• Pi Network token dropped 0.63 percent on Friday, closing at $0.9062.
• The price has declined 44 percent from its recent high of $1.62.
• A teaser for a major announcement led to a 200 percent surge earlier this month.
• The Pi Foundation revealed a $100 million venture fund on May 14.
• The market reacted negatively as the news did not offer immediate utility.

Pi Network extended its losses on Friday as its token fell despite positive ecosystem developments. The price dropped 0.63% to $0.9062, a 44% decline from its peak of $1.62. The fall came as the market reacted to the Pi Foundation’s latest announcement, which failed to meet expectations.

Earlier this month, Pi Network hinted at a major development scheduled for May 14. This teaser spurred a rally that saw the token gain over 200%. However, the eventual news triggered a sharp reversal in price, erasing nearly half of those gains.

Although the announcement centered around a new $100 million venture fund, the market did not respond positively. The fund aims to support startups building on the Pi Network. Still, the long-term nature of the initiative did not provide immediate price support.

Pi Network Token Falls Despite Ecosystem Push

On May 14, the Pi Foundation introduced a venture capital fund focused on blockchain innovation within the Pi Network. The fund will invest in ecosystem projects to create real-world use cases and build platform utility. However, the move did not trigger sustained price momentum.

🚀 Huge Day Tomorrow for Pi Network!

🔹 Major Ecosystem Announcement: The Pi Core Team is set to unveil big news on May 14, 2025—expect game-changing updates!
🔸 Consensus 2025 Begins: Pi Network takes the global stage in Toronto alongside blockchain giants like Ethereum and… pic.twitter.com/6cvEyegUod

— Pi Pioneers X (@PiPioneersX) May 13, 2025

The Pi Coin fell by over 50% after the announcement as market participants reacted with disappointment. Many expected short-term developments that could immediately impact liquidity or access. Since the fund supports long-term growth, the short-term market impact remained limited.

The slide in Pi Network continued into Friday, showing signs of price stabilization near previous support levels. While the long-term strategy may benefit the ecosystem, traders appeared to shift focus. The drop indicated a correction following a speculative rally driven by expectations.

Pi Network Rally Reverses After Reveal

The price surge before May 14 was fueled by anticipation and speculation around the announcement. Pi Network rose rapidly after the teaser, reaching its highest level since March 2025. Once the details became public, the token reversed direction almost instantly.

The pattern reflected a common trend known as “buy the rumor, sell the news,” often seen in speculative markets. The lack of immediate rewards or utility likely reduced demand and sharp selling pressure. Traders reacted swiftly to recalibrate expectations, pushing Pi coin lower.

Despite the decline, Pi has retained some of its earlier gains. The price now hovers near levels seen before the rally began. Stabilization suggests that volatility may ease as the ecosystem continues its gradual development.

The post Pi Network Drops Sharply After Hyped Reveal Fails to Satisfy Market appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Cardano ETF approval odds have recently increased to 55% following a 45 percent rise.
• Traders show stronger confidence in Cardano after announcing the Glacier Airdrop and Midnight sidechain.
• Midnight will distribute NIGHT and DUST tokens to over 37 million wallets across eight blockchains.
• The Cardano founder stated that venture capital firms will not receive any share of the new token distribution.
• Midnight’s architecture will allow developers to pay fees using native tokens like ETH, SOL, BTC, and ADA.

Traders have pushed the Cardano ETF approval odds to 55%, reflecting a 45% increase over recent weeks. This surge comes amid rising interest following the Glacier Airdrop announcement and the ongoing testnet phase of the Midnight sidechain. Market confidence continues to grow as regulatory and institutional sentiment around altcoins gains momentum.

Cardano ETF Sentiment Strengthens With Market Activity

Cardano ETF markets are seeing increased attention, with “Yes” shares now trading at $0.68 on Polymarket. The price movement signals rising expectations for approval, though no official ETF application for Cardano exists. However, growing institutional interest and improving regulatory tone support the shift in sentiment.

The Cardano ETF trend stands out as altcoin-related financial products attract wider consideration in 2025. While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have led the charge, Cardano’s potential is gaining traction. Market analysts link this to consistent development updates and rising ecosystem adoption.

Recent events like Consensus 2025 have also contributed to Cardano ETF optimism. Developers showcased advancements that improve Cardano’s use case and position in decentralized finance. These developments continue to shape perception and fuel speculative movement in ETF prediction markets.

Midnight and Airdrop Plans Boost Ecosystem Appeal

Charles Hoskinson announced the full rollout plan for the Glacier Airdrop during Consensus 2025, bringing attention to Cardano again. The Glacier Airdrop supports the Midnight sidechain, which aims to enhance privacy and governance through the NIGHT and DUST tokens. These tokens will be distributed across over 37 million wallets on eight blockchains.

Hoskinson confirmed that venture capital funds will not receive any allocation from the Glacier Airdrop. The tokens will be user-controlled; recipients can hold, sell, or ignore them. This model contrasts sharply with traditional token launches and may influence regulatory perception.

Midnight’s architecture promotes cross-chain cooperation, allowing developers to pay network fees with native tokens. Supported tokens include ETH, SOL, BTC, and ADA, providing utility across chains. This system enables validators from different ecosystems to secure Midnight and earn rewards.

Cardano Price Gains as ETF Hopes Build

Midnight is now in its testnet phase and is scheduled for a mainnet release by late 2025. It is designed as neutral infrastructure, aiming to reduce fragmentation across blockchains. Supporting multi-chain validation and cooperative token use strengthens the broader Cardano ecosystem.

This strategic direction aligns with regulators’ interest in projects with transparency, decentralization, and user-first models. The Cardano ETF possibility gains support from such technical and operational clarity. Regulatory bodies may find this approach more favorable when evaluating new exchange-traded products.

Cardano (ADA) is currently trading at $0.78, maintaining a position above key resistance levels. The market has reacted positively to the ETF speculation and recent network updates. Continued progress on Midnight and strong airdrop engagement may further support Cardano ETF prospects.

The post Cardano ETF Approval Odds Jump to 55% Amid Major Network Shift appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Coinbase will launch wrapped versions of XRP, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Litecoin on the Base network.
• The wrapped tokens will be called cbXRP, cbDOGE, cbADA, and cbLTC and will trade 1 to 1 with their original assets.
• These assets are unavailable, and Coinbase has not announced an official launch date.
• Coinbase released the official Base contract addresses to protect users from fake tokens.
• The Base network now leads all Ethereum layer-2 networks in total value locked.

Coinbase has confirmed plans to launch wrapped versions of XRP, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Cardano on the Ethereum layer-2 network Base. The announcement places these tokens alongside wrapped Bitcoin (cbBTC), which already exists on Base and holds a $4.47 billion market cap. Coinbase disclosed this move to counter scams circulating fake versions of the assets ahead of their official release.

Wrapped XRP to Expand Base Network Offerings

Coinbase will launch a wrapped version of XRP, named cbXRP, on Base to enable broader utility across decentralized applications. The Base contract address for cbXRP is 0xcb585250f852C6c6bf90434AB21A00f02833a4af, shared to help users verify legitimacy. While the token is not live, Coinbase emphasized that trading is currently unavailable.

Users can interact with cbXRP in DeFi protocols as they do with Ethereum on Base. The wrapped XRP will maintain a 1:1 peg with native XRP, supporting smooth conversion and usability. Coinbase has not detailed the wrapping process but is expected to use a method similar to cbBTC’s.

cbADA, cbDOGE, cbLTC, cbXRP coming soon.

These assets are not yet live or available. We will announce their launch at a later date.

— Coinbase Assets 🛡️ (@CoinbaseAssets) May 13, 2025

The Base network, built by Coinbase, continues to grow rapidly and now leads all layer-2 chains in total value locked. Adding cbXRP strengthens its ecosystem, enhancing liquidity and transaction volumes. This development follows Base’s significant rise in stablecoin use and user activity over recent quarters.

Coinbase Adds Dogecoin to Wrapped Token List on Base

Coinbase will also introduce wrapped Dogecoin (cbDOGE) on Base, expanding support for popular altcoins on its layer-2 network. The contract address for cbDOGE is 0xcbD06E5A2B0C65597161de254AA074E489dEb510, which Coinbase published to prevent fraud. The asset will be tradable only after its official launch, which is yet to be announced.

stablecoin usage is growing incredibly fast on @base pic.twitter.com/b4H1yptrNu

— jesse.base.eth (@jessepollak) May 13, 2025

With the addition of cbDOGE, Base will provide broader asset diversity and increased user engagement across DeFi platforms. Like other wrapped tokens, cbDOGE will be pegged 1:1 to DOGE and fully usable on Base. The exchange’s move aims to solidify Base as a central hub for mainstream crypto activity.

The exchange released the information early to protect users from scam tokens pretending to be the wrapped versions. Scammers have previously targeted Coinbase users by promoting fake token listings. The early disclosure with official addresses serves as a preventive security measure.

Coinbase to Launch cbADA and cbLTC Soon

Coinbase will also deploy wrapped versions of Cardano (cbADA) and Litecoin (cbLTC) to further expand token utility on Base. cbADA will use the contract address 0xcbADA732173e39521CDBE8bf59a6Dc85A9fc7b8c, while cbLTC will use 0xcb17C9Db87B595717C857a08468793f5bAb6445F. These assets are also not yet live, with Coinbase urging users to wait for an official launch date.

The exchange is positioning Base as a key network for wrapped assets by integrating these widely used cryptocurrencies. Each wrapped token is designed for seamless activity on Base, mimicking the original token’s value and utility. The exchange plans to make the wrapping process simple, mirroring the cbBTC structure.

Coinbase’s strategy follows increased DeFi and stablecoin activity on Base, which saw over $3.6 trillion in Q1 2025 transaction volume. This expansion comes as the exchange continues enhancing wallet features, including encrypted messaging in its latest release. However, some security experts criticize Coinbase for persistent account breaches, which scammers reportedly exploit weekly.

The post Wrapped XRP and DOGE Coming to Base: Coinbase Drops Key Clues appeared first on CoinCentral.

• A crypto whale sold XRP and Ethereum holdings and secured a total profit of $7.5 million.
• Despite the sell-off, the crypto whale still holds a $15.4 million position in Solana.
• Ethereum declined by 2.15%  in 24 hours but posted a weekly gain of 39.75%.
• XRP increased by 4.32% in the last 24 hours and gained 20.75% over the week.
• Futures open interest rose to $6.81 billion for Ethereum and $5.57 billion for XRP, reflecting active market participation.

A  crypto whale has liquidated major holdings in XRP and Ethereum, realizing $7.5 million in profits. This move comes amid a broader market correction, signaling a strategic shift by large-scale participants. The crypto whale still holds $15.4 million in Solana, suggesting continued activity in selective assets.

Crypto Whale Reduces Exposure to Ethereum Despite Strong Weekly Gains

Ethereum has seen strong momentum, gaining 39.75% over the past week due to network upgrades and demand for ETH staking. Despite this growth, the crypto whale closed Ethereum positions, securing profits as the asset dropped 2.15% in the past 24 hours. This move points to a strategy focused on capital preservation while markets remain unpredictable.

Due to the market pullback, this whale has closed $ETH and $XRP long positions, locking in a profit of ~$7.5M.

He's still holding a $15.4M long on $SOL, currently down $560K.https://t.co/VCde0KlT1Dhttps://t.co/K3QnpVS15l pic.twitter.com/Ob75lWB1ue

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) May 13, 2025

Futures data from Coinglass show open interest rising to $6.81 billion, marking a 1.12% daily increase. This growth reflects active participation from market players, but the crypto whale’s exit from Ethereum signals mixed sentiment. Though the broader outlook shows confidence, such actions reveal targeted adjustments.

Ethereum trades at $2,469, showing signs of short-term weakness even after a strong rally. The crypto whale’s decision to exit Ethereum highlights a preference for locking in gains during high volatility. Though ETH fundamentals remain strong, some participants appear to be reducing risk exposure.

XRP Position Closed Despite Positive Market Sentiment and Price Increase

XRP currently trades at $2.52 after rising 4.32% in the last 24 hours and 20.75% over the past week. Despite this upward trend, the Crypto Whale fully exited XRP positions, converting gains into realized profits. This move suggests a deliberate change in portfolio composition in response to recent price movements.

On-chain data show XRP funding rates remain positive, reflecting stable sentiment among market participants. Additionally, futures open interest for XRP has climbed to $5.57 billion, up 15.19% in 24 hours. Despite this, the crypto whale reduced exposure, indicating a refined allocation strategy.

XRP’s short-term strength has not deterred the crypto whale from offloading the asset after locking in notable gains. While some market participants maintain long positions, this action emphasizes active portfolio rebalancing. The decision points to realignment rather than loss of confidence.

Crypto Whale Maintains Solana Holdings Despite $560K Drawdown

The crypto whale retains a $15.4 million position in Solana, which has declined by $560,000. This indicates the Crypto Whale still sees potential in selective assets despite market fluctuations. Solana remains the only major position held, showing confidence in its long-term performance.

While XRP and Ethereum were sold, Solana holdings remain intact, suggesting a focus on diversification and selective exposure. This action supports a shift toward higher-conviction assets within the portfolio. The crypto whale’s current positioning signals continued engagement rather than full market withdrawal.

The crypto whale’s approach highlights a balance between risk management and market participation. Though profits were locked in from other assets, commitment to Solana continues.

The post Crypto Whale Sells XRP, ETH for $7.5M, Keeps $15.4M in Solana appeared first on CoinCentral.

• XRP price surged over 20% in early May, following a prolonged decline.
• On-chain data shows that large XRP holders have significantly reduced their selling activity.
• Whale net flows turned upward, suggesting a potential shift in market behavior.
• XRP price found support as trading volume exceeded 10 billion dollars this month.
• Community sentiment remains positive, with 88% of wallet holders favoring XRP.

XRP price surged over 20% in early May, reversing a long downward trend driven by heavy whale sell-offs. On-chain data shows a slowdown in large wallet selling, which may support further gains. As momentum shifts, market activity and sentiment around XRP price have improved across several metrics.

Whale Activity Sees Sharp Decline

XRP price faced strong resistance earlier in 2025 due to heavy selling by large holders, which caused sharp market declines. These wallets pushed net flows into negative territory, coinciding with a drop from $3.38 to $1.60 in April. They used the rally in early 2025 to exit, creating consistent sell pressure for months.

However, recent data indicates a turnaround in this trend as large holders begin to retain their positions. The 30-day Whale Flow chart from Kripto Mevsimi shows a rise in net flows, suggesting reduced exits. While not a full reversal, the halt in aggressive selling may signal a shift in XRP price direction.

This trend change often leads to base-building phases, setting the stage for stable upward movements. Historically, reduced selling from whales has coincided with sustained gains in XRP price. The sell-off slowdown strengthened XRP’s recent rally and increased the chances of long-term recovery.

XRP Price Rises as Volume Spikes

Rising spot trading volume, which surpassed $10 billion this month, also boosted the XRP price. This volume increase signals growing activity across exchanges, further supporting current price levels. Combined with slowing whale exits, this adds to bullish momentum in the short term.

Community sentiment has also turned more positive as the XRP stabilizes. According to CoinMarketCap, 88% of tracked wallet holders now express a favorable outlook on XRP. This aligns with recent wallet growth, showing rising interest among crypto participants in 2025.

Since January, Santiment recorded an 11% increase in XRP-holding wallets, adding to signs of renewed accumulation. Much of this growth links to policy shifts, such as Missouri’s House Bill 594, which favors crypto. If passed, the bill could strengthen demand by removing capital gains taxes on XRP and Bitcoin.

Liquidity Remains Key Driver of XRP Price

According to analysts tracking net inflows and outflows, XRP depends heavily on liquidity. Dom highlighted that a net inflow of $61 million could boost XRP’s market cap by over $16 billion. This makes XRP highly responsive to even moderate shifts in market liquidity.

Ever wondered how much money it takes to cause a 16.6B increase in $XRP market cap?

Since I am tracking every trade on all major spot exchanges, I have the exact $ figure

61M USD. Thats the net market buying pressure we saw over the last 13 hours.

So yes, 61M USD of buy… pic.twitter.com/XDt6FMB0g9

— Dom (@traderview2) May 12, 2025

As liquidity rises, XRP price could benefit quickly from additional buying activity. However, the same mechanism could work in reverse if outflows resume. This sensitivity adds both opportunity and risk to current price trends.

The post XRP Price Soars as Whales Retreat—Is a Breakout Imminent? appeared first on CoinCentral.

• CME Group has confirmed the launch of XRP futures set for May 19.
• The futures product marks a major step in XRP’s institutional development.
• A beta webpage leak initially revealed CME’s plans before the official announcement.
• CME introduced XRP pricing indices in July 2023 as a precursor to futures.
• Bitnomial launched the first regulated XRP-based futures in the United States in March.

XRP is set to take a major step in its institutional journey as CME Group prepares to launch XRP futures. The official launch is scheduled for May 19, making it a key date for the XRP market. This move follows increased momentum around XRP adoption among major financial platforms.

CME confirmed the addition of XRP futures weeks after listing Solana futures, solidifying interest in altcoins. While a beta webpage initially leaked the product details, the group later clarified it was a test display. The confirmed launch indicates a continued focus on expanding crypto derivatives offerings despite the clarification.

The move positions XRP alongside leading digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum regarding futures trading availability. CME’s earlier introduction of pricing indices for XRP in July 2023 signaled this direction. That development laid the groundwork for broader institutional entry into the XRP market.

CME Group to Expand XRP Futures

CME’s launch of XRP futures follows a trend of adding altcoin products to its platform. This expansion helps diversify exposure options for regulated entities in the crypto space. It also reflects CME’s broader strategic plan to capture demand for top-tier digital assets.

🗓️ Mark your calendars and get ready to expand your crypto portfolio with XRP futures starting May 19.

Trade your market view with confidence with CFTC-regulated XRP futures, available in larger- and micro-sized contracts. ➡️ https://t.co/QKapp7sxi6 pic.twitter.com/Xnys8py1Du

— CME Group (@CMEGroup) May 13, 2025

Earlier this year, the exchange rolled out Solana futures, which have since gained steady traction. XRP joins this lineup as the next altcoin to receive a dedicated derivatives market. The token’s futures offering will provide another benchmark for institutional access to the Ripple-linked asset.

CME’s engagement with XRP began with its benchmark pricing index, which was introduced last year. Ripple’s leadership acknowledged this index as a foundation for upcoming institutional products. With this groundwork, the May 19 launch marks a natural progression in XRP’s development.

XRP ETF Hopes Rise With Futures

Bitnomial became the first U.S.-regulated platform to introduce XRP-based futures in March 2024. That development set the stage for broader derivative adoption across major U.S. financial platforms. CME’s entry follows this milestone and underscores growing acceptance of XRP in structured markets.

The launch may influence the path toward spot-based ETFs linked to XRP prices. Several financial firms, including Franklin Templeton and Bitwise, have already submitted applications. Approval of these products would further strengthen XRP’s status in regulated financial environments.

XRP price is currently trading at $2.56, and market watchers are monitoring how this will impact the token’s short-term performance. Historical trends, such as Bitcoin’s 2018 peak post-futures, add complexity to market expectations.

The post XRP Futures Launch Set: What May 19 Could Mean for the Token’s Future appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Ripple currently holds 41.43 billion XRP, reinforcing its influence on the XRP Ledger and global payments expansion.
• The company uses its XRP reserves to support market makers and boost liquidity across less-active payment corridors.
• Former Ripple executive Miguel Vias stated that Ripple’s lending of XRP improves liquidity and supports adoption.
• Ripple’s large holdings align the company’s financial interests with the long-term growth of the XRP ecosystem.
• Researcher Anderson compared Ripple’s strategy to that of early Bitcoin and Ethereum supporters, who backed their networks’ success.

Ripple maintains a large volume of XRP, reinforcing its role in developing and growing the XRP Ledger. According to recent data, Ripple now holds 41.43 billion XRP, supporting its global payments expansion. This financial position enables Ripple to build infrastructure and increase XRP liquidity for broader adoption.

Ripple’s Control Over XRP Supports Market Liquidity
Ripple’s strategic control over XRP enables the company to influence market stability and liquidity across various corridors. Miguel Vias, former Head of XRP Markets, stated that Ripple uses its XRP reserves to assist professional market makers. This method allows Ripple to lend XRP competitively, ensuring continuous platform liquidity.

Ripple uses this liquidity to promote utility, particularly in less-active cross-border corridors. Ripple temporarily funds transactions and fills payment gaps until the corridors become self-sufficient. This capability gives Ripple an edge in building lasting infrastructure where other digital assets struggle.

The video below is from a former Ripple employee who was responsible for XRP markets and building liquidity.

If you want to understand why Ripple holding so much XRP is massively beneficial to Ripple and XRP adoption in general, you need to watch the video.

So in other words,… https://t.co/HoM1pwMoep pic.twitter.com/oFDFMbF7BA

— Anders 🏁🌏 (@X__Anderson) May 11, 2025

Moreover, Ripple’s liquidity operations align to increase real-world XRP usage. Higher liquidity improves transaction speed and lowers cost, attracting financial institutions. This approach enhances Ripple’s value proposition in the global payments sector.

XRP Holdings Drive Ripple’s Ecosystem Plans

Ripple’s substantial XRP balance aligns its financial interests with the long-term success of the XRP Ledger. Anderson, an XRP community researcher, emphasized that Ripple has a strong reason to promote XRP’s utility. He compared Ripple’s approach to early Ethereum supporters and large Bitcoin holders who contributed to their networks’ growth.

Anderson noted that entities with major holdings are typically more invested in a network’s development and sustainability. This alignment strengthens Ripple’s motivation to support innovation and ecosystem growth. Without XRP holdings, Ripple would lack direct incentives to prioritize XRP over competing blockchain networks.

Ripple’s decisions to reinvest XRP into market growth confirm this alignment. Rather than seeking short-term returns, the company supports long-term adoption strategies. Ripple aims to increase XRP usage across regulated financial systems and institutional corridors.

XRP Ledger Gains From Ripple Expansion

Ripple’s financial strategy includes acquiring companies to advance its XRP-based services and expand into new markets. In April, Ripple acquired prime broker Hidden Road, marking its most significant investment to date. This move strengthens Ripple’s position in institutional finance and broadens access to the XRP Ledger.

Ripple’s integration of Hidden Road could bring new capital inflows and increase XRP utility within professional markets. The company plans to use its resources to enhance payment infrastructure through further acquisitions. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed this direction, indicating future deals to accelerate global network adoption.

Ripple maintains strategic control with 4.906 billion XRP in spendable wallets and 36.53 billion in escrow. This structure enables Ripple to manage token release schedules while securing enough assets to support expansion. Ripple’s balance sheet continues to support aggressive growth and adoption plans worldwide.

The post XRP News: What Ripple Plans Next with Over 41 Billion XRP in Its Control appeared first on CoinCentral.

• U.S. and China agree to temporarily reduce tariffs during a 90-day negotiation period
• U.S. will cut tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs from 125% to 10%
• Trade negotiations in Geneva were described as “productive” with “important consensus” reached
• Officials from both countries expressed positive views about the agreement
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that “neither side wanted a decoupling” of the economies

The United States and China announced a deal to temporarily slash tariffs following weekend negotiations in Geneva, offering relief to markets and businesses affected by the ongoing trade tensions.

The agreement will suspend the punishing tariffs both countries have imposed on each other for 90 days while they work toward a more permanent solution.

Under the terms of the deal, the United States will reduce its tariff rate on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China will lower its duties on American goods from 125% to 10%. The agreement was announced in a joint statement on Monday, though initial word of a deal came Sunday with few specifics.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the U.S. delegation alongside U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, described the weekend talks as “productive” and yielding “a great deal” of progress.

At a news conference in Geneva, Bessent emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement, saying,

“We concluded that we have a shared interest. The consensus from both delegations is that neither side wanted a decoupling.”

The development comes after weeks of economic uncertainty that began on April 2 when President Donald Trump announced the 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing responded with retaliatory tariffs of 125% on U.S. products, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Market Response and Economic Impact

Global markets responded positively to the news of the agreement. The benchmark index in Hong Kong surged 3 percent, matching a similar jump in S&P 500 stock futures, as investors welcomed the potential easing of trade tensions.

The tariff standoff had created widespread disruption for businesses on both sides. Many American companies had suspended orders from China while waiting for tariff rates to come down, raising concerns about potential price increases for consumers.

Chinese manufacturers also felt the impact, experiencing a sharp decline in orders for exports to the United States. This added pressure to China’s already sluggish economy, making a resolution appealing to both parties.

President Trump appeared optimistic about the negotiations even before they concluded. In a Saturday post on Truth Social, he wrote that U.S. officials had a “very good meeting today with China” and that “many things discussed, much agreed to.” He characterized the talks as “a total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner.”

Chinese officials shared the positive assessment. Vice Premier He Lifeng said the meeting “achieved substantial progress and reached important consensus,” while China International Trade Representative Li Chenggang suggested that a forthcoming statement would contain “good news for the world.”

The agreement also addresses U.S. concerns about fentanyl trafficking. Bessent and Greer indicated that they had substantive discussions on U.S. demands that Beijing crack down on the chemical ingredients used to make the drug. According to Bessent, the Chinese “understood the magnitude” of the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

A 20 percent tariff that Trump initially added to Chinese exports over the fentanyl issue will remain in place, even as the larger tariff reductions take effect.

Both sides agreed to establish “a consultation mechanism for trade and economic issues,” according to Vice Premier Lifeng, suggesting a framework for continued dialogue.

The full details of the agreement are expected to be released soon, with Bessent scheduled to provide a complete briefing on Monday morning. Greer noted the speed of reaching an agreement, saying it “reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought.”

The post U.S.-China Trade Deal: Tariff Reduction Agreement Reached After Weekend Talks appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Technical analyst Gert Van Lagen identified a cup-and-handle pattern suggesting altseason is ready to launch
• Van Lagen predicts altcoin market could reach $5.4 trillion valuation before 2026 (564% growth)
• Analyst Cas Abbé expects altcoin ETF approvals in Q3/Q4 2025 to trigger institutional investment
• Coinbureau’s Nic Puckrin says altseason requires Bitcoin dominance below 54%, Bitcoin breaking ATH, and Fed ending quantitative tightening
• Current altcoin season index remains at 21, far below the 75 threshold that historically indicates altseason

Experts Predict Coming Altseason But Differ on Timing and Conditions

Several crypto analysts have shared their predictions about an upcoming altseason, though they differ on timing and necessary market conditions. Technical indicators and economic factors suggest altcoins may soon experience major growth, but specific prerequisites must be met first.

Prominent crypto analyst Gert Van Lagen has identified a bullish cup-and-handle pattern on the altcoin market bi-weekly chart. This pattern typically signals continued upward price movement after consolidation.

Altcoin Marketcap [2W]
🟨 Accumulation
🟧 Breakout + Retest
🟩 Altseason
🔁 pic.twitter.com/KubpPKSewF

— Gert van Lagen (@GertvanLagen) May 3, 2025

The cup portion formed between 2022 and mid-2024, showing a gradual decline followed by recovery. The handle, appearing in early 2025, represents a small descending channel that often precedes a breakout.

Van Lagen explains that for altseason to begin, the altcoin market cap must break above the pattern’s neckline at $813.18 billion. If this happens, he projects the total altcoin valuation could reach approximately $5.4 trillion before 2026.

This would represent a 564% market growth from current levels. Such an increase would create huge opportunities for investors in lower-cap cryptocurrencies.

Key Factors Driving the Coming Altseason

Crypto analyst and Web3 growth manager Cas Abbé believes altseason has been delayed due to insufficient liquidity. He attributes this to large token unlocks and the effects of the memecoin craze driven by Pumpfun.

Despite delays, Abbé remains optimistic about altseason prospects. He cites potential altcoin ETF approvals in Q3/Q4 of 2025 as a major catalyst.

Wen Altseason?

This has been the most asked question since 2024.

If you are looking for an honest and data-based response, this is the only thread you need to read: 🧵 👇

— Cas Abbé (@cas_abbe) May 3, 2025

These ETF approvals could trigger institutional investment similar to what happened with Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. The resulting capital inflow would boost altcoin prices across the market.

Abbé also points to expected Federal Reserve rate cuts beginning in June. The Fed is likely to end quantitative tightening measures, creating a risk-on environment favorable for altcoin growth.

Regulatory clarity expected by late 2025 will allow banks to engage with the crypto market more confidently. This would bring massive liquidity to altcoins, further supporting price increases.

Currently, the total crypto market is valued at approximately $3 trillion. Altcoins account for 36.1% of all crypto investments, showing room for growth.

Three Required Conditions for Altseason Launch

Nic Puckrin, CEO and co-founder of crypto education media firm Coinbureau, offers what he calls a “realistic” take on altseason. He identifies three critical conditions that must be met before altseason can truly begin.

First, Bitcoin dominance must fall below 54%. This metric measures BTC’s share of the total crypto market cap and indicates where investor capital is flowing.

Alt Season – a REALISTIC take.

Here’s my one-post rundown so you can stop doom-scrolling and start watching the right signals👇

🗓 Timing:

Altseasons usually begin ~320 days after a Bitcoin halving. Target hit 🎯

📉 Macro:

The Fed hasn’t pivoted—QT is still draining, rates…

— Nic (@nicrypto) May 2, 2025

When Bitcoin dominance declines, it signals investors are moving their money into altcoins. This rotation of capital is essential for altseason to gain momentum.

Second, Bitcoin must break above its current all-time high without absorbing all market liquidity. In previous cycles, altcoin rallies followed Bitcoin establishing market dominance and then consolidating.

This pattern allows investors to shift their focus and funds to smaller-cap, more speculative assets. The timing of this shift is crucial for altseason development.

Third, the Federal Reserve must end all Quantitative Tightening measures and confirm upcoming rate cuts. This would counter current interest rates above 4% and increase market liquidity.

Greater liquidity in the financial system tends to flow into higher-risk assets, including altcoins. This economic condition would provide fuel for altseason growth.

At present, the altcoin season index sits at 21, well below the 75 threshold that historically indicates an altseason. This suggests Bitcoin still outperforms most altcoins, and a true altseason remains on the horizon.

The current crypto market has recently reclaimed the $3 trillion mark following a bullish trend. However, trading volume has decreased by 16.82%, valued at $68.83 billion, indicating cautious market sentiment.

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• Bitcoin surged past $93,000 on Tuesday amid optimism over improving US-China trade relations
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the current 145% tariffs “unsustainable” while Trump said they “will come down substantially”
• Institutional investors showed renewed interest with Bitcoin ETFs recording $381 million in net inflows on Monday
• Altcoins followed Bitcoin higher with Ethereum, Dogecoin, and SUI gaining 8%, 8.6%, and 11.7% respectively
• On-chain data suggests potential market fragility with Bitcoin facing resistance despite the rally

Bitcoin surged past $93,000 on Tuesday, reaching its highest point since early March amid renewed optimism about US-China trade relations. The rally was fueled by comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and President Donald Trump suggesting a de-escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Bitcoin climbed nearly 7% in 24 hours, while the broader crypto market also saw major gains.

The rally was triggered by Bessent’s remarks at a closed-door JPMorgan event where he reportedly told investors that the current tariff standoff with China was “unsustainable.”

Bessent indicated that de-escalation would come “in the very near future,” though he cautioned that a more comprehensive deal could take years.

President Trump later reinforced this sentiment when speaking to reporters at the White House. He stated that US tariffs on China “will come down substantially” from the current 145% level, helping to ease concerns about an escalating trade war.

Institutional Money Returns to Crypto

The positive market sentiment was reflected in renewed institutional interest in cryptocurrency. Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $381 million in net inflows on Monday, adding to Thursday’s $107 million, according to data from Farside Investors.

This influx of institutional money represents the highest level of ETF inflows since January. Additionally, the return of the Coinbase price premium suggests increased demand from American institutional investors.

MicroStrategy, one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, further reinforced long-term confidence in the cryptocurrency by adding another 6,500 BTC to its holdings. This move highlights continuing institutional belief in Bitcoin as a store of value.

Altcoins Join the Rally

The positive momentum extended beyond Bitcoin, with altcoins posting strong gains as well. Ethereum (ETH) rose 8% over the past 24 hours to trade above $1,700, while Dogecoin (DOGE) and Sui’s native token (SUI) gained 8.6% and 11.7%, respectively.

The meme coin sector was especially strong, jumping over 15% according to market data. Other sectors including AI and Real-world asset (RWA) tokens also posted solid gains during the market upswing.

The rally caught many traders off guard, resulting in over $581 million in futures liquidations in 24 hours. Short traders were hit the hardest, with over $504 million in liquidated positions as prices surged higher than expected.

Caution Signs Remain

Despite the positive price action, not all indicators point to a sustained breakout. On-chain data analysis from CryptoQuant suggests underlying market fragility that could limit further upside.

Bitcoin’s apparent demand has decreased by 146,000 BTC over the past 30 days. While this represents an improvement from the sharp drop in March, demand remains in negative territory.

Market liquidity also remains soft. Using USDT’s market cap growth as a proxy for crypto liquidity, analysts note that USDT grew by $2.9 billion over the past two months, below its 30-day average. Historically, Bitcoin rallies have coincided with USDT growth above $5 billion, a threshold not yet reached in the current market.

Adding to the caution, Bitcoin is now facing a key resistance zone between $91,000 and $92,000 at the “Trader’s On-chain Realized Price” metric. This level has often served as resistance in bearish conditions, suggesting a pause or pullback could follow if sentiment weakens.

Data also shows diverging behaviors between different investor groups. The Net Position Change metric indicates that long-term holders (those holding BTC for more than 155 days) have begun accumulating Bitcoin while short-term holders continue to sell. This pattern hints at renewed interest among experienced investors even as newer market participants take profits.

The broader financial markets also rebounded alongside cryptocurrencies. The S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq finished Tuesday’s session 2.5% and 2.7% higher, respectively. Gold, meanwhile, reversed from its record price of $3,500 during the day and was down 1%.

The parallel moves in both crypto and traditional markets suggest that Bitcoin’s brief period of “decoupling” from US stocks was short-lived. Both asset classes appear to be responding similarly to the improved outlook for US-China trade relations.

As capital rotates into alternative assets, “BTC and gold are proving to be key beneficiaries of the exodus from USD risk,” according to analysts at hedge fund QCP Capital.

The regulatory environment may also be contributing to improved market sentiment. Newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has already dismissed several crypto enforcement cases, giving the industry hope for a more innovation-friendly regulatory climate going forward.

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