Author

Jimmy Aki

Author

Jimmy Aki

About Author

Jimmy has nearly 10 years of experience as a journalist and writer in the blockchain industry. He has worked with well-known publications such as Bitcoin Magazine, CCN, and Blockonomi, covering news…

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Last updated: 

August 26, 2025

Quant ($QNT) has been quietly strengthening its position in the blockchain ecosystem. Trading at $104.91 with a 1.4% gain in the past 24 hours, the project carries a market cap of $1.5 billion.

Recent technical updates, upcoming industry engagements, and new interoperability frameworks are shaping investor interest and institutional adoption prospects.

Quant Advances Fusion Devnet, Targets Banks with Interoperability Push

Quant recently confirmed the successful testing of its open-source connector specification, which is a technical update for its Fusion Devnet.

These connectors were developed for major blockchain ecosystems like Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Hedera, and Sui networks, allowing seamless integration with Quant’s unique Layer 2.5 architecture.

This architecture enables different blockchains to communicate and transact efficiently. The team is currently working on automating connector deployment within Fusion, which would streamline network expansion and user onboarding.

This advancement directly targets banks and large institutions, a core market for Quant.

Since $QNT tokens are required for both transaction fees and staking, institutional use could generate consistent buy pressure as organizations lock tokens to access the network. If adoption scales, this mechanism may gradually tighten supply while reinforcing $QNT’s long-term value.

Quant confirmed participation at Sibos 2025, where it will showcase its programmable settlement infrastructure to highlight how European banks can transition from legacy payment systems into tokenized markets.

Direct interaction with decision-makers as banks, payment providers, and regulators may significantly increase Quant’s chances of accelerating real-world adoption, especially for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and institutional digital assets.

On the product front, Quant has launched the Overledger Fusion, a framework designed to facilitate interoperable stablecoin issuance across blockchains.

CEO Gilbert Verdian emphasized that the rollout will be phased, starting with foundational infrastructure that ensures secure asset movement before expanding into advanced applications. This phased approach reflects Quant’s strategy of building trust with institutions, focusing first on reliability before scaling features.

Looking ahead, the launch of the Fusion Mainnet will be pivotal. It aims to support cross-chain transactions with real-world assets while introducing $QNT staking through the Trusted Node Program.

Staking rewards will incentivize users to secure the network, while a reduced circulating supply could positively impact token valuation. However, competition from interoperability leaders like Polkadot and Cosmos could present challenges.

$QNT Attempts Recovery, But Bears Still Lurk Near Key Resistance Levels

After hitting a local low around $100, $QNT is attempting a rebound, closing near $104.68 on the 4-hour chart.

The bounce comes amid modest signs of accumulation pressure, but the rally is not yet convincing—especially as price action approaches a band of moving average resistances and struggles to build sustainable momentum.

The 20, 50, and 100-period SMAs are closely stacked overhead at $105.34, $105.92, and $108.81, respectively.

This tight cluster of moving averages forms a technical ceiling that $QNT must decisively clear to signal a meaningful trend reversal. Their current downward slope indicates that $QNT remains in a broader bearish regime, and any break above these levels will require a strong impulse—likely through volume expansion and buyer dominance.

From a lower timeframe volume footprint (15-min), the recovery push was met with mixed absorption.

While several clusters saw aggressive buyers stepping in above 104.80, sellers consistently countered with sizable ask pressure, particularly at $105.00 and $105.20.

Most recent deltas showed little net advantage to either side, but total volume has been thinning, suggesting a wait-and-see mode among market participants.

This hesitation is echoed in the derivatives landscape.

According to Coinglass data, 24-hour volume dropped sharply by over 33%, and open interest dipped slightly (-1.57%) to $26.27M, indicating a lack of new capital commitment.

The long/short ratio remains close to neutral at 0.96, while the funding rate is just above zero, neither strongly favoring bulls nor bears. What’s notable, however, is that top trader positioning on Binance shows a tilt toward longs, perhaps anticipating continuation if price manages to clear the $106–$108 band.

For now, momentum indicators like RSI (47.99) and MACD (still below the zero line) reflect a market that’s trying to lift itself but hasn’t yet flipped the structure. A close above the 100-SMA would add conviction, but unless volume re-accelerates and the footprint shows persistent bid aggression, $QNT remains at risk of another rejection from the moving average cluster.

August 25th Bitfinex alpha | ETH climbs as BTC integrates

With the launch of the central bank’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium last week, Bitcoin was defensive, slipping almost 10% from its high as investors lost risk to weaker ETF flows and hotter inflation data. However, after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell set a tremendous balance, the tone reversed sharply after the symposium, causing a short aperture across digital assets, lifting the majors and regaining market confidence. Ethereum outperformed, surged to a fresh, high, reaching $4,958.70 on Sunday, bolstering its new role as a key liquidity driver for facility demand, but the continued integration of BTC shows a pause rather than a structural weakness.

Flow remains the central driver of price. The US spot ETF saw its heaviest weekly spill since April.

However, the Ministry of Finance accumulation intervened to absorb supply and remained resilient to net structural demand. Global liquidity remains high and the long-term background remains constructive as ETH corporate financial financial balances grow above $100 billion. While BTC appears to be set to trade ranges in the short term, ETH leads the spin and Altcoins wait for a wider vehicle to unlock sustained influx later in the cycle.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech boosted the market in hopes of interest rate cuts in September. Still, he halted his firm commitment to do so, highlighting the Fed’s act of balancing inflation and employment. Treasury yields have declined and stocks have recovered, but Powell has been more cautious than in the past cycle, suggesting that cuts may be limited. Meanwhile, the U.S. housing market showed resilience in July’s rebound of multi-family construction, but permits fell to their five-year lows, reflecting builders’ attention.

Mortgage fees have been eased slightly, but they continue to maintain affordable tensions. Beyond housing, stronger business activities in both manufacturing and services suggest economic momentum, while higher input costs and higher consumer prices indicate sustained inflationary pressures.

At the same time, there was a big movement in the crypto industry. Thailand has launched a pilot’s inter-crypto program to enhance tourism, Sharplink Gaming has expanded its Ethereum holdings beyond 740,000 ETH, and CFTC has expanded its “Crypto Sprint” to promote US digital asset regulations in coordination with the SEC.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitfinex-alpha-eth-climbs-as-btc-integrates/feed/ 0 55086 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-climbs-toward-121k-amid-trumps-legal-threats-against-powell/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-climbs-toward-121k-amid-trumps-legal-threats-against-powell/#respond Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:52:14 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-climbs-toward-121k-amid-trumps-legal-threats-against-powell/

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

US President Donald Trump is weighing legal action against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, tying the clash to his demand for an immediate interest rate cut.

The standoff comes after fresh inflation data showed consumer prices cooling more than expected, raising speculation over how the Fed’s next move could ripple into digital asset markets.

Bitcoin Rises On Trump-Powell News

Despite the political drama, Bitcoin price inched closer to $121,000, signaling strong market momentum.

Bitcoin price moving closer to the $121k level today. Source: CoinMarketCap

Renovation Costs Row Puts Fed Under Pressure

In a Truth Social post, Trump said he’s considering allowing a major lawsuit to proceed against Powell over the cost of Federal Reserve building renovations.

He claimed the project should have been a $50 million “fix-up,” not a $3 billion overhaul. Reports have disclosed that Powell was previously referred to the Department of Justice for alleged perjury tied to the same costs.

During a recent visit to the Fed to inspect the renovation, Trump once again pressed Powell to cut rates. The president accused the Fed chief of acting “too late” on key policy decisions, calling the damage “incalculable.”

Rate cuts are typically seen as bullish for risk assets, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as they can weaken the US dollar and encourage more speculative investment.

President Donald Trump said he is weighing a lawsuit against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the renovation of the central bank’s headquarters, a project whose cost overruns have drawn scrutiny. https://t.co/1WQIlBDlcb

— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) August 12, 2025

Cooling CPI Data May Boost Rate-Cut Odds

The latest Consumer Price Index showed a 2.7% year-over-year rise in July, lower than the forecasted 2.8%. Monthly CPI eased to 0.2% from the previous 0.3%.

Based on reports, the data suggests Trump’s tariffs have not pushed inflation higher, undermining the Fed’s earlier caution on cutting rates. Trump said tariffs aren’t hurting consumers, claiming large amounts of cash are flowing into the US.

As of today, the market cap of cryptocurrencies stood at $4 trillion. Chart: TradingView

A rate cut in this environment could create a more favorable backdrop for crypto prices, as cheaper borrowing and weaker yields in traditional assets often drive more interest in alternative stores of value like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Miran Backs Trump’s Economic View

Stephen Miran, Trump’s nominee for the Fed Board, told CNBC that inflation is “well behaved” and running at a 1.9% annualized rate since Trump took office. He stressed that CPI data rarely gets revised and there’s no sign of tariff-driven inflation.

His comments align with Trump’s position and add to the market’s expectations that the Fed may shift toward easing sooner. Crypto traders are watching closely, as a dovish Fed stance could ignite rallies across major tokens.

The combination of political heat, legal threats, and softer inflation data is putting Powell in a tight spot. If rate cuts arrive faster than expected, crypto markets could see a surge in momentum — and Bitcoin’s move toward $121,000 suggests investors may already be positioning for it.

Featured image from Meta, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Author

Hongji Feng

Author

Hongji Feng

About Author

Hongji is a crypto and tech reporter. He graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s. He has previously interned at HTX (Huobi Global),…

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Last updated: 

July 24, 2025

As Bitcoin dominance continues to slide in Q3 2025, traders are shifting focus to altcoins with outsized potential. In this altcoin season, previously dismissed tokens are regaining momentum.

Shiba Inu and Bonk represent a renewed wave of meme coin speculation, while Cardano is attracting capital on institutional narratives. Together, the three tokens indicate a market phase driven by a mix of hype, community strength, and real development, where sentiment cycles are moving faster than ever.

Shiba Inu: More Than a Meme

SHIB is trading at $0.00001367 with a market cap of $8 billion and a 24-hour volume of nearly $462 million.

While often still called a meme coin, SHIB has quietly built out an ecosystem. The Shibarium Layer-2 network supports DeFi, NFTs, and dApps. SHIB is also used for gas fees, marking a clear move toward functionality.

Recent community DAO proposals and staking integrations have added to its infrastructure.

Whale wallets have increased holdings by over 600% in recent weeks, according to CryptoRank. On LunarCrush, SHIB recorded 6,400+ mentions and nearly 350,000 engagements in July.

These figures, paired with a 15% monthly gain, suggest that SHIB may be evolving into a hybrid token: part-meme, part-platform. In this cycle, that blend may be what keeps it relevant.

Bonk: Taking Over in Altcoin Season

BONK is trading at $0.000034 with a $2.76 billion market cap and a 24-hour volume of over $1.6 million.

BONK Price (Source: CoinMarketCap)

The token is now integrated into multiple Solana dApps, including Jupiter and native GameFi applications.

Though it began as a meme, BONK’s utility in liquidity provisioning and in-game use cases has grown. Exchange support has expanded, and burn campaigns have supported scarcity narratives.

Social activity remains high, with whale wallets rotating in and out, suggesting both speculation and trend-based trading.

It has gained nearly 140% in the past 30 days, and despite volatility, BONK appears to be maturing in tandem with Solana’s broader ecosystem rebound. If the altcoin season truly returns in the second half of 2025, BONK could deliver competitive performance.

Cardano: Utility Anchored in Narrative

ADA is trading at $0.81 with a $29 billion market cap and $2.4 billion in daily volume.

Cardano’s market position is supported by fundamental upgrades. The Hydra Layer-2 scaling protocol is operational, and the Mithril fast-sync update is now live. Voltaire governance milestones are also progressing, giving token holders greater control.

Stablecoin activity is increasing. Djed and USDA are both active, contributing to on-chain liquidity.

Unlike meme coins, ADA benefits from long-tail trust, and its current breakout mirrors their trend, showing how retail and institutional flows can align.

Altcoin Season: Attention is Allocation

SHIB, BONK, and ADA sit at different points on the speculation-to-utility spectrum. But all are benefiting from renewed flows in a fast-rotating market. Meme energy, protocol upgrades, and community activation have all contributed. As altcoin season accelerates, attention is proving to be a proxy for momentum. And for now, these three tokens have it.

Retail enthusiasm is rising alongside deeper on-chain activity, suggesting this altseason is no longer limited to quick pumps. Instead, even legacy tokens are evolving under market pressure, blending narrative, utility, and engagement.

When volatility returns, SHIB, BONK, and ADA show the different ways tokens can stay relevant. Whether driven by community, use case, or trader momentum, they remain in rotation—at least for now.

Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor signaled an impending Bitcoin (BTC) purchase on Sunday, as the company’s total holdings crossed $71 billion.

The treasury company’s most recent purchase occurred on July 14, when it bought 4,225 BTC for $472.5 million, bringing its total holdings to 601,550 BTC, valued at over $71.4 billion.

The company is up about 66.5% on its Bitcoin investment, accounting for over $28.5 billion in unrealized gains, according to SaylorTracker.

Bitcoin treasury companies, led by Strategy, continue to be one of the main drivers of Bitcoin demand in the current market cycle, alongside exchange-traded funds (ETFs), institutional investors, and centralized crypto exchanges.

Related: Lawsuits piling up against Strategy could take years, go nowhere, lawyer says

Strategy’s valuation surges alongside $4 trillion total crypto market cap

The company’s stock surged by about 21.52% in the last month, bringing Strategy’s total valuation to over $118 billion. 

Strategy’s stock rally came amid a rise in the crypto market, with the total crypto market capitalization crossing the $4 trillion mark in July and Bitcoin hitting a new all-time high.

In December 2024, the BTC treasury company entered the Nasdaq 100 stock market index as institutional demand for Strategy’s stock grew.

Certain institutional investors want exposure to Bitcoin but cannot hold Bitcoin directly in their investment funds. These investors hold shares of Bitcoin treasury companies or purchase their corporate debt products as a proxy for holding BTC.

“There are trillions of dollars of managed capital, and some of that has strict mandates associated with it,” macroeconomist Lyn Alden wrote. 

“There are stock funds where the portfolio manager can only buy stocks. He or she cannot buy bonds, ETFs, or commodities,” Alden gave as an example of the types of restrictions placed on asset managers.

Vanguard, one of the biggest institutional investment firms, has long opposed holding Bitcoin or offering Bitcoin directly to clients, but now holds 20 million shares of Strategy, or about 8% of the company’s outstanding stock.

The investment firm’s indirect exposure to Bitcoin through a publicly traded company highlights Bitcoin’s integration into traditional finance through legacy investment vehicles.

Magazine: Bitcoin OG Willy Woo has sold most of his Bitcoin: Here’s why

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/saylor-signals-bitcoin-buy-as-strategys-stash-climbs-to-over-71b/feed/ 0 48744 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-climbs-but-nvt-indicator-sends-a-surprising-signal/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-climbs-but-nvt-indicator-sends-a-surprising-signal/#respond Sat, 19 Jul 2025 04:50:18 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-climbs-but-nvt-indicator-sends-a-surprising-signal/ Bitcoin’s recent price action has continued its upward trajectory, with the asset trading as high as above the $120,000 price mark in the past 24 hours. The move suggests persistent bullish momentum following a period of sharp decline earlier this week.

As the price inches closer to its all-time high, on-chain data is starting to paint a picture of solid transactional support behind the price movement. In particular, analysts have begun highlighting a divergence between Bitcoin’s market value and its underlying network activity.

One such observation comes from CryptoQuant analyst Sunflowr Quant, who shared insights in a recent QuickTake post examining the unusual behavior of the NVT Golden Cross indicator.

This metric, typically expected to rise in tandem with price due to its function as a ratio between market cap and transaction volume, is currently declining, which Sunflowr attributes to a significant uptick in on-chain activity.

Bitcoin On-Chain Growth Suggests Underlying Network Strength

According to Sunflowr, this inverse correlation between the rising BTC price and falling NVT Golden Cross may indicate that the current rally is driven more by actual usage and real transactions on the Bitcoin network rather than speculative trading.

“A decline in the NVT ratio during a price increase implies that the transaction volume is rising at a faster pace than the market cap,” he wrote. “This can be interpreted as a sign that the rally is supported by real economic activity.”

This observation aligns with the broader sentiment that healthy on-chain growth can serve as a foundation for more sustainable price increases. If transaction volumes are growing organically and not solely from derivatives speculation, it suggests that user adoption and financial utility are contributing to the price strength.

Investors closely watching these indicators may find this a favorable environment, though caution remains as other metrics hint at evolving market dynamics.

Holder Rotation Signals Potential Shift in Market Participation

A separate analysis from CryptoQuant analyst IT Tech sheds light on another dimension of Bitcoin’s current market structure: holder behavior.

In a post titled “Holder Rotation,” IT Tech notes that long-term holders, those who have held BTC for more than 155 days, have recently begun net distribution, meaning they’re selling more than accumulating.

Conversely, short-term holders are showing net accumulation behavior once again, a dynamic often seen in late-stage rallies. This shift between long-term and short-term holders has historically served as a warning signal.

Similar handoffs were observed in April 2021 and November 2023, both of which preceded local tops or cooling phases. While this doesn’t necessarily confirm a reversal, it highlights the need to monitor supporting metrics such as exchange inflows and funding rates.

“It’s a classic profit-taking pattern from seasoned wallets, while newer market participants may be entering due to rising prices,” IT Tech wrote.

Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView

Good Morning, Asia. Here’s what’s making news in the markets:

Welcome to Asia Morning Briefing, a daily summary of top stories during U.S. hours and an overview of market moves and analysis. For a detailed overview of U.S. markets, see CoinDesk’s Crypto Daybook Americas.

As Asia begins the Thursday trading day,

is changing hands above $107K, according to CoinDesk Market data, and the CoinDesk 20, a measure of the largest digital assets, is trading just shy of 3000, up 0.7%.

Looking back at the week that was, analysts and market observers are looking at what began as a selloff on Middle East tensions, with Israel and Iran trading rocket fire, and a U.S. bombing campaign on Iran’s nuclear facilities, turned into a textbook risk-on rally, one that’s lifting crypto, tech stocks, and broader market sentiment alike.

“War drums fade, risk appetite roars,” wrote QCP Capital in its June 25 market note, capturing the sudden mood swing after days of escalating headlines. “Traders appeared to have priced in a resolution or simply stopped waiting for one. Instead of flight-to-safety, the move was risk-on in full force.”

That shift was visible across asset classes. U.S. equities surged, oil prices retraced to pre-conflict levels, and Coinbase stock jumped 12% on regulatory news.

For BTC, the rebound above $107K signals not just relief but renewed momentum, even as investors keep one eye on the macro calendar and the other on global flashpoints.

“It’s been a week of sharp swings in crypto,” said Gracie Lin, CEO of OKX Singapore. “Bitcoin dipped below $100,000 earlier in the week when Middle East tensions rattled the markets, but rebounded quickly after news of a ceasefire – now trading just below its all-time high in a sharp reversal.”

Lin points to a slew of U.S. economic data, including GDP and unemployment claims, coming later this week as the next catalyst for BTC’s movement.

“Recent PMI numbers have held steady, but continued weakness in housing is raising questions about the broader economy,” she said. “If Thursday’s GDP or unemployment claims come in weaker than expected, bitcoin could benefit as investors look for hedges against traditional market weakness.”

Add to that the quarterly expiration of bitcoin futures and options on June 27, and volatility could return in force. “Another bout of volatility is expected,” Lin said.

QCP, meanwhile, is looking beyond the week’s swings, spotlighting the structural forces driving bitcoin’s evolution into a macro asset.

From ProCap’s $386 million BTC buy to Coinbase’s regulatory win under MiCA, institutional momentum continues to build.

“If this accumulation trend persists,” QCP wrote, “bitcoin may not just rival gold as a macro hedge but potentially in total market capitalisation.”

Still, QCP adds a note of caution: “Geopolitics remains an ever-present undercurrent.”

While markets have largely shrugged off renewed Israeli strikes, concerns are mounting over NATO–Russia tensions. With Western nations boosting defense budgets and Trump set to attend the NATO summit, the next geopolitical shock may not come from the Middle East.

For now, bitcoin is riding the wave of risk-on enthusiasm. But beneath the surface, the battle between volatility and conviction, war drums and buying sprees, continues to define the market.

Korean Crypto Investors Favor Community Over Capital, Analyst Explains

For overseas crypto projects, getting listed on a Korean exchange like Upbit or Bithumb is seen as a golden ticket, an instant liquidity injection, and a validation milestone.

But that mindset might be part of the problem, Bradley Park, an analyst with Seoul-based DNTV Research, explained in a recent interview with CoinDesk.

At Korea Blockchain Week last year, Park kept hearing the same question from foreign teams:

“How do we get listed on a Korean exchange?”

Korean exchanges have deep liquidity pools, and traders in the country are known for their euphoric rallies.

“Honestly, many of them are approaching it the wrong way,” Park told CoinDesk. “Instead of starting with listing applications, maybe the better question is: How can we genuinely connect with the Korean community?”

Park’s thesis is simple: in Korea’s Web3 market, community isn’t a checkbox. It’s the core. Listings are often a result, not a goal, and the key signal for exchanges is genuine grassroots activity.

Take NEWT, for instance. In the lead-up to its token generation event, Korean degens lit up platforms like Kaito with homegrown content, discussions, and speculation.

“This grassroots excitement translated directly into momentum,” said Park. “Both Upbit and Bithumb listed NEWT on the same day. That wasn’t a coincidence. It was the result of weeks of organic community buildup.”

But Park cautions against seeing NEWT as a flawless blueprint.

“It’s not a perfect model, but it does show how even a basic level of respect toward the Korean community can translate into visible outcomes,” he said.

“That said, the subsequent price drop and fading short-term excitement left the project with another challenge: keeping the spark alive is just as difficult as igniting it in the first place.”

Another example: Edward Park, a well-known Korean influencer and early Pudgy Penguins holder, posted about NEWT in Korean, garnering over 50,000 views. While that might not seem like a lot, it’s the quality of the engagement that matters, argues Bradley Park.

He attributes the single post to catalyzing a wave of engagement with other key stakeholders in Korea’s crypto sphere because of Edward Park’s trust.

Projects that treat Korean users like exit liquidity rather than stakeholders tend to be punished.

Park points to the case of ZORA, where Korean users showed strong early participation but soured on the project after a perceived unfair airdrop.

“Interest in future Base ecosystem projects declined. They failed to go viral in Korea because users felt they weren’t valued.”

Localization matters too, especially the language. Park contrasts two projects: COOKIE, which suffered from poorly translated, low-quality content created by outsiders, and KAITO, which invested in Korean-speaking staff and dedicated native-language campaigns and subsequently pumped after its Upbit listing.

The lesson? If your go-to-market strategy starts with “get listed, dump tokens,” don’t expect Korean users to play along.

“Even if your goal is to exit through a Korean exchange,” Park said, “then at the very least, respect the Korean users, encourage their participation, and acknowledge their contributions.”

Token listings driven by the community are possible, but they’re fragile.

“A listing strategy focused purely on short-term liquidity will always have its limits,” Park said. “Without a plan to build lasting trust, even the most explosive momentum will eventually burn out.”

Because in Korea, authenticity isn’t a vibe. It’s the price of admission.

Market Movements:

• BTC: Bitcoin rose 1.46% to $107,600 as a ceasefire and $514M in institutional buying fueled a rebound from sub-$100K, with strong support at $107K and the CD20 index up 1.4%.
• ETH: Ethereum rose 1.42% to $2,425.53, rebounding from recent lows as a Middle East ceasefire and continued whale accumulation boosted market sentiment and helped defend key $2,400 support, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis model.
• Gold: Gold edged up to $3,340.90 and silver to $35.79 as markets digested the Israel-Iran ceasefire and lingering global tensions, with Trade Nation’s David Morrison warning that unresolved U.S.-China trade issues still pose risks.
• Nikkei 225: Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed Thursday as investors weighed the Israel-Iran ceasefire, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 up 0.4%.
• S&P 500: U.S. stock futures were flat Wednesday with the S&P 500 near record highs, but analysts warned that geopolitics or black swan events could halt the rally.

Elsewhere in Crypto:

• Tether CEO predicts one trillion AI agents will use Bitcoin and USDT for transactions within 15 years (The Block)
• Animoca Brands’ Flagship Project Moca Network to Debut L1 for Digital Identity (CoinDesk)
• Leading Crypto Senator Sees End of Year as U.S. Legislation Target (CoinDesk)