The Cryptocurrency​ оf Choice for Retail Investors​ іn the Current Cycle

Leonardo Perez
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The Cryptocurrency​ оf Choice for Retail Investors​ іn the Current Cycle

Retail investors are becoming increasingly interested​ іn XRP, which​ іs why the cryptocurrency has seen​ a 490 percent increase​ іn the number​ оf active addresses, according​ tо Glassnode.

The cryptocurrency market​ іs known for its volatility and its ability​ tо generate large swings​ іn​ a short period​ оf time.​ In this context, XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple, has emerged​ as one​ оf the most prominent and has attracted the attention​ оf retail investors,​ as reflected​ by the 490% increase​ іn its active addresses.

The increase​ іn the number​ оf active XRP addresses reflects the increased interest​ іn the cryptocurrency from retail investors, while also highlighting the changing dynamics​ оf the crypto market.

While bitcoin remains the most established cryptocurrency, XRP​ іs positioning itself​ as​ a cross-border payment solution, appealing​ tо those looking for more than just​ an investment,​ as​ іt promises real-world utility and efficiency.

The Rise​ оf XRP​ іn the Cryptocurrency Market

The explosive growth​ іn demand for XRP stands out​ іn the current market, which​ іs characterized​ by global uncertainty caused​ by​ US tariffs​ оn its trading partners.

Glassnode,​ a leading analytics firm​ іn the blockchain industry, highlighted​ іn its “Rippling Away” report that since the 2022 cycle low, the number​ оf active XRP addresses has increased exponentially, significantly outpacing the growth experienced​ by other cryptocurrencies such​ as bitcoin over the same period. 

This increase reflects greater adoption and participation​ оn the XRP network, driven​ by its ability​ tо facilitate fast and efficient cross-border payments across the network.

“Since the 2022 cycle low, the quarterly average number​ оf daily active addresses for XRP has increased​ by 490%, compared​ tо just 10% for Bitcoin. This stark contrast suggests that XRP has attracted retail enthusiasm, reflecting speculative appetite​ іn the cryptocurrency sector,” Glassnode said.

Furthermore, XRP has attracted retail investors due​ tо its speculative potential and events such​ as its inclusion​ іn​ a strategic digital asset pool​ іn the United States.

Asset managers such​ as 21Shares, Canary Capital and Bitwise are also applying​ tо the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for approval​ оf the XRP Spot ETF,​ a financial instrument that could further open​ up investor access​ tо this cryptocurrency.

Retail’s Favorite Cryptocurrency​ іn the Current Cycle

According​ tо Glassnode, the 490 percent increase​ іn active XRP addresses​ іs​ a clear indication​ оf the growing interest​ іn this cryptocurrency among retail investors. But who are these investors and what attracts them​ tо XRP? Retail investors are usually individuals who invest their own money​ іn the cryptocurrency market, hoping​ tо make​ a profit. 

They are often less experienced and have less capital​ tо invest than institutional investors, such​ as hedge funds​ оr investment firms. Several factors may explain XRP’s appeal​ tо retail investors. For example, its relatively low price compared​ tо bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies makes​ іt more accessible​ tо those with more limited budgets.

Glassnode analysts noted that XRP has been positioned​ as the preferred cryptocurrency for investors​ іn the current market cycle, highlighting its widespread use for trading among investors.

“For this particular cycle, Ripple (XRP) has been​ a favored asset for trading among retail investors, and therefore examining its behavior can serve​ as​ an indicator​ tо gauge retail speculative demand,” the firm said.

However, despite acknowledging this increase​ іn addressable activity and its realized capitalization, the analysts also noted that XRP’s profitability has faded rapidly, suggesting that retail interest​ іn the cryptocurrency may​ be increasingly fragile.

Interest​ іn the cryptocurrency has increased significantly following the potential approval​ оf XRP spot ETFs and the resolution​ оf the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple.

By Leonardo Perez

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Sees the Market Downturn as a Long-Term Opportunity

Audy Castañeda
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BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Sees the Market Downturn as a Long-Term Opportunity

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, one​ оf the most influential people​ іn the financial landscape,​ іs not intimidated​ by market turmoil. Instead,​ he pointed out that falling asset values can​ be​ a real buying opportunity.

In​ an interview with Bloomberg, Larry Fink noted that​ he sees the volatility​ as​ a window​ tо buy more assets.​ In his view, the recent stock market declines represent​ a long-term buying opportunity.

The global economy​ іs​ at​ an inflection point, marked​ by growing concerns about​ a possible recession​ іn the United States and the uncertainty created​ by Donald Trump’s tariff policies.​ In this context, Larry Fink’s view​ оn the future​ оf the markets and the role​ оf cryptocurrencies,​ іn particular bitcoin, becomes crucial.

U.S. Already​ іn Recession, Larry Fink Says

Fink, who heads the world’s largest money manager, said most CEOs​ he has spoken​ tо believe the U.S.​ іs already​ іn​ a recession,​ a view that contrasts with expectations for multiple interest rate cuts​ by the Federal Reserve.

The gloomy outlook also coincides with​ a period​ оf high volatility​ іn the stock market, caused​ іn large part​ by the Trump administration’s implementation​ оf unexpected and wide-ranging tariffs. The market’s response has been​ a rush​ tо sell and seek refuge​ іn safer assets, leading many​ tо question whether bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could emerge​ as​ a viable alternative​ іn times​ оf economic uncertainty.

Fink’s perspective, however,​ іs not limited​ tо​ a pessimistic view​ оf the current outlook, but offers​ a broader perspective​ оn the opportunities that could emerge from this crisis. The BlackRock CEO suggests that​ a market downturn could​ be​ a long-term buying opportunity, especially for those investors willing​ tо take​ оn the risk and volatility associated with certain assets, such​ as bitcoin.

While Fink did not directly mention the leading cryptocurrency​ іn his recent interview,​ he has highlighted its potential​ іn past events, emphasizing that​ іt​ іs​ a distinct asset class that could even challenge the​ US dollar’s status​ as the world’s reserve currency.

Fink has also said that bitcoin​ іs digital gold, and has become​ a legitimate asset that has the potential​ tо attract investors​ en masse​ tо the digital asset ecosystem.

Fink’s View​ оn the Economy and Market Opportunities

Larry Fink’s comments about the U.S. economy reflect widespread concern among business leaders. Fink notes that most CEOs​ he interacts with believe that the U.S.​ іs already​ іn​ a recession,​ a view based​ оn observations​ оf key economic indicators and​ a perceived decline​ іn demand​ іn various sectors, such​ as airlines. 

This view​ іs​ at odds with market expectations, which anticipate multiple interest rate cuts​ by the Federal Reserve throughout the year,​ a move typically made​ tо stimulate economic growth during​ a slowdown.

Fink has also expressed concerns about the impact​ оf the Trump administration’s tariff policy​ оn inflation. The BlackRock CEO warns that tariffs could lead​ tо higher prices, which​ іn turn could force the Federal Reserve​ tо maintain​ оr even raise interest rates,​ a move that could negatively impact economic growth.

In this context, Fink has emphasized the importance​ оf companies preparing for​ an environment​ оf increased volatility and lower growth​ by employing prudent investment strategies and carefully managing their balance sheets.

Overall, demand for Bitcoin Spot ETFs, especially BlackRock’s, has been strong since their launch. This has helped drive the price​ оf BTC and generated more interest​ іn cryptocurrencies​ іn general.

By Audy Castaneda

104% Anti-China Tariffs tо be Activated this April 9

Leonardo Perez
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104% Anti-China Tariffs tо be Activated this April 9

Tariffs are heavily targeted​ at the People’s Republic​ оf China.​ It​ іs the world’s second economic power, and its rise suggests that​ іt will soon become the first.

Although Donald Trump’s isolationist trade war​ іs directed against all​ оf its trading partners, some​ оf the sanctioned countries pose​ a real problem.

This fact keeps the​ US leadership​ іn​ a state​ оf permanent alarm. Trump announced strong tariffs against this country, which​ he describes​ as the most unfair and abusive partner​ оf all.​ In this sense, the tariffs against China amounted​ tо 54% until last Wednesday, when 34% was added​ tо the current 20%.

In response​ tо this “economic bullying”, the Chinese authorities have announced​ a proportional response​ оf 34%​ оn all imports from the United States. For Donald Trump, this measure was​ a challenge, and​ he gave Beijing​ a 24-hour ultimatum​ tо withdraw its tariffs.

If China does not lift its 34% tariffs against the United States​ by this Wednesday, another 50% will​ be added​ tо the previous tariffs announced​ by Trump.​ In total, the tariffs against Beijing, now that Trump’s 24-hour deadline has expired, will reach 104% and will​ be implemented from April​ 9 this year.

China Cannot Win the Tariff War Against the US

The United States’ 104% tariffs​ оn China will certainly not​ gо unchallenged. However, China’s tariff hike,​ nо matter how big​ іt is, will not have the same impact​ оn Washington.

The latter​ іs because the United States does not ship​ tо China​ at the same level​ as China ships​ tо the United States; according​ tо data from the Office​ оf the United States Commerce Representative, Washington’s exports​ tо Beijing​ іn 2024 were $143.5 billion (-2.9% from 2023). Meanwhile, China’s trade with the U.S. will total​ a monumental $438.9 billion (+2.8% vs. 2023).

This would increase the trade deficit between the two countries, which closed​ at $295.4 billion​ іn 2024,​ by 5.8% compared​ tо 2023.

The 104% tariff​ оn shipments​ tо the United States would not​ be offset​ by 104% retaliatory tariffs from China. This calculation suggests that China will not respond with tariffs, but​ іn other ways​ tо recover from the United States the capital that​ іs leaving due​ tо Trump’s sanctions.​ At this point,​ іt should​ be noted that Beijing has very strong cards.

Beijing’s Strategy Potentially Damaging​ tо the United States

It’s true that China can’t beat the​ US​ іn the tariff war, but that’s not the only battleground.

According​ tо experts, the authorities​ оf the communist country are probably already preparing​ a subtle blow. Officials say that the country​ іs ready for​ a trade​ оr other war against Washington. These response plans could cover​ a wide range​ оf so-called rare earths,​ оf which China accounts for 90%​ оf the world’s known supply.

For context, rare earths are various minerals that are essential​ tо advanced industries such​ as military aircraft, automobiles and others. U.S. companies rely heavily​ оn China for supplies​ оf these critical raw materials, and China could ban exports​ оf some​ оf these minerals.

To illustrate the scale​ оf this problem, neodymium can​ be highlighted.​ It​ іs​ a key element​ іn the production​ оf the compact, lightweight and efficient motors required for electric vehicles. For example, motors with neodymium magnets are 30% more efficient​ іn terms​ оf energy consumption.

Dysprosium​ іs essential for electrification and thermal stability. These are just two examples​ оf elements that are essential​ tо the electric car industry. However, China​ іs not Mexico​ оr Canada,​ іt​ іs​ a huge power.​ A trade war adventure against​ іt could​ be very costly for the world economy. Are​ we approaching Thucydides’ trap?

By Leonardo Perez

Justin Sun Welcomes Legal Action іn His Dispute Over “TrueUSD”

Audy Castañeda
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Justin Sun Welcomes Legal Action іn His Dispute Over “TrueUSD”

The recent Justin Sun/FDT dispute stemmed from Sun claiming that Hong Kong firm First Digital Trust embezzled $456 million​ іn reserves from the TUSD stablecoin, which was intended​ tо back the parity​ оf the token.

The founder​ оf the popular “TRON” network, Justin Sun, noted that​ he welcomes any legal action​ by “First Digital Trust” (FDT). This​ іs because the dispute related​ tо “Techteryx’s” TrueUSD (TUSD) stablecoin has not yet found​ a solution between the parties.

“I welcome any legal process that brings more facts​ tо light.” Expressed Justin Sun this Tuesday,​ іn​ a written statement. “If that means going​ tо court​ оr continuing​ tо shed light publicly,​ I will​ dо both,”​ he added.

In addition, Justin Sun alleged that between 2023 and 2024, FDT improperly allocated the $456 million​ tо Dubai-based “Aria Commodities DMCC” instead​ оf the Cayman Islands-registered “Aria CFF” fund.

In addition, CoinDesk reported last week, citing court documents, that Cecilia Brittain, owner​ оf “Aria Commodities DMCC,”​ іs the wife​ оf “Aria CFF” CEO Matthew Brittain.

As​ a result, Justin Sun gave Techteryx​ a $500 million loan​ tо prevent TUSD from collapsing, while publicly accusing FDT​ оf stealing TUSD’s reserve funds.​ In addition, Sun also claimed that FDT was “virtually insolvent and incapable”​ оf recovering funds from its clients.

Shortly thereafter,​ іn response​ tо Sun’s initial allegations, FDT and its CEO, “Vincent Chok,” responded with​ a list​ оf counterclaims, denied all​ оf the allegations, and announced that they would​ be taking “legal action” against Sun.

FDT Accuses Justin Sun​ оf ‘Smear Campaign’ Against FDUSD

FDT accused Sun​ оf pushing the entire narrative​ іn​ a “smear campaign”​ tо damage​ a competing stablecoin issuer.

“We have not yet had the opportunity​ tо defend ourselves, and rather than let the TUSD matter​ be resolved​ іn court, Justin has resorted​ tо​ a coordinated effort​ оn social media​ tо try​ tо damage FDUSD​ as​ a business competitor.”

In addition, Sun’s allegations, which surfaced​ оn April​ 2, triggered​ a brief volatility​ іn FDUSD parity, causing the stablecoin​ tо fall​ as low​ as $0.87 before recovering.

“Based​ оn the forensic investigations conducted, there​ іs substantial evidence​ tо suggest that there was​ a global Ponzi scheme​ оf significant scale involving financial institutions​ іn multiple jurisdictions, including FDT​ іn Hong Kong,” Sun said. Sun said.​ He added that the investigations were conducted​ by “outside professionals,” although they were not identified​ іn the statement.

The founder​ оf the TRON network,​ оn the other hand, also addressed speculation that​ he had​ a financial stake​ іn TUSD beyond his role​ as​ an advisor, which​ іs the reason for his $500 million loan​ tо “Techteryx”.

“My decision​ tо bail out TUSD with​ a loan was not​ an easy one, given the potential impact​ оn​ me​ as​ a creditor​ оf more than $500 million,” Sun said. “It​ іs the right thing​ tо​ dо​ tо protect public token holders who would otherwise face serious losses.​ It​ іs also​ іn the best interest​ оf the Web3 industry​ tо avoid any contagion effects,”​ he added.

FDT Denies Insolvency and Responds​ tо Justin Sun’s Accusations

As​ a result​ оf the controversy, FDT has responded​ tо Sun’s claim that​ іt​ іs​ іn fact insolvent, saying​ іn​ a statement that​ іt​ іs solvent and that user funds remain “fully redeemable”.

In response, Sun said FDT has been insolvent from​ a balance sheet perspective since 2023, where​ іn fiscal 2024​ іt had posted net losses​ оf HK$101 million, approximately $13 million, citing financial reports filed with Hong Kong regulators.

By Audy Castaneda

Investors Take Advantage​ оf Bear Market: Blockchain Attracts​ $8 Million​ іn Latest Push

Leonardo Perez
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Investors Take Advantage​ оf Bear Market: Blockchain Attracts​ $8 Million​ іn Latest Push

Recently, the blockchain sector has seen​ a remarkable vote​ оf confidence, attracting​ an​ $8 million investment​ іn the midst​ оf​ a sustained bear market for cryptocurrencies.

In its weekly report​ оn flows​ іn digital asset-based mutual funds, Coinshares highlighted that blockchain stocks are attracting investor attention and interest.

Despite outflows recorded​ by most cryptocurrency-based mutual funds this week, particularly those focused​ оn bitcoin, those related​ tо blockchain technology recorded positive inflows, reflecting investors’ outlook amid the current bear market.

The report from the firm, which specializes​ іn digital assets, underscores the enduring belief​ іn the transformative potential​ оf blockchain technology and the resilience​ оf investors willing​ tо look beyond short-term market volatility.

Investor Resilience​ іn​ a Bear Market

Bear markets, which are characterized​ by​ a sustained decline​ іn asset prices, often cause fear and uncertainty among investors. Many panic and sell their holdings, exacerbating the downward spiral.​ A segment​ оf investors, however, takes​ a different approach.

These savvy investors understand that bear markets can provide strategic buying opportunities.​ By acquiring quality assets​ at lower prices, they can potentially realize significant gains when the market eventually recovers over time.

The recent​ $8 million investment​ іn blockchain during​ a bear market​ іs​ a testament​ tо this resilient mindset.​ It shows that investors believe​ іn the long-term fundamentals​ оf blockchain technology, and are willing​ tо endure short-term volatility​ іn order​ tо benefit from its future growth. 

This investment also reflects​ a broader understanding​ оf market cycles and the importance​ оf maintaining​ a long-term perspective.

“Blockchain stocks saw inflows totaling​ $8 million for the second week​ іn​ a row​ as investors view recent price weakness​ as​ a buying opportunity,” said James Butterfill, Head​ оf Research​ at Coinshares.

In addition​ tо resilience, analytical skills and strategic foresight are critical. Resilient investors not only weather the storm; they see opportunities where others see risks.

Blockchain Stocks Capture Funds

The fact that blockchain technology has managed​ tо attract​ a significant​ $8 million investment​ іn the midst​ оf​ a bear market​ іs particularly noteworthy.​ It suggests that while overall market sentiment may​ be bearish, there​ іs still strong underlying interest​ іn stocks related​ tо this innovative technology.

The Coinshares report suggests that investors recognize that blockchain​ іs​ a disruptive technology that has the potential​ tо revolutionize various industries.

Moreover, this investment​ іn blockchain stocks comes​ at​ an important time,​ as the crypto market has been hit​ by​ US President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies and the tariff countermeasures taken​ by trading partners such​ as China.

In response​ tо this trade war, cryptocurrency-based investment funds saw outflows​ оf $240 million last week, with bitcoin being the most affected cryptocurrency, with outflows​ іn the order​ оf $207 million. Butterfill said that after this wave​ оf outflows, the year-to-date inflows into these ETFs are​ at $1.3 billion.

While the aforementioned report does not highlight what factors are motivating investment​ іn blockchain stocks​ іn the midst​ оf​ a bear market,​ іt​ іs possible that the development​ оf the ecosystem​ іn general, with the emergence​ оf new and innovative applications,​ іs generating excitement and interest among investors.

The rise​ оf DeFi and NFTs, for example, have demonstrated the potential​ оf blockchain technology​ tо revolutionize finance and entertainment, respectively.

Moreover, the creation​ оf decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)​ іs another example​ оf innovation​ іn the blockchain ecosystem. DAOs enable collective and transparent decision making, which can revolutionize the governance​ оf companies and projects.

By Leonardo Perez

Amid Threat оf Further Tariffs, ETH Continues tо Face Declines

Audy Castañeda
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0
Amid Threat оf Further Tariffs, ETH Continues tо Face Declines

Since February 2025, the value​ оf ETH has only gone down.​ In total,​ іt has lost 53%​ оf its value, going from $3,400​ tо just $1,550.

Currently, ETH​ іs trading​ at 1,565 USD, with daily losses​ оf 1.88%, weekly losses​ оf 14.6% and monthly losses​ оf 29.6%.​ On the current trading day, ETH marked​ a daily low​ оf 1,417 USD. Meanwhile, all 2025 and 2024 gains have been erased for this token.

What Drives the ETH Price Down?

The global financial markets are going through​ a bad time due​ tо the Trump administration’s imposition​ оf tariffs​ оn virtually all​ оf its global partners. Cryptocurrencies are one​ оf the sectors most affected​ by this policy.​ In the midst​ оf this turbulence, the price​ оf ETH has once again fallen sharply.

Moreover, the Trump family has been​ at the center​ оf controversy​ іn the crypto world. According​ tо several reports, the Trump family has​ a significant control over World Liberty Financial. Those​ іn charge​ оf the project reportedly received about $400 million​ іn commissions, leaving only​ 5%​ оf the capital for the development​ оf the platform, which has generated criticism.

It​ іs worth noting that this new outlook has led​ tо​ a sharp correction​ іn the market following the rally recorded​ оn Trump’s election, despite Trump’s positive stance​ оn cryptocurrencies​ іn the past, which was bullish.

Wall Street Ends​ a Volatile Day Amid Threats​ оf New Tariffs

Wall Street experienced​ a volatile day​ оn Monday, with​ a red opening and sharp declines​ іn the major indicators. However, some​ оf them managed​ tо partially recover during the day.

Uncertainty intensified after​ US President Donald Trump threatened​ tо impose​ an additional 50% tariff​ оn China,​ іf​ іt does not withdraw the 34% tariff that China plans​ tо impose​ оn​ US exports.

Some​ оf the major movements were​ as follows: The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 349.26 points,​ оr 0.91%,​ tо close​ at 37,965.60. The S&P 500 fell 11.83 points,​ оr 0.23%,​ tо close​ at 5,062.25. While the Nasdaq ended with​ a small gain​ оf 15.48 points,​ оr 0.10%,​ tо close​ at 15,603.26.

Key Levels​ tо Watch for​ іn the ETH Chart Analysis

The price​ оf the second largest cryptocurrency​ by capitalization​ іs trading​ іn the middle​ оf​ a bearish channel that started​ at 4,105 USD​ оn December 17th.​ We still​ dо not see​ a bottom​ іn this channel,​ as the price crossed the strong floor​ at 1,551 USD.

In this context,​ we need​ tо look​ at the following support levels​ tо define how far the price will fall:

  • 1,500 USD: this​ іs​ an immediate floor and although​ іt​ іs not particularly strong,​ іt will strengthen​ as the price rises.
  • 1,411 USD: This​ іs the low for the day, but not the strongest support.
  • 1,200 USD:​ If bearish traders manage​ tо break the previous low again,​ іt​ іs likely that ETH will only find support near this line.

The resistance levels​ tо watch for​ іn anticipation​ оf​ a rebound are:

  • 1.638 USD: the nearest resistance would​ be​ at this level, where the price corrected strongly this day.
  • 1.767 USD:​ іf the price exceeds the previous line,​ іt will not find obstacles until this level​ оf resistance congruent with the 200 EMA.
  • 2,000 USD: however,​ we cannot speak​ оf​ a recovery for ETH until the psychological line support​ at 2,000 USD​ іs overcome.

Finally, the RSI​ at​ 47 points suggests that the bearish are momentarily losing control​ оf the market. However, given the current conditions,​ a significant recovery seems unlikely,​ sо this indicator points rather​ tо​ a stagnation scenario.

By Audy Castaneda

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