Author: Monicah W

HBAR, the native token of Hedera, has been experiencing a steady uptrend recently, attracting the attention of investors. The price surge has contributed to increased trading activity, but for traders, especially those holding short positions, this could lead to significant liquidations. 

While the altcoin is expected to continue its rise, the situation may become challenging for those who bet against it.

HBAR Traders Are In Danger

The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator shows strong inflows into HBAR, signaling that investor sentiment is bullish. The CMF has bounced above the zero line for the first time since December 2024, showing strong demand.

The inflows indicate that investors continue to pour money into the asset, bolstering the price movement. With the CMF turning positive, the likelihood of sustained growth for HBAR increases, as long as the broader market maintains its bullish tone.

The liquidation map for HBAR, which tracks short positions, indicates that traders betting against the asset could face significant losses if the price continues to rise. HBAR’s current price sits at $0.19, not far from the key resistance level of $0.22. If HBAR breaches this resistance, approximately $70 million worth of short positions could be liquidated, leading to further upward pressure. This scenario highlights the intense battle between bullish investors and bearish traders.

Short traders who bet against HBAR are now at risk, as the broader market sentiment pushes the altcoin higher. The increasing momentum fueled by the strong inflows will likely catch many short positions off guard, forcing them to liquidate. If this liquidation occurs, it could lead to a sharp rise in the price of HBAR, further solidifying its bullish outlook.

HBAR Price Continues Its Incline

HBAR is currently trading at $0.194, just below the significant resistance level of $0.200. The altcoin has shown consistent growth over the past month, and with the current positive market sentiment, it is likely to continue rising. A successful break above $0.200 could confirm the bullish momentum and open the path for further gains.

Should HBAR manage to flip $0.200 into support, a rise to $0.220 would likely follow, triggering the $70 million in short liquidations. This would create additional upward pressure, accelerating HBAR’s price move and potentially pushing it higher in the short term.

However, if HBAR fails to maintain its upward trajectory and falls below the uptrend line, the price could slip under the $0.182 support level. Such a decline would likely bring HBAR to around $0.167, invalidating the current bullish outlook. Therefore, traders should closely monitor these key levels to determine the next steps for HBAR’s price action.

The post HBAR Set for $70 Million Liquidations as Uptrend Hints At Price Rise appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Leading coin Bitcoin briefly soared above the $107,000 mark yesterday. It reached an intraday peak of $107,108, just 2% shy of its all-time high of $109,588, before retracing.

Although the leading cryptocurrency has since retreated slightly to $104,976 at press time, market sentiment remains firmly bullish, with on-chain indicators suggesting continued upward momentum.

Bitcoin Season is in Full Swing

According to data from Blockchain Center, the cryptocurrency market remains deep in “Bitcoin Season,” a period when BTC significantly outperforms the broader altcoin market.

As of this writing, only 16 (32%) of the top 50 altcoins have outperformed BTC over the past 90 days, far below the 75% threshold required to qualify as “Altcoin Season.”

Furthermore, Bitcoin’s rising dominance supports this position. Since plunging to a two-month low of 61.89% on May 16, BTC.D, a metric that tracks BTC’s share of total crypto market capitalization, has climbed steadily.

As of this writing, the metric stands at 63.92%.

Interestingly, since May 14, TOTAL2, which measures the combined market cap of all cryptocurrencies excluding BTC, has trended downward. Currently standing at $1.18 trillion, it has plunged $83 billion over the past week.

This divergence suggests market participants are increasingly reallocating capital into BTC over altcoins.

The current trend signals that traders are doubling down on BTC’s resilience, especially as the king coin attempts to stabilize above the key $105,000 price mark.

BTC’s DMI Points to Strong Buying Pressure

On the daily chart, BTC’s Directional Movement Index (DMI) confirms the bullish pressure in the market. As of this writing, the coin’s positive directional index (+DI, blue) rests above its negative directional index (-DI, orange).

When an asset’s DMI is set up this way, it indicates that bullish momentum is stronger than bearish momentum. This signals a prevailing uptrend and buying pressure in the BTC market.

If this continues, its price could attempt to breach the resistance at $107,048, and rally toward its all-time high of $109,588.

On the other hand, if sell-offs strengthen, BTC’s price could dip to $102,080.

The post Bitcoin Season in Full Swing as Altcoins Struggle to Keep Up, Analysis Shows appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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 analyze Standard Chartered’s Bitcoin (BTC) price projections. According to the bank, Bitcoin price could hit $500,000 as global institutions accumulate Strategy’s MSTR stock for indirect exposure to Bitcoin.

Crypto News of the Day: Standard Chartered’s Bold Bitcoin Prediction

Bitcoin was trading for $105,178, up by a modest 2.27% in the last 24 hours. In recent developments, the pioneer crypto market capitalization has ascended to an all-time high of $2.09 trillion.

To some extent, macro factors such as PBOC rate cuts and Moody’s US credit downgrade provide tailwinds.

However, analysts hold that institutional interest has much to do with Bitcoin’s value surge. Firstly, Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which offer Traditional Finance (TradFi) players indirect exposure to BTC, drive institutional interest.

In the same way, institutions are gaining indirect exposure to Bitcoin via Strategy’s MSTR stock. A recent US Crypto News publication indicated that Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) held 576,230 BTC as of May 19.

Holding a significant amount of Bitcoin on its balance sheet, Strategy’s MSTR stock price correlates closely with Bitcoin’s price movements.

Analysts ascribe this correlation to a dynamic where Bitcoin is the base layer while MSTR operates as a vehicle with different risks, mechanics, and rewards.

Against this backdrop, BeInCrypto contacted Geoff Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered. According to Kendrick, Bitcoin is still on course to hit $500,000 before the end of Trump’s second administration.

Kendrick ascribes this to deepening institutional adoption, particularly through indirect exposure via MicroStrategy’s MSTR shares.

Standard Chartered Says Increasing Allocations to MSTR Is Bullish for Bitcoin

Newly released Q1 2025 13F filings from the US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) support the bank’s bullish thesis. Specifically, Strategy saw increasing allocations to MSTR by a range of global sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities.

“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 Bitcoin,” Kendrick said in an email to BeInCrypto.

While direct holdings of Bitcoin ETFs declined slightly overall, largely due to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board selling its entire 3,400 BTC-equivalent position in BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, other entities quietly increased exposure via MSTR, which Kendrick described as a “Bitcoin proxy.”

“Government entities increased their holdings of Strategy Incorporated (MSTR), which typically trades like a Bitcoin proxy. Entities in Norway, Switzerland, and South Korea reported significant MSTR increases, and Saudi Arabia added a very small position for the first time,” Kendrick told BeInCrypto.

The Standard Chartered executive emphasized that while Bitcoin ETF flows were “unexciting,” the MSTR accumulation trend was the real story this quarter.

“The MSTR ownership detail was where the excitement was,” he added.

Geoff Kendrick went further, detailing Standard Chartered’s analysis of the filings. Based on their analysis:

• Norway added 700 BTC-equivalent via MSTR, now holding 6,300 BTC-equivalent.
• Switzerland also added 700 BTC-equivalent, reaching 2,300 BTC-equivalent.
• South Korea added 700 BTC-equivalent, bringing its total to 1,300 BTC-equivalent.
• US state funds (California, New York, North Carolina, Kentucky) added 1,000 BTC-equivalent collectively, now at 3,300 BTC-equivalent.
• Saudi Arabia’s Central Bank opened a small MSTR position—its first.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s quasi-sovereign wealth fund Mubadala added 300 BTC equivalent via ETF holdings, increasing its position to 5,000 BTC equivalent.

“SEC 13F data for Q1 supports our thesis that Bitcoin is attracting a wider range of buyers. While data on Bitcoin ETF holdings was disappointing, MSTR – a Bitcoin proxy – saw increased buying. Overall sovereign positions were unchanged due to the Wisconsin pension fund selling its ETF holdings,” Kendrick concluded.

BeInCrypto reported how the MicroStrategy effect is spreading worldwide, with TradFi companies building Bitcoin war chests.

The data reinforce Standard Chartered’s outlook that institutional and sovereign flows—both direct and indirect—will be a key driver of Bitcoin’s ascent to $500,000 in the coming years.

Chart of the Day

This chart illustrates the total government holdings of Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy’s MSTR stock from Q4 2023 to Q1 2025, measured in ‘000 (thousands) BTC equivalents. Based on the chart, holdings have grown steadily, peaking in Q1 2025 at around 18,000 BTC.

The chart shows that key contributors include Abu Dhabi (ETFs), Norway, Sweden, South Korea, France, New York, Wisconsin (ETFs), Michigan (ETFs), Switzerland, Liechtenstein, California, North Carolina, Saudi Arabia, and Kentucky, with varying contributions across quarters.

Byte-Sized Alpha

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

• Bitcoin benefits from macroeconomic shifts, including China’s rate cuts and the US credit downgrade, boosting its appeal as a hedge against instability.
• Bitcoin price surpassed $105,000, driving institutional interest and triggering over $667 million in ETF inflows.
• Analysts warn XRP Futures could lead to price manipulation, using strategies like naked shorting and rehypothecation.
• Tron has surpassed Ethereum in total USDT supply, with $75.8 billion in circulation, making it the leader in stablecoin payments.
• The SEC seeks public comments before ruling Solana ETFs, highlighting a cautious regulatory approach.
• The ETH/BTC pair jumped 34% in a week, sparking hopes of an altcoin season, though only 18% of the top 50 coins currently outperform Bitcoin.
• Blockchain analysis exposes bots manipulating Pump.fun token markets, flooding trades to create fake momentum.
• Abraxas Capital’s aggressive Ethereum accumulation signals growing institutional confidence, with $837 million invested in ETH.
• Binance Alpha will list Tokyo Games Token (TGT) on May 21, making it the first platform to offer TGT trading.
• Pi Network faces a 40% crash, with its price currently at $0.73, decoupling from Bitcoin and showing a negative correlation.

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company	At the Close of May 19	Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR)	$413.42	$412.95 (-0.11%)
Coinbase Global (COIN)	$263.99	$267.22 (+1.22%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY.TO)	$31.49	$32.44 (+3.01%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$16.32	$16.37 (+0.31%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$8.97	$9.02 (+0.56%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$10.85	$11.06 (+1.94%)

The post Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin to Hit $500,000, Here’s Why | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is leading the charge in a unique dual celebration on May 22,  as Bitcoin Pizza Day coincides with the Trump Dinner.

This moment, where history meets the present, is drawing global attention. In celebration of this special occasion, HTX has proudly partnered with diamond sponsors JUST Protocol, SunPump, APENFT, BitTorrent, and WINkLink, alongside platinum sponsors Levva and ChainGPT, to launch a series of Pizza Day-themed promotions across multiple business lines, including Spot, Futures, Earn, and Community, boasting a total prize pool of nearly 1 million USDT. Whether you’re a new or existing HTX user, you’ll discover exclusive opportunities and exciting benefits throughout these events.

Event 1: HTX Pizza Day Celebration: 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts with Seven Project Partners

Get ready for Pizza Fest! From May 13 to May 26, HTX is joining forces with seven esteemed partner projects—SunPump, APENFT, JUST Protocol, WINkLink, BitTorrent, Steem, and MEVerse—to deliver a 14-day Pizza Day Celebration packed with over 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts. During the event, users can claim daily gifts on the HTX App, distributed at 02:00 (UTC) daily. On May 22 at 12:00 (UTC), Bitcoin Pizza Day, HTX will drop even more Surprise Gifts featuring bigger rewards, distributed in the form of tokens, Cashback Vouchers, Futures Trial Bonuses, Margin Interest Vouchers, and APY Booster Coupons.

* View details

Event 2: Join the Pizza Day Celebration to Discover Four Amazing Benefits and Grab Your Share of $200,000

From May 20 at 10:00 (UTC) to May 25 at 10:00 (UTC), HTX invites both new and existing users to join the four-tiered rewards event and share a total prize pool of up to $200,000. See below for details:

1. New users who sign up and complete any spot, futures, or margin trade during the event will receive a welcome package that includes a 20 DOGE airdrop, APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn, and Margin Interest Vouchers.

2. Users will receive 15 USDT for their first successful referral. By inviting more friends, they’ll unlock Mystery Boxes worth up to 1,500 USDT each, containing popular cryptos like $BTC, $TRUMP, and $HTX. Additionally, they can earn up to another 1,500 USDT when their invitees reach the trading volume target.

3. Eligible returning users who complete spot trading on HTX will have a chance to win BTC in a lucky draw. Additionally, after funding their USDT-M Futures account, they can earn APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn.

4. Users who trade designated cryptos in spot or futures, or create spot grid trading strategies, will have a chance to share $30,000 in $HTX.

* View details

Event 3: Take the BTC Pizza Day Quiz at HTX Square and Win Your Share of 200 USDT

From May 16 at 02:00 (UTC) to May 23 at 15:59 (UTC), HTX Square is launching a quiz challenge where users can win rewards. Participants who follow HTX Square in the HTX Community and answer all the quiz questions correctly will have the opportunity to share the 200 USDT prize pool.

* View details

Event 4: HTX Earn Bonanza for BTC Pizza Day: Enjoy Up to 10% APY on Popular Assets

Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the HTX Earn Bonanza from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 19 to 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX is launching this special campaign featuring Earn products for both new and existing users. First-time subscribers at HTX Earn can enjoy New User Exclusive products with 100% APY. All users can subscribe to Fixed, Flexible, and Shark Fin products with 14 designated cryptocurrencies, including USDT, and earn up to 10% APY on HTX Earn. Additionally, participants who meet the net subscription increase requirement will each receive a 5% APY Booster Coupon for the USDT Flexible product.

* View details

Event 5: HTX Affiliates Pizza Day Special: Team Up & Trade with Your Invitees to Win a Full Case of Kweichow Moutai

Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the limited-time HTX Affiliates Special Event, running from 10:00 (UTC) on May 20 to 10:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX Affiliates can refer friends to sign up using an exclusive invitation link or code and form a trading team with invitees. Once the team reaches the required trading volume, rewards will be unlocked. The top prize is a 6-bottle case of Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy.

* View details

Event 6: HTX Convert Contest Now Live with 10,000 USDT Up for Grabs

Don’t miss the HTX Convert Contest! It runs from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 14 to 15:59:59 (UTC) on May 31. Trade designated cryptos on HTX Convert and reach a total trading volume of ≥500 USDT during the event to qualify for a share of the 5,000 USDT prize pool, with the top individual reward of up to 1,000 USDT. Complete 10 or more trades to unlock an additional prize pool — the more trades made, the bigger the share. Additionally, first-time converters on HTX Convert can also join an exclusive 2,000 USDT prize pool for new users, with up to 20 USDT per person available.

* View details

May 22 isn’t just about commemorating Bitcoin’s first “real-world transaction”; it is also a day for the global crypto community to celebrate the growth of the crypto industry and to share in its rewards. To honor this special day, HTX is launching a multifaceted celebration featuring diverse events that boost user engagement, elevate the festive atmosphere, and fully showcase the platform’s dynamic ecosystem.

Pizza’s on the table and the party’s heating up. Join HTX today and experience the biggest crypto event of the year!

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

The post Bitcoin Pizza Day Meets Trump Dinner: HTX Unveils One Million USDT in Rewards! appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The price of SUI has seen a significant uptick recently, outshining XRP in terms of growth and demand. However, it’s not just the price action that’s noteworthy. In May, SUI has drawn the attention of institutional investors, marking a shift in demand that could have long-term implications for the crypto market. 

As institutional inflows flow more freely into SUI, the focus shifts from its price performance to its potential as a Web3-focused ecosystem.

SUI Sees A Surge In Demand

Institutions are increasingly flocking to SUI, as evidenced by $21 million in inflows month-to-date, making it one of the top-performing altcoins, second only to Ethereum. In comparison, XRP, historically an institutional favorite, has seen inflows of just $8.6 million in the same period.

This shift is concerning for XRP as institutions begin to focus more on SUI’s potential rather than its established presence in the market. SUI’s appeal to institutional investors is based on its scalability and focus on the Web3 space, which aligns well with current trends in decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain-based applications.

SUI’s increasing institutional inflows highlight a growing preference for projects that offer more than just financial transactions. XRP, while still maintaining institutional backing with $263 million in 2025, has not been able to capture as much attention in recent weeks. SUI’s ability to scale decentralized applications (dApps) more effectively than XRP positions it as a better choice for institutions looking to align with long-term trends in blockchain technology.

XRP Makes It To CME

One key factor driving institutions to SUI is its lack of listing on major platforms like CME, unlike XRP Futures, which further solidifies its untapped potential. XRP Futures recently launched on CME, making the token more accessible to a wider range of investors. 

However, this development also diminishes XRP’s image as an overlooked asset, giving SUI a unique advantage by remaining relatively underexposed. As more investors seek high-growth opportunities, SUI offers them the chance to get in early before the token is fully accessible on major platforms.

SUI’s decentralized, Web3-focused design also plays a large role in its growing appeal. Unlike XRP, which is predominantly centered around payment and remittance solutions, SUI focuses on scaling dApp ecosystems, a feature highly sought after by institutions entering the Web3 space. This increased focus on scalability and decentralized applications positions SUI as an ideal choice for institutions looking to diversify their blockchain investments.

SUI vs XRP – Which Has A Better ETF Prospect?

XRP has its own advantages, especially regarding the potential for exchange-traded funds (ETFs). XRP’s status as an established digital asset gives it an edge when it comes to ETF approvals. The ongoing Ripple lawsuit also seems close to a resolution, pending court proceedings, likely boosting XRP’s clean image. 

The SEC’s settlement with Ripple would increase investor confidence in XRP, giving it a stable footing in the long term. However, for the time being, SUI’s scalability and Web3 ambitions have won the attention of institutional investors, pushing it ahead of XRP in terms of demand. Nevertheless, XRP ETF will likely see the light of day first.

Furthermore, Juan Pellicer, Head of Research at Sentora, discussed with BeInCrypto the major factors that could push XRP for an early ETF.

“XRP’s decade-long trading record and early ETF filings put it first in the regulatory queue, while Sui still needs deeper liquidity and a longer track-record before the SEC is likely comfortable green-lighting a SUI ETF.”

XRP Price Needs A Boost

XRP has risen by 14% over the last 30 days, but it is still fighting against a macro downtrend. The broader market conditions make a breakout rally unlikely, with XRP struggling under resistance levels. 

The current price range for XRP is facing challenges, as a lack of bullish momentum continues to hold it back. However, if XRP follows Bitcoin’s rise and leverages its CME debut hype, it could see an increase in price, potentially reaching $2.56 and beyond. A breakout above this level would end the downtrend and allow XRP to surge higher.

But if XRP fails to breach this resistance level, it risks further consolidation. This would likely send it toward a drop to $2.12, falling through $2.27, invalidating any bullish predictions for the short term.

SUI Price Wins This Round

SUI has shown an impressive 82% rise over the past month, trading at $3.85 at the time of writing. Despite encountering resistance at $4.05, SUI has yet to see a significant correction, suggesting continued bullish momentum. 

Given the ongoing demand for SUI, its price is expected to stay above $3.59, allowing it to break through the $4.05 resistance. A breach of this level could propel SUI towards $4.35 or higher.

On the other hand, a drop below the support level of $3.59 would suggest that investors are beginning to book profits. In that case, the price could fall to $3.18, invalidating the current bullish outlook for SUI. However, based on institutional demand and SUI’s infrastructure, it appears likely that its price will continue to rise in the short to medium term.

The post SUI Overtakes XRP As Institutions Choose The Former; Here’s Why appeared first on BeInCrypto.