Circle Internet Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NASDAQ">CRCL</a>) shares are moving higher Tuesday after the company applied for a national bank charter in a move that could have significant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46056731/circle-internet-group-stock-climbs-to-new-highs-whats-going-on">upside for the stock.</a>&nbsp;



Some of the benefits for Circle would include alignment with new federal regulatory requirements and oversight, strengthened infrastructure supporting its USDC (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) stablecoin.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Direct Federal Oversight and Regulatory Alignment</h3>



If the application is approved, Circle would become one of only two crypto firms (alongside Anchorage Digital) to hold a national trust bank license, distinguishing<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46165366/circle-stock-is-a-must-hold-says-bernstein-heres-why"> itself from competitors</a> as a federally regulated trust institution under the oversight of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.&nbsp;



It would also position Circle to comply with the newly passed GENIUS Act, which sets standards for the issuance and operation of dollar-backed stablecoins.&nbsp;



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46182769/what-happened-with-apple-stock-today?utm_source=articleShare">What Happened With Apple Stock Today?</a>



Circle's bid for a national bank charter isn't just another regulatory formality—it could mark a historic turning point in crypto's relationship with the U.S. financial system. If approved, Circle would become the first major stablecoin issuer to gain full federal oversight, opening the door for deeper integration with the traditional banking sector.



At a time when lawmakers are tightening the reins on digital assets, this move positions Circle's USDC as a potential gold standard for compliant, dollar-backed stablecoins—and could give the company a powerful edge over rivals still operating in legal gray zones.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengthened Infrastructure Supporting USDC</h3>



The bank charter would allow Circle to directly manage the reserves through a new entity, First National Digital Currency Bank, N.A.



It would also enable Circle to offer regulated digital asset custody services to institutional customers, potentially including custody of tokenized stocks, bonds and other assets.



"Establishing a national digital currency trust bank of this kind marks a significant milestone in our goal to build an internet financial system that is transparent, efficient and accessible," Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said in a statement shared with <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/30/stablecoin-issuer-circle-applies-for-a-national-bank-charter.html">CNBC</a>.&nbsp;



"By applying for a national trust charter, Circle is taking proactive steps to further strengthen our USDC infrastructure," Allaire said.&nbsp;



A national bank charter would solidify Circle's leadership in the stablecoin and digital asset infrastructure market and broaden its custody offerings, making it a more trusted and scalable partner for the world's leading financial institutions



Read Next:&nbsp;



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46199580/microsoft-rivian-intel-slash-jobs-in-june-tech-layoff-spree?utm_source=articleShare">Microsoft, Rivian, Intel Slash Jobs In June Tech Layoff Spree</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Circle's Bank Bid Could Be The Biggest Crypto Story Of The Year

Cryptocurrency markets saw modest declines as market sentiment turned cautious following the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46204187/palantir-stumbles-solar-stocks-rally-as-senate-approves-tax-bill-whats-moving-markets-tuesday">Senate's passage of the controversial Big Beautiful Bill</a>. The macro uncertainty combined with Bitcoin's ongoing range-bound technical structure is keeping momentum subdued.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$105,850.64</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$2,419.23</td></tr><tr><td>Solana</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td>$146.88</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$2.17</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.1583</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00001114</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 90.4% and daily active addresses growing by 32.1%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are up from 7,612 to 11,714 in a single day. Exchanges netflows expanded by 135.2%.</li>



<li>Coinglass data reports 91,656 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $223.72 million.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46190931/bitcoin-ethereum-could-soon-help-you-get-a-mortgage-now-cathie-woods-ark-invest-sees-12-trillion-opportunity-after-fhfa-move">Bitcoin, Ethereum Could Soon Help You Get A Mortgage Now — Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Invest Sees $12 Trillion Opportunity After FHFA Move</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46194028/bitcoin-to-hit-200000-in-2025-but-new-eth-sol-highs-remain-in-doubt-bitwise-says">Bitcoin To Hit $200,000 In 2025, But New ETH, SOL Highs Remain In Doubt, Bitwise Says</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46201788/public-companies-are-quietly-building-massive-bitcoin-treasuries-faster-than-etfs-can-keep-up">Public Companies Are Quietly Building Massive Bitcoin Treasuries Faster Than ETFs Can Keep Up</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46178713/new-bitcoin-backed-stablecoin-vaults-offer-yield-strategies-without-requiring-btc-sales">New Bitcoin-Backed Stablecoin Vaults Offer Yield Strategies Without Requiring BTC Sales</a></li>
</ul>



Top Losers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>SPX6900</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SPX</a>)</td><td>$1.11</td></tr><tr><td>Jito</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">JTO</a>)</td><td>$2.09</td></tr><tr><td>Dogwifhat</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">WIF</a>)</td><td>$0.7910</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: &nbsp;Crypto trader Jelle believes Bitcoin is currently testing the midpoint of a significant 8-year ascending channel. A confirmed breakout above the red dotted resistance line would mark a major technical shift and could invalidate prior bearish expectations, potentially setting the stage for an aggressive leg higher.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> still pushing into the midlevel of this 8-year-long channel. Break above the red dotted line, and all bets are off. &#x1f440;&#x1f680; <a href="https://t.co/WJS0xNU17N">pic.twitter.com/WJS0xNU17N</a>&mdash; Jelle (@CryptoJelleNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoJelleNL/status/1940047986865971512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Meanwhile, Byzantine General <a href="https://x.com/ByzGeneral/status/1940099582609780923">downplayed</a> fears around Bitcoin's recent drop, calling it a healthy liquidity sweep with strong volume and baseline-resetting funding rates. He sees a potential move to $104,000 as an optimal long entry, though a breakout rally could also launch from current levels.



CRG <a href="https://x.com/MacroCRG/status/1940116174743773362">noted</a> that the CME gap has been filled, but BTC has yet to show a strong bounce. It's sitting on a key support area but may dip further to run stops below the most recent swing low. However, there's also notable upside liquidity, and the 5-day inside bar high is acting like a magnet for price.



The consensus among these traders: early July dip buys may age well, though the exact bottom might still be slightly lower. The coming sessions could determine whether BTC confirms support or heads for one last sweep before lift-off.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46197054/bitcoin-enters-historically-weak-q3-with-mixed-feelings-report">Bitcoin Enters Historically Weak Q3 With Mixed Feelings: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Dip But 'Early July Dip Buys Will Age Well,' Trader Says

Gold has quietly pulled off a rare feat in 2025, beating Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) returns in the first half of the year by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gold">a double-digit margin. </a>



As of July 1, gold is up 26% year-to-date, marking its best half-year performance since 2007. Bitcoin has gained 13% over the same period.



Since Bitcoin's inception in 2009, gold has only outperformed it in three calendar years: 2014, 2018 and 2022. 



While each of those years saw triple-digit relative outperformance—125%, 285% and 178%—those gains came from steep Bitcoin selloffs, not explosive gold rallies.



With a 13% edge halfway through the year, could 2025 become the fourth year where gold decisively beats the world's top digital asset? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin Matures Amid Slower ETF Inflows</h2>



Bitcoin is emerging from a highly volatile and high-risk asset and showing signs of maturity in 2025.



During the tariff-driven selloff in early April, Bitcoin dropped by just 10%, holding up better than major equity benchmarks, such as the Nasdaq 100 and S&amp;P 500. 



"Bitcoin is shedding its punk status and moving into the mainstream," said Sumit Roy, senior analyst at ETF.com, in a recent note. He attributes this shift to declining price volatility and institutional adoption, especially through spot exchange-traded funds.



But with reduced volatility comes fewer explosive rallies.



Total inflows into iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>) – the world&#8217;s largest Bitcoin ETF in the first half of 2025 – were $15 billion. 



That's strong, but down from the $17.7 billion recorded in the same period last year. 



The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (CBOE: FBTC) – the second biggest Bitcoin ETF – drew just $285 million in new money versus $9.2 billion in the first half of 2024.



This is notable because recent political and regulatory developments have been overwhelmingly crypto-friendly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gold Takes The Lead As Dollar Crumbles</h2>



Investors appear to be taking a broader view, positioning gold as the clear winner in a weakening dollar environment.



The U.S. dollar just logged its worst half-year performance since 1991, with its trade-weighted value dropping more than 10% year to date.



Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, said President Donald Trump's ongoing attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are rattling currency markets and accelerating the dollar's decline. 



"There is method to President Donald Trump's madness regarding Powell," Yardeni said. "He's found a way to effectively hammer the foreign-exchange value of the dollar—by hammering Powell."



Trump, who has long favored a weaker dollar to boost exports, is reportedly pressuring Powell to resign so he can install a more dovish successor. 



Potential replacements include Fed Governor Christopher Waller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, both known for advocating quicker rate cuts.



As real yields fall and the dollar erodes, gold has now soared to $3,360 per ounce. Yardeni sees more upside ahead, targeting $4,000 by year-end—a gain of nearly 20% from current levels.



Wall Street, take notice: the original store of value is back in the spotlight.



Read now: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46194043/apple-stock-analysis-july-sp500-seasonality">Apple Stock Had A Nightmare Year — But It May Be Nearing A Turning Point</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Gold Rarely Beats Bitcoin, But 2025 Could Be Another Blowout Year

The first half of 2025 has wrapped up with only a select few crypto assets posting meaningful gains, highlighting how fragmented and uneven the market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction">has been this year</a>.



What Happened: Despite maintaining a total market capitalization above $3 trillion for much of the period, the rally wasn't led by usual suspects like Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>), or XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>).



Instead, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and meme sensation Fartcoin (CRYPTO: FARTCOIN) managed to outperform many legacy names, securing spots in the top 20 gainers list, with 14% and 15% returns, respectively.



XRP also held ground with modest 5% gains.



By contrast, Ethereum traded mostly sideways, and Solana posted one of the steepest losses among major assets, down 22% YTD, despite commanding the largest share of trading volume across crypto markets.



Market Context



The Crypto Fear and Greed Index swung widely in first half.



It hit a low of 15 (extreme fear) on March 11, and a high of 76 (extreme greed) on May 23. 



As of late June, sentiment sits at neutral (50), mirroring Bitcoin's own price action, which has been stuck in a tight range between $100,000 and $110,000.



Despite the stagnation, Bitcoin dominance peaked at 65.1% on June 27, while Ethereum's dominance held at 8.9%. 



Bitcoin's dominance staying above 55% throughout the first six months signals ongoing capital preference toward BTC over altcoins.



Token creation also surged to record levels, with 184,087 new tokens launched in a single day on April 17, contributing to an oversupplied, speculative environment.



Top Performers



None of the top 5 performing tokens were major coins, altcoins, or even top-tier meme coins. Instead:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Four, a BinaryX ecosystem token, led the board.</li>



<li>Maple Finance, a DeFi lending token, placed second.</li>



<li>Monero and Hyperliquid rounded out the major gainers with strong privacy and infrastructure-based narratives.</li>
</ul>



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46172312/bitcoins-perfect-storm-could-extend-bull-run-into-2026-report">Bitcoin&#8217;s &#8216;Perfect Storm&#8217; Could Extend Bull Run Into 2026: Report</a>



What's Next: According to Daan Crypto Trades, Q3 historically <a href="https://x.com/DaanCrypto/status/1940002949666869559">brings</a> weaker performance, especially for Bitcoin and Ethereum, as summer months tend to be marked by lower trading activity and thin liquidity. 



However, such quieter periods often incubate new narratives, making them worth watching closely.



Degengambleeh <a href="https://x.com/degengambleh/status/1940008388135694358">noted</a> that this phase of stagnation might be setting the foundation for crypto's next major move.



Optimism around a potential XRP ETF approval is keeping traders engaged. InvestingHaven <a href="https://x.com/InvestingHaven/status/1940035158452711451">highlighted</a> that XRP is forming a cup-and-handle pattern above $1.81, pointing toward a breakout potential tied to Bitcoin's next move.



Lastly, meme-favourite Fartcoin has drawn bullish attention from Bluntz Capital, who <a href="https://x.com/Bluntz_Capital/status/1939820996522918027">sees</a> a clean macro structure forming: an impulsive move up from the lows, followed by a textbook ABC correction, now possibly entering Wave 3, typically the strongest leg in an Elliott Wave cycle.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46197054/bitcoin-enters-historically-weak-q3-with-mixed-feelings-report">Bitcoin Enters Historically Weak Q3 With Mixed Feelings: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin, Fartcoin Outperform In 2025, But How Did XRP, ETH, Solana Fare In The First 6 Months?

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/solana-price-prediction">A potential momentum shift</a> in the cryptocurrency market has been observed, with renewed strength emerging in Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) and related ecosystem tokens.



The trend has been highlighted by pseudonymous analyst Bluntz, who <a href="https://x.com/Bluntz_Capital/status/1939092649061052646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1939092649061052646%7Ctwgr%5Ee974f76dc786927b9e2ad62a4f5fd98a84efd2e8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.cryptonomist.ch%2F2025%2F06%2F29%2Fsolana-price-breaks-resistance-as-sec-says-sol-staking-etf-ready-to-launch%2F">noted</a> on Tuesday that key technical breakouts may set the stage for a positive week ahead.



Solana's recent price movement has attracted particular attention, as it appears to have broken a sustained downtrend. 



Altcoins linked to the Solana ecosystem have also shown signs of recovery.



"We're back, baby," Bluntz said in a post, after describing Solana's overnight breakout and strengthening performance across its ecosystem. "Nice downtrend break on SOL overnight, I think we're in for a good week."



In addition to Solana, Bluntz pointed to PENGU (CRYPTO: PENGU), a smaller altcoin, which experienced what he called a "monster breakout" overnight. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46201788/public-companies-are-quietly-building-massive-bitcoin-treasuries-faster-than-etfs-can-keep-up">Public Companies Are Quietly Building Massive Bitcoin Treasuries Faster Than ETFs Can Keep Up</a>



The analyst suggested that PENGU's chart indicates the potential for further gains, describing it as a standout asset that has yet to fully establish its price discovery phase. 



At the time, PENGU was trading at around $0.014, with Bluntz's chart implying a potential target of $0.025.



Bluntz also shared a Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) Dominance chart, suggesting that Bitcoin's share of the total crypto market capitalization could be facing pressure. 



Without providing additional commentary, Bluntz presented the chart, which appeared to show signs of a bearish divergence on the three-day timeframe, a pattern often associated with declining Bitcoin dominance and relative strength in altcoins.



A decrease in Bitcoin dominance typically signals a rotation into altcoins, as traders begin favoring assets with the potential for higher short-term gains.



The observations come as several Solana-based tokens and altcoins have started to show renewed market interest, possibly indicating a near-term shift in crypto trading dynamics.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46194028/bitcoin-to-hit-200000-in-2025-but-new-eth-sol-highs-remain-in-doubt-bitwise-says">Bitcoin To Hit $200,000 In 2025, But New ETH, SOL Highs Remain In Doubt, Bitwise Says</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

'We're Back, Baby': Solana Analyst Highlights Breakout, But This Bitcoin Metric May Be At Risk

Bitcoin's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) price may continue to stay within its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction">current trading range</a> despite rising institutional interest and significant ETF inflows, according to Michael Bucella, managing partner at Neoclassic Capital.



In an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j09LmitdAL4">interview</a> with CNBC on Tuesday, Bucella explained that although demand for Bitcoin is strong, structural factors are preventing further price movement.



&#8220;ETF inflows have been enormous, I think $4 billion in June alone,&#8221; Bucella said, highlighting the surge of institutional capital entering Bitcoin through regulated products. 



However, he pointed out that this demand is not directly translating into higher prices.



Bucella said that some investors are rotating out of Bitcoin spot positions and into crypto-related equities like Coinbase (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), Circle (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>), and Bitcoin treasury companies, shifting how they gain exposure to the asset class. 



&#8220;There&#8217;s people replacing Bitcoin spot risk with Circle or Coinbase or treasury companies,&#8221; he noted.



One of the key supply-side pressures, according to Bucella, comes from Bitcoin miners who are now operating on increasingly narrow margins. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46174956/solana-etf-approval-imminent-as-odds-skyrocket-to-97">Solana ETF Approval Imminent As Odds Skyrocket To 97%</a>



&#8220;If you don&#8217;t have highly credible, high top assets with great operating teams to pivot to at least attempt to get an AI contract or a hyperscaler contract, you have to sort of run these sometimes loss operating models,&#8221; Bucella said. 



He added that this is leading some miners to sell Bitcoin to sustain their operations.



Despite Bitcoin&#8217;s year-to-date gains of approximately 15%, Bucella noted that the asset's performance has not aligned with the strength seen in broader equity markets. 



&#8220;It is a bit surprising to have seen the price of Bitcoin stay stuck in this sort of range,&#8221; he said.



Why It Matters: Bucella also commented on Bitcoin's behavior during recent geopolitical tensions.



During the Israel-Iran conflict escalation, Bitcoin sold off, showing that it continues to behave like a risk asset rather than acting as a defensive hedge. 



&#8220;If it&#8217;s not going to [act like digital gold], to me, its most valuable kind of selling point is when it acts like digital gold,&#8221; Bucella said.



Looking at the broader market, Bucella observed that demand remains strong for Bitcoin treasury companies, but smaller firms may need to develop more diversified models beyond simply holding Bitcoin to remain attractive to investors.



He also commented on Circle's valuation surge following its IPO, suggesting that the company's potential to reshape payment systems, rather than simply its stablecoin issuance, may be what investors are focusing on. 



&#8220;What Circle represents is potentially destabilizing the traditional payments and traditional capital markets rails,&#8221; Bucella said.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46173137/the-investment-rule-ric-edelman-just-threw-out-and-what-he-replaced-it-with">The Investment Rule Ric Edelman Just Threw Out—And What He Replaced It With</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Why Bitcoin Is Trapped In A Range Despite Record ETF, Treasury Company Flows

Public companies continued to expand their Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holdings at a faster pace than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-spot-bitcoin-etfs">exchange-traded funds</a> (ETFs) for the third consecutive quarter, signaling a growing corporate interest in holding Bitcoin directly.



What Happened: Data from Bitcoin Treasuries shows that public companies acquired approximately 131,000 BTC in the second quarter of 2025, marking an 18% increase in their total Bitcoin holdings, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/01/public-companies-bought-more-bitcoin-than-etfs-did-for-the-third-quarter-in-a-row.html">according</a> to CNBC.



By comparison, ETFs added around 111,000 BTC during the same period, reflecting an 8% rise.



Analysts note that corporate Bitcoin buyers are often motivated by a different set of priorities than institutional ETF investors. 



According to Nick Marie, head of research at Ecoinometrics, while ETF investors seek exposure to Bitcoin's price movements, companies acquiring Bitcoin for their treasuries are focused on long-term accumulation to enhance shareholder value.



Marie highlighted that corporate Bitcoin holdings grew 4% in April, despite market volatility triggered by President Donald Trump's tariff announcements.



ETFs, by contrast, saw only a 2% increase during the same period. 



He added that for these companies, the price of Bitcoin is not the primary driver, what matters is building substantial reserves that appeal to indirect Bitcoin investors.



ETFs remain the largest single holders of Bitcoin, with combined assets exceeding 1.4 million BTC, accounting for roughly 6.8% of the cryptocurrency's fixed supply. 



Public companies currently hold about 855,000 BTC, or 4% of total supply.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46194028/bitcoin-to-hit-200000-in-2025-but-new-eth-sol-highs-remain-in-doubt-bitwise-says">Bitcoin To Hit $200,000 In 2025, But New ETH, SOL Highs Remain In Doubt, Bitwise Says</a>



Why It Matters: The shift in buying patterns comes amid a more favorable regulatory climate for crypto under the Trump administration. 



In March, President Trump signed an executive order establishing a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, a move widely seen as solidifying Bitcoin's place in the financial system. 



The last time ETFs outpaced corporate treasuries in Bitcoin accumulation was in the third quarter of 2024.



Several notable companies joined the Bitcoin treasury trend in the second quarter. 



GameStop (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) approved Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset in March. 



KindlyMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NAKAW#NASDAQ">NAKAW</a>), a healthcare firm, merged with Nakamoto, a Bitcoin investment company founded by David Bailey. 



ProCap (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCAPU#NASDAQ">PCAPU</a>), led by investor Anthony Pompliano, began purchasing Bitcoin and is preparing to go public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).



Strategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), formerly known as MicroStrategy, remains the largest corporate Bitcoin holder with about 597,000 BTC. Bitcoin miner Mara Holdings is the second-largest, holding close to 50,000 BTC. 



Ben Werkman, chief investment officer at Swan Bitcoin, said Strategy's scale will be difficult for other companies to match, particularly given the liquidity surrounding its stock. 



Smaller Bitcoin treasury companies, however, could offer attractive risk-reward opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on earlier growth phases.



Marie suggested the number of companies following the Bitcoin treasury strategy could decline over the next decade. 



He explained that as more firms adopt this approach, the unique appeal may diminish, especially if Bitcoin becomes more accessible to traditional investors without the need for intermediaries.



Werkman noted that Bitcoin treasury companies offer a distinct advantage for investors seeking to outperform Bitcoin's price: the ability to leverage capital markets to accumulate additional Bitcoin. 



He also pointed out that some companies may eventually convert their treasury holdings to Bitcoin without adopting the aggressive, leveraged strategy that has defined Strategy's approach.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46178713/new-bitcoin-backed-stablecoin-vaults-offer-yield-strategies-without-requiring-btc-sales">New Bitcoin-Backed Stablecoin Vaults Offer Yield Strategies Without Requiring BTC Sales</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Public Companies Are Quietly Building Massive Bitcoin Treasuries Faster Than ETFs Can Keep Up

Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has reiterated threats to form a new &#8220;America Party,&#8221; as his public feud with President Donald Trump over the &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46165307/us-credit-rating-would-fall-if-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-is-approved-says-thomas-massie-heres-what-it-means-for-americans">Big Beautiful Bill</a>&#8221; continues to gather steam.



What Happened: The calls for a new U.S. political party gained momentum on July 1 after Musk sharply criticized President Trump's proposed bull, a federal spending package Musk labeled a "disgusting abomination" due to its tax breaks and cuts to essential programs like healthcare and food assistance.



In a viral <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1939806847504105683">post</a> on X, Musk declared: "If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day." 



Crypto influencer The Bitcoin Therapist quipped in response, "Time to buy more Bitcoin. He who gets the most BTC wins."



The backlash was swift and widespread. Musk&#8217;s remarks fueled speculation, and within hours, Polymarket <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/will-elon-musk-create-a-new-political-party-by?tid=1751371533284">odds</a> of him launching a political party by December 31, 2025 jumped from 11% to 44%.



Earlier in the day, odds of forming a party within one day of the bill's passage had touched 50%, though later <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/elon-forms-a-new-party-within-1-day-of-the-spending-bill-passing?tid=1751371583078">settled</a> at 21%.



Building Momentum



Musk has increasingly positioned himself as politically independent. 



In a June 5 <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930685402631053403">poll</a> on X, he asked: "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?"



The result: 80% voted yes. Musk replied, "The people have spoken. A new political party is needed."



While the billionaire has not taken formal steps toward party formation, his frustration with both major parties, particularly the GOP, has intensified. 



Once Trump's largest individual donor in 2024, contributing over $275 million, Musk's relationship with the former president fractured after he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45661836/tesla-stock-gains-215-after-hours-as-elon-musk-ends-doge-government-role">resigned from his co-chair role</a> in the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) in May 2025, citing clashes over economic policy.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46187311/trump-says-elon-musk-would-close-up-shop-and-head-back-home-to-south-africa-without-subsidies-no-more-rocket-launches-satellites-or-electric-car">Trump Says Elon Musk Would &#8216;Close Up Shop And Head Back Home To South Africa&#8217; Without Subsidies: &#8216;No More Rocket Launches, Satellites, Or Electric Car&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters:  Despite his immense wealth and platform control, especially his ownership of X, analysts warn that creating a successful third party remains an uphill battle. 



The U.S. electoral system strongly favors the two-party structure through ballot access restrictions and first-past-the-post voting mechanics.



History offers a cautionary tale: even Ross Perot's 1992 campaign, backed by substantial funding and national media attention, failed to establish a lasting third-party presence despite capturing 19% of the vote.



Musk, however, offers a unique mix of capital, cultural influence, and a massive online following. 



Whether that can translate into electoral viability remains uncertain—but his growing political ambitions are drawing increasing attention.



What's Next: President Trump responded to Musk&#8217;s threats on Tuesday morning by announcing that &#8216;DOGE&#8217; may &#8220;look into&#8221; the billionaire&#8217;s businesses. TSLA is down over 5% on the day at the time of writing. 



The fate of Trump's spending bill remains in limbo, with the Senate still debating its provisions.



If it fails, Musk's urgency may cool. But his dissatisfaction with both Democrats and Republicans, and clear desire to rally America's political "middle", suggests this won't be the last time we hear calls for the "America Party."



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46186733/elon-musk-staging-a-political-comeback-tesla-ceo-sparks-america-party-buzz-as-he-slams-trumps-insane-spending-bill">Elon Musk Staging A Political Comeback? Tesla CEO Sparks &#8216;America Party&#8217; Buzz As He Slams Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Insane Spending Bill&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Slams Donald Trump's 'Insane Spending Bill' As Polymarket Odds Of  'America Party' Launch Surge

Stablecoins were designed to bridge the gap between crypto and fiat, offering price stability in an otherwise volatile market. Over the past decade, they've become essential tools for traders, remittance users, and crypto-native communities. But the next chapter of their evolution isn't about us. It's about machines.



As autonomous agents and AI systems begin transacting on-chain, performing tasks, settling bills, and managing smart contracts, the limitations of today's stablecoins are becoming more apparent. If we continue designing stablecoins exclusively for human use, we risk locking the future of programmable finance into outdated constraints.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Today's stablecoins weren't built for autonomy</h3>



Most stablecoins in circulation today, such as USDC and USDT, are fiat-backed and centrally issued. While this has helped with mainstream adoption, it also anchors them to legacy systems—custodial reserves, regulatory chokepoints, and centralized freeze controls.



These constraints may suit traditional finance, but they're misaligned with the emerging reality of machine-to-machine (M2M) commerce. AI agents don't have bank accounts. They don't sleep. They operate in global, decentralized environments that require 24/7 access to liquid, programmable money. And they need it without relying on any human in the loop.



Even some of the newer algorithmic stablecoins have stumbled. When stability mechanisms are too complex or poorly collateralized, as seen in Terra's UST collapse, it can trigger cascading failures across ecosystems. That kind of fragility is unacceptable in autonomous systems where reliability must be engineered from the start.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why machines need their own kind of money</h3>



Machine agents, whether in compute marketplaces, decentralized finance systems, or AI networks, demand a different class of stable assets. These assets must be censorship-resistant, so transactions aren't frozen unexpectedly; fully on-chain, so no off-chain issuer can break the logic, so they can interact directly with smart contracts. 



In short, the ideal currency for machines should function like an operating system primitive, trustless, programmable, and always available.



Decentralized AI marketplaces, such as those for compute and data sharing, are already operational. Autonomous agents are being trained to perform increasingly complex economic functions on-chain. And as the AI economy is estimated to surpass&nbsp; $236 billion by 2034, the need for machine-native financial rails will only grow.



The U.S. is right to pursue clarity with new bills like the GENIUS Act, but it's also playing it safe. It's creating the regulatory equivalent of a global banking app: simple, slow, and risk-averse. There's little room in that system for experimenting with programmable money or issuing decentralized, project-backed stable assets.



That's a missed opportunity. AI ecosystems are economic engines. When a decentralized project mints its own stablecoin, backed by its native token, it creates a flywheel. Users get a stable medium of exchange. The project avoids selling its token to pay expenses. The value stays in the system.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A new era of ecosystem-aligned stablecoins</h3>



There's growing interest in what could be called AI-native stablecoins, tokens designed from the ground up to support the workflows of autonomous systems. These assets are often backed by decentralized collateral, issued via smart contracts, and integrated directly into protocol-level operations.



This model transforms M2M payments into economic feedback loops. For instance, when a decentralized network issues its own stablecoin backed by its native token, it keeps value circulating internally. Contributors can be paid in stable assets. Token sell pressure decreases. The system becomes more sustainable.



It's not about replacing fiat entirely, but about unlocking a new category of programmable money that can power next-gen use cases: autonomous service provisioning, distributed compute markets, agent-to-agent data licensing, and beyond.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Let machines have their money</h3>



The stablecoin space has matured rapidly. But its design assumptions still orbit around human behavior, human oversight, and human needs. As we transition into a world where agents act independently—on our behalf or their own—we need to rethink those assumptions.



The future of finance isn't just peer-to-peer. It's also machine-to-machine. And if we want to keep up, we'll need stablecoins that machines can trust, use, and scale with.

Why The Future Of Stablecoins Isn't Just For Humans

A data-driven report by Outset PR, analyzing crypto-native traffic trends across Western Europe&#8217;s thematic media—as well as finance, tech, and general news ecosystems



Crypto interest across Western Europe remains on an upward trend. In 2024 alone, the region's Web3 sector attracted more than €2.1 billion in funding, accounting for 21% of global crypto investment. Yet the media landscape that supports this interest is facing serious headwinds. As the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation began its soft rollout and Google launched its March core algorithm update, many crypto-focused publishers were penalized — not for lack of relevance, but for unclear disclaimers, SEO fragility, and regulatory ambiguity around content.



Building on Outset PR's earlier <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/06/45812539/crypto-media-traffic-collapsed-in-latam-despite-rising-adoption-q1-analysis-finds">analysis</a> of crypto media trends in Latin America, we turned our focus to Western Europe — <a href="https://www.outsetpr.io/blog/q1-2025-data-says-82-of-crypto-media-declined-in-mica-era-western-europe-generalist-sites-stayed-resilient---outset-report">analyzing</a> the Q1 2025 performance of 133 crypto-covering outlets. What we found was telling: 82% of crypto-native publications saw traffic decline. We observed the beginning of a structural realignment — one where mainstream and finance-first platforms outperformed, powered by stronger domain authority, broader editorial range, and a faster shift toward compliance.



This matters far beyond communication circles — because the way crypto stories are told, discovered, or hidden affects how people invest, innovate, and engage with the digital economy.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Adoption Trends Across Western Europe</h2>



According to the "Adoption of Crypto-assets in France and Europe 2024" report by Adan, Deloitte, and Ipsos, interest in cryptocurrencies across Western Europe is both broadening and deepening, driven by a desire for innovation in payments, digital identity, and decentralized finance.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Italy leads the region, with 37% of the population expressing active interest in crypto.</li>



<li>In France, ownership has stabilized at 10%, but intent is rising fast: 33% plan to acquire digital assets in 2025.</li>



<li>The UK, Netherlands, and Belgium show steady growth, with adoption ranging from 17% to 19%.</li>



<li>Younger demographics dominate crypto ownership. In France, for example, 61% of crypto holders are under 35, and 60% are employed full-time.</li>



<li>Interest extends beyond tokens: 31% of French respondents are curious about blockchain-based payment apps, and 26% about decentralized ID solutions. Institutional acceptance is also growing, with major fintech platforms expanding access to crypto products across the region — a clear signal of normalization and integration into mainstream financial services.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Methodology</h2>



Outset PR's <a href="https://www.outsetpr.io/blog/q1-2025-data-says-82-of-crypto-media-declined-in-mica-era-western-europe-generalist-sites-stayed-resilient---outset-report">report</a> is based on SimilarWeb web and mobile traffic data tracking 133 active media platforms in Western Europe during January-March 2025, with the sites filtered for their consistent publishing and strong regional audiences.&nbsp;



The sample includes:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>87 crypto-native publications, ranging from niche newsrooms to top-tier content hubs</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>46 broader outlets — spanning finance, tech, and general media — that maintain dedicated crypto coverage sections</li>
</ul>



All selected outlets had consistent data across the quarter and predominantly Western European audiences, representing a statistically significant snapshot of the region's crypto-focused media ecosystem.



We calculated their average reach for the quarter, and how much their visibility changed. To better understand discoverability, we also identified which sites appeared in Google Discover based on a combination of SimilarWeb data, Ahrefs insights, and our own internal checks.



From there, we looked at how recent changes — like the early MiCA enforcement, market volatility, search algorithm updates, and stricter content rules — affected how visible these outlets were and how many people they reached.&nbsp;



Key dynamics we observed:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Precautionary compliance measures are already underway, even ahead of MiCA's full rollout</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Country-specific enforcement and legal nuances are fragmenting crypto visibility across markets</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Non-crypto-native platforms remained more resilient — dominating reach and sidestepping many of the SEO and regulatory pressures affecting crypto-first outlets</li>
</ul>



This layered methodology allowed us not just to measure media performance, but to understand why visibility is shifting — and what that means for the future of crypto narratives in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Triple Shock That Hit Crypto Media in Q1&nbsp;</h2>



Three disruptive forces converged during the first quarter of 2025:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>MiCA's early enforcement began reshaping how crypto content must be presented to meet new compliance standards. </li>



<li>Google's March core algorithm update penalized thin or repetitive content — disproportionately affecting smaller, crypto-native sites with limited SEO resources. </li>



<li>Market volatility, driven by geopolitical tensions and shifting policies, weakened casual search interest and made general readers more cautious.</li>
</ul>



Many crypto-focused publications were unprepared for these changes. Lacking the legal language, structural clarity, or compliance features now expected in regulated search environments, they struggled to maintain visibility. This challenge became especially acute as MiCA's interpretation of what constitutes promotional content continued to evolve.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Combined, these forces triggered a pullback in total crypto-native traffic — from 26.57 million visits in January to 22.85 million in February, and further down to 22.22 million by March — a cumulative decline of 16.3% over the quarter. The downturn was widespread, with 82% of publications in the dataset experiencing losses.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf6zWKr-fGeum7LQLGaRajRPO4XKpEl_UvE4TdGvngFzRMaxSBTLTGfjaLBYWjLQVidy84facoIheulnFi3sjMO29N0QRFhS9O7HYyzQyK0-Bx9c_Fynca7MXHZn-YVuUFJDVs6eA?key=xURQMNPHJ01gikXOZydUQw" alt=""/></figure>



Traffic Dynamics Across Western Europe's Crypto Media, Q1 2025. Source: Outset PR analysis, based on SimilarWeb data



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Media Faced a Fragmented Downturn&nbsp;</h2>



The impact of Q1's disruption varied widely across Western Europe. Italy faced the sharpest collapse, with crypto media traffic falling by nearly 30%. Widespread penalties and a lack of compliant infrastructure left most outlets struggling to recover. Spain followed a similar pattern: SEO losses compounded by advertising restrictions, and by March, only one crypto-native outlet showed signs of regaining visibility. In Germany, traffic dropped by around 22% as BaFin tightened pressure on crypto communications and disclaimers.



Elsewhere, the disruption was less severe but still visible. France experienced a moderate decline — around 17% — as the AMF focused on transparency, prompting uneven adaptation across outlets. The Netherlands, despite facing no direct regulatory crackdown, saw a 15% traffic dip, mainly due to Google's algorithm changes impacting its SEO-dependent media environment. Even in the UK, which operates outside the MiCA framework, crypto-related traffic fell by 13%, driven by FCA compliance expectations and search discoverability issues.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Generalist Sites Stayed Resilient</h2>



In contrast, general finance and tech outlets with crypto sections weathered the storm well. Of the 46 non-crypto-only sites analyzed, 54% saw traffic increase. In total, these non-crypto-exclusive sites generated more than 106 million visits in Q1 — over four times the reach of their crypto-dedicated counterparts.&nbsp;



More than half recorded growth, thanks to stronger domain authority, diversified content, and lower reliance on volatile crypto cycles.&nbsp;



Traditional finance portals outperformed crypto-native sites by wide margins in several countries, especially in Spain and Italy, often drawing millions of monthly readers. This reflects a broader trend: institutional narratives are gaining ground while niche crypto coverage remains fragile. One illustrative case was Benzinga's Spanish edition, which saw triple-digit growth — underscoring how finance-first platforms with crypto sections have proven more adaptable in this shifting landscape.



This trend was echoed in Germany, where top-tier outlets like Finanzen.net and Stock3 posted stable performance — illustrating that well-established financial media could absorb regulatory turbulence and algorithm updates far more effectively.&nbsp;



<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="624" height="473" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcahx8WTx4JZz5Y2iIa8KDkk3VBuDG_l4Z_L5qB9h0c6-LIHRNibHq8L2aI4GRoe_IcYqvkVMboIaP0KmLWcmXZw3FX1pAdQzq8Imj9cPu8ZtJmQKaGlXouLdnkOaFP0DBytlsIww?key=xURQMNPHJ01gikXOZydUQw">



Western Europe's Generalist Media Performance, Q1 2025. Source: Outset PR analysis, based on SimilarWeb data



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Takeaway</h2>



The data tells a clear story: in Q1 2025, crypto media in Western Europe entered a period of realignment. As MiCA enforcement took hold and search algorithms evolved, 82% of crypto-native outlets saw their visibility shrink — not due to falling interest, but because staying discoverable now demands more structure, transparency, and regulatory readiness. Only the platforms that adapted were able to pull ahead.



This shift also reflects a broader transformation, where visibility isn't automatic — it's earned through trust, clarity, and the ability to evolve in today's digital landscape. Those who meet this moment with purpose and resilience will lead the next chapter in how crypto is accessed, understood, and embraced.

Crypto Media Falters In Western Europe, While Legacy News Outlets Stay Resilient Amid MiCA, Search Shift

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) has remained range-bound since early May, and analysts expect this trend to persist in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction">the upcoming quarter.</a>



What Happened: Bitfinex highlighted in its latest <a href="https://blog.bitfinex.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Bitfinex-Alpha-161.pdf">Bitfinex Alpha report</a> that Bitcoin is consolidating between $100,000 and $110,000, following a 50% rally from April lows near $74,634. 



This is the first major slowdown in momentum since that surge began.



Bitcoin briefly tested critical support at $99,830 last week amid escalating Middle East tensions, triggering significant liquidations on both sides. 



The selloff resulted in $58.6 million in long liquidations and $65.2 million in short liquidations within 24 hours, while futures open interest dropped over 7% as leveraged positions were cleared out.



Key on-chain indicators show a decline in spot volumes, lower taker buy pressure, and increased profit-taking, especially from short-term holders, all signaling a local top or extended consolidation.



Despite the slowdown, Bitcoin's macro structure remains intact. 



Strong support between $94,000 and $99,000 continues to hold.



The key technical level to watch remains Bitcoin&#8217;s short-term holder realized price around $98,700, which &#8220;has acted as a key structural level, successfully acting as support with dip buyers accumulating Bitcoin there,&#8221; according to the report. 



This level represents the cost basis for holders over the last 155 trading days and has served as both support and resistance throughout the current bull cycle.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46172312/bitcoins-perfect-storm-could-extend-bull-run-into-2026-report">Bitcoin&#8217;s &#8216;Perfect Storm&#8217; Could Extend Bull Run Into 2026: Report</a>



What's Next: Bitfinex notes Q3 is historically Bitcoin's weakest quarter, averaging just 6.03% returns, significantly lower than 27.12% in Q2, and is often marked by lower volatility. 



This seasonal pattern, coupled with the current technical setup, supports the outlook for continued sideways price action unless disrupted by a major macroeconomic event or ETF-driven catalyst.



Recent volatility in the futures market has caused liquidations on both sides, with BTC-denominated open interest falling 7.2%. 



This de-leveraging flush likely reset speculative positioning, paving the way for more structurally sound accumulation in the weeks ahead.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46168111/bitcoin-options-traders-shift-bullish-heres-their-strategy-for-q3">Bitcoin Options Traders Shift Bullish: Here&#8217;s Their Strategy For Q3</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Enters Historically Weak Q3 With Mixed Feelings: Report

Bitwise Asset Management says Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), and Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) are expected to reach new all-time highs in 2025, with Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction">projected to trade above $200,000</a>.



The prediction, <a href="https://experts.bitwiseinvestments.com/cio-memos/mid-year-scorecard-bitwises-2025-predictions">shared</a> in Bitwise's mid-year forecast review, reflects the firm's continued confidence in rising institutional demand and favorable market conditions for the second half of the year.



Bitcoin has already set a new record this year, briefly hitting $112,000 in May, driven by strong flows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, the establishment of a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve and corporate treasury demand.



However, Ethereum and Solana have declined year-to-date, with macroeconomic uncertainty limiting broader crypto market momentum so far.



Bitwise said it remains committed to its call that Bitcoin will exceed $200,000 by year-end, citing surging institutional interest, improved policy signals from Washington, and strengthening stablecoin demand as key drivers. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46178713/new-bitcoin-backed-stablecoin-vaults-offer-yield-strategies-without-requiring-btc-sales">New Bitcoin-Backed Stablecoin Vaults Offer Yield Strategies Without Requiring BTC Sales</a>



The firm said it is less certain about Ethereum and Solana reaching new highs but acknowledged potential catalysts in the growing use of crypto treasury solutions and expected ETF approvals.



The forecast is part of a set of ten predictions Bitwise made for 2025, which also included expectations for increased Bitcoin ETF inflows, more crypto IPOs, and rising adoption of tokenized real-world assets.



While some predictions remain uncertain, Bitwise confirmed that Coinbase's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) entry into the S&amp;P 500 and Strategy's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 have already materialized, signaling deeper crypto integration into mainstream financial indices.



Bitwise said it expects the pace of crypto ETF inflows to accelerate in the second half of the year as major wealth management platforms in the U.S. begin offering Bitcoin ETF access to a broader range of clients.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46174956/solana-etf-approval-imminent-as-odds-skyrocket-to-97">Solana ETF Approval Imminent As Odds Skyrocket To 97%</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence with Midjourney.

Bitcoin To Hit $200,000 In 2025, But New ETH, SOL Highs Remain In Doubt, Bitwise Says

Cryptocurrency markets are trading slightly down on Tuesday as spot ETF inflows ease after a 15-day streak and Bitcoin continues to consolidate below the $107,000 level, reflecting short-term indecision despite broader bullish sentiment.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$106,425.08</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$2,455.16</td></tr><tr><td>Solana</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td>$149.03</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$2.19</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.1610</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00001126</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows Bitcoin and Ethereum large transaction volume increased by 90.4% and 114.4%, respectively. Daily active addresses for BTC rose 32.1% while ETH saw a 9.1% drop.</li>



<li>Coinglass data shows 84,056 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $199.23 million.</li>



<li>SoSoValue data shows net inflows of $102.1 million into spot Bitcoin ETFs on Monday, while spot Ethereum ETFs saw net outflows of $31.8 million.</li>
</ul>



Trader Notes: Crypto trader Degen Hardy <a href="https://x.com/Degen_Hardy/status/1939977061516693701">remains</a> on the sidelines, reiterating he has entered no long positions yet. 



He's watching three key price levels: $100,900 – Untapped weekly/daily support, $96,800 – Point of Control (PoC) for the macro range and $91,000–$92,000 – The CME gap zone. 



These zones aren't predictions but potential entry points should price revisit them.



BitBull sees Bitcoin preparing for its final push upward.



With the weekly RSI still below overbought, he believes there&#8217;s still room for upside without immediate exhaustion. His forecast: Bitcoin over $160,000 in 2025, with a likely peak in Q4.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> seems to be preparing for its final leg up. Weekly RSI is still below the overbought zone, so there&#39;s nothing to be panicked about. I think BTC is going above $160K+ in 2025 and will peak in Q4 2024. <a href="https://t.co/KIM3pqL4sm">pic.twitter.com/KIM3pqL4sm</a>&mdash; BitBull (@AkaBull_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkaBull_/status/1939981826870980697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Michael van de Poppe <a href="https://x.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1939990866283626790">notes</a> Ethereum tightly consolidating, suggesting a breakout may be imminent. He sees growing momentum that could soon translate into a significant move.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> consolidates before the next big breakout is on the horizon. <a href="https://t.co/EClcJBp1sX">pic.twitter.com/EClcJBp1sX</a>&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1939990866283626790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Trader Galaxy <a href="https://x.com/galaxyBTC/status/1939915571664953718">likens</a> XRP's current setup to late 2017, pointing to a similarly structured RSI and price action that hints at explosive potential. Sentiment is building as the token continues to hold strength near key levels.



Trader Tardigrade <a href="https://x.com/TATrader_Alan/status/1939972761545580798">flagged</a> an Inverse Head &amp; Shoulders breakout on Dogecoin's 4-hour chart, with a successful retest of the neckline. The structure points toward bullish continuation.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46172312/bitcoins-perfect-storm-could-extend-bull-run-into-2026-report">Bitcoin&#8217;s &#8216;Perfect Storm&#8217; Could Extend Bull Run Into 2026: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Continue Sideways On Muted Q3 Start

Ark Invest, a leading investment management firm led by Cathie Wood, has highlighted a pivotal development set to bridge the world of blockchain-based capital with the substantial U.S. mortgage market.



What Happened: According to Nick Grous, an associate portfolio manager at Ark Invest, the recent directive from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) instructing Fannie Mae (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FNMA#OTC">FNMA</a>) and Freddie Mac (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FMCC#OTC">FMCC</a>) to consider cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), for mortgage loan risk assessments marks &#8220;crypto's first step into U.S. housing: from wallets to mortgages.&#8221;



&#8220;This directive introduces a novel bridge between blockchain-based capital and the $12 trillion U.S. mortgage market,&#8221; Grous notes.



Looking at the potential scale, Grous references iEmergent's 2024 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, which reported around &#8220;6 million mortgage originations in the U.S. last year, valued at $1.82 trillion.&#8221;



Based on an average loan size of approximately &#8220;$340,000,&#8221; Ark Invest&#8217;s analysis suggests that &#8220;if just 5% of mortgage borrowers included crypto-based assets in their applications, ~305,000 would qualify for a mortgage in this new framework—supporting $100 billion in originations.&#8221;



He further projects that &#8220;each additional percentage point of adoption would increase mortgage loan volume by ~$20 billion.&#8221;



This regulatory development, according to Ark Invest, &#8220;aligns with ARK's thesis that crypto will reshape legacy financial systems with greater transparency, automation, and interoperability.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46089173/michael-saylor-offers-btc-credit-model-as-bill-pulte-pushes-crypto-for-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-could-bitcoin-soon-count-toward-mortgage-qualification">Michael Saylor Offers BTC Credit Model As Bill Pulte Pushes Crypto For Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac: Could Bitcoin Soon Count Toward Mortgage Qualification? </a>



Why It Matters: The FHFA&#8217;s directive, issued last week, represents a significant shift.



It allows for the inclusion of cryptocurrency holdings, specifically &#8220;only those held on U.S.-regulated centralized exchanges,&#8221; as assets in single-family mortgage loan risk assessments.



Crucially, this directive &#8220;does not require converting crypto to U.S. dollars and does not include crypto held in self-custodied wallets.&#8221;



It also mandates &#8220;risk controls, like accounting for crypto market volatility and limiting how much crypto can count toward reserves,&#8221; signaling a cautious yet forward-looking approach to integration.



Last week, Strategy Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) Michael Saylor stepped forward to offer Strategy&#8217;s (formerly MicroStrategy) <a href="http://46089173/michael-saylor-offers-btc-credit-model-as-bill-pulte-pushes-crypto-for-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-could-bitcoin-soon-count-toward-mortgage-qualification">Bitcoin Credit Model</a> to support the initiative. 



Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Policy Institute <a href="https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/the-powerful-fannie-mae-policy-change-to-unlock-bitcoin-based-mortgages">hails</a> this as a potential game-changer, stating that a tweak to Fannie Mae&#8217;s Selling Guide to recognize Bitcoin as collateral could unlock homeownership for millions, aligning with Donald Trump&#8217;s vision to make the U.S. the &#8220;Bitcoin Capital of the planet.&#8221;



Price Action: Fannie Mae shares ended 1.95% lower on Monday. It has risen by 177.33% on a year-to-date basis and 553.42% over the past year.



On the other hand, Freddie Mac declined 1.55% on Monday, and it has risen by 144.51% on a year-to-date basis and 505.88% over the past year.



After hitting fresh records on Friday and Monday, on Tuesday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, were lower in premarket. The SPY was down 0.18% at $616.74, while the QQQ declined 0.26% to $550.18, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46189081/what-are-stock-tokens-and-how-to-trade-them-robinhoods-new-offering-merges-owning-stocks-with-blockchain-tech-heres-how-it-works">What Are Stock Tokens And How To Trade Them? Robinhood&#8217;s New Offering Merges Owning Stocks With Blockchain Tech: Here&#8217;s How It Works</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Image Via Shutterstock

Bitcoin, Ethereum Could Soon Help You Get A Mortgage Now — Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Sees $12 Trillion Opportunity After FHFA Move

Willy Woo, a widely followed Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) influencer and analyst, shared a controversial take Monday that called grouping altcoins and BTC under the "crypto" label a bad idea.



What happened: In an X post, Woo recalled a meeting with whom he claimed was the original creator of the Greed and Fear Index for TradFi.



"I asked him what he thought about BTC vs Alts. He nailed it&#8230; BTC is digital hard money. Alts are technology startups," Woo quoted the person as saying.



Woo, a Bitcoin maximalist, argued that BTC and altcoins are very different, and grouping them under the blanket term &#8220;crypto&#8221; is &#8220;dumbest.&#8221; 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Wrong. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> maxis are using retarded logic to create separation&#8230; They are both founded with cryptography of which they are digital assets that utilize cryptographic techniques for security and verification Cryptography is the foundation of blockchain technology, enabling…&mdash; Ξffex (@Sefex81) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sefex81/status/1939795522296193054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



An X user, Ξffex, countered Woo's arguments, stating that both Bitcoin and altcoins are based on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-cryptography">cryptography</a>, which serves as the "foundation of blockchain technology."



Another user, Aldo, argued for greater nuance, pointing out that several altcoins also differed significantly from one another.



They highlighted Litecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ltc/usd">LTC</a>)'s role in settling transactions, noting that it was far from being a technology startup.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">It's not black/white though. Litecoin is not the same as 99.99% of altcoins. Neither is Monero for that matter. Even when comparing market cap sizes (BTC &#8211; LTC, e.g.) Litecoin's usage in comparison is actually quite impressive.&mdash; Aldo (@lite_hause) <a href="https://twitter.com/lite_hause/status/1939794845654200714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46149584/why-crypto-investors-are-receiving-internal-revenue-service-warning-letters">Why Crypto Investors Are Receiving Internal Revenue Service Warning Letters</a>



Why It Matters: Woo is known for setting ambitious long-term price targets for Bitcoin. Earlier this month, he theorized that the apex cryptocurrency will be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45740537/forget-dollars-willy-woo-says-bitcoin-will-be-priced-against-global-gdp-gold-used-to-be-that-money-btc-is-the-challenger">priced against global GDP</a> in the future.



According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin&#8217;s market dominance has <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/charts/bitcoin-dominance/">risen </a>from 56% to 64.5% in the first half of 2025, while that of altcoins, excluding Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), has narrowed from 30.9% to 26.4%. When BTC dominance is high, it typically implies that investors are more confident in Bitcoin relative to other cryptocurrencies.



Price Action:&nbsp; At the time of writing, Bitcoin was exchanging hands at $106,588.13, down 0.85% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Read Next:&nbsp;



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46148904/donald-trump-says-bitcoin-takes-a-lot-of-pressure-off-the-dollar">Donald Trump Says &#8216;Bitcoin Takes A Lot Of Pressure Off The Dollar&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo Courtesy: Bukhta Yurii On Shutterstock

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