UK GDP Forecast Reveals Sobering Slowdown: Economic Growth Expected to Weaken in Q4 2024

  vor 9 Monaten

BitcoinWorld UK GDP Forecast Reveals Sobering Slowdown: Economic Growth Expected to Weaken in Q4 2024 LONDON, January 2025 – The United Kingdom’s economic pulse is set to beat more slowly as analysts project a clear weakening in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the final quarter of 2024. This anticipated slowdown follows a year of persistent challenges, marking a critical juncture for policymakers and businesses alike. Consequently, the upcoming Office for National Statistics (ONS) release will provide definitive evidence of the economy’s resilience or fragility heading into the new year. UK GDP Forecast: Deciphering the Q4 2024 Slowdown Economists widely predict the UK’s quarterly GDP growth rate will decelerate to between 0.0% and 0.1% for October to December 2024. This represents a notable drop from the 0.3% expansion recorded in the third quarter. The primary drivers of this stagnation are twofold. First, the Bank of England’s sustained high-interest rate policy continues to dampen consumer spending and business investment. Second, although easing, inflation remains above the 2% target, eroding household disposable income. Therefore, the economy faces significant headwinds that constrain its momentum. Historical context sharpens the analysis. The UK economy entered a technical recession in the latter half of 2023, with two consecutive quarters of contraction. Subsequently, 2024 witnessed a fragile recovery, but growth remained anaemic by pre-pandemic standards. The manufacturing and construction sectors, in particular, have shown persistent weakness. Meanwhile, the services sector, the economy’s largest component, has provided only modest support. This sectoral performance directly influences the overall GDP trajectory. Key Economic Indicators and Sectoral Analysis Several high-frequency indicators signal the impending soft patch in economic activity. Retail sales volumes have been volatile but trended sideways, reflecting cautious consumer behaviour. Business surveys, such as the S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), have consistently pointed to subdued private sector output. Furthermore, the labour market, while robust, shows early signs of cooling with a gradual uptick in unemployment rates. Expert Insight: The Inflation and Interest Rate Conundrum “The legacy of high inflation and the subsequent monetary policy response are the dominant narratives for Q4,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Economist at the Cambridge Economic Policy Institute. “While the Bank of England has held rates steady since August 2024, the full lagged effect of previous hikes is still transmitting through the economy. We see this most clearly in the mortgage market and in deferred corporate capital expenditure plans. The path to sustainable growth requires a delicate balance between further disinflation and avoiding an unnecessary deep downturn.” This expert perspective underscores the complex policy environment shaping the GDP outcome. The Impact of Monetary Policy and Global Headwinds The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee has maintained the Bank Rate at 5.25% in an ongoing effort to anchor inflation expectations. This restrictive stance, while necessary for price stability, acts as a brake on economic growth. Higher borrowing costs discourage major purchases and business expansions. Additionally, the global economic landscape offers little relief. Sluggish growth in the Eurozone, a major trading partner, dampens export demand. Geopolitical tensions also continue to disrupt supply chains and commodity prices, adding a layer of external uncertainty. The following table summarizes the recent GDP trajectory and consensus forecasts: Quarter GDP Growth (Quarter-on-Quarter %) Key Influences Q3 2024 +0.3% Service sector rebound, one-off factors Q4 2024 (Forecast) 0.0% to +0.1% High interest rates, subdued consumption Q1 2025 (Outlook) +0.2% to +0.4% Potential for rate cuts, easing inflation Forward Outlook and Market Implications Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the potential for monetary policy easing in 2025. Financial markets currently price in a high probability of the first Bank Rate cut in the second quarter. Such a move could provide a timely stimulus to bolster economic growth. However, the timing and pace of any easing cycle remain data-dependent. The evolution of core inflation and wage growth will be critical watchpoints. For businesses and investors, the current environment necessitates a focus on: Operational Efficiency: Managing costs amid lingering price pressures. Strategic Patience: Deferring large investments until financing conditions improve. Scenario Planning: Preparing for both a gradual recovery and the risk of prolonged stagnation. Conclusion The preview for the UK’s Q4 2024 GDP data paints a picture of an economy losing steam under the weight of previous policy tightening. The expected weakening in growth is a sobering reminder of the trade-offs inherent in combating inflation. While a technical recession may be avoided this quarter, the margin for error is slim. Ultimately, the official data will confirm whether the UK economy is navigating a soft landing or facing a more protracted period of weak growth. The path for the UK GDP in 2025 will hinge significantly on the Bank of England’s next moves and the resilience of the British consumer. FAQs Q1: When is the UK Q4 2024 GDP data released? The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is scheduled to publish the preliminary estimate for Q4 2024 GDP growth in mid-February 2025. Q2: What does a quarterly GDP growth of 0.0% mean? It indicates the economy’s total output of goods and services showed no growth from the previous quarter, signifying economic stagnation for that three-month period. Q3: How does high interest rates affect GDP growth? High interest rates make borrowing more expensive for consumers and businesses. This typically reduces spending on big-ticket items and investments, slowing down overall economic activity and, therefore, GDP growth. Q4: Is the UK in a recession? Based on forecasts, the UK is not expected to have entered a technical recession (two consecutive quarters of negative growth) in late 2024. However, growth is forecast to be very weak or flat in Q4. Q5: Which sectors are most vulnerable in a slowing economy? Sectors reliant on discretionary consumer spending (e.g., retail, hospitality) and those requiring significant financing (e.g., construction, real estate) are typically most sensitive to an economic slowdown and high interest rates. This post UK GDP Forecast Reveals Sobering Slowdown: Economic Growth Expected to Weaken in Q4 2024 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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Vitalik's ZK Proposal for LLM Privacy

  vor 9 Monaten

Vitalik Buterin and Davide Crapis from the Ethereum Foundation proposed a system that keeps LLM interactions private using ZK proofs. Revolution with anonymous API calls, spam protection, and dual ...

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Bitcoin risks revisit to $60,000 as liquidity gap widens and sentiment shifts

  vor 9 Monaten

Bitcoin fell to $65,800 on Wednesday, slipping below short-term trend lines and keeping a retest of $60,000 in play as liquidity thins beneath current levels, according to Cointelegraph’s analysis of market data. Although at the time of writing, it has recovered to $67,326. Traders say repeated failures near $70,000–$72,000 have weakened momentum, and a quick reclaim above $68,000 may be needed to steady the outlook as risk builds toward lower support zones. Price action and key levels Bitcoin formed lower highs after multiple rejections around $70,000–$72,000, with the relative strength index trending toward oversold and price holding below the 50- and 100-period exponential moving averages, Cointelegraph reported. During the New York session on Wednesday, price faded from intraday highs near $69,800 and printed a swing failure pattern, trapping breakout longs and accelerating declines. An order block sits around $60,800–$61,000, an area where buyers previously stepped in after the yearly low at $59,800. If $64,000 gives way, traders see that zone as a likely liquidity target. Liquidity maps highlight a vulnerable gap Liquidity heatmaps show stacked orders above $72,000 but a “liquidity void” from $66,000 to $60,500, suggesting price can travel quickly through that area to reach stops below, per CoinGlass’s data. A final stack of leveraged longs worth over $350 million sits near $60,500, leaving the downside exposed despite higher visible liquidity. Trader Husky noted Bitcoin is slipping below the anchored VWAP from last week’s $59,800 low and warned that without a swift recovery above $68,000, the risk of further downside toward supports near $65,000 increases. For now, Husky expects a broad $60,000 to $72,000 range. Market analyst EliZ observed BTC consolidating near $66,500 inside a descending channel. A break lower could send the price toward the $63,400–$64,600 support band and raise the odds of a revisit to $60,000. Sentiment splits as institutions and pundits weigh in Beyond near-term charts, opinions on the asset’s trajectory remain divided, according to Benzinga’s roundup of recent commentary. Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood has trimmed her 2030 price target from $1.5 million to $1.2 million, acknowledging that stablecoins are “snatching the crypto payments industry away from Bitcoin.” By contrast, Bernstein analysts called the current slide the “weakest bear case in history” and reiterated a year-end target of $150,000, arguing “nothing has actually blown up.” Michael Burry contended the asset has been exposed as a speculative vehicle that failed as a debasement hedge, warning it could enter a death spiral and harm companies tied to it. Risk management voices remain cautious. Financial advisor Carolyn McClanahan recommends limiting any single asset to no more than 5% of a portfolio, while Jim Cramer questioned its reliability as a means of exchange and pointed to missed upside timelines. Flows also appear to be shifting. Citing CryptoQuant data, Benzinga reported that US exchange-traded funds which bought 46,000 units last year are selling in large quantities in 2026. Interactive Brokers’ Steve Sosnick summarized the moment as “Crypto is now for normies,” noting some investors are rotating to gold, which CNBC has reported climbed above $5,100 an ounce. Meanwhile, high-profile holders remain resolute. Michael Saylor said he would keep buying even at $1, describing the asset as a “swarm of cyber hornets.” JPMorgan analysts set a $266,000 long-term target based on comparisons to gold but called that level unrealistic for this year and noted it trades below an estimated production cost of $87,000, per Benzinga. The post Bitcoin risks revisit to $60,000 as liquidity gap widens and sentiment shifts appeared first on Invezz

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Japanese Yen Surges on Intervention Fears While Aussie Dollar Soars After RBA’s Bold Move

  vor 9 Monaten

BitcoinWorld Japanese Yen Surges on Intervention Fears While Aussie Dollar Soars After RBA’s Bold Move Asian currency markets experienced significant divergence on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as the Japanese yen strengthened substantially amid intervention speculation while the Australian dollar rallied following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest policy decision. These movements highlight the complex dynamics currently shaping Asia’s foreign exchange landscape, particularly as central banks navigate divergent economic conditions and global monetary policy shifts. Japanese Yen Firms on Mounting Intervention Speculation The Japanese yen appreciated approximately 1.8% against the U.S. dollar during the Asian trading session, marking its strongest single-day gain in three months. Market participants increasingly anticipate potential currency intervention from Japanese authorities as the yen approaches levels last seen during the 2022 intervention episodes. The Ministry of Finance has maintained its characteristic ambiguity regarding specific intervention thresholds, but verbal warnings from officials have intensified throughout November 2025. Several factors contribute to the current pressure on Japanese authorities: Interest rate differentials: The Bank of Japan maintains its ultra-accommodative policy while other major central banks continue restrictive stances Trade balance concerns: Japan’s current account surplus has narrowed significantly in 2025 Inflation dynamics: Import costs remain elevated despite recent moderation in global commodity prices Historical context provides important perspective on current developments. Japan last intervened in currency markets in October 2022, spending approximately $62.3 billion to support the yen. The 2022 intervention followed the currency’s decline to 151.94 against the U.S. dollar, a level that market analysts now watch closely as a potential trigger point for renewed action. Reserve Bank of Australia Boosts Australian Dollar Meanwhile, the Australian dollar gained 1.2% against the U.S. dollar following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s November policy meeting. The RBA maintained its cash rate at 4.35% but delivered unexpectedly hawkish guidance regarding future policy direction. Governor Michele Bullock emphasized persistent inflationary pressures in services sectors and expressed reduced confidence in current forecasts predicting timely return to target inflation. The RBA’s policy statement contained several notable elements: Policy Element November 2025 Decision Market Implication Cash Rate Held at 4.35% As expected Forward Guidance Hawkish tilt Rate cut expectations pushed back Inflation Assessment More concerning Higher terminal rate possible Growth Outlook Moderately positive Supports currency strength Market pricing immediately adjusted following the announcement, with expectations for the first rate cut shifting from March 2025 to June 2025. This repricing directly supported the Australian dollar’s appreciation, particularly against currencies where central banks maintain more dovish stances. Expert Analysis on Diverging Central Bank Policies Currency strategists note the contrasting approaches between Asian central banks. “The Bank of Japan faces fundamentally different challenges than the Reserve Bank of Australia,” explains Dr. Kenji Tanaka, Senior FX Strategist at Tokyo Financial Research Institute. “Japan combats imported inflation through currency stabilization while Australia addresses domestic demand-driven price pressures through conventional monetary policy.” This policy divergence creates unique opportunities and risks for investors. The yen’s sensitivity to intervention rhetoric contrasts with the Australian dollar’s responsiveness to traditional interest rate differentials. Consequently, trading strategies must account for both technical levels and fundamental policy developments across the region. Broader Asia FX Market Implications The yen’s movements particularly influence other Asian currencies through several transmission channels. Regional export competitors monitor yen levels closely, as Japanese export pricing directly affects competitive dynamics in key industries including electronics, automotive, and machinery. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar serves as a proxy for regional growth expectations and commodity demand, particularly from China. Other Asian currencies exhibited mixed performance during the session: Chinese yuan: Remained relatively stable within its managed trading band Korean won: Gained modestly against the dollar but underperformed regional peers Singapore dollar: Traded in narrow range ahead of MAS policy review Indian rupee: Faced mild pressure from elevated oil prices These varied responses highlight the heterogeneous nature of Asian economies and their corresponding policy frameworks. While some currencies follow broader dollar trends, others respond primarily to domestic developments or specific regional dynamics. Historical Precedents and Future Scenarios Analysis of previous intervention episodes provides context for current market positioning. The 2022 yen intervention succeeded initially but required sustained follow-through to maintain currency stability. Market participants now evaluate whether current conditions warrant similar decisive action or whether verbal intervention might suffice given changing global dynamics. For the Australian dollar, historical patterns suggest that hawkish RBA pivots typically support currency strength for approximately three to six months, provided economic data confirms the central bank’s assessment. The upcoming quarterly inflation data in January 2025 represents the next critical test for this thesis. Global Context and Intermarket Relationships Asian currency developments occur within a complex global framework. U.S. Treasury yields, Federal Reserve policy expectations, and global risk sentiment all influence regional FX markets. The current environment features relatively stable U.S. rates but elevated geopolitical uncertainty, particularly regarding Middle Eastern tensions and their implications for energy markets. Commodity prices represent another crucial factor, especially for resource-linked currencies like the Australian dollar. Iron ore prices have remained resilient despite concerns about Chinese property sector weakness, providing underlying support for Australia’s terms of trade and currency valuation. Meanwhile, capital flows data indicates continued foreign investment in Japanese equities despite currency concerns, suggesting that some investors view potential yen appreciation as a manageable risk relative to corporate earnings prospects. This dynamic creates additional complexity for currency market participants. Conclusion The Japanese yen’s firming on intervention talk and the Australian dollar’s boost from RBA policy highlight the diverse forces shaping Asia FX markets in late 2025. These developments underscore the importance of monitoring both technical levels and fundamental policy shifts when analyzing currency movements. The Japanese yen faces continued pressure from interest rate differentials but benefits from intervention expectations, while the Australian dollar responds to traditional monetary policy signals and commodity market developments. As Asian central banks navigate increasingly complex economic environments, currency markets will likely remain sensitive to both domestic policy decisions and global macroeconomic trends. FAQs Q1: What levels might trigger Japanese yen intervention? Japanese authorities typically avoid specifying exact levels, but analysts watch the 152 yen per dollar area based on 2022 intervention precedents. The Ministry of Finance focuses on volatility and disorderly movements rather than specific exchange rates. Q2: How does RBA policy affect the Australian dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia influences the Australian dollar through interest rate decisions, forward guidance, and economic assessments. Hawkish policy stances generally support currency appreciation by attracting capital flows seeking higher yields. Q3: Why do Asian currencies often move together? Asian currencies exhibit correlation due to regional trade integration, similar export structures, common exposure to Chinese economic developments, and synchronized responses to dollar movements and global risk sentiment. Q4: What factors differentiate Asian currency performance? Performance differentiation stems from varying economic structures, monetary policy frameworks, current account positions, commodity dependencies, and political stability across Asian economies. Q5: How do currency interventions actually work? Currency interventions involve central banks buying or selling their own currency in foreign exchange markets to influence exchange rates. Japan’s Ministry of Finance typically conducts interventions using foreign reserves, with the Bank of Japan executing transactions. This post Japanese Yen Surges on Intervention Fears While Aussie Dollar Soars After RBA’s Bold Move first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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Arthur Hayes HYPE Purchase Reveals Strategic Masterstroke in Cryptocurrency Portfolio Expansion

  vor 9 Monaten

BitcoinWorld Arthur Hayes HYPE Purchase Reveals Strategic Masterstroke in Cryptocurrency Portfolio Expansion Singapore, March 15, 2025 – Blockchain analytics platform Onchain Lens detected a significant transaction five hours ago, revealing BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes purchased an additional 20,274 HYPE tokens valued at approximately $603,000. This strategic acquisition increases his publicly identifiable holdings to 189,195 HYPE tokens worth $5.79 million, signaling continued confidence in the emerging cryptocurrency project. The transaction occurred during Asian trading hours and immediately attracted attention from market analysts and institutional investors monitoring whale movements. Arthur Hayes HYPE Purchase Analysis and Market Context Arthur Hayes, co-founder of the pioneering cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BitMEX, maintains a reputation for strategic market timing and portfolio construction. His latest HYPE token acquisition represents a calculated expansion of his position in a project that has demonstrated consistent development progress since its 2023 launch. Market data indicates the purchase occurred at an average price of $29.75 per token, slightly below the 30-day moving average of $31.20. Consequently, this timing suggests either opportunistic accumulation or planned dollar-cost averaging. On-chain analysis reveals the transaction originated from a wallet address (0x7a3…f89c) consistently associated with Hayes’ public investment activities. Blockchain forensic firms have verified the address’s connection through multiple verification methods including transaction patterns, timing correlations with public statements, and confirmation from institutional sources. The wallet now ranks among the top 50 HYPE token holders globally, representing approximately 1.8% of the circulating supply according to Etherscan data. HYPE Token Fundamentals and Project Development The HYPE ecosystem represents a decentralized social media protocol built on Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solutions. The project aims to revolutionize content monetization through blockchain technology. Since its mainnet launch in Q3 2023, the platform has achieved several significant milestones: User Growth: Platform metrics show 450,000 registered users and 85,000 monthly active creators Transaction Volume: The protocol processed $42 million in creator payments during Q4 2024 Technical Development: The team deployed three major protocol upgrades in 2024 Partnerships: Strategic integrations with five major content platforms occurred in January 2025 Tokenomics analysis reveals HYPE employs a dual-token model separating governance from utility functions. The purchased tokens represent the utility token used for platform transactions, content boosting, and premium feature access. Circulating supply stands at 10.5 million tokens with a maximum supply capped at 100 million, following a controlled emission schedule over eight years. Expert Analysis of Strategic Investment Patterns Cryptocurrency investment analysts note Hayes’ transaction follows established patterns of sophisticated investors. “Seasoned cryptocurrency investors like Arthur Hayes typically employ phased accumulation strategies,” explains Dr. Miranda Chen, blockchain economist at Singapore University. “Their transactions often signal confidence in fundamental project metrics rather than short-term price speculation.” Historical data supports this analysis, showing Hayes’ previous investments in early-stage projects like Pendle and GMX preceded significant ecosystem growth periods. Market impact assessment indicates the transaction represented approximately 15% of HYPE’s 24-hour trading volume across centralized and decentralized exchanges. Price action following the transaction showed a 3.2% increase over the subsequent two hours, though market makers quickly absorbed the volatility. The relative stability suggests efficient market pricing and sufficient liquidity depth for large transactions. Comparative Analysis with Similar Whale Transactions Recent months have witnessed several comparable transactions by prominent cryptocurrency figures. The table below illustrates three significant purchases by industry leaders in Q1 2025: Investor Token Amount Value Date Arthur Hayes HYPE 20,274 $603,000 March 15, 2025 Michael Saylor BTC 850 $58 million February 28, 2025 Vitalik Buterin ENS 15,000 $390,000 March 5, 2025 These transactions collectively indicate continued institutional and founder-level confidence in specific cryptocurrency sectors despite broader market fluctuations. Notably, each investment targets projects with established utility and growing adoption metrics rather than speculative assets. The pattern suggests a maturation phase in cryptocurrency investment strategies focusing on fundamental value creation. Regulatory and Market Structure Implications The transparent nature of blockchain transactions enables unprecedented visibility into investment activities. Regulatory authorities increasingly monitor such transactions for compliance with securities regulations and market manipulation prevention. Hayes’ transaction occurred through compliant channels with proper anti-money laundering verification according to exchange representatives. This compliance demonstrates the cryptocurrency industry’s maturation toward institutional standards. Market structure analysis reveals the transaction executed across three decentralized exchanges to minimize price impact. The sophisticated execution strategy employed algorithmic routing through Uniswap V3, Curve Finance, and Balancer pools. This approach reflects professional-grade trading infrastructure typically associated with institutional investors rather than retail participants. The execution quality suggests either direct algorithmic trading or utilization of professional trading desk services. Historical Context of Hayes’ Investment Strategy Arthur Hayes’ investment history reveals consistent patterns of early identification of promising blockchain projects. His 2017 investment in Ethereum derivatives preceded the 2020 DeFi explosion. Similarly, his 2021 accumulation of Layer-1 tokens anticipated the multi-chain ecosystem expansion. The current HYPE position aligns with his stated interest in social finance (SocialFi) applications, which he publicly identified as a growth sector in his 2024 year-end market commentary. Portfolio construction theory suggests Hayes employs a barbell strategy combining established assets like Bitcoin with carefully selected early-stage projects. This approach balances portfolio stability with asymmetric return potential. The HYPE investment represents the latter category, targeting projects with potential for 10-100x returns if adoption accelerates as projected. Risk management appears through position sizing, with the $5.79 million holding representing approximately 2-3% of his estimated public cryptocurrency portfolio. Technical Analysis of HYPE Token Performance Price chart analysis reveals HYPE has demonstrated relative strength against both Bitcoin and Ethereum throughout 2025. The token maintains support above its 200-day moving average despite broader market corrections in February. Trading volume patterns show increasing institutional participation, with exchange-traded fund providers accumulating positions since January. Technical indicators suggest consolidation between $28 and $35 could precede the next directional move. On-chain metrics provide additional context for the investment thesis. The number of addresses holding HYPE increased 42% in Q1 2025, indicating growing adoption. Meanwhile, the percentage of supply held on exchanges decreased from 18% to 12%, suggesting reduced selling pressure as investors move tokens to self-custody solutions. These fundamental improvements likely contributed to Hayes’ decision to increase his position. Conclusion The Arthur Hayes HYPE purchase represents a calculated expansion of position in a fundamentally sound blockchain project. The transaction demonstrates continued institutional interest in SocialFi applications and confidence in HYPE’s development trajectory. Market participants should monitor similar transactions by sophisticated investors as potential indicators of emerging trends. However, all cryptocurrency investments carry substantial risk, and past performance never guarantees future results. The transparent nature of blockchain transactions provides valuable data for market analysis while maintaining individual privacy through pseudonymous addresses. FAQs Q1: How was Arthur Hayes identified as the purchaser? Blockchain analytics firms used multiple verification methods including transaction pattern analysis, timing correlations with public statements, and confirmation from institutional sources familiar with his investment activities. Q2: What percentage of circulating HYPE supply does Hayes now control? Based on current circulating supply data, his 189,195 HYPE tokens represent approximately 1.8% of the total circulating tokens. Q3: How does this purchase compare to Hayes’ previous cryptocurrency investments? This transaction follows his established pattern of identifying promising early-stage projects with strong fundamentals and growing adoption metrics. Q4: What is the HYPE project’s main purpose? HYPE is a decentralized social media protocol built on Ethereum Layer-2 solutions that aims to revolutionize content monetization through blockchain technology. Q5: How might this transaction affect HYPE’s price and market perception? While the transaction initially caused a 3.2% price increase, sophisticated execution minimized market impact. The purchase generally signals confidence to other investors but doesn’t guarantee price appreciation. This post Arthur Hayes HYPE Purchase Reveals Strategic Masterstroke in Cryptocurrency Portfolio Expansion first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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XRP Set for Breakout? Analyst Flags Bullish Channel

  vor 9 Monaten

XRP is trading at $1.37, down nearly 15% over the past week and 33% in the last 30 days, as bearish sentiment continues to weigh on the Ripple token. However, a widely followed analyst says the monthly chart is showing a long-term ascending channel with support at $0.85–$0.95, a zone he believes could mark the entry point for institutional capital that has yet to return to the market. Monthly Structure Shows Nine-Year Support Zone The technical case for a potential reversal rests entirely on the monthly timeframe, according to analyst Arthur, who posted a detailed thread on X early Wednesday. His chart tracks XRP from March 2017 to the present, with each candlestick representing a full month of trading. The lower boundary of an ascending channel, tested repeatedly over nine years, now sits at $0.85–$0.95, which is roughly 30% below current prices. “This is a monthly structural read, backed by macro and long-term volume behavior,” Arthur wrote. “The bottom of the monthly channel may very well represent the area where ‘smart money’ returns.” He pointed to volume as the missing ingredient. The largest volume spike in XRP history occurred between November 2020 and April 2021. According to him, the 2024 rally, which pushed XRP above $2, saw four times less volume. “The real money hasn’t returned yet,” he said. “What we saw in 2024 was whales and some funds. Not the large institutional flow that changes a market forever.” Derivatives data supports the view that speculative positioning has cooled, with analysis from Arab Chain showing that in the last 30 days, XRP futures open interest dropped by about 1.8 billion XRP on Bybit and 1.6 billion on Binance. Kraken also posted a decline of about 1.5 billion XRP. The contraction suggests traders are closing leveraged positions rather than building new ones, a behavior typically seen during transitional phases before a new trend emerges. Macro Backdrop Has Shifted The analyst’s optimism is not based on chart patterns alone. He cited five macro developments that distinguish early 2026 from previous cycles, including regulatory clarity following the conclusion of Ripple’s SEC lawsuit, the launch and scaling of RLUSD, and institutional integration of Ripple’s technology. Arthur also pointed to the accelerating tokenization narrative and what he called “real institutional infrastructure” that is now in place. “Technical analysis is always driven by macro,” the market observer said. “And the macro is pointing up.” XRP has a history of delivering sharp recoveries from extended downturns. For example, during the 2018 bear market, the asset traded near $0.30 for months before rallying to $1.70 in April 2021. It again bottomed around $0.35 in spring 2022 and remained range-bound until November 2024, when it climbed above $2 and later hit an all-time high of $3.65 in July 2025. The post XRP Set for Breakout? Analyst Flags Bullish Channel appeared first on CryptoPotato .

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Russia removed WhatsApp from its official internet directory

  vor 9 Monaten

Russia just took WhatsApp offline for good. On Wednesday, internet regulator Roskomnadzor deleted the app from its official registry. That one action made WhatsApp vanish from the country’s digital space. It had more than 100 million users in Russia. Now it’s gone. Unless someone’s got a VPN and time to waste, they’re stuck. According to Dmitry Medve, Russia had been slowly breaking the app for months, starting last summer when voice calls were cut. Then it got slower and harder to use. By December, usage dropped by 70 to 80 percent. Wednesday’s takedown wasn’t a surprise. It was just the final blow. Meta’s apps wiped as Russia pushes users to Max The ban on WhatsApp came with others. Russia also took out Facebook and Instagram from the same registry. Both were already labeled as “extremist.” You can still use them, but only through a VPN. YouTube hasn’t been fully banned yet, but it’s clearly being messed with. Pages take forever to load. The real reason behind all this is Max, the new messaging app Russia is pushing on everyone. Max was named the country’s “national messenger” last year, and it’s owned by VKontakte, which is Russia’s biggest social media company. VKontakte is controlled by people close to President Vladimir Putin. Max has no encryption. Everything is wide open. The government can read anything sent on the platform. A Meta spokesperson said:- “Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.” Telegram throttled as criticism grows at home WhatsApp wasn’t the only app targeted. Russia also started messing with Telegram this week . Telegram is even more popular than WhatsApp in Russia, especially for news and entertainment. Its founder, Pavel Durov, who’s also Russian, responded quickly. “Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer,” Pavel said. “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.” Russia’s crackdown on Telegram is blowing up in its face. Even people inside the government are mad. Telegram is used by Russian troops and civilians near Ukraine. They rely on it for warnings about drone and missile attacks. The g overnment wanted people to quietly switch to Max , but that didn’t happen. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

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