Author: dfmines

Ethereum is trading at critical levels after enduring weeks of aggressive selling pressure. Since retracing below the key $2,000 mark, the second-largest cryptocurrency has struggled to regain bullish momentum. Currently down 21% from that level, ETH continues to hover near $1,580, reflecting a clear lack of conviction from both buyers and sellers. Related Reading: Solana Turns Bullish On 8H Chart – Break Above $147 Could Confirm New Trend The market has entered a period of extreme indecision. According to top analyst Daan, Ethereum’s price has remained notably compressed, barely moving over the past two days. This type of consolidation often precedes sharp price action in either direction, and traders are watching closely for signs of a breakout or breakdown. Macroeconomic uncertainty continues to influence investor sentiment, with global trade tensions and monetary policy concerns keeping pressure on risk assets like Ethereum. For now, bulls must reclaim the $1,850 resistance zone to confirm a trend reversal, while a drop below $1,500 could open the door to deeper losses. As volatility builds in the background, the current compression could be the calm before a storm—setting the stage for Ethereum’s next decisive move. Will it break out to the upside, or is more downside in store? Ethereum Compression Signals Breakout As Macro Pressure Builds Ethereum is facing a critical test as it trades at compressed levels following weeks of sustained selling pressure. The broader crypto market remains under pressure as global tensions escalate. US President Donald Trump’s trade war with China continues to shape macroeconomic sentiment, leaving investors cautious across all high-risk asset classes. Despite last week’s announcement of a 90-day tariff pause for all countries except China, uncertainty remains. The unresolved status of US-China trade relations continues to weigh on markets and is one of the primary factors driving hesitation in price movement. For Ethereum, this has translated into extremely low volatility and a stalled price structure. Daan shared insights suggesting that Ethereum’s price has been “extremely compressed” and has not shown meaningful movement for the better part of two days. According to Daan, this type of compression usually precedes a significant breakout—though the direction of that move remains unknown. Investors and traders alike are closely monitoring this setup, as compressed price action typically leads to large, momentum-driven shifts. With broader macro risks still in play, Ethereum’s next move could define the short-term trend and set the tone for the market in the weeks ahead. Related Reading: Ethereum Whales Offload 143,000 ETH In One Week – More Selling Ahead? ETH Bulls Aim To Regain Control Ethereum is trading at $1,590 after several days of sideways price action, hovering between support at $1,550 and resistance near $1,700. Despite holding above the lower end of this range, ETH has struggled to generate the momentum needed to break out and confirm a short-term recovery. For bulls to establish a stronger position, ETH must push above the 4-hour 200-day moving average (MA) and exponential moving average (EMA), both of which continue to act as dynamic resistance. A breakout above these indicators could trigger renewed interest from traders and signal the beginning of a recovery phase. However, the true test lies at the $2,000 level—a major psychological and technical resistance zone. Reclaiming this level would mark a shift in market sentiment and open the door to higher targets. Related Reading: Solana Retests Bearish Breakout Zone – $65 Target Still In Play? On the downside, failure to gain ground above the current range and a drop below $1,550 could quickly drag ETH below $1,500, increasing the risk of a deeper correction. For now, Ethereum remains in a consolidation phase, and the next decisive move will likely dictate whether bulls regain control or if sellers push prices into lower demand zones. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView 

Opinion by: Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc AuTraditional stocks, bonds and commodities markets have long benefited from well-established standards governing the flow of information and data. These standards underpin the seamless functioning of trading, settlement and regulatory compliance, ensuring all participants can rely on the same consistent frameworks.As the financial industry moves into decentralized finance (DeFi) with the introduction of digital assets, like crypto assets and tokenized securities, the lack of such standards presents a growing challenge. While digital assets promise transformative potential, their fragmented information landscape risks undermining their adoption and integration into the broader financial ecosystem.Independent platforms like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko provide information on various tokens, but this data varies significantly regarding market capitalization, total supply and other relevant reference data. Several global initiatives by private foundations and associations are working toward standardization. Traditional frameworks as a guideline Just as standardized financial data has been instrumental in building trust and facilitating growth, digital assets need their global standards. According to studies, standards generate overall economic benefits estimated at 17 billion euros annually in Germany alone.For traditional assets, a clear hierarchy of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) exists to unambiguously categorize and identify each asset. The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is the global standard for uniquely identifying all types of financial instruments, including equities, debt, derivatives and indexes. The Certification of Financial Instruments (CFI) is the internationally recognized system for classifying financial instruments. It is defined when a financial or reference instrument is issued and remains unchanged. The Financial Instrument Short Name (FISN) outlines a standardized approach to short names and descriptions for financial instruments. Unlike ISIN and CFI, the FISN is not intended to be machine-readable but to provide a short format for key information about security for human use. National Numbering Agencies (NNA), responsible for collecting registration data such as issuer information, instrument types, terms and trading conditions, assign ISIN, CFI and FISN. The Association of National Numbering Agencies maintains the identifiers and data in a global database. For countries that do not have an NNA, four global Substitute Numbering Agencies assign identification to those countries.Recent: DePIN needs a more cohesive narrative for mass adoptionISINs are allocated to financial instruments regardless of the technology used for creating the respective instruments, both in paper form and electronic form, thereby including tokenized instruments such as crypto securities according to the German Electronic Securities Act. For tokens with an apparent geographical reference, such as the issuer of a security token residing in Germany, the responsible NNA will allocate the ISIN. Regarding tokens for referential instruments without an apparent geographical reference — e.g., Bitcoin (BTC), where the issuer’s country cannot be identified — an ISIN with the prefix “XT” is allocated from Etrading Software.This helps to identify the instrument on the token level. More exemplary data fields on the token level are the type of token, hash function and generation mechanism. Focused on the instrument level, additional data elements like the token’s blockchain are needed.For this purpose, the Digital Token Identifier Foundation, which is responsible for allocating this new identifier, provides the so-called Digital Token Identifier — e.g. DTI, ISO 24165. Key working theses regarding the standardization of digital assets Crypto identifiers could become mandatory. Similar to traditional assets using systems like ISINs, digital assets will adopt unique identifiers for cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities. These identifiers will facilitate tracking, trading and reporting across exchanges and custody providers, enabling seamless integration with legacy financial systems.Data standards will enhance transparency and compliance: With increasing regulatory scrutiny, standardized data formats will emerge for compliance and risk management. Global coordination will drive interoperability: The standardization of digital assets will rely on global collaboration among regulatory bodies and financial institutions. International organizations will play pivotal roles in creating frameworks that ensure interoperability across jurisdictions and reduce market fragmentation and, thus, inconsistencies in information handling. Initial steps have been taken toward unambiguously identifying digital assets with generally accepted ISO identifiers. Combined with a European Union-wide regulation such as the regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), the industry lays the foundation for more significant adoption. It remains to be seen how investors and the digital assets player will further progress toward more standardization and what roadblocks may arise to be solved.Opinion by: Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc AuThis article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Opinion by: Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc AuTraditional stocks, bonds and commodities markets have long benefited from well-established standards governing the flow of information and data. These standards underpin the seamless functioning of trading, settlement and regulatory compliance, ensuring all participants can rely on the same consistent frameworks.As the financial industry moves into decentralized finance (DeFi) with the introduction of digital assets, like crypto assets and tokenized securities, the lack of such standards presents a growing challenge. While digital assets promise transformative potential, their fragmented information landscape risks undermining their adoption and integration into the broader financial ecosystem.Independent platforms like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko provide information on various tokens, but this data varies significantly regarding market capitalization, total supply and other relevant reference data. Several global initiatives by private foundations and associations are working toward standardization. Traditional frameworks as a guideline Just as standardized financial data has been instrumental in building trust and facilitating growth, digital assets need their global standards. According to studies, standards generate overall economic benefits estimated at 17 billion euros annually in Germany alone.For traditional assets, a clear hierarchy of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) exists to unambiguously categorize and identify each asset. The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is the global standard for uniquely identifying all types of financial instruments, including equities, debt, derivatives and indexes. The Certification of Financial Instruments (CFI) is the internationally recognized system for classifying financial instruments. It is defined when a financial or reference instrument is issued and remains unchanged. The Financial Instrument Short Name (FISN) outlines a standardized approach to short names and descriptions for financial instruments. Unlike ISIN and CFI, the FISN is not intended to be machine-readable but to provide a short format for key information about security for human use. National Numbering Agencies (NNA), responsible for collecting registration data such as issuer information, instrument types, terms and trading conditions, assign ISIN, CFI and FISN. The Association of National Numbering Agencies maintains the identifiers and data in a global database. For countries that do not have an NNA, four global Substitute Numbering Agencies assign identification to those countries.Recent: DePIN needs a more cohesive narrative for mass adoptionISINs are allocated to financial instruments regardless of the technology used for creating the respective instruments, both in paper form and electronic form, thereby including tokenized instruments such as crypto securities according to the German Electronic Securities Act. For tokens with an apparent geographical reference, such as the issuer of a security token residing in Germany, the responsible NNA will allocate the ISIN. Regarding tokens for referential instruments without an apparent geographical reference — e.g., Bitcoin (BTC), where the issuer’s country cannot be identified — an ISIN with the prefix “XT” is allocated from Etrading Software.This helps to identify the instrument on the token level. More exemplary data fields on the token level are the type of token, hash function and generation mechanism. Focused on the instrument level, additional data elements like the token’s blockchain are needed.For this purpose, the Digital Token Identifier Foundation, which is responsible for allocating this new identifier, provides the so-called Digital Token Identifier — e.g. DTI, ISO 24165. Key working theses regarding the standardization of digital assets Crypto identifiers could become mandatory. Similar to traditional assets using systems like ISINs, digital assets will adopt unique identifiers for cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities. These identifiers will facilitate tracking, trading and reporting across exchanges and custody providers, enabling seamless integration with legacy financial systems.Data standards will enhance transparency and compliance: With increasing regulatory scrutiny, standardized data formats will emerge for compliance and risk management. Global coordination will drive interoperability: The standardization of digital assets will rely on global collaboration among regulatory bodies and financial institutions. International organizations will play pivotal roles in creating frameworks that ensure interoperability across jurisdictions and reduce market fragmentation and, thus, inconsistencies in information handling. Initial steps have been taken toward unambiguously identifying digital assets with generally accepted ISO identifiers. Combined with a European Union-wide regulation such as the regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), the industry lays the foundation for more significant adoption. It remains to be seen how investors and the digital assets player will further progress toward more standardization and what roadblocks may arise to be solved.Opinion by: Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc AuThis article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

The cryptocurrency market capitalization dropped 18.6% to $2.8 trillion in Q1 2025, with bitcoin consolidating its lead as altcoins stumbled, according to Coingecko’s quarterly report. Coingecko Data Shows Crypto Trading Activity Slowed Sharply in Q1 2025 The crypto market faltered in early 2025, shedding $633.5 billion amid muted trading activity, Coingecko researchers detailed in a […]

Key Takeaways: Sophisticated Zoom hack impersonated real team members using live footage The attackers attempted to deliver malware via a script disguised as a Zoom update Lazarus Group, North Korea-linked hackers, is suspected of being behind the attempt Manta Network co-founder Kenny Li recently revealed a detailed account of a failed hacking attempt through Zoom.…
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An XRP Tracker Fund has launched in Asia, opening the floodgates for institutional investors to tap into XRP’s explosive growth and Ripple’s game-changing blockchain strategy. XRP Tracker Fund Goes Live in Asia—Ripple Drives Strategy as Investor and Trusted Advisor Digital asset management firm Hashkey, a major player in Asia’s blockchain investment space, announced a significant […]

XRP owners experienced a rollercoaster ride last week as the cryptocurrency fought to remain above the $2 level. The altcoin, which recently exchanged hands at $2.13, fell by almost 20% between April 5 and 7, touching a five-month low of $1.78. However, the token soon regained its ground with a 15% jump the next day, reclaiming the $2 region – although it still struggles to maintain this position. Related Reading: BNB Goes Up In Smoke: CZ Honors Nearly $1 Billion Token Burn Promise Market Analyst Unfazed By Volatility Technical analyst Cryptominder remains unfazed by recent price swings, boldly declaring he’s buying XRP at today’s prices. Though certain experts foresee levels between $12 and $15, Cryptominder has put forward an ambitious goal of $50 by 2030. This prediction is a whopping 2,330% climb from today’s levels around $2.06, with annual growth of over 80% for the next half-decade. This growth rate is within reach, says Cryptominder, citing last year’s 230% price appreciation of XRP as proof. The analyst went as far as to say that market observers would look back at his call with acknowledgment in the future. In 5 years from now $XRP will be over 50$ price. Today is the day you will remember. You will say to your friends that we never believed in XRP when it was 0.09$ we never believed at 0.35$ we never believed at 2$. I buy this XRP you are not. I bought at these prices! — Cryptominder (@Crypt0minder) April 17, 2025 Skeptics Reminded Of Previous Missed Opportunities Cryptominder targeted risk-averse investors who are reluctant to purchase at $2. He compared it to the same sentiment during the time when XRP only cost $0.09 in May 2017 and then subsequently at $0.35. Both prices eventually realized significant returns for investors who purchased in, he asserted. The analyst pointed to his own experience purchasing at these lower levels, and indicated that the current $2 level might provide similar potential for expansion. This pattern in the past is the foundation for his lofty $50 target. Other Analysts Share Similar Optimism Cryptominder is not alone in being bullish. Following reports, Amonyx said last August XRP would beat $10 before hitting $50, stating “no one could stop the momentum.” More recently, Edoardo Farina intimated that investors would kick themselves for failing to buy if and when XRP hits $50, so far even making a suggestion on the potential at $100. #XRP will quickly go above $10+ and then above $50+, there is nothing you can do about it. 🤯#XRPHolders #XRPCommunity pic.twitter.com/B8pFABeZLK — Amonyx (@amonbuy) August 28, 2024 Some market experts seem to support these estimates, predicting a high price of $48 for XRP by 2030 – similarly close to Cryptominder’s estimate. However, other analysts provide a more cautious timeline, estimating that XRP will not hit the $50 mark until 2033. Related Reading: Bitcoin Dominates Q1: Altcoin Season Nowhere In Sight—Report Price Performance Shows Recent Recovery Efforts The recent price action indicates XRP making efforts to stabilize following its steep decline. Having recently retreated to $1.78, the altcoin was able to recover and drive back above $2, albeit holding on to this level has not been easy. Market observers point out that even with these challenges, bears have yet to fully take over the price action. Based on price charts, XRP must set stronger support higher than the $2 psychological mark in order to gain momentum towards any future expansion. The fact that the token managed to bounce back by 14.33% in a single day reflects the potential for sudden movements in either direction and illustrates the extremely volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets. Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView

Early cypherpunk Adam Back, cited by Satoshi Nakamoto in the Bitcoin white paper, suggested that quantum computing pressure may reveal whether the blockchain’s pseudonymous creator is alive.During an interview after a Q&A session at the “Satoshi Spritz” event in Turin on April 18, Back suggested that quantum computing may force Nakamoto to move their Bitcoin (BTC). That’s because, according to Back, Bitcoin holders will be forced to move their assets to newer, quantum-resistant signature-based addresses.Back said that current quantum computers do not pose a credible threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography but will likely threaten it in the future. Back estimated that quantum computers may evolve to that extent in “maybe 20 years.”Related: Bitcoin’s quantum-resistant hard fork is inevitable — It’s the only chance to fix node incentivesWhen the threat becomes real, Back said the Bitcoin community will have to choose between deprecating old, vulnerable addresses or letting those funds be stolen:“If the quantum computers are here, and people at universities and research labs have access, the network has a choice to either let people steal them or to freeze them — to deprecate the signature.“Back expects the community to go with the former option, forcing Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator to move their funds if they wish to avoid losing them.Privacy upgrades could complicate proofStill, Back said that whether such a situation will reveal if Satoshi Nakamoto is alive also depends on Bitcoin’s future privacy features.“It depends a bit on the technology, there are some research ideas that could add privacy to Bitcoin,” Back said. “So, possibly there might be a way to fix quantum issues while keeping privacy.“Related: Lawyer sues US Homeland Dept to probe supposed Satoshi Nakamoto meetingStill, not everyone is convinced that — privacy enhancements or not — such a scenario would reveal whether Nakamoto was alive. An anonymous early Bitcoin miner and member of the Bitcoin community told Cointelegraph that he does not expect Nakamoto’s coins to be moved:“Even if he is alive and holds the private keys, I do not think he’d move them. Based on how he acted so far I would rather expect him to let the community to decide.”He added that, since this is a controversial choice, it makes sense to let the community decide. He said that he’d be surprised if Nakamoto came out of the woodwork to move the assets.A quantum-resistant BitcoinBack explained that most quantum-resistant signature implementations are either unproven in terms of security or very expensive from a data perspective. He cited Lamport signatures as an old and proven design, but pointed out that they weigh tens of kilobytes.Consequently, he suggested that Bitcoin should be prepared to switch to quantum-resistant signatures but only do so when necessary. He suggested a Bitcoin taproot-based implementation allowing addresses to switch to quantum-resistant signatures when needed.Magazine: Bitcoin vs. the quantum computer threat: Timeline and solutions (2025–2035)