Market Movement:

  • Ethereum surged 6% to briefly cross $4,200, reaching a new high in the recent rally.
  • Total crypto market capitalization increased by 3.7% to $3.9 trillion, driven by broad gains across major assets.

Key Events:

  • Crypto transfers between Korean exchanges and Cambodia’s Huione jumped 1,400x to $8.9 million in 2024, with Bithumb’s activity rising from 9.22 million won to 12.4 billion won.
  • Bitcoin’s price neared $113,000 ahead of the Federal Reserve’s expected 25 basis point rate cut, with market focus on upcoming policy decisions and earnings.

Trading Signals:

  • Total market value rose 3.7% to $3.9 trillion; institutional interest remains high with increased risk appetite.
  • Bitcoin’s proximity to $116K and ETH’s 6% jump indicate bullish momentum and potential for further upside.

Narrative Shifts:

  • Market optimism increased as US-China trade tensions show signs of easing, with a potential trade deal under review by Presidents Trump and Xi.
  • Sector rotation into growth assets is evident, with DeFi gaining nearly 6%, and layer-2 tokens and memecoins surging sharply.
  • Institutional and corporate treasury activity, such as Strategy’s slowdown in buying but continued accumulation, highlights a shift toward strategic positioning.

Risk Alerts:

  • Regulatory risks heightened with Korean exchanges suspending transactions after a $8.9M surge linked to illicit activities; Huione Group sanctioned by US and UK.
  • Macro headwinds persist with potential tariffs on Chinese goods and geopolitical tensions, impacting market sentiment.
  • Seasonal weakness expected in Q4 for Ether, which could influence short-term price stability despite bullish signals.

Opportunities:

  • Broad sector gains, including DeFi and layer-2 tokens, reveal opportunities for diversification and exposure to emerging growth themes.

Flows & Positioning

Bitcoin Surges Past $116K Amid Positive Market Sentiment

Bitcoin has reclaimed the $116,000 mark, climbing 3.6% as traditional markets rallied on signs of easing US-China trade tensions. This surge is part of a broader market movement, with total cryptocurrency market capitalization rising 3.7% to $3.9 trillion. The positive sentiment is further fueled by expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, which is now seen as highly probable. As Bitcoin approaches this significant price level, traders are closely monitoring key resistance zones.

The recent rally indicates a potential breakout, with analysts suggesting that if Bitcoin can sustain above $116K, it may target higher levels in the near term.

Institutional Interest Grows as XRP ETF Hits $100M AUM

The REX-Osprey XRP ETF has surpassed $100 million in assets under management, highlighting a robust institutional interest in compliant digital asset exposure. This milestone reflects a growing appetite for regulated crypto products, as institutions seek to diversify their portfolios amid increasing market volatility. Additionally, Sharplink Gaming has made a significant move by adding 19,271 Ether worth approximately $80.37 million to its strategic reserve. This acquisition signals renewed confidence in Ethereum and aligns with expectations of potential inflows from Ether ETFs, further driving institutional engagement in the crypto space.

Whale Activity and Price Levels Indicate Caution

Despite Bitcoin's recent gains, whale activity suggests a potential pullback. The number of whale entities has dropped to a three-month low of 1,350, indicating a slowdown in large holder transactions. This shift could signal caution among major investors as they reassess market conditions. XRP has also shown notable price movements, closing the week up 11.4% and trading near $2.62.

However, technical indicators reveal a bearish triangle formation, suggesting that if XRP fails to break above the $2.71 resistance level, it may face a corrective phase.

Market Outlook: Positive Trends Amid Caution

The crypto market is experiencing a recovery, driven by favorable macroeconomic indicators and institutional interest. However, the recent whale activity and technical patterns suggest that traders should remain vigilant for potential volatility. The interplay between bullish sentiment and cautious positioning will be crucial as the market navigates through this period. As institutions continue to engage with crypto assets, the evolving landscape may lead to further innovations and investment opportunities.

Traders are advised to monitor key price levels and whale movements closely to gauge market sentiment and potential shifts in momentum.

Corporate & Capital Markets

Coinbase Acquires Echo for $375 Million

Coinbase announced its $375 million acquisition of Echo, an onchain capital-raising platform founded by Jordan “Cobie” Fish. Echo has helped over 300 projects raise more than $200 million since launching in 2024. The acquisition aims to enhance Coinbase's infrastructure across the full lifecycle of crypto ventures, from token creation to secondary market trading.

Coinbase Purchases UpOnly NFT for $25 Million

Coinbase also purchased the UpOnly NFT from Cobie for $25 million, reviving the podcast show “UpOnly” after a three-year hiatus. This acquisition is part of Coinbase's broader strategy to integrate Echo's Sonar product into its ecosystem.

MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Purchases Decline

MicroStrategy's executive chairman, Michael Saylor, hinted at a potential large-scale Bitcoin purchase despite the company's slowing acquisition rate. As of October 26, the company's weekly Bitcoin acquisitions have fallen from tens of thousands of BTC per week in late 2024 to roughly 200 BTC in recent weeks.

On-Chain & Network

Bitcoin Improvement Proposal Sparks Controversy Over Transaction Filtering

A new Bitcoin improvement proposal has been introduced, suggesting a one-year soft fork to address transaction filtering issues. This proposal has generated significant debate among developers, particularly regarding its implications for the network's integrity and operational framework. The discussions surrounding this soft fork reflect ongoing concerns about how to manage arbitrary data, such as inscriptions, following the recent v30 update to Bitcoin Core. The controversy highlights the tension between maintaining Bitcoin's decentralized ethos and implementing necessary technical adjustments to enhance network performance.

Security Concerns Raised About Ethereum Layer-2 Networks

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of the Solana blockchain, has criticized Ethereum layer-2 networks, claiming they possess significant security and centralization issues. This assertion raises questions about the reliability and robustness of these networks, which are often touted as solutions to Ethereum's scalability challenges. The implications of such criticisms could affect the adoption and development of layer-2 solutions within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Vitalik Buterin Defends Ethereum's Core Principles

Vitalik Buterin has emphasized the unbreakable core principles of Ethereum, asserting that invalid states cannot be legitimized. This statement comes amid discussions about the performance of Ethereum compared to other blockchains, particularly Solana, which has underperformed by 10% since late September. Buterin's remarks underscore Ethereum's commitment to maintaining its foundational integrity, which could influence developer and investor confidence moving forward.

Macro & Policy

$10B in Crypto Deals Driven by Central Bank Easing

In October 2025, the crypto market experienced a surge, with $10 billion in deals occurring in a single quarter. This figure nearly matches the total deals made over the past three years, attributed to central bank easing policies that have driven risk asset flows into cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. The low interest rates have created an environment conducive to increased investment in digital assets.

Argentina Secures $20B Currency Swap Deal

Argentina has finalized a significant $20 billion currency swap deal, which is expected to bolster its economic stability amid ongoing financial challenges. This agreement is part of broader efforts to stabilize the national currency and enhance liquidity in the financial system. Additionally, Bolivia is evaluating the feasibility of issuing a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC), indicating a growing interest in digital financial solutions in the region.

Kyrgyzstan Launches Stablecoin and Plans for CBDC

Kyrgyzstan has launched its first national stablecoin, KGST, pegged 1:1 to the som and built on the BNB Chain. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the financial system and attract foreign investment. The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic will conduct a three-phase pilot of a digital som, with a full rollout planned by 2026. The government is also working on establishing a national crypto reserve, which may include BNB as part of its assets.

Bankruptcy of Major Iranian Bank Affects Millions

The bankruptcy of Iran's Ayandeh Bank, which accumulated approximately $8 billion in losses and debt, has significant implications for 42 million customers as their assets are absorbed by the state-owned Bank Melli. This development highlights the vulnerabilities within the banking sector in Iran, potentially affecting confidence in financial institutions and the broader economic landscape.

Security & Incidents

Indian Court Rules on WazirX Hack Losses

The Madras High Court of India has ruled that cryptocurrencies qualify as property under law, granting digital assets clear legal recognition for the first time in the country. The court barred WazirX from redistributing a user’s 3,532 XRP to cover losses from its $234 million hack from July last year. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh stated that the user’s holdings could not be seized under the exchange’s “socialization of losses” proposal, confirming that exchange-held assets belong to clients, not the platform. The decision reinforces that Indian customers remain protected under domestic consumer and property laws, even when exchanges operate through offshore entities.

The court rejected WazirX’s loss-sharing plan, which aimed to spread the $234 million loss across all users, likening it to “a group insurance of a self-help group.”

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