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25 Feb 2026, 11:00

Upbit OM MANTRA Rebranding: Strategic Token Swap Commences with Crucial Deposit Suspension

BitcoinWorld Upbit OM MANTRA Rebranding: Strategic Token Swap Commences with Crucial Deposit Suspension In a significant move for the Asian cryptocurrency market, leading South Korean exchange Upbit has confirmed its pivotal support for the OM network’s comprehensive rebranding to MANTRA. Consequently, the platform will temporarily suspend all deposit and withdrawal services for the OM token, marking a critical phase in this blockchain evolution. This procedural halt, effective from 2:00 p.m. UTC on March 1, 2025, precedes a fundamental token conversion where one OM will swap for four new MANTRA tokens. Upbit’s Role in the OM to MANTRA Rebranding Process Upbit’s announcement provides essential clarity for its substantial user base. The exchange, a dominant force in South Korea’s digital asset landscape, will manage the technical backend for the ticker change from OM to MANTRA. This support is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition for holders. Typically, such exchange-managed swaps protect users from the complexities of manual token migration on-chain. Furthermore, this institutional endorsement adds a layer of legitimacy and operational security to the rebranding initiative. The temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals is a standard yet vital security measure. It prevents transaction conflicts during the snapshot period and the actual token swap event. Understanding the Token Swap Mechanics and Ratio The core of this event is the token swap at a 1:4 ratio. This means holders will receive four MANTRA tokens for every one OM token held in their Upbit account at the time of the snapshot. Importantly, the total market valuation should remain equivalent post-swap, adjusting the individual token price accordingly. This mechanism is not a stock split but a technical migration to a new token contract under a refreshed brand identity. Swap Ratio: 1 OM = 4 MANTRA Ticker Change: OM transitions to MANTRA. Key Action: No user action is required if tokens are held on Upbit; the swap is automatic. Historically, similar rebrandings and swaps, like Polygon’s migration from MATIC or Solana’s token consolidation, have served strategic purposes. They often align with project expansion, regulatory clarity, or technological upgrades. Expert Analysis on Rebranding Motivations Blockchain analysts frequently note that rebranding efforts aim to reflect a project’s evolved scope. The original OM network focused on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The shift to MANTRA may signal a broader vision, potentially encompassing regulatory-compliant finance (RegTech) or expanded middleware services. Market data from past events shows that successful rebrandings, backed by major exchange support, can renew investor interest and improve market positioning. However, the immediate impact often depends on the underlying technology’s roadmap and post-rebrand announcements. Timeline, User Implications, and Market Context The scheduled suspension begins precisely at 14:00 UTC on March 1. Users must complete any transfers or trades before this deadline. Trading of the OM token on Upbit will likely halt simultaneously. The resumption of services with the new MANTRA token will follow the completion of the swap, a process Upbit will communicate via official channels. Users holding OM on other exchanges or in private wallets must follow those platforms’ specific instructions or perform a manual migration using the project’s official tools. This event occurs within a maturing global regulatory environment. South Korea’s stringent Virtual Asset User Protection Act necessitates that exchanges like Upbit execute such operations with high transparency and user communication. This compliance framework provides added assurance for participants. Moreover, the 1:4 ratio increases the total token supply, a factor that traders and automated market makers will price in upon the relaunch of trading. Conclusion Upbit’s management of the OM to MANTRA rebranding represents a structured, security-focused approach to a significant protocol transition. The temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals is a necessary step to ensure accuracy and safety during the token swap. For investors, understanding the 1:4 conversion ratio and the strategic reasons behind the rebranding from OM to MANTRA is key to evaluating the project’s future trajectory within the competitive blockchain ecosystem. FAQs Q1: What do I need to do if my OM tokens are on Upbit? If your OM tokens are in your Upbit spot wallet at the time of the snapshot, you need to take no action. Upbit will automatically swap your OM for the new MANTRA tokens at the 1:4 ratio. Q2: How long will deposits and withdrawals be suspended? Upbit has announced the suspension starts at 2:00 p.m. UTC on March 1. The duration typically lasts until the swap is complete and the new network is stable, often 24-48 hours. Monitor Upbit’s official announcements for the exact resumption time. Q3: Will the value of my holdings change after the swap? The aggregate market value of your holdings should remain equivalent immediately after the swap, accounting for the 1:4 ratio. The price per MANTRA token will be approximately one-fourth the final price of OM pre-swap. Q4: What if I hold OM in a self-custody wallet (like MetaMask)? You will likely need to use an official migration portal or smart contract interaction provided by the MANTRA team to manually swap your tokens. Always use links from the project’s official website and social media to avoid scams. Q5: Why is the project rebranding from OM to MANTRA? Rebranding often reflects an expanded project vision, technological upgrade, or strategic repositioning. While the official rationale comes from the MANTRA team, such moves commonly aim to attract a wider audience, align with new services, or enhance brand distinction in the market. This post Upbit OM MANTRA Rebranding: Strategic Token Swap Commences with Crucial Deposit Suspension first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

25 Feb 2026, 10:55

China US Trade Agreement: Commerce Ministry’s Crucial Push for Diplomatic Progress in 2025

BitcoinWorld China US Trade Agreement: Commerce Ministry’s Crucial Push for Diplomatic Progress in 2025 BEIJING, March 2025 – China’s Ministry of Commerce has initiated a significant diplomatic push to advance stalled trade negotiations with the United States, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral economic relations. This development follows months of technical consultations and comes at a critical juncture for global supply chains. Consequently, international markets are closely monitoring these talks for potential impacts on tariffs and investment flows. China US Trade Agreement Enters New Phase The Ministry of Commerce confirmed its renewed commitment to structured dialogue this week. Ministry spokesperson, Wang Lin, outlined the current objectives during a press briefing. “We are engaging with our American counterparts through established channels,” Wang stated. “Our focus remains on mutual economic benefits and global stability.” This announcement builds upon the foundational “Phase One” trade deal signed in early 2020. However, key provisions of that agreement expired in late 2024, creating a regulatory vacuum that both nations now seek to address. The ministry’s push specifically targets progress on digital trade standards and agricultural market access. Historical context is essential for understanding this development. The US-China trade relationship has experienced significant volatility since 2018. Initially, successive tariff escalations affected over $450 billion in bilateral goods. Subsequently, the Phase One agreement provided temporary relief but left larger structural issues unresolved. Now, both economies face overlapping challenges, including inflationary pressures and technological competition. Therefore, this new push from Beijing represents a calibrated effort to de-escalate tensions. Experts from the Peterson Institute for International Economics note that the political window for a substantive agreement may be narrow. Analyzing the Bilateral Negotiation Framework The current negotiation framework involves multiple working groups. These groups concentrate on distinct sectors like intellectual property, financial services, and energy. A comparative analysis of the two nations’ stated positions reveals both alignment and divergence. Negotiation Pillar China’s Position (2025) US Position (2025) Tariff Reduction Seeks reciprocal removal of all additional duties imposed since 2018. Advocates for a phased approach tied to verifiable compliance. Technology Controls Opposes broad export restrictions, framing them as non-tariff barriers. Seeks clear rules on dual-use technologies and data security. Agricultural Trade Aims to streamline phytosanitary protocols for greater import volume. Demands full adherence to previous purchase commitments as a baseline. Furthermore, the ministry’s strategy incorporates feedback from domestic industry associations. For instance, the China Chamber of International Commerce recently published a white paper highlighting key business priorities. These priorities include: Predictability: Establishing long-term rules to reduce investment uncertainty. Dispute Resolution: Creating an efficient mechanism to handle commercial grievances. Supply Chain Resilience: Cooperating on critical mineral sourcing and logistics. Expert Insights on Economic Impacts Dr. Evelyn Chen, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, provided analysis on the potential macroeconomic effects. “Progress in this agreement could signal a thaw in broader geopolitical relations,” Chen explained. “For global markets, the primary benefit would be reduced volatility. Specifically, sectors like semiconductors, automotive, and agriculture stand to gain the most from stabilized trade rules.” Data from the World Trade Organization supports this view, indicating that US-China trade flows still represent approximately 15% of global merchandise trade. Therefore, any new understanding would have substantial ripple effects. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund has repeatedly cited trade fragmentation as a key downside risk to global growth forecasts for 2025-2026. The timeline for these negotiations is aggressive. Diplomatic sources suggest working groups aim to produce a draft framework by the third quarter of 2025. This timeline aligns with the upcoming APEC summit scheduled for November. Historically, major multilateral forums have served as deadlines for bilateral breakthroughs. However, several complex issues remain on the table. These issues include subsidies to state-owned enterprises and enforcement mechanisms. Past agreements have struggled with the verification of Chinese purchase commitments. Consequently, the current talks reportedly emphasize more transparent and measurable benchmarks. Global Reactions and Strategic Implications International reactions to the ministry’s announcement have been cautiously optimistic. The European Union’s trade commissioner issued a statement welcoming the dialogue. Similarly, ASEAN trade ministers noted that stable Sino-US relations are crucial for regional prosperity. Conversely, some analysts warn of potential complications. For example, competing initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could create parallel rule-making processes. Moreover, domestic political considerations in both capitals present a significant challenge. In the United States, congressional committees maintain a hawkish stance on China policy. Meanwhile, Chinese policymakers must balance opening markets with maintaining economic sovereignty. The strategic implications extend beyond pure economics. A successful trade agreement could establish a new model for great power competition management. It would demonstrate that economic interdependence can coexist with strategic rivalry. Alternatively, a failure to make progress could accelerate decoupling trends. Already, many multinational firms are pursuing “China+1” supply chain strategies. A lack of diplomatic progress would likely reinforce this trend, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers worldwide. The ministry’s push, therefore, is not merely about tariffs; it is an attempt to define the contours of the 21st-century global economic order. Conclusion The China US trade agreement process has entered a critical new phase with the commerce ministry’s active push for progress. This diplomatic initiative seeks to replace uncertainty with structured economic engagement. While significant hurdles remain, the renewed dialogue offers a pathway to reduce trade barriers and stabilize a vital economic relationship. Ultimately, the success of these negotiations will depend on pragmatic compromises and verifiable commitments from both nations. The world will be watching as these two economic giants attempt to write a new chapter in their complex trade history. FAQs Q1: What is the main goal of China’s commerce ministry in these trade talks? The ministry’s primary goal is to secure a stable, predictable framework for bilateral trade that reduces tariffs, addresses non-tariff barriers, and establishes clear rules for digital commerce and market access. Q2: How does the 2025 push differ from the previous “Phase One” deal? Unlike the limited “Phase One” deal focused on purchase commitments, the current negotiations aim for a more comprehensive agreement covering structural issues like industrial subsidies, state-owned enterprises, and long-term dispute resolution mechanisms. Q3: What are the biggest obstacles to a new China US trade agreement? Major obstacles include disagreements over technology export controls, verification mechanisms for Chinese purchase commitments, US concerns about intellectual property protection, and domestic political pressures in both countries against perceived concessions. Q4: How would a new agreement impact global markets? A successful agreement would likely reduce market volatility, lower costs for imported goods subject to tariffs, and improve business confidence for multinational corporations operating in both economies, potentially boosting global growth forecasts. Q5: What timeline are officials working toward for a potential deal? Diplomatic sources indicate an aim to produce a draft framework by Q3 2025, potentially leading to a signing ceremony around the November 2025 APEC summit, though this timeline remains ambitious and subject to negotiation progress. This post China US Trade Agreement: Commerce Ministry’s Crucial Push for Diplomatic Progress in 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

25 Feb 2026, 10:49

XRP Now Crossing Border Through Axelar as $4.5M Transfered in a Single Day

Axelar Network says XRP is now crossing borders, as its cross-chain infrastructure has accelerated the asset’s movement to other networks. This effort to move XRP across other chains has ramped up this year, as volume transferred through Axelar continued to climb, reflecting the bridge’s utility. Visit Website

25 Feb 2026, 10:49

2.54 Billion XRP Moved to Binance: What Does This Mean

Amid a broader market uptick, XRP posted a modest 3% increase over the past 24 hours. There has also been a notable surge in token whale inflows to Binance. The 30-day average of large wallet transfers to the exchange has risen to roughly 2.54 billion XRP, which signals renewed activity from major holders after a previous period of relative decline. XRP Whale Inflows Spike Daily whale inflows currently hover around 50 million XRP, which is indicative of ongoing engagement, though not as intense as the peaks observed in mid-2025. The whale flow metric, which tracks coins moving from large wallets to exchanges, is often used to gauge potential changes in the supply available for trading. Rising inflows can indicate that whales are repositioning, whether for selling, leveraging assets as collateral in derivatives, or preparing for increased trading activity. CryptoQuant stated that the recent increase in the monthly average points to a gradual buildup rather than a single large transfer. In previous cases, higher whale inflows have coincided with sensitive phases in XRP’s price, sometimes preceding corrections due to added supply. Other times it has signaled potential volatility, whether upward or downward. As such, if spot demand remains weak, higher inflows could contribute to selling pressure, whereas if liquidity improves and market participation grows, the flows might reflect strategic repositioning by whales ahead of potential price movements. Bears Still In Control Against the backdrop of increased whale inflows and a slight price appreciation, data still show signs of bearish pressure. Analyst CasiTrades recently observed that the recent trendline break is forming resistance, and with the price dropping below the previous B-wave low, attention has shifted toward support levels at $1.11 and $0.87. Local resistance around $1.40 remains significant, and as long as XRP trades below it, downward momentum may continue. She also added that the current phase is still a no-trade zone, and meaningful entries will only likely occur if lower supports are reached or if price flips above the $1.65 macro resistance. On the institutional side of things, US spot XRP ETFs remained subdued. According to the data compiled by SoSoValue, no net inflows or outflows were recorded on February 20 and 23. On February 24, Bitwise’s XRP ETF bucked the trend with $3 million in inflows. The post 2.54 Billion XRP Moved to Binance: What Does This Mean appeared first on CryptoPotato .

25 Feb 2026, 10:46

Ethereum Price Prediction: $1,390 or $880 Ahead?

Ethereum traded near $1,900 on Binance’s 3 day ETHUSDT chart after a fresh pullback left price sitting just above a rising support band that has guided the trend since mid 2022. The latest candle in the screenshot showed ETH down about 1.5%, with price ranging from roughly $1,812 to $1,870 before closing near the lower end of that move. ETH tests rising support as Don flags two paths back to an uptrend Chart analyst Don, who posts as DonWedge on X, said Ethereum has “two scenarios” from here. First, a bounce off the current support zone. Second, a deeper dip that briefly “sweeps” the lower major support area before buyers regain control. He added that both routes still point back toward an uptrend, which he said makes timing the bottom difficult. Ethereum USDT 3 Day Chart. Source: DonWedge on X On the chart, two upward sloping magenta lines mark a support corridor, while a higher yellow line labels “major resistance” near the upper range that capped prior rallies. A mid range yellow level sits around the low $2,000s and is tagged as resistance on the chart, suggesting it remains a nearby reclaim point if price rebounds from the current base. Don’s projected paths appear as dashed white lines. One path shows a quick pivot higher from the support band, while the other sketches a final dip into the lower support before a stronger climb. His post also framed Ethereum’s current stretch as quiet and easy to ignore, while warning that fast moves often start after traders stop paying attention. ETH risks deeper drop if 0.25 range fails, as post points to Vitalik selling Also, Ethereum is testing the lower end of a long-running range on the multi year ETHUSD chart, as analyst Greeny warned that a breakdown could open room for a deeper move lower. In a post on X, Greeny said ETH has “three figure” risk if it cannot hold the 0.25 range level. Greeny also tied that risk to what he called continued “click sell” behavior by Vitalik Buterin, without providing onchain proof in the post. Ethereum Multi Year Chart. Source: Greeny on X The chart shows repeated rejections near the upper resistance band, followed by declines toward long term support. Red dashed levels mark former reaction zones where price paused before changing direction. Each visit to the lower range has drawn buying interest in the past. However, earlier breaks from similar areas also led to extended declines before new bases formed. Greeny listed two downside reference levels if the 0.25 range level fails. He pointed to $1,390 as the first target and $880 as the next lower area on the chart. Those zones line up with prior consolidation regions where price previously stabilized before broader recoveries.

25 Feb 2026, 10:45

Bitcoin Correction Reveals Stark Divide: Retail Investors Face Devastating Losses as Whales Quietly Accumulate Billions

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Correction Reveals Stark Divide: Retail Investors Face Devastating Losses as Whales Quietly Accumulate Billions February 2025 – A dramatic divergence in Bitcoin investor behavior has emerged from recent market turbulence, revealing a stark contrast between panicked retail sellers and strategic institutional accumulation. On-chain analytics firm CryptoQuant reports retail investors realized record losses exceeding $3.2 billion in early February, while large-scale holders absorbed over $23 billion worth of BTC. This pivotal moment highlights the complex dynamics of fear, leverage, and long-term conviction within the digital asset ecosystem. Bitcoin Correction Triggers Record Retail Investor Losses The recent price decline in Bitcoin, often termed a ‘correction’ by analysts, precipitated a significant wave of realized losses. According to data analyzed by CryptoQuant contributor CW8900, the market witnessed approximately $3.2 billion in realized losses on February 5th alone. Consequently, net realized losses ballooned to a staggering $13.6 billion by February 7th. These figures represent capital permanently exited from the market by sellers transacting below their acquisition cost. Market analysts interpret this surge in realized losses as a classic sign of retail capitulation. Typically, this occurs when smaller, often less experienced investors succumb to fear and sell their holdings at a loss. This behavior frequently marks local price bottoms in volatile asset cycles. The data suggests a flushing out of ‘weak hands’—investors with lower risk tolerance—amid heightened volatility and negative sentiment across social and traditional financial media. Whale Accumulation Amidst Market Fear In stark contrast to the retail exodus, blockchain data reveals aggressive accumulation by large Bitcoin holders, commonly called ‘whales.’ Addresses holding over 1,000 BTC have collectively acquired roughly 270,000 BTC over the past 30 days. This accumulation, valued at approximately $23 billion at current prices, indicates strong institutional and high-net-worth investor confidence. This whale activity serves a critical market function by absorbing the supply sold by retail participants. Historically, such accumulation phases during periods of fear have preceded strong market recoveries. The behavior suggests these large entities view the correction as a buying opportunity rather than a reason for exit. Their actions provide underlying support to the Bitcoin network’s valuation by demonstrating sustained demand at lower price levels. Analyzing the On-Chain Evidence The analysis relies on verifiable on-chain metrics, which track the movement and spending of Bitcoin on its public ledger. Key indicators include: Realized Profit/Loss: Measures the value of coins moved on-chain relative to their last purchase price. Spikes in loss indicate panic selling. Exchange Netflow: Tracks Bitcoin moving into and out of exchanges. Sustained outflows from exchanges to private wallets signal accumulation. UTXO Age Bands: Analyzes the age of unspent transaction outputs. Movement of older, dormant coins often indicates long-term holder behavior. CW8900’s report cross-references these metrics to paint a comprehensive picture. The data shows coins moving from short-term holder wallets to exchanges (selling), and from exchanges to wallets associated with long-term holding patterns (buying). Market Health: Correction Versus Bear Market Analyst CW8900 concludes the current environment represents a strong correction within a broader market cycle, not the onset of a prolonged bear market. Several factors support this assessment. Firstly, the unwinding of excessive leverage in derivatives markets has reduced systemic risk. Secondly, fundamental network metrics like hash rate and active addresses remain robust. Finally, the whale accumulation provides a solid foundation of demand. Market corrections serve to reset overextended valuations and wash out speculative excess. The 2025 event mirrors historical patterns where sharp declines shook out retail leverage before institutions established new positions. This process often leads to healthier, more sustainable price discovery in subsequent months. The Role of Leverage and Derivatives A primary catalyst for the correction was the rapid unwinding of leveraged positions across futures and perpetual swap markets. As prices fell, margin calls forced the liquidation of overextended long contracts, creating a cascading selling effect. This deleveraging, while painful in the short term, removes unstable, debt-fueled speculation from the system. Analysts note that open interest and funding rates have normalized, indicating a return to healthier trading conditions. Historical Context and Future Trajectory This pattern of retail capitulation coinciding with whale accumulation is not unprecedented. Similar dynamics played out during the March 2020 COVID crash and the Q3 2021 sell-off. In both instances, the period of maximum retail fear preceded significant price rebounds as selling pressure exhausted itself and accumulated supply met renewed demand. The critical question for the market’s future trajectory hinges on the duration of retail selling pressure. Once this supply is fully absorbed by accumulating whales and other buyers, the path of least resistance often shifts upward. Market technicians will watch for a stabilization in realized loss metrics and a sustained decrease in exchange balances as key signals that the correction phase is concluding. Conclusion The current Bitcoin correction has illuminated a fundamental divide in market participant psychology. Retail investors, facing record realized losses, have exhibited classic capitulation behavior. Conversely, large-scale investors have deployed billions to accumulate Bitcoin at depressed prices. This dynamic suggests the sell-off is a corrective phase within a larger cycle, driven by leverage unwinding rather than broken fundamentals. As the market absorbs this retail selling pressure, the substantial whale accumulation provides a strong base for potential recovery, underscoring the contrasting strategies between short-term sentiment and long-term conviction in the digital asset space. FAQs Q1: What are ‘realized losses’ in Bitcoin? A1: Realized losses occur when an investor sells Bitcoin for a price lower than their original purchase price. The loss is ‘realized’ and locked in upon the sale transaction, as opposed to an ‘unrealized loss’ where the asset’s value is down but still held. Q2: Who are ‘Bitcoin whales’? A2: Bitcoin whales are individuals or entities that hold very large amounts of Bitcoin, typically defined as addresses containing 1,000 BTC or more. They can include early adopters, institutional funds, cryptocurrency exchanges, and corporate treasuries. Q3: How does on-chain data show whale accumulation? A3: Analysts track the flow of Bitcoin from exchange wallets (where selling typically occurs) to private, custodial wallets. Sustained, large-volume transfers out of exchanges, especially during price dips, are a strong indicator of accumulation by large players. Q4: What is the difference between a market correction and a bear market? A4: A correction is a sharp decline of 10% or more within an ongoing bull or neutral trend, often seen as a healthy reset. A bear market is a prolonged period of declining prices, typically a drop of 20% or more from recent highs, characterized by pervasive pessimism and a fundamental breakdown in market structure. Q5: Why is the unwinding of leverage considered positive for long-term market health? A5: Excessive leverage creates artificial, debt-fueled demand that can lead to violent price crashes when positions are liquidated. Removing this leverage reduces systemic risk and volatility, allowing prices to be supported by genuine capital investment and fundamental demand, leading to more stable growth. This post Bitcoin Correction Reveals Stark Divide: Retail Investors Face Devastating Losses as Whales Quietly Accumulate Billions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .