Top Crypto News – May 16, 2025
Bitcoin (BTC) Surges Past $100,000 Amid Institutional Demand**
- Bitcoin has **broken the $100,000 barrier** for the first time, driven by increased institutional adoption and fresh ETF inflows.
- Analysts attribute the rally to **spot Bitcoin ETF approvals in new markets**, including the UK and Middle East.
Ethereum (ETH) Hits $8,000 as ETF Approval Nears**
- Ethereum continues its upward trajectory, surpassing **$8,000**, fueled by speculation about a **U.S. spot ETH ETF approval** in Q3 2025.
- Major financial firms, including **BlackRock and Fidelity**, have reportedly filed updated applications.
Central Banks Accelerate CBDC Launches**
- The **Digital Euro** enters its final testing phase, with an expected 2026 rollout.
- China’s **e-CNY** expands to international trade settlements, raising concerns over dollar dominance.
Ripple (XRP) Wins Final Judgment in SEC Case**
- After years of litigation, Ripple secures a **final court victory** against the SEC, classifying XRP as **not a security**.
- XRP surges **30%** post-ruling, with exchanges relisting the token.
Solana (SOL) Overtakes BNB as #4 Crypto**
- Solana’s ecosystem growth pushes its market cap above **$200 billion**, surpassing Binance Coin (BNB).
- Meme coins and DeFi projects on Solana see record activity.
Meme Coin Mania Continues: New Trends in 2025**
- A new wave of AI-driven meme coins gains traction, with **"GPTDog" and "NeuralPepe"** rallying over 1,000%.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) remain top performers due to **Elon Musk’s continued endorsements**.
Crypto Regulations Tighten in the U.S. and EU**
- The **U.S. Congress** passes the **"Digital Asset Market Structure Bill"**, providing clearer crypto regulations.
- The **EU’s MiCA 2.0** introduces stricter stablecoin rules, affecting USDT and USDC issuers.