Author: Defx Intern

Despite a turbulent week for Bitcoin, which saw prices dip to $91,000 amid concerns of a potential trade war between the US and several countries, retail investors have significantly increased their accumulation of the cryptocurrency. According to blockchain analytics firm Glassnode, retail investors (addresses holding ≤1 BTC) are purchasing Bitcoin at an average rate of 10,627 BTC per day, a 72% surge compared to last year’s daily average.

This aggressive buying by retail investors contrasts with their behavior in November when they took profits as Bitcoin surpassed $100,000. The renewed accumulation, despite recent market woes, suggests strong confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term profitability. On the other hand, Bitcoin whales (investors holding over 1000 BTC) are offloading their assets at an unprecedented rate, moving an average of 32,509 BTC to exchanges daily since November 24.

While large sell-offs by whales are generally seen as a bearish signal, the Bitcoin community remains bullish, attributing a significant portion of the offloading to profit-taking rather than a loss of confidence. The recent accumulation surge by retail investors has also served as a key absorber of supply, mitigating potential drastic price declines.

At press time, Bitcoin trades at $96,679, consolidating within the $95,000–$100,000 range and setting the stage for a potential breakout. For an uptrend confirmation, bulls must drive prices beyond the critical $105,000 resistance level. Despite a 5.71% price dip over the past week, trading volume has surged by 17.22%, signaling increased market activity and interest.

The contrasting behaviors of retail investors and whales highlight the complex dynamics at play in the Bitcoin market. As retail investors continue to accumulate, their sustained demand will be crucial in maintaining Bitcoin’s bullish structure. However, the market must also absorb the increased selling pressure from whales, which could potentially limit upside potential in the short term.

Overall, while the recent accumulation by retail investors is a positive sign for Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, the cryptocurrency’s path to new all-time highs may face challenges as it navigates the ongoing tug-of-war between retail optimism and whale profit-taking. As always, investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility as the market continues to evolve.

Tags: Bitcoin, retail investors, whales, accumulation, profit-taking, market dynamics, technical analysis

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/bitcoin/retail-investors-boost-bitcoin-accumulation-by-72-amid-intense-whale-selling-details/

Hailey Welch, the influencer known as “Hawk Tuah girl,” has finally addressed the controversial HAWK memecoin scam that occurred in December 2024. After nearly two months of silence, Welch released a now-deleted podcast episode discussing the token’s launch and subsequent crash, which left many investors empty-handed.

The HAWK memecoin, launched in partnership with Web3 platform overHere, was touted as a project that would “redefine the crypto space.” However, the token experienced a meteoric rise and fall within hours of its launch, hitting a $500 million market cap before plummeting by 90%. On-chain data revealed that a cluster of wallets controlled 80% of the supply, and pre-sale buyers quickly dumped their tokens, causing the price to nosedive.

During the podcast, Welch claimed that she had no knowledge of crypto and entered the space after being introduced to the project by a “friend of a friend.” She was allegedly told that the project would be a long-term coin and that the money she made would go to her charity. Welch’s lawyer explained that the deal was a “brand image likeness” agreement, and they had no involvement in the token’s development or tokenomics.

The influencer was paid $125,000 upfront to promote the memecoin and was promised an additional $200,000 within 30 days of the launch. She was also supposed to receive a 10% allocation of the HAWK supply, with a 1-year lockup period. However, her lawyer claims that the tokenomics continued to change throughout the process, and Welch never received the second payment.

The controversy surrounding the HAWK memecoin scam highlights the risks associated with influencer-promoted projects in the crypto space. Investors should always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when considering investments, especially in the volatile world of memecoins.

The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of influencers and their teams when promoting crypto projects. While Welch claims to have had no knowledge of the project’s inner workings, her association with the memecoin undoubtedly contributed to its initial hype and subsequent crash.

As the crypto market continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to remain vigilant and for influencers to carefully consider the projects they choose to endorse. The HAWK memecoin scam serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of investing in unvetted projects and the importance of due diligence in the crypto space.

Tags: HAWK memecoin, crypto scam, influencer, Hailey Welch, Hawk Tuah girl, rug pull

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/hawk-crypto-scam-hawk-tuah-girl-breaks-silence-on-december-rug-pull/

In a surprising turn of events, Tron has outperformed not only the broader altcoin market but also Bitcoin in terms of price performance. Tron’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its dominance in USDT transactions, the rise of meme coins on its network, and the launch of a new launchpad called SunPump.

Tron’s efficiency in processing USDT transactions has made it the preferred network for stablecoin transfers, despite Ethereum holding more USDT overall. This has driven significant adoption and contributed to Tron’s growth.

Moreover, the meme coin phenomenon has added another layer to Tron’s success. The launch of SunPump, a meme coin launchpad, has ignited a frenzy of activity, leading to the creation of over 94,000 new tokens and a $10 million incentive program for developers. The power of meme hype cannot be underestimated, as evidenced by SunPump’s ability to outpace even established platforms like Pump.fun in daily token creation.

The rise of meme coins has shown that they are no longer mere jokes but have the potential to pump entire ecosystems. Tron’s explosive growth is a testament to this, with SunPump playing a significant role in supercharging the network’s adoption.

Looking ahead, a new meme-powered project called MIND of Pepe ($MIND) is capturing attention by blending AI with crypto. With an impressive $5.4 million raised in presale and a growing community, $MIND aims to leverage AI to enhance user engagement and create unique experiences within its ecosystem.

While the long-term viability of meme coins remains to be seen, their current popularity and ability to drive hype cannot be ignored. As Tron continues to ride this wave, it will be interesting to observe how the dynamics between established cryptocurrencies and meme-driven projects play out in the market.

For investors, the key takeaway is to approach meme coins with caution and conduct thorough research before investing. The potential for significant gains is undeniable, but so are the risks associated with highly speculative assets.

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about market trends and adapt accordingly. The rise of Tron and the impact of meme coins serve as a reminder that the crypto space is constantly shifting, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Tags: Tron, Bitcoin, Meme Coins, SunPump, MIND of Pepe, AI, Crypto Market

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/tron-beats-bitcoin-thanks-to-meme-hype-can-mind-of-pepe-be-next/

Solana (SOL) has been facing significant selling pressure since late January, losing over 40% of its value after reaching all-time highs. The price action remains bearish, with SOL struggling to find strong support as the broader market experiences volatility. Investors are growing increasingly cautious, fearing that further declines could follow if key levels fail to hold.

However, top analyst Daan believes that Solana could see a swift recovery if it manages to maintain its current structure. In a recent technical analysis shared on X, Daan revealed that Solana is still holding above a key diagonal trend line and the Daily 200MA/EMA. This suggests that if SOL can defend this area, it could regain strength and push higher in the coming weeks.

While Solana’s recent price action has been concerning, the overall structure still looks intact. If the market regains momentum, SOL could quickly reclaim lost ground and make another run toward its previous highs. The coming days will be crucial as investors watch closely to see if Solana can defend its support levels or if further downside is on the horizon. A strong bounce from current levels could mark the beginning of a new bullish phase for SOL.

Solana is currently trading at a critical zone after dropping more than 14% since Tuesday, testing the last support level that maintains its long-term bullish structure. If SOL fails to hold its current demand level, it could face sustained selling pressure, potentially leading to a deeper correction.

Daan emphasized that these support levels have historically played a crucial role in determining SOL’s trend direction, making them a key focus for traders and investors. However, he also pointed out a technical concern regarding the two sweeps of the 2021 all-time high, which could indicate market uncertainty. Despite this, Daan believes that if the market finds momentum again, Solana could recover quickly and make another run toward higher price levels.

For now, SOL’s ability to hold above key support levels will determine its short-term direction. If bulls manage to defend these areas and push the price back above resistance, a strong rebound could be in play. Solana (SOL) is currently trading at $192 after a volatile and bearish start to February. The price is holding at the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) and remains 5% above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA), signaling that this is a critical moment for bulls to step in and defend the long-term trend.

If SOL manages to hold above these key indicators, the next objective for bulls will be reclaiming the $200 mark, a psychological and technical resistance level. A successful push above this level would signal strength and set the stage for a larger recovery in the coming weeks. However, if SOL fails to hold above the 200-day EMA and loses this crucial support, the price could face a significant drop toward lower demand areas around $170. This would confirm a deeper correction and extend the bearish momentum that has dominated the market since late January.

With the market still under pressure, SOL’s ability to defend its long-term moving averages will determine its next move. A rebound from these levels would indicate bullish resilience, while a breakdown could accelerate selling pressure and push the price further into lower demand zones.

In conclusion, Solana is at a critical juncture, and its ability to hold above key support levels will be a determining factor in its short-term price action. If SOL can maintain its current structure and the market regains momentum, a swift recovery and potential run toward new all-time highs could be on the horizon. However, if support levels fail to hold, further downside and a deeper correction may be in store for Solana.

Tags: Solana, SOL, Solana Analysis, Solana Price, Solana Support, Technical Analysis

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/solana/solana-holds-support-above-key-indicator-expert-sees-push-to-ath-if-momentum-returns/

Recent on-chain data from CryptoQuant reveals that Bitcoin investors known as “Permanent Holders” or “Accumulation Addresses” are back to intense accumulation. This group of investors, who have never sold their BTC holdings, are often seen as a bullish indicator for the cryptocurrency’s price.

The Accumulation Addresses went through a buying spree in the last months of 2024, but their demand sharply decreased in January 2025, coinciding with a slowdown in Bitcoin’s price. However, in the last few days, demand from this group has once again accelerated, with the indicator breaking above the 30-day simple moving average (SMA). Historically, this signals strong confidence and often precedes price rallies.

The resurgence of demand from Permanent Holders suggests that a significant amount of Bitcoin supply is being locked up by long-term investors. This reduction in available supply could potentially lead to a supply shock, driving up the price as demand outpaces the circulating supply.

While not all Permanent Holders will hold forever, as some will eventually sell to realize profits, the fact that these investors have no history of selling indicates a strong belief in Bitcoin’s long-term value. This accumulation trend is worth watching closely, as it could be a key factor in determining Bitcoin’s price direction in the near future.

From a technical analysis perspective, Bitcoin’s price has been trading around the $98,700 mark, showing indecision in the short-term. However, if the Accumulation Addresses continue their upward trajectory, it could provide the necessary catalyst for a breakout and a fresh rally.

Overall, the recent on-chain data from Bitcoin Accumulation Addresses paints a bullish picture for the cryptocurrency’s future price action. As long-term investors continue to accumulate and lock up supply, the stage could be set for another significant rally in the coming weeks or months.

Tags: Bitcoin, Accumulation Addresses, Permanent Holders, On-chain Data, Technical Analysis, Price Rally

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-permanent-holder-demand-sharply-fresh-rally/

As Bitcoin climbs towards a potential $160K price target in 2025, the crypto market is gearing up for what could be a record-breaking bull run. With institutional adoption growing and market momentum picking up, this surge in Bitcoin’s price could ignite a new wave of altcoin and meme coin mania.

Amidst this bullish sentiment, several new cryptocurrencies are making waves, each with unique value propositions. From presale stars like Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE) and Solaxy ($SOLX) to multi-chain meme tokens like Dogeverse ($DOGEVERSE), these projects are attracting significant investor attention.

Wall Street Pepe, a meme coin blending finance and humor, has already raised over $70M in its presale. With a community-driven ecosystem and governance model, $WEPE is positioning itself as more than just another meme token. Meanwhile, Solaxy is merging blockchain with sustainable energy, offering staking rewards for supporting solar power initiatives.

In the infrastructure space, Best Wallet ($BEST) is making a name for itself as a secure, all-in-one crypto management platform. With features like encrypted storage, multi-chain compatibility, and integrated staking, $BEST aims to address growing concerns around wallet security and user experience.

For meme coin enthusiasts, Dogeverse and Pepe Unchained ($PEPU) are pushing the boundaries. Dogeverse brings multi-chain compatibility to the dog-coin craze, allowing seamless transactions across different networks. Pepe Unchained, built on a Layer 2 blockchain, offers cheaper and faster transactions while maintaining the spirit of Pepe-inspired tokens.

As Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory, these new cryptocurrencies are well-positioned to ride the wave. With strong presales, unique utilities, and compelling narratives, they could be among the biggest winners if Bitcoin does indeed hit $160K.

However, investors should always exercise caution and do their own research before investing in any cryptocurrency, especially new projects. While the potential for gains is significant, the market remains highly volatile and speculative.

Tags: Bitcoin price prediction, altcoins, meme coins, crypto presales, crypto bull run

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/5-new-cryptocurrencies-smash-records-bitcoin-160k-2025/

Bitcoin’s market cap has surged an impressive 5.3x since the 2022 market bottom, rising from $363 billion to a staggering $1.93 trillion. This growth has outpaced the altcoin market, which has only managed a 4.7x increase to reach $892 billion. The divergence highlights Bitcoin’s growing dominance and appeal as a safe haven asset during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility.

Despite the impressive growth, Bitcoin is currently trading within a well-defined range, fluctuating between its all-time high of $109K and range lows around $89K. The market remains highly volatile, with both bulls and bears battling for control. Investors are closely monitoring key resistance levels, with a breakout above $109K potentially pushing BTC into price discovery, while losing the $89K support might trigger a deeper correction.

The current consolidation phase has frustrated many investors, who are eagerly awaiting a decisive move. However, the fact that Bitcoin has managed to maintain its dominance over altcoins during this period is a testament to its strength and growing maturity as an asset class. As capital flows heavily into BTC, altcoins have struggled to keep pace, leading to further market fear and uncertainty.

Looking ahead, Bitcoin’s ability to break through key resistance levels will be crucial in determining its short-term direction. A successful break above the $100K mark could quickly propel BTC back into the higher range, testing uncharted territory near all-time highs. On the other hand, failure to break above these levels could lead to a retrace into lower demand zones, with key support levels sitting around $96K and $90K.

As the market continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that Bitcoin is solidifying its position as the leading cryptocurrency. Its growing dominance over altcoins, even during periods of consolidation and uncertainty, highlights its potential as a store of value and hedge against traditional financial markets. While the road ahead may be volatile, Bitcoin’s long-term prospects remain strong, and its ability to weather market storms will likely continue to attract investors seeking stability and growth in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies.

Tags: Bitcoin dominance, market cap, altcoins, price analysis, consolidation

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-market-cap-surges-5-3x-to-1-93t-growing-faster-than-altcoins-since-2022/

The TRON blockchain is experiencing remarkable growth and solidifying its presence in the crypto space. Fueled by a surge in stablecoin transactions and a thriving memecoin ecosystem, TRON has seen a significant increase in network activity, attracting both retail and institutional investors.

TRON now handles an impressive 60% of all USDT transfers across blockchains, with its USDT balance approaching an all-time high following two recent $1 billion mints. This surge in stablecoin supply suggests heightened demand and trading activity on the network. Meanwhile, the launch of SunPump and a generous $10 million meme ecosystem reward program have ignited an explosion of innovation, with over 94,000 new coins added to the TRON network.

The platform’s annual revenue of $2 billion is a testament to its growing adoption for real-world use cases. TRON now ranks as one of the top public layer-1 blockchains, second only to Solana in daily active addresses. Strong social engagement and positive market sentiment, as evidenced by TRON’s #1 ranking on LunarCrush’s AltRank, further underscore the network’s potential for continued growth and adoption.

Technical analysis suggests that TRX, TRON’s native cryptocurrency, could see price action between $0.20 and $0.30 in the near term. With its robust fundamentals and increasing market presence, TRON is well-positioned for steady development and potential price appreciation.

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Tags: TRON, TRX, USDT, stablecoins, memecoins, blockchain, crypto, market analysis

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/tron-social-dominance-climbs-as-usdt-balance-nears-ath/

Bitcoin is currently trading below the $100K mark, with no clear trend in sight. As the market struggles for direction, key on-chain data reveals an important trend among Bitcoin holders. Analyst Axel Adler highlights that since Bitcoin reached $28K, address activity has dropped into negative territory, indicating that the majority of BTC holders are in HODL mode.

This shift in behavior suggests that something has changed in this cycle compared to previous bull markets. With fewer coins being moved or sold, supply is tightening at a faster rate, potentially setting the stage for an eventual supply squeeze. If demand spikes again, Bitcoin could rapidly break out of its current range and enter price discovery.

The market now awaits confirmation of the next move, whether that’s a strong push back above $100K or a deeper correction into key demand levels. If bulls want to reclaim momentum, Bitcoin must break above the $100K resistance level and hold it as support. A decisive move above this mark, backed by strong buying pressure, could fuel a rally toward all-time highs.

On the downside, if Bitcoin loses the $96K level again, a deeper correction could follow. The next major demand zone sits around $90K, where strong buying interest could emerge. For now, Bitcoin’s price remains range-bound, and traders are closely watching for a breakout in either direction.

Tags: Bitcoin, HODLing, Address Activity, On-Chain Data, Bitcoin Price, Market Analysis

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-address-activity-turns-negative-as-hodling-dominates-for-nearly-two-years-whats-different-this-cycle/

Multiple US states are moving towards establishing Bitcoin reserves, with Missouri and Kentucky being the latest to introduce legislation supporting the trend. Missouri Representative Ben Keathley has proposed a bill to create a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund, allowing the state treasurer to purchase and hold Bitcoin using state funds. Meanwhile, Kentucky has authorized investing up to 10% of its excess reserves into Bitcoin and other digital assets.

The growing interest in Bitcoin among US states signifies a shift in perception and acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class. By diversifying their investment portfolios with Bitcoin, these states are positioning themselves to benefit from the potential upside of the leading cryptocurrency while also hedging against economic uncertainty.

The pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration is expected to further accelerate Bitcoin adoption in the coming months. With the possibility of a US Federal Bitcoin reserve on the horizon, the demand for Bitcoin is likely to skyrocket, driving up its price and market capitalization.

As more states join the Bitcoin reserve race, it could create a domino effect, encouraging other states and even countries to follow suit. This widespread adoption could lead to increased liquidity, stability, and mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin as a store of value and means of exchange.

Investors looking to capitalize on this trend may consider allocating a portion of their portfolio to Bitcoin and other promising cryptocurrencies. However, it is essential to conduct thorough research and exercise caution, as the crypto market is known for its volatility and risks.

Tags: Bitcoin reserves, US states, crypto adoption, Trump administration, Bitcoin price

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/news/next-big-crypto-to-invest-in-as-missouri-and-kentucky-join-the-bitcoin-reserve-race/