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📉 Bitcoin Slips Below $118K, ETH & XRP Pare Gains — Rally Holds Firm, Says Coinbase

Date: July 18, 2025

A minor cooldown has hit key cryptocurrencies as traders lock in profits following a recent surge. Here's the lowdown, straight from Coinbase insights and the market floor:

🔹 Bitcoin (BTC)

Current Level: Around $117.5K–$118K — down from intraday highs above $120K Mitrade.
Outlook: Coinbase analysts view this drop as a healthy pullback, not a reversal, with no signs yet of broad speculative excess.
🔸Ethereum (ETH)

Performance: Briefly rose to near $3.7K, now trading around $3.55K–$3.52K Coinbase+7Stocktwits+7Cryptopolitan+7.
Perspective: The drop is modest, and the overall trend remains constructive on technical fronts Barron's+15Mitrade+15AInvest+15.

🌐 XRP (Ripple)

Ride: Multiple record highs this week—peaked at $3.65–$3.64, currently consolidating near $3.4–$3.5 .
Market Dynamics:
Dominated Coinbase with $1.38B in 24-hour volume Cryptopolitan.
Technical indicators (like 90‑day MVRV at ~48% and RSI above 89) suggest overbought conditions, hinting at a possible 17% pullback to ~$2.95–$3.00 BeInCrypto.
Still, on‑chain exchange inflows are low, suggesting investors are holding, not selling BeInCrypto.
🏛️ What’s Fueling the Rally?

U.S. Crypto-Friendly Legislation
The GENIUS Act and Clarity Act have sparked a U.S. “Crypto Week,” fueling institutional optimism DL News+12Barron's+12Reuters+12.
Institutional Interest & 401(k) Signals
Rumors suggest President Trump may soon allow crypto in 401(k) plans Barron's.
Coinbase Volume Spikes
XRP became the top-traded asset on Coinbase, marking a paradigm shift in retail engagement AInvest+7Cryptopolitan+7AInvest+7Coinbase.
🎯 Market Summary
Rally remains intact — This pullback is seen as profit-taking, not a trend reversal.

BTC is stabilizing just under recent highs.
ETH is holding key levels post-push.
XRP may cool off temporarily, but underlying accumulation suggests room for another surge.
Still, traders are eyeing signals: cooling oscillators, diminishing flows, and upcoming macro/regulatory headlines that could impact sentiment.

🛠️ What's Next?
Watch for XRP's pullback toward $2.95–$3.00—a possible entry opportunity if the broader rally holds.
BTC breaking back above $120K could reignite confidence.
ETH approaching $3.7K would confirm upside resumption.
#Bitcoin #Ethereum #XRP #CryptoNews #Altcoins
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By Jesse Hamilton & Nikhilesh De
Washington, July 18, 2025 — In a landmark move, President Donald Trump officially enacted the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins), marking the first major federal law directly regulating stablecoins—USD‑pegged digital currencies—with the aim of catapulting U.S. into the forefront of crypto innovation Yahoo Finance+3CoinDesk+3Muck Rack+3.

🔍 What the Law Requires
Only licensed entities—banks, credit unions, fintechs—can issue "payment stablecoins"
Reserves must be backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars or U.S. Treasury bills
Monthly public disclosures of reserve holdings, with independent audits Muck Rack+7Wikipedia+7Fox News+7Fox News+3Reuters+3Cinco Días+3
🧭 Why It Matters
The legislation aims to add credibility, transparency, and legal clarity to a $250+ billion market, enabling broader adoption by banks, merchants, and consumers. Analysts estimate stablecoin usage could soar—potentially reaching $2 trillion by 2028 YouTube+15Reuters+15Axios+15.

👨‍💼 Trump’s Crypto Pivot
Trump praised the law as a monumental “revolution in financial technology,” joking it was “named after me” during the signing ceremony Muck Rack+11CBS News+11YouTube+11. He underscored his broader crypto legacy: launching the $TRUMP meme coin, directing a strategic bitcoin reserve via executive order, and vowing to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet” Fox News+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2.

🔄 Industry & Market Ripples

Mainstream institutions like JPMorgan, Amazon, and Walmart are exploring stablecoin payment options, spurred by the law’s clarity CoinDesk+15Investopedia+15CBS News+15.
Critics—including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley—warn about potential systemic risk if stablecoins crowd into the Treasury market or enable big‑tech dominance Wikipedia+2New York Magazine+2Reuters+2.
Political tension surfaced when MAGA stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene opposed the act, warning it could lead to a “cashless society” and CBDC overreach The Daily Beast.

🚀 What Comes Next
Stablecoin issuers are expected to begin using the established licensing route and transparent reserve models—pending issuance of implementing rules
Bank/Fed guidance and startup adoption will shape whether digital payments move from niche to norm
Upcoming debates will center on AML loopholes, big‑tech risks, and the three‑year moratorium on new stablecoin issuers ReutersCinco Días+4Wikipedia+4Muck Rack+4
📌 Takeaway
The GENIUS Act is more than a regulatory milestone—it represents a high‑stakes gamble that crypto can coexist with traditional finance under U.S. rule of law. Will it spark the next wave of digital payment revolution—or open the door to new financial vulnerabilities?

Let me know if you’d like me to dive into:
How the law shapes your crypto walleterve audit process
Potential macro‑financial impacts
Or reactions from major banks, exchanges, or tech giants.
#GENIUSAct #StablecoinRevolution #CryptoCapitalUSA #DigitalDollar #BlockchainRegulation
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Deal Overview

Cantor Equity Partners 1 (CEPO), a SPAC under the leadership of Brandon Lutnick (son of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick), announced a strategic deal with Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back that sent its stock 25% higher—from about $12 to nearly $15—in morning U.S. trading CoinGecko+11CoinDesk+11The Economic Times+11.

Terms of the Agreement

CEPO will acquire 30,000 BTC, valued at roughly $3.5 billion at current prices, sourced from Back and his company Blockstream Partners The Economic Times+3CoinDesk+3AInvest+3.
In return, Back and Blockstream will receive equity in CEPO, which is set to be rebranded as BSTR Holdings Financial Times+3CoinDesk+3CoinDesk+3.
Broader Ambitions

CEPO is aiming to raise an additional $800 million to fund more Bitcoin purchases, potentially taking the total deal value past $4 billion Finviz+12Financial Times+12CoinDesk+12.
If finalized this week during “crypto week” in Washington—amidst Congress debating digital currency regulations—it will bolster Cantor’s position as a leading institutional Bitcoin treasury manager Financial Times.
Adam Back’s Long-Term Vision
While skeptics viewed this as a liquidity event, CoinDesk Senior Analyst James Van Straten highlighted that Back's intent is long-term.

“Far from being a mere liquidity event for Back, this partnership underscores his long-term conviction that Bitcoin should become a core asset class in traditional finance portfolios” CoinDesk+1AInvest+1.
Back has also made other strategic Bitcoin investments this year—such as funding H100 Group and The Blockchain Group—to support Bitcoin's broader adoption CoinGecko+4Financial Times+4CoinDesk+4.
Context: Cantor’s Crypto Strategy
This latest move mirrors earlier large-scale crypto ventures, like the April initiative involving SoftBank and Tether—worth roughly $3.6 billion—that also partnered with Cantor Fitzgerald and Brandon Lutnick CoinDesk+2Financial Times+2Financial Times+2.
Collectively, Cantor’s crypto acquisition vehicles (including BSTR and Twenty-One Capital) may accumulate nearly $10 billion in crypto assets throughout 2025 AInvest+4Financial Times+4CoinDesk+4.

Why It Matters
This signals growing institutional momentum in Bitcoin investment, echoing the treasury acquisition model championed by firms like MicroStrategy.

With Back’s involvement, the deal reinforces confidence in CEPO’s credibility and adds to efforts integrating Bitcoin more closely with mainstream capital markets.
#BitcoinDeal #CantorEquityPartners #AdamBack #CryptoInvestment #BitcoinTreasury
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The cryptocurrency market is showing early signs of an altcoin resurgence, as Bitcoin (BTC) trades sideways and capital rotates into alternative tokens.
After a prolonged period of Bitcoin dominance and volatile price action, BTC has entered a consolidation phase near critical support levels. While Bitcoin hovers in a relatively tight range, traders and investors are shifting their focus to Ethereum (ETH) and several fast-rising altcoins, fueling speculation that a new “altcoin season” may be underway.
Bitcoin in a Holding Pattern
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is consolidating just below major resistance zones, with market participants awaiting cues from macroeconomic data and ETF flows. This stabilization has historically created an environment where risk appetite increases for smaller-cap tokens, as traders seek higher returns outside the flagship cryptocurrency.
“Bitcoin’s consolidation often sets the stage for renewed interest in the broader market,” said one analyst. “With volatility compressing, investors start allocating to projects with stronger near-term catalysts.”
Ethereum Regains Momentum
Ethereum, the largest altcoin by market capitalization, has emerged as a leading performer this week. ETH has reclaimed key technical levels, buoyed by optimism over upcoming scaling upgrades and a pickup in decentralized finance (DeFi) activity. Increased network usage and institutional interest have helped Ethereum outperform Bitcoin on several trading pairs.
SUI and SEI Among Top Gainers
Beyond Ethereum, a new wave of Layer 1 and infrastructure-focused tokens are capturing attention. Sui (SUI) and Sei (SEI) have posted double-digit gains in recent days, driven by growing developer ecosystems and speculative inflows. SUI, a Layer 1 blockchain designed for high throughput and low latency, has seen surging on-chain activity, while SEI continues to benefit from its positioning as a trading-focused infrastructure layer.
These moves reflect a broader rotation of capital into emerging platforms that promise scalability and novel applications, themes that have historically fueled altcoin booms.
Is Altcoin Season Back?
Market watchers often use the term “altcoin season” to describe periods when alternative cryptocurrencies significantly outperform Bitcoin. While it is too early to declare a full-fledged altcoin season, several indicators point to growing momentum:
Altcoin Dominance: The share of total market capitalization held by altcoins is rising steadily.
Speculative Interest: Funding rates and trading volumes in smaller tokens have increased.
Narrative Rotation: Attention is shifting to projects offering infrastructure improvements and new use cases.
However, analysts caution that volatility remains high, and sudden reversals are common. Macro factors—including interest rate decisions and regulatory developments—could still impact sentiment across the board.
Conclusion
As Bitcoin takes a breather, altcoins are stepping into the spotlight. Ethereum’s strength and the rapid ascent of tokens like SUI and SEI are stoking enthusiasm among traders eager for higher beta plays. Whether this is the start of a sustained altcoin season or a temporary surge remains to be seen—but for now, the broader crypto market is buzzing with renewed energy.
#Bitcoin #Ethereum #SUI #SEI #AltcoinSeason
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July 16, 2025 – Crypto Daybook Americas

In a groundbreaking move at the intersection of decentralized infrastructure and consumer finance, Aethir, a leading provider of decentralized cloud computing, has partnered with Credible, a Web3-native credit solutions platform, to launch the world’s first DePIN-powered credit card.

This innovative product aims to bridge decentralized infrastructure networks (DePINs) with real-world financial services—offering users a seamless experience of leveraging decentralized technologies for everyday spending, credit building, and rewards.

🔗 A New Use Case for DePIN

DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) has emerged as a critical trend in Web3, transforming how compute, bandwidth, storage, and other real-world services are provided through blockchain-based incentives. Aethir, known for its GPU-based decentralized cloud solutions, brings computational power to the forefront of this card's backend processing and data security architecture.

“The future of finance isn’t just digital—it’s decentralized, scalable, and directly linked to real infrastructure,” said Mark Rydell, CEO of Aethir. “This partnership proves that DePIN isn’t just a backend buzzword. It’s becoming the infrastructure layer for consumer products.”

💳 Features of the DePIN Credit Card

Powered by Credible’s on-chain credit scoring technology and Aethir’s decentralized compute, the card includes several notable features:

Decentralized Credit Scoring: Users can opt in to on-chain reputation tracking, enabling more inclusive and flexible credit evaluations.

Real-Time Rewards: Earn crypto-native rewards for network participation (e.g., staking, hosting nodes) and purchases.

Privacy-First Design: Leveraging Aethir’s compute network, transaction data is encrypted and processed across decentralized nodes, reducing central data vulnerability.

Multi-Chain Support: Integrated with Ethereum, Solana, and other major blockchains for seamless payments and loyalty benefits.

💡 Why It Matters??

The DePIN credit card represents a major step toward mass adoption of decentralized infrastructure in everyday finance. Instead of just offering crypto cashback or NFTs as perks, this card is built on top of decentralized compute itself—creating utility that goes beyond speculation.

By anchoring identity and activity in real participation—whether in Aethir’s compute network or other supported DePIN protocols—the credit system becomes more equitable and composable. This could be particularly impactful in emerging markets where traditional credit systems are either inaccessible or biased.

🔮 What’s Next?

The Aethir x Credible card is set to roll out in beta mode later this quarter, with a waitlist already open. Initial distribution will target crypto-savvy users, DePIN node operators, and decentralized workers looking for more flexible, privacy-respecting financial products.

“This is just the start,” said Leila Ng, COO at Credible. “We’re building a system where your contributions to decentralized ecosystems directly unlock better financial outcomes—without relying on legacy intermediaries.”

As the lines between Web3 infrastructure and financial services continue to blur, products like this DePIN-powered credit card may set the standard for how real-world value flows through decentralized rails.
#DePIN #CryptoCreditCard #Web3Finance #DecentralizedCredit #DePINCard
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July 16, 2025 – The cryptocurrency market continues its bullish momentum this week, with altcoins taking the lead as investors rotate out of Bitcoin in search of higher returns. While Bitcoin (BTC) remains above the crucial $63,000 level, a surge in demand for smaller-cap tokens has fueled a broad-based rally across the digital asset space.

Ethereum (ETH) has climbed over 8% in the past 48 hours, trading around $3,650 as of early Wednesday trading. But it’s the altcoins beyond the top two that are generating headlines. Solana (SOL), Chainlink (LINK), and Avalanche (AVAX) are each posting double-digit percentage gains, buoyed by increased trading volumes and renewed interest from both retail and institutional players.

“Bitcoin set the stage, but altcoins are now taking center stage,” said Maria Sanchez, digital asset strategist at Coin Nova Capital. “There’s a clear appetite for higher beta plays as confidence in the market’s upward trajectory builds.”

DeFi and AI Tokens Shine

Decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens and AI-themed cryptocurrencies are among the standout performers. Uniswap (UNI), Aave (AAVE), and Injective (INJ) have rallied sharply amid optimism surrounding DeFi 2.0 upgrades and growing user adoption. Meanwhile, Fetch.ai (FET) and SingularityNET (AGIX) are riding the wave of AI enthusiasm, driven in part by partnerships with tech giants and integration into emerging machine learning platforms.

NFT and GameFi Sectors Rebound

NFT-related tokens are also showing signs of life after months of subdued performance. The resurgence of trading activity on marketplaces like OpenSea and Magic Eden has lifted tokens such as ApeCoin (APE) and Immutable (IMX), with both seeing gains of over 15% in the past week.

GameFi tokens, including Axie Infinity’s AXS and Gala Games’ GALA, are up significantly as developers roll out new updates and monetization features aimed at reviving user engagement.

Macro Factors and ETF Momentum

This rally comes amid a backdrop of improving macro sentiment. Inflation in the U.S. showed continued cooling in June, increasing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve may hold rates steady for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, crypto-focused ETFs continue to see inflows, with several altcoin-specific funds debuting in Canadian and European markets this week.

“The ETF trend is opening the door for new capital to flow into altcoins, not just Bitcoin and Ethereum,” said Lucas Mori, an analyst at Beacon Digital. “We're likely witnessing the beginning of a broader diversification phase.”

Looking Ahead

With altcoin dominance on the rise and technical indicators flashing bullish signals, market analysts believe the rally has room to run. However, caution remains warranted as volatility and profit-taking could trigger short-term corrections.

Still, the momentum shifts away from Bitcoin and into the wider crypto ecosystem is signaling a new phase in the market cycle — one where innovation, utility, and sector-specific narratives may play a bigger role in shaping winners.
#Altcoins #CryptoDaybook #Bitcoin #Ethereum #CryptoMarket
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In a twist of financial irony, Vanguard Group Inc., a $10 trillion asset management behemoth known for its staunch opposition to cryptocurrencies, has emerged as the largest institutional shareholder of Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), a company synonymous with Bitcoin investment. Despite Vanguard's public dismissal of Bitcoin as an "immature asset class" with "no inherent economic value," its passive index funds have amassed over 20 million shares, representing nearly 8% of Strategy’s outstanding stock. This development, reported by Bloomberg, highlights the unintended consequences of index investing and raises questions about the evolving role of digital assets in traditional finance.
Vanguard’s Anti-Crypto Stance
Vanguard has long maintained a skeptical view of cryptocurrencies, famously blocking client access to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and labeling Bitcoin as speculative and inappropriate for long-term investors. The firm’s investment philosophy, rooted in the principles of its founder Jack Bogle, prioritizes stable, value-driven assets over volatile instruments like digital currencies. Yet, through the mechanics of its passive index funds, which automatically track broad market indices, Vanguard has inadvertently become the top institutional backer of Strategy, a company that has transformed itself into a Bitcoin proxy.
Strategy: The Bitcoin Treasury Pioneer
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has redefined corporate treasury management under the leadership of Executive Chairman Michael Saylor. Since 2020, the company has pivoted from its roots as a business intelligence software provider to a Bitcoin-focused investment vehicle. As of July 2025, Strategy holds over 601,550 BTC, valued at approximately $73 billion, making it the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally. The company’s stock price, which has surged 45% year-to-date in 2025, closely tracks Bitcoin’s market performance, with the cryptocurrency recently hitting an all-time high above $123,000.
Strategy’s aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy, funded through equity offerings and debt, has positioned it as a bellwether for institutional cryptocurrency adoption. Between July 7 and July 13, 2025, the company acquired 4,225 BTC for $472.5 million, funded by selling nearly 2 million shares through its at-the-market (ATM) offering programs. Saylor has described Vanguard’s significant stake as “a powerful signal” of growing institutional support for Bitcoin and Bitcoin treasury strategies, despite the asset manager’s public criticism.
The Irony of Index Investing
Vanguard’s substantial holding in Strategy stems not from an intentional endorsement of Bitcoin but from the mechanics of its passive index funds. These funds, designed to replicate market indices like the S&P 500 or Russell 2000, automatically purchase shares of companies like Strategy based on their market weight. As Strategy’s valuation has soared alongside Bitcoin’s price, its prominence in these indices has grown, forcing Vanguard’s funds to accumulate a significant position.
Matthew Sigel, head of digital assets research at Vanecko, sharply criticized this situation, calling it “institutional dementia.” In a post on X, Sigel remarked, “Indexing into $9 billion of what you openly mock isn’t strategy.” His comment underscores the contradiction between Vanguard’s public stance and its market-driven exposure to Bitcoin through Strategy.
Market Implications and Risks
Strategy’s Bitcoin-centric strategy has drawn both admiration and concern. The company’s stock has become a high-beta proxy for Bitcoin, offering investors indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency without holding it directly. This has fueled a 3,400% stock price surge since 2020, attracting institutional interest but also raising red flags. Analysts warn that Strategy’s $11.6 billion in debt and lack of cash buffers make it vulnerable to Bitcoin price drops. A significant market correction could trigger forced liquidations, potentially destabilizing the broader cryptocurrency market.
Despite these risks, Strategy’s approach has inspired other firms, such as Genius Group and GameStop, to adopt Bitcoin as a treasury asset, signaling a broader trend of corporate cryptocurrency adoption. However, regulatory scrutiny looms as large-scale buying increases market volatility.
Vanguard’s Unintended Influence
Vanguard’s unexpected role as Strategy’s largest shareholder highlights the growing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin, even among its detractors. Roxanna Islam, head of sector and industry research at TMX VettaFi, noted, “Even though Vanguard hasn’t embraced crypto directly, many of its clients are getting indirect exposure through Strategy in Vanguard’s passive indexes.” This dynamic underscore the power of index investing to bridge ideological divides in finance.
For Vanguard, the situation poses a philosophical dilemma. While its executives continue to decry Bitcoin’s volatility, their funds’ holdings in Strategy align them with the very asset class they critique. For Strategy and Michael Saylor, Vanguard’s stake is a validation of their vision, signaling that even the most conservative financial giants are indirectly fueling Bitcoin’s rise.
Looking Ahead
As Bitcoin continues to climb, driven by institutional demand and ETF inflows, Strategy’s stock is likely to remain a focal point for investors seeking cryptocurrency exposure. Vanguard’s passive investment strategy may keep it tethered to Strategy’s fortunes, whether it likes it or not. Meanwhile, the broader financial world watches closely, as Strategy’s bold bet on Bitcoin challenges conventional treasury management and tests the boundaries of institutional acceptance.
The irony of Vanguard’s position is not lost on the market. As posts on X have noted, the firm’s transformation into Strategy’s largest shareholder is a “big validation play” for Bitcoin, potentially sparking further institutional interest. Whether this marks a turning point for cryptocurrency adoption or a cautionary tale of unintended exposure, Vanguard’s stake in Strategy is a compelling chapter in the evolving story of digital assets.
Sources: Bloomberg, CoinDesk, Crypto Slate, Invest, The Block

#Vanguard #Bitcoin #MicroStrategy #MSTR #CryptoInvesting #IndexFunds #BitcoinTreasury #MichaelSaylor #Cryptocurrency #PassiveInvesting #FinancialIrony #InstitutionalCrypto #BitcoinProxy #DigitalAssets

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