📈 XRP Market Analysis: May 18, 2025

📊 On May 18, 2025, XRP was trading at $2.39 with a market capitalization of $140 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $2.07 billion. The price fluctuated between $2.30 and $2.407 throughout the day.

📈 The one-hour chart shows a slight uptrend for XRP after bouncing off the $2.30 level. There is a pattern of higher lows and sustained volume during bullish candles, indicating accumulation. The local resistance at $2.407 is crucial; a breakout above this level on volume would confirm short-term momentum. Aggressive traders may consider entering above $2.407, targeting $2.45 to $2.48, while conservative strategies prefer pullback entries around $2.37 to $2.38 with stops at $2.35.

🔄 The four-hour chart indicates a potential reversal from a recent decline off the $2.656 peak. The twice-tested $2.30 level suggests foundational support, and the modest upswing toward $2.40 shows early signs of recovery. Traders are looking for a breakout above $2.42 to validate this shift. Entry considerations align with a positive zone between $2.40 and $2.42, aiming for a $2.50 target with protective stops at $2.34.

📉 On the daily chart, XRP recently broke out to $2.656 but has since retraced and is consolidating just above the $2.30 support zone. This pullback seems driven by short-term profit-taking rather than fundamental weakness. The current price structure suggests the asset is forming a base for another upward leg. A daily close above $2.40 with renewed volume would likely attract bullish interest targeting the $2.60 to $2.65 range.

⚖️ Oscillators present a mixed but generally neutral outlook. The relative strength index (RSI) is at 55.34, indicating balanced buying and selling pressure. The Stochastic oscillator and commodity channel index (CCI) are also neutral. The average directional index (ADX) reflects a weak trend, while the Awesome oscillator remains neutral. Notably, momentum shows a negative signal advising caution, whereas the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) level offers a positive signal hinting at latent bullishness.

📈 Moving averages are predominantly bullish across timeframes. The exponential moving average (EMA) values from 10 to 200 periods are below the current price, indicating upward momentum. However, the 10-period simple moving average (SMA) issues a bearish signal. Conversely, the SMA values for the 20, 30, 50, 100, and 200 periods support a continued uptrend, suggesting buy conditions. This alignment underscores the technical strength in XRP’s broader price structure.

💪 Bull Verdict: XRP’s consistent support at $2.30, the formation of higher lows on intraday charts, and the alignment of moving averages suggest a structurally sound uptrend. If volume returns and XRP breaches $2.41 with conviction, the path to retesting $2.60–$2.65 remains viable in the short term.

⚠️ Bear Verdict: Despite bullish setups, XRP’s lack of decisive momentum and neutral oscillator readings suggest a fragile rally. Failure to clear $2.41 or a drop below $2.30 could expose XRP to deeper consolidation or a bearish reversal toward prior support levels.

🚀 Lightchain AI: Pioneering the Integration of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence

🌐 Lightchain AI, a groundbreaking blockchain initiative that incorporates artificial intelligence, has announced its mainnet launch set for July 2025. This launch will unveil a decentralized AI marketplace, allowing creators and businesses to utilize the Lightchain Protocol’s Global Model, referred to as the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM).

🔑 Central to Lightchain AI’s infrastructure are two innovative components:

1. Proof of Intelligence (PoI): This unique consensus mechanism rewards nodes for conducting valuable AI computations, such as model training and inference tasks. This ensures network security while directly contributing to AI development.

2. Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM): A specialized layer designed for executing AI-specific tasks within the blockchain ecosystem. The AIVM allows developers to deploy models from popular AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, enabling the creation of decentralized, real-time AI applications.

🌱 In preparation for the mainnet launch, Lightchain AI has launched several initiatives to promote ecosystem growth:

- Developer Grants: A grant program totaling $150,000 has been established to support builders, researchers, and emerging projects within the Lightchain ecosystem.

- DeFi Partnerships: Strategic collaborations with decentralized finance protocols are planned to implement yield strategies, data-backed derivatives, and decentralized compute markets on Lightchain upon mainnet launch.

- Developer Portal: A dedicated portal will be launched alongside the mainnet, providing access to documentation, software development kits (SDKs), and grant application channels to attract core contributors from the AI and blockchain communities.

💰 The native token of the Lightchain AI ecosystem, LCAI, is currently in its presale phase. The token serves multiple functions within the platform, including payments for AI tasks, staking for governance participation, and transaction settlements.

🔮 With the mainnet launch scheduled for July 2025, Lightchain AI is set to make significant advancements in merging AI and blockchain technologies. The introduction of a decentralized AI marketplace aims to democratize access to AI resources, empowering creators and companies to develop and deploy AI-driven applications in a transparent and scalable environment.

💰 Standard Chartered Stands Firm on $500K Bitcoin Prediction Amidst Surge in Sovereign Investments

📈 Bitcoin's journey towards $500,000 has gained significant traction as sovereign funds and major institutions invest heavily, supporting Standard Chartered's optimistic outlook with tangible capital. This week, Standard Chartered Bank reaffirmed its long-term bitcoin projection, asserting that the cryptocurrency could reach $500,000 by the end of Donald Trump’s second term.

📊 In a report released on Tuesday, Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, pointed to recent investment disclosures indicating a surge in institutional and sovereign interest in bitcoin. He stated,

The latest 13F data from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) supports our core thesis that bitcoin will reach the $500,000 level before Trump leaves office as it attracts a wider range of institutional buyers.

📉 The 13F data refers to quarterly filings by institutional investment managers with over $100 million in assets, detailing their equity holdings. The report noted a rising trend of sovereign accumulation of MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR) shares—often viewed as a proxy for bitcoin exposure—due to regulatory restrictions on direct cryptocurrency holdings. Notably, France and Saudi Arabia initiated MSTR positions, while entities in Norway, Switzerland, and South Korea increased their stakes. Additionally, several U.S. state retirement systems, including those from California, New York, North Carolina, and Kentucky, collectively added the equivalent of 1,000 BTC.

📈 Kendrick elaborated,

As more investors gain access to the asset and as volatility falls, we believe portfolios will migrate towards their optimal level from an underweight starting position in BTC.

He underscored the broader implications for bitcoin’s price trajectory:

The quarterly 13F data is the best test of our thesis that BTC will attract new institutional buyer types as the market matures, helping the price reach our USD 500,000 target level.

He added,

When institutions buy bitcoin, prices tend to rise.

🔍 While concerns about regulatory clarity and volatility persist, bitcoin advocates view the increasing accumulation by sovereign and institutional investors as a positive sign for long-term value appreciation.

🚀 Lightchain AI: Pioneering the Future of Decentralized AI on Blockchain

🌟 Lightchain AI is set to revolutionize the intersection of blockchain and artificial intelligence with its innovative approach as an Ethereum fork chain. This platform is not just another addition to the blockchain landscape; it represents a significant advancement aimed at overcoming major challenges in blockchain and AI deployment. By integrating features like Decentralized AI Virtual Machines (AIVM) and the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism, Lightchain AI is creating a unique decentralized ecosystem.

⚡️ One of the standout features of Lightchain AI is its Proof of Intelligence (PoI) mechanism, which redefines traditional consensus methods. Unlike the energy-intensive proof of work (PoW) or the limited proof of stake (PoS), PoI rewards nodes for performing AI computations. This approach not only reduces computational waste and energy consumption but also makes participation accessible to anyone with computational resources, fostering a more sustainable and intelligent future.

🌐 Lightchain AI also excels in scalability, crucial for handling the demands of AI workloads. Its self-scaling ecosystem can manage large datasets and complex analytics seamlessly. Additionally, the platform ensures unbreakable security and ethical AI practices through blockchain's transparency, keeping data private and tamper-proof.

🚨 Currently, Lightchain AI is in its Bonus Stage with a limited allocation of tokens available before the mainnet launch. Early participants not only receive discounted tokens but also gain exclusive perks to influence the platform's future. This is an opportunity to be part of a technological movement poised to disrupt the blockchain and AI sectors.

🤝 Joining the Lightchain AI community means collaborating with developers, crypto enthusiasts, and visionaries to push the boundaries of decentralized AI systems. With innovations like Proof of Intelligence and AIVM, Lightchain AI is paving the way for a future where technology serves humanity.

🌟 Don't miss the chance to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Claim your tokens now and prepare to witness how Lightchain AI will redefine our understanding of AI and blockchain integration.

🆕 Grayscale Launches Artificial Intelligence Crypto Sector

🚀 Grayscale has officially launched its Artificial Intelligence Crypto Sector, marking a significant development in the intersection of decentralized AI and cryptocurrency. This new sector, announced on May 27, is a response to the rapid growth of decentralized AI over the past two years. Grayscale stated,

In light of the rapid growth and development of decentralized AI over the last two years, we are creating a new Artificial Intelligence Crypto Sector.

💡 This sector is the sixth addition to Grayscale’s Crypto Sectors framework and includes tokens that were previously categorized under other sectors like Smart Contract Platforms and Consumer & Culture. Currently, it comprises 20 tokens with a total market capitalization of $21 billion, a significant rise from $4.5 billion in Q1 2023. The largest project in this sector by market cap is Bittensor, a platform for AI development.

🔍 The Artificial Intelligence Crypto Sector is divided into three main subsectors: AI Platforms, AI Tools & Resources, and AI Apps & Agents. AI Platforms like Bittensor and Near provide the essential infrastructure for decentralized AI development. The AI Tools & Resources subsector includes projects such as Grass and Akash, which offer crucial data and computing resources for AI model development. Lastly, the AI Apps & Agents subsector focuses on applications that engage with end users, including autonomous AI agents and solutions for AI-related issues like identity verification and intellectual property management.

🌱 Grayscale highlights the potential of decentralized AI technologies to democratize access, reduce bias, and enhance transparency within the AI industry. The firm anticipates further growth in this sector, driven by the increasing adoption of blockchain-based AI projects and innovations like distributed training and stablecoin integration.

These advancements could transform the sector, enabling more efficient AI model training and facilitating microtransactions for AI agents.

With the AI Crypto Sector still in its infancy, Grayscale believes it will play an increasingly vital role in the broader crypto landscape.

🚀 NBX Launches Bitcoin Treasury Strategy in Norway

📰 The Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) has made headlines by becoming Norway's first publicly listed bitcoin treasury company. The company has initiated a bitcoin treasury strategy by acquiring six bitcoins and plans to increase its holdings to approximately 10 BTC by the end of June.

💼 This strategy is designed to enhance NBX's core operations and create new revenue streams, especially for private and corporate customers such as hedge funds that utilize NBX's trading, consultancy, and custody solutions. NBX is known for issuing the world's first credit card with bitcoin cashback and aims to leverage its position as the sole European issuer of the MiCA compliant stablecoin on the Cardano blockchain (USDM) to generate yield on its bitcoin holdings.

🔒 The company has stated that it will not sell or short its bitcoin. Instead, NBX is actively seeking to raise additional capital from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to further expand its bitcoin acquisitions.

🪙 Trump Memecoin Wallet Canceled Amid Family Feud

🚨 The announcement regarding the Trump memecoin wallet was made by the president's son, Eric Trump, after a series of warnings to the company behind the wallet. This comes amidst a public dispute involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the Trump family.

💰 The Trump memecoin, launched by entrepreneur and Trump supporter Bill Zanker in January, quickly became the most successful memecoin on the market. However, tensions arose when Fight announced a partnership with Magic Eden to launch a new wallet for the memecoin. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. publicly opposed the project, stating that their family's crypto firm, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), plans to launch its own wallet.

📜 Following this, WLFI sent a cease-and-desist letter to Fight. Eric Trump later announced that the wallet launch had been canceled but revealed that WLFI would make a significant investment in Fight's Trump token. He stated,

I am proud to announce the $TRUMP memecoin has aligned with World Liberty Financial... we’re proud to announce that World Liberty Financial plans to acquire a substantial position in $TRUMP for their long-term treasury.

🤔 Bitcoin reached out to Magic Eden for comments but has not yet received a response.

🚀 Michael Saylor's Optimistic Bitcoin Forecast

📈 Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of Microstrategy, recently shared his bullish outlook on Bitcoin during a CNBC interview. He projected a 30% annual growth for the next two decades, citing increasing institutional adoption, tightening supply, and regulatory clarity as key factors driving his optimism.

I'm getting more bullish on that forecast. I'm certainly comfortable forecasting 30% a year on average for the next 20 years,

Saylor stated. He recalled his previous $13 million Bitcoin price forecast for July 2024, which was based on a 29% annual appreciation over 21 years. At that time, Bitcoin was trading around $65,000. With current prices exceeding $100,000, Saylor's confidence has only grown.

🔍 Saylor pointed to several macroeconomic and regulatory changes that he believes strengthen Bitcoin's investment case. These include its official classification as a digital commodity by U.S. regulators, the adoption of fair value accounting rules, and new legal clarity for banks offering Bitcoin custody services. He noted,

There's like 100 public companies or more. They're holding Bitcoin on their balance sheet.

This indicates a shift in corporate treasury management strategies towards Bitcoin.

💰 Supply dynamics also play a crucial role in Saylor's outlook. He highlighted that only 450 new bitcoins are mined each day, amounting to approximately $45 million to $50 million at current prices. This limited issuance is being fully absorbed by institutional buyers, including ETFs and corporations.

📊 Comparing asset class performances, Saylor pointed out Bitcoin's 57% compound annual return over the past four and a half years, which is twice that of the Magnificent Seven stocks, four times the S&P 500, and eight times the real estate average. He concluded that Bitcoin's growth outlook may exceed earlier assumptions, stating emphatically,

I'm very bullish.

🛡 Bitget's 2025 Anti-Scam Research Report: A Call for Enhanced Security in Cryptocurrency

📈 Bitget, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has unveiled its 2025 Anti-Scam Research Report, revealing a staggering $4.6 billion loss due to crypto scams in 2024. This report, produced in collaboration with SlowMist and Elliptic, highlights the increasing sophistication of scams, particularly through deepfake technology and social engineering.

🔍 The report categorizes scams into three main types: deepfake impersonation, social engineering schemes, and Ponzi-style projects disguised as DeFi or NFT ventures. It also details the complex methods used by scammers to launder stolen funds, which often involve cross-chain bridges and obfuscation tools.

🗣

The biggest threat to crypto today isn’t volatility—it’s deception,

said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. She emphasized the importance of the Anti-Scam Month initiative, stating that AI has made scams faster, cheaper, and harder to detect.

Our goal is to help users trade smarter, not just faster,

she added.

🛠 The report outlines Bitget's proactive measures against scams, including the Anti-Scam Hub, advanced detection systems, and a $500M+ Protection Fund. Insights from SlowMist and Elliptic shed light on various scam tactics and the laundering patterns of stolen cryptocurrency.

Criminals are constantly evolving their methods of attack, using AI and finding new ways to scale their activities,

warned Arda Akartuna, Lead Crypto Threat Researcher at Elliptic.

Users must be informed, skeptical, and security-minded at all times,

added Lisa from SlowMist.

📋 The report concludes with practical recommendations for users and institutions to recognize scam red flags and avoid common pitfalls in DeFi, NFT, and Web3 environments.

⚠️ Bank of Ghana Warns Against Unlicensed Digital Payment Platforms

🚫 The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a warning to the public and financial institutions about two digital payment platforms, Yellowpay and Hanypay, affiliated with Yellow Card. In a notice dated June 11, the central bank stated that these platforms are operating without the required licenses and approvals in Ghana.

❌ The BoG emphasized that Hanypay is neither licensed nor authorized to operate within the country. The notice concluded by urging all stakeholders to immediately cease any engagement with Yellow Card and Hanypay Ghana.

💰 JPMorgan's JPMD Token: A New Era for Onchain Banking

🚀 JPMorgan Chase & Co. has announced the launch of a pilot for its JPMD token, a digital deposit token representing U.S. dollar holdings. This move marks a significant expansion of the bank's blockchain operations into public infrastructure. The announcement followed the bank's filing for a service mark for JPMD, indicating its intent to formalize and commercialize the product.

🔗 As part of the pilot, JPMorgan will transfer a fixed amount of JPMD from its digital wallet to Coinbase Global Inc., the leading U.S. crypto exchange. This transaction will occur on Base, a blockchain built as an Ethereum Layer 2, decentralized with the Optimism Superchain, and incubated by Coinbase. Initially dollar-denominated, JPMD may expand to include other currencies and broader access depending on regulatory approval.

📢

Welcome onchain, JPMorgan

said Coinbase.

J.P. Morgan is bringing banking onchain. Kinexys by JPMorgan is launching JPMD, a USD deposit token for institutional clients, on Base. It will be the first token of its kind on a public blockchain, enabling fast, secure, 24/7 money movement between trusted parties

Base detailed.

📝 The JPMD token is unique as it directly represents claims on commercial bank deposits, offering potential features such as interest and deposit insurance. Naveen Mallela, global co-head of Kinexys by JPMorgan, stated:

It’s the first time that a commercial bank is putting commercial money, a deposit-based product, on a public chain and we are starting with Base

He emphasized that

from an institutional standpoint, deposit tokens are a superior alternative to stablecoins. Because they are based on fractional banking, we think it is more scalable

🔄 This pilot builds on JPMorgan’s existing Kinexys Digital Payments platform, which facilitates over $2 billion in daily corporate transactions. With JPMD, the bank aims to provide institutional clients with compliant and efficient alternatives to stablecoins, amidst a regulatory environment increasingly open to blockchain innovation.

🇺🇸 Donald Trump Calls Jerome Powell An American Disgrace Over Rate Cut Delays 📊

👉 Read more

🌍 Visa's Bold Move: Embracing Stablecoins for Global Payments

💡 On June 18, Visa (NYSE: V) made a significant announcement regarding the future of financial transactions, highlighting the urgent need for stablecoin integration in the global payments landscape. The company emphasized that stablecoins are becoming a strategic necessity for institutions involved in money movement. As part of this initiative, Visa revealed its plans to expand its stablecoin settlement capabilities in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) region through a new partnership with pan-African fintech Yellow Card.

🗣 Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Head of Product and Solution for CEMEA, stated,

In 2025, we believe that every institution that moves money will need a stablecoin strategy.

He pointed out the growing adoption of blockchain-powered payments as evidence that stablecoins are set to transform settlement infrastructure, enabling faster, cheaper, and continuous cross-border transactions. Visa's own stablecoin settlement solution, which allows select issuers and acquirers to process USD cross-border payments via blockchain, has already processed over $225 million in stablecoin volume since its pilot in 2023.

🤝 The partnership with Yellow Card aims to explore stablecoin applications in its licensed African markets to streamline treasury operations and enhance liquidity. The companies plan to test integration with Visa Direct to broaden cross-border payment capabilities. Yellow Card CEO Chris Maurice remarked,

Together with Visa, we’re building a bridge between traditional finance and the future of money movement.

He added,

We look forward to continuing to innovate new solutions that can transform how money moves for even more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solutions.

📈 Advocates believe that despite regulatory uncertainties, stablecoins have the potential to democratize access to financial services, lower fees, and enhance efficiency, particularly in underserved regions.

🤑 Neo Pepe: A Promising Contender in the 2025 Crypto Presale Landscape

💰 Neo Pepe is gaining traction as one of the top crypto presales of 2025, having raised an impressive $2 million in Stage 4 of its presale, currently priced at $0.08 per token. The project appeals to both meme coin fans and strategic investors, but the key question is whether Neo Pepe can provide sustainable growth and real-world value.

🌐 Built on Ethereum and fully governed by its community through a DAO, Neo Pepe offers more than just internet culture; it provides genuine utility, transparent treasury management, and deflationary mechanisms. These strong fundamentals set it apart from typical meme coins driven by hype.

⚖️ Meme coin presales are known for their high-risk, high-reward nature. Many projects lack genuine infrastructure and are driven by hype. However, promising projects distinguish themselves through true decentralization, community control, and transparent token distribution. Neo Pepe stands out in this regard with its audited smart contracts, community-governed treasury decisions, and locked liquidity.

🚀 As Neo Pepe enters 2025, it is backed by cultural relevance and a solid protocol infrastructure. Investors are increasingly valuing projects that combine entertainment with real-world applications. Neo Pepe’s DAO-first governance model positions it as a pioneer among meme assets.

📈 Neo Pepe’s strong presale performance is setting bullish expectations. Currently in Stage 4, the project has raised over $2 million, demonstrating substantial early investor confidence. Unlike typical meme tokens that launch haphazardly, Neo Pepe strategically organizes its presale into 16 capped stages with progressively increasing token prices.

🤝 Neo Pepe attracts both retail and strategic investors. Its capped total supply of 1 billion tokens and absence of inflationary minting functions eliminate inflation risks. Built-in burn mechanics and liquidity-locking systems stabilize the token’s price action.

🔑 In summary, Neo Pepe represents a well-structured investment opportunity backed by strong fundamentals. Positioned as one of the best pepe coins on the market, Neo Pepe’s potential trajectory in 2025 looks increasingly promising. If you’re seeking the best crypto presale of 2025, consider investing in Neo Pepe before the next stage price increase.

KERNEL: Emerging Player in 2025 Multi-Chain Security Infrastructure

1️⃣ TVL Growth Attention
- Currently TVL approximately $2 billion, rapidly expanding with multi-chain-based security services
- Operating on 10+ networks including ETH, BNB, and BTC

2️⃣ Multi-chain & shared security structure
- LRT integration in various forms such as Kelp, Kernel, etc.
- Integration with 50+ DApps, securing Etherfi-level DeFi integration

3️⃣ Staking infrastructure & community design
- Kernel Points accrual, official partner airdrop with Mira, etc.
- 6-month lockup + 30-month partial unlock, 60% allocated to community

4️⃣ Announcement of RWA entry
- Preparing to expand real assets (RWA) based on USD1 stablecoin
- Similar structure to existing leaders such as Ondo, Plume

✏️ $KERNEL is operating on 10+ chains including ETH, BNB, and BTC. A working multi-chain security infrastructure, recording approximately $2 billion TVL. It is actively linked to the staking infrastructure and ecosystem, and is characterized by a community-centered structure and long lockup design. RWA expansion is also planned in the future.

🔜 An infrastructure project with the three pillars of “smart governance + multi-chain security + real asset expansion”

🕔 KernelDAO's stablecoin vault launches late June, marking the first of several RWA (Real World Asset) products in our pipeline. This convergence of DeFi infrastructure with RWA innovation represents a significant opportunity - smart capital is positioning for what could be a major market catalyst.

💰 Nano Labs Ltd's $500 Million Strategy for Binance Coin Dominance

🚀 Nano Labs Ltd, a Chinese web3 infrastructure provider, has launched a $500 million convertible notes offering to support its ambitious plan to acquire Binance Coin (BNB). The company aims to secure up to 10% of BNB's circulating supply over time.

📈 The funds raised will be used to evaluate and potentially purchase up to $1 billion worth of BNB tokens, with a long-term objective of holding 5% to 10% of BNB’s total supply. This move aligns with a growing trend among tech companies to diversify their treasury reserves by investing in leading crypto assets.

🔄 The convertible notes will remain convertible at the holders' discretion throughout the term. Despite standard closing conditions, Nano Labs is committed to shifting towards crypto-based reserves.

🌐 Previously, Nano Labs made headlines for adopting bitcoin as a primary treasury asset. Its foray into BNB positions it as a leader in crypto-native treasury strategies in Asia. If successful, the firm could become one of the largest institutional holders of BNB globally.

🟢 XRP's Bullish Momentum: A Critical Juncture

📈 On June 29, 2025, XRP reached $2.21, marking a 1.3% daily gain with a trading volume of $1.32 billion and a market cap of $130.54 billion. The 1-hour XRP/USDT chart shows bullish short-term momentum with a potential bull flag formation after a spike to $2.22. Strong support at $2.175 suggests a possible breakout if the price closes above $2.22 with increased volume.

📊 The 4-hour chart indicates a mid-term recovery with a V-shaped rebound after holding support at $2.067. A successful breakout above $2.22 could lead to a price increase towards the $2.25–$2.28 zone. The daily chart shows a shift from a bearish to a sideways-to-bullish trend following a double-bottom pattern near $1.908. The price is approaching the $2.22–$2.25 resistance zone with increasing volume, indicating strengthening sentiment.

📉 Oscillator readings are mostly neutral but slightly bullish, with the relative strength index (RSI) at 52.34 and the Stochastic oscillator at 63.13. Moving average signals are predominantly bullish for short-term durations, but some longer-term averages show divergence. The 200-period SMA at $2.3677 suggests potential overhead resistance.

🔮 In conclusion, XRP's price action indicates strong bullish momentum if it can sustain a close above $2.22 with volume. However, caution is advised due to neutral oscillators and longer-term moving averages signaling caution. Traders should monitor volume closely and respect support levels to manage risk effectively.

💰 Chile Uncovers Tren de Aragua's Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Scheme

🚨 Chilean authorities have recently dismantled a significant money laundering operation linked to the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. This operation, known as Tren del Mar, involved the laundering of over $13.5 million through various means, including cryptocurrency and a network of bank accounts. The funds were reportedly obtained from serious crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and extortion.

👮‍♂️ The crackdown occurred last month and resulted in the arrest of 52 individuals. These suspects were accused of introducing illegally obtained funds into the Chilean financial system and then transferring them to several countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, the U.S., Paraguay, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.

🗣 David Saucedo, a Mexican security expert, noted that Tren de Aragua has adopted money laundering tactics from Mexican cartels, who were among the first to use cryptocurrency for such purposes. He explained that cryptocurrency transactions are appealing to criminal organizations because they are difficult to trace and can be conducted electronically without the need for physical documentation.

📜 Last year, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization. The OFAC accused the group of infiltrating local criminal economies in South America and establishing transnational financial operations that included cryptocurrency laundering.

📉 Ethereum Futures and Options Market Overview

📊 Ethereum futures open interest (OI) remains steady at around $33 billion, despite slight declines. Options traders are particularly interested in bullish contracts for late 2025. Ethereum futures allow speculation on ETH's future price without owning the asset. The current OI stands at $33.09 billion (13.29 million ETH) across exchanges.

📉 The market experienced a 2.79% decline over 24 hours, although Gate and Bitget reported gains of 1.17% and 0.86%, respectively. CME Group and Binance lead the futures market, with CME holding $3.19 billion (9.64% market share) and Binance maintaining the largest position at $6.26 billion (18.9%).

📊 The open interest-to-daily-volume ratio of 0.6366 indicates moderate trading activity relative to outstanding contracts. Most platforms saw decreases in OI, with Kucoin down 17.37% and OKX falling 6.27%.

📈 In options trading, which allows buying (calls) or selling (puts) ETH at set prices, open interest heavily favors calls, representing 65.87% of all open options contracts (1,717,477 ETH). This signals bullish long-term expectations. The most notable contracts include the December 25, 2025 $6,000 call and July 25, 2025 $3,000 call.

📉 However, 24-hour options trading volume revealed stronger put activity. Puts accounted for 55.58% of volume (527,705 ETH traded), suggesting near-term hedging or bearish positioning. This contrast between open interest and trading volume creates market tension.

📅 The most actively traded contracts featured nearer-term expirations like the July 25, 2025 $3,000 call and December 25, 2025 $4,000 call. Futures data indicates a substantial though slightly contracting market. Options open interest shows pronounced bullish sentiment for late 2025, epitomized by the December $6,000 call.

⚖️ However, the dominance of put trading volume (55.58%) introduces a counter-narrative of near-term caution for Ethereum. While long-term expectations lean bullish, heightened put activity reflects significant hedging or bearish bets, preventing a definitive bullish outlook.

🔍 In summary, futures data shows a large, slightly retreating market. Options OI leans strongly bullish, especially for late 2025 ($6,000 Dec calls). However, the surge in put trading volume (55.58%) introduces prudence. The high call OI suggests dominant bullish expectations, but elevated put trading implies significant near-term hedging or bearish bets, preventing a purely bullish verdict.

🚀 Bitcoin's Ascent: Aiming for $1 Million

📈 Bitcoin is projected to reach $1 million, driven by institutional adoption, global instability, and digital scarcity, according to Finder's expert panel. A recent survey of 24 cryptocurrency specialists revealed a general upward trend in bitcoin forecasts.

On average, our panelists think bitcoin (BTC) will be worth $145,167 by the end of 2025,

the firm stated. They predict it will hit $458,647 by 2030 and $1.02 million by 2035. These projections are based on continued institutional adoption, supply constraints, and bitcoin's role as a macroeconomic hedge.

👍 61% of panelists believe bitcoin is currently a buy, with 52% saying it is underpriced. Morpher's Martin Froehler attributes his high forecast to increasing "institutional demand." Origin Protocol's Josh Fraser noted the current "flight to hard assets," comparing bitcoin to gold. Nicole DeCicco of CryptoConsultz emphasized that these are "foundational changes," not just short-term trends. However, John Hawkins from the University of Canberra expressed skepticism, stating that bitcoin "remains a speculative bubble."

📊 Estimates for bitcoin's year-end value vary widely. Finder reported that the most optimistic panelists predict it will trade at $250,000 by the end of 2025, while the most pessimistic foresee a drop to $70,000.

Although 79% of panelists flagged quantum computing as a security risk,

the timeline for its impact remains uncertain. Nearly half said the bitcoin community is ill-equipped to address these challenges. Despite this, advocates point to bitcoin's growing presence in institutional portfolios and its resilience during global turmoil as indicators of continued long-term strength.