hodler

25 May 2026, 11:13

Ethereum Price Prediction: Vitalik Streamlines Operations to Curb Ethereum Foundation Selling

In a candid Twitter post, Vitalik Buterin remarks on the Ethereum Foundation’s future direction with a structural reset that could change ETH’s long-term dynamics. This has brought the Ethereum price prediction into bullish territory. Buterin published a lengthy personal statement outlining his vision for a leaner, more principled Ethereum Foundation, explicitly acknowledging that his own influence within the organization will continue to diminish , a transition he “personally welcomes.” Some of my perspective on where the @ethereumfndn is going. First of all, this is only my own view. The board is not just me, and I have no extra special powers on the board that the other board members do not. @aerugoettinea is the one executing much of this transition. My… — vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) May 24, 2026 Crucially, the post signals reduced selling pressure from the Foundation going forward as operational streamlining takes hold. Vitalik framed the EF’s evolution through a sharp analogy, saying that Google once carried idealistic founding principles before commercial pressures eroded them. Buterin’s message was blunt, and Ethereum must not repeat that mistake. Discover: The Best Crypto to Diversify Your Portfolio Ethereum Price Prediction: Can ETH Break Downtrend as Foundation Selling Pressure Eases? ETH is still in the $2,100 handle this week, a weekly support after a brutal downtrend from $2,500. The stable daily candle this week came with visible accumulation signals that show slow positioning. Currently, we are seeing an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern on the daily chart, with the neckline sitting near $2,150. If ETH breaks decisively above it, this pattern projects a measured target of around $2,600. For ETH, it needs to at least hold above $2,150 on a weekly close. If the pattern confirms, momentum could carry it toward $2,400 first, then back above $2,500. Ethereum (ETH) 24h 7d 30d 1y All time But the most likely scenario would likely see a Consolidation between $2,100-$2,200 through mid-year as macro conditions remain mixed, with $2,400 target acting as near-term resistance. ETH’s ETF dynamics have added another layer to the structural demand picture, with institutional flows increasingly cited as a non-trivial price driver heading into the second half of 2025. Discover: The Best Token Presales Bitcoin Hyper Offers Early Mover Upside as ETH Stuck in $2,000 range ETH is compelling, but the ceiling on a $250 billion asset is structurally different from what’s possible at the seed stage. Traders who’ve already captured the ETH move are quietly rotating into earlier-stage infrastructure plays where the asymmetry is sharper. That’s where Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) enters the picture. Bitcoin Hyper is positioning itself as the first-ever Bitcoin Layer 2 with full Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) integration. It delivers sub-second finality and low-cost smart contract execution directly on top of Bitcoin’s security layer. The pitch: Bitcoin’s trust, Solana’s speed, none of the trade-offs. The presale has raised $32.7 million at a current price of $0.0136 , with staking already live and generating high APY for early participants. A decentralized canonical bridge handles native BTC transfers, preserving the trustless architecture that Bitcoin holders actually care about. Research Bitcoin Hyper before the next price tier. The post Ethereum Price Prediction: Vitalik Streamlines Operations to Curb Ethereum Foundation Selling appeared first on Cryptonews .

25 May 2026, 11:10

Whales Accumulate HYPE: One Address Sells 38 BTC to Join the Buying Spree

BitcoinWorld Whales Accumulate HYPE: One Address Sells 38 BTC to Join the Buying Spree Multiple whale addresses have been actively accumulating HYPE tokens in recent days, according to data from blockchain tracking platform Onchain Lens. The trend underscores growing large-investor interest in the asset, with one notable address liquidating a significant Bitcoin position to fund its purchases. Whale Addresses Increase HYPE Holdings Onchain Lens reported that approximately two hours ago, a whale address identified as 0xdf7 spent $3.69 million to acquire 58,279 HYPE tokens at an average price of $63.36 per token. The transaction highlights a pattern of steady accumulation by deep-pocketed investors. In a separate move, another whale address — 0x714 — sold 38 Bitcoin worth roughly $2.9 million over the past 24 hours. The same address then used the proceeds to purchase 46,276 HYPE tokens at an average price of $62.86, according to the on-chain data. Market Implications of Whale Activity Whale accumulation is often interpreted as a signal of confidence in an asset’s medium-to-long-term prospects. The decision by one address to convert a substantial Bitcoin holding into HYPE suggests a strategic reallocation of capital, possibly in anticipation of future price appreciation or utility developments within the HYPE ecosystem. While individual whale moves do not guarantee market direction, sustained accumulation by multiple large holders can create upward price pressure and reduce circulating supply, potentially supporting price stability or growth. What This Means for Retail Investors For smaller investors, tracking whale activity provides insight into the behavior of market participants who often have access to deeper research or inside knowledge of project developments. However, retail traders should exercise caution: whale moves can also be part of larger trading strategies, including short-term arbitrage or liquidity provision, and are not always bullish signals. Conclusion The recent accumulation of HYPE by multiple whale addresses, including one that sold Bitcoin to fund its purchases, signals growing institutional or high-net-worth interest in the token. While on-chain data offers valuable transparency, investors should interpret these moves as one piece of a broader market puzzle rather than a definitive trading signal. FAQs Q1: What is HYPE? HYPE is a cryptocurrency token that has recently attracted attention from large investors, though its specific project details vary by source. On-chain data indicates active trading and accumulation by whale addresses. Q2: Why do whales sell Bitcoin to buy other tokens? Whales may sell Bitcoin to rebalance their portfolios, capitalize on perceived higher growth potential in alternative assets, or take advantage of short-term price discrepancies. Such moves often reflect strategic capital allocation. Q3: Is whale accumulation always a bullish sign? Not necessarily. While accumulation can indicate confidence, whales also accumulate for reasons such as market making, staking, or long-term holding. It is important to consider other market factors and not rely solely on whale activity for investment decisions. This post Whales Accumulate HYPE: One Address Sells 38 BTC to Join the Buying Spree first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

25 May 2026, 11:07

Tether Expanding Global Stablecoin Strategy With GEL₮, A Lari-Backed Stablecoin In Conjunction With Georgia

Tether is taking its first steps to work with national financial infrastructures and has announced GEL₮ a lari-backed stablecoin which they will be launching soon. This initiative, which is specifically designed for the domestic Georgian economy, but remains interoperable with global blockchain payments networks, was developed in collaboration with the government of Georgia. The announcement positions Georgia as one of the few countries directly working with a prominent stablecoin issuer to launch a fiat-backed digital asset in an established regulatory environment. GEL₮ is designed to serve as a bridge between the traditional financial system and decentralized payment infrastructure, according to Tether’s official announcement. Tether and the Government of Georgia to Launch GEL₮, the Official Stablecoin of Georgia https://t.co/ueSLlJzot1 — Tether (@tether) May 25, 2026 Instead of stablecoins that are just pegged to global value instruments broadly, GEL₮ serves the Georgian economy alone; it’s a digital version of the national currency, a financial asset which can transit between blockchain protocols. This development is consistent with a clear defensible strategic expansion pursued by Tether, the only substantial player in the global ecosystem for stablecoin. Georgia Develops Regulatory Systems for Digital Assets Georgia is at the centre of this initiative due to its continually changing regulatory environment. The nation has acted purposefully to lay out a wide-ranging regulatory scheme for digital assets, with special focus on stablecoins. It tackles important matters, including reserve management, redemptions rights, issuer accountability and anti-money-laundering (AML) implications. Instead of operating in a gray regulatory area, GEL₮ is being built under the rule of law. According to the authorities, this framework is in line with emerging global guidelines, including bills being proposed in the U.S., such as the GENIUS Act. Such approach to regulation conveys a wider objective: establishing the status of Georgia as the jurisdiction for compliance and innovation in blockchain-based financial services. It would bring domestic regulation in line with global expectations, so the country can compete to attract institutional investors and fintech innovators looking for regulatory safety. This focus on organisational oversight comes in the wake of rising regulation around stablecoins, where transparency and sufficient reserve backing are still key points for regulators to address. GEL₮ Aims To Enable Faster And Cheaper Financial Services The project has a few main use-cases: lower cost payments; near-instant settlement of payments; remittances and programmable financial services. They are also commonly plagued by delays, excessive fees and multiple intermediaries in cross-border transactions. GEL₮ intends to use blockchain infrastructure for these processes by efficiently moving value at a lower cost and offering timely services. Programmability introduces additional functionality. Enabling use cases such as conditional payments, escrow arrangements, and real-time payroll systems, Businesses and developers can embed automated payment logic. Such capabilities are especially relevant for emerging markets and smaller economy countries where financial infrastructure is otherwise poorly developed. This local currency backed with globally accessible blockchain service could be a building block of GEL₮, replicable elsewhere. Stablecoin Market Remains Highly Concentrated GEL₮ will launch in an environment dominated by just a handful of stablecoin issuers. With an approximate USDT circulation of $200 billion Tether comprises ~59% share of the total stablecoin market. USD Coin, its closest competitor in terms of circulation with around $80 billion. Combined, the two stablecoins make up around 82% of the total $340 billion stablecoin sector, with much smaller issuers competing for the remainder. The market data in this type of analysis(in the linked tweet) here speaks volume on how big is that dominance. In the case of new entrants, such as GEL₮, competition is likely to be less about scale and more about targeted utility and regulatory alignment. Differentiated by focusing on a single national currency and leveraging government-backed frameworks, GEL₮ stands apart from global stablecoins. It has a localized footprint at scale and deep use cases that provide competitive advantage rather than just volumes. USDT alone holds ~$200B in stablecoin supply! That's ~59% of the entire ~$340B market. That's it. USDT: ~$200B USDC: ~$80B Everyone else: ~$60B Two stablecoins. ~82% of the market. The duopoly didn't break. It deepened. Data via @Dune pic.twitter.com/d6SzjFsI6j — Leon Waidmann (@LeonWaidmann) May 24, 2026 Strategic Implications for Tether and the Global Financial Landscape For Tether, the partnership with Georgia is more than product expansion, it’s a move to garner even greater engagement with national financial systems. Tether is taking things a step further, the platform is positioning itself as not just a global liquidity provider, but also a partner in building infrastructure. This strategy carries significant implications. If this works out, it will lay the groundwork for similar partnerships with other governments that wish to upgrade financial systems without necessarily embracing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). At the same time, it also raises important concerns around private corporations operating within national monetary ecosystems. Perhaps these partnerships might accelerate the pace of innovation but they make it even more difficult to separate public authority from private financial control. The potential advantages for Georgia include the following: optimization of expenses, reinforcement of international relations in this field, and improvement of the investment ecosystem within the blockchain and fintech industry. But for it to be successful in the long run, an equilibrium must be struck between innovation and stability backed by regulatory oversight. The Future of Localized Stablecoins GEL₮ is a perfect case study in a broader trend, the rise of municipal stablecoins that appeal to local economies. Global stablecoins like USDT & USDC capture market share but localized stablecoins enjoy regulatory advantages, currency provenance compatibility and concentrated adoption This is a model that under certain circumstances could catch on in the coming years as countries try to maintain monetary sovereignty while embracing digital technology. Instead of depending on solely foreign-pegged assets, governments and institutions may opt for stablecoins directly backed by their own currency. This is a relatively early implementation of that principle, GEL₮. It provides a roadmap for how to incorporate digital currencies into existing financial systems through the integration of blockchain technology with a regulated framework and government endorsement. In summary, the tension between global and local relevance is likely to shape the next phase of growth for stablecoins as the broader space evolves. And for now, Tether entering Georgia has implications that perhaps the stablecoin future rests not just on sheer scale but alignment with real-world economic frameworks. Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services. Follow us on Twitter @nulltxnews to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, Distributed Computing, and Metaverse news !

25 May 2026, 11:05

Ethereum Price: Buterin Says Ethereum Foundation Should Not Control ETH

Vitalik Buterin has pushed back against growing criticism of the Ethereum Foundation, arguing that the organization should not act as the center of the Ethereum ecosystem or focus on boosting ETH price performance. In a detailed response posted on X, Buterin said the Ethereum Foundation was designed to function as one participant within a decentralized ecosystem rather than a central authority controlling Ethereum’s direction. His comments come as parts of the Ethereum community demand stronger leadership from the foundation, especially as ETH struggles against rival blockchains and criticism over tokenomics continues to grow. Ethereum Foundation Defends Long Term Strategy Buterin explained that the Ethereum Foundation intends to remain focused on long-term research, cybersecurity, decentralization, and open-source development instead of short-term market performance. He also highlighted the foundation’s relatively small ETH holdings. According to Buterin, the Ethereum Foundation controls only around 0.16% of Ethereum’s circulating supply, far below the 10% to 50% treasury allocations commonly seen in other crypto ecosystems. The Ethereum co-founder said this was intentional and reflects the foundation’s philosophy rather than poor planning. At the same time, Buterin confirmed that the foundation plans to reduce ETH sales in the future and focus on extending the lifespan of its treasury to continue funding ecosystem research. In May, the Ethereum Foundation withdrew 21,270 ETH from staking on Lido. While the move stopped the assets from generating staking yield, it did not necessarily signal plans to sell the tokens. Pressure on Ethereum Continues to Build The debate comes during a difficult period for Ethereum. Several large ETH holders have exited positions in recent months, while multiple well-known employees have also left the Ethereum Foundation. Particular criticism has centered around the Dencun upgrade released in March 2024. The update significantly lowered Layer 2 transaction fees but also reduced revenue generated on Ethereum’s base layer. Some analysts believe the decision highlighted Ethereum’s willingness to prioritize scaling and ecosystem growth over tokenomics concerns tied to ETH itself. Despite the backlash, the Ethereum Foundation does not appear willing to shift its priorities toward competing directly with high-performance blockchains focused on transaction speed and aggressive growth strategies. Instead, Buterin reiterated that Ethereum’s long-term priorities remain security, decentralization, and protocol resilience. Why Ethereum’s Debate Looks Different From Traditional Tech Foundations Historically, the Ethereum Foundation’s approach resembles the structure used by several major open-source organizations. The Linux Foundation does not manage businesses built on Linux or attempt to influence company valuations. Similarly, the Mozilla Foundation does not actively support the market performance of projects connected to its ecosystem. The difference with Ethereum is that ETH serves both as the network’s utility asset and a highly speculative financial instrument. That dual role creates constant pressure on the foundation to support price performance even while it positions itself primarily as a research organization. Notably, the Ethereum Foundation previously explored treasury strategies that avoided direct token sales. Earlier reports showed the organization depositing ETH into protocols such as Aave and Compound to generate yield instead of liquidating assets. The recent withdrawal from Lido staking appears to follow the same long-term treasury management strategy rather than signaling a major policy reversal.

25 May 2026, 11:05

Virtus Investment’s $154B ETF Boosts Stake in Strategy (STRC) to $40 Million

BitcoinWorld Virtus Investment’s $154B ETF Boosts Stake in Strategy (STRC) to $40 Million The InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF, managed by the $154 billion asset manager Virtus Investment Partners, has increased its holdings in Strategy (STRC) to 402,880 shares. The position is currently valued at approximately $40 million, according to recent filings. Details of the Increased Stake The move signals a notable vote of confidence from a major institutional player in a company that has been actively restructuring its business. The InfraCap ETF, which focuses on preferred securities, typically seeks income-generating investments with a focus on capital preservation. The increased allocation to STRC suggests the fund’s managers see a favorable risk-reward profile in the company’s preferred shares. Implications for Investors For market observers, this adjustment provides a data point on how professional money managers are positioning themselves within the preferred stock space. Virtus’s decision to increase its exposure to Strategy (STRC) comes at a time when the broader market is navigating interest rate uncertainty and sector rotation. The $40 million position, while a fraction of Virtus’s total assets under management, represents a meaningful bet on the specific security. Why This Matters Preferred stock ETFs like the InfraCap fund offer investors a hybrid between bonds and common equity. The increase in the STRC holding suggests that the fund’s analysis points to sustainable dividends or potential price appreciation in the preferred shares. This move can also be seen as a signal to retail investors about the perceived stability of Strategy’s capital structure. Conclusion The increased stake by Virtus Investment’s InfraCap Preferred Stock ETF in Strategy (STRC) underscores the ongoing institutional interest in the company’s preferred securities. As market conditions evolve, such portfolio adjustments offer valuable insight into the strategies of large asset managers. Investors will be watching for further moves from Virtus and other institutional players in the coming quarters. FAQs Q1: What is the InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF? A: It is an exchange-traded fund managed by Virtus Investment Partners that invests primarily in U.S. preferred stocks, aiming to provide income and capital preservation. Q2: Why is Virtus increasing its stake in Strategy (STRC)? A: While the exact reasoning is proprietary, the increase suggests the fund’s managers see value in STRC’s preferred shares, likely due to attractive yield or favorable risk characteristics. Q3: How does this affect individual investors? A: This move provides a signal from a large institutional investor about the potential of STRC. However, individual investors should conduct their own research and consider their own risk tolerance before making investment decisions. This post Virtus Investment’s $154B ETF Boosts Stake in Strategy (STRC) to $40 Million first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

25 May 2026, 11:04

XRP vs BTC: Trading experts set a target for when to expect Bitcoin rotation

Crypto trading expert alias @ ChartNerd has predicted further weakness for XRP relative to Bitcoin ( BTC ) in the near future. On May 25, this technical analyst predicted that the XRP/BTC ratio could drop further, potentially retesting its historical outperformance zone. Precisely, this analyst estimates the XRP/BTC ratio may crash by more than 57% to retest 0.0000073, a level that proved to be a robust support in 2024. XRP/BTC 1-week chart. Source: TradingView With this pair having been rejected at a crucial supply level around 0.000029 throughout 2025, this analyst believes a capitulation to its multi-year support level in the coming weeks could be imminent. Furthemore, the XRP/BTC pair recently dropped below its 20-weekly Modified Exponential Moving Average (MEMA), which has historically confirmed strong bearish momentum. “XRP has been underperforming Bitcoin since 2017, with no signs of any major rotation. In fact, over the last 3 months, BTC has climbed from 60,000 to 80,000 while the XRP/BTC pair has lost its 20 MEMA. Back to green,” @ChartNerd noted . As such, this analyst believes investors could accelerate the rotation of this token into Bitcoin over the coming months. However, based on historical trends, this analyst has identified the fourth quarter as a crucial time to watch for a possible rotation into XRP, as the altcoin could strengthen against BTC. Key factor that could accelerate XRP sell-off against Bitcoin The ongoing weakening of XRP relative to Bitcoin could accelerate after the United States passes the Clarity Act – a proposed U.S. federal regulation aimed at legalizing crypto assets. Moreover, the passage of the Clarity Act could catalyze a sell-the-news narrative, further fueling bearish sentiment on a falling market. Additionally, the liquidity outlook on Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has continued to worsen, dropping to its lowest level since January 2020, based on metrics from CryptoQuant . Consequently, XRP could continue to weaken against BTC until demand for altcoins increases, possibly triggered by regulatory clarity in the United States. The post XRP vs BTC: Trading experts set a target for when to expect Bitcoin rotation appeared first on Finbold .