Bitcoin ($BTC ) is trading around $104,474, approaching its December 2024 peak of $109,000. This surge is attributed to eased U.S.-China trade tensions, with a recent tariff reduction deal boosting investor confidence. Ether (ETH) has also gained momentum, rising over 2% in the past 24 hours .

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๐ŸŒ Institutional Adoption: LMAX Group's Strategic Shift

Barbara Pozdorovkina, Chief Growth Officer at LMAX Group, highlights the firm's transition towards institutional crypto trading. LMAX now handles $30 billion in daily trades, with a significant focus on digital assets. Pozdorovkina emphasizes that clear regulatory frameworks in the EU, UK, and US are pivotal for increased institutional engagement in crypto markets .

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๐Ÿ“ˆ Altcoin Season: Diversifying Beyond Bitcoin

Bitcoin's dominance has dipped to 63.89%, signaling a potential altcoin season. Ethereum (ETH) surged nearly 13%, while Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Cardano (ADA) each gained over 6%. Analysts suggest this shift indicates a structural rotation into altcoins .

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๐Ÿช™ Meme Coins and Political Controversy: The $TRUMP Coin

The $TRUMP meme coin, associated with former President Donald Trump, has garnered attention as top holders vie for exclusive dinner invitations. However, this has raised ethical concerns, with critics pointing to potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence .

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๐Ÿ“Š Exchange Market Growth: Binance Leads the Pack

The global crypto exchange market reached nearly $24.75 billion in 2024, with projections estimating growth to $71.94 billion by 2029. Binance holds a leading position, controlling 12.6% of the market share .

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๐Ÿ” Top Cryptocurrencies to Watch in May 2025

According to IndustryWired, the top cryptocurrencies to monitor this month include:

Bitcoin ($BTC )

Ethereum ($ETH )

Solana (#Sol )

Ripple (#XRP )

Binance Coin (#BNB )

Cardano (#ADA )

Polkadot (#DOT )

Avalanche (#AVAX)

Chainlink (#LINK)

Polygon (#MATIC)

These selections are based on market trends, technological advancements, and institutional interest.