The crypto market is buzzing with a mix of recovery hopes, regulatory wins, and fresh innovations today. Bitcoin is holding steady around $103K after dipping below that mark amid US government shutdown fears, but positive signals—like a temporary budget deal—are sparking optimism. Overall market cap sits at about $3.53T, up slightly, though sentiment is still “fearful” per the Fear & Greed Index. Here’s the top “what’s new” highlights from major outlets and real-time chatter:
1. Bitcoin Climbs Back to $105K on US Budget Deal
President Trump signed a temporary budget extension, ending the government shutdown threat and boosting risk assets. BTC surged to $105,000—its highest in days—as traders bet on clearer skies ahead. Ethereum and XRP are eyeing similar rebounds, with ETH up 2% to ~$3,400.
2. JPMorgan Rolls Out JPM Coin for Big-Bank Transfers
In a huge step for institutional crypto, JPMorgan launched its blockchain-based deposit token, JPM Coin, for seamless cross-border payments between banks. This could supercharge enterprise adoption of stablecoins and tokenized assets.
3. Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF Hits DTCC Registry—Launch Incoming?
Spot Chainlink (LINK) ETF from Bitwise just appeared on the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) list, signaling it’s primed for trading. LINK dipped 4% today to $16.25 amid broader altcoin weakness, but this news has analysts predicting a breakout.
4. XRP ETF Buzz Explodes with Social Media Surge
Chatter around a potential XRP ETF is at fever pitch, with social volume spiking 200% today. Ripple’s ongoing SEC case could wrap favorably under new pro-crypto leadership, paving the way for approvals. XRP traded up 3% to $1.95.
5. Aerodrome and Velodrome Merge into Aero Network
DeFi protocols Aerodrome (AERO) and Velodrome are fusing into a unified “Aero” platform, expanding to Ethereum and Circle’s Arc for cross-chain liquidity. AERO led altcoin declines today (down 8%), but the merger could stabilize it long-term.
6. Global Regs Heat Up: Brazil, Hong Kong, and Japan Move
• Brazil’s central bank tightened crypto oversight with new rules for exchanges.
• Hong Kong issued its first “digitally native” bonds on blockchain and is piloting yen-backed stablecoins with megabanks.
• South Korea eyes fresh sanctions on North Korea over crypto-funded weapons. These signal a worldwide push toward compliant crypto infrastructure.
7. HIVE Token Surges 65% in 24 Hours
Mining stock HIVE Digital jumped 65% to $0.628, outpacing BTC on news of expanded operations and AI-blockchain crossovers. Investor Dan Tapiero predicts this “AI + blockchain” wave will be massive.
8. Scam Bust in Hong Kong: Deepfake Crypto Fraud Nabbed
Police dismantled a deepfake ring scamming $4.7M (34M yuan) via fake social media profiles pushing bogus crypto investments. A stark reminder amid rising AI-driven fraud in the space.