In a surprising twist on the global financial stage, the Singapore dollar (SGD) is steadily gaining ground against the US dollar. After nearly a decade of slow and steady growth, the SGD has recently seen a rise of 0.017%, signaling its potential to become a dominant force in the currency markets. As the US dollar faces increasing scrutiny and economic challenges, Singapore’s currency is making a name for itself, especially within the ASEAN bloc.
The Singapore Dollar’s Rise And Its Impact
For Singapore, a stronger dollar isn’t just a domestic win—it has broader implications for the entire ASEAN region. As the central financial hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s economic stability is crucial. A stronger SGD can reduce import costs, allowing the nation to buy goods at lower prices, which could enhance the standard of living for its citizens. Additionally, this economic boost could make travel more affordable for Singaporeans, further promoting economic activity.
The real prize, however, lies in Singapore’s export market. With a stronger SGD, Singaporean products become more competitive on the global stage. This could attract new foreign investments, enhancing Singapore’s already robust economic portfolio. The ripple effects of this growth could benefit neighboring ASEAN countries, strengthening the region’s overall economic standing.
The US Dollar’s Struggles
Meanwhile, the US dollar is facing a series of challenges. The Federal Reserve’s indecision on interest rate cuts is one of the key factors contributing to the dollar’s decline. Despite a slight dip in inflation, the US economy is far from stable. Consumer spending, a crucial economic indicator, is showing signs of strain. According to insights from the Kobeissi Letter, restaurant spending in the US dropped by 3.9% year-over-year in July, the most significant decline since 2020. This trend highlights the growing economic pressures on American consumers, further weakening the dollar.
Adding to the US dollar’s woes is the mounting national debt. As the BRICS nations explore the possibility of launching their currency system, the dominance of the US dollar is increasingly under threat. This shifting dynamic could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, especially as the US dollar continues to lose value at an alarming rate.
ASEAN’s Strategic Advantage
The rise of the Singapore dollar comes at a critical time for ASEAN. As the bloc seeks to strengthen its economic position, the stability provided by a strong SGD could be a vital asset. With the US dollar on shaky ground, ASEAN’s decision to bolster its currency options could be a strategic move that redefines global economic power dynamics.
In conclusion, the strengthening of the Singapore dollar is not just a financial milestone for Singapore but a potential game-changer for the entire ASEAN region. As the US dollar falters, Singapore’s ascent could signal a new era of economic influence for Southeast Asia.
March proved to be a challenging month for many altcoins, with several experiencing sharp corrections. However, as Q2 2025 approaches, some tokens are positioned to benefit from potential improvements in market conditions.
BeInCrypto has analyzed four altcoins that, while not on the verge, are closer than others to reaching new all-time highs.
Gate (GT)
GT is currently trading at $23.50, just 10% away from its all-time high of $25.96. To reach this level, the altcoin needs to breach and flip $23.94 into a support level. A successful break above this resistance could pave the way for further price gains.
Market conditions suggest that GT could experience a price increase in the coming days, provided investors refrain from selling at the sight of profits. If this occurs, GT could push past $25.96 and potentially form a new ATH.
However, $23.94 has acted as a strong resistance for the past two months. If GT fails to breach this level, it could fall back to $22.56 or even lower to $21.25. Such a drop would invalidate the bullish outlook and potentially extend the current downtrend.
BNB
BNB has made several attempts to reach its all-time high of $793 since December 2024 but has consistently failed to break the $741 resistance. Despite sharp declines, the altcoin has shown resilience, bouncing back each time, indicating some level of investor confidence and market interest in its future performance.
Currently, BNB is holding above the critical support block between $587 and $619, standing about 25% away from its ATH. If broader market conditions turn bullish, BNB could be poised to attempt a new ATH within the next month.
While BNB may face challenges at the $741 resistance level, strong support could push it through this barrier. However, if BNB fails to break $647 first, it could see a decline below the $619 support level. This would invalidate the bullish outlook and potentially extend the current downward trend.
MANTRA (OM)
OM’s price is currently trading at $6.58, still far from its all-time high of $9.17, requiring a 40% rise to reach that level. Despite this, the altcoin has significant potential to rally. A positive shift in market sentiment could drive it toward higher price levels.
Strong bullish momentum has fueled OM’s rise, with the altcoin reaching an ATH of $9.17 towards the end of February. The continued inflow into OM signals the possibility of another rally. If OM successfully breaches $7.02 and flips $7.74 into support, it would solidify the bullish outlook.
However, if OM fails to breach the $7.02 resistance, the altcoin could fall back to $6.17. This drop would likely continue its consolidation phase, as seen earlier this month, and invalidate the bullish thesis. A failure to break key resistance levels would limit price growth.
Cheems (CHEEMS)
CHEEMS, though a lesser-known coin, has been gaining bullish momentum this month. Earlier this week, the altcoin formed a new all-time high at $0.000002179. This recent price surge indicates growing investor interest and the potential for further gains if market conditions remain favorable.
For CHEEMS to form a new ATH beyond $0.000002200, it will need a 25% rally from its current price. The altcoin is likely to bounce off the $0.000001660 support level, which could help capitalize on the current bullish momentum. A sustained move above this level could signal further upside potential.
However, if CHEEMS fails to hold above the $0.000001660 support, it could face significant downward pressure. A drop below this level could result in CHEEMS falling to $0.000001461 or even as low as $0.000001132. Such a decline would invalidate the bullish outlook and may extend the downtrend.
Paris Blockchain Week 2025, Europe’s flagship blockchain and Web3 event, wrapped up its sixth edition at the iconic Carrousel du Louvre, once again raising the bar for global industry gatherings. With over 9,600 attendees from 95 countries, including 67% C-suite executives, this year’s event underscored the growing influence of blockchain across the broader tech and financial sectors.
More than 500 speakers took the stage, including major names like Charles Hoskinson (IOHK), Monica Long (Ripple), Adam Back (Blockstream), and Clara Chappaz (France’s Minister Delegate for AI & Digital Affairs), reflecting the event’s global reach.
Spotlight: PSG × Matchain Side Event – A Landmark Moment in Sports & Web3
One of the standout moments of the week took place outside the main conference venue at the iconic Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain and Matchain hosted a special side event announcing the launch of their Joint Innovation Studio.
BeInCrypto joined as the official media partner for this exclusive gathering, which brought together sports executives, blockchain leaders, and technologists to explore the future of decentralized identity, fan engagement, and Web3 innovation in sports.
Petrix Barbosa, CEO of Matchain, announced the initiative and celebrated Matchain’s award for Innovation of the Year, spotlighting their pioneering work in tokenized identity solutions.
Pär Helgosson, Head of PSG Labs, emphasized PSG’s continued push to integrate Web3 technologies into fan experiences and digital strategy.
The atmosphere at the stadium matched the ambition of the project, merging cutting-edge blockchain use cases with the passion and scale of global sports. As media partner, BeInCrypto provided exclusive coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights from this milestone event.
Exclusive Interviews with Web3 Leaders at Paris Blockchain Week
Throughout the week, the BeInCrypto team conducted high-level interviews with thought leaders and executives shaping the future of blockchain:
Aimann Faizz, Head of Business Development at CoinGecko
Andrey Fedorov, Chief Marketing Officer and acting Chief Business Development Officer at STON.fi
Pierre Samaties, CEO of Dfinity Foundation
Alexis Yellow, Founder and Executive Chairman, Yellow
Robby Yung, CEO, Animoca Brands
Javier Rodriguez-Alarcon, COO, XBTO
David Prinçay, director, Binance France
Their insights touched on everything from decentralized finance and tokenized data to semantic identity and sports monetization via blockchain.
Industry Themes and Investor Highlights
A recurring message across the conference was the resilience of blockchain technologies amid economic uncertainty and regulatory transformation. Speakers like Charles Hoskinson and Monica Long emphasized blockchain’s foundational role in shaping future financial systems.
Regulatory spats between the USA and EU have sparked lively debates, with many nodding in agreement that MICA stands as a cornerstone for clearing up the crypto circus on one side of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, the tokenization of real-world assets has become the hot new trend on the block. Following the ETF bandwagon, it appears even the old-school financial giants are seeing tokenization as their golden ticket into the crypto world.
Meme coins, those oddballs of the crypto market, continue to hold their ground as a quirky yet surprisingly significant sector, even though the recent market dip has widened the rift between the staunchly “serious” Bitcoin advocates and the more colorful meme coin enthusiasts.
Beyond the buzz of tokenization, utility coins are tiptoeing back into the spotlight, though hitting a critical mass of users is proving to be a bit like herding cats – a major roadblock on their path to stardom.
As for the tech vanguards, security and scalability remain their pet peeves, with fresh solutions popping up left and right. The ongoing tug-of-war between achieving robust decentralization and actually making these solutions user-friendly continues to fuel fiery debates among the most tech-obsessed attendees at the event.
On the investor side, the “Start in Block” pitch competition attracted 1,000+ startups and 400+ investors, with €10 million in funding up for grabs. Meanwhile, side events like AgentX, Bitcoin Investors Day, and an exclusive VIP dinner under the Louvre Pyramid kept the conversations and deal-making going beyond the conference floor.
Global Coverage & Media Reach
With more than 400 journalists attending from top global outlets, media coverage of PBW 2025 reached unprecedented levels, reinforcing its role as a platform where narratives around innovation and regulation are actively shaped.
About Paris Blockchain Week
Held annually in Paris, PBW is one of the largest and most respected events in the blockchain calendar. The 2025 edition took place April 8–10 at Carrousel du Louvre, hosting over 400 speakers and creating more than 36,000 in-app meetings, making it a global epicenter for Web3 dialogue and partnerships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
