Day: March 13, 2025

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Bitcoin (BTC) has entered another bear market, leaving many new investors reeling from sudden losses. After hitting an all-time high of $109,071 in January 2025, Bitcoin has since tumbled to around $80,000, a decline of nearly 25%. For many newcomers, this Bitcoin bear market has been their first real test in crypto investing, and those who entered at the peak are now facing heavy losses.

Bitcoin’s Price Plunge and Market Sentiment

The Bitcoin bear market was triggered by a combination of global market uncertainty, tech stock declines, and concerns over U.S. economic policies. Despite optimism earlier in the year, Bitcoin’s rapid drop has spooked investors, leading to widespread sell-offs.

According to crypto data firm Glassnode, over 20 million new Bitcoin addresses were created in the past three months, highlighting the influx of new investors during the bull run. However, many of these traders are now facing significant losses, as the spent output profit ratio (SOPR)—which measures whether Bitcoin holders are selling at a profit or loss—has dropped below 1 for the first time since October 2024.

Leverage and Liquidations: Traders Face the Pain

One of the biggest reasons why the Bitcoin bear market is hitting new investors hard is leverage. Many traders used borrowed money to buy BTC at record highs, only to see their positions liquidated as prices fell. Analysts at Bitfinex reported that realized losses from leveraged traders have surpassed $800 million per day, with February 28 and March 4 marking some of the worst single-day losses.

Investment products tracking cryptocurrencies have also suffered. CoinShares reported that crypto investment funds have seen four consecutive weeks of outflows, with total assets under management dropping by $4.75 billion to $142 billion.

Even Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. have struggled. On February 25, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.1 billion in daily outflows—the largest since their launch in January 2024, according to JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM). This suggests that institutional investors are also feeling the pressure of the current downturn.

Bitcoin Volatility Surges as Uncertainty Grows

The Bitcoin bear market has also led to a sharp increase in volatility. Amberdata reports that Bitcoin’s implied volatility, which reflects expected future price swings, has spiked to 69% in the past 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, has seen even greater volatility, rising from 65% to 90%.

“The last two weeks have been entirely driven by the equity market downturn,” said Jeff Dorman, chief investment officer at asset manager Arca. “This is similar to what we saw in late 2018—a short-term hiccup before new highs.”

While some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, the current volatility suggests that the crypto market remains highly sensitive to external factors, including stock market fluctuations and regulatory developments.

Regulatory and Economic Factors Weigh on Bitcoin

Another reason for the Bitcoin bear market is the uncertain regulatory environment. While U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve initially boosted sentiment, it was not enough to sustain the rally. Concerns about potential new regulations, particularly around taxation and stablecoin oversight, continue to create uncertainty for investors.

At the same time, global macroeconomic concerns—including inflation worries, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions—have dampened risk appetite across all financial markets. With Bitcoin often moving in tandem with tech stocks, its decline has mirrored the struggles of companies like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA).

Will Bitcoin Recover from This Bear Market?

While Bitcoin has experienced several bear markets in the past, it has always rebounded to reach new highs. The question now is how long this downturn will last.

Many experts believe that Bitcoin could stabilize around the $73,500 level, as suggested by John Glover, chief investment officer at crypto lending platform Ledn. However, if broader market conditions continue to deteriorate, BTC could face further downward pressure.

Despite the current pain, some investors see this as a buying opportunity. Historically, bear markets have provided long-term investors with the chance to accumulate Bitcoin at discounted prices before the next bull run.

Conclusion

The Bitcoin bear market has been especially brutal for newcomers who bought at the peak, with leverage and market volatility amplifying their losses. Institutional investors are also feeling the pressure, as Bitcoin ETFs and crypto investment products see significant outflows.

While Bitcoin’s long-term future remains promising, the short-term outlook is uncertain. Investors should remain cautious, keeping an eye on macroeconomic trends, regulatory developments, and broader market sentiment. As with all investments, risk management and patience are key to navigating the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency.

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XRP, the native cryptocurrency of Ripple, has remained a key player in cross-border payments. Despite market fluctuations and regulatory battles, its long-term prospects appear strong. With growing adoption and institutional interest, XRP price prediction for 2025-2031 suggests significant potential for growth.

XRP Market Overview in 2025

As of March 2025, XRP is trading at $2.16 with a market cap of $124.85 billion. After hitting an all-time high of $3.40 in 2018, XRP has experienced volatility but remains one of the most widely used digital assets. Backed by Ripple’s expanding partnerships and financial sector integration, XRP continues to be a cryptocurrency to watch.

XRP Price Prediction for 2025

Analysts forecast an upward trajectory for XRP in 2025, driven by institutional adoption and Ripple’s strategic growth. By the end of the year, XRP’s price is expected to range between $2.57 and $3.85, with an average of $3.21. Key factors influencing this prediction include:

Financial Sector Adoption: Banks and payment providers increasingly leverage Ripple’s blockchain solutions.

Regulatory Clarity: A favorable outcome in Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC could boost investor confidence.

Improved Market Sentiment: As the crypto market matures, stablecoins and digital asset integration could further support XRP’s value.

XRP Price Prediction for 2026-2031

Looking beyond 2025, XRP could experience continued growth, with potential milestones in the following years:

2026: Projected price range of $4.71 to $5.99, with an average of $5.35.

2027: Expected to reach between $6.85 and $8.13.

2028: Potential price range of $8.99 to $10.27 as global financial institutions expand Ripple’s adoption.

2029: Predicted price of $11.77 as blockchain integration accelerates.

2030: XRP could surpass $13.91, reflecting wider use cases.

2031: With continued institutional adoption, XRP may trade between $15.41 and $16.69.

Key Factors Driving XRP’s Growth

Regulatory Developments: A resolution to Ripple’s legal challenges, especially with the SEC, could unlock higher price potential.

Institutional Partnerships: Increased integration of RippleNet and the XRP Ledger (XRPL) by banks and fintech firms supports long-term demand.

Technological Advancements: Enhancements in blockchain speed, security, and interoperability make XRP an attractive choice for real-world applications.

Global Payments Market Expansion: As traditional finance shifts toward blockchain-based solutions, XRP could see increased usage.

Conclusion

XRP price prediction for 2025-2031 points to a promising future, provided regulatory clarity and adoption continue to grow. While volatility is a given in the crypto space, XRP remains positioned as a leading asset for cross-border payments. Investors should stay informed on market developments and conduct due diligence before making financial decisions.

Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

While XRP’s long-term price trajectory looks promising, several challenges could impact its growth. Regulatory uncertainty remains a key issue, especially in the U.S., where the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has targeted Ripple in an ongoing lawsuit. If Ripple secures a favorable ruling, investor confidence in XRP could surge, but an unfavorable outcome might hinder its adoption in major financial markets.

Another challenge is competition from other blockchain networks. While Ripple has positioned XRP as a fast, low-cost cross-border payment solution, other cryptocurrencies like Stellar (XLM) and even stablecoins such as USDC and USDT are gaining traction. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could also pose a threat by offering government-backed alternatives for international settlements.

On the positive side, increased institutional adoption could significantly boost XRP’s price. If more banks and financial institutions integrate RippleNet into their payment infrastructure, demand for XRP could rise. The growing use of blockchain technology in the finance sector further supports the case for XRP’s long-term success.

Additionally, partnerships with major companies could accelerate XRP’s mainstream adoption. If Ripple continues expanding its global footprint and secures deals with major payment providers, the utility and value of XRP could increase substantially.

Ultimately, XRP price prediction for 2025-2031 depends on multiple factors, including regulatory clarity, technological advancements, and market trends. While risks exist, XRP remains one of the most influential cryptocurrencies in the financial sector, making it a digital asset worth watching in the years to come.

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JERSEY CITY, N.J., March 13, 2025 /CNW/ — Moomoo’s parent company Futu Holdings Ltd. (“Futu” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: FUTU), a leading tech-driven online brokerage and wealth management platform, announced its unaudited Q4 2024 earnings with US$570.6 million in revenues, up 86.8% year-over-year (“YoY”), and US$251.3 million in non-GAAP adjusted net income, a 105.4% YoY increase.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded US$1.75 billion in revenues and US$742.6 million in non-GAAP adjusted net income, representing a YoY increase of 35.8% and 26.2%, respectively.

A Deepened Globalization Strategy Boosts Client Acquisition and Trading Activities

The Company reported robust growth in user and client acquisition for Q4, posting over 25 million global users at the year end that includes 2.41 million paying clients, up 16% and 41% YoY respectively. Total client assets achieved US$95.7 billion with a YoY increase of 53%. In the full year of 2024, the Company acquired over 701 thousand new paying clients, representing 127% of its full-year guidance.

The Company sustained robust growth momentum across all markets where moomoo operates. Q4 marked the strongest quarter in users and paying clients growth in Singapore over the past 10 quarters, while double-digit increases in both metrics were recorded in Japan, Canada, Malaysia and Australia. In terms of client assets, all markets experienced a double-digit quarterly rise, with newly penetrated markets such as Japan, Canada, and Malaysia reporting a high growth rate.

In Hong Kong, where its platform is known as Futubull, the Company further strengthened its market-leading position this quarter. The user base continued to expand, now reaching over half of the local adult population. The quarter-over-quarter growth in paying clients reached the highest level in recent three years, with the year-end average client assets ascending to a record high, highlighting a continued asset inflow from institutions and the private wealth segment.

Driven by its diversification strategy globally, the Company’s trading activities increased notably across multiple assets, bringing the Q4 trading volume up to an all-time high at US$371.5 billion. The total quarterly trading volume for US stocks surged by 195% YoY to a historic peak of over US$267 billion, and that for Hong Kong stocks exceeded US$97 billion, representing a three-year high. Additionally, the Company’s crypto trading services that were launched in Singapore and Hong Kong continued to gain traction, with the number of traders and trading volume both soaring in Q4. The average deposit into crypto accounts increased significantly, showing growing confidence in this particular asset among investors.

The wealth management business also saw rapid expansion this quarter, with the assets under management surpassing US$14 billion, almost doubling in size compared to 2023 year-end.

User Engagement Propelled by Enhanced Product Capabilities and Ecosystem Development

In Q4, the Company continuously optimized user experience through a series of product launches and upgrades. A redesigned desktop version of moomoo was released, offering a more tailored interface and advanced features. In Japan, moomoo collaborated with the Japan Exchange Group to offer Japanese stock options trading, and in Australia, moomoo is a pioneer in Australian stock recurring investment plan. In Singapore and Hong Kong, the Company established a bond trading desk this quarter to help clients execute large and complex bond orders.

As a global brand operating in various markets, moomoo is dedicated to fostering an ecosystem featuring transparent, high-quality content and seamless communication among investors, listed companies, media and other financial partners. As part of the global strategic partnership initiatives between the Company and Nasdaq, moomoo launched its inaugural Global Paper Trading Challenge in Q4, assembling over 150,000 challengers worldwide and advancing financial literacy through hands-on market education. Additionally, moomoo established global partnerships with well-known investment service providers such as TradingView and Seeking Alpha, creating value for both moomoo users and its partners. Traders on the TradingView platform named moomoo as 2024 Best Stock Broker.

Bolstered by a more integrated ecosystem, user engagement improved as the daily active usage on moomoo app significantly increased across all markets, with a double-digit YoY rise in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. The Company also reported the number of moomoo online course learners doubled compared to last quarter, in line with the rapid surge in user activities across its platforms.

In Q4, the moomoo app secured the top spot in Singapore and Malaysia among brokerages in terms of accumulated downloads and daily active users for quarters running. In Australia, moomoo achieved a breakthrough, ranking the top by annual downloads for the first time among local broker apps. In Japan, moomoo maintained in second place by downloads for the second consecutive quarter. In Singapore, Japan and Malaysia, moomoo app continued to lead the industry by receiving the highest user ratings on both Google Play and App Store*.

*Source: data.ai

About moomoo

Moomoo is a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. Our platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make well-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools, pro-level analytical features, moomoo evolves alongside our users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.

Founded in the US, moomoo has expanded its global presence to serve investors across multiple markets, including Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, and Malaysia. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company, moomoo is trusted by over 25 million investors worldwide and has earned recognition from leading financial institutions and publications for its innovation and reliability.

For more information, please visit moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com

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