Category: News

Ethereum’s highly anticipated Pectra upgrade is inching closer to reality as core developer Tim Beiko announced key dates for testnet forks. The Holesky testnet is set to fork on February 24th, followed by additional testnet forks in March, paving the way for the eventual deployment of Pectra on the Ethereum mainnet.

The Pectra upgrade is expected to bring significant improvements to Ethereum’s performance and scalability, which could have major implications for the blockchain’s ecosystem. As the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, any upgrades to Ethereum’s network are closely watched by the crypto community and can potentially impact the wider market.

The announcement of the testnet forks indicates that the development team is confident in the progress made thus far and is ready to put Pectra through its paces in a live testing environment. Successful testnet deployments will be crucial in ensuring a smooth rollout of the upgrade on the mainnet, minimizing any potential disruptions to the network.

As the Pectra upgrade moves closer to implementation, it will be important for developers, projects, and users within the Ethereum ecosystem to stay informed and prepare for the changes. The upgrade may require updates to existing smart contracts and dApps to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Overall, the progress made on the Pectra upgrade is a positive sign for Ethereum and the broader crypto market. If successful, the upgrade could help Ethereum maintain its position as a leading blockchain platform and drive further adoption and innovation in the space.

Tags: Ethereum, Pectra upgrade, testnet forks, blockchain, scalability

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/ethereums-pectra-upgrade-inches-closer-core-developer-announces-key-dates-for-testnet-forks/

In an increasingly monopolized economic landscape dominated by institutionalized credit, innovative technologies like Bitcoin and Nostr are emerging as potential catalysts for change. These groundbreaking protocols together can usher in a new era of innovation, free from the financial constraints of the fiat system.

Historically, innovation thrived under hard metal currencies like the gold standard, driven by independent individuals and private companies. However, the modern fiat-based monetary system has made it increasingly difficult for innovation to emerge without institutional funding. The reliance on institutionalized credit has led to a dependence on central authorities, disrupting the progress and prosperity that results from a free market.

Bitcoin, introduced in 2009, broke the state monopoly on money. Its limited supply and excellent monetary properties allow entrepreneurs to preserve the value of their efforts, creating opportunities for bottom-up innovation. Nostr, launched shortly after, adds a layer of censorship-resistant information-sharing to the Bitcoin and Lightning protocol suite, opening up a new territory of freedom.

Nostr has the potential to enable rapid problem-solving and innovation that cannot be easily controlled by central authorities. By facilitating seamless communication and collaboration, Nostr empowers market participants to innovate faster and reward ingenuity. The countless applications being built on Nostr, such as Nostrocket, demonstrate its potential to coordinate decentralized, Bitcoin-based economies and create economically sustainable organizations.

The combination of Bitcoin, Lightning, and Nostr provides a powerful protocol suite for a freer Internet and society. As Nostr becomes the gateway to a truly free Internet, it has the potential to unleash the collective creativity of humanity and drive unprecedented progress.

Tags: Nostr, Bitcoin, Lightning Network, censorship-resistance, innovation

Source: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/nostr-the-importance-of-censorship-resistant-communication-for-innovation-and-human-progress-

In a surprise move, Eric Trump expressed a bullish stance on Bitcoin today, tweeting “Feels like a great time to enter BTC! 🚀 @worldlibertyfi”. This endorsement has ignited discussions across the crypto community, with industry leaders and analysts weighing in on the potential implications.

Trump’s tweet comes just days after he declared it was a “great time to add ETH”, which was followed by a significant bump in Ethereum’s price. However, market analysts attribute this rally to a broader crypto market recovery rather than Trump’s statement alone.

The pivot to Bitcoin has fueled speculation about whether Trump possesses insights beyond public knowledge or if this is simply another passing endorsement. The lack of explicit rationale behind the shift in stance has only added to the intrigue.

This development comes amidst reports that the White House is actively exploring the feasibility of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, as confirmed by the administration’s AI and crypto czar, David Sacks. Additionally, President Donald Trump himself has reportedly spoken about a $150,000 Bitcoin target.

The market impact of Eric Trump’s endorsement remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly brought Bitcoin back into the spotlight. With the administration’s focus on long-term borrowing costs and the potential for lower 10-year Treasury yields, many analysts view this as a bullish signal for Bitcoin’s price.

As of press time, Bitcoin was trading at $98,137, and the crypto community eagerly awaits further developments in this unfolding narrative.

Tags: Eric Trump, Bitcoin endorsement, crypto market speculation, Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, BTC price

Source: https://bitcoinist.com/great-time-enter-bitcoin-eric-trump/

Recent blockchain analytics data reveals a significant shift in investor behavior, with bitcoin and ethereum reserves on centralized exchanges plummeting to multi-year lows since late January 2025. This mass exodus of BTC and ETH from exchanges suggests a growing preference among investors for self-custody solutions.

The rapid decline in exchange reserves coincides with a period of intense market volatility, indicating that investors are proactively managing their risk exposure by withdrawing their assets from centralized platforms. This trend underscores the increasing importance of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-custodial wallet solutions in the crypto ecosystem.

The migration of funds away from exchanges could potentially impact market liquidity and trading volumes in the short term. However, the long-term implications of this shift towards self-custody are likely to be positive, as it reflects a maturing market with more sophisticated and security-conscious investors.

As the crypto industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits associated with different custody options. While self-custody offers greater control and security, it also requires a higher level of technical knowledge and responsibility.

Tags: crypto custody, bitcoin reserves, ethereum reserves, self-custody, DeFi

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/crypto-custody-exodus-btc-and-eth-reserves-tumble-as-investors-flee-to-self-custody/

Alexey Pertsev, the developer behind the controversial cryptocurrency mixing service Tornado Cash, is set to be released from prison on supervised release. Pertsev will be fitted with an electronic monitor as he appeals his money laundering conviction related to his involvement with Tornado Cash.

The release of Pertsev marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Tornado Cash and its alleged role in facilitating money laundering. As the case unfolds, it will likely have implications for the broader cryptocurrency industry and the debate around privacy and regulation.

The use of mixing services like Tornado Cash has come under scrutiny from law enforcement agencies due to their potential to obscure the origin and destination of cryptocurrency transactions. While proponents argue that these services provide necessary privacy protections, critics contend that they enable illicit activities.

As Pertsev awaits his appeal, the crypto community will be closely watching the proceedings. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for the legal treatment of developers and service providers in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

Tags: Tornado Cash, Alexey Pertsev, money laundering, cryptocurrency mixing, DeFi regulation

Source: https://decrypt.co/304723/tornado-cash-developer-alexey-perstev-leaving-prison

Bitcoin has been facing intense volatility and selling pressure as it struggles to reclaim the $100K mark. Despite the uncertainty, Bitcoin continues to show resilience by holding above crucial price zones that could determine its next big move.

According to top analyst Axel Adler, the most critical support level for BTC currently sits at $90.6K, based on the Short-Term Holder (STH) Realized Price metric. Another major support level is found at $97.2K, calculated from the Short-Term Holder one-month to three-month Realized Price. These levels indicate where recent buyers are positioned, making them crucial for Bitcoin’s stability.

On the resistance side, Bitcoin faces significant supply pressure at $100.6K, a level where recent buyers have concentrated their entries. If Bitcoin manages to reclaim and hold above this level, the next target would be $105K or higher, opening the door for another attempt at price discovery.

The market remains in a consolidation phase, with both bulls and bears fighting for control. If Bitcoin holds above its key support levels, a renewed bullish phase could emerge, pushing the price toward new highs. However, losing these zones could trigger another round of selling pressure, potentially sending BTC into lower demand levels.

For now, the most crucial support level for bulls to hold is $98K. Maintaining this level could set the stage for a rally, as it has proven to be a strong demand zone in recent sessions. A successful defense of $98K would give buyers the confidence needed to push the price above $100K, a psychological and technical level that must be reclaimed to shift momentum in favor of the bulls.

Traders are watching these levels closely, as Bitcoin remains at a crucial point in determining whether the next move will be a surge above all-time highs or a continued pullback into lower support zones. The next few days will be pivotal in shaping Bitcoin’s short-term trend and setting the stage for its next major move.

Tags: Bitcoin, BTC, Crypto Market, Technical Analysis, Support and Resistance

Source: https://www.newsbtc.com/bitcoin-news/bitcoin-support-sits-at-906k-short-term-holder-realized-price-expert-reveals-key-resistance-level/

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at around $97,102, after experiencing fluctuations between $96,174.83 and $99,168.61 over the past 24 hours. Despite the recent market volatility and weaker than normal trading volume, Bitcoin’s dominance in the crypto market continues to climb.

The ability of Bitcoin to maintain its price level near the $98,000 mark is a testament to its resilience in the face of market uncertainty. As the dominant cryptocurrency, Bitcoin’s performance often sets the tone for the broader crypto market.

The rising dominance of Bitcoin suggests that investors are increasingly viewing it as a safe haven asset during times of market turbulence. This trend could potentially lead to further price appreciation in the near future, as more investors allocate their funds to Bitcoin.

However, it is important to note that Bitcoin’s price is still below the psychological resistance level of $100,000. A sustained break above this level could open up the possibility for further upside potential.

Technical analysis suggests that Bitcoin is currently trading above its 50-day moving average, which is a bullish sign. However, the cryptocurrency is also approaching overbought levels on the relative strength index (RSI), which could indicate a potential pullback in the short term.

Tags: Bitcoin price, market volatility, crypto dominance, technical analysis, Bitcoin resistance levels

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/bitcoin-hovers-near-98k-amid-market-volatility-and-rising-dominance/

Crypto exchange Bybit has successfully completed its registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) after agreeing to pay a hefty fine of 92.7 million rupees (approximately $1 million). The Dubai-based exchange had been operating in India without proper authorization, leading to the imposition of the penalty.

Bybit’s clearance to operate in India comes as a significant development for the crypto industry in the country. The exchange’s willingness to comply with regulatory requirements and settle the outstanding fine demonstrates its commitment to the Indian market. This move could potentially pave the way for other international crypto exchanges to enter India, provided they adhere to the necessary regulations.

The registration with FIU-IND is a crucial step for crypto businesses operating in India, as it ensures compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and associated regulations. Bybit’s successful registration, following the settlement of the fine, indicates that the exchange has addressed the concerns raised by the regulatory body and has put in place the required measures to prevent money laundering and other illicit activities.

The Indian crypto market has been in a state of uncertainty due to the lack of clear regulations and the hesitance of traditional financial institutions to engage with crypto businesses. However, Bybit’s entry into the market, with the necessary regulatory approvals, could boost investor confidence and attract more participants to the crypto space.

As Bybit resumes its services to Indian users, it will be interesting to observe how the exchange navigates the evolving regulatory landscape and competes with other domestic and international players in the market. The exchange’s ability to provide a secure and compliant platform for crypto trading will be a key factor in its success in India.

Tags: Bybit, India, Crypto Exchange, Regulation, PMLA

Source: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/02/06/crypto-exchange-bybit-receives-india-clearance-after-settling-usd1m-fine

In a significant move, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s media company, Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), has announced plans to launch a series of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under the Truth.Fi brand. The most notable among these is the Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF, which will track the price of bitcoin (BTC).

This development marks a major step towards mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, as it brings the world of digital assets closer to traditional financial markets. By launching a bitcoin ETF, TMTG is not only providing investors with a new avenue to gain exposure to the leading cryptocurrency but also legitimizing its position as a viable investment asset.

The launch of the Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF is expected to attract significant interest from both retail and institutional investors, given the growing demand for regulated crypto investment products. However, it remains to be seen whether the fund will be able to match the success of other recently launched bitcoin ETFs, such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which accumulated over $52 billion in assets within its first year.

While some experts, like Bloomberg Intelligence senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, believe that TMTG’s bitcoin ETF may not see the same level of traction as its competitors, the mere fact that a company associated with a former U.S. President is launching such a product is a testament to the growing acceptance and mainstreaming of cryptocurrencies.

As the crypto market continues to mature and gain recognition from traditional financial institutions, the launch of ETFs like Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF could pave the way for greater inflows of capital and increased stability in the market. However, investors should remain cautious and conduct thorough research before investing in any crypto-related products, as the market remains highly volatile and subject to regulatory uncertainties.

Tags: Donald Trump, Bitcoin ETF, Crypto Adoption, Mainstream Finance, Crypto Investments

Source: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/02/06/trump-s-social-media-company-takes-steps-to-launch-bitcoin-etf

In a surprising move, Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (TMTG), majority-owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has announced plans to launch bitcoin ETFs. This marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy and a major push into the world of cryptocurrency investments.

The entry of a former U.S. President’s company into the bitcoin ETF race is an unprecedented event that has the potential to disrupt traditional Wall Street dynamics. As one top analyst noted, “Safe to say first-ever POTUS ETF issuer. What a country.”

This move by Trump Media is likely to attract significant attention from both crypto enthusiasts and traditional investors alike. The launch of a bitcoin ETF by a company associated with a former U.S. President could lend further legitimacy to the cryptocurrency market and potentially drive increased institutional adoption.

Moreover, the involvement of a high-profile figure like Donald Trump in the crypto space could also spur renewed interest among retail investors who may have been hesitant to enter the market previously. This increased participation could lead to greater liquidity and trading volumes in the bitcoin market.

However, it remains to be seen how regulators will respond to this development, given the ongoing regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies in the United States. The approval of a bitcoin ETF backed by Trump Media could face additional scrutiny and hurdles compared to other applicants.

Tags: Trump Media, Bitcoin ETF, Cryptocurrency, Donald Trump, Wall Street

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/trump-media-joins-bitcoin-etf-race-first-ever-potus-etf-issuer-to-disrupt-wall-street/