Crypto Market Today: Nearly $3B in BTC and ETH Options Expiring, Here’s What to Expect

Crypto Market Today: Nearly $3B in BTC and ETH Options Expiring, Here's What to Expect

On-chain data reveals that the expiration of the $2.85 billion BTC and ETH options will take place today, which can affect the crypto market significantly. With the recovery of investors ‘ sentiments toward crypto assets, many, including Bitcoin and others, surged. However, experts are concerned about potential volatility past these options’ expiration. Let’s discuss.

What’s Happening in the Crypto Market Today?

The crypto market heatmap today shows a division of bulls and bears dominance in the market. Some of the cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Cardano are up slightly in the 24 hours, whereas the remaining Solana, Ethereum, and the rest of the top altcoins remain down.

Crypto market today

Despite the bearish performance, the global market cap has surpassed the $3 trillion mark, currently at $3.01 trillion, and the trading volume is $83.89 billion, up nearly 5% today. However, the concerns grow higher, and the fear of a crash builds as $2.85 billion worth of BTC and ETH options expire.

BTC and ETH Option Expiry Breakdown

According to the Deribit exchange reports, 26,949 BTC options are expiring today, with the max pain point between $90,000-$91,0000. The max paint point is the level where most options expire and could influence downward pressure.

As a result, this could create a significant downtrend in the Bitcoin price, currently at $97,045. The Put/ Call ratio is slightly bullish with 0.95 stats on major crypto exchanges, but it is slightly bearish on the Derbit exchange.

Bitcoin option expiry

Additionally, the investors have stacked heavy call options above $95,000 in the hope of a further rally to $100,000.

In the case of Ethereum, 184,296 ETH options are expiring today. The Put/Call ratio of 0.88-0.92 indicates bullish sentiments. The current Ethereum price is $1,834, and the max pain point is $1,800, i.e, the expirations of most ETH options.

Ethereum option expiry

The investors reaction is mixed in this crypto’s case; some are shorting while others are betting long in anticipation of further gains.

What to Expect From the Crypto Market?

The cryptocurrency market is already facing volatility, and the $2.85 billion BTC and ETH expiration could extend it. Based on the current situation, the Bitcoin price could react in three ways: crashing to $90k as dealers wish for a minimum payout, surge to $100k based on call staking, and sideways consolidation amid neutral sentiments.

Ethereum price can also move similarly, but additional factors like the US job data report and others also need to be considered. Overall, the options expiry could affect these cryptos and the rest of the market significantly.

The post Crypto Market Today: Nearly $3B in BTC and ETH Options Expiring, Here’s What to Expect appeared first on CoinGape.

Breaking: US Job Data Comes In Hot Dampening Bitcoin Rally Hopes

US Job Data Comes In Hot Dampening Bitcoin Rally Hopes

The US job data by the Labor Department showed that the nonfarm payrolls increased by 177,000, down from 228,000 recorded in the prior month. However, it still comes in hotter than Wall Street expectations, putting pressure on investors’ hopes for riskier assets like Bitcoin and altcoins. Notably, the unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.2%, with the overall market now eying what the Fed’s move will be with their rate cut plans.

US Job Data Weighs On Crypto Market Sentiment

The latest Labor Department report showed that the US nonfarm payrolls came in at 177,000 in April, up from the market expectations of 133,000. However, it marks a sharp decline from the robust 228,000 figure recorded in March.

On the other hand, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2% from the prior month and came in tandem with Wall Street expectations. This latest US job data indicates that the ongoing macroeconomic pressure, like the US-China trade war and other factors, has weighed on the economy.

Despite that, this hotter-than-expected job data could be a bearish sign for Bitcoin and altcoins. Now, the market eagerly awaits cues from the central bank ahead, especially as Donald Trump also warned of a slowing economy if the central bank doesn’t go for a rate cut decision.

Bitcoin Rally To Stall?

BTC price today has continued to move upward, soaring past the $97K mark again just after the US job data. Interestingly, investors seem to view the jobs report as a modest positive, as the payroll growth, although above expectations, shows a slowdown from the previous month’s strong numbers.

Furthermore, it is also evidenced by the US Dollar Index Futures going down by 0.42% to $99.635 following the release. However, the US 10-year Bond Yield rose more than 1.3% at the same time. Talking about the Fed rate cut plans, it appears that the central bank will keep the interest rate unchanged at their upcoming meeting next week, the CME FedWatch Tool showed.

CME Fed Rate Cut Chance After US Job Data
Source: CME FedWatch Tool

However, the recent on-chain metrics and market trends hint that Bitcoin may continue to move upward in the coming days. For context, the US Bitcoin ETF has continued to see inflows, after a brief pause till mid-April, indicating a renewed investors’ confidence.

Meanwhile, investors should still exercise caution, given the ongoing market uncertainties and Trump tariff tension. Besides, it is also to be seen if BTC could hold the bullish momentum ahead, with major events awaiting in the coming week.

The post Breaking: US Job Data Comes In Hot Dampening Bitcoin Rally Hopes appeared first on CoinGape.

XRP Lawsuit: Will Chris Larsen’s Meeting With SEC Chair Atkins Today Reshape Ripple Case?

XRP Lawsuit: Will Chris Larsen's Meeting With SEC Chair Atkins Today Reshape Ripple Case?

Amidst various developments within the Ripple ecosystem, the community is eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated XRP lawsuit settlement. This excitement is further amplified by Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen’s meeting with SEC Chair Paul Atkins. Scheduled for today, the meeting sparks speculation about swift action in the Ripple case.

Let’s unveil how this meeting will reshape the Ripple case and how it will impact the future of the XRP price.

Chris Larsen to Meet Paul Atkins: How It Will Impact XRP Lawsuit?

In the latest update within the Ripple network, co-founder Chris Larsen is meeting SEC Chair Paul Atkins today. Reportedly, experts see this meeting as a significant development for Ripple, XRP, and the prolonged lawsuit. Though the meeting’s agenda remains undisclosed, analysts believe that the XRP lawsuit will be one of the main topics of discussion.

Although both the US SEC and Ripple withdrew their appeals in the case, the SEC’s official confirmation of the lawsuit’s conclusion is still pending. Recently, the US Court of Appeals has granted the joint motion by Ripple and the SEC to suspend their appeal while they finalize the settlement.

Clarifications on XRP’s Legal Status

As per expert anticipations, today’s meeting may play a key role in providing clarity to the legal status of Ripple’s XRP token. Though Judge Analisa Torres ruled XRP a non-security, debate persists about its status, particularly in light of the Oregon AG’s Coinbase lawsuit.

Recently, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a case against Coinbase, a top crypto exchange, alleging that the firm offered unregistered securities like XRP. However, lawyers like John Deaton slammed the suit as “dystopian nonsense,” highlighting Judge Torres’ ruling.

Significantly, gaining legal clarity on the token’s status could lead to a swift resolution in the XRP lawsuit. It could also trigger a major rally in the XRP price.

Potential Approval of XRP ETF

Besides the XRP lawsuit and Ripple’s legal status, another major topic of concern is the exchange-traded fund (ETF). With the SEC’s current positive stance on the crypto industry, all eyes are on the commission’s potential approval of multiple crypto ETFs. As major asset managers have filed for an XRP ETF, the commission is awaiting its launch, alongside the XRP lawsuit settlement.

According to Bloomberg analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart, the odds of an ETF approval for XRP lie at 85%, whereas Solana and Litecoin boast 90%.

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Will Ethereum’s (ETH) Price Trigger a Breakout in May 2025? Will it Reach $2200?

Whales Turn Active After Ethereum’s Strong Recovery What’s Next for ETH Price

The post Will Ethereum’s (ETH) Price Trigger a Breakout in May 2025? Will it Reach $2200? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Ethereum price is working hard to keep up the rally above the crucial range, as $1800 has become a new support range for the token. While the BTC price is making numerous attempts to break above the consolidated zone, the ETH price does not seem to be in a hurry for it. With this, the trader’s attention over the token seems to have shed to some extent as the volume has witnessed a sudden decline. This could raise some concerns about whether the price will trigger a breakout this month or continue to remain within the consolidated zone. 

Since the last week of April, the ETF inflows have been quite significant, highlighting the rising interest of the institutions in Ethereum as they have added more than 3600 ETH. Moreover, as per some reports, a whale has reportedly sold 14.38 WBTC worth around $1.4 million to buy nearly 758 BTC at the base price of $1836 after being dormant for nearly 3 years. These point towards an upcoming bullish price action as the current trade set-up hints towards a huge bull run, which may even surpass the gains incurred by Bitcoin. 

The monthly chart of ETH suggests the price has withstood huge upward pressure during the past month, which forced it to close the trade on a bearish note. Meanwhile, the bulls have kept up the rally within the decisive symmetric triangle, regardless of multiple bearish attempts to drag the levels lower. The RSI is also maintaining a descending trend and has been failing to rise above the trend line, hinting that the bears maintaining a significant dominance. However, the DMI levels have converged, suggesting a drop in volatility and a major squeeze with the levels aiming for a bullish crossover. 

The ETH price seems to be at the end of a mid-term correction and the price is about to trigger a strong rebound from the previous lows. Therefore, the bottom appears to be in, which may lead to a good ‘Dead-cat’ bounce. This bounce could further lead to a new ATH but the initial target to achieve could be around $2500 and if the price sustains within the rejection zone between $2700 and $3200, the bull run may extend to new highs. 

The post Will Ethereum’s (ETH) Price Trigger a Breakout in May 2025? Will it Reach $2200? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Ethereum price is working hard to keep up the rally above the crucial range, as $1800 has become a new support range for the token. While the BTC price is making numerous attempts to break above the consolidated zone, the ETH price does not seem to be in a hurry for it. With this, …

Mine Crypto From Your Pocket: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Where Ethereum Failed

bitcoin-solaris

The post Mine Crypto From Your Pocket: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Where Ethereum Failed appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

For years, Ethereum was seen as the future of decentralized computing. It gave us smart contracts, decentralized apps, and a glimpse into the promise of Web3. However, when it came to mining, Ethereum offered very little to the average user. Even before its shift to Proof-of-Stake, Ethereum mining was limited to those with expensive hardware, technical know-how, and a steady power supply.

Enter Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) — a new blockchain project that is changing everything Ethereum missed. With a fully optimized mobile mining experience, Bitcoin Solaris makes it possible to mine crypto straight from your smartphone, making digital ownership accessible to anyone with a mobile device and an internet connection.

Ethereum’s Contribution — and Its Mining Gap

Ethereum undoubtedly revolutionized the blockchain space by introducing programmable contracts and an ecosystem for decentralized finance (DeFi). But its mining model was never designed for accessibility:

  • It relied heavily on power-hungry GPUs
  • Mining farms dominated rewards
  • It required significant setup and technical skills

Even now, with Ethereum 2.0 fully transitioned to Proof-of-Stake, the network has eliminated mining entirely, leaving out millions of people who could have contributed and benefited.

Bitcoin Solaris: Built for Everyone, Powered by Your Pocket

bitcoin-solaris

Bitcoin Solaris was designed from the ground up to bring mining back to the people. Using a dual-consensus architecture, it balances the robust security of Proof-of-Work (PoW) on the base layer with the speed and energy efficiency of Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) on the Solaris Layer.

But the real game-changer lies in its universal mining system, which allows anyone to mine BTC-S using the Solaris Nova App on:

  • Smartphones: With built-in power-saving and thermal management
  • Laptops and PCs: Balanced performance to allow multitasking
  • ASICs and GPUs: Full support for professional mining rigs

This means users can earn BTC-S by simply running the app, whether they’re using a flagship device or an older phone.

Click Here To Checkout The Bitcoin Solaris Mining Calculator!

Cross-Platform Compatibility and Built-In Tools

The Solaris Nova App is available across:

  • Android and iOS (mobile)
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux (desktop)
  • Web interface for browser-based access

Key features include:

  • One-click mining setup
  • Adaptive mining algorithm based on device capability
  • Integrated wallet to store earnings
  • Educational tutorials for beginners

This seamless experience ensures that mining BTC-S is easy, intuitive, and available to anyone — no coding, configuration, or high-end gear required.

bitcoin-solaris

Sustainable, Secure, and Built for the Long Term

Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about responsibility and vision. Its hybrid consensus model reduces energy use by 99.95% compared to traditional Bitcoin mining, making it one of the most eco-friendly options in crypto. At the same time, the network supports audited smart contracts, providing a secure foundation for DeFi tools, token launches, and decentralized applications. 

With a fixed supply of 21 million BTC-S, Bitcoin Solaris mirrors Bitcoin’s scarcity while delivering modern utility, setting the stage for sustainable growth and long-term value.

Early Adopters Win Big—Join the BTC-S Revolution

Presale Live — Early Entry, High Potential

The Presale Phase 1 of BTC-S is currently live and rapidly gaining traction. Crypto influencers, developers, and investors are already paying attention to this next-gen ecosystem that combines Bitcoin’s core strengths with modern innovations.

  • Current Price: $1.00
  • Next Phase: $2.00
  • Launch Price: $20.00
  • Projected Profit: Up to 1,900% ROI
  • Presale Window: 3 months only
bitcoin-solaris

Conclusion

Ethereum transformed what was possible with blockchain, but it left everyday users behind when it came to mining. Bitcoin Solaris fixes that. With mining that works on smartphones, energy-efficient architecture, audited smart contracts, and a fixed-supply economic model, BTC-S brings financial participation back to the people.

As the presale continues to gain momentum, Bitcoin Solaris stands out not just as a better mining platform but as a better blockchain altogether.

For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:

The post Mine Crypto From Your Pocket: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Where Ethereum Failed appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
For years, Ethereum was seen as the future of decentralized computing. It gave us smart contracts, decentralized apps, and a glimpse into the promise of Web3. However, when it came to mining, Ethereum offered very little to the average user. Even before its shift to Proof-of-Stake, Ethereum mining was limited to those with expensive hardware, …

EU to Ban Anonymous Crypto by 2027 in Major AML Crackdown

The post EU to Ban Anonymous Crypto by 2027 in Major AML Crackdown appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The European Union is rolling out strict new Anti-Money Laundering rules that will ban privacy coins and anonymous crypto accounts starting in 2027. Under the AML Regulation (AMLR), banks, financial firms, and crypto service providers will no longer be allowed to offer or support anonymous accounts or privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero and Zcash. The move aims to increase transparency and combat illicit activities in the digital asset space across all member states.

The post EU to Ban Anonymous Crypto by 2027 in Major AML Crackdown appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The European Union is rolling out strict new Anti-Money Laundering rules that will ban privacy coins and anonymous crypto accounts starting in 2027. Under the AML Regulation (AMLR), banks, financial firms, and crypto service providers will no longer be allowed to offer or support anonymous accounts or privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero and Zcash. The move …

XRP ETF Forecast: Standard Chartered Gives $8 Price Target, But Bitfinex Sees Limited Demand | US Crypto News

Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.]

Grab a coffee as we delve into market sentiment about XRP ETFs (exchange-traded funds) in the US. As prospects for this financial instrument continue to grow, experts have weighed in on the possible impact on Ripple’s XRP token.

Crypto News of the Day: XRP ETF Inflows to Reach $8.3 Billion, Standard Chartered Predicts

There has been much chatter this week in crypto about XRP ETFs, ranging from false rumors and reports to delays in key decisions. However, one thing appears certain: the conversation is growing more than ever.

The recent decision to approve ProShares leveraged futures XRP ETF provided optimism; now, anticipation is building.

In a recent US Crypto News publication, ETF analyst Eric Balchunas indicated they have raised their odds to 85%. Based on this, analysts offer diverging outlooks on how such a product might perform.

“XRP price could rise to $12.23 or $22.20 after ETF Approval if XRP ETFs Get 15% to 30% of Bitcoin ETF Inflows,” a popular account on X shared.

BeInCrypto data shows that XRP was trading for $2.22 as of this writing, down by almost 1% in the last 24 hours.

XRP Price Performance
XRP Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

Against this backdrop, BeInCrypto contacted Standard Chartered for a commentary. The bank’s head of digital assets research, Geoff Kendrick, said it was challenging to predict precise inflow figures.

However, he indicated that comparative data from Europe could provide some guidance.

“The amount of eventual inflows to XRP ETFs is difficult to estimate. However, Bitwise has listed ETPs in Germany for XRP, Solana, Litecoin, BTC, and ETH, which may provide an apples-for-apples comparison,” Kendrick told BeInCrypto.

Drawing on his prediction of how an XRP ETF could perform and the associated impact on XRP price, Kendrick compared Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins.

Citing Bitwise data, the Standard Chartered executive noted that altcoins garner a larger percentage of ETP (exchange-traded product) net asset value (NAV) as a percentage of coin market capitalization than Bitcoin and Ethereum.

However, he acknowledged that this could be because fewer ETPs are available for altcoins. Kendrick added that NAV-to-market-cap ratios from already approved US spot ETFs provide a useful benchmark.

Based on these assessments, Geoff Kendrick projected that a US-listed spot XRP ETF could attract as much as $8.3 billion in inflows within its first year.

“Of the US spot ETFs approved so far, NAV as a percentage of market cap is 3% for Ethereum and just under 6% for Bitcoin. At current XRP market cap, that would imply a range of $4.4 billion to $8.3 billion as a future total NAV measure for an XRP ETF, which seems like a reasonable target range for inflows in the first 12 months,” Kendrick added.

Kendrick Sees Ripple Price at $8, Bitfinex Analysts Question Investor Interest for XRP ETFs

The Standard Chartered executive said he expects XRP price gains to keep pace with Bitcoin price growth targets.

As indicated in a recent US Crypto News publication, the bank sees Bitcoin’s price rising to $120,000 in Q2, $200,000 by the end of 2025, and $500,000 by 2028.

He forecasted the Ripple price to rise to $8 by 2026, contingent on spot XRP ETF approvals in the US. This would constitute a 260% surge above the current price of $2.22.

“In real terms, XRP inflation is currently 6%, versus 0.8% for Bitcoin. As such, we target the XRP-USD price levels of $5.50 at end-2025, $8.00 at end-2026, $10.40 at end-2027, $12.50 at end-2028 and $12.25 at end-2029,” Kendrick explained.

Meanwhile, analysts at Bitfinex caution against optimism, saying that investor interest in a US-based spot XRP ETF may not match that witnessed in Bitcoin ETFs.

“We expect limited inflows into an XRP ETF as some investors may choose to broaden their exposure across available crypto ETFs. However it is unlikely to see the level of flows experienced by Bitcoin,” Bitfinex analysts told BeInCrypto.

The contrasting assessments reflect broader uncertainty over how altcoin ETFs might perform in a regulated US market.

Bitcoin’s dominance and changing regulatory attitudes toward digital assets still heavily influence the crypto market in the US.

So far, Grayscale, Wisdom Tree, Bitwise, Canary, and 21Shares have filed for XRP ETF approvals with the SEC. Bitwise’s application received official acknowledgment on February 18, triggering several timelines for approving, denying, or extending the application.

The final deadline is October 12, 240 days after official receipt. This date is equivalent to the ‘final deadline’ of January 10, 2024, for BTC ETF approvals, the day they were approved.

However, with other applications beyond XRP ETF pending approval, including Solana and Litecoin, Kendrick noted that other applications in the pipeline could affect the timeline for XRP ETF approval.

“Litecoin seems most likely to progress the fastest, providing early insight into how the new SEC leadership will treat altcoin ETFs,” Kendrick said.

As a hard fork of Bitcoin, Litecoin could already be viewed by the SEC as a commodity rather than a security. According to Kendrick, its similarity to Bitcoin may make it conceptually easier for investors to understand.

This aligns with Balchunas’ forecast that Litecoin ETF could take precedence over a Solana ETF.

“We expect a wave of cryptocurrency ETFs next year, albeit not all at once. First out is likely the BTC + ETH combo ETFs, then probably Litecoin (because it is a fork of BTC, [therefore it’s a] commodity), then HBAR (because it’s not labeled security), and then XRP/Solana (which have been labeled securities in pending lawsuits),” Balchunas stated.

XRP ETF approval odds
XRP ETF approval odds. Source: Polymarket

For now, data on Polymarket shows a 39% chance that XRP ETFs will be approved by July 31 and a 79% chance by December 31.

Chart of the Day

XRP ETP vs Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP
XRP ETP vs Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP. Source:  Standard Chartered Research

The charts compare the NAV (Net Asset Value) in USD for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Litecoin via Bitwise ETPs and US spot ETFs.

Figure 12 (left) shows Bitwise ETPs, highlighting Bitcoin’s dominance, while Figure 13 (right) focuses on US spot ETFs, with Bitcoin again leading.

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more crypto news to follow today:

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company At the Close of May 1 Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR) $381.60 $391.45 (+2.58%)
Coinbase Global (COIN) $201.30 $204.85 (+1.76%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY.TO) $24.05 $26.39 (+9.72%)
MARA Holdings (MARA) $14.05 $14.29 (+1.71%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT) $7.77 $7.90 (+1.67%)
Core Scientific (CORZ) $8.55 $8.73 (+2.11%)
Crypto equities market open race: Finance.Yahoo

The post XRP ETF Forecast: Standard Chartered Gives $8 Price Target, But Bitfinex Sees Limited Demand | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Top 4 Crypto to Buy This Weekend as Increasing Whale Activity Hints at Rally

Top 4 Crypto to Buy This Weekend as Increasing Whale Activity Hints at Rally

The dips often lead to the ‘crypto to buy’ season, and the last few weeks have led to this time. The rising uncertainty amid the Trump tariff war affected investors’ sentiments and the crypto market, but recovery looms. The rising whale activity confirms the trend reversal and upcoming rally. Let’s discuss what to buy.

Whales Bet on Top Crypto to Buy

According to the popular analytics platform Santiment’s X post, the crypto whales are targeting the above $500 million market cap cryptos. More importantly, they clarified that these cryptos have higher chances of trend reversal, making the current time a good entry and crypto to buy.

Based on the whales’ activity, the best cryptocurrencies to buy are Ethena (ENA), Worldcoin (WLD), Floki Inu (FLOKI), and Kucoin Token (KCS).

crypto whale activity

1. Ethenna (ENA)

After its launch in 2024, Ethena rose in popularity and gained significant rallies, creating an ATH of $1.52 and another near high in January 2025. However, with the market’s downtrend, the token crashed and is attempting a recovery these days. Based on its historical trend, place in top altcoins, and rising whale activity, investors can consider it to buy.

2. Worldcoin (WLD)

Worldcoin price rallied as the founder, Sam Altman, brought World ID and Orb verification to the U.S. Also, there’s potential news for a Coinbase listing for the WLD token, grasping crypto whales’ attention. It is among the top cryptos to buy due to this recovered interest and upcoming updates, especially as it has the potential to hit 10x (current ATH mark).

Worldcoin

3. FLOKI (FLOKI)

FLOKI is among the most popular meme coins, but it lost its demand amid the market downtrend. Interestingly, the demand is rebuilding for FLOKI and other meme-themed cryptocurrencies, which could build short-term rallies, making it a suitable option to buy. However, the volatility still lingers, so investors must be careful.

4. Kucoin (KCS)

KCS is the official cryptocurrency of the Kucoin crypto exchange. As a result, it is often in the spotlight, gaining significant uptrends. At present, it is in a declining phase, but if the trend reverses, as the Santiment analysis report suggests, it could become a decent buying option.

Is a Crypto Market Rally in Formation?

After days of recovery, the crypto market finally reached the $3 trillion market cap mark. However, a crypto rally is still uncertain as the investors’ sentiments remain neutral and lack any bullish stimulus. Experts anticipate the upcoming FOMC meeting and potential Fed rate cuts to boost the market. If that happens, the timing is perfect for crypto to buy, but investors must remain careful and do further research.

The post Top 4 Crypto to Buy This Weekend as Increasing Whale Activity Hints at Rally appeared first on CoinGape.

Ethereum Whale Dumps $2M In ETH To Buy These 3 Tokens

Ethereum Whale Dumps $2M In ETH To Buy These 3 Tokens: Details

An Ethereum whale has captured the attention of the crypto market this Friday as it made notable changes in its crypto portfolio. On-chain whale statistics have revealed that a large-scale investor dumped $2 million worth of ETH, thereby diversifying investment into 3 other tokens.

These 3 tokens, namely, AERO, AIXBT, and VIRTUAL, are now on traders’ watchlists amid increased buying and rising price trajectories.

Ethereum Whale Shifts Focus To AERO, AIXBT, VIRTUAL

Onchain Lens’ X post on May 2 revealed that an Ethereum whale dumped 1,185 ETH, worth $2.11 million, in exchange for USDC. This investor has then moved on to purchase 2.92 million AERO, 3.34 million AIXBT, and 6,800 VIRTUAL with the recently swapped USDC.

Subsequently, data indicated that this whale again swapped 2.44 million AERO for 996,566 VIRTUAL tokens. It now holds 1,003,366 VIRTUAL, echoing a market buzz as the crypto is currently on a massive price rally.

Interestingly, broader market sentiments about VIRTUAL have taken a paradigm bullish shift. VIRTUAL price is trading now at $1.64 as of reporting, surging by a staggering 100% over the week. The coin has further extended its intraday gains to over 2% in tandem with the Ethereum whale’s shift in position.

Ethereum’s Struggles Continue

ETH price, however, has managed to gain only 3% over the week, remaining undermined by the recent market trends. The second-largest crypto by market cap has exchanged hands at $1,825 at the time of reporting.

Conversely, even AIXBT price overtook ETH price in terms of weekly gains, surging 57% to $0.1938. The coin witnessed a 13% intraday pump, in sync with the massive accumulation by the ETH whale. Lastly, Aerodrome Finance (AERO) price also overshadowed Ethereum’s weekly gains, up 16% to $0.6658. These broader rising price actions have kindled further optimism for the three tokens.

Crypto market participants are now left anticipating if these three coins could gain further in light of the increased buying and a broader bullish outlook market-wide. On the other hand, Ethereum whale dumps continue to be on the rise, as per a CoinGape report, presenting as another concerning factor for the token.

The post Ethereum Whale Dumps $2M In ETH To Buy These 3 Tokens appeared first on CoinGape.

Peter Brandt Sets Bitcoin Price Target At $150K With A Stark Warning

Peter Brandt Sets Bitcoin Price Target At $150K With A Stark Warning

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has sparked discussions with his recent Bitcoin price prediction to hit as much as $150K in 2025. Although the bullish prediction has fueled optimism among market participants, some call this target a bit conservative. Besides, Brandt has also shared a warning of a potential BTC crash after it reaches the cycle peak.

Peter Brandt Predicts Bitcoin Price’s Cycle Peak

In a recent post on X, Peter Brandt has shared a bold prediction. He suggested that Bitcoin price could hit its bull cycle peak by August or September 2025. However, he noted that BTC must reclaim its “broken parabolic slope.” According to Brandt, if this structure holds, the flagship crypto could touch between $125K and $150K in the current cycle.

However, what really caught the investors’ eye is Brandt projecting a BTC crash of more than 50% once it reaches its peak. Besides, he also tagged analyst Scott Melker, also known as The Wolf of All Streets, in his post. Scott Melker responded to the post, signaling his support for Brandt’s outlook and sparking discussions in the market.

Bitcoin price chart
Source: Peter Brandt, X

Despite that, some crypto enthusiasts view this target as underwhelming. Given BTC’s current momentum and growing institutional focus, many believe the crypto could rise much higher.

Meanwhile, Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki recently predicted that Bitcoin price could soar as high as $200,000 by 2025. His bullish stance underscores the growing divide between conservative projections and bullish expectations.

BTC Hits Multi-Month High

Bitcoin price has recorded a new high since February, soaring past the $97,400 mark in the last 24 hours. However, during writing, it rested at $96,790 accompanied by a trading volume of $33.16 billion. Besides, the BTC Futures Open interest also rose by nearly 8%, reflecting the strong market confidence in the asset.

On the other hand, the US Spot BTC ETF regained momentum on April 1 after a brief pause, adding around $422 million in total. Considering all these latest market trends, it is likely that the flagship crypto might continue to move upwards in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a recent BTC price prediction also showed that the crypto is poised to hit $100K soon. However, with Brandt’s experience and Scott Melker’s support of the outlook, the investors should exercise due diligence while making their bets.

The post Peter Brandt Sets Bitcoin Price Target At $150K With A Stark Warning appeared first on CoinGape.