Tony_Hills

The Smarter Web Company, a UK-based web design and digital services firm listed on the Aquis Stock Exchange, has raised $10.75 million (£8.1 million) through a placement and subscription of nearly 4 million new ordinary shares priced at £2.05 each. This capital injection, announced on August 4, 2025, is earmarked specifically for expanding the company’s Bitcoin holdings, reinforcing its aggressive cryptocurrency treasury strategy under its “10 Year Plan.” The move highlights a growing trend among institutional players integrating digital assets into corporate finance, with The Smarter Web Company positioning itself as a leader in this niche.
The fundraising follows a series of substantial Bitcoin acquisitions by the company, which has been accepting Bitcoin payments since 2023 and formalized its treasury strategy in April 2025. As of July 25, 2025, the firm held 1,825 BTC, valued at approximately £146.8 million ($198 million), with an average acquisition price of £80,466 ($109,088) per Bitcoin. Recent purchases include 225 BTC for £19.6 million at £87,096 per coin and 325 BTC for £27.15 million at £83,525 per coin, reflecting a disciplined dollar-cost averaging approach. These acquisitions have propelled the company to rank 26th globally among publicly listed corporate Bitcoin holders, according to Bitcointreasuries.net.
The Smarter Web Company’s stock (AQUIS: SWC, OTCQB: TSWCF) has experienced significant volatility since its IPO in April 2025, when shares were priced at 2.5p. By August 2025, the stock traded near £2.65, with a market capitalization of approximately £783.5 million, driven by a 13,350% surge since the Bitcoin treasury strategy was launched. However, the stock faced a 15% decline on June 27, closing at $3.56 after hitting an intraday low of $3.19, possibly due to short-term profit-taking or market caution regarding its heavy crypto exposure. Despite this, the stock remains up 274% year-to-date, signaling robust investor interest.
Market sentiment around The Smarter Web Company’s strategy is mixed. Bulls argue that the firm’s rapid accumulation of Bitcoin—adding over 1,700 BTC since May 2025—positions it to capitalize on the cryptocurrency’s potential as a hedge against inflation and a store of value amid economic uncertainty. They point to the company’s cash reserves of £1 million and zero debt as evidence of financial discipline, with CEO Andrew Webley’s vision of climbing into the top 20 corporate Bitcoin holders fueling optimism. The company’s ability to raise over £100 million in equity since its IPO, including £41.2 million in June and £17.5 million in July, underscores strong institutional confidence.
Bears, however, highlight significant risks. Bitcoin’s price volatility, with recent highs near $119,000 and a 3.6% dip from its January peak in pound sterling terms, poses challenges to the company’s balance sheet. Regulatory uncertainty in the UK, where digital asset frameworks remain unclear, adds complexity, as do cybersecurity threats and the intricacies of secure Bitcoin custody. Critics also note the potential for a sustained premium over net asset value (NAV) to erode, which could hinder future capital raises. Competition from other UK firms like Vinanz and Abraxas Capital, which are also building Bitcoin treasuries, may further pressure The Smarter Web Company’s market position.
Technical indicators reflect Bitcoin’s broader market dynamics. The cryptocurrency recently hit an all-time high of $119,000, with the company’s holdings showing a paper gain of approximately 10% based on its average acquisition cost. However, short-term volatility remains a concern, as evidenced by a 1.8% after-hours dip in the company’s stock. Analysts suggest that the firm’s Bitcoin-focused strategy could drive NAV growth if Bitcoin’s bullish trend continues, but warn that a market correction could amplify losses.
The Smarter Web Company’s latest raise and Bitcoin acquisitions signal a bold bet on cryptocurrency’s role in corporate finance. While its strategy aligns with growing institutional adoption—evidenced by firms like MicroStrategy and BlackRock—the path forward is fraught with risks. Investors are watching closely as the company balances its traditional web services with its ambitious crypto treasury, potentially setting a precedent for UK firms navigating the digital asset landscape. For crypto investors and market analysts, The Smarter Web Company offers a compelling case study in blending conventional business with cryptocurrency innovation, with its success hinging on Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory and the firm’s ability to manage inherent risks.
$BTC

As of August 3, 2025, Bitcoin’s price is navigating a complex landscape, with the leading cryptocurrency experiencing a slight daily downturn but showing promising signs of recovery on shorter timeframes. Trading between $113,924 and $114,016 over the past hour, Bitcoin commands a market capitalization of $2.26 trillion, underscoring its dominance in the crypto market. This article delves into the current price trends, technical indicators, market sentiment, and what investors might expect moving forward.
Daily Trend: A Temporary Pullback
Bitcoin’s daily chart indicates a modest decline, with prices slipping below the critical $115,000 support level. This drop follows a period of consolidation that lasted 16 days, ending with Bitcoin closing below its lower consolidation limit of $116,000 earlier this week. The breach of this level has sparked concerns among some analysts, who point to increased profit-taking by long-term holders as a key driver of the downward pressure. This selling activity aligns with a broader risk-off sentiment in financial markets, partly triggered by macroeconomic factors such as the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates between 4.25% and 4.50% for the fifth consecutive meeting, alongside new reciprocal tariffs proposed by the Trump administration. These developments have contributed to a cautious market environment, with crypto liquidations surging as investors reassess their positions.
Despite the daily bearish tilt, the broader market context remains nuanced. Bitcoin’s supply in profit is nearing a two-month low, which some analysts interpret as a cooling market that could precede either a further decline toward $111,855 or a breakout above $120,000, depending on shifts in sentiment. The high trading volume accompanying the recent drop—$40.2 billion in the last 24 hours, down 36.9% from the previous day—suggests that selling pressure may be subsiding, potentially setting the stage for stabilization.
Hourly Chart: Signs of Recovery
In contrast to the daily trend, Bitcoin’s hourly chart offers a glimmer of optimism. After dipping to a local low of approximately $112,700, the price has shown resilience, climbing back to the $113,924–$114,016 range. Technical indicators on the hourly timeframe, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) dropping below 30, signal an oversold condition, hinting at a potential short-term bounce. This recovery aligns with historical patterns where Bitcoin revisits breakout points—such as the $111,960 level from May 22—before resuming its upward trajectory. A break above the current downward-trending channel on the hourly chart could pave the way for a push toward new highs, potentially testing resistance at $118,380 or even $119,018.
Bullish and Bearish Sentiment
Market sentiment is divided, reflecting the uncertainty in Bitcoin’s near-term direction. Bulls remain encouraged by Bitcoin’s long-term bullish trend, supported by a rising trend channel in the medium to long term and growing institutional adoption. For instance, companies like Strategy have raised significant funds to acquire Bitcoin for their corporate treasuries, bolstering demand. Additionally, the recent approval of in-kind creations and redemptions for crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) by the SEC has fueled optimism about increased mainstream accessibility. These factors, combined with Bitcoin’s fixed supply cap of 21 million coins (with 19.9 million currently in circulation), underpin the bullish case for a potential rally toward $120,000 or higher.
Conversely, bears point to technical warning signs and macroeconomic headwinds. A bearish divergence on Bitcoin’s chart suggests a possible correction toward $92,000, a level seen in previous cycles. The high open interest in futures contracts (734.82K BTC, close to the October 2022 peak) indicates elevated leverage, which could amplify volatility if liquidations increase. Furthermore, concerns about Bitcoin’s energy consumption—each transaction requiring 1,173 kWh—continue to draw scrutiny, potentially impacting investor confidence amid growing environmental awareness.
What Lies Ahead?
For crypto investors and market analysts, Bitcoin’s current dynamics present both risks and opportunities. The interplay between short-term recovery signals and daily bearish momentum underscores the importance of monitoring key support levels ($111,960 and $110,000) and resistance zones ($118,380 and $120,000). While the hourly chart suggests a potential rebound, a sustained break above $120,000 would signal renewed bullish momentum, potentially targeting $129,584.15. Conversely, a failure to hold above $111,960 could see prices test lower supports, with $92,000 as a worst-case scenario.
Investors should remain vigilant, considering both technical indicators and external factors like regulatory developments and macroeconomic trends. As Bitcoin continues to mature as an asset, its ability to weather short-term volatility while maintaining its long-term bullish structure will be critical for its trajectory in the coming weeks.
$BTC

The cryptocurrency market is abuzz with speculation that Ripple’s XRP could play a pivotal role in the development of a U.S. digital dollar, driven by fervent discussions among XRP enthusiasts and recent comments from influential figures. A recent article from Bitcoin News highlights a surge in social media chatter, particularly on X, where the so-called “XRP Army” is vocal about the potential for XRP to power a central bank digital currency (CBDC). This article delves into the factors fueling this optimism, market reactions, price trends, and the perspectives of both bullish and bearish investors, offering a balanced view for crypto investors and analysts.
The Catalyst: Social Media and Political Signals
The speculation gained traction following a White House report on digital assets, which prompted comments from David Sacks, a prominent figure in U.S. crypto policy circles. Sacks suggested that the XRP Ledger, known for its speed and low transaction costs, could be a viable platform for a digital dollar. This aligns with Ripple’s long-standing mission to streamline cross-border payments, positioning XRP as a bridge currency for financial institutions. The XRP Ledger processes transactions in 3–5 seconds at a fraction of a cent, compared to Bitcoin’s 10-minute block times and higher fees, making it an attractive option for high-volume, low-cost transactions.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have amplified this narrative. Posts from XRP supporters highlight Ripple’s technological edge, with some claiming that the ledger’s ability to handle 1,500 transactions per second—and potentially scale to 50,000—makes it ideal for a CBDC. The enthusiasm was further fueled by Ripple’s recent launch of its RLUSD stablecoin, which some see as a stepping stone to broader adoption in digital finance. However, not all posts are bullish; skeptics argue that regulatory hurdles and competition from established systems like SWIFT could limit XRP’s role.
Market Reactions and Price Trends
XRP’s price has reflected this speculative fervor, trading at $2.75 as of August 2, 2025, with a 24-hour trading volume of $6.87 billion, according to CoinMarketCap. The token has surged 300% over the past year, outpacing Bitcoin’s 50% rally, driven by optimism around regulatory clarity and institutional adoption. Despite a recent 14% pullback from its highs, technical indicators suggest a potential bullish setup. Exchange inflows have slowed, and money flow metrics indicate smart money accumulation, hinting at a possible breakout if support levels around $2.50 hold. However, volatility remains a concern, with XRP’s quarterly realized volatility ranging from 100–130% in Q1 2025.
Bullish Case: Institutional Adoption and Technical Strengths
Proponents of XRP point to Ripple’s growing partnerships with financial institutions, particularly in Asia, where banks in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia use RippleNet for cross-border payments. The network’s ability to reduce costs by up to 60% compared to traditional systems like SWIFT has attracted attention from major players, including BBVA Switzerland and Travelex Bank. The launch of RLUSD and Ripple’s $5 billion bid for stablecoin issuer Circle underscore its ambition to integrate deeply with global finance. Analysts like Geoffrey Kendrick from Standard Chartered predict XRP could reach $12.25 by 2029, implying a 310% upside, driven by potential spot XRP ETF approvals and stablecoin adoption.
Bearish Concerns: Regulatory and Structural Challenges
On the other hand, bears highlight significant obstacles. Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC, which questions whether XRP is a security, continues to cast a shadow over its U.S. operations. While a favorable ruling from Judge Analisa Torres has boosted global expansion, the lawsuit’s outcome could still impact XRP’s adoption. Critics also note that Ripple’s control of approximately 36.2 billion XRP in escrow—out of a total supply of 100 billion—raises concerns about centralization, contrasting with Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos. Additionally, many RippleNet partners use the platform’s messaging system without XRP, limiting the token’s utility. Competition from SWIFT and other blockchain-based solutions further complicates XRP’s path to dominance.
Sentiment and Outlook
The XRP Army’s enthusiasm reflects a belief in Ripple’s long-term vision to disrupt global finance, but skepticism persists among those wary of regulatory and competitive risks. The idea of XRP powering a digital dollar remains speculative, with no concrete policy proposals confirming such a role. Investors should weigh the ledger’s technical advantages—speed, scalability, and low costs—against the uncertainties of regulation and market adoption. As XRP hovers around $2.75, its future hinges on Ripple’s ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on its growing institutional traction.
For now, the debate continues to unfold on X and in financial circles, with XRP’s price and sentiment closely tied to developments in regulation, stablecoin integration, and global adoption. Crypto investors and analysts will be watching closely to see if Ripple can turn speculation into reality.
$XRP

TRON Shines in H1 2025 with Robust Revenue and Stablecoin Dominance.
As of August 2025, the TRON blockchain has emerged as a standout performer in the cryptocurrency landscape, drawing attention from leading analytics firms CryptoRank, Messari, and Nansen. Comprehensive reports released by these platforms highlight TRON’s exceptional results during the first half of 2025, including a remarkable $916 million in revenue and an $81 billion USDT supply. These figures underscore TRON’s growing influence in the stablecoin ecosystem and its position as a key infrastructure for digital finance, offering valuable insights for crypto investors and market analysts navigating this evolving market.
#Performance Highlights and Market Position
TRON’s financial performance in the first half of 2025 reflects significant growth, with revenue reaching $916 million, a milestone that positions it ahead of many Layer-1 competitors. The network also recorded a substantial $81 billion in USDT supply, reinforcing its role as a primary platform for Tether, the leading stablecoin by market capitalization. This supply represents a 41% increase from the previous year, driven by rising demand for stablecoin transactions. Additionally, TRON led all blockchains in revenue burn, with nearly $319 million, highlighting its unique deflationary token model and robust economic activity.
The network’s user base and transaction volume further illustrate its strength.
TRON ranked among the top three blockchains for average daily active addresses, a testament to its engaged community. Daily transactions averaged 8.6 million in the second quarter, up 12.6% from the prior quarter, while daily active addresses grew by 5.9% to 2.5 million. These metrics suggest sustained adoption and operational efficiency, bolstered by collaborations with institutional players like Privy, Bridge, and AEON Pay.
#Technical and Ecosystem Developments
TRON’s technical infrastructure has supported its growth, with the launch of USDD 2.0 in January 2025 marking a strategic shift. This updated stablecoin, governed by decentralized smart contracts, allows users to mint it using TRX and USDT without centralized oversight, enhancing transparency and reducing risks associated with centralized control. The migration to this system is underway, potentially revitalizing TRON’s DeFi ecosystem. Additionally, the introduction of USD1, a new stablecoin by World Liberty Financial in June 2025, adds to TRON’s expanding stablecoin offerings.

Institutional interest has also surged, with high-profile entities like Kiln, Nansen, P2P.org, and Kraken joining as Super Representatives in the first half of 2025. This expansion strengthens TRON’s validator base, bringing credibility and technical expertise while enhancing decentralization. The network’s total value locked (TVL) stands at $26 billion, though it currently ranks fifth among blockchains with a 1.95% share, reflecting some challenges amid capital outflows and competition.

#Market Sentiment and Future Outlook
Market sentiment around TRON is largely positive, with analysts noting its dominance in stablecoin infrastructure and growing utility in DeFi and cross-border payments. The network’s ability to process high transaction volumes—over 11 billion total transactions and 323 million user accounts to date—signals long-term potential. Bulls argue that TRON’s leadership in USDT supply and institutional partnerships position it for further growth, especially if regulatory clarity around stablecoins emerges globally.

However, bears caution that TRON’s slip in DeFi rankings and declining TVL could indicate vulnerabilities. The network faces stiff competition from faster-growing chains, and its reliance on stablecoins might limit diversification. Some question whether recent capital outflows signal waning investor confidence, though this remains unconfirmed.

#Implications for Investors

For crypto investors, TRON’s H1 2025 performance offers a mixed bag. Its revenue leadership and stablecoin dominance suggest a solid foundation, but the TVL decline and DeFi challenges warrant scrutiny. Analysts recommend monitoring institutional adoption, cross-chain developments, and stablecoin demand trends.
A potential TRON ETF proposal by Canary Capital, if approved, could further boost its appeal, though regulatory hurdles remain a wildcard.
In summary, TRON’s first half of 2025 showcases its resilience and growth, driven by substantial revenue, a massive USDT supply, and strategic partnerships. While it faces competitive pressures, its role as a stablecoin powerhouse keeps it relevant.
Investors should weigh these factors carefully as the network aims to solidify its position in the evolving digital finance landscape.

Bitcoin at a Crossroads as Bulls and Bears Vie for Dominance at $113K
As of August 2, 2025, Bitcoin is locked in a fierce tug-of-war between bullish and bearish forces, with its price hovering around the critical $113,000 pivot point. Trading between $113,561 and $113,800 over the past hour, Bitcoin commands a market capitalization of $2.26 trillion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $49.17 billion. The cryptocurrency’s recent price action, marked by a decline from a high of approximately $123,236, signals a short-term downtrend and heightened volatility, with an intraday range spanning $112,680 to $115,899. This pivotal moment has crypto investors and market analysts closely monitoring technical indicators, market sentiment, and potential catalysts to determine Bitcoin’s next move.
Price Trends and Market Dynamics
Bitcoin’s recent descent from its $123,236 peak reflects a cooling-off period after a strong bullish run earlier in 2025. The cryptocurrency has struggled to maintain momentum above the $120,000 level, a psychological and technical barrier that previously sparked intense market activity. Over the past 24 hours, the price has fluctuated within a relatively tight range, underscoring uncertainty about its short-term direction. This volatility follows a broader trend of consolidation, with Bitcoin’s market cap holding steady at $2.26 trillion, supported by robust trading volume that indicates sustained investor interest despite the indecision.
The $113,000 level has emerged as a critical pivot, acting as both a support and resistance zone in recent weeks. Earlier in 2025, Bitcoin faced similar battles at lower price points, such as $110,000 in June and $120,000 in July, each time testing the resolve of bulls and bears. The current price action suggests a compression pattern, where narrowing ranges often precede significant breakouts or breakdowns, keeping traders on edge.
Technical Indicators: A Mixed Picture
Technical analysis reveals a complex landscape for Bitcoin. The daily chart shows Bitcoin trading below its recent highs, with the 50-day moving average (approximately $105,800) providing some support, while the $110,000–$112,000 zone remains a formidable resistance. Analysts note the formation of a potential inverse head and shoulders pattern on longer-term charts, a bullish signal that could foreshadow a breakout if Bitcoin clears the $112,000 neckline with strong volume. However, momentum indicators paint a cautious picture. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is showing signs of weakening bullish momentum, suggesting that buying pressure may be fading. Similarly, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is approaching overbought territory, hovering near high levels, which could indicate a potential pause or pullback if selling pressure mounts.
On-chain data adds further nuance. The 24-hour long/short ratio for Bitcoin futures on Binance stands at 0.56, reflecting a bearish tilt among futures traders anticipating a price decline. Yet, open interest in Bitcoin futures remains near record highs at $75 billion, signaling that leveraged positions could amplify price movements in either direction. This high-stakes environment underscores the importance of the $113,000 pivot as a make-or-break level for Bitcoin’s near-term trajectory.
Bullish and Bearish Sentiment
Bulls remain cautiously optimistic, buoyed by Bitcoin’s ability to hold above key long-term moving averages and the ongoing influx of institutional capital through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The post-halving environment, which historically reduces Bitcoin’s new supply and fuels scarcity-driven rallies, continues to support bullish sentiment. Some analysts project that a decisive break above $113,000–$115,000 could pave the way for a rally toward $130,000 or even $165,000 later in 2025, especially if ETF inflows and global market sentiment remain favorable.
Conversely, bears argue that Bitcoin’s momentum is waning, pointing to technical exhaustion and the risk of profit-taking near recent highs. A failure to break through $113,000 could trigger a retest of lower support levels around $105,000 or even $103,600, particularly if macroeconomic uncertainties or regulatory developments dampen investor confidence. The relative underperformance of altcoins compared to Bitcoin also hints at potential market fatigue, which could exacerbate downward pressure if Bitcoin fails to hold its current range.
What’s Next for Bitcoin?
Bitcoin stands at a critical juncture, with the $113,000 pivot acting as a battleground for market direction. A sustained breakout above this level, backed by strong volume, could signal the start of a new bullish phase, potentially driving Bitcoin to new all-time highs. However, a drop below $112,680 could embolden bears, leading to a deeper correction toward lower support zones. Traders are advised to monitor volume trends, ETF inflows, and macroeconomic factors, such as regulatory shifts or global economic sentiment, which could tip the scales.
For now, Bitcoin’s fate hinges on whether bulls can muster the strength to overcome resistance or if bears will capitalize on weakening momentum. As the crypto market watches closely, risk management remains paramount in navigating this volatile landscape. Stay tuned for Bitcoin’s next move, as the outcome of this clash will likely set the tone for the broader cryptocurrency market in the weeks ahead.
#MarketPullback
$BTC