XRP remains within a familiar range on the higher time frame, trading just above the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level—a technical area often associated with wave 4 corrections in Elliott Wave theory. At the time of writing, XRP is down by more than 2% and is trading at $2.20.
Wave Structure and Support Levels
The ongoing pullback is interpreted as part of a larger wave 4 correction. From this zone, a further upward move is possible, with chances for XRP to form another higher high. However, a deeper retracement cannot be excluded. In the event of another leg down, support between $1.22 and $1.34 would become the next area to watch.
The $1.21 level remains pivotal. A break below this point would significantly weaken the bullish case, suggesting a shift toward a more bearish outlook.
Bullish Prospects and Price Targets
As long as XRP holds above the current upper support levels, the potential for an upward breakout remains on the table. Possible targets in this scenario include $5.00, $5.65, and even $6.60. While speculative discussions have pointed to the possibility of XRP reaching $10 or more, such projections are considered low-probability outliers without clear structural support at this stage. Any extended fifth wave would be unusual and would require strong confirmation.
Short-Term Outlook
XRP has undergone a retracement, with the current price structure appearing unclear and choppy. The recent move up may represent the beginning of a diagonal pattern, following a possible wave 4 low in April.
A minor B-wave correction around April 20 was shallow and may not provide enough structure to confirm the next leg upward. Currently, the price has recovered to approximately $2.16, after briefly dipping below weaker Fibonacci-based support. The more important level to monitor in the short term is $2.12. As long as this level holds, the chances remain for a continuation of the bullish pattern. A break below $2.12 could lead to a reset of the current wave count and signal a larger flat correction.
The United States of America Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has raised fresh concerns about inflation and signaled a shift in focus toward digital assets, stablecoin regulations, and banking rules. In his recent Speech, he addressed key issues affecting the U.S. economy, including trade changes, labor pressures, and the rise of digital currencies.
Jerome Powell on Inflation and Policy Changes
Per the latest update, Jerome Powell warned that a mix of recent and upcoming policy changes could put upward pressure on inflation in the months ahead. According to the X post, he pointed to tariffs, immigration adjustments, and fiscal and regulatory policy shifts as potential triggers.
While the full effects are uncertain, the Fed Chair noted that these changes might also slow economic growth.
Referencing earlier remarks made in an April 4 report from CNN Business, the Republican leader mentioned that the US-China tariff war could keep inflation higher than expected.
At the same time, he made it clear that the Federal Reserve would likely keep interest rates steady for now. The central bank will monitor how these developments affect both inflation and employment.
Powell acknowledged the Fed’s challenge when inflation and unemployment do not move in the same direction. He said the Fed would have to judge how far these indicators drift from their targets and how long it may take to restore balance.
The Big Take on Stablecoin and Bank Regulation
Speaking on cryptocurrency, Jerome Powell said stablecoins are digital currencies linked to the U.S. dollar’s value. He explained that these coins are becoming more common in the financial system.
As reported by CoinGape, Tether is contemplating launching a US-only stablecoin driven by President Donald Trump’s crypto policies. Drawing on this broad expansion, the Fed Chair said a clear set of rules needs to be established to manage stablecoin as its use grows.
Citing insights from the U.S. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Powell pointed out that stablecoins can make transactions more efficient and help support the dollar’s international strength.
He also noted that regulations for banks handling cryptocurrencies could be loosened in some areas. This indicates a broader shift toward accepting crypto assets within traditional financial systems.
Bitcoin Price and Market Reaction
While Jerome Powell’s Speech made the headlines, market data shows that Bitcoin held steady above $84,000. As of this writing, the coin has pared off its losses and is up 0.37% in 24 hours.
Other assets, including Ethereum, Solana, and Dogecoin, have also jumped by 2.2%, 4.23%, and 0.96%, respectively. These altcoins are riding on BTC’s boost per their higher correlation trend.
Japanese company Metaplanet added optimism by issuing $10 million zero-interest bonds to buy more Bitcoin. Despite uncertainty in traditional markets, Bitcoin’s price remained steady, with some analysts watching for a possible long-term push toward the $100,000 mark.
Bitcoin price is predicted to hit $475,000 as Citigroup hints stablecoins could reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, with top crypto VC firm, identifying on-chain payments and institutional demand as key bullish catalysts.
Citigroup Forecasts $1.6 Trillion Stablecoin Market by 2030
Citigroup has projected that the stablecoin market could balloon to $1.6 trillion by 2030, citing increased adoption by institutions and integration with global payments. The report highlights a “multi-rail future,” where blockchain-based stablecoins become embedded in mainstream finance alongside traditional banking infrastructure.
The prediction hinges on regulatory clarity and strong political backing, particularly from the U.S. This has ignited speculation that a Donald Trump presidency—widely perceived as more crypto-friendly—could fast-track these developments.
At press time on Friday, April 25, the total stablecoin market cap stands at $240 billion, according to Coingecko data.
Asides from Tether (USDT), other prominent stablecoins such as USDC and PayPal USD have surged in transaction volume in Q1 2025, as payment giants Visa and Mastercard integrates blockchain rails in cross-border settlements.
Citigroup noted that the ongoing momentum, paired with favorable policy regime under Trump, could drastically expand stablecoin use cases—from remittances to tokenized assets—and indirectly lift the broader crypto market, including Bitcoin.
As of April 2025, the total stablecoin market capitalization stands at $240.16 billion, marking a 0.5% gain in the last 24 hours, according to CoinGecko.
The market remains heavily dominated by fiat-backed stablecoins, which account for $235.99 billion, or nearly 98% of the sector. USD-backed stablecoins lead with $234.90 billion in market cap and a 0.5% daily gain.
Stablecoin sector performance | Source: Coingecko
Emerging categories show increasing momentum. Yield-bearing and crypto-backed stablecoins both rose 1.0%, while US Treasury-backed stablecoins gained 1.2%, reinforcing institutional interest in tokenized low-risk debt.
Commodity-backed stablecoins also surged 2.6%, suggesting investors are hedging against macroeconomic uncertainty through blockchain-tethered hard assets.
More volatile segments, such as algorithmic stablecoins and exotic currencies like the IDR stablecoin, lagged behind, with the latter declining 0.9%. Interestingly, the TRY stablecoin, pegged to the Turkish lira, surged 317.2%, indicating rising demand from countries with unstable local fiat currencies.
Further echoing this bullish narrative, crypto investment firm Foresight Ventures published a recent report showing key drivers behind stablecoin sector growth.
“The global payment ecosystem is going through a massive transformation driven by stablecoins. Stripe’s integration of USD and Helio’s support for over 450,000 active wallets clearly signal a rising demand for stablecoins in everyday transactions.
On-chain solutions are streamlining payment flows and enhancing liquidity, paving the way for faster, more efficient digital payments.”
– Foresight Ventures, 2025 Stablecoin report.
Notably, in addition to the $240 billion capital inflow, stablecoins also function as an on-ramp for onboarding new cryptocurrency users.
Hence, as stablecoin adoption deepens, they may act as a springboard for larger crypto inflows—especially into Bitcoin.
Here’s Bitcoin Price Prediction If Stablecoins Hit $1.6 Trillion
If the stablecoin market expands from $240 billion to $1.6 trillion, as projected by Citigroup, Bitcoin’s price could be poised for a parabolic breakout. At press time, BTC price is perches above $95,000, its highest in over 60 days, dating back to February 25.
Bitcoin price action, April 25, 2025 | Source: Coingecko
Bitcoin has historically thrived during periods of expanding stablecoin supply, as capital parked in USD-pegged assets often rotates into BTC during risk-on cycles. In 2020–2021, for instance, the stablecoin market grew from around $20 billion to reach $140 billion, while Bitcoin rallied from $10,000 towards the $64,000, reflecting 640% increase.
If a similar historical ratio of stablecoin growth to BTC price appreciation holds, a 6.7x increase in stablecoins could translate into a 3x to 5x surge in Bitcoin, pushing BTC toward a target range of $285,000 to $475,000.
Even under a conservative assumption—where only 25% of stablecoin growth rotates into BTC—Bitcoin could still grow 200% to 250% from current levels, resulting in predictions for BTC price to trade between $190,000 to $237,500 by 2030.
Looking ahead:
If Citigroup’s $1.6 trillion stablecoin projection materializes and regulatory momentum continues under Trump-era policies, Bitcoin price is projected to enter price discovery, potentially reaching $285,000—with a more optimistic BTC price ceiling near $475,000 per coin.
Bitcoin price is trading at $95,035 after surging above the 50-day SMA at $93,026, confirming a bullish momentum shift. The breakout follows consolidation near the 100-day SMA at $85,083 and signals renewed strength after March’s correction.
A close above the 50-day average suggests bulls are reclaiming trend control, with the next target at $105,000, the psychological resistance just above the early March peak.
Bitcoin Price Forecast Today
The volume delta has turned positive, with a +3.38K reading, indicating rising buyer dominance. This uptick supports continuation higher, aligning with the ascending 200-day SMA at $74,420, which underpins Bitcoin’s longer-term uptrend. The three-day chart shows a bullish candle above key resistance, confirming strong buying interest has returned.
If Bitcoin price forecast indicators continue to lean bullish and remains above the current 50-day SMA of $93,000 through May’s first week, the bullish momentum could enter second-gear, potentially propelling BTC to new all-time highs above $110,000.
However, a breakdown below $93,000 would invalidate the bullish thesis, exposing BTC to a retest of $85,000. Until then, bias remains upward toward $105,000.
Paul Atkins has formally taken office as the 34th Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The new pro-crypto SEC Chair is expected to hit the ground running with clear regulations in his second stint at the Commission.
Paul Atkins Begins Tenure As New SEC Chair
According to an SEC press release, Paul Atkins has taken over the reins of control at the US SEC. Per the statement, Atkins has taken the oath of office as the 34th SEC Chair after an edgy wait.
Atkins earned a nomination by US President Trump in mid-January before clinching a US Senate confirmation as SEC chair. Following Atkins’ confirmation by the Senate, final paperwork and the Easter holidays delayed his assumption of office.
“I am honored by the trust and confidence President Trump and the Senate have placed in me to lead the SEC,” said Atkins.
Paul Atkins is making a return to the US SEC after previously serving as a Commissioner between 2002 and 2008. Armed with decades of capital market experience, Atkins is pledging to maintain a “fair, orderly, and efficient market” with investors’ protection at the core.
Pro-Crypto SEC Takes Charge – Here’s What To Expect
Right out of the bat, digital asset enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as Paul Atkins begins his tenure. The pro-crypto SEC Chair is expected to fast-track clear digital asset regulatory direction for the securities watchdog.
Following his assumption of office, Paul Atkins may make an appearance at the SEC’s third crypto policy roundtable. If Atkins joins the roundtable, the new SEC Chair will be in the thick of things for discussions around crypto custody with representatives from Kraken and Fidelity in attendance.
Atkins will lead the securities regulator as the Commission’s case with Ripple enters its final stretch. Following the approval of a joint motion to suspend appeals, pro-XRP lawyer says there are “no more excuses for delays.”
Paul Atkins will face a mountain of paperwork from cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications on his desk. Currently, over 17 XRP spot ETFs are awaiting approvals from the SEC, with a pro-crypto Chair tapped to lend support.
Atkins’ assumption of office comes on the heels of Oregon filing a securities enforcement action against Coinbase, leaning on an old playbook.
Paul Atkins’ connection to cryptocurrencies runs deep, with the new Chair holding nearly $6 million in digital assets. Early in the day, Coinbase announced support for Linked Reserve Rights connected to Paul Atkins.
