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XRP Base Case Price if Tokenized RWA Hits $200T as Predicted by Bitwise CIO

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XRP could benefit tremendously as Bitwise’s Matt Hougan predicts that the tokenization market could grow to $200 trillion.

For context, Matt Hougan, who serves as Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer, recently said the real-world asset (RWA) tokenization market could expand from $26 billion today to $200 trillion, arguing that traditional finance is already moving toward this expansion.

If this projection plays out and the XRP Ledger maintains its current 1.75% share of the tokenized market, it could host around $3.5 trillion in assets. Interestingly, valuation models suggest the XRP price could reach between $245 and $315 in this case.

Key Points

  • Matt Hougan projected that tokenized RWAs could surge from $26 billion to $200 trillion, citing massive traditional markets such as $110 trillion in stocks and $140 trillion in bonds.
  • He argued that tokenization could grow 10,000x, citing optimistic forecasts from the BlackRock CEO and SEC Chair.
  • The XRPL currently holds $455 million, or 1.75%, of the $26 billion tokenized RWA market.
  • If the global tokenization market reaches $200 trillion and XRPL keeps its share, it could manage about $3.5 trillion in assets.
  • Google Gemini estimated XRP could trade between $245 and $315 in a bullish case, assuming liquidity requirements of roughly 10% to 15% of on-chain asset value.

Bitwise CIO: RWA Tokenization Market Could Hit $200T

Hougan made the recent prediction during a conversation on the Milk Road podcast with host LG Doucet. Doucet brought up a point from Hougan’s memo, in which the CIO insisted that the current tokenization market sits below its potential. Doucet asked Hougan to expand on his position.

In response, the Bitwise CIO said people often struggle to understand just how big these numbers are. He explained that while tokenized assets sit at around $20 billion, traditional markets are much bigger.

According to him, the global market hosts $110 trillion in stocks, $140 trillion in bonds, $250 trillion in real estate, and $30 trillion in ETFs. In his memo, he argued that tokenization could grow by 10,000x and still have room to expand. 

He pointed out that Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has said every asset will eventually be tokenized. He also mentioned Paul Atkins, chair of the U.S. SEC, who has made similar comments. According to Hougan, major Wall Street firms are already hiring people to work on tokenization. This confirms that traditional finance has begun showing interest.

XRPL’s Current Position and the $3.5 Trillion Scenario

If the tokenization market reaches $200 trillion, the XRP Ledger could benefit from this growth. Notably, developers built the XRPL with tokenized assets in mind, and the ecosystem has continued to roll out updates that could support institutional adoption. These updates include permissioned DEX and permissioned domains.

Right now, the total distributed tokenized real-world assets stand at $26 billion. Of this amount, the XRPL holds $455 million, which equals a 1.75% share of the market. If the ledger simply keeps that 1.75% share in a $200 trillion market, it will host about $3.5 trillion in tokenized assets. 

However, while most XRP community members insist that such growth would massively impact the XRP price, the extent of this impact remains uncertain. As a result, we asked Google Gemini to run a utility-based analysis with the current figures.

Google Gemini’s View on Utility and Liquidity

Responding, Google Gemini looked at the utility and how much liquidity the network would need. It focused on the link between on-chain value under management and the liquidity required to support that value smoothly.

Gemini pointed out that the XRPL currently boasts $455 million in RWA, while the XRP price stands at $1.35. Notably, this translates to a ratio of roughly $337 million in RWA for every $1 of XRP price. It then set a target of $3.5 trillion in RWA, based on the ledger keeping its 1.75% share of a $200 trillion market.

To move from $455 million to $3.5 trillion, RWA volume would need to grow by about 7,692x. Gemini noted that the price does not usually grow at the same rate as volume because networks become more efficient over time. However, in a strong institutional setting, rising demand for XRP as collateral or a reserve asset could tighten supply and push prices higher.

A Hypothetical Range of $245 to $315

Gemini then drew attention to what it called a liquidity buffer model. In this model, XRP acts as a bridge asset and a form of collateral. As such, $3.5 trillion in tokenized assets would require deep liquidity so users could trade, rebalance, and pay fees without causing sharp price swings.

Gemini Liquidity Buffer Model
Gemini Liquidity Buffer Model

In a slower-growth case, where the price rises at the square root of utility growth to reflect high efficiency, Gemini estimated XRP could reach about $118. However, in a more bullish case, where tokenized assets are actively traded, used as loan collateral, and settled across borders, the network would need stronger liquidity.

Gemini said healthy markets usually keep a 10% to 15% liquidity-to-asset ratio, which would mean $350 billion to $525 billion in liquidity to support $3.5 trillion in assets. Based on this, it projected a hypothetical XRP price between $245 and $315 per coin.

XRP Price Prediction Google Gemini
XRP Price Prediction Google Gemini

Arthur Hayes Says Bitcoin Could Reach $500K–$750K by End of 2026

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Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, believes Bitcoin could climb to as high as $750,000 by the end of 2026.

In an interview, Hayes argued that rising tensions in the Middle East could ultimately ignite the next major crypto rally. His thesis centers on how the Federal Reserve historically responds to expensive, prolonged conflicts.

Hayes projects Bitcoin could trade between $500,000 and $750,000 at the end of 2026. The foundation of that forecast is monetary easing. In his view, large-scale military engagements strain public finances, and that fiscal pressure frequently leads policymakers to cut interest rates and expand liquidity.

Key Points

  • Hayes forecasts Bitcoin could reach $500,000–$750,000 by the end of 2026.
  • He believes prolonged conflict involving Iran would strain U.S. finances and force the Federal Reserve to cut rates.
  • His thesis hinges on war-driven fiscal expansion leading to monetary easing and liquidity growth.
  • Hayes argues that Bitcoin and select altcoins would benefit immediately after policy easing begins.
  • Bitcoin is currently trading near $68,000, well below its prior $126,000 peak.

War Spending and Monetary Policy

To support his outlook, Hayes points to what he sees as a recurring macroeconomic pattern. When federal spending surges during overseas conflicts, domestic economic stress intensifies. Policymakers then face mounting pressure to stabilize financial markets and sustain growth.

In a recent Substack post, Hayes wrote that investors may find a significant opportunity once the Fed begins lowering rates or increasing the money supply. Specifically, he suggested that Bitcoin and select high-quality altcoins, including HYPE, could benefit in such an environment. The key inflection point, he indicated, would occur immediately after monetary easing begins.

Hayes further contends that prolonged US involvement in Iran would increase the likelihood of rate reductions. Referring to President Donald Trump, he argued that extended nation-building efforts would amplify fiscal burdens. As those costs mount, he expects policymakers to cut borrowing costs and inject additional liquidity into the financial system.

According to Hayes, this sequence—war-driven spending followed by monetary accommodation—has repeatedly lifted asset prices. Bitcoin, he believes, would be no exception.

Market Backdrop and Prior Forecasts

Hayes’ latest projection comes at a time when Bitcoin’s price has stalled near $68,000, roughly half its October peak of $126,000. The pause contrasts sharply with recent gains in traditional safe-haven assets.

Gold and oil prices rose following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The escalation unsettled global markets and heightened volatility. Yet Bitcoin has not mirrored the surge seen in commodities, underscoring the gap between Hayes’s bullish long-term outlook and current market behavior.

Earlier, in December, Hayes predicted Bitcoin would reach $200,000 by March 2026. His projections often diverge from the broader market consensus. He has also argued that disruption driven by artificial intelligence could ultimately strengthen, rather than undermine, Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition.

Lessons From Past Conflicts

To reinforce his thesis, Hayes draws on the Federal Reserve’s historical responses to geopolitical crises. During the 1990 Gulf War, members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cited heightened uncertainty stemming from Middle East tensions. By late 1990, the Fed had lowered interest rates as confidence deteriorated.

A similar dynamic unfolded after the September 11 attacks in 2001. At the time, FOMC Chair Alan Greenspan proposed a 50-basis-point emergency rate cut, which the central bank implemented shortly thereafter. Markets stabilized soon after the intervention.

By linking those episodes to current developments, Hayes outlines what he sees as a familiar macro cycle: major military operations demand hundreds of billions, or even trillions, of dollars in spending. As fiscal pressure mounts, monetary policy shifts toward easier conditions.

In Hayes’ assessment, that pivot creates fertile ground for risk assets. If history repeats, he believes Bitcoin could be positioned for a substantial rally in the years ahead.

Solana Price Prediction for Mar 3: Will $90 Trigger the Next Leg for SOL?

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Solana rebounds with strengthening momentum, but a breakout above key resistance is needed to confirm a sustained upside move.

Solana (SOL) trades for $85.98, up 3.8% over the past 24 hours, after rebounding from a daily low near $82.63 and briefly testing highs around $89.58. The intraday chart shows a breakout that lifted SOL to the upper $80s before momentum cooled and price settled back in the mid-$80s. Despite the pullback from local highs, buyers continue to defend levels above $85, suggesting short-term stabilization after recent volatility.

Looking elsewhere, Solana is up 12.2% over the past 7 days, signaling improving short-term sentiment. However, performance remains mixed across higher timeframes, with a 0.7% dip over 14 days and 18.1% over 30 days.

Solana’s market cap stands at approximately $49.0 billion, with $5.8 billion in 24-hour trading volume. The question now remains if Solana can sustain momentum above the mid-$80 region and reclaim the $89-$90 resistance zone to confirm a stronger recovery structure.

Solana Price Analysis

Solana’s daily chart confirms the dominant bearish trend remains, despite recent stabilization near the $80–$90 zone. However, momentum indicators are beginning to shift. The MACD has turned upward, with the histogram printing positive bars. The MACD line (-3.94) crossing above the signal line (-5.68) shows early bullish momentum building from oversold conditions.

Solana Price Analysis
Solana Price Analysis

The Bull Bear Power indicator has also flipped into positive territory at 3.24 after an extended period of red prints, suggesting buyers are gradually regaining short-term control. While these signals point to a potential relief rally, Solana would need to break above overhead resistance levels like $90 to confirm a stronger trend reversal. Until that occurs, the current move may remain a corrective bounce within a broader bearish structure.

Trade After This Breakout

Solana is currently trading within a clearly defined 4-hour range, according to analyst Ali Martinez. The price is oscillating between resistance near $90.68 and support around $76.66, forming what he describes as a “clean range.” Recent price action shows repeated rejections near the upper boundary and strong bounces from the lower support zone, reinforcing the structure of this consolidation channel.

Solana Prediction
Solana Prediction

Martinez emphasizes that he is not interested in trading within the range itself, but rather waiting for a decisive breakout. A sustained move above $90.68 could signal bullish continuation, while a breakdown below $76.66 would likely open the door for further downside momentum.

Altcoin Daily Issues Buy Calls for Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Cardano

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Popular crypto YouTube channel Altcoin Daily has issued strong bullish calls for XRP, Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum.  

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate, many investors are cautious. However, Altcoin Daily is urging market participants to accumulate leading cryptocurrencies as a hedge against macroeconomic and geopolitical instability. 

Key Points 

  • Altcoin Daily urges investors to accumulate Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • The channel also recommends established altcoins such as XRP, BNB, Solana, Chainlink, and Cardano.
  • The bullish call came as crypto prices staged a rebound despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
  • Industry figures like Charles Hoskinson and Arthur Hayes remain optimistic, but skeptics continue to urge caution amid persistent market volatility. 

Altcoin Daily Buy Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, Solana, and BNB 

Posting on X, Altcoin Daily encouraged its 2 million followers to buy not only Bitcoin and Ethereum but also established altcoins such as XRP, Solana, Cardano, BNB, and Chainlink.

Notably, this endorsement followed a significant market rebound despite the ongoing conflict. Initially, crypto markets reacted negatively to the first wave of attacks on Saturday, which led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. 

Reacting, Bitcoin dropped to $63,400, Ethereum to $1,840, BNB to $590, Solana to $77, Chainlink to $8.22, and XRP to $1.27. Although prices attempted a recovery the following day, momentum briefly stalled after Donald Trump pledged further military action. 

Crypto Prices Rebound

At that point, many investors anticipated deeper losses, but the market staged a sharp reversal. Bitcoin surged from roughly $65,000 to $70,000 yesterday, while other major cryptocurrencies followed suit. XRP climbed from $1.34 to $1.41, and Ethereum jumped from $1,931 to $2,080. 

Analysts attribute the sudden surge to heavy leveraged positioning and a short squeeze. In addition, they suggest that broader macroeconomic turmoil and a reversal of outflows from crypto funds have fueled buying pressure. 

With the rally reinforcing the narrative that these assets serve as a hedge against uncertainties, Altcoin Daily encouraged investors to purchase leading tokens, including Bitcoin and XRP. 

Growing Optimism Around Crypto

Although some analysts insist that cryptocurrencies remain in bearish territory, several industry leaders continue to express long-term optimism. Notably, Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad Poor Dad author, predicted that Bitcoin could soon “blast off,” potentially mirroring gold’s recent $128 surge. 

Similarly, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said crypto’s best days still lie ahead. Meanwhile, Arthur Hayes argued that a prolonged Iran conflict could prompt the Federal Reserve to print more money, a move he believes would ultimately push Bitcoin higher, potentially benefiting the broader market.

Despite the recent rebound, analysts caution that digital assets are still in a bear market. Therefore, while platforms like Altcoin Daily encourage accumulation, investors must conduct due diligence, as volatility remains a constant feature of the crypto market. 

Bitcoin Shows “Sign of Life” as VanEck CEO Predicts Bottoming Phase

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Bitcoin staged a strong rebound on Monday, briefly approaching the $70,000 mark. The move prompted Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, to suggest that the cryptocurrency may be forming a market bottom.

Speaking to CNBC, van Eck described the latest price action as an encouraging signal for investors. For context, the rally pushed Bitcoin briefly above $70,000 before a modest pullback. At the time of reporting, it was trading at $67,878, up 2% over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization climbed back above $2.4 trillion.

Despite the recovery, van Eck cautioned that Bitcoin remains about 50% below its peak from last October, a reminder of the significant drawdown investors have endured. The contrast underscores the tension between improving short-term momentum and the longer-term downturn still shaping market sentiment.

Key Points

  • Bitcoin rallied above $70,000, signaling potential stabilization after a prolonged drawdown.
  • Van Eck noted the rebound may indicate a market bottom, despite Bitcoin still being ~50% below last year’s peak.
  • Bitcoin’s historical four-year cycle suggests 2026 could be bearish, placing current gains in a broader context.
  • Structural factors such as the 21 million coin supply cap and halving mechanism continue to shape Bitcoin’s long-term cycles.
  • Strong economic data (U.S. ISM PMI at 52.4) and a $341 million short squeeze helped fuel Monday’s price surge.
  • The rebound occurred amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, demonstrating Bitcoin’s resilience during global uncertainty.

Four-Year Cycle Frames the Broader Outlook

To contextualize the current phase, Van Eck pointed to Bitcoin’s historical four-year cycle. He explained that the asset has typically posted gains for three consecutive years, followed by a weaker fourth year.

If that pattern holds, 2026 would represent the downturn phase. According to Van Eck, the market now appears to be moving through the softer portion of that cycle. This historical framework, he suggested, can help investors interpret both rallies and corrections within a broader timeline rather than viewing them in isolation.

Furthermore, he highlighted two structural features that underpin Bitcoin’s long-term behavior: its fixed supply cap of 21 million coins and the halving mechanism, which reduces mining rewards approximately every four years. Together, these supply constraints have historically contributed to recurring price cycles.

Economic Data and Market Drivers

Beyond crypto-specific factors, recent macroeconomic data may also be supporting sentiment. 

The latest U.S. ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index came in at 52.4. Although slightly below January’s 52.6 reading, it exceeded expectations of 51.8. A PMI reading above 50 indicates economic expansion, while a figure below 50 signals contraction. The U.S. economy has now remained in expansion territory for two consecutive months.

Notably, Bitcoin has never recorded a new all-time high when the PMI was below 50, a historical pattern that adds context to the current macro backdrop.

Market positioning further amplified Monday’s move. Data from CoinGlass showed roughly $341 million in crypto liquidations over the past 24 hours, with more than $200 million tied to short positions. As prices climbed, bearish traders were forced to close positions, creating a short squeeze that reinforced upward momentum.

Geopolitical Backdrop

The rebound also unfolded amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Over the weekend, coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Subsequently, the action triggered retaliatory attacks across the region.

Even so, against this tense atmosphere, digital assets advanced. The resilience has drawn attention from investors evaluating Bitcoin’s behavior during periods of global instability.

Taken together, Van Eck’s remarks, supportive economic data, and significant short liquidations have fueled debate over whether Bitcoin is stabilizing. While risks remain, recent developments have revived discussion about a potential turning point in the market cycle.

Shiba Inu Open Interest Climbs 15% in 24 Hours—What to Expect

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Shiba Inu open interest is on an upward trajectory despite a sideways price trend as risk appetite returns to the derivative market.

Notably, the doggy-themed, light-hearted meme coin has struggled amid the ongoing market-wide downturn and the escalating battle between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, market speculators appear keen to capitalize on this volatility, as evidenced by rising futures positions in Shiba Inu (SHIB).

Key Points

  • Shiba Inu open interest is on an upward trajectory despite a sideways price trend as risk appetite returns to the derivative market.
  • Data from Coinglass shows that Shiba Inu open interest has grown 15.74% in the past 24 hours to $61.62 million.
  • Typically, such a spike precedes a price shift, dependent on the bias of the heavy bets.
  • Adding to the OI increase, SHIB’s spot and futures volume have also surged 73.94% and 36%, respectively.
  • Shiba Inu price has dropped 1.29% over the past 24 hours to $0.00000544 despite rising OI and volume.

Shiba Inu Open Interest Soars 14%

Data from Coinglass shows that Shiba Inu open interest has grown 15.74% in the past 24 hours. For the uninitiated, this metric measures the value of all open futures positions tied to a token over a specified period. As such, a rise shows that more users are opening more derivative bets, and a drop suggests otherwise.

The data show that contracts worth 11.02 trillion SHIB are currently active in the global derivatives market. In dollar terms, this represents $61.62 million.

Recall that an earlier The Crypto Basic report highlighted a slide to $52.8 million on Monday. That figure has since climbed significantly to the current valuation in just 24 hours, indicating a strong influx of market speculators.

Typically, such a spike precedes a price shift, dependent on the bias of the heavy bets. As liquidity enters the market increasingly, assets tend to move in tandem.

Spot and Futures Volume Explodes

Adding to the OI increase, SHIB’s spot and futures volume have also surged alongside.

Specifically, the futures volume spiked nearly 36% over the past 24 hours to $179 million, confirming growing participation in the derivatives market. Meanwhile, the taker buys and sells show indecision in the direction of these bets, with the former at 49.69% and the latter at 50.31%.

Spot volume saw the most notable shift, expanding a staggering 73.94% in the past 24 hours to $36.89 million. Further analysis suggests more sell-side activities among holders, with taker sell at 51.66% and taker buy at 48.34%.

Shiba Inu Volume Overview/Coinglass
Shiba Inu Volume Overview/Coinglass

Meanwhile, the Shiba Inu price has dropped 1.29% over the past 24 hours to $0.00000544, adding more context to the spike in OI and volume. The dip and the perspective from the taker sell show that holders are selling their stash amid market uncertainty. Futures traders also seem to be positioning themselves for further downtrend, hence the uptick.

What’s Next for Shiba Inu Price

In the meantime, Shiba Inu remains in bearish territory amid prolonged price downturns. The meme coin has corrected nearly 6% in just three days in March, and it is not looking good on lower and higher timeframes.

Nonetheless, SHIB has held above the $0.00000507 support despite the building bearish trend, which is a good sign. As long as this level holds, the hopes of a recovery to a higher price remain. When market conditions brighten, a recent analysis points to a comeback this year, with the first target an over 3x rally to $0.00001678.

However, breaking down below this level puts SHIB at risk of another 75% downturn to $0.00000138. The closest critical support before this is the $0.00000304 level.

Cardano Founder Says Clarity Act Gives XRP a Free Pass

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Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has once again criticized the Clarity Act, arguing that while tokens like XRP and ADA might receive a free pass, the overall bill could hurt the crypto industry.

As debate around the bill intensifies, Hoskinson has become one of its strongest critics. He recently argues that the law could end up labeling most digital assets as securities by default. He also warned that this would give the U.S. SEC more power and could push decentralized finance (DeFi) out of the picture.

Key Points

  • Charles Hoskinson believes that the Clarity Act could grant XRP a regulatory “free pass” by affirming its non-security status.
  • He argues that the bill may automatically classify most future crypto projects as securities, increasing regulatory pressure on new entrants.
  • Hoskinson criticizes the legislation for failing to include clear provisions for DeFi platforms such as Uniswap and for ignoring prediction markets.
  • He suggests that Coinbase remains the primary force shaping the bill’s trajectory due to its interest in stablecoin-related provisions.

XRP Might Get a Free Pass

During a recent livestream, Hoskinson said the Clarity Act could absolve established tokens like XRP and ADA from being labeled securities. His remarks echo those of Brad Garlinghouse, who maintains that XRP has already secured non-security status through a U.S. federal court ruling.

However, despite the potential benefits for XRP and ADA, Hoskinson warned that the bill’s wider implications remain troubling. He argued that the legislation risks turning nearly all crypto assets into securities by default, effectively granting the SEC sweeping power.

In turn, this could stifle future American crypto projects through restrictive oversight. Rather than fostering clarity, Hoskinson believes the Act would foster uncertainty and enforcement-driven governance.

No Provisions for DeFi

He also expressed frustration over the lack of provisions for DeFi platforms. According to him, protocols such as Uniswap and prediction markets receive no meaningful provision under the bill.

Without explicit recognition, decentralized protocols could remain vulnerable to regulatory crackdowns. Moreover, he noted that the legislation omits provisions for yield-bearing stablecoins, an area in which Coinbase has actively advocated.

“New Crypto Projects Will Be Securities by Default’

Hoskinson also opposes the Clarity Act for several other reasons. He argued that the bill would classify all new crypto projects as securities by default, placing an immediate regulatory burden on emerging developers.

According to Hoskinson, such a framework could hand lawmakers, particularly Democrats who have frequently criticized the industry, a legal mechanism to keep most digital assets permanently categorized as securities. To him, this approach would strip developers of meaningful protections while entrenching long-term regulatory constraints.

Hoskinson further emphasized that assets labeled as securities often struggle to secure sufficient liquidity, limiting issuers’ ability to expand token ownership and grow their networks. For Cardano’s founder, these structural limitations underscore why he remains strongly opposed to the legislation.

Coinbase Emerges as Key Roadblock to Clarity Act

The Clarity Act, widely viewed as a pathway to long-awaited regulatory clarity for the crypto industry, continues to spark mixed reactions. Although the Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced its markup, the Banking Committee has stalled over disagreements over the yield-bearing stablecoin provision.

Earlier this year, Coinbase withdrew its support after discovering that the bill does not permit stablecoin yields. In response, the White House convened meetings between crypto and banking stakeholders to broker a compromise. Despite a March 1 deadline, officials have yet to announce any compromise. Nevertheless, industry participants remain optimistic that negotiations could still produce a deal.

Meanwhile, Hoskinson identified Coinbase as the primary obstacle to advancing the bill, citing its push to offer yield-bearing stablecoins. He argued that the exchange presents the effort as retail advocacy while ignoring deeper structural concerns affecting the broader ecosystem.

Despite these criticisms, Garlinghouse maintains that the current version of the bill is preferable to continued regulatory uncertainty. Consequently, he believes the U.S. president could enact the legislation as soon as next month.

XRP News: Cardano Founder Slams Ripple CEO for Supporting “Horrific, Trash Bill”

Charles Hoskinson has again publicly criticized Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse over his support for the Clarity Act, describing the current version as a “horrific, trash bill.”

Hoskinson’s remarks came in response to Garlinghouse’s repeated backing of the legislation. While the Ripple CEO has argued that “clarity is better than chaos,” the Cardano founder believes the bill, in its present form, could severely damage future U.S. crypto innovation.

Key Points

  • Hoskinson calls the Clarity Act a “horrific” bill, clashing with Ripple CEO Garlinghouse.
  • He says the proposal could classify new crypto projects as securities by default.
  • Garlinghouse believes imperfect clarity is better than prolonged regulatory chaos.
  • A missed March 1 deadline on stablecoin yields adds fresh uncertainty to the bill.

“Security by Default” Concerns

Hoskinson’s main objection centers on provisions he claims would treat new crypto projects as securities by default. According to him, such a framework would make it nearly impossible for emerging networks to gain liquidity, secure exchange listings, or build a user base.

He argued that legacy projects such as XRP, Cardano, and Ethereum could be “grandfathered in,” while newer startups would face regulatory barriers from day one. In his view, this would entrench established players and block the next generation of American crypto ventures.

Hoskinson also said the bill strips out developer protections and creates procedural pathways that regulators could use to keep projects classified as securities indefinitely. He compared the risk to past regulatory bottlenecks, arguing that excessive bureaucracy could stall innovation for years.

Ripple’s Position

Garlinghouse has taken a different stance. In January, the Ripple CEO reaffirmed his support for the Clarity Act despite acknowledging its imperfections. He stressed that regulatory certainty, even if incomplete, would be more constructive than prolonged ambiguity.

According to Garlinghouse, the crypto sector needs a workable framework that clearly defines the roles of the SEC and the CFTC. He has encouraged industry leaders to remain engaged in the legislative process and push for amendments rather than abandoning the bill entirely.

Previously, Garlinghouse also made it clear that Ripple would not support any legislation that jeopardizes XRP’s legal clarity. Following years of legal battles, XRP secured a federal court ruling confirming it is not a security, a milestone Ripple says it will not allow to be undone.

Notably, Hoskinson suggests that Ripple is backing the bill in its current form because it does not affect XRP’s position. In his words, “You climbed up the ladder and then pulled it up so no one else can climb up with you.”

Deepening Industry Divide

The disagreement highlights a growing split within the industry. While some firms believe progress, even if imperfect, is necessary to move forward, others fear that locking in flawed language could institutionalize harmful standards.

Hoskinson dismissed suggestions that his criticism stems from being excluded from negotiations, stating he had participated in discussions for years before key protections were removed. He also argued that the bill does little to address DeFi or protect decentralized developers.

Key Deadline Missed

Notably, the Clarity Act missed its March 1 deadline after banks and crypto firms failed to resolve a dispute over stablecoin yields. The deadline, set by White House Crypto Council Executive Director Patrick Witt, passed without a compromise.

Crypto companies want permission to offer regulated rewards on stablecoins like USDC. Banks, however, are concerned about deposit flight from low-yield savings accounts and are therefore pushing for strict limits or a ban on interest-like returns.

Senate Banking Committee action is now expected later this month. Without a deal, institutional inflows that some analysts expect by 2026 could be delayed. JPMorgan recently said that passage of the Clarity Act by mid-2026 could serve as the catalyst needed for a major bull run.

Cardano: Why Market Veteran Dan Gambardello Is So Bullish on ADA

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Cardano could experience a liquidity expansion in alignment with the PMI, and this concept is drawing optimism amid the ongoing correction.

The current sideways trend has seen Cardano plunge back towards a key support area following an earlier bounce in February. After rallying 14% in a single day on February 25 from the $0.24-$0.26 support, bears stepped in as usual, dragging the price down again. Yet, an interesting setup is developing for Cardano amid this correction.

Key Points

  • Cardano could experience a liquidity expansion in alignment with the PMI, and this concept is drawing optimism amid the ongoing correction.
  • A recent ISM report showed that the Manufacturing PMI stands at 52.4%, up for the second straight month in February.
  • Historically, the increase in this indicator has coincided with an influx of liquidity into the market and, essentially, the start of a rally.
  • Cardano has undergone a reset following the recent stochastic RSI and price breakdown to bear-market lows.

Is Cardano Cooking with the PMI Recipe?

Market veteran Dan Gambardello highlighted this interesting development in a recent commentary shared on X. He notes that he is so bullish on Cardano and altcoins in general, issuing a warning to market bears waiting on further downturns.

What is fueling this strong conviction is the expected liquidity expansion for Cardano and the broader crypto sector. According to him, the industry is shifting from contraction to abundance amid the recent resurgence of the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI).

For the uninitiated, the PMI is a monthly economic metric that tracks the manufacturing sector’s performance. Key indicators for this parameter include new orders, employment data, production, and supplier deliveries.

Gambardello cited a recent ISM report showing that the Manufacturing PMI stands at 52.4%, up for the second straight month in February. Most notably, it was only the third time in 40 months that this indicator had increased, indicating strengthening economic activity in the manufacturing sector.

Historically, the increase in this indicator has coincided with an influx of liquidity into the market. The analysis highlighted a past event in 2020 when a combination of quantitative easing and PMI expansion sparked an ADA rebound to unprecedented prices in 2021. These two factors are in play for the coin, and optimism is rising.

ADA Price Reset

Technically, Gambardello highlighted what he termed a Cardano reset using the Stochastic RSI. His shared chart shows that the indicator has been forming a series of lower highs and lower lows since 2024. Meanwhile, when analysts expected another leg up and an eventual breakout from a forming descending neckline resistance, the indicator broke down.

Cardano Analysis/Dan Gambardello
Cardano Analysis/Dan Gambardello

This capitulation aligned with the start of the steep price pullback in the receding part of 2025, with ADA dropping over 70% from its September highs to its current price level around $0.27. The strong bearish trend, which saw the Stochastic RSI drop into oversold territory and ADA to the previous cycle’s lows, led to a reset.

With things starting to align fundamentally for Cardano. Gambardello says he is very bullish on ADA. Meanwhile, the analysis did not highlight the price bottom level or targets when this upsurge kicks off.

What Needs to Happen for a Cardano Rally

Nonetheless, for this to happen, other macro factors need to align too. Crypto struggled over the weekend amid the renewed tension between Israel, the US, and Iran, and prolonged confrontations of that nature could hamper sentiments.

Additionally, ADA would need to maintain current support and begin targeting higher resistance levels. Holding the $0.24 support opens the way to reclaiming $0.38 and other higher price targets subsequently. However, nothing is guaranteed at the moment.

Standard Chartered Predicts XRP Price For 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030

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Standard Chartered’s XRP price forecasts match Fibonacci extension targets previously championed by a prominent analyst.

Multinational bank Standard Chartered revised its XRP price predictions last month amid the ongoing market downturn. However, the bank maintained a bullish $28 target for 2030, which seems to align with Long-Held Fibonacci extension targets within the XRP community.

Key Points

  • Standard Chartered slashed its 2026 XRP target by 65% from $8 to $2.8 in February 2026 amid a broader crypto market decline.
  • The bank reduced its 2027 forecast to $7 but increased longer-term projections to $12.60 in 2028, $19.60 in 2029, and maintained $28 for 2030.
  • The $28 target for 2030 aligns with Fibonacci extension levels that a well-known market analyst has continued to champion.
  • These Fibonacci extension levels sit at 127.2% for $8, 141.4% for $13, and 161.8% for $27, representing long-term targets amid growing institutional adoption and cross-border payment use.
  • In December 2025, Standard Chartered had predicted $8 by the end of 2026, implying a 330% surge from around $1.86 at the time.

Standard Chartered’s XRP Price Revision Matches Fib Levels 

Notably, these Fibonacci extension levels were presented by crypto analyst Chart Nerd. The analyst has continued to point out that while Standard Chartered currently sees XRP reaching $28 by 2030, he had already outlined a potential rise to $27 as the ultimate long-term goal based on Fibonacci extensions.

For context, in February 2026, Standard Chartered lowered its short-term expectations after a wider crypto market selloff. The bank reduced its end-of-2026 target to $2.80, a steep 65% drop from its earlier $8 forecast. It also trimmed its 2027 projection to $7, down from about $10.40.

Despite this, the bank raised or held steady on its longer-term numbers. It lifted its 2028 target to $12.60, slightly above the earlier $12.50 estimate, and pushed its 2029 outlook up to $19.60, compared to the previous $12.25 figure. For 2030, it kept its $28 forecast, indicating that it still believes in strong long-term growth despite near-term caution.

These changes came during a tough stretch for the market. XRP had fallen about 43%, trading around $1.40 at the time. The 65% cut to the 2026 target marked the largest percentage reduction the bank made among its crypto forecasts at the time.

Earlier Bullish Outlook in 2025

Before this downgrade, Standard Chartered sounded more bullish. In its December 2025 outlook, the bank predicted XRP would reach $8 by the end of 2026, which meant a potential 330% rise from then-current levels near $1.86. It also projected $10.40 for 2027 and $12.50 for 2028.

Going back to April 2025, Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick predicted $5.50 by the close of 2025, $8 by the end of the current year, $10.40 by 2027, and $12.50 by 2028. 

Interestingly, at that time, XRP still faced uncertainty tied to its legal battle with the U.S. SEC, and ETFs had not yet entered the picture. Back then, the bank focused on hopes for clearer regulation, steady ETF inflows, and growing institutional use. 

XRP Fibonacci Levels

Last month, Chart Nerd highlighted multiple Fibonacci targets in a bullish forecast, which now match Standard Chartered’s projections. Specifically, he predicted $8 at the 127.2% extension, $13 at the 141.4% extension, and $27 at the 161.8% extension. He based the forecast on the idea that XRP’s global settlement use and institutional adoption will keep expanding over time.

XRP Fibonacci Targets Chart Nerd
XRP Fibonacci Targets | Chart Nerd

Moreover, Chart Nerd stressed that he focuses less on exact dates, suggesting that the foundation laid since SEC clearance, including institutional infrastructure, banking charters, and ETF inflows, will take time to show results.