Alternative News for You

by Rachel Rasker on April 25, 2025 at 12:00 am

As Conclave movie streaming tops Australia's watch list, we go behind the scenes with its cast and a historian, while real life cardinals rush to The Vatican.

on April 24, 2025 at 11:32 pm

The unsecured internet connection is the latest revelation about Mr Hegseth's use of the app and raises the possibility that sensitive defence information could have been hacked. 

on April 24, 2025 at 11:27 pm

Tasmania police has extradited from New South Wales a former medical doctor over historical sexual abuse charges that allegedly occurred in the 1990s.

by Patrick Martin on April 24, 2025 at 11:15 pm

Relations between India and Pakistan deteriorate after an attack left 26 people dead, with New Delhi blaming Islamabad for the violence. 

by Ahmed Yussuf on April 24, 2025 at 10:46 pm

More than a million people have already cast their ballots for the federal election early. Some experts say the polling day has just become the last day to vote. 

by Josh Duggan on April 24, 2025 at 10:35 pm

Pauline Hanson, the leader of One Nation, has worked in politics for nearly three decades. Now, her daughter Lee is hoping to join her — running as a Senate candidate in southern Tasmania.

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on April 24, 2025 at 10:30 pm

The Italian municipality of Fornelli in the Molise region of Italy will be dedicating a monument to pseudonymous Bitcoin (BTC) creator Satoshi Nakamoto.In an April 23 Facebook post from the municipality, Fornelli said it plans to unveil the Satoshi artwork on May 1. Details surrounding the monument were unclear in the announcement, but the municipality said it had been designed by artist Mattia Pannoni and financed by the local government. “It is important, indeed fundamental, as an administration, to take into consideration all the new ideas that come from our young people,” said Fornelli Mayor Giovanni Tedeschi.According to the local government, Fornelli has the “highest density of Bitcoin adoption in the world” among its roughly 1,800 residents. Other regions have attempted to use BTC or other cryptocurrencies to attract visitors, including the Bitcoin Beach area of El Salvador and the Swiss city of Zug, which accepts crypto payments for many local goods and services. Portraying a faceless individual through artThe identity of Satoshi, whether a single individual or a group of people, remains one of the biggest mysteries in the crypto space since the publication of the Bitcoin white paper in 2008. Related: Italy finance minister warns US stablecoins pose bigger threat than tariffsMany artists, both crypto investors and otherwise, have released artwork attempting to represent the pseudonymous creator through statues and digital images. A common theme in these pieces is showing Satoshi without any clearly defined facial features, sometimes wearing a hoodie or working on a computer. According to the announcement, the monument will be unveiled in the Piazza Umberto I area of Fornelli on May 1.Magazine: Former Love Island star’s tips on how to go viral in crypto: Van00sa, X Hall of Flame

by Chris Lewis on April 24, 2025 at 10:27 pm

Geraldton and surrounds played a critical role in Australia's defence in World War II and that is still the case today.

by Jason Walls on April 24, 2025 at 10:20 pm

A former inmate at Darwin's notorious Don Dale Youth Detention Centre claims he was forced to "fight other children" and spend hours cutting grass with scissors in a lawsuit against the NT government.

by Lottie Twyford and Jennifer Nichols on April 24, 2025 at 10:11 pm

Roads are closed, drivers have been rescued from vehicles, and two women have been hospitalised by lightning strikes amid the chaos of heavy rain on the Sunshine Coast overnight. 

by Cointelegraph by Cointelegraph on April 24, 2025 at 10:10 pm

Today in crypto, the CME Group has announced plans to launch XRP futures contracts. Meanwhile, The Bitcoin Standard author and economist Saifedean Ammous suggested that President Donald Trump's reversal on tariffs may reflect concerns over rising bond yields. In other news, Strike founder Jack Mallers plans to challenge Michael Saylor’s Strategy. Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group to launch XRP futuresThe Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group, which operates the largest financial derivatives exchanges worldwide, announced that XRP futures contracts will go live on May 19.According to the April 24 announcement, investors have the option of choosing between micro-sized contracts, featuring 2,500 XRP, or standard contract sizes of 50,000 XRP. All XRP futures contracts will be cash-settled.In January 2025, the CME Group signaled an impending launch of XRP futures before quietly pulling the related page from its website.CME’s announcement is the latest in a growing wave of crypto-focused financial products entering the market or awaiting regulatory approval in the US, a sign that cryptocurrencies have reached a new level of institutional acceptance.There are now more than 70 crypto ETF applications waiting to be reviewed by the SEC, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.Trump fought the bond market, the bond market won: Saifedean AmmousAnalysts are criticizing the financial implications of Trump’s import tariffs, a development that some say highlights Bitcoin’s (BTC) unique economic properties during times of global uncertainty.Trump’s 90-day pause on higher reciprocal tariffs, reverting them to a 10% baseline for most countries except China, has exposed vulnerabilities in the US bond market, according to critics.Economist and author of The Bitcoin Standard, Saifedean Ammous, said Trump’s decision to reverse the higher tariffs was likely a reaction to rising bond yields, suggesting the administration’s hand was forced.“Trump fought the bond market and the bond market won,” Ammous said in an April 23 X post. “The gambit seemed to work for the first day, and the huge crash in the stock market was presented as a small price to pay for fiscal sustainability.“But then the bonds began to crash, and it became clear how disastrous the tariffs were, and how wrong it was to expect that deliberately crashing the stock market would boost the bond market,” he added.Source: Saifedean AmmousStrike’s Jack Mallers to head firm seeking superior Bitcoin play to MSTRTwenty One Capital, a new Bitcoin treasury company led by Strike founder Jack Mallers with the support of Tether, SoftBank and Cantor Fitzgerald, is looking to supplant Michael Saylor’s Strategy to become the “superior vehicle for investors seeking capital-efficient Bitcoin exposure.”Wow. @jackmallers absolutely smashed this interview. pic.twitter.com/CNY6n1esvB— The Wolf Of All Streets (@scottmelker) April 23, 2025Twenty One revealed it plans to launch with 42,000 Bitcoin (worth $3.9 billion) with roughly 23,950 BTC coming from Tether, 10,500 BTC from Softbank and 7,000 BTC from Bitfinex, which will be converted into equity at $10 per share, according to an April 23 statement.“Our mission is simple: to become the most successful company in Bitcoin, the most valuable financial opportunity of our time. We’re not here to beat the market, we’re here to build a new one,” said Mallers, the founder and CEO of Bitcoin payments-focused firm Strike.“A public stock, built by Bitcoiners, for Bitcoiners.”

by Cointelegraph by Alex O’Donnell on April 24, 2025 at 10:10 pm

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed a decision on whether to approve a proposed exchange-traded fund (ETF) holding Polkadot’s native token, regulatory filings show. According to an April 24 filing, the regulator has extended its deadline for a final ruling until June 11, nearly four months after the Nasdaq sought permission to list Grayscale Polkadot Trust on Feb. 24. Grayscale’s ETF filing adds to a roster of roughly 70 proposed ETFs awaiting SEC approval, including funds holding altcoins, memecoins, and crypto-related financial derivatives, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.  Asset managers are pitching ETFs for “[e]verything from XRP, Litecoin and Solana to Penguins, Doge and 2x Melania and everything in between,” Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas said in an April 21 post on the X platform. Asset manager 21Shares is also awaiting permission to list its own Polkadot ETF.Polkadot is a layer-1 blockchain network launched in 2020. Its native token, DOT (DOT), has a market capitalization of approximately $6.6 billion as of April 24, according to CoinMarketCap.Polkadot’s price over time. Source: CoinMarketCapRelated: Institutions break up with Ethereum but keep ETH on the hookAltcoin ETF pipelineGrayscale is among multiple asset managers seeking regulatory clearance to list altcoin ETFs in the US. The company is already behind several crypto funds, including spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) ETFs. The asset manager has also asked for permission to launch ETFs holding tokens such as Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Cardano (ADA).Crypto ETFs scheduled for SEC review. Source: Eric Balchunas/BloombergThe pipeline of proposed fund listings comes as more than 80% of institutional investors say they plan to boost allocations to crypto in 2025, according to a March report by Coinbase and EY-Parthenon. However, analysts caution that demand for altcoin ETFs is likely to be much more limited than for funds holding core cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. “Having your coin get ETF-ized is like being in a band and getting your songs added to all the music streaming services,” Balchunas said. “Doesn’t guarantee listens but it puts your music where the vast majority of the listeners are.”Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Jason Walls and Matt Garrick on April 24, 2025 at 10:03 pm

Linford Feick is remembered as a "true legend" with a "heart of gold", as the Darwin community gathers to remember the local grocer who was stabbed to death at his store. 

on April 24, 2025 at 10:00 pm

Gunditjmara man Uncle Mark Brown was booed and heckled by members of the crowd at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance on Friday morning.

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 24, 2025 at 9:56 pm

The US Federal Reserve has announced it would withdraw guidance for banks engaging in crypto asset and stablecoin-related activities.”The Board is rescinding its 2022 supervisory letter establishing an expectation that state member banks provide advance notification of planned or current crypto-asset activities,” the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve explained in an April 24 statement.Any crypto-related activities will now be monitored through the Federal Reserve’s normal supervisory process, it said.The Federal Reserve is also rescinding its 2023 supervisory letter that impacted how state banks could engage in stablecoin activities.This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

by Dan McCray and Brandon Long on April 24, 2025 at 9:33 pm

Australia's $6 billion pork industry is still waiting for a vaccine three years after a deadly outbreak of Japanese encephalitis virus.

by Sophie Holder on April 24, 2025 at 9:29 pm

Less than nine months ago, David Speirs held one of South Australia's most prominent and important jobs: the state's alternative premier and leader of the Liberal Party. Now, those titles have been replaced by "convicted drug supplier".

by Cointelegraph by Christopher Tepedino on April 24, 2025 at 9:28 pm

The White House said on April 24 that it received more than 10,000 public comments on its planned artificial intelligence action plan, indicating widespread interest in the technology as the global race for AI leadership accelerates.Among the stakeholders providing inputs were AI giants such as OpenAI, Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. In addition, organizations in academia, non-profits, and industry associations also took part in the discussion.A preliminary review of comments from major private-sector companies highlighted several recurring themes, including the need for greater investment in US energy resources to support AI growth, foreign policy efforts to enhance the global influence of American AI firms, and improved infrastructure to advance AI development domestically.Excerpt from Meta’s comments. Source: NITRDIn addition, many companies lobbied for an open, innovative framework to guide the American AI industry and provide safeguards to individuals. The White House issued a request for comments on Feb. 6. The administration says these comments “will help define the priority policy actions needed to sustain and enhance America’s AI dominance.” US President Donald Trump has pledged to make the United States the “world capital” of AI and crypto.National security concerns National security emerged as a key concern among companies submitting feedback. Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz wrote that “AI model development is an issue of national concern that should be regulated on a national level. It is critical to American national security, geopolitical objectives, and the nation’s economic and social welfare.”OpenAI also raised the issue, explicitly naming China as a competitor with “strategic advantages,” including the capacity, as an “authoritarian state," to rapidly mobilize resources.In January 2025, Chinese company DeepSeek launched their R1 model, sparking alarm in the US tech sector and triggering volatility in domestic equity markets.AI and crypto are widely viewed as two of the most transformative emerging technologies, with growing overlap of AI-powered agents and digital financial products.Magazine: AI Eye: ‘Chernobyl’ needed to wake people to AI risks, Studio Ghibli memes

by Tom Wildie, Grace Burmas, and Blake Kagi on April 24, 2025 at 9:22 pm

Reports suggest a Perth-based NRL team is close to reality, but is this the one that sticks? Or is it just another false dawn for long-suffering NRL fans in the west?

by Cointelegraph by Sam Bourgi on April 24, 2025 at 9:15 pm

Global cross-border payment platform Axiym is targeting the rising demand from money services businesses (MSBs) for blockchain-based infrastructure and stablecoin solutions for international transactions, the company told Cointelegraph.Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Axiym disclosed on April 24 that it has processed more than $132 million in cumulative volume on the Avalanche blockchain.The platform uses Avalanche to deliver real-time credit and liquidity infrastructure to MSBs worldwide.Source: AvalancheMSBs — a broad category that includes money transmitters like Western Union, currency exchanges, crypto platforms, fintech firms, and check cashers — are embracing these innovations, Morgan Krupetsky, head of institutions and capital markets at Ava Labs, told Cointelegraph.In the case of Axiym, “MSBs themselves don’t operate onchain,” Axiym CEO Khibar Rassul told Cointelegraph. Instead, “Axiym connects their existing payment operations to Avalanche behind the scenes using blockchain to automate, move, and manage capital far more efficiently.” “Under the hood, Axiym has built an application that provides credit to global MSBs using stablecoins to power payments — these transactions occur on the Avalanche C-Chain,” Krupetsky said, adding:“This enables real-time cross-border liquidity provisioning that would be difficult or expensive through legacy payment rails or slower blockchains.”Related: Luxury app Dorsia taps MoonPay for crypto paymentsThe case for cross-border payments continues to growRassul told Cointelegraph that Axiym’s clients are primarily licensed payment companies based in major financial centers like the UAE, the United Kingdom and Singapore. However, these companies’ users often send funds to major remittance hubs across Asia, Africa and Latin America, he said.Axiym’s platform has been developed to address many of the pain points in traditional cross-border payments, including “capital inefficiency, SWIFT-based delays, high costs and fragmented frameworks,” Rassul said.While blockchain offers significant advantages in speed and transparency, regulatory fragmentation has made it harder for the technology to replace legacy payment systems. Axiym is attempting to solve this problem by “embedding blockchain capabilities directly into existing payment operations” using Avalanche, Rassul said.Blockchain-based stablecoins have become a key tool for enabling low-cost, efficient cross-border payments, which explains why these fiat-pegged assets have gained traction in emerging markets. A 2024 Chainalysis report showed that stablecoin remittances from Sub-Saharan Africa are 60% cheaper than traditional fiat rails. The power of blockchain technology: An average $200 remittance from Sub-Saharan Africa is 60% cheaper using stablecoins than fiat. Source: Chainalysis As Cointelegraph recently reported, blockchain company Ripple has partnered with African payment infrastructure provider Chipper Cash to support cross-border crypto transactions.Meanwhile, crypto-focused payment startups are also gaining traction in venture capital circles, with the Tether-backed Mansa recently closing a $10 million funding round to expand its stablecoin cross-border payment services.Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Cointelegraph by Marcel Pechman on April 24, 2025 at 9:05 pm

Ether (ETH) price has climbed above $1,700 after 16 days of selling pressure caused by macroeconomic uncertainty and a sharp decline in onchain activity. Despite the rebound, Ether has underperformed the broader altcoin market by 23% year-to-date.Some traders claim that ETH is set for a “generational” bull run by offering a “truly” decentralized and permissionless financial system, but is that really the case?Source: X/0xMontBlancEther was one of the few major cryptocurrencies that did not reach a new all-time high in 2025, unlike competitors such as Solana (SOL), Tron (TRX), and BNB (BNB).Some critics argue that moving away from proof-of-work mining removed a competitive advantage that Ethereum once had over its rivals.Ethereum fee drop signals ETH price weaknessEventually, Ether may outperform its competitors, even if only for a short period, and influencers who are calling for a “generational bottom” will celebrate their predictions, despite the lack of strong fundamentals to support lasting price growth. However, considering the 95% drop in Ethereum fees since January, the chances of an immediate ETH surge seem low.Ethereum network daily fees, USD. Source: DefiLlamaThe low demand for data processing on the Ethereum network causes ETH to become inflationary, as the built-in burn mechanism is not enough to balance the new coins issued to cover staking rewards.Despite being the clear leader in Total Value Locked (TVL), traders are generally uninterested in this metric since it hasn’t translated into higher demand for the Ethereum network or increased scarcity for ETH.As a result, even if Ethereum’s fundamentals improve, optimism among ETH holders is declining, while competitors—especially Solana (SOL) and XRP (XRP) investors—are hopeful about the approval of their spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the US. Currently, spot ETFs in the US are only available for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), so additional offerings would likely reduce the potential institutional demand for altcoins.Adding to the concerns, US-listed spot Ether ETFs saw $10 million in net outflows between April 21 and April 23, while similar BTC instruments experienced record-breaking inflows.History shows ETH price rallies seldom last longHistorical evidence does not favor a lasting outperformance compared to competitors, which lowers the odds of a sustainable ETH rally.Related: Bitcoiner PlanB slams ETH: ‘Centralized & premined’ shitcoinEther market share among altcoins. Source: TradingView / CointelegraphFor example, Ether’s market share in the altcoin capitalization reached a low point in June 2022 at around 26.5% when the ETH price dropped below $1,100. After a quick rally to $2,000 by August 2022, the momentum faded, and ETH’s price fell below $1,200 less than three months later. This sudden correction likely left many investors frustrated, as they had to wait eight months for ETH to reclaim $2,000 in April 2023.A similar pattern happened in April 2021, when Ether’s altcoin market share bottomed out at 26.8%. After that, the ETH price climbed from $2,100 to $4,200 by May 2021, only to fall below $2,000 the following month. Again, traders who bought near the cycle top had to wait six months just to recover their investment. This history has taught Ether traders to take profits quickly, which reduces the chances of reaching a new all-time high.It is difficult to pinpoint what triggered previous Ether bull runs, especially as the narrative has shifted from utility tokens to NFT marketplaces, artificial intelligence, memecoins, and, more recently, RWA tokenization. While some influencers believe in strong ETH momentum, others warn there could be another 15% drop compared to Bitcoin’s performance.In the end, historical evidence does not support a lasting ETH price rally, even if it bottoms out relative to the broader altcoin market capitalization.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Simon Smale on April 24, 2025 at 8:59 pm

Ella Ramsay and Tara Kinder could barely be separated all week, lining up in four finals across the Australian Open Swimming Championships in Brisbane, sharing four golds and four silvers between them. 

by Meghan Dansie on April 24, 2025 at 8:56 pm

Tax rebates for rural Australians were last updated more than 30 years ago. Voters say it is time for them to be on the election agenda.

by Cointelegraph by Vince Quill on April 24, 2025 at 8:55 pm

Ethereum's focus on scaling through many layer-2 networks, each with its own transaction processing speed and parameters, potentially gives the network an unlimited number of unique high-throughput chains, according to Anurag Arjun, co-founder of Avail, a unified chain abstraction solution.In an interview with Cointelegraph, Arjun acknowledged that Ethereum and high-throughput competitors with monolithic architecture are fundamentally different products. However, Ethereum's choice to scale through a plethora of L2 solutions gives it an overlooked quality:"The under-appreciated beauty of this rollup-centric roadmap architecture is that it allows multiple teams to experiment with different execution environments and different block times."This allows a diverse set of high-throughput sidechains to appear rather than just one singular architecture on any monolithic layer-1s, the executive added. However, without true interoperability, switching between L2s will remain as complex as bridging assets between different blockchain ecosystems altogether, Arjun warned.An overview of Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem. Source: L2BeatThe Avail co-founder's perspective runs contrary to the many critics of Ethereum's L2-focused approach, who say that the network's scaling solutions silo liquidity and are ultimately corrosive to the base layer. Ethereum's critics argue that L2s are one of the primary causes of Ether's (ETH) poor price performance in the last year.Related: Vitalik Buterin proposes swapping EVM language for RISC-VEthereum fees drop to five-year lowsFees on the Ethereum layer-1 network dropped to five-year lows in April 2025, with the average transaction fee sitting at around $0.16.According to Brian Quinlivan, the marketing director for the Santiment onchain analytics firm, the reduction in fees signals decreased demand for the base layer and waning investor interest in Ethereum.Ethereum network daily transaction fees dropped significantly in Q1 2025. Source: Token Terminal"This large reduction in fees coincides with fewer people sending ETH and interacting with smart contracts," Quinlivan wrote in an April 16 blog post.These smart contract interactions include transactions across decentralized finance, digital collectibles like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital asset sectors, the Santiment executive added.Ether's declining base layer transaction fees and reduced retail interest also caused many institutional investors to slash their Ether allocations and issue revised price outlooks for the second-largest digital asset by market capitalization.Magazine: Make Ethereum feel like Ethereum again: Based rollups explained

by Tahlia Roy and Greg Jennett on April 24, 2025 at 8:40 pm

Katy Gallagher says her seniority as finance minister helps her advocate for Canberra. She admits independent Senator David Pocock is popular, but says her party has more muscle.

by Caitlin Rawling and Georgie Hewson on April 24, 2025 at 8:38 pm

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will spend Anzac Day morning in Canberra, while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is campaigning in his home city of Brisbane. Follow live.

by Madeleine Stuchbery on April 24, 2025 at 8:36 pm

An increasing number of women are signing up to local run clubs, even tackling their first marathon. But safety fears once the sun sets are hampering their training efforts.

by Brianna Morris-Grant on April 24, 2025 at 8:35 pm

Just 10 days after Pope Francis was appointed head of the Catholic Church, he received an ominous gift from his predecessor — a large white box.

by Viki Ntafillis on April 24, 2025 at 8:22 pm

Pam Ashman has sat courtside for thousands of netball games, keeping score by hand and recording fixtures on her typewriter. Despite the painstaking work, the 78-year-old volunteer vows to "never ever" use a computer.

by Ian Verrender on April 24, 2025 at 8:21 pm

China now dominates the entire rare earths ecosystem, refining around 90 per cent of all coveted elements. It leaves Trump's America particularly vulnerable, as the Albanese government proposes a national stockpile. 

by Cointelegraph by Alex O’Donnell on April 24, 2025 at 8:20 pm

Tokenization platform Securitize has partnered with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Mantle to launch an institutional fund designed to earn yield on a diverse basket of cryptocurrencies, the companies said. Similar to how a traditional index fund tracks a mix of stocks, the Mantle Index Four (MI4) Fund aims to offer investors exposure to cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Solana (SOL), as well as stablecoins tracking the US dollar, Securitize said in an April 24 announcement. The fund also integrates liquid staking tokens — including Mantle’s mETH, Bybit’s bbSOL, and Ethena’s USDe — in a bid to enhance returns with onchain yield, according to the announcement.The launch comes as retail and institutions alike increase exposure to cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as a hedge amid escalating macroeconomic uncertainty. Mantle’s mETH yields 3.78%. Source: DeFILlama‘S&P 500 of crypto’The market capitalization-weighted index fund aspires to “become the de facto SPX or S&P 500 of crypto,” Timothy Chen, Mantle’s global head of strategy, said in a statement. The company offers institutions a way to generate yield from digital assets. One of its liquid staking products, Mantle Staked Ether (mETH), yields holders approximately 3.78% APR as of April 24, according to data from DefiLlama. The protocol has more than $680 million in total value locked (TVL). Securitize is the most popular institutional tokenization platform. Source: RWA.xyzSecuritize is one of the most popular platforms for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) for institutions, with approximately 71% of market share as of April 24, according to data from RWA.xyz. Its largest affiliated fund — BlackRock Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUILD) — has more than $2.5 billion in net assets.In March, Securitize co-founder and CEO Carlos Domingo told Cointelegraph that demand for tokenized funds is accelerating as “[i]nstitutional investors, private equity firms, and credit managers [turn] to tokenization to enhance efficiency, reduce operational friction, and improve liquidity.”Magazine: What are native rollups? Full guide to Ethereum’s latest innovation

by Brendan Mounter and Charlie McKillop on April 24, 2025 at 8:18 pm

Evelyn Scrub Memorial is emblematic of the war history for many rural towns where young men went to World War I and never returned. It has been given a new lease on life. 

by Cointelegraph by Biraajmaan Tamuly on April 24, 2025 at 8:05 pm

Key Takeaways:The Bitcoin long-term holder cohort saw a $26 billion value increase as BTC price surged to $94,900.Short-term holders sold at a loss in early April.Bitcoin’s 30% correction lines up with historical cycles, and BTC could find support in the $88,750 and $91,000 zone. Bitcoin (BTC) long-term holders (LTHs) significantly increased their collective wealth in April as BTC price surged from $74,450 to $94,900. According to data from CryptoQuant, the long-term holders (LTHs) realized market cap increased from $345 billion to $371 billion between April 1 and April 23, marking a $26 billion gain.BTC LTH realized cap drawdown chart. Source: CryptoQuantThis sharp increase in LTH realized cap signals that long-term holders are rewarded for resilience through recent drawdowns. Bitcoin experienced a 30%+ correction between January and early April, a pattern consistent with historical market cycles. Data from past cycles in 2013, 2017, and 2021 shows that such drawdowns are routine after Bitcoin touches new all-time highs, often shaking out weaker hands before resuming its upward trend.Other factors also underlined LTH’s conviction during the correction period. Bitcoin’s growing decoupling from traditional markets, particularly as US equities faced pressure from the trade wars, improved its investment appeal. While stocks tumbled, gold prices surged to new highs at $3,500, reflecting investor demand for non-correlated assets—a trend likely boosted LTHs confidence in Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative.BTC: STH realized cap drawdown. Source: CryptoQuantOn the other hand, Cointelegraph reported that short-term holders (STHs) returned to profit this week. Still, many sold at a loss during the April drawdown, reflecting their tendency to rotate positions under market stress. This behavior echoes a recurring trend in 2024, where STHs frequently sold to LTHs during corrections.Bitcoin supply in profit market bands signals a bullish outlook, after the total supply in profit increased above the “threshold of optimism”. Currently, 16.7 million BTC in various Bitcoin addresses are in profit. Historical data from 2016, 2020, and 2024 show that when Bitcoin consistently holds above this key bullish zone, it frequently sparks significant bull runs, driving prices to new highs within months.Bitcoin Supply in Profit Market Bands. Source: CryptoQuantRelated: Bitcoin exchange outflows mimic 2023 as whales buy retail 'panic'Bitcoin may build a new range between $95K-$90KFollowing its rise to $94,900, analysts expect Bitcoin to potentially undergo a cooldown period. MNCapital founder, Michael van de Poppe, mentioned that after a massive breakout, it is “fairly normal to have a slight correction”. Likewise, anonymous crypto trader Jelle pointed out that Bitcoin has tested its weekly resistance for now, and BTC may drop as low as $91,000. From a technical perspective, Bitcoin may consolidate between $94,900 and $88,750 in the coming days. Recent price action suggested a prolonged cooldown following its breakout rally. On the 4-hour chart, the key support zone lies between $90,500 and $88,750, representing a fair value gap. A breach below this range could invalidate the lower time frame (LTF) bullish structure, potentially driving prices toward the next support area between $84,000 and $86,300, where Bitcoin previously consolidated for a week before its strong positive breakout.Bitcoin 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewRelated: Bitcoin's next big resistance is $95K— What will trigger the breakout?This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on April 24, 2025 at 8:05 pm

Jay Clayton, recently appointed interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has begun offering statements in criminal cases involving crypto fraud.In an April 23 notice, the US Attorney’s Office said Eugene William Austin, also known as Hugh Austin, had been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Together with his son, Brandon, sentenced to four years, Austin offered fraudulent crypto investment services, resulting in roughly $12 million in losses to more than 24 people.“For years, Hugh Austin was the leader of a fraud and money laundering scheme that stole more than $12 million from more than two dozen victims,” said Clayton. “Austin involved his own son in his crimes, working with him to rip off victims and spending investor money on personal expenses, like luxury hotels [...] Austin will now be held accountable for the harm he caused to individual investors and others.”The criminal case involving digital assets marked one of Clayton’s first public statements since becoming the interim US Attorney on April 22. US President Donald Trump nominated Clayton on Jan. 20 when he took office. The district has since seen the resignation of acting US Attorney Danielle Sassoon in response to the Justice Department directing her to halt a case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.Related: US prosecutors file over 200 victim statements in Celsius ex-CEO’s caseThe nation’s ‘sovereign district’ overseen by a Trump appointee?Under current law, Clayton can serve as interim US Attorney for the district for 120 days without Senate confirmation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blocked a vote on Clayton’s nomination, saying Trump had “no fidelity to the law.”Clayton will likely oversee SDNY during the sentencing hearing for former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky and potentially other criminal cases involving cryptocurrency. The district is home to ​​Wall Street firms and many of the country’s most prominent financial institutions. Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered

by Fiona Willan on April 24, 2025 at 8:01 pm

Former treasure secretary Ken Henry is pushing a new effort to protect native forests from logging and keep carbon stored in living trees.

by Coquohalla Connor and Kate Midena on April 24, 2025 at 7:53 pm

Thousands of people have come together to mark Anzac Day across the country, 110 years after Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the Turkish coastline at Gallipoli.

by Cointelegraph by Christopher Tepedino on April 24, 2025 at 7:41 pm

Nvidia’s accelerator program appears to sidestep digital assets startups, with its help section listing crypto-focused companies as ineligible to join the tech giant's global network of founders.According to the program website, crypto companies and four other types of businesses are excluded from participating in Nvidia's Inception: consulting and outsourced development firms, cloud service providers, resellers and distributors, and companies that are already public.Nvidia’s Inception membership criteria. Source: NvidiaThe move indicates a shift in Nvidia's policy regarding crypto startups in its accelerator program. For instance, in 2018, the company accepted Ubex — a startup combining blockchain and AI for digital advertising — in its Inception program. A Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment on the eligibility policy. The Inception Program is designed for companies younger than 10 years in all stages of funding.Nvidia is best known for its semiconductors, which play a crucial role in powering microchips for data centers. That same processing power has also made Nvidia’s hardware popular among crypto miners, with the company having previously explored crypto-related use cases for its products.Related: Public mining firms sold over 40% of their BTC in March — ReportNvidia and the US-China AI raceNvidia is one of the most valuable companies in the world in terms of market capitalization and a key player in the global artificial intelligence race. The company introduced its H20 chip in 2024, designed to comply with US export restrictions imposed during the Biden administration aimed at limiting China's access to advanced AI hardware. Despite being less powerful than Nvidia's top-tier chips, the H20 chips could still enable significant AI advancements in China. In response, the Trump administration imposed stricter export controls to require special licenses for H20 exports to China — a move that could impact Nvidia's sales. According to the BBC, China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s sales in 2024. The company anticipates a $5.5 billion revenue hit tied to US export restrictions.Related: The next frontier for crypto will be decentralizing AI

by Cointelegraph by Biraajmaan Tamuly on April 24, 2025 at 7:10 pm

Key Takeaways:Ethereum saw a record 449,000 in ETH inflows to accumulation addresses on April 22.Active addresses rose 10%, signaling growing network engagement, but DeFi activity remains weak with declining DEX volumes.Holders in accumulation addresses remain underwater with a realized price of $1,981. Over the past 10 days, Ethereum inflows into accumulation addresses reached their highest levels since 2018. On April 22, a record-breaking 449,000 Ether (ETH), valued at an average price of $1,750, flowed into these addresses, marking the most significant single-day inflow in Ethereum’s history. This surge suggests that long-term holders remain optimistic about Ethereum’s future, despite recent price declines. Ethereum inflows into accumulation addresses. Source: CryptoQuantHowever, the realized price for these accumulation addresses is $1,981, meaning these holders are currently at a loss, as the current market price is below this level. Notably, the realized price had been below Ethereum’s market price since 2018, only recently surpassing it, indicating a shift in holder dynamics.Ethereum realized price for accumulation addresses. Source: CryptoQuantEthereum’s onchain activity has also shown positive momentum over the past few days. Between April 20 and 22, active addresses on the network rose by 10%, from 306,211 to 336,366. This increase and upward price movement signal growing network engagement and bullish sentiment. Yet, decentralized finance (DeFi) activity remains subdued. Data from DefiLlama indicates that decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes are declining, with transactions holding steady at a weekly average of approximately 1.3 million, suggesting limited DeFi momentum.Ethereum DEXs' volume and transactions. Source: DefiLlamaRelated: Ethereum bounces back as market dominance recovers from all-time lowEthereum faces key resistance at $1,895According to the Cost Basis Distribution (CBD) heatmap for Ethereum, a significant supply concentration is highlighted at $1,895.50, where 1.64 million ETH is held by investors who bought during November 2024. This level, identified as a potential resistance, could see selling pressure as holders might attempt to break even or lock in profits. Based on a technical analysis, the resistance at $1,895 receives further confirmation. The price hovers near the daily chart's 50-day exponential moving average (EMA), a critical trend reversal indicator. A failure to break above this EMA could signal further bearish momentum, while a sustained move higher might offer hope for bulls.Ethereum 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewDespite this, Ethereum remains in a clear downtrend on higher time frame charts, with no definitive signs of a bullish reversal. A daily close above $2,142 is essential to spark a potential recovery, breaking the pattern of lower highs and lower lows. However, anonymous trader Rektproof warns of an emerging bearish fractal—a repeating price pattern that previously led to declines. This suggests Ethereum could face another rejection and drop below $1,400 if the markets start trending down again. Ethereum analysis by RektProof. Source: X.comRelated: Institutions break up with Ethereum but keep ETH on the hookThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on April 24, 2025 at 6:15 pm

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crypto task force, headed by Hester Peirce, has continued meeting with digital asset company representatives as the agency explores regulatory changes.In an April 24 notice, the SEC task force disclosed a meeting with representatives from crypto firm Ondo Finance and the law firm Davis Polk and Wardwell to discuss “issuing and selling wrapped, tokenized versions of publicly traded US securities.” Ondo Finance donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, and the law firm announced on April 22 that it would represent the US President’s social media company, Truth Social, to launch crypto-linked exchange-traded funds.According to the meeting request, Ondo Finance planned to discuss registration requirements for tokenized securities, compliance with financial laws, and potentially launching a regulatory sandbox. Cointelegraph reached out to the firm for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.The April 24 meeting was the latest in the SEC crypto task force’s outreach to the industry following the departure of former chair Gary Gensler. Former commissioner and Trump appointee Paul Atkins took over leadership at the agency on April 21 after his swearing-in ceremony, but has yet to take action on his proposed crypto agenda.Related: Chiliz meets with SEC Crypto Task Force amid US market reentry plansContinuing outreach to industry under new SEC chairOn April 25, the crypto task force will host a roundtable event to discuss custody, including representatives from Kraken, Anchorage Digital Bank, WisdomTree, and others. Following the approval of crypto exchange-traded funds in 2024, many financial institutions have seen demand for digital asset custody in the US grow significantly.It’s unclear what the SEC’s intentions may be regarding pursuing crypto enforcement cases under Atkins. The commission has stated it will continue cases involving fraudulent activity, but dropped a complaint against Hex founder Richard Heart on April 21. The agency has already announced it will stop investigations or lawsuits against many firms, including Ripple, Coinbase, and Kraken. All three exchanges donated or had executives who supported Trump’s 2024 campaign or inauguration fund.Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions

by Cointelegraph by Sam Bourgi on April 24, 2025 at 5:51 pm

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has introduced a new fund management solution designed to simplify asset management for portfolio managers, highlighting the growing sophistication of institutional tools in the digital asset space. On April 24, Binance launched Fund Accounts, a tool commonly used by traditional asset managers and brokerage firms to consolidate client assets and streamline portfolio management.Binance said Fund Accounts allow portfolio managers to “consolidate externally-raised investor assets into one or multiple omnibus accounts,” which can reduce operational complexity and enable more efficient trading execution. Presumably, these omnibus accounts operate under a single custodian who executes trades on behalf of their clients. The new program is only available to eligible fund managers who must contact their Binance VIP representative for more information. A Binance spokesperson informed Cointelegraph that fund managers and their investors must pass Know Your Customer and Know Your Business requirements and be licensed or exempted in their jurisdictions to use the Fund Accounts product.Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap data. In December, the exchange updated the requirements for its VIP program, which is geared toward institutional investors and private clients. Top crypto spot exchanges as of April 24 based on daily trading volume. Source: CoinMarketCapRelated: Crypto Biz: Ripple’s ‘defining moment,’ Binance’s ongoing purgeTradFi and crypto continue to mergeBinance’s Fund Accounts is another example of traditional finance solutions merging with cryptocurrency, signaling growing institutional involvement. After spending the first decade of crypto largely on the sidelines, institutional investors are now entering the space, driven by the launch of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the rise of real-world asset tokenization, and attractive yield opportunities in onchain lending.Blockchain companies are also working to bring institutional trading solutions to crypto-native users. On April 24, onchain trading infrastructure provider Theo announced it had raised $20 million to expand its institutional-grade trading platform aimed at serving retail investors. Seventeen investors participated in the funding round, including angel investors from Jane Street, JPMorgan and Citadel.Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Cointelegraph by Marcel Pechman on April 24, 2025 at 5:04 pm

Key takeaways: Bearish Bitcoin traders were caught off guard by BTC’s rally above $90,000.Spot volumes are driving the Bitcoin price rally.Derivatives positions with a bearish bias remain at risk of liquidation.Bitcoin (BTC) held above the $93,000 mark on April 24, suggesting a potential conclusion to the 52-day bear market that bottomed at $74,400. Although Bitcoin is beginning to show signs of decoupling from the stock market, professional traders have not altered their strategies, as indicated by BTC futures and margin market data.BTC top traders' long-to-short ratio. Source: CoinGlassA higher long-to-short ratio reflects a preference for long (buy) positions, while a lower ratio indicates a tilt toward short (sell) contracts. Currently, the top traders’ long-to-short ratio on Binance stands at 1.5x, a notable decrease from the 2x level observed ten days earlier. At OKX, the ratio peaked near 1.1x on April 17 but has since lost momentum and now sits at 0.9x.Bitcoin shines as dollar weakens and S&P 500 targets are slashedBitcoin’s 10% rally between April 20 and April 24 coincided with a more conciliatory stance from US President Donald Trump regarding import tariffs and his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who has faced scrutiny for maintaining high interest rates. On April 24, Trump stated he had “no intention” of firing Powell, marking a notable shift from his previous rhetoric.Amid economic uncertainty, Deutsche Bank strategists have reduced their year-end S&P 500 target by 12% to 6,150. Meanwhile, the US dollar has weakened against other major currencies, pushing the DXY index below 99 for the first time in three years. Despite a modest 6% gain over the past 30 days, Bitcoin’s performance has secured it a place among the world’s top eight tradable assets, with a market capitalization of $1.84 trillion.The sharp move above $90,000 caught Bitcoin bears off guard, resulting in over $390 million in leveraged short (sell) futures liquidations between April 21 and April 22. More significantly, aggregate open interest in BTC futures remains just 5% below its all-time high, indicating that bearish traders have not fully exited their positions.BTC futures liquidation heatmap, USD. Source: CoinGlassIf Bitcoin’s price maintains its upward momentum and breaks above $95,000, an additional $700 million in short (sell) futures positions could be liquidated, according to CoinGlass data. This potential short squeeze may prove especially challenging for bears, given the robust inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which totaled over $2.2 billion between April 21 and April 23.A newly announced joint venture involving SoftBank, Cantor Fitzgerald, and Tether aims to accumulate Bitcoin through convertible bonds and equity financing, which could further strengthen the bullish case. Named “Twenty One Capital,” the Bitcoin treasury company is led by Strike founder Jack Mallers and plans to launch with 42,000 BTC.Related: Sovereign wealth funds piling into BTC as retail exits — Coinbase execThe muted response from top traders in BTC margin and futures markets suggests that the recent buying pressure has originated mainly from spot markets, which is generally considered a positive indicator for a sustainable bull run.The longer Bitcoin consolidates above $90,000, the greater the pressure on bears to cover their shorts, as this level reinforces the narrative that Bitcoin is decoupling from the stock market. This could provide the confidence needed to challenge the $100,000 psychological threshold.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by Vince Quill on April 24, 2025 at 4:37 pm

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group, which operates the largest financial derivatives exchanges worldwide, recently announced that XRP (XRP) futures contracts will go live on May 19.According to the April 24 announcement, investors have the option of choosing between micro-sized contracts, featuring 2,500 XRP, or standard contract sizes of 50,000 XRP. All XRP futures contracts will be cash-settled.In January 2025, the CME Group signaled an impending launch of XRP futures before quietly pulling the related page from its website.CME’s announcement is the latest in a growing wave of crypto-focused financial products entering the market or awaiting regulatory approval in the US, a sign that cryptocurrencies have reached a new level of institutional acceptance.The XRP ticker symbol displayed on the CME Group website. Source: CME GroupRelated: CME Group taps Google Cloud for pilot asset tokenization programFinancial institutions push for altcoin financial productsOn March 17, Solana (SOL) futures debuted on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The SOL contracts featured a standard contract size of 500 SOL and the more accessible micro contracts for 25 SOL.In April 2025, asset manager Canary Capital submitted an application to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a staked Tron (TRX) exchange-traded fund (ETF).The asset manager's proposed ETF will hold spot TRX but will stake a portion of the token to accrue yield, which, at the time of this writing, is 4.5% for TRX.On April 22, Crypto.com and the Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), a media conglomerate partially owned by the US President, signed a deal to launch an ETF tracking US crypto projects.The ETF will launch under the Truth.Fi banner, which is US President Trump's decentralized finance project, and is expected to start trading later in 2025.List of pending ETF applications. Source: Eric Balchunas There are now more than 70 crypto ETF applications waiting to be reviewed by the SEC, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas."Everything from XRP, Litecoin, and Solana to Penguins, Doge, 2x Melania, and everything in between. Gonna be a wild year," Balchunas wrote in an April 21 X post.Magazine: Ethereum maxis should become ‘assholes’ to win TradFi tokenization race

by Cointelegraph by Sam Bourgi on April 24, 2025 at 3:55 pm

Bitcoin reserves on cryptocurrency exchanges have dropped to their lowest level in more than six years, as publicly traded companies ramp up their accumulation of the digital asset following the US presidential election, according to Fidelity Digital Assets. “We have seen Bitcoin supply on exchanges dropping due to public company purchases — something we anticipate accelerating in the near future,” Fidelity reported on the X social media platform.Source: Fidelity Digital AssetsFidelity said the supply of Bitcoin (BTC) on exchanges had fallen to roughly 2.6 million BTC, the lowest since November 2018. More than 425,000 BTC have moved off exchanges since November, a trend often viewed as a signal of long-term investment rather than short-term trading.Over the same period, publicly-traded companies acquired nearly 350,000 BTC, Fidelity said.Fidelity Digital Assets is a subsidiary of Fidelity Investments, the $5.8 trillion asset manager headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The Fidelity Digital subsidiary was established in 2018, long before cryptocurrency was considered an institutional asset class. Fidelity is the issuer of the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, one of the first 11 spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds approved in the United States.Related: Bitcoin exchange buying is back as 'Spoofy the Whale' lifts $90K asksStrategy dominates public company purchasesWhile Fidelity noted significant corporate Bitcoin purchases, most of the accumulation has been driven by Strategy, the business intelligence firm-turned-Bitcoin bank co-founded by Michael Saylor.Since November, Strategy has acquired 285,980 BTC, accounting for 81% of the approximately 350,000 BTC purchased by publicly traded companies.A snapshot of some of Strategy’s Bitcoin purchases over the past six months. Source: StrategyStrategy’s latest purchase of 6,556 BTC was disclosed on April 21. Outside the United States, publicly traded companies in Asia have adopted a similar Bitcoin treasury strategy, with Japan’s Metaplanet and Hong Kong’s HK Asia Holdings increasing their Bitcoin allocations. Metaplanet currently holds 5,000 BTC, with CEO Simon Gerovich saying his goal is to double that amount this year.Meanwhile, HK Asia Holdings announced plans to raise roughly $8.35 million to potentially increase its Bitcoin reserves. Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Cointelegraph by William Suberg on April 24, 2025 at 3:25 pm

Key points:Bitcoin is setting up a showdown with leveraged shorts immediately above its yearly open price.That key level near $93,500 is the main target for traders hoping that BTC/USD will cement its latest breakout.The next support retest could involve $87,000, analysis suggests.Bitcoin (BTC) consolidated below a key resistance target on April 24 as a BTC price forecast brought sub-$90,000 levels into play.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewAnalyst: BTC price correction “fairly normal”Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD retesting $92,000 as support overnight.The pair broadly maintained six-week highs while global markets remained at a loss over the trajectory of the ongoing US trade war.“The market is now up over +1% on the day on no news at all,” trading resource The Kobeissi Letter summarized alongside a chart of the S&P 500 in part of its latest analysis on X.“As we have seen multiple times this year, it almost feels like someone is front-running something right now. We expect to see some sort of bullish announcement soon.”S&P 500 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBitcoin continued to brush off news events, leaving volatility to equities, while gold attempted to stabilize after slipping from record highs earlier in the week.“Fairly normal to have a slight correction here on Bitcoin as it's just had a massive breakout,” crypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe told X followers on the day.“Buyers likely going to step in and then we'll be continuing our path towards a new ATH.”BTC/USDT 12-hour chart with RSI data. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/XOthers increasingly entertained the idea of a deeper correction following brisk gains for BTC/USD, potentially taking the market back below the $90,000 mark.“A dip to 88k would be lovely,” popular trader Inmortal argued. A dip to 88k would be lovely.If the market gives it, I will probably play one of these two setups, or both.$BTC pic.twitter.com/ysqiheds7X— Inmortal (@inmortalcrypto) April 24, 2025Trader and analyst Rekt Capital had a similar conception of the potential support retest move.BTC price action, he observed, was closely copying behavior from the middle of its previous bull market in 2021.“Part of Bitcoin continuing to repeat mid-2021 price tendencies relative to the Bull Market EMAs would be a dip into the $87000 (green EMA) level for a post-breakout retest, if at all needed,” he commented on a weekly chart showing two exponential moving averages (EMAs).“Depends on how BTC Weekly Closes relative to $93500.”BTC/USD 1-week chart. Source: Rekt Capital/XBitcoin bulls seek leveraged shorts wipeoutThe main target for bulls thus remained the yearly open level just above $93,000, one which remained intact as resistance at the time of writing.Related: Bitcoin exchange outflows mimic 2023 as whales buy retail 'panic'This coincided with a block of potential liquidation levels on exchange order books, providing fertile conditions for a “short squeeze” should price attack them.$BTC Liquidation heatmap shows that liquidity of leveraged positions is building up on both sides. Leveraged longs mainly around $91,400.Leveraged shorts around $93,500-$94,500. pic.twitter.com/d2jCyO2FdC— chad. (@chad_ventures) April 24, 2025The latest data from monitoring resource CoinGlass showed the largest concentration of liquidation leverage centered around $93,600.Earlier, Cointelegraph reported on a large trading entity dubbed “Spoofy the Whale” removing a wall of asks at $90,000.BTC liquidation leverage data. Source: CoinGlassThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Sam Bourgi on April 24, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Theo, a provider of onchain trading infrastructure, has raised $20 million from 17 investors to enhance its institutional-grade trading platform aimed at retail investors.The funding round was co-led by Hack VC and Anthos Capital, with additional participation from venture capital firms Manifold Trading, Miranda Ventures, Flowdesk, MEXC and Amber Group, Theo disclosed on April 24. Citadel, Jane Street, IMC and JPMorgan were listed as angel investors in the deal.Created by former quant traders, Theo gives retail investors access to advanced strategies like high-frequency trading and market making, which are tools typically used by professional trading firms.Theo’s infrastructure can be used across centralized exchanges and decentralized financing protocols, the company said. The Theo network secures nearly $29 million in total value locked as of April 23, according to industry data. Theo’s total value locked is down from its peak in February. Source: DefiLlamaTheo is part of a wave of blockchain protocols attempting to bridge the gap between institutional finance and retail. Companies like Polygon, Fireblocks, Ondo Finance, Lido, and BloFin have all played active roles in advancing this space.Related: Institutions break up with Ethereum but keep ETH on the hookInstitutions are also coming onchainWhile companies like Theo are working to bring Wall Street-level sophistication to crypto-native users, there’s strong evidence that influence is flowing in the opposite direction, too.After years of speculation, institutional involvement in digital assets is now a reality, driven by the launch of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, the rise of real-world asset tokenization, the lure of onchain lending, and the growing dominance of stablecoins as a preferred funding method.According to credit rating agency Moody’s, secondary markets built on the blockchain can streamline the investing process by removing inefficiencies and lowering barriers to asset ownership. These trends are a major reason why the majority of institutional investors say they plan to increase their crypto allocations this year, according to a recent survey by Coinbase and EY-Parthenon.The survey also determined that three-quarters of institutions could be active DeFi users within two years. Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Cointelegraph by Igor Zemtsov on April 24, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Opinion by: Igor Zemtsov, chief technology officer at TBCCCrypto security is a ticking time bomb. Updatable firmware might just be the match that lights the fuse.Hardware wallets have become the holy grail of self-custody, the ultimate safeguard against hackers, scammers and even government overreach. There’s an inconvenient truth, however, that most people ignore: Firmware updates aren’t just security patches. They’re potential backdoors, waiting for someone — whether a hacker, a rogue developer or a shady third party — to kick them wide open.Every time a hardware wallet manufacturer pushes an update, users are forced to make a choice. Hit that update button and hope for the best, or refuse to update and risk using outdated software with unknown vulnerabilities. Either way, it’s a gamble. In crypto, a bad gamble can mean waking up to an empty wallet.Firmware updates aren’t always your friendUpdating firmware sounds like common sense. More security! Fewer bugs! Better user experience!Here’s the thing: Every update is also an opportunity not just for the wallet provider but for anyone with the power, or motivation, to tamper with the process.Hackers dream of firmware vulnerabilities. A rushed or poorly audited update can introduce tiny, almost imperceptible flaws — ones that sit in the background, waiting for the right moment to drain funds. And the best part? Users will never know what hit them.Then there’s the more unsettling possibility: deliberate backdoors.Recent: Hardware wallet Ledger helps competitor Trezor resolve security vulnerabilityTech companies have been forced to include government-mandated surveillance tools before. What makes anyone think hardware wallet makers are exempt? If a regulatory agency — or worse, a criminal organization — wants access to private keys, firmware updates are the perfect attack vector. One hidden function. One disguised line of code. That’s all it takes. Still think firmware updates are harmless? Firmware vulnerabilities are already being exploitedThis isn’t some far-fetched, doomsday scenario. It has already happened.Ledger, one of the biggest names in crypto security, had a major security crisis in 2018 when security researcher Saleem Rashid exposed a vulnerability that allowed attackers to replace Ledger Nano S firmware and hijack private keys. Nearly 1 million devices were at risk before a fix was rolled out. The scary part? There was no way for users to know if their devices had already been compromised.In 2023, OneKey suffered a similar nightmare. White hat hackers demonstrated that its firmware could be cracked in mere seconds. No crypto was lost — this time. But what if real attackers had found the flaw first?Then came the “Dark Skippy” exploit, taking firmware-based attacks to an entirely new level. With just two signed transactions, hackers could extract a user’s entire seed phrase — without setting off a single alarm. If firmware updates can be manipulated this easily, how can anyone be sure their assets are safe?The hidden price of updatable firmwareTo be fair, not all firmware updates are security disasters. Ledger uses a proprietary operating system and secure element chips for added protection now. Trezor takes an open-source approach, allowing the community to scrutinize its firmware. Coldcard and BitBox02 give users manual control over updates, reducing — but not eliminating — risk.Here’s the real question: Can users ever be 100% sure that an update won’t introduce a fatal flaw?Some wallets have decided to eliminate the risk altogether. Tangem ships with fixed, non-updatable firmware, meaning that its code can never be altered once the device leaves the factory. No updates. No patches. Of course, this approach has its trade-offs. If a vulnerability is discovered, there’s no way to fix it. But in security, predictability matters. Real crypto security means taking back controlThe crypto market was worth $2.79 trillion as of March 2025. With that much money on the table, cybercriminals, rogue insiders and overreaching governments are always looking for weak points. Hardware wallet makers should be laser-focused on security.Choosing a hardware wallet shouldn’t feel like gambling with private keys. It shouldn’t involve blind trust in a corporation’s ability to push updates responsibly. Users deserve more than vague reassurances. They deserve security models that put control where it belongs — with them.Security isn’t about convenience. It’s about control. Any system that requires trusting unknown developers, opaque update processes or firmware that can be changed at will? That’s not control. That’s a liability.The only real way to keep a hardware wallet safe? Remove the guesswork. Strip away the blind trust. Always research the developers’ backgrounds, check their track record for security incidents, and see how they’ve handled past vulnerabilities. Stick to verifiable facts — security should never be based on assumptions.Opinion by: Igor Zemtsov, chief technology officer at TBCC.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by Adrian Zmudzinski on April 24, 2025 at 2:59 pm

Tether Investments — the investment arm of leading stablecoin issuer Tether — acquired additional shares in Juventus Football Club.According to an April 24 announcement, with its latest investment, Tether brought its total participation in Juventus to over 10.12% of the issued share capital, representing 6.18% of the voting rights. The investment follows the firm’s initial acquisition of 8.2% of the issued shares.Tether's second Juventus investment announcement’s image. Source: TetherTether CEO Paolo Ardoino said that the investment is not only a short-term financial maneuver but “a commitment to innovation and long-term collaboration.” He added:“We believe Juventus is uniquely positioned to lead both on the field and in embracing technology that can elevate fan engagement, digital experiences, and financial resilience. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead.”Founder of Obchakevich Research, Alex Obchakevich, told Cointelegraph that Tether’s Juventus stake increase is an “attempt to prove to non-crypto investors and users that the company is much more than just a stablecoin.” Investors may also not be the only target:“It is also a way to improve your image with regulators (especially in the European Union) by demonstrating transparency and stability.“Obchakevich added that he believes “Tether is trying to return to the European market” after losing access due to compliance issues with the local Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Leading crypto exchange Binance delisted Tether’s stablecoin, USDt (USDT), in the European Economic Area (EEA) earlier this month, and now a “stake in Juventus is one of the options for returning to the EU market.”What is Juventus?Juventus is a professional soccer club based in Turin, Italy, widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular teams in the history of Italian and European soccer. Founded in 1897, Juventus, commonly known as “Juve,” competes in Serie A, Italy’s top soccer league.The club has won numerous national and international titles, including multiple Serie A championships, Coppa Italia trophies and UEFA competitions. Tether announced its intention to work closely with the soccer club’s leadership and stakeholders, as well as provide further financial support:“As a further demonstration of its long-term commitment, Tether is also open to participating in any future equity injections to help strengthen Juventus’s financial foundation and avoid dilution of its position.“Tether is on a shopping spreeThis is just the latest in a long series of investments by Tether. According to reports from earlier this month, Brandon Lutnick, chair of investment banking firm Cantor Fitzgerald, is partnering with SoftBank, Tether and Bitfinex to create a $3 billion crypto acquisition company.Tether is also involved in Bitcoin (BTC) mining. The firm recently announced the intention to deploy its existing and future Bitcoin hashrate to Ocean’s Bitcoin mining pool to strengthen the network’s decentralization.Tether also just bought 8,888 Bitcoin in the first quarter of 2025. Data from the onchain analytics platform Arkham Intelligence shows that the firm currently holds 95,721 BTC, worth roughly $8.89 billion at the time of writing.In late March, Tether also invested €10 million ($11.4 million) in the Italian media company Be Water. Some of the investments are already paying off, with Canadian YouTube alternative Rumble recently launching its wallet with support for Tether’s USDT stablecoin. This comes after Tether invested $775 million in Rumble in late 2024.Tether’s recent spending spree is likely at least partly due to the company’s intention to hedge against a falling US dollar. Still, Obchakevich thinks this is not the whole story since “companies like Tether are playing for the long haul, and a situational drop in the dollar in the market due to tariffs would not be a reason to spend money quickly.” He said:“The deal with Juventus is not a situational story, I’m sure it was prepared long before the tariffs and the dollar fell.“

by Cointelegraph by Callum Reid on April 24, 2025 at 2:44 pm

Key takeawaysAI-powered crypto trading bots use machine learning to make smarter, faster trading decisions — without emotions.Setting up a bot involves choosing a platform, connecting your exchange, configuring strategies and running backtests.Bots can run 24/7, react to data instantly and are ideal for passive income seekers and active traders.While powerful, they’re not “set-it-and-forget-it” tools. You’ll need to monitor performance and tweak strategies over time.Understanding your goals (long-term investing, day trading, etc.) helps you choose the right bot and strategy.Crypto markets move fast and rarely sleep. That’s why AI-powered crypto trading bots are no longer a novelty. These bots use machine learning to analyze data, identify patterns and execute trades in real time, often faster and with more discipline than human traders.From beginners looking to automate simple strategies to professionals deploying predictive models, AI bots offer a scalable way to participate in volatile markets.This guide explains how to build the best AI trading bots for crypto, how AI trading bots work, how to set them up correctly and what to avoid for long-term performance, not just short-term automation.What are AI-powered crypto trading bots?AI-powered crypto trading bots are programs that automatically buy and sell crypto assets based on machine learning algorithms, rather than fixed rules. These bots ingest large volumes of historical and real-time data — price action, order book depth, volatility, even social sentiment — and use that information to detect opportunities.Unlike traditional bots that act only when predefined conditions are met, AI bots can adjust dynamically. For example, a bot trained on past market behavior might delay execution during uncertain conditions or increase position sizing during high-confidence periods. This adaptability makes them particularly useful in high-frequency, volatile environments where speed and objectivity matter.Advanced platforms like Freqtrade and Trality allow users to import custom-trained models, while others like Stoic by Cindicator use in-house quant research to automate portfolio balancing. The core advantage lies in their ability to reduce emotional trading and operate around the clock without fatigue.How to set up an AI crypto trading botGetting started with an AI-powered crypto trading bot is easier than ever, especially with today’s user-friendly platforms. But behind the ease of clicking “Start” lies a setup process that determines whether the bot performs reliably or becomes a source of costly errors. Proper setup ensures alignment with market conditions, trading goals and risk tolerance.Below are a few key points to bear in mind while setting up crypto trading bots:Choose a platform that supports AI functionality. Tools like Freqtrade, Trality and Jesse AI allow importing machine learning models. Others like 3Commas, Pionex and Cryptohopper focus on user-friendly automation and visual strategy builders.Connect the bot to an exchange using API keys. Security settings should always disable withdrawal permissions, enable 2FA and restrict access via IP whitelisting where possible.Configure the strategy. This includes defining trade pairs, order sizes, stop-loss and take-profit rules, cooldowns and maximum concurrent positions. Some platforms support prebuilt logic, while others allow full scripting with Python.Backtest the strategy using historical data. Platforms like 3Commas, Cryptohopper and Freqtrade support robust backtesting to measure risk-adjusted performance across different market phases.Deploy in live conditions with minimal capital. Initial live testing should include real-time monitoring of execution logs, fill prices, slippage and fees. Alerts should be set for failed orders or drawdowns. Most bots support integrations with Telegram, Slack or email for notifications.Choosing the right AI botSelecting the right AI-powered crypto trading bot is a foundational step toward building a sustainable, automated trading strategy. The decision should align with the desired strategy complexity, technical skill level, risk appetite and required exchange support. Bots differ not only in interface and pricing but also in how deeply they incorporate machine learning and adaptive logic.Some bots, like Pionex and Stoic by Cindicator, prioritize simplicity and automation with minimal configuration, targeting users who prefer passive execution or prebuilt strategies. Others, such as Freqtrade, Trality and Jesse AI, offer full control, deep customization and support for importing externally trained AI models — catering to users with programming experience or quantitative backgrounds.Strategy fit: Pionex and Bitsgap could be ideal for grid and dollar-cost-averaging (DCA) strategies. For trend-based or breakout strategies, 3Commas supports custom logic with popular indicators. Freqtrade and Jesse AI are best for those building predictive models with Python.Level of AI support: Some bots like Stoic by Cindicator use built-in quant models. Others like Trality and Freqtrade allow importing externally trained machine learning models for advanced control.User experience: No-code users can explore platforms like Cryptohopper and Kryll. Intermediate users often prefer 3Commas. Developers will benefit from Trality’s Python IDE or Freqtrade’s scripting interface.Exchange compatibility: Most bots support Binance, Kraken, KuCoin, Coinbase and Bybit. Platforms such as 3Commas and Bitsgap offer multi-exchange support and are especially popular among copy-trading users, allowing them to mirror professional strategies across multiple accounts in real time.Backtesting capabilities: Trality, Cryptohopper and 3Commas include visual backtesting. Jesse AI and Freqtrade offer deeper simulations with latency and slippage modeling.Security features: Look for bots with encrypted API key storage, IP whitelisting and two-factor authentication. These are standard on 3Commas and Trality.Pricing models: Pionex is free to use. Platforms like 3Commas and Trality run on subscriptions. Freqtrade and Jesse AI are open-source but require technical setup.Common mistakes while using AI bots and how to avoid themDespite the availability of powerful AI tools, some mistakes still lead to poor outcomes. These errors typically arise from misconfiguration, over-optimization or lack of oversight.Overfitting backtests: Many bots look great on paper but fail when they go live. Use walk-forward testing and avoid strategies that only succeed in past conditions.Relying on marketplace bots: Marketplace strategies from platforms like Kryll or Cryptohopper often lack adaptability. Always test and tweak before deployment.Weak risk controls: Skipping stop-losses or using oversized positions can wipe out capital. Bots like Freqtrade and Trality let users define precise risk limits. Make sure to use them.Ignoring trading costs: Backtests often ignore slippage and fees. Jesse AI and Freqtrade offer built-in tools to simulate these costs more accurately.Lack of monitoring: Bots need regular checks. Platforms like 3Commas and Trality support real-time alerts for failed trades or sudden drawdowns.Overleveraging: Using high leverage on exchanges like Bybit or Binance Futures (crypto derivative exchange) can lead to liquidation. Apply strict limits from the start.Wrong market fit: DCA works well in declining markets; breakout bots don’t. Platforms like Stoic and Kryll offer filters or pause triggers to prevent misfires.Avoiding these common errors requires thoughtful setup, continuous validation and disciplined risk controls. AI bots can enhance performance but require human oversight, strategic clarity, and technical awareness to deliver consistent results.The future of crypto AI tradingAI crypto trading is entering a new phase where real-time learning replaces static strategy templates. Instead of relying on predefined signals, emerging trading systems use reinforcement learning and online model retraining to adapt continuously to shifting market dynamics. Platforms such as Freqtrade, combined with cloud-native tools like Google Vertex AI or AWS SageMaker, enable this shift by supporting pipelines that monitor live order books, price volatility and macroeconomic indicators to automatically refine decision-making thresholds during active trading.A major evolution is the integration of large language models (LLMs) into trading workflows. Unlike traditional bots limited to charts and price data, LLM-enhanced agents interpret unstructured information — central bank statements, tokenomics updates, SEC filings or even Discord announcements — and convert it into actionable insights. Early implementations are emerging in institutional quant desks and experimental tools like Delphi AI and Kaito, which allow bots to pause or adjust positions based on narrative sentiment, regulatory shifts or reputational risk events in real time.AI is also expanding its footprint onchain, with smart contract-based agents executing trades, managing liquidity and optimizing DeFi yield in a fully decentralized manner. Projects like Fetch.ai are developing AI agents that operate autonomously across protocols without human intervention. These agents interact directly with AMMs, lending pools and governance protocols, ushering in an era where the lines between algorithmic trading, protocol participation and AI reasoning are entirely blurred within the blockchain itself.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Nancy Lubale on April 24, 2025 at 2:29 pm

Key takeaways:XRP price drops 5% amid a marketwide correction.XRP Ledger Foundation spots a backdoor vulnerability in its code library.The 6% drop in open interest over the last 24 hours signals waning confidence. Over $11 million in long position liquidations liquidated.XRP (XRP) fell on April 24, down 5% in the last 24 hours to trade at $2.16, fueled by fundamentals, market dynamics, and technical factors.XRP/USD hourly chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewLet’s take a closer look at the factors driving XRP down today.Backdoor vulnerability in XRP Ledger sparks concernA recently identified backdoor vulnerability in the XRP Ledger’s JavaScript library has likely rattled investor confidence, leading to today’s correction in XRP price.The issue was first detected on April 21 by Aikido Security’s monitoring system, which revealed that sophisticated attackers compromised the library, introducing a backdoor designed to steal private keys and gain unauthorized access to crypto wallets.Source: Aikido SecurityThe XRP Ledger Foundation confirmed the incident in an April 22 statement, saying they were aware of the issue and the development team is “working on fixing it.”Earlier today, a security researcher from @AikidoSecurity identified a serious vulnerability in the xrpl npm package (v4.2.1-4.2.4 and v2.14.2).We are aware of the issue and are actively working on a fix.A detailed post-mortem will follow.— XRP Ledger Foundation (Official) (@XRPLF) April 22, 2025In a follow-up post on X, the XRP Ledger Foundation said it had already upgraded the code repository to “remove the previously compromised version.”While no immediate exploits were reported, the discovery raised fears of potential supply chain attacks, prompting developers and users to urgently review dependencies.Drop in OI dampens XRP’s uptrendXRP open interest (OI) has decreased by 6.7% to $3.90 billion over the last 24 hours. This decline in OI signals reduced trader confidence and liquidity, driving down prices.XRP derivatives data. Source: CoinGlassThe drawdown in XRP price has also triggered liquidations on the last day, where long positions valued at $11.61 million were forcibly closed, compared to just $1.58 million in shorts. This reflects heightened selling pressure as bullish traders are forced to sell at a loss, further pushing prices lower. The combination of forced sell-offs and low market participation has amplified XRP’s bearish momentum.The 24-hour long/short ratio of 0.9399 and a 22% drop in trading volume to $8.82 billion suggests a waning bullish sentiment.XRP Long/Short Ratio Chart. Source: CoinGlassXRP price: temporary correction?From a technical perspective, the XRP’s losses today are part of a correction within a classic bull flag pattern, which points to a continuation of the uptrend. XRP/USD is attempting a breakout from the flag in the four-hour timeframe, as shown in the chart below.A decisive four-hour candlestick close above the flag’s upper boundary at $2.18 and later a rise above the flag’s high of $2.30, accompanied by high volume, could see XRP price rally toward the bullish target of the prevailing chart pattern at $2.42.TOTAL crypto market capitalization daily performance chart. Source: TradingViewXRP price remains above all the major moving averages, suggesting that the market conditions still favor the upside. However, if XRP closes below the support level of $2.18, it would extend the decline to retest the $2.10 to $2.13 demand zone, which is the 200-day SMA, 50-SMA, and the lower boundary of the flag.Popular analyst Dom said the altcoin must overcome the resistance at $2.20 before making a run toward $2.40 or higher.Source: DomThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 24, 2025 at 1:45 pm

Bitcoin’s price trajectory may be suppressed ahead of its upcoming “omega candle” rally, according to Prince Filip Karađorđević, the hereditary prince of Serbia and Yugoslavia.In an April 24 interview with Simply Bitcoin, Filip said some market participants may be limiting Bitcoin (BTC) price action.“People are able to control the market to some extent,” he said. “Maybe that’s what acted on the 2021 market that suppressed its price from jumping high up. We could get that again in 2025, but there will be one point where [Bitcoin price] will run away.”Filip added that Bitcoin remains a fundamentally deflationary asset and said its value is “always going to rise over time.”Source: Simply BitcoinHe referenced the concept of the “omega candle,” made popular by Bitcoin advocate and Jan3 CEO Samson Mow. The theory predicts Bitcoin’s growth trajectory will explode after it hits the $100,000 mark.Related: Bitcoin acting ‘less Nasdaq,’ more like gold, despite 60% recession odds“You’ll start to go up by 10,000 a day or drop by 10,000 a day. And this is the God candle. After that, we’ll start to see omega candles, which are 100,000 increments daily,” said Mow in an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph in November 2024.Factors contributing to Bitcoin’s growth include the growing distrust in the traditional financial system, according to Mow.Related: Bitcoin ETFs log $912M inflows in ‘dramatic’ investor sentiment boostETF inflows, macro relief drive momentumBitcoin price saw an over 9% recovery over the past week as the US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) accumulated over $2.2 billion worth of Bitcoin in the three days leading up to April 23, Farside Investors’ data shows.Source: Farside InvestorsThe price action is in line “with our Bitcoin relative strength expectations with respect to equities and the dollar,” analysts from Bitfinex exchange told Cointelegraph, adding:“Bitcoin is rallying due to a combination of macro relief, strong ETF inflows, and growing expectations that the Fed will maintain policy flexibility amid softening economic data.”Bitcoin may continue to see more upside if “equities continue higher during earnings week,” but the “still-elevated macro uncertainty could limit broad-based upside,” the analysts added.Stock and cryptocurrency investors are also concerned about a potential recession in the US. JPMorgan estimates a 60% probability for a recession in 2025, citing US President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs on China as a “material threat to growth” that increases the odds of an economic downturn.Magazine: Bitcoin’s odds of June highs, SOL’s $485M outflows, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 2 – 8