Solana-based memecoin launchpad, has reintroduced its live-streaming feature to 5% of its users after a five-month suspension due to harmful content incidents. Alon Cohen, co-founder of Pump, announced the relaunch on X, highlighting that the platform now implements "industry standard moderation systems" and transparent guidelines.

🛡 The new Livestream Moderation Policy aims to foster a safe social environment that promotes creativity and meaningful engagement. It prohibits content related to violence, harassment, sexual exploitation, youth endangerment, illegal activities, privacy violations, and copyright infringements. However, the policy also states that Pump does not aim to universally define what is considered "appropriate", allowing the platform to unilaterally determine content suitability.

⚠️ Violations of this policy may lead to immediate termination of livestreams and user accounts.

🎮 Shuffle: Revolutionizing Crypto Gaming with SHFL Token

💡 As crypto adoption increases, so does the need for platforms that merge entertainment with real utility. Shuffle is stepping up to meet this demand by placing its SHFL token at the center of a gamified ecosystem that integrates high-stakes play, user rewards, and blockchain transparency. The platform offers a range of games, including casino games and a revamped lottery system with a prize pool exceeding $2 million, setting a new benchmark for crypto gaming.

🪙 The SHFL token distinguishes itself in a market filled with speculative assets by serving a clear functional role within the Shuffle platform. It is not just an add-on but is integrated directly into gameplay and user engagement. Players can use SHFL to wager on a variety of games, making it a true in-platform currency. Additionally, SHFL provides VIP perks, fuels airdrop campaigns, and operates a buyback and burn mechanism to create long-term deflationary pressure.

🎟 The upgraded SHFL Lottery offers a new approach to decentralized prize draws. It features real-time visibility and smart contract-based fairness, ensuring transparency for every entry. A key innovation is the dynamic prize pool, where each new ticket purchase instantly increases the jackpot. This creates a live, community-driven sense of momentum leading up to each draw.

📈 What sets Shuffle apart from other blockchain gaming platforms is its alignment between platform growth and token value. By embedding SHFL into its infrastructure, Shuffle ensures long-term sustainability. The more users participate, the stronger SHFL’s utility and value proposition become. This design fosters a self-reinforcing ecosystem where user engagement boosts demand, leading to buybacks that reduce supply and airdrops that reward loyal users.

🌟 Whether seeking the excitement of a lottery ticket or a deeper connection through token utility, Shuffle caters to all types of players. It is more than just a betting platform; it is a transparent, token-powered ecosystem where participation drives value. With SHFL at its core and a lottery already distributing millions in prizes, Shuffle is setting a new standard for blockchain-based entertainment.

🚀 Tether Emerges as Leader in Crypto-Lending Sector

💼 Tether, primarily recognized for its stablecoin products, has recently ascended to the forefront of the crypto-lending industry, overtaking competitors like Galaxy and Ledn. This shift comes after a period of consolidation in the sector, which was significantly impacted by the collapse of major players such as Blockfi, Celsius, and Genesis.

📊 By the fourth quarter of 2024, Tether had captured over 70% of the market share in crypto lending. A report from Galaxy Digital, now the second-largest lender, highlighted Tether's role as a crucial source of liquidity during challenging market conditions.

They started during the downturn, they have probably been a really much needed source of liquidity in this market. They are clearly a huge player

said Alex Thorn, head of firmwide research at Galaxy Digital.

🔒 Despite concerns about the risks associated with this shift, Tether asserts that all its loans are secured and has provided evidence to support this claim. The company emphasized,

As outlined in our latest quarterly report, all loans are widely overcollateralized (in Bitcoin) and managed conservatively in proportion to our equity reserves

.

📉 The crypto-lending market has contracted significantly following the exit of key players, with its current size being approximately half of the $64.4 billion market reported in Q4 2021. However, Tether remains confident in the soundness of its lending operations, stating,

While we do not disclose the specific structure of each agreement, all lending activity is designed to ensure the full and liquid backing of USDT at all times. Tether never defaulted on any loan

.

🔗 As the landscape of crypto lending continues to evolve, Tether's emergence as a leader marks a significant shift in the industry dynamics.

🚨 North Korea's Lazarus Group Transfers Bitcoin: A 27-Day Overview

📰 In the last 27 days, North Korea's hacking group, Lazarus Group, has transferred 3,932 BTC worth $331.99 million. Despite this significant outflow, North Korea remains the third-largest nation-state holder of Bitcoin.

🔍 As of March 22, 2025, Lazarus held 13,332 BTC valued at $1.12 billion. These assets were moved through numerous unidentified addresses to obscure their trail. This strategy endured throughout the last 27 days, culminating in fresh movements as recently as today.

📊 One notable transfer involved consolidating 9.9 BTC into two addresses—5 BTC and 4.89977477 BTC—which were then circulated repeatedly. As of April 18, Lazarus retains 9,400 BTC worth over $793 million. This positions North Korea ahead of El Salvador and the Royal Government of Bhutan in Bitcoin holdings.

🇺🇸 The U.S. government leads with 198,012 BTC valued at $16.73 billion, followed by the U.K. with 61,245 BTC. Bhutan ranks next with 7,697 BTC after offloading 2,938 BTC since March 16. El Salvador has seen a slight increase in its holdings, rising from 6,117 BTC to 6,151 BTC through consistent daily acquisitions.

🔄 In contrast to Bhutan's steady approach, Lazarus Group appears to be rapidly cycling through its Bitcoin assets to conceal their origins. If this trend continues and Bhutan's treasury remains stable, North Korea could lose its third-place status with a transfer of just 1,703 BTC. However, this scenario assumes that the hacking group operates with state support.

🚀 N1 Blockchain Launches Testnet for Developers

🆕 N1, a layer 1 blockchain supported by Founders Fund, has officially launched its first testnet. Developers are invited to request access through direct messages. This blockchain is designed to facilitate applications and horizontal scalability.

⚡️ N1 aims to enhance performance by minimizing the need for consensus. This allows for unordered and asynchronous transactions by default. Such a strategy improves scalability as the number of validators grows. Consensus is only required when bridging between applications.

🔗 Key features of N1 include built-in sharded data availability, a native Solana bridge for high liquidity, and a virtual machine-agnostic environment. These elements provide developers with the flexibility to optimize performance without being limited by traditional execution environments.

🌐 With zero congestion and independent app operations, N1 is set to provide a strong platform for the next generation of decentralized applications.

💰 Bitcoin ETFs Surge with $917M Inflows; Ether ETFs Struggle

📈 Bitcoin ETFs are experiencing a significant surge in investor interest, with an impressive $917 million in inflows driven primarily by Blackrock's IBIT and ongoing enthusiasm from investors. In contrast, ether ETFs faced a setback with a withdrawal of $23.88 million.

Just a day after posting record-breaking inflows, U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs welcomed another $916.91 million in fresh capital on Wednesday, April 23, cementing their role as the market’s current favorite.

💪 Blackrock’s IBIT led the charge with a remarkable $643.16 million inflow, followed by Ark 21shares’ ARKB and Fidelity’s FBTC which attracted $129.50 million and $124.37 million respectively. Grayscale’s BTC contributed $29.84 million while Vaneck’s HODL added $5.28 million. The only exception was Bitwise’s BITB which saw a slight withdrawal of $15.25 million.

🌟 This brought the total value exchanged to $4.09 billion with net assets soaring to $106.39 billion, marking a significant milestone for bitcoin ETFs. However, the situation was less favorable for ether ETFs which slipped back into outflow territory after a brief respite, losing $23.88 million.

After briefly snapping a prolonged outflow streak, ether ETFs slipped back into the red with $23.88 million exiting the space.

🔄 Blackrock’s ETHA was responsible for the majority of this movement with a $30.28 million outflow. Grayscale’s ETH managed to mitigate some of the losses with a $6.40 million inflow but it was insufficient to reverse the trend. Total trading volume for ether ETFs stood at $432.87 million with net assets settling at $5.93 billion.

⚖️ As bitcoin ETFs continue to thrive, ether ETFs are still facing challenges and uncertainties in the market.

🪙 Bitcoin's Volatile Journey: Predictions for 2025

📉 The past year has been tumultuous for bitcoin, with its price peaking at $109,356 before dropping to $74,434. Despite these fluctuations and ongoing macroeconomic concerns, optimism for bitcoin's future in 2025 remains strong.

👥 U.S. President Donald Trump's influence on crypto markets has been mixed. His establishment of the strategic bitcoin reserve (SBR) and the emergence of a crypto-friendly administration have boosted sentiment. However, Trump's tariffs have created economic uncertainty that affects all financial sectors, including digital assets.

🔮 Many analysts are bullish about BTC's future, especially as we look towards the latter half of the year. The following explores several key price forecasts for 2025.

📊 Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat, has consistently projected a positive outlook for bitcoin. He estimates BTC's value will be between $200,000 and $250,000 by year-end. Lee believes bitcoin will be the top-performing asset of 2025, stating,

Bitcoin is still our favorite idea for this year. So we think it’ll be the best performing asset class, even better than gold.

💬 Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, suggested in an April interview that bitcoin could reach $200,000 per coin, describing this target as "not unreasonable."

📈 Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors, sees significant growth potential for both gold and bitcoin. He predicts that if BTC surpasses $97,000, it could rise to $120,000 and even $150,000. Holmes believes that BTC reaching $250,000 is entirely plausible.

🔜 A panel of 25 industry experts surveyed by Finder predicts an average bitcoin price of $135,048 per coin. This is a decrease from their earlier estimate of $161,105 but they also foresee BTC potentially reaching $833,000 by 2035.

🤖 In a recent prediction exercise involving seven AI models, six forecasted that bitcoin would end 2025 above its current valuation, with projections ranging from $95,000 to $138,000. The average estimate of $118,100 suggests a generally optimistic outlook despite regulatory challenges.

🏦 Standard Chartered predicts bitcoin will reach $120,000 by summer and $200,000 by the end of 2025. Their analysis cites factors such as Trump's tariff strategy and persistent accumulation by large holders as key drivers for this growth.

📚 Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, forecasts bitcoin will hit $200,000 by the end of 2025. He emphasizes bitcoin's role as a powerful wealth-building tool amid economic turmoil and criticizes fiat currencies as "fake money."

📉 Anthony Scaramucci, founder of Skybridge Capital, predicts bitcoin could reach $200,000 this year and envisions a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve. However, he also warns that Trump's involvement in crypto could distract from meaningful regulatory progress.