Author: dfmines

Crypto markets are poised for a dynamic start to the new year, with a series of pivotal events set to reshape sentiment and trading volumes. From macroeconomic decisions by the Federal Reserve to protocol updates and legal proceedings, here are the key developments demanding close attention from investors: #1 Crypto Awaits The FOMC Minutes Release (January 8) On Wednesday, the minutes from December’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting are scheduled for release, offering insights into policymakers’ deliberations and possible hints at upcoming rate decisions. The minutes will shed light on the Federal Reserve’s latest approach to controlling inflation while supporting economic stability. Related Reading: Crypto Trader Nets $17 Million From AI Coins: Here’s What He’s Buying Now The Fed cut US interest rates three consecutive times after a heated debate in late 2024, though it reduced its forecast for total annual rate cuts this year from four down to two. Investors also recall Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s statement that “the decision to cut rates was a close call.” This underscores the importance of the forthcoming minutes for anyone looking to gauge how hawkish or dovish the central bank may become throughout 2025. #2 THORChain’s Base Integration Cross-chain liquidity platform THORChain has confirmed it will begin supporting Base—currently the largest Layer 2 by volume—next week. According to THORChain’s development updates, this integration enables more efficient ETH-BTC swaps by circumventing Ethereum’s mainnet congestion and unlocking new liquidity avenues through cbBTC. Market observers anticipate a notable uptick in trading volume as the community takes advantage of cheaper ETH-BTC swaps and expanded cross-chain capabilities. #3 Jupiter’s Airdrop Checker Jupiter, a leading Solana-based decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator is expected to release its airdrop eligibility checker this week. This event is part of “Jupuary,” a multi-year airdrop initiative slated for January 2025 and 2026, during which the protocol will distribute a total of $700 million worth of JUP tokens to its user base. The project has declared that this airdrop aims to “grow the pie,” broadening the Jupiter community and boosting participation in one of the world’s most significant decentralized autonomous organizations. Additionally, Jupiter’s Castanbul conference in late January will feature the live burning of 30% of the token’s supply. Related Reading: Altcoins Surge As Crypto Market Kicks Off 2025 On A High Note #4 USUAL Fee Switch Activation (January 7) In the decentralized finance (DeFi) arena, the USUAL ecosystem is set to activate its fee switch on January 7, 2025. This marks a pivotal transformation: holders of USUAL who stake their tokens will start receiving a share of the protocol’s revenue. By directly rewarding stakers with transaction fees, the protocol hopes to foster a more robust and participatory user base. #5 Do Kwon’s Second US Hearing (January 8) Terra founder Do Kwon faces a critical juncture in his legal battle with US authorities, with his second hearing scheduled for January 8. Having been extradited to the United States, Kwon now faces a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison if convicted on the extensive fraud charges detailed in the Department of Justice’s 79-page indictment. The DOJ’s case adds new layers of allegations beyond those examined in the SEC’s civil proceedings, including accusations that Kwon acted with explicit criminal intent to mislead investors. As prosecutors build their argument around five alleged fraud schemes, among others, falsely advertising Terra’s stability, manipulating the Luna Foundation Guard and falsifying Terra’s use by Chai. #6 GMX Trading Fees Reduction (January 6) Derivatives-focused exchange GMX is taking a notable step to encourage higher trading volumes by lowering fees across all markets. Effective January 6, 2025, GMX will cut open and close fees from 5 basis points (bps) and 7 bps to 4 bps and 6 bps, respectively. The team stated via X: “To kick off 2025 in style, GMX is reducing trading fees across all markets! Starting this Monday, January 6, the open and close fees for all positions will decrease from 5 bps / 7 bps to 4 bps / 6 bps.” However, rather than a blanket rate of 4.5 bps, the new structure introduces a sliding scale: traders who enter positions that improve the balance between longs and shorts pay the lower 4 bps fee, while those that heighten imbalances pay 6 bps. According to GMX, “This adjustment ensures balanced open interest, which in turn keeps funding fees and price impact low.” Simultaneously, GMX has updated liquidation fees to 20 bps for asset-backed markets and 30 bps for synthetic markets. GMX developers believe that, together, these measures will reduce trading costs, incentivize balanced market participation, and enhance the overall user experience. At press time, the total crypto market cap stood at $3.45 trillion. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

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A Bloomberg report was the first to disclose that Gemini Trust Co., a cryptocurrency exchange established by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has consented to a $5 million settlement to address allegations levied by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The settlement quells accusations that Gemini disseminated deceptive information to regulatory bodies. Gemini Avoids Trial in […]

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Solana is currently trading above key demand levels, showcasing resilience after weeks of market uncertainty. However, the altcoin is yet to confirm a breakout from the daily downtrend that began in late November. As SOL continues to hover near critical technical levels, analysts and investors are closely watching for a decisive move that could signal the start of a massive rally into price discovery. Related Reading: Dogecoin ‘Looks Undeniably Impulsive’ – DOGE/BTC Ratio Uncovers Strong Accumulation Top analyst and trader Jelle recently shared a detailed technical analysis on X, highlighting that Solana has reclaimed crucial weekly and monthly support levels. According to Jelle, SOL’s ability to stay above these supports is a strong bullish indicator. This development has fueled optimism among investors who see Solana’s current consolidation as a setup for a significant breakout. Despite the positive signs, SOL needs to overcome its daily downtrend to confirm a bullish reversal. A clean breakout above this trendline would signal that momentum has shifted in favor of the bulls, setting the stage for a potential rally toward new highs. As the market sentiment improves and technical indicators align, Solana could soon become a leading asset in the crypto market’s recovery. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether SOL can capitalize on its strong support levels and push higher. Solana Holds Key Levels – Breakout Looms Solana has shown renewed strength in the market, breaking above the critical $180 and $205 levels. This move has reignited investor confidence, with many viewing Solana as a trendsetter poised for further gains. After weeks of market uncertainty, SOL’s ability to reclaim these levels signals a potential bullish resurgence. Top analyst Jelle recently shared a technical analysis on X, emphasizing Solana’s strong position. He highlighted that SOL is back above crucial weekly and monthly support levels, adding that its current price action suggests readiness to push higher. According to Jelle, Solana’s technical indicators align with the possibility of reaching new all-time highs in the coming weeks. However, the path forward is not without challenges. Solana remains in a broader bearish structure that began in late November, and a clean breakout is required to confirm the start of a new upward trend. Overcoming this structure would establish clear bullish momentum and set the stage for a rally into price discovery. Related Reading: Ethereum Analyst Predicts A Bullish Q1 – Can ETH/BTC Ratio Push Above 0.04? The next few days will be critical for Solana as it navigates this pivotal moment. If the altcoin can maintain its momentum and break out of its bearish framework, it could solidify its position as a market leader, driving investor excitement for the rest of the year. Testing Key Demand To Push Up Solana (SOL) is currently trading at $214, testing the critical support of the 4-hour 200 moving average (MA). This level is a significant indicator of short-term momentum, and holding above it is essential for SOL to sustain its bullish structure. The market is watching closely to see if Solana can use this support as a springboard for a breakout. To reignite bullish momentum, SOL must break above the downtrend line that has defined its price action since November 22. A decisive move above this resistance would signal strength and pave the way for a rally. Analysts point to $230 as the crucial level to reclaim. If SOL manages to rise above this mark and hold it as support, the rally is expected to be both massive and fast, likely propelling the price into new highs. Related Reading: ETH Faces Aggressive Shorting As Taker Sellers Outpace Buyers By $350M Daily – Analyst However, risks remain if SOL fails to rise above $220. Such a scenario could indicate that the bearish structure is still intact, potentially sending Solana into a deeper correction. Maintaining support at the 4-hour 200 MA will be crucial to avoid further declines and keep investor optimism alive. The coming days will be pivotal for Solana’s price trajectory. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

The Terraform Labs co-founder is in US custody after pleading not guilty to nine felony charges related to fraud at the platform.

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