Category: Cryptocurrency

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 Bitcoin (BTC-USD) continues its downward spiral despite efforts from President Donald Trump to boost the cryptocurrency market. A key component of his pro-crypto stance was the announcement of a Bitcoin Reserve, aimed at legitimizing Bitcoin as a global asset. However, this reserve, although symbolic, has failed to restore investor confidence, with Bitcoin’s price falling below $78,000. In this article, we’ll analyze how the Bitcoin Reserve fits into the broader crypto market narrative and whether it’s enough to reverse the recent downtrend.

Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve: A Promise Fulfilled but Not Enough

Trump’s administration recently made headlines by introducing a Bitcoin Reserve, a promise he campaigned on as part of his broader efforts to establish the U.S. as the “crypto capital of the world.” While many in the crypto community viewed this as a significant step toward mainstream adoption, the announcement has failed to stem the tide of falling crypto prices. The Bitcoin Reserve, initially hailed as a victory, has yet to fulfill expectations, and the market is reacting with caution.

The reserve, which primarily includes Bitcoin seized in criminal cases, is now seen as a symbolic move. Although Trump’s team, led by crypto czar David Sacks, claims that the government holds an estimated 200,000 BTC worth over $17 billion, the announcement didn’t come with the anticipated news that the U.S. would buy more Bitcoin for its reserves. As a result, the market remains skeptical, and Bitcoin continues to fall in value.

The Reality Behind Bitcoin’s Decline

Since Trump’s election victory in November, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies had initially surged due to the expectation of a more crypto-friendly administration. However, the ongoing decline in Bitcoin’s price demonstrates that a pro-crypto policy is no longer enough to sustain the rally. Several factors, including broader economic concerns such as inflation and global market instability, are dragging down the entire crypto sector. According to Jeff Dorman, CIO of Arca, the recent Bitcoin sell-off is primarily driven by macroeconomic factors and the turbulence in the equity markets.

Despite the promising signals from Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve, Bitcoin’s recent performance shows how vulnerable the cryptocurrency market is to broader economic dynamics. Bitcoin’s decline has been exacerbated by waning investor confidence and skepticism surrounding the reserve’s true impact on future demand for digital assets.

What Does This Mean for Bitcoin Investors?

For investors hoping that Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve would be the catalyst for another bull run, the reality is less optimistic. The Bitcoin Reserve, while it may legitimize the cryptocurrency in the eyes of the U.S. government, does not appear to have enough momentum to drive substantial demand for Bitcoin. The government has stated it will not purchase additional Bitcoin for the reserve beyond what has already been seized in legal proceedings, which further limits its potential impact.

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), a major cryptocurrency exchange, has also felt the ripple effects of Bitcoin’s downturn. On Monday, the company saw its stock price fall by 18%, reflecting the broader challenges facing the cryptocurrency market. As crypto assets face increasing scrutiny and the potential for further regulation, many investors are rethinking their strategies.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Bitcoin and the Reserve

While the Bitcoin Reserve may have been a key promise made during Trump’s campaign, its long-term effects on Bitcoin and the broader crypto market remain uncertain. For now, the reserve remains a relatively passive component of the U.S. government’s involvement in cryptocurrency, as it largely consists of seized assets. There is still no clear strategy for further acquisition or active support for Bitcoin’s price recovery.

David Sacks, crypto czar for the Trump administration, has suggested that there could be a future strategy for acquiring additional Bitcoin through “budget-neutral” methods. However, with the U.S. government’s current stance on crypto acquisition, it’s unclear if this will be enough to shift market sentiment and spark a resurgence in Bitcoin prices.

Conclusion: Is Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve Enough for Investors?

While President Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve represents a significant step in the U.S. government’s recognition of Bitcoin, it is unlikely to reignite the bullish trend the crypto market had hoped for. Bitcoin’s price is still down significantly, and the broader economic factors influencing the crypto market continue to create uncertainty. As the reserve remains largely symbolic for now, investors may want to reconsider their expectations and strategies regarding Bitcoin.

For more on Bitcoin’s performance and the evolving crypto landscape, stay updated on market trends and news.

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SINGAPORE, March 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On March 8, 2025, AB DAO announced that $AB has officially been listed on Hotcoin (hotcoin.com) at 18:00 (UTC+8), further expanding its global trading network and driving AB’s adoption in the Web3 ecosystem. Additionally, $AB is set to be listed on four more major exchanges: Gate (gate.io), BitMart (bitmart.com), Lbank (lbank.com), and Biconomy (biconomy.com), significantly enhancing AB’s global liquidity and ecosystem reach.

AB Trading Details
Trading Pair: AB/USDT
Deposit Opening: March 7, 2025, 12:00 (UTC+8)
Trading Opening: March 8, 2025, 18:00 (UTC+8)
Hotcoin Official Announcement:
https://www.hotcoin.com/zh_CN/support/article/?id=25704168485425152&code=25704168485163008&catalogCode=19112597563772928 

AB DAO Ecosystem Continues to Expand
With the Hotcoin listing, users can now trade $AB on the following exchanges:
Bitget (bitget.com)
HTX (htx.com)
MEXC (mexc.com)
BingX (bingx.com)
Hotcoin (hotcoin.com)
4E (eeee.com)
Gate (gate.io) (Coming Soon)
BitMart (bitmart.com) (Coming Soon)
Lbank (lbank.com) (Coming Soon)
Biconomy (biconomy.com) (Coming Soon)
The listing of $AB on Hotcoin marks another major step in AB DAO’s global expansion strategy. In the coming months, AB will continue listing on more exchanges, expanding its ecosystem use cases and accelerating worldwide adoption.

AB DAO’s Goal: 100 Million $AB Holders
Now is the time to join the movement—unite, strengthen the community, and drive the expansion of the AB ecosystem. The mission is clear: onboard tens of millions of users and build a decentralized future together.

Stay Updated with AB DAO
Official Website: https://ab.org
Telegram Global Community: https://t.me/Newtonproject
Telegram Chinese Community: http://t.me/ABgonglian
Telegram English Channel: https://t.me/AB202528
X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABDAO_Global
Discord: https://discord.gg/BSbgK6J

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ab-is-now-listed-on-hotcoin-and-set-to-launch-on-gate-bitmart-lbank-and-biconomy-302396571.html

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Proprietary data and Intelligence from Elliptic allowed authorities to uncloak Garantex’s crypto activity and identify their wallets, enabling asset freezing.

Washington, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Elliptic, the global leader in blockchain analytics today announces its assistance to the United States Secret Service in their investigation into Garantex, the sanctioned Russian cryptocurrency exchange. Elliptic’s unique data and intelligence have provided vital insights that contributed to the takedown of Garantex and the freezing of assets, announced today.

Garantex deployed sophisticated cloaking techniques to mask its cryptocurrency wallet infrastructure, and evade the sanctions imposed on it by the U.S. Treasury and the European Union. To counter this, Elliptic applied its industry-leading blockchain analytics capabilities, to shed light on the rogue exchange’s complex and ever-changing activity. This involved detailed analysis to understand Garantex’s obfuscation techniques, and the development of new heuristics to flag Garantex’s wallets.

Elliptic’s data reveals that Garantex has engaged in transactions totaling more than $60 billion since sanctions were imposed on it in April 2022. It has laundered cryptocurrency from ransomware gangs, darknet markets and North Korean crypto heists. The exchange has also been implicated in laundering and moving funds for Russian elites, many of whom are themselves sanctioned.

An Elliptic spokesperson said “We have been working for nearly two years to disentangle Garantex’s evolving sanctions-evasion tactics. This has fed into our real-time screening solutions, protecting Elliptic’s customers as well as providing critical insights to investigators.” “The recent $1.5 billion Bybit theft illustrates the role that rogue crypto exchanges play in laundering proceeds of crime and enabling nefarious regimes. Today’s events demonstrate that these bad actors can be overcome.”

More information about Garantex is available here: https://www.elliptic.co/blog/elliptic-in-action-garantex.

ABOUT ELLIPTIC

Elliptic is the global leader in blockchain analytics. We power the intelligence that enables financial institutions, crypto businesses and governments to make faster, smarter and safer decisions.

Our unrivalled blockchain coverage provides market leading transaction volumes, configurability, scalability and a best in class holistic ecosystem. Our data superiority is why the world’s leading institutions choose Elliptic to help them manage risk and investigate crime.

Elliptic is recognized as a WEF Technology Pioneer and backed by investors including J.P. Morgan, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital, SBI Group and Santander Innoventures.

Founded in 2013, Elliptic is headquartered in London with offices in New York, Washington D.C., UAE, Singapore and Tokyo. To learn more, visit www.elliptic.co and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elliptic-data-used-by-us-secret-service-in-investigation-into-96-billion-russian-crypto-exchange-garantex-302395835.html

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The Ethereum Pectra upgrade has hit another roadblock, this time due to a Sepolia testnet malfunction. This issue raises concerns about potential delays in Ethereum’s next major hard fork.

Sepolia Testnet Encounters Issues

Tim Beiko, Ethereum Foundation’s Protocol Support Lead, revealed on March 5 that the Sepolia testnet experienced disruptions due to a custom deposit contract. This malfunction affected execution layer (EL) clients, preventing transactions from being properly processed in blocks.

Beiko explained:

“We’re investigating an issue caused by the custom deposit contract on Sepolia. This has caused some EL clients to have issues including transactions in blocks.”

Emiliano Bonassi, Head of Product at Conduit, a crypto infrastructure company, confirmed these findings. He observed that the network was propagating empty blocks, signaling instability in the testnet environment.

This issue surfaced less than two hours after Beiko announced the successful finalization of the Ethereum Pectra upgrade on Sepolia. Given Sepolia’s role as a crucial testing ground before major Ethereum upgrades go live, this setback raises concerns about potential delays in the mainnet rollout.

Ethereum Pectra Upgrade Faces Ongoing Challenges

The Ethereum Pectra upgrade is one of the most ambitious hard forks in Ethereum’s history. Designed to improve both developer and user experiences, Pectra aims to enhance network efficiency, smart contract execution, and overall scalability.

However, this isn’t the first challenge Ethereum developers have encountered. Just weeks ago, the Holesky testnet faced problems due to incorrect deposit contract addresses, leading to chain splits and delayed finality. Developers acted quickly to address the issue, but stabilization efforts are still ongoing.

Christine Kim, a researcher at Galaxy Digital, commented on the broader implications of these testnet failures:

“It is important that the Ethereum ecosystem is ready for the Pectra upgrade and has the adequate testing infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition through the hard fork. The bigger the ETH ecosystem becomes, the longer it may take for Ethereum to upgrade safely.”

How This Affects Ethereum’s Timeline

Ethereum’s mainnet was widely expected to integrate the Ethereum Pectra upgrade next month. However, the Sepolia testnet issue introduces uncertainty into the timeline. If the problem is not resolved quickly, developers may need to push back the mainnet release to ensure a smooth transition.

Market analysts are closely monitoring these developments, as Ethereum (ETH) remains one of the most influential cryptocurrencies in the space. Despite testnet challenges, ETH has remained relatively stable in price, though further delays could impact investor confidence.

What’s Next for Ethereum?

The Ethereum Foundation has not yet provided an updated timeline for the Pectra upgrade’s mainnet launch. Developers are working to resolve the Sepolia testnet issue, but given previous testnet complications, additional delays remain a possibility.

For now, the crypto community is watching closely to see whether Ethereum can overcome these latest hurdles and successfully implement its next major upgrade.

Another factor to consider is the potential impact on Ethereum’s broader ecosystem, including decentralized applications (dApps) and layer-2 solutions that rely on Ethereum’s infrastructure. Any delays in the Pectra upgrade could affect development timelines for projects anticipating improved scalability and efficiency.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about whether these testnet failures indicate deeper issues within Ethereum’s testing framework. While testnets are designed to catch bugs before mainnet deployment, repeated disruptions suggest that the testing process itself may need enhancements to prevent unexpected issues from surfacing.

Despite these hurdles, Ethereum developers remain committed to ensuring a smooth and secure rollout. Many in the crypto space see these setbacks as part of the natural evolution of blockchain technology. As Ethereum moves toward greater decentralization and network efficiency, overcoming these technical challenges will be crucial to maintaining its status as a leading smart contract platform.

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In a groundbreaking announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed the formation of the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve, a government-backed digital asset fund. While Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) were expected inclusions, the reserve also features unexpected altcoins, including Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). The decision has sparked debates about the future of cryptocurrency in the U.S. financial system and its potential role in government strategy.

Why These Cryptos?

Bitcoin’s dominance in the crypto space made it an obvious choice for the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve. As a decentralized digital gold, BTC provides a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Ethereum, with its smart contract functionality, remains a critical player in blockchain development and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The surprise came with the addition of XRP, Solana, and Cardano. Ripple’s XRP has long been at the center of discussions regarding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and cross-border payments. Solana’s lightning-fast transactions and low fees make it a top choice for large-scale blockchain adoption. Cardano, known for its research-driven approach and emphasis on security, aligns with the government’s interest in sustainable blockchain solutions.

Market Reactions and Investor Sentiment

The announcement of the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve triggered immediate market movements.

Bitcoin (BTC) jumped 11%, surpassing $50,000.

Ethereum (ETH) climbed 13%, nearing $3,200.

Ripple (XRP) surged 28% amid speculation of further government involvement.

Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) both gained over 15%, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

The increased trading volume highlights the market’s optimism. Some analysts believe this initiative could lead to institutional investors embracing crypto as a legitimate asset class, further integrating digital currencies into the U.S. financial system.

StratoVM: The Dark Horse of BTCFi

Beyond the coins selected for the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve, another project is making waves. StratoVM (SVM), a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution, has skyrocketed by 6,223% in the past two weeks. Designed to enable smart contracts, AI-driven applications, and DeFi on Bitcoin, StratoVM could become a key player in the growing BTCFi (Bitcoin Finance) sector.

Currently trading at $0.1724, StratoVM has a market valuation of $17.1 million, significantly lower than competitors like CoreDAO, which boasts a $990 million valuation. The potential for further price appreciation has drawn attention, especially as the project nears its mainnet launch.

The Future of the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve

With Congress set to review the details of the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve, analysts predict major implications for the broader cryptocurrency market. If the initiative receives full approval, it could set the stage for a national digital asset policy, encouraging regulated institutional investment and enhancing the legitimacy of crypto assets.

For now, the market is watching closely. The inclusion of XRP, Solana, and Cardano signals a shift in government perception of altcoins, while Bitcoin and Ethereum remain at the forefront of adoption. As new blockchain technologies like StratoVM emerge, the evolution of BTCFi could further reshape the digital economy.

Bottom Line

Trump’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the crypto world, and the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve could be a game-changer for digital asset regulation, adoption, and investment. Investors and institutions alike are now eagerly awaiting the next move.

The Road Ahead for Crypto Investors

The U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve is more than just a political statement—it could mark a turning point for how digital assets are integrated into national financial strategies. If the U.S. government begins acquiring and holding crypto, it may influence global regulatory frameworks and push other nations to develop their own strategic reserves.

For investors, this move underscores the importance of holding diversified crypto portfolios. Bitcoin and Ethereum remain strong bets, but the inclusion of XRP, Solana, and Cardano suggests that well-established altcoins could see long-term growth. With StratoVM gaining traction, BTCFi might be the next major trend to watch.

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• Event to Feature Major Business Announcement and Celebrity Guests

VALLETTA, Malta, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OKX, a leading onchain technology company, announced today that it will host an exclusive celebration at Fort Manoel on Manoel Island in Valletta, Malta, on Wednesday 12 March. The event will mark OKX’s milestone achievement as the first global crypto to secure a full MiCA license and the launch of its operations across the EU.

Bringing together influential policymakers, financial regulators, industry leaders, and high-profile guests from the worlds of sports and entertainment, the event will highlight OKX’s commitment to innovation, compliance, and seamless crypto experiences for European users. The evening will also feature a major business announcement, underscoring the company’s ambitious plans for the region.

OKX CMO Haider Rafique said: “Our upcoming Malta event celebrates our success in bringing a fully regulated and seamless experience to European customers. The MiCA license showcases our commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of operations, and it’s just the beginning of our story in the region. Stay tuned — there’s another big announcement to come in Malta very soon.”

Europe is a key growth region market for OKX, the MiCA license highlights the company’s global vision and dedication to compliance in all major jurisdictions worldwide. MiCA regulations bring enhanced protections for customers, including stronger safeguards around asset security, transparency, and dispute resolution. These protections complement OKX’s cutting-edge technology and commitment to transparency, which have helped the company to become one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume.

OKX Europe customers now have access to OKX’s fully-regulated crypto exchange products under the MiCA licensing framework, including OTC trading, spot trading, and bot trading, for 240+ cryptocurrency tokens across 300+ trading pairs, and 60+ Euro-based trading pairs. The OKX website and mobile app also features local language customization, local currency displays, and local-language customer support across markets.

Learn more at okx.com

ENDS

About OKX

OKX is a technology company with a mission to organize the world’s blockchains and make them more accessible and useful.

We want to create a future that makes our world more efficient, transparent and connected.

OKX began as a crypto exchange giving millions of people access to trading and over time became among the largest platforms in the world. In recent years, we have developed one of the most connected onchain wallets used by millions to access decentralized applications (dApps).

OKX is a brand trusted by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets on a reliable platform that seamlessly connects with global banking and payments.

Our most well-known products include: The OKX Exchange, OKX Wallet, OKX Marketplace, OKX Explorer, OKX Chain and OS for developers, OKX Ventures and OKX Institutional Services. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

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SOURCE OKX

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