Blockchain payments company Ripple has acquired an equity stake in African fintech giant Flutterwave, deepening its push into one of the world’s fastest-growing cross-border payments markets.

Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola said the undisclosed investment values the company at $3.3 billion, according to Bloomberg. The deal gives Ripple exposure to Africa’s expanding payments ecosystem while providing Flutterwave with additional resources to scale its financial infrastructure.

The investment makes Ripple a shareholder rather than an owner or commercial partner. Flutterwave operates in 35 African countries and has recently expanded its digital asset offerings by integrating stablecoin payment services.

As part of the deal, Flutterwave will integrate Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, Ripple Payments and the XRP Ledger to make cross-border transactions faster and more cost-effective.

Source: Flutterwave

The deal is the latest step in Ripple’s broader strategy to expand its blockchain-based payments network across Africa, where demand for faster and lower-cost international transfers continues to grow. Last October, Ripple partnered with South Africa’s Absa Bank to provide digital asset custody solutions to institutional clients.

Related: Bybit Pay enters South Africa through MoneyBadger integration

Stablecoins gain traction in Africa’s remittance market

Africa has emerged as a key growth market for digital asset payments, driven largely by the continent’s sizable remittance flows and demand for lower-cost cross-border transfers.

A September 2025 Chainalysis report found that crypto adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa climbed 52% over 12 months, with more than $205 billion in onchain transactions recorded. At the time, the region ranked as the world’s third-fastest-growing crypto market.

Onchain volumes in Sub-Saharan Africa have surged since 2022. Source: Chainalysis

Stablecoins have played a central role in that growth, offering a dollar-denominated alternative that can make international payments faster and less expensive. The opportunity has attracted other major issuers, including USDC issuer Circle, which recently partnered with African fintech Sasai to expand USDC-based payment services across the region with a focus on remittances.

The World Bank estimates that sending a typical $200 remittance to Sub-Saharan Africa costs recipients between $13 and $17 in fees, compared with as little as $0.50 for transfers using USDt (USDT) on Tron or as little as $2 for transfers using USDC on Ethereum.

Related: Africrypt founders back in South Africa years after platform collapse: Report

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

Key points:

Bitcoin remains under pressure, but select analysts believe the downside may be limited.Most major altcoins have continued to skid toward their support levels, but HYPE remains in a solid uptrend.

Bitcoin (BTC) has dipped below $73,000, signaling that the bears are unwilling to relinquish their control. The incessant outflows from US spot BTC exchange-traded funds are not helping matters either. Farside Investors’ data shows net outflows of $2.83 billion since May 15, indicating institutional investors have turned cautious and are dumping their positions.

However, a minor advantage for the bulls is that BTC’s long-term holders are not hurrying to exit their positions during the latest drop below $75,000. That suggests the pace of fall may slow down below $75,000. 

Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingView

Another metric indicating a possible near-term recovery is the true retail longs-and-shorts accounts, which show the percentage of retail futures accounts holding long positions, currently above 64%. Hyblock analysts said in a post on X that if a trader goes long on a 15-minute candle when the true retail account is above 64%, then 88% of the candles result in a positive 7-day forward return.

What are the crucial support levels to watch out for in BTC and the major altcoins? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.

Bitcoin price prediction

BTC continues its downward move toward the support line, where the buyers are expected to step in.

BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Any attempt to start a rebound is expected to face selling at the 20-day exponential moving average ($76,619). If the BTC price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA, it increases the risk of a break below the support line. The BTC/USDT pair may then tumble to $65,000 and eventually to $60,000.

Buyers will have to thrust the price back above the moving averages to signal strength. That indicates demand at lower levels and opens the door to moves toward $80,000 and then $84,000.

Ether price prediction

Ether (ETH) has been gradually sliding toward the $1,916 support, indicating that the bears continue to exert pressure. 

ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Buyers are expected to defend the $1,916 level, but are likely to face selling at the 20-day EMA ($2,129) on the way up. If the ETH price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA, the risk of a drop to the $1,750 support increases.

Instead, if buyers drive the price above the moving averages, it suggests that the ETH/USDT pair may consolidate between $1,916 and $2,465 for some time. A new up move may begin on a close above $2,465.

BNB price prediction

BNB (BNB) has dipped below the 50-day simple moving average ($638), indicating that the bears have a slight edge in the near term.

BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

There is minor support at $610, but that is likely to be broken. The BNB/USDT pair may then plunge to $570.

The next trending move is expected to begin on a close above $687 or below $570. Until then, the range-bound action is likely to continue. 

On the downside, a break and close below $570 signals the resumption of the downtrend. The next support is at $500. On the upside, a close above $687 suggests the start of a new uptrend toward $730 and subsequently $790.

XRP price prediction

XRP (XRP) turned up from the $1.27 support on Thursday, but the rebound lacks strength. That suggests the absence of aggressive buying by the bulls.

XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bears will attempt to strengthen their position by pushing the XRP price below the $1.27 support level. If they manage to do that, the XRP/USDT pair may plummet to $1.11 and then to the psychological support at $1.

Buyers face a difficult task. They will have to push and maintain the price above the downtrend line to signal the start of a relief rally. The bulls will be back in the driver’s seat on a close above $1.61.

Solana price prediction

Solana (SOL) fell below the $82.65 support on Thursday, indicating that the bears remain in control.

SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bulls are attempting to push the price back above $82.65, but the relief rally is expected to face selling pressure at the 20-day EMA ($85.46). If the SOL price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA, the likelihood of a drop to $76 increases. Buyers are expected to defend the $76 level, as a close below it may sink the SOL/USDT pair to $67.

Buyers will have to push the price above the moving averages to suggest the pair may remain stuck in the $76 to $98 range for a while longer.

Dogecoin price prediction

Dogecoin (DOGE) remains stuck inside the $0.09 to $0.12 range, indicating buying on dips and selling on rallies.

DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The 20-day EMA ($0.10) has started to turn down, and the relative strength index (RSI) is in negative territory, indicating that the bears have the advantage. The DOGE/USDT pair may plummet to $0.09, a level likely to attract buyers. If the DOGE price rises from the current level or the $0.09 support and breaks above the moving averages, it suggests the pair may extend its stay within the range for a few more days.

A close below the $0.09 level clears the path for a decline to the Feb. 6 low of $0.08. Alternatively, a close above $0.12 signals the start of a new uptrend toward $0.14 and then $0.16.

Hyperliquid price prediction

Hyperliquid (HYPE) rose sharply from $56.36, suggesting that bulls view the dips as buying opportunities.

HYPE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The upsloping moving averages indicate an advantage to buyers, but the developing negative divergence on the RSI suggests that the bullish momentum may be weakening. Sellers will have to pull the HYPE price below the 20-day EMA ($53.67) to seize control.

This negative view will be invalidated in the near term if the price continues higher and breaks above $64.93. The HYPE/USDT pair may then start the next leg of the uptrend toward $77.

Related: Why is Stellar’s XLM up by over 50% this week?

Zcash price prediction

Zcash (ZEC) closed below the 20-day EMA ($563) on Wednesday, and the bears thwarted attempts by the bulls to reclaim the level on Thursday.

ZEC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Sellers will attempt to strengthen their position by pulling the ZEC price to $486 and later to the 50-day SMA ($464). The deeper the pullback, the longer it is likely to take for the uptrend to resume.

The first sign of strength will be a break and close above the 20-day EMA. That suggests buying on dips and improves the prospects of a retest of the $690 level. A close above $690 may catapult the ZEC/USDT pair to $750.

Cardano price prediction

Cardano (ADA) remains under pressure, falling toward the support of the $0.22 to $0.31 range. 

ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Buyers will attempt to defend the $0.22 level, but the recovery is expected to face selling at the moving averages. If the price drops sharply from the moving averages, the bears will aim to push the ADA/USDT pair below the $0.22 support. If they succeed, the pair may resume the downtrend toward $0.20.

Conversely, if the ADA price rises and closes above the moving averages, it suggests that the pair may extend its stay within the range for some time.

Monero price prediction

Monero (XMR) declined sharply from the downtrend line on Thursday, suggesting the bears are attempting to take charge. 

XMR/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bulls attempted a recovery from the support line, but the long wick on the candlestick shows that the bears continue to sell on minor relief rallies. That increases the risk of a break below the support line. If that happens, the XMR/USDT pair may tumble to $313 and then to $302.

Buyers will have to push and maintain the XMR price above the downtrend line to signal strength. If they manage to do that, the pair may remain inside the ascending channel pattern for some more time. The bullish momentum is likely to pick up after buyers secure a close above the resistance line.

TLDR:

Arthur Hayes received 3,000 ETH worth about $5.42 million through a Flowdesk OTC transaction.
On-chain records linked the transfer to a wallet previously associated with the BitMEX co-founder.
The OTC structure reduced order book impact and avoided visible exchange-based buying pressure.
Ethereum’s recent price strength has increased attention on large wallet accumulation activity.

Arthur Hayes has added 3,000 ETH to a wallet linked to him, according to newly surfaced on-chain data. The transaction carried an estimated value of $5.42 million at the time of transfer. 

Data shows the Ethereum was routed through Flowdesk’s over-the-counter trading desk rather than a public exchange. The move arrives as ETH records a strong daily gain and renewed activity across crypto trading markets.

Arthur Hayes ETH Purchase Emerges Through Flowdesk OTC Transfer

Blockchain tracking data shared by Hupzy and sourced from Lookonchain showed a wallet associated with the BitMEX co-founder receiving 3,000 ETH.

The transfer occurred roughly one hour before the transaction was highlighted on social media. On-chain records indicate the assets were delivered through Flowdesk’s OTC infrastructure.

Unlike exchange-based purchases, OTC transactions allow large buyers to acquire assets without placing sizable orders on public order books.

That approach can help reduce market impact during execution. It also limits visible buying pressure that often accompanies large spot purchases.

The wallet identified in the transaction has been linked to Hayes through previous blockchain activity. The transfer therefore attracted attention across crypto trading communities.

According to the data shared by Hupzy, the transaction was valued at approximately $5.42 million based on prevailing Ethereum prices.

The purchase follows a period of heightened volatility for ETH, which posted a double-digit gain over the previous 24 hours.

Hayes has previously made large directional Ethereum bets, making his wallet activity closely watched by market participants.

Ethereum Trading Activity Picks Up as ETH Gains Momentum

The OTC route used for the transaction stood out because it avoided immediate interaction with exchange liquidity.

Market participants often use OTC desks when executing large orders that could otherwise create price slippage.

Hupzy noted that the Flowdesk transaction structure reduced the likelihood of moving the market during execution.

Because the trade occurred away from public order books, no additional spot selling pressure emerged from the transaction itself.

Ethereum continued trading above recent consolidation levels following the transfer. Recent market action placed attention on the $2,450 to $2,500 range identified in the shared market commentary.

While the transaction represents a notable purchase, the data reflects activity from a single wallet rather than a broader market trend.

Lookonchain’s tracking data and Arkham-linked wallet records remain the primary sources confirming the transfer.

The development adds another closely watched Ethereum transaction to a market already seeing increased trading activity and renewed attention toward large on-chain movements.

Key points:

Bitcoin dropped to a crucial support level where buyers are expected to step in; if they fail, the next stop may be $65,000.Select major altcoins have slipped to critical support levels as crypto markets continue to fall far behind stock markets.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped under $71,000 on reports that Strategy sold 32 BTC last week at an average price of $77,135 per BTC. This was Strategy’s first reported BTC sale since a 2022 tax-loss transaction. The quantity sold is minuscule compared with Strategy’s total holding of 843,706 BTC, but it has hurt short-term investor sentiment.

BTC’s weakness follows $2.96 billion in outflows from US spot BTC exchange-traded funds since May 15, according to Farside Investors data. Santiment said in a recent report that the large amount of money leaving BTC ETFs in a short period shows “peak fear, frustration, or risk aversion” among investors. The crypto analytics firm added that the massive outflows may be a sign that a bottom may be near.

Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingView

While some analysts anticipate BTC to hit a new cycle low below $60,000, economist Timothy Peterson said in a post on X that BTC may “grind higher over the summer, by a few percentage points, topping out in the last week of July.

Could BTC and the major altcoins break below their support levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out. 

S&P 500 Index price prediction

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is trading just under the new all-time high of 7,599 hit on Friday, indicating that bullish momentum remains intact.

SPX daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The relative strength index (RSI) has risen into the overbought zone, but that in itself is not a sign of a market reversal. If the price remains above the 20-day exponential moving average (7,415), the possibility of a rally to 8,000 increases.

This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns down sharply and closes below the 20-day EMA. That suggests profit-booking by short-term traders. The index may then plunge to the 7,000 level, which is likely to act as strong support.

US Dollar Index price prediction

Buyers pushed the US Dollar Index (DXY) above 99.51 on Thursday, but couldn’t sustain the higher levels.

DXY daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The flattening of moving averages and the RSI just above the midpoint do not give a clear advantage to either the bulls or the bears.

If the price rises above 99.55, the index may reach the overhead resistance at 100.54. Sellers are expected to fiercely defend the 100.54 level, as a break above it would signal the start of a new uptrend toward the 102 level. 

On the downside, a close below the moving averages opens the door to a drop to 97.74.

Bitcoin price prediction

BTC continued its downward march, reaching the support line, which is a critical level for the bulls to defend.

BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the BTC price bounces off the support line, the bears will attempt to halt the relief rally at the 20-day EMA ($75,702). If the price turns down from the moving averages, it increases the risk of a break below the support line. The BTC/USDT pair may then tumble to $65,000 and subsequently to $60,000.

Buyers will have to push the BTC price above the 50-day simple moving average ($77,310) to signal strength. If they do that, the BTC/USDT pair may retest the crucial $84,000 overhead resistance.

Ether price prediction

Ether (ETH) has been gradually sliding toward the $1,916 support, indicating that the bears remain in control.

ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bulls will attempt to start a rebound off the $1,916 level, but the relief rally is expected to encounter selling at the 20-day EMA ($2,097). If the ETH price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA, it increases the risk of a break below the $1,916 support. The ETH/USDT pair may then slump to $1,750.

Buyers will need to swiftly push the price above the moving averages to keep the pair within the $1,916 to $2,465 range for a few days.

BNB price prediction

BNB’s (BNB) range-bound action between $570 and $687 resolved in favor of the bulls on Saturday.

BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

BNB price rose to $745 on Sunday, where profit-booking set in. The BNB/USDT pair has pulled back below the breakout level of $687, indicating that traders are rushing for the exits. If the price continues lower and breaks below the moving averages, it suggests that the breakout above $687 may have been a bull trap. The pair may then collapse to $570.

Buyers will have to fiercely defend the moving averages and push the price back above $745 to gain the upper hand. The pair may then rally to $790 and later to $900.

XRP price prediction

XRP (XRP) turned down from the 20-day EMA ($1.35) on Saturday, signaling that the bears continue to sell on minor relief rallies.

XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bears will attempt to yank the XRP price below the $1.27 level. If they can pull it off, the XRP/USDT pair may retest the Feb. 6 low of $1.11 and eventually the psychological support at $1.

The first sign of strength will be a break and close above the 50-day SMA ($1.39). That suggests buying at lower levels. The pair may then ascend to the $1.61 level, where the bears are expected to step in. 

Solana price prediction

Solana (SOL) failed to sustain above $82.65, indicating that the bears flipped the level into resistance.

SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The SOL/USDT pair may plummet to $76, a level likely to attract buyers. If the price bounces off the $76 support but turns down from the 20-day EMA, it increases the likelihood of a drop to $67.

Contrary to this assumption, if the SOL price rises and breaks above the moving averages, it suggests the pair may remain within the $76 to $98 range for a while longer.

Related: Hyperliquid’s HYPE breakout puts $100 price target in play

Hyperliquid price prediction

Hyperliquid (HYPE) continued its northward march toward the $77 level, indicating solid demand from the bulls.

HYPE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The sharp up move has pushed the RSI into the overbought territory, signaling a possible consolidation or correction in the near term. The first support on the downside is at $64, and then the 20-day EMA ($58). Sellers will have to push the HYPE price below $54 to seize control.

The $77 level may act as a hurdle, but if bulls prevent the price from dipping below $64, the rally may continue. A close above $77 clears the path for a rally to the $85 to $89 zone. 

Dogecoin price prediction

Buyers have failed to push Dogecoin (DOGE) above the moving averages, indicating a lack of demand at higher levels.

DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bears will attempt to pull the DOGE price down to the $0.09 support level. Buyers are expected to vigorously defend the $0.09 level, as a close below it may sink the DOGE/USDT pair to the Feb. 6 low of $0.08.

On the contrary, if the price rises from the current level or the $0.09 support and breaks above the moving averages, it suggests that the pair may remain within the $0.09 to $0.12 range for some time.

Zcash price prediction

Zcash (ZEC) closed above the 20-day EMA ($558) on Sunday, but the bulls could not sustain the higher levels.

ZEC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bears will attempt to strengthen their position by pulling the ZEC price below the 50-day SMA ($475). If they do that, the ZEC/USDT pair will complete a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern. The pair may then plunge to $400.

Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns up sharply from the 50-day SMA and rises above the 20-day EMA, it suggests buying at lower levels. That may keep the pair range-bound between $475 and $690 for a few days.

TLDR

Bitmine acquired 76,881 ETH worth about $136 million, increasing its Ethereum treasury to 5.62 million ETH.
The purchase followed Bitmine’s successful $274 million preferred stock offering used to support treasury growth.
Bitmine reported total crypto, cash, and investment holdings valued at approximately $10.4 billion.
The company also held 204 bitcoin and $502 million in cash and marketable securities.
Bitmine’s 9.50% Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock will trade on the NYSE under the ticker BMNP.
The preferred shares offer a 9.5% annualized dividend and will pay investors weekly cash distributions.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies expanded its Ethereum holdings after completing a $274 million preferred stock offering. The company purchased 76,881 ETH during the past week, valued at about $136 million. As a result, Bitmine increased its treasury holdings to 5.62 million ETH.

Bitmine Expands Ethereum Treasury After New Capital Raise

The latest acquisition followed Bitmine’s preferred stock sale, which raised fresh capital for treasury growth. The company bought 76,881 ETH over seven days and continued its accumulation strategy. The purchase lifted Bitmine’s Ethereum holdings to 5.62 million ETH.

The weekly purchase trailed the previous week’s 126,971 ETH acquisition. However, the transaction showed that the company continues adding ether to its balance sheet. The company had previously discussed slowing purchases as it approached ownership of 5% of Ethereum’s supply.

Bitmine also reported holdings beyond Ethereum. The company held 204 Bitcoin alongside $502 million in cash and marketable securities. It also maintained investments in Beast Industries and Eightco Holdings.

Those assets brought total crypto, cash, and investment holdings to $10.4 billion. The latest figures reflected the company’s broad treasury position. Bitmine disclosed the updated numbers after completing the recent purchase.

Thomas Lee, chairman of Bitmine, addressed the company’s buying activity.

He said, “We are maintaining a somewhat elevated pace of buying as we believe this pullback in ETH prices does not reflect the strengthening of Ethereum fundamentals.” The statement accompanied the treasury update.

Preferred Stock Begins Trading on NYSE

Bitmine completed a $274 million preferred equity offering before the latest ether purchase. The financing introduced a new capital source for treasury expansion. The company structured the security with a 9.5% annualized dividend.

The 9.50% Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock will trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The security will trade under the ticker BMNP. Shareholders will receive weekly cash dividend payments.

The financing approach resembles methods used by Bitcoin treasury companies. Those firms often issue preferred securities and other income-producing instruments. They then use the proceeds to acquire additional digital assets.

Questions recently emerged around dividend funding models used by crypto treasury firms. Lee said Bitmine’s Ethereum staking revenue provides support for its dividend obligations. He pointed to recurring cash flow generated through staking activities.

Lee described the preferred stock as a balance sheet diversification tool. He stated, “The company’s current projected annualized staking rewards of approximately $219 million provide recurring cash flow to support the dividends related to the Series A Preferred shares.” The preferred shares begin trading on Tuesday under the BMNP ticker.

XRP’s (XRP) onchain activity has contracted sharply since its 2025 peak. The 90-day network fee average fell by 91.5%, while the realized profit-to-loss ratio dropped to 0.38 from 50, according to Glassnode. 

The decline in activity and profitability comes as traders identify the $1.00-$0.65 region as a major area of interest.  

XRP profit-taking flips to network capitulation

According to Glassnode, the 90-day simple moving average of total fees paid on the XRP network has fallen to just 500 XRP from 5,900 XRP in February, a decline of 91.5%.

The network fees are often used as a proxy for transaction demand. The drop points to a sharp slowdown in activity following the speculative surge that carried XRP above $3 in the first half of 2025.

XRP total transaction fees. Source: Glassnode

XRP investor behavior has also shifted. Glassnode reported that XRP’s 90-day realized profit-to-loss ratio has fallen to 0.38, meaning market participants are realizing $1 in losses for every $0.38 in profits.

In January and July 2025, when the XRP price peaked near $3.40, the ratio reached 50 as profit-taking dominated the onchain flows. That balance has now reversed. This indicates that a larger share of onchain coins are being sold below their acquisition cost, a pattern commonly seen during capitulation phases.

XRP realized profit/loss ratio. Source: Glassnode

Exchange data offers a different view of holder activity. Crypto analyst Pelin Ay noted that transfers of more than 1 million XRP to Binance have declined since XRP’s 2025 peak. 

Historically, major corrections were preceded by sharp increases in both the 100,000–1 million XRP and 1 million-plus XRP inflow cohorts as large holders moved tokens to exchanges. 

The current data shows a sustained decline in exchange-bound XRP from large holders, with inflows from the 100,000–1 million XRP and 1 million-plus XRP cohorts decreasing by 15% and 20%, respectively, since October 2025. 

The analyst said the latest price weakness appears more closely tied to leverage-driven liquidations and risk-off sentiment than aggressive distribution by large holders.

XRP exchange inflows value bands on Binance. Source: CryptoQuant

Related: Arthur Hayes dumps WLD days after Maelstrom’s AI IPO pitch

$0.63 is the key area for accumulation

XRP’s weekly chart highlights a cluster of technical levels between $1.00 and $0.65.

A large fair value gap spans roughly $0.63 to $1.00, created during XRP’s rapid rally in late 2024. The price has already started moving back toward that zone after losing support near $1.40.

XRP/USDT, one-week chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The visible-range volume profile data shows relatively light trading activity below current levels until a high-volume node around $0.50–$0.65. The point of control, which marks the price area with the highest traded volume, sits near $0.52–$0.55.

The same region aligns with XRP’s five-year ascending trendline, projected to intersect near $0.60–$0.65 in the coming months.

Some traders are already treating the zone as an accumulation range. Trader Crypto Patel identified $1.00 to $0.60 as a preferred buying range, while market analyst Javon Marks maintained his long-term breakout target of $15–$18, representing a 1,100% increase. 

XRP long-term analysis by Javon Marks. Source: X

Related: ETH crash to $1K looms if key support breaks: Will futures traders step in?

TLDR:

Ethereum trades near $1,685 as analysts identify a potential long-term accumulation zone for investors.
Total staked ETH climbed to 39.28 million coins despite recent spot Ethereum ETF outflows.
Ethereum developers continue work on the Glamsterdam upgrade planned for Q3 2026 rollout.
ETH remains below key resistance, while support near $1,650 stays critical for price stability.

Ethereum is trading near a major support area after months of downward pressure. The asset remains below key resistance levels, yet rising staking participation and ongoing network development continue to draw attention from market participants.

Recent market data shows Ethereum trading at $1,684.76 as of writing. The asset remains in a broader downtrend, although technical indicators suggest it is approaching an area closely watched by long-term investors.

Source: Coingecko

Ethereum Price Tests Support While Staking Reaches New Highs

Ethereum has declined sharply since reaching its previous cycle peak near the $5,000 region. The weekly chart continues to show lower highs and lower lows, reflecting sustained selling pressure across the market.

Support currently sits between $1,650 and $1,700. A move below this area could expose Ethereum to further downside toward the $1,500 level. On the other hand, holding above support may allow Ethereum to stabilize in the near term.

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez recently shared his view on X, stating that Ethereum is entering what he considers one of the strongest long-term accumulation zones. His post focused on current price levels and broader market positioning as Ethereum trades near major support.

Technical indicators remain mixed. The Relative Strength Index stands at 31.67, placing Ethereum close to oversold territory.

At the same time, the MACD has turned negative again after a brief recovery attempt, suggesting bearish momentum remains present.

Trading activity also remains elevated. Weekly volume reached 169.383 billion, showing that market participants continue to actively reposition as Ethereum searches for stability.

Ethereum Development Roadmap Remains Active

While price action remains under pressure, Ethereum’s network activity continues to expand. Data shows total staked Ethereum has climbed to 39.28 million coins.

The increase comes as many holders choose to earn staking rewards while waiting for market conditions to improve.

Source: ValidatorQueue.com 

The growth in staking arrives despite recent outflows from United States spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds. During the week, ETF products recorded $40.85 million in net outflows, yet staking participation continued to move higher.

Ethereum developers are also preparing the upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade, expected during the third quarter of 2026. The update is designed to improve base-layer scaling and reduce execution costs across the network.

At the same time, discussions around Ethereum’s future direction continue. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently outlined a framework that places greater attention on privacy, censorship resistance, and security within the ecosystem.

Developers are also evaluating a proposed pERC-20 privacy token standard. The proposal would allow users to transfer assets without publicly revealing transaction amounts or account balances.

For now, Ethereum remains below major resistance levels between $2,000 and $2,500. Market participants continue to monitor whether Ethereum can defend current support while network growth and development efforts progress.

A recovery above key resistance areas would improve the technical outlook for Ethereum. Until then, Ethereum remains focused on holding support as investors assess both market conditions and long-term network growth.

BEAT, the native token of AI music platform Audiera, has exploded higher over the past month, surging more than 1,500% to a record high of $9.20 even as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) fell roughly 25% and 30%, respectively, in the same period.

BEAT/USD vs. BTC/USD and ETH/USD 1-month price performance. Source: TradingView

Key takeaways:

Strong platform revenues mixed with excessive short liquidations send BEAT’s price higher.The AI token is now at its most overbought stage, which may prompt a 35% dip in the coming days.

Why is Audiera’s BEAT price up so much?

BEAT’s sharp outperformance has turned it into one of crypto’s hottest AI-linked trades, driven by a mix of platform revenue claims, token burns, and short liquidations.

Audiera revenue and token burns strengthen BEAT bull case

BEAT’s rally has gained momentum from Audiera’s revenue-and-burn model, which has given traders a stronger value-capture story to chase.

The project reported 772,045 BEAT in weekly revenue between June 1 and June 8, worth about $2.87 million at its stated price of $3.712. During the same period, Audiera said it burned 770,545 BEAT, taking the total burned supply to 12.35 million BEAT.

Source: X

Burns reduce BEAT’s available or future supply against its fixed 1 billion-token cap, strengthening the scarcity narrative when demand is rising.

This resembles Hyperliquid’s HYPE token economics, which have seen 120% price gains so far in 2026.

Related: Hyperliquid bear turns bullish after losing over $46M shorting HYPE

However, Hyperliquid has already shown strong product-market fit in perpetual trading, while Audiera’s model remains newer and less tested. That leaves BEAT vulnerable to sharp profit-taking if revenue slows, burn activity weakens, or speculative demand cools.

Short squeeze helps fuel BEAT rally

BEAT’s rally has received a strong boost from derivatives liquidations, particularly from traders betting against higher prices.

Since May, BEAT has seen $28.72 million in short liquidations, compared with $13.74 million in long liquidations. That means bearish traders lost more than twice as much as bullish traders during the rally.

BEAT’s daily aggregated liquidation bar chart. Source: TradingView

This imbalance points to a classic short squeeze. As the BEAT price kept rising, traders holding short positions were forced to close their bets. Since closing a short position requires buying back the token, those liquidations added more upward pressure to the price.

That helped turn BEAT’s rally from a strong uptrend into a vertical move.

However, it also means part of the surge came from forced buying rather than steady spot demand. Once short-liquidation pressure fades, BEAT may need fresh buyers to keep the rally going.

BEAT price may decline 35% in June

BEAT’s price explosion over the past month has made its relative strength index (RSI), which gauges momentum, the most overbought on record.

As of Thursday, BEAT’s daily RSI reading was 96.87, way above its overbought threshold of 70. In other words, the Audiera token’s rally remains vulnerable to a sharp pullback if buyers lose momentum or early investors start booking profits.

BEAT/USDT daily price chart. Source: TradingView

A decisive pullback from the $9.47 resistance level, which aligns with the 1.618 Fibonacci retracement line, increases the odds of BEAT falling toward the 1.0 Fib line at around $3.71, down roughly 35% from the current price, in June.

Conversely, a clear breakout above the $9.47 resistance level raises BEAT’s potential to rise toward its 4.236 Fib line above the $15 mark in the coming weeks.

TLDR:

Nearly 3 million ETH is waiting to enter staking, creating an estimated 50-day validator queue.
Ethereum’s validator exit queue has dropped near zero, showing limited interest in unstaking ETH.
Bitmine added 125,000 ETH to its treasury as institutional accumulation remains in focus.
ETH faces resistance below $1,700 while traders monitor major liquidation zones on both sides.

Ethereum’s staking activity is showing continued participation despite recent price weakness. Validator exit demand has nearly disappeared, while millions of ETH are waiting to enter staking. The trend comes as Ethereum trades near $1,667 after a modest recovery from recent lows.

ETH has gained about 2% over the past 24 hours after touching local lows near $1,524. Even so, the asset remains under pressure and is down more than 21% during June. Market participants are also watching key liquidation zones and upcoming network developments.

Ethereum Staking Demand Continues to Rise

Ethereum staking data points to growing long-term participation across the network. The validator exit queue has fallen close to zero, meaning stakers can withdraw their ETH within minutes if they choose.

At the same time, demand to join the validator set continues to expand. Nearly 3 million ETH is currently waiting to enter staking. The backlog has pushed estimated waiting times to around 50 days for new participants.

A post shared by Ethereum Daily drew attention to the trend. The account noted that few validators are leaving the network while more participants continue seeking staking access.

The post stated that low exit activity combined with rising staking demand reflects continued confidence among ETH holders. The growing queue also suggests many investors remain willing to lock their assets despite recent market volatility.

Meanwhile, corporate accumulation has added another layer to market activity. Bitmine reportedly purchased 125,000 ETH in recent days, expanding its Ethereum treasury position.

Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee described the recent market decline as superficial. However, he also indicated that the company’s aggressive buying phase could be nearing its end.

Price Faces Resistance as Developers Prepare New Upgrades

Ethereum remains below the closely watched $1,700 level. The asset is also trading under its 50-day and 100-day exponential moving averages, keeping the broader trend under pressure.

Liquidation data from Coinglass shows large leveraged positions surrounding current price levels. A decline below $1,590 could trigger approximately $767 million in long liquidations.

Conversely, a move above $1,756 may force roughly $701 million in short liquidations. As a result, traders are closely monitoring both levels for potential volatility.

Analysts also continue watching support around $1,600. Failure to secure a daily close above that area could expose ETH to lower targets near $1,365.

Beyond price action, Ethereum developers are preparing the Glamsterdam upgrade scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The planned hard fork aims to improve scalability, optimize transaction routing, and reduce network data costs.

Development discussions are also advancing around the proposed Hegotá upgrade. Among the proposals under consideration is EIP-8182, which focuses on native privacy transfers.

At the foundation level, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently outlined a framework known as CROPS. The initiative focuses on censorship resistance, privacy, and security while supporting Ethereum’s long-term network goals.

As staking demand grows and development work progresses, market participants continue balancing network fundamentals against ongoing price pressure.

XRP (XRP) charts are painting multiple bearish patterns this month with a downside target under $1.

Key takeaways:

XRP is forming head-and-shoulders and bear flag setups on its shorter-time frame chart.An onchain metric is further signaling weak demand or capitulation sentiment among traders.

Head-and-shoulders setup hints at 10% XRP decline

Since June 5, the XRP price has formed what appears to be a head-and-shoulders (H&S) pattern.

The setup develops when the price forms three peaks atop a common neckline support, where the middle peak, called the “head,” is higher than the other two, the “shoulders.”

An H&S pattern typically resolves when the price breaks decisively below the neckline support, with its downside target measured by subtracting the breakdown level from the structure’s maximum height.

XRP/USD four-hour price chart. Source: TradingView

As of Thursday, XRP was forming the pattern’s right shoulder, eyeing an initial dip toward the neckline near $1.09.

Applying the technical rule, the target for June is around $0.99, down roughly 10%, if the price breaks below the neckline.

Conversely, a clear break above the right shoulder’s peak at around $1.12, a level also aligning with the 20-period exponential moving average (20-period EMA, green) on the four-hour chart, may invalidate the H&S pattern.

In that case, XRP may rally toward the 50-period EMA (red) near $1.15, up 4.5% from the current price levels.

Another bearish setup hints at a lower XRP price target

XRP’s four-hour chart also shows a bear flag, adding weight to the sub-$1 bearish outlook.

A bear flag forms when the price consolidates inside a rising channel after a sharp sell-off. It typically signals a pause before the prior downtrend resumes.

XRP/USD four-hour chart. Source: TradingView

As of Thursday, XRP was testing the flag’s lower trendline near $1.10. A decisive four-hour close below this level could confirm the breakdown.

Applying the technical rule, XRP’s bear flag target sits near $0.94, down roughly 15% from current prices.

The relative strength index (RSI) near 43 supports the bearish view, showing weak momentum below the neutral 50 level.

However, a rebound above $1.12 would weaken the setup. A stronger move above the 50-period EMA near $1.15 could delay the selloff and send XRP toward the flag’s upper trend line near $1.18–$1.20.

On-chain data points to dip toward $0.96

XRP’s MVRV pricing bands suggest the price still has room to fall toward the lower green zone.

XRP MVRV extreme deviation pricing bands. Source: Glassnode

For new traders, MVRV compares XRP’s market price with the average price at which coins last moved onchain. In simple terms, it shows whether holders are sitting on large paper profits or losses.

When price trades near the upper bands, the market is usually overheated. When it falls toward the lower bands, it often signals stress, weak demand, or capitulation.

Related: XRP transaction demand falls 91.5% as traders focus on $0.65 support

That lower green band has acted like a bear-market magnet for XRP in previous cycles. It declined toward or below the same zone during major downturns in 2018, 2020 and 2022 before finding stronger support later.

The next major downside target sits near the green lower band near $0.96, about 13% below current prices if history repeats.