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<h1>Markets Pull Back After Global Tariffs Reinstated</h1><h2>Market Highlights</h2><ul><li>Bitcoin (BTC) posts first weekly loss in over two months</li><li>GameStop and Metaplanet expand corporate BTC holdings</li><li>SharpLink Gaming doubles down on Ethereum with US$1B stock offering</li><li>Altcoins struggle, with SOL, XRP and DOGE all closing in the red</li><li>POKT and LPT lead the week’s top gainers, while WEMIX and FARTCOIN see sharp declines</li></ul><h2>Bitcoin (BTC)</h2><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd2KJXhy9wTd9PFKOfG1uGDflfVOEiYX4jhTB4JqsjYS9PO3dfdAGXNOXwaX03s1IxEDY9Fk6RqrbG09r5xDUfoIAGNXasU6ip5mUZBeUyRk1rKRW3yu3DIC5aLOgawyuLFYE8bkg?key=3igFWkvUonCfkrOnPIYbMA"> After an impressive two-month rally, <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/btc/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bitcoin (BTC)</a> finally took a breather this week, recording its first weekly loss in over eight weeks. BTC opened at US$109,152 and closed at US$105,775, down -3.05% for the week. The pullback followed a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-30/us-appeals-court-reinstates-trump-tariffs/105356190" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">U.S. appeals court decision to reinstate President Trump’s tariffs</a>, reversing a previous ruling that had declared them unconstitutional. The news unsettled markets and weighed on sentiment, with BTC dipping as low as US$103,199 before recovering slightly over the weekend.Despite the weekly decline, BTC still managed to notch its highest monthly close ever. This suggests that the broader uptrend remains intact and that investor appetite has not faded. The tariff headlines also appeared to impact flows into Bitcoin ETFs. After ten consecutive days of net inflows totalling US$4.26 billion, Thursday saw nearly US$347 million in net outflows -&nbsp;the largest daily withdrawal since 11 March. Even so, BlackRock’s Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) closed May with <a href="https://decrypt.co/322827/blackrock-bitcoin-etf-inflows-have-already-hit-a-record-high" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">its strongest month yet</a>, attracting over US$6.22 billion in net deposits.On Sunday, Michael Saylor of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) <a href="https://x.com/saylor/status/1929152786186301755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">posted</a> his famous “orange dot” tracker chart on social media following his appearance at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. Saylor typically shares this chart just before Strategy announces a new BTC purchase for its corporate treasury.Also at the conference, video game retailer <a href="https://decrypt.co/322390/gamestop-buys-512m-worth-of-btc-for-bitcoin-treasury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GameStop revealed</a> it had purchased 4,710 BTC, valued at approximately US$512 million. The acquisition follows a US$1.5 billion convertible notes offering completed in April and signals the company’s move into Bitcoin as a treasury asset.Meanwhile in Japan, Metaplanet continued to expand its Bitcoin holdings, <a href="https://decrypt.co/322585/metaplanet-issues-new-bonds-bitcoin-2025-goal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">issuing US$21 million in bonds</a> to EVO FUND to finance additional BTC purchases. The company now holds approximately 7,800 BTC, which is about 78 percent of its 10,000 BTC goal for 2025, and currently ranks eleventh among corporate Bitcoin holders globally.<h2>Ethereum (ETH)</h2><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXelPjtgJJlNCYV8pTGnGi1To89klARvZuckom_oDM5r09fBEo4C9lGgoHCr9ZrUFJXri7EQQBB3nlaAd3PR85V-JfysnBinia0jvOBUAxvPToXt9IJWLAe34nwU9_V18V-g18Ch?key=3igFWkvUonCfkrOnPIYbMA">Following the broader market reaction to renewed U.S. tariff concerns, <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/eth/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ethereum (ETH)</a> posted a modest weekly decline of -0.48%. It opened at US$2,551, reached a high of US$2,790, and closed the week marginally lower at US$2,539. Despite the pullback, ETH outperformed BTC over the same period, demonstrating relative strength in a cautious market environment.This resilience may be partly supported by growing institutional interest. U.S.-based sports betting platform SharpLink Gaming continued to make headlines with its <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/sharplink-ethereum-treasury-joseph-lubin-board-chair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ethereum corporate strategy</a>. Just a week after announcing plans to adopt ETH as a treasury asset, the company <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-treasury-sharplink-gaming-significant-eth-purchase-michael-saylor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">filed with the SEC</a> to raise up to US$1 billion through a stock offering to fund additional ETH purchases. Dubbed by some as the “MicroStrategy of Ethereum,” SharpLink is quickly positioning itself as a key institutional player within the Ethereum ecosystem.<h2>Altcoins</h2>It was a tough week for altcoins, particularly among the top ten by market capitalisation. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/sol/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Solana (SOL)</a> fell -10.28%, <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/xrp/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">XRP (XRP)</a> declined -6.94%, and <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/doge/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dogecoin (DOGE)</a> led the losses with a drop of -13.7%, as traders and investors reassessed their risk appetite in response to renewed tariff uncertainty.Despite the broader weakness, several coins stood out with strong individual performances.<h3>This week’s biggest gainers:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/pokt/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pocket Network (POKT)</a> rallied +374% ahead of its upcoming Shannon Hard Fork upgrade, <a href="https://www.tradingview.com/news/coinmarketcal:16857f32d094b:0-pocket-network-pokt-shannon-hard-fork-03-jun-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">scheduled for 3 June</a>. The upgrade is expected to make the network fully permissionless and expand its ability to support a wider range of data types.</li><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/lpt/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Livepeer (LPT)</a> also gained significant traction, rising +63.36% following new exchange listings on South Korea’s Upbit and the decentralised trading platform dYdX, boosting visibility and access to the token.</li><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/ton/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Toncoin (TON)</a> was one of the few large-cap assets to post a positive week, up +6.69%. The move followed news of a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxvr3n7wlxo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">partnership</a> between Telegram and xAI, which will see Telegram integrate the Grok chatbot and receive a US$300 million cash and equity investment, along with 50% of subscription revenue from xAI users on the platform.</li></ul><h3>This week’s biggest losers:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/wemix/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WEMIX (WEMIX)</a> was among the worst performers, falling -43.95% after its token was delisted from all major South Korean exchanges.</li><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/fartcoin/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)</a> pulled back -21.23% after seven consecutive weeks of gains, as profit-taking set in.</li></ul><h2>ICYMI - In the News</h2>A few big stories you may have missed:<ul><li>U.S. lawmakers <a href="https://decrypt.co/322869/congress-new-crypto-market-structure-bill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">introduced the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act</a>, a proposed bill that would remove SEC oversight of crypto markets. Under the legislation, most crypto assets would be classified as digital commodities and regulated by the CFTC.</li><li>Trump Media closed a <a href="https://decrypt.co/323046/trump-media-raises-2-4-billion-bitcoin-treasury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US$2.4 billion fundraising round</a>, with part of the proceeds earmarked for creating a Bitcoin treasury.</li><li>Newly crowned UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain became the <a href="https://decrypt.co/322976/paris-saint-germain-bitcoin-holdings-champions-league-final" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first major sports club to hold Bitcoin</a>, marking a longer-term commitment to the digital asset space.</li><li>The crypto advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan <a href="https://decrypt.co/322534/pakistan-launch-bitcoin-reserve-crypto-minister" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announced</a> at Bitcoin 2025 that the country is actively exploring the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve.</li><li>In the UK, Nigel Farage <a href="https://decrypt.co/323180/nigel-farage-slash-crypto-capital-gains-bitcoin-reserve" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pledged</a> to pass a pro-crypto bill if elected prime minister. He proposed cutting capital gains tax on crypto and directing the Bank of England to hold a Bitcoin reserve.</li><li>Yuga Labs, the creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club, <a href="https://decrypt.co/323189/bored-ape-maker-sells-moonbirds-gaming-startup" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sold the Moonbirds IP to Orange Cap Games</a> as part of a broader refocus on its core NFT brands. This comes on the back of recent sales of the Meebits and CryptoPunks IP.</li></ul><h2>Looking Forward - The Week Ahead</h2><ul><li>FTX creditor repayments are expected this week and could have a positive impact on market sentiment, as the return of funds may inject much-needed liquidity back into the crypto ecosystem.</li><li>The European Central Bank will announce its latest monetary policy decision on Thursday, 6 June, which could influence broader risk appetite across global markets.</li><li>U.S. Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak throughout the week, with investors watching for any signals on the future path of interest rates.</li><li>Key U.S. economic data, including the trade balance and unemployment figures, will be released on 6–7 June and may help shape near-term market direction.</li><li>U.S. Labour Market Report is due Friday, 6 June, and will be closely watched as a key indicator of economic strength and policy outlook.</li></ul>Thanks for reading this week’s Market Pulse. We’ll be back next week with more insights from the crypto markets!

Disclaimer: This article and its contents are intended for informational purposes only, and do not constitute financial, investment, trading or any other advice from TWMT Pty Ltd, trading as Coinstash AU ("Coinstash"). Coinstash is not a licensed financial advisor and does not provide financial advice. You should not make any decision, financial, investment, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented in this webinar or relevant materials without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional financial adviser. The information presented in this article may be inaccurate and no representations are made as to its truthfulness or accuracy. The views and opinions expressed in the quoted material are those of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Coinstash. All quotes have been used for informational purposes and have been attributed to their respective sources to the best of our ability.You understand that you are using any and all information available in or through this webinar or relevant materials at your own risk. Cryptocurrency is a highly volatile and risky investment. You should consider seeking financial, legal, tax or other professional advice to check how the information relates to your unique circumstances. Coinstash shall not be held responsible or liable for any losses, whether due to negligence or otherwise, stemming from the use of, or reliance upon, the information provided directly or indirectly in this article.﻿

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Weekly Market Pulse - June 2, 2025

Weekly Market Pulse - 02/06/25

<h1>Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High as ETF Inflows Surge</h1>Market Highlights<ul><li>BTC posts its seventh straight week of gains and a new all-time high of US$111,917</li><li>ETH climbs +2.15%, recording its strongest ETF inflows in five months</li><li>COOKIE and HYPE lead this week’s altcoin rally</li><li>SUI plunges after a US$200M DEX hack rattles ecosystem confidence</li><li>US Senate passes GENIUS Act, laying foundations for stablecoin regulation</li></ul><h2>Bitcoin (BTC)</h2><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc9OhrbrbPlPaMmc5BHumLqCymkFoU1jxCMTcYaGff_bxkMsATg5Jug9a18NhiqMpT-gAMI25bgKSOjWrj6lD4HQTrII-YIPwDQwkS8SU1TjVEBKLi2R-hilfPrQ0Zxon294Njx4g?key=2osJWTkVDKXx4m8xuJowTA"><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/btc/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bitcoin (BTC)</a> has extended its incredible run with a seventh consecutive week of gains. It opened the week at US$106,174 and climbed +2.45% to close at US$109,095, marking yet another record for its highest-ever weekly close. The rally peaked midweek as BTC reached a new all-time high of US$111,917, fittingly on the 15th anniversary of Bitcoin Pizza Day.&nbsp;Momentum cooled on Friday after President Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports, sparking a broader risk-off move and pulling BTC -1.8% to around US$108,531.In addition to its price action, Bitcoin also hit several major milestones this week. It is now the <a href="https://companiesmarketcap.com/aud/assets-by-market-cap/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fifth-most valuable asset in the world</a>, overtaking Amazon in market capitalisation. On the currency front, it surpassed the Taiwan Dollar, making it the <a href="https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2025/05/23/bitcoin-surpasses-taiwan-dollar-sets-new-market-record/#:~:text=Bitcoin%20has%20surpassed%20the%20Taiwan,behind%20the%20Hong%20Kong%20Dollar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eighth-largest currency globally by market cap</a>.Much of this rally is being fuelled by demand for Bitcoin ETFs. <a href="https://farside.co.uk/bitcoin-etf-flow-all-data/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">According to Farside data</a>, spot Bitcoin ETFs pulled in US$2.75 billion in inflows this week, a significant jump from US$608 million the week prior. With more than US$5.4 billion already pulled in this month, May is on track to potentially surpass the record set in November 2024.<h2>Ethereum (ETH)</h2><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcXU60nRT9WttZde6tlQXfh9uiArKC-7eRmus8rQkf0YHTC13dKWdqXV1zjTz9s-1GPQqqjfTpzjImrRsHQgn9H7P1toOX1oQSi0uw5AFoty07XW3OsEZT2mBZ7KTTzl-Syf_-nPA?key=2osJWTkVDKXx4m8xuJowTA"><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/eth/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ethereum (ETH)</a> followed Bitcoin’s lead this week, posting a steady gain of +2.15%. It opened at US$2,500 and closed the week at US$2,551, continuing its gradual recovery. Like BTC, ETH saw a slight pullback toward the end of the week amid macro uncertainty triggered by Trump’s tariff announcement.Institutional interest in ETH also appears to be picking up. ETH ETFs recorded <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/eth-etf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">over US$110 million in inflows on Thursday</a>, marking the highest daily total in the past five months. This spike in interest could be a sign that ETH is finally beginning to shake off its underperformance and align more closely with Bitcoin’s institutional narrative.<h2>Altcoins</h2>It was a strong week across the board for altcoins, with several standout performers making headlines.<h3>This week’s biggest gainers:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/cookie/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cookie DAO (COOKIE)</a> surged +84% following the launch of its v1.0 Alpha and a new feature called "<a href="https://x.com/cookiedotfun/status/1925220087444934986" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cookie Snaps</a>", which rewards users for posting crypto-related content on X.</li><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/hype3/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hyperliquid (HYPE)</a> surged +44.20%, continuing its breakout run as one of the most talked-about decentralised exchange (DEX) projects of the moment.</li><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/wld/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Worldcoin (WLD)</a> rallied +20.73%, bolstered by <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/05/21/sam-altmans-world-raises-135m-in-token-sale-to-a16z-and-bain-capital-crypto" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">news of a US$135 million token sale</a> to prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Bain Capital.</li><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/aave/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aave (AAVE)</a> recorded its seventh consecutive week of gains, rising +16.09%. The protocol now accounts for <a href="https://defillama.com/protocol/aave" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20% of total DeFi TVL</a>, with more than US$24 billion locked, making it the largest DeFi protocol by TVL.</li></ul><h3>This week’s biggest losers:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/sui/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sui (SUI)</a> dropped -8.78% following a <a href="https://decrypt.co/321544/sui-200-million-dex-oracle-manipulation-attack" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US$200 million exploit</a> on its largest decentralised exchange, Cetus. The attack, attributed to oracle manipulation, triggered sharp losses across the broader Sui ecosystem.</li></ul><h2>Other Crypto News</h2><ul><li>The US Senate <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-advances-major-crypto-regulation-bill-bipartisan-vote-rcna207809" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">passed the GENIUS Act</a>, establishing a framework for federal stablecoin regulation. This is a major step forward in bringing clarity and oversight to the rapidly growing stablecoin sector.</li><li>Major US banks, including JPMorgan and Bank of America, are <a href="https://decrypt.co/321744/americas-biggest-banks-teaming-stablecoin-market" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reportedly exploring</a> a joint stablecoin initiative. With the GENIUS Act setting a regulatory foundation, traditional financial institutions are now positioning themselves to compete with market leaders like Circle and Tether.</li><li>Hong Kong <a href="https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/05/20250521-3/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">passes new stablecoin licensing law</a>, requiring fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) issuers to obtain a licence from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The move supports Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a digital asset hub while addressing investor protection and financial stability concerns.</li><li>Texas is on the verge of becoming the first US state to establish a Bitcoin reserve. A <a href="https://decrypt.co/321519/texas-bitcoin-reserve-final-sign-off" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bipartisan bill</a> has passed both chambers of the state legislature and now awaits final concurrence before it can become law.</li><li>Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) <a href="https://decrypt.co/321566/strategys-saylor-mstr-will-offer-2-1-billion-in-crown-jewel-preferred-stock" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announced plans</a> to raise US$2.1 billion through a new preferred stock offering, further reinforcing its long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategy.</li></ul><h2>Looking Ahead</h2>With May nearly over, attention now turns to whether Bitcoin ETFs will break the monthly inflow record. Bitcoin’s status as a macro asset continues to grow, and altcoins are starting to follow its lead with broader sectoral strength.However, macro risks remain in sharp focus. Trade tensions, regulatory shifts, and key economic data releases could inject fresh volatility into the market. Several major events are on the calendar this week:<ul><li>FOMC Minutes – Releasing Wednesday, 28 May. Markets will be watching for clues on the Fed’s rate outlook and broader monetary policy tone.</li><li>Revised US Q1 GDP Figures – Due Thursday. Initial readings showed a contraction, raising concerns about a possible recession.</li><li>PCE Inflation Data – Set for release on Friday, 30 May. This is a closely watched gauge of inflation and could influence interest rate expectations.</li><li>NVIDIA Earnings – Scheduled for Wednesday, 28 May. With NVIDIA’s role in the AI boom, its results may impact sentiment in both tech and AI-related crypto sectors.</li><li>Bitcoin 2025 Conference – Running 27–29 May in Las Vegas, this flagship event will feature speakers including Michael Saylor, Cynthia Lummis, JD Vance, David Sacks, and Ross Ulbricht, and could serve as a narrative catalyst for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem.</li></ul>

Weekly Market Pulse - May 26, 2025

Weekly Market Pulse - 26/05/25

<h1>Bitcoin Closes In on All-Time Highs as Altcoins Cool Off</h1>Market Highlights<ul><li>Bitcoin (BTC) posted its highest weekly close ever, as it inches closer to its all-time high price.</li><li>US Spot Bitcoin ETFs attract over US$2.8B in monthly inflows.</li><li>WIF and HYPE outperform in a mixed week for altcoins.</li><li>FTX to distribute over US$5B to creditors starting 30 May.</li></ul><h2>Bitcoin (BTC)</h2><img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fc8439f16d19447448314276c53cc4394%2F3c20bf8563fc4d16968767fbbf8e7efa"><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/btc/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bitcoin (BTC)</a> rose +2.58% over the past seven days, closing the week at approximately US$106,479 - its highest weekly close on record. This marks the sixth consecutive week of gains and places BTC within touching distance of its all-time high price. After trading in a tight range for most of the week, Bitcoin surged more than 3% on Sunday, ending the week on a strong note and pushing to within just a few percent of new price discovery.Momentum was supported by a familiar signal from Michael Saylor of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), who posted one of his <a href="https://x.com/saylor/status/1924072656057356779" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trademark orange-circle Bitcoin charts</a> on Sunday. These posts have historically preceded major BTC purchase announcements, and this latest one likely hints at another buy to be revealed as early as today.In other corporate news, Basel Medical Group, a Nasdaq-listed healthcare company, <a href="https://decrypt.co/320503/nasdaq-listed-healthcare-company-aims-acquire-1-billion-bitcoin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announced</a> it is in exclusive negotiations to acquire up to US$1 billion worth of Bitcoin. The move would significantly bolster its balance sheet and position it as one of the most BTC-heavy firms in the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, Tether <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/en/tether-invests-459-million-in-bitcoin-to-boost-its-new-company-twenty-one/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announced</a> it has acquired nearly half a billion dollars’ worth of Bitcoin as part of a broader strategic initiative. The purchase sets the stage for the launch of Twenty One - a new Bitcoin treasury company backed by Tether, Bitfinex, Cantor Fitzgerald, and SoftBank - which plans to go public on the Nasdaq through a SPAC merger.Adding to the momentum, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted <a href="https://sosovalue.com/assets/etf/Total_Crypto_Spot_ETF_Fund_Flow?page=usBTC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more than $2.8 billion in net inflows so far this month</a>. Unlike previous retail-driven rallies, this cycle is being shaped by institutional accumulation, steady interest rate expectations, and broader macro shifts that are drawing capital back into risk assets.<h2>Ethereum (ETH)</h2><img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fc8439f16d19447448314276c53cc4394%2Fac0eaeeffe7c4a99b22de6b6f202f688"><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/eth/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ethereum (ETH)</a> closed the week slightly lower, down -0.65 % to around US$2,498. Like BTC, ETH traded within a narrow range for most of the week, but unlike its counterpart, it failed to rally into the weekend and finished with a modest decline. This pullback follows a strong run earlier in the month, where ETH gained more than +40% following the successful Pectra upgrade on 7 May.Despite the weaker close, Ethereum remained in the spotlight after a major announcement from the Ethereum Foundation. On Wednesday, the foundation introduced the <a href="https://blog.ethereum.org/2025/05/14/trillion-dollar-security" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trillion Dollar Security Initiative</a>, a long-term plan aimed at making Ethereum secure enough to support trillions of dollars in value and allow billions of users to confidently hold assets onchain.<h2>Altcoins</h2>The broader altcoin market delivered a mixed performance this week, with most large-cap tokens cooling off after a strong run in recent weeks. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/sol/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Solana (SOL)</a> held steady, closing with a modest gain of +0.06%, while <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/xrp/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">XRP (XRP)</a> continued its recovery, rising +2.59%. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/doge/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dogecoin (DOGE)</a> also edged higher, up +0.53%, whereas <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/ada/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cardano (ADA)</a> underperformed, finishing the week down -5.59%.Among lower-cap assets, <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/wif/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dogwifhat (WIF)</a> was one of the standout performers rallying +17.34%, reflecting sustained momentum in the meme coin space. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/hype/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hyperliquid (HYPE)</a> also continued its upward trend, gaining +8.94% as it continues to attract growing attention across the DeFi space.<img src="https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fc8439f16d19447448314276c53cc4394%2F2ff5fd5d790d40ec80ee7e277070c19a">Among the worst performers this week was <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/bera/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Berachain (BERA)</a>, which dropped -24.98%. As shown in the chart above, this decline aligns with a steady fall in on-chain activity since April, with the network’s total value locked (TVL) plunging from over US$3.5 billion to just US$1.19 billion so far this month. The sharp contraction in TVL highlights weakening user engagement and a loss of liquidity across the ecosystem.<h2>In Other News</h2>FTX creditors are set to receive a long-awaited round of repayments, with over $5 billion in recovered funds <a href="https://decrypt.co/320340/ftx-hand-out-over-5-billion-repayments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">scheduled</a> for distribution beginning May 30. The FTX Recovery Trust confirmed that more than 90% of claims have been approved, with payouts ranging from 54% to 120% depending on the nature and priority of each claim. While the process is far from over, the upcoming distribution marks a significant step forward for those impacted by the exchange’s collapse.Coinbase made headlines for both the right and wrong reasons this week. The crypto exchange achieved a major milestone by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/coinbase-shares-jump-addition-sp-500-index-2025-05-13/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">officially joining</a> the S&amp;P 500, marking a significant step forward for mainstream crypto adoption. But the celebration was short-lived, as <a href="https://decrypt.co/320200/coinbase-turns-tables-on-would-be-extortionists-offers-20m-bounty-for-information" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">news broke</a> of a US$20 million extortion attempt involving compromised customer data. According to reports, cybercriminals bribed overseas support agents to leak sensitive information, including names, addresses, masked bank details, and ID documents. Rather than pay the ransom, the company has offered the same amount as a bounty, calling on the public and authorities to help identify those responsible.On the payments front, Mastercard continued expanding its digital asset initiatives through a <a href="https://decrypt.co/320171/mastercard-new-stablecoin-cards-moonpay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new partnership</a> with MoonPay. The collaboration will introduce stablecoin-powered payment cards, allowing users and businesses to send and receive stablecoins globally, with transactions automatically converted to fiat. The rollout will leverage infrastructure from Iron, a stablecoin payment platform acquired by MoonPay earlier this year, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto economy.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>The week ahead brings a mix of regulation, celebration, and crypto spectacle.The US Senate may vote as early as tomorrow on the <a href="https://news.bitcoin.com/cryptos-historic-moment-senate-expected-to-pass-genius-act-this-week/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GENIUS Act</a>, a bipartisan bill that could establish the first federal framework for stablecoins. If passed, it would mark a major step forward for regulatory clarity in the sector.Thursday is Bitcoin Pizza Day, celebrating the first-ever BTC transaction in 2010 when 10,000 BTC were spent on two pizzas. Now a lighthearted crypto holiday, it serves as a reminder of how far the space has come.And finally, President Donald Trump is hosting a private dinner for the top 200 holders of his <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/trump1/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TRUMP</a> meme coin - an event blending meme coin culture with political theatre, and drawing plenty of attention across the crypto world.

Weekly Market Pulse - May 19, 2025

Weekly Market Pulse - 19/05/25

<h1>Bitcoin Hits Two-Month High as ETF Inflows and Trade Optimism Lift Markets</h1>Market Highlights<ul><li>Bitcoin (BTC) surged above US$95,000 for the first time since February.</li><li>Positive sentiment followed softer U.S. - China trade rhetoric from President Trump.</li><li>Bitcoin ETFs attracted US$2.7 billion in inflows, pushing assets under management to a two-month high.</li><li>Meme coins led altcoin gains, with DOGE, PEPE, and BONK posting strong performances.</li><li>The U.S. Federal Reserve withdrew targeted crypto rules, normalising the treatment of digital asset activities.</li></ul><h2>Markets Overview</h2>Macro Market Updates:Traditional markets displayed tentative optimism this week as softer comments from President Trump hinted at a <a href="https://decrypt.co/316497/bitcoin-rising-china-tariffs-stocks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">possible easing in U.S. - China tensions</a>. Trump stated on Friday that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping "many times" regarding tariffs, fuelling investor hopes for a breakthrough. However, China’s Commerce Ministry later clarified that no formal negotiations had yet taken place, tempering immediate optimism.Equity markets finished the week higher, with the S&amp;P 500 gaining 4.59%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 2.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite leading the way with a 6.73% rally, reflecting improved risk sentiment across financial markets.<h2>Bitcoin (BTC)</h2><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/btc/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bitcoin (BTC)</a> surged 10.07% to break above US$95,000 for the first time in two months before consolidating just below that level. Momentum was fuelled by strong inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, with <a href="https://decrypt.co/316455/bitcoin-etf-flows-seventh-trading-day-market-rebound" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US$2.7 billion pouring into major funds</a> over the past 7 days and pushing total assets under management to <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/bitcoin-etf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US$108 billion</a> - their highest since February, signalling renewed institutional confidence.In corporate news, Tokyo-listed Metaplanet Inc. accelerated its Bitcoin accumulation strategy, <a href="https://contents.xj-storage.jp/xcontents/33500/a4e12035/bd1f/4f96/ab6b/351ca5abafb3/140120250424522107.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">acquiring an additional 145 BTC for approximately US$13.6 million</a>. The purchase marks a major step towards its ambitious goal of holding 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025, reinforcing corporate conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value.<h2>Ethereum (ETH)</h2><a href="https://coinstash.com.au/eth/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ethereum (ETH)</a> mirrored Bitcoin’s positive momentum this week, closing at US$1,792, up 13% over the past seven days. The broader recovery in risk assets, along with renewed demand across the altcoin market, helped lift ETH’s price. Although no major protocol developments were announced, ETH continued to benefit from improving market sentiment and increased investor interest as crypto markets rebounded.<h2>Altcoins</h2>Altcoins also posted strong gains this week, with several standout performers across the board. Among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/sol/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Solana (SOL)</a> climbed 7.34% to close at US$147, buoyed by <a href="https://decrypt.co/315987/sol-strategies-secures-500m-buy-more-solana" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fresh institutional interest</a>. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/xrp/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">XRP (XRP</a>) gained 8.41%, while <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/ada/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cardano (ADA)</a> rallied 13.55%. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/doge/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dogecoin (DOGE)</a> led the pack among major altcoins, jumping 15.50% over the week.The broader meme coin sector outperformed as well, with speculative fervor returning to the market. <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/fartcoin/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)</a> rose 19.82%, while <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/pepe/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pepe (PEPE)</a> and <a href="https://coinstash.com.au/bonk/buy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bonk (BONK)</a> recorded impressive gains of 16.31% and 51.54%, respectively. The rally in meme coins reflects a broader risk-on environment and highlights the continued influence of retail-driven narratives in crypto markets.&nbsp;<h2>In Other News</h2>Institutional interest in Solana continued to grow, with Canadian investment firm SOL Strategies <a href="https://decrypt.co/315987/sol-strategies-secures-500m-buy-more-solana" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announcing it had secured a US$500 million convertible note to accumulate Solana tokens</a>. The agreement, made with New York-based ATW Partners, represents the largest and first investment of its kind within the Solana ecosystem. SOL Strategies, which trades under the ticker HODL on the Canadian Securities Exchange, highlighted the network’s speed and growing developer adoption as key drivers behind its decision.Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s corporate adoption trend looks set to accelerate. Tether, Bitfinex, Cantor Fitzgerald, and SoftBank <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423962305/en/Tether-SoftBank-Group-and-Jack-Mallers-Launch-Twenty-One-a-Bitcoin-native-Company-Through-a-Business-Combination-With-Cantor-Equity-Partners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">revealed plans to launch Twenty One</a>, a Bitcoin-focused company that will list publicly on the Nasdaq through a SPAC merger. With a planned treasury of more than 42,000 BTC (worth approximately US$3.9 billion), Twenty One aims to offer investors Bitcoin exposure through traditional stock ownership. Strike founder Jack Mallers has been appointed CEO of the new venture, which will trade under the ticker XXI and offer lending services and financial products tied to Bitcoin. The business model mirrors that of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), positioning Twenty One as a major emerging player in Bitcoin’s corporate landscape.<h2>Regulatory Updates</h2>In a major shift for the U.S. banking sector, the <a href="https://decrypt.co/316368/federal-reserve-withdraws-crypto-rules-banks-choke-point" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Federal Reserve announced</a> it will no longer require advance notice from member banks engaging in crypto or stablecoin-related activities. Instead, banks will be allowed to manage crypto engagements like any other traditional banking service, subject to standard supervisory oversight.&nbsp;The move, which follows similar announcements from the <a href="https://decrypt.co/312215/fdic-clears-path-for-bank-crypto-activities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FDIC</a> and the <a href="https://www.occ.treas.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2025/nr-occ-2025-16.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Office of the Comptroller of the Currency</a> earlier this month, effectively ends the restrictive 'Choke Point' practices that had singled out digital assets for heightened scrutiny. Market participants have largely welcomed the change, viewing it as a step toward greater regulatory clarity and mainstream adoption.

Posts by Chris Graham

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