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Top 5 Whale Favorite Altcoins For 2025. Could This New Contender Be The Next Moonshot?

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Cryptocurrency whales are eyeing certain altcoins, hoping for massive returns by 2025. As the market surges, a newcomer is capturing attention with the potential for extraordinary gains. Speculation surrounds whether this rising star could trigger unprecedented growth. Enthusiastic investors are curious to see if it will follow in the footsteps of previous crypto giants.

Catzilla Wrecks Chaos: The Meme Coin for Warriors of Crypto

In a world where financial freedom feels out of reach, a new opportunity emerges, Catzilla! Born from the frenzy of meme culture and set for explosive growth, this is the meme coin investors have been waiting for!

14 Stages. Limitless Potential

A legendary cat warrior with lives to spare, Catzilla offers you 14 chances to grab the power-packed $CATZILLA token before it goes public. Imagine leveling up your stash from Stage 1 to Stage 14, where your gains soar up to 700%! Catzilla evolves as the presale progresses, bringing you closer to financial victory with every step.

But beware, fellow warriors, the clock is ticking, and only the swift and the daring will secure their share of Catzilla’s unstoppable might.

Claim your share before Catzilla stomps the competition flat!

Cats Are Taking Over: Forget Dogs. It’s All About the Meow Money

The crypto world’s gone barking mad for years, but now it’s time for cats to claw their way to the top. MEW and Popcat are the latest feline sensations proving that dogs might fetch headlines, but cats bring home the gains.

  • MEW: Purring into the top 15 meme coins, this clever kitty pulled off a 103.7% climb in just three months
  • Popcat: This one didn’t just pounce, it soared, delivering a jaw-dropping 157.44% surge.

These aren’t just one-off flukes. Cats are on the prowl, staking their claim in the meme coin kingdom. And if you think MEW and Popcat are impressive, wait until Catzilla roars onto the scene. Forget chasing tails—this is where the real action is.

The Mission: Smash the Market. Rewrite the Rules

Catzilla is here to destroy the old systems that hold you back. It’s time to build a new world where you, the warriors of the crypto space, rise up and claim what’s yours. With every stage of this presale, the forces of profit grow stronger.

Time is running out, and the opportunity to join Catzilla’s army won’t last forever. The profits are set to explode, and only those brave enough to seize this moment will see their gains rise like a true anime hero’s power level.

Get in now, watch Catzilla wreck the market, and bring chaos to the competition!

Worldcoin: Revolutionizing Digital ID and Financial Inclusion

Worldcoin (WLD) seeks to innovate in digital identity and financial inclusion through AI and biometrics, focusing on eye scans for unique digital IDs. Launched in 2023, it aims for fair wealth distribution and universal digital economy access, using the Orb device for iris verification. With over 2 million users, Worldcoin plans funding to value its token at $3 billion. The co-founder, Sam Altman, supports a fixed supply of 10 billion tokens. While the project leads in AI-driven crypto solutions, it faces privacy concerns and regulatory investigations. Despite this, its vision for an inclusive economy and AI-backed Universal Basic Income shows potential, making it a notable player in the evolving market.

Fetch.AI: Decentralized AI Network and Crypto Economy

Fetch.AI was established in 2017 and debuted on Binance in March 2019. It is an AI lab focused on creating a decentralized machine learning network. The platform allows open access to AI technology, where users can connect and access secure datasets. It uses autonomous AI for tasks across various sectors like DeFi trading, smart energy grids, and transportation. The architecture supports complex systems needing large datasets, democratizing AI usage. Concerning price predictions, by 2025, Fetch.ai may range between $0.808541 and $1.024293. By 2030, prices might fluctuate between $0.601469 and $1.190916. Its potential makes Fetch.ai an intriguing option in the current market scenario.

Ethena Protocol: A New Approach to Stable Digital Currency

Ethena, or ENA, operates as a synthetic dollar protocol on the Ethereum blockchain. It aims to offer a decentralized currency solution independent from traditional banks. This protocol supports a savings instrument known as the “Internet Bond,” which provides global access to dollar-denominated savings. ENA’s design offers an innovative approach to digital currency, blending stability with blockchain advantages. This could enhance its appeal in the current market, which seeks reliable crypto options amidst economic uncertainties. Its independence from banking systems could attract users interested in decentralized finance. As such, ENA has the potential to be an attractive choice for those looking at novel financial instruments within the crypto space.

NEAR Protocol: Enhancing Decentralized Application Development

NEAR Protocol supports the creation of decentralized applications by providing an efficient and scalable platform. It uses sharding to manage data better, resembling large centralized storage but without central control. Founded by Alex Skidanov and Illia Polosukhin, NEAR attracted investment exceeding $20 million from leading venture firms. It includes Nightshade for scalability, the Rainbow Bridge to transfer Ethereum tokens, and Aurora, a tool using Ethereum’s tech for improved performance and reduced costs. NEAR focuses on making blockchain more accessible to developers. Its technology shows promise in handling large numbers of transactions securely and efficiently, which is appealing in today’s market focused on scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

While WLD, FET, ENA, and NEAR show promise, their short-term potential appears limited. Catzilla stands out as a meme coin hero aiming for financial freedom for all. Offering a 700% ROI during its presale and triple utility features, it unites enthusiasts to challenge toxic systems. Joining Catzilla means embracing a new era in crypto.

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Disclaimer: This Press release article is provided by the Client. The Client is solely responsible for this page’s content, quality, accuracy, products, advertising, or other materials. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the material available on this page. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for the accuracy of info and any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned in this press release article.

Please note that The Crypto Basic does not endorse or support any content or product on this page. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research before acting on any information presented here and assume full responsibility for their decisions. This article should not be considered investment advice.

PNUT, PENGU And FARTCOIN Made Millionaires. Is This $0.0009 Coin The Next Market Sensation?

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In the midst of a market frenzy, unlikely coins have turned early adopters into overnight millionaires. As digital currencies continue to surge, one coin priced at just $0.0009 is catching the eye of investors. This tiny figure on the price chart is sparking massive speculation among market enthusiasts. Could this be the next breakout star in the crypto realm?

Catzilla: Roaring Into the Meme Coin Arena With Unmatched Profit Potential

In the ever-evolving world of meme coins, new contenders constantly emerge, and Catzilla is positioning itself as an ambitious player. Drawing inspiration from successful tokens like Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and PEPE, Catzilla aims to blend viral meme culture with significant financial growth. What sets Catzilla apart is its unique storytelling—a giant, Godzilla-like cat wreaking havoc, which taps into the chaotic energy of Japanese kaiju culture. This game-based narrative not only engages gamers but attracts crypto investors looking for the next big thing.

With a fiery combination of anime-inspired chaos and a rebellious mission, Catzilla is rallying crypto enthusiasts and cat lovers, and anime fans to join its movement for a more equitable, decentralized crypto space.

Catzilla is Ready to Disrupt the Market!

Unlike many meme coins that burn bright and fade away, Catzilla is here for the long haul, offering investors real potential with a massive 700% ROI. Catzilla’s presale offers a 14-stage process, giving investors multiple opportunities to buy in early. With each stage, the token price gradually rises.

Unlock Triple Value for Maximum Gains

Catzilla operates on a threefold value proposition: epic gameplay, a unifying mission, and a vibrant community. Players can enjoy a thrilling game experience while earning rewards, all while being part of a growing movement that merges the fun of meme culture with the potential for financial freedom.

Join the Catzilla Revolution

Catzilla positions itself as a symbol of resistance against the greed and manipulation often seen in the crypto world. By embracing its bold and monstrous persona, Catzilla seeks to restore the playful, decentralized nature of meme coins while ensuring a fair and transparent ecosystem for its users.

Join the Feline Frenzy! $CATZILLA Is on the Rise. Claim Your Share Today!

PNUT: Meme-Inspired Token on Solana Blockchain

PNUT is a meme-based cryptocurrency token on the Solana blockchain, aimed at meme fans and the crypto community. Offering 100 million tokens, it ensures security with zero transaction taxes, a revoked contract, and a burnt liquidity pool. PNUT’s mascot, Pnut, is a fun squirrel similar to Pepe, highlighting its community-focused and playful nature. Users can get PNUT through platforms like Jupiter Aggregator. As a meme-inspired token with strong community support, PNUT seems appealing, though market conditions may vary. Its lack of transaction taxes and secure design could be attractive features for potential investors and enthusiasts interested in the meme token space.

PENGU: The Coin of the Pudgy Penguins Community

PENGU is the official coin for the Pudgy Penguins community, known for its strong influence in the crypto industry. The Pudgy Penguin brand has gained widespread recognition, with large companies showcasing it and millions engaging with its content. PENGU serves as a gateway for fans and new followers to engage with the community. It stands as a symbol of unity, cultural memes, and positivity. The coin’s appeal lies in its association with the vibrant Pudgy Penguins brand, making it a potential point of interest for people looking to be part of this community. PENGU represents the growth of digital community engagement and cultural impact within the broader crypto landscape.

Fartcoin: A Uniquely Themed Cryptocurrency

Fartcoin is a cryptocurrency that blends humor with digital finance. Users can earn initial tokens by submitting fart jokes or memes, making it an interactive experience. The coin’s unique feature is its “Gas Fee” system, where transactions are accompanied by a digital fart sound. Fartcoin is primarily traded on centralized exchanges, with Bitget being the most popular platform. On Bitget, FARTCOIN/USDT has a significant trading volume, over $66 million in a single day. KuCoin and Ourbit are also notable exchanges for trading this coin. While Fartcoin’s humorous approach sets it apart, assessing its appeal in the current market cycle requires considering user interest and overall market conditions.

Conclusion

Despite lower short-term prospects for PNUT, PENGU, and FARTCOIN, Catzilla shines as the ultimate meme coin hero aiming to bring financial freedom to everyone. With 700% ROI potential during its presale, starting at $0.0002 and increasing to $0.0016 over 14 stages, and offering governance, rewards, and staking, Catzilla unites enthusiasts to fight for true financial freedom.

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Disclaimer: This Press release article is provided by the Client. The Client is solely responsible for this page’s content, quality, accuracy, products, advertising, or other materials. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the material available on this page. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for the accuracy of info and any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned in this press release article.

Please note that The Crypto Basic does not endorse or support any content or product on this page. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research before acting on any information presented here and assume full responsibility for their decisions. This article should not be considered investment advice.

Retail Bitcoin Accumulation Surges 72% as Whales Offload 32K BTC Daily

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Retail Bitcoin investors are stepping up their accumulation efforts at an unprecedented rate, absorbing supply at a pace 72% higher than the past year’s average. 

Since mid-December, wallets with less than 1 BTC, often called shrimps, have been acquiring 10,627 BTC per day, according to Glassnode data. This is significantly higher than the daily average of 6,177 BTC from the past year.

This surge in accumulation marks a notable shift from November 2024 when small holders were offloading Bitcoin as prices soared past $100,000.

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Bitcoin chart by Glassnode

Bitcoin Whales Dumping Massively as Retail Accumulates

Meanwhile, whale investors holding over 1,000 BTC have taken the opposite approach. They have been offloading Bitcoin to exchanges at a staggering rate of 32,509 BTC per day during the same period.

According to Glassnode, this sell-side pressure is nearly nine times higher than their yearly average.

The diverging behavior of smaller and larger holders shows a redistribution of Bitcoin ownership. While retail investors demonstrate long-term conviction in Bitcoin’s value through consistent accumulation, whale sell-offs create counterpressure. This contributed to heightened volatility as their selling activity outweighed buying momentum.

Market Reactions Amid Whale and Retail Clash

This tug-of-war between Bitcoin holders is reflected in Bitcoin’s price floor. Bitcoin broke into the unprecedented six-figure range in the first week of December 2024. While it later peaked at $108,268, it closed the year below $100K.

However, the asset reached a new peak near $110K in January but has since dipped to $91,242 and continues struggling to sustain an uptrend. Amid these fluctuations, fear has gripped market participants. The market greed index dropped to a score of 35, entering the fear threshold.

Meanwhile, a recent analysis by Santiment revealed that retail sentiment toward Bitcoin has strengthened. Many investors are returning to Bitcoin as a relative safe haven, especially as altcoins have experienced landslide price dips.

The report also noted growing optimism that Trump’s pro-crypto policies will eventually generate bullish momentum for Bitcoin. However, it cautioned that a cooling of this widespread optimism would be healthier.

BTC Accumulation Continues

In a separate report, Santiment revealed that some Bitcoin whales are taking advantage of the current volatility, stacking more coins. Specifically, February saw an increase of 135 wallets holding 100+ BTC. At the same time, the number of addresses holding below 100 BTC dropped by around 138,000.

According to Santiment, this shift in market dynamics could create an ideal setup for long-term growth, even if it takes a few weeks or months for the positive effects of the accumulations to be fully realized.

Dogecoin Whales Accumulate 750M DOGE as Analyst Forecasts Audacious Target

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Whales have accumulated 750 million Dogecoin (DOGE) during a recent price dip, with analysts predicting a potential surge.

Dogecoin’s price decline continues, marking three consecutive days in the red. The leading meme coin has dropped over 4% in the past week, with most other assets in the top ten by market capitalization facing similar declines. Despite this downturn, market data suggests that whales are accumulating Dogecoin in large amounts.

Meanwhile, recent on-chain data reveals that large holders have taken advantage of Dogecoin’s price decline. An expert observes that whales holding between 10,000,000 and 100,000,000 DOGE acquired 750 million DOGE during the dip.

The data suggests a significant accumulation event, reflecting strong confidence in the asset despite the overall market downturn.

Dogecoin whale accumulation
Dogecoin whale accumulation

More Data DOGE Accumulations

Meanwhile, IntoTheBlock’s analysis further supports the accumulation trend. Over the last seven days, Dogecoin’s inflow metrics rose by 5.33%, indicating consistent short-term buying activity. 

The 30-day change stands at 323.86%, demonstrating a sharp increase in buying pressure. Over 90 days, inflows have surged by 3,722.46%, showing a significant increase in whale interest over the past three months.

Dogecoin Large Holders Inflow
Dogecoin Large Holders Inflow

More Promising Signs for Dogecoin Comeback

While Dogecoin’s price remains in a corrective phase, other technical analysts have observed key patterns that could signal potential movements. A veteran trader, Coinvo, has identified a corrective ABC wave pattern on the DOGE/USDT daily chart. 

According to the analyst, “Everything is pointing towards a DOGE move higher.” Notably, the observed pattern suggests that the market may be nearing the end of its current correction phase, potentially leading to a reversal and bullish movement.

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Analyst Forecasts Audacious $440 Target.

Notably, another market analyst has examined historical price movements to determine a possible peak for Dogecoin’s ongoing cycle. Observations from previous price cycles indicate that Dogecoin has followed a recurring pattern, with peak prices appearing roughly every 1,442 days. 

Historical data shows that Dogecoin surged by 21,821% in its first recorded cycle, reaching a peak in January 2018. The second cycle, which ended in May 2021, saw a rise of 54,890% from its cycle low. 

His analysis suggests a price target exceeding $10, yet the data from the chart implies an even more ambitious projection, estimating DOGE could surge to $440.

Reform UK Member of Parliament Open to Learning About Bitcoin, Admits to Holding XRP

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U.K. Member of Parliament Rupert Lowe has expressed openness to learning about Bitcoin, admits he holds XRP.

Lowe expressed this sentiment while speaking with Bitcoin maxi Peter McCormack on an episode of the latter’s eponymous podcast, which was released on Wednesday, February 5. 

When McCormack pressed Lowe about Bitcoin and its value proposition to energy efficiency, Lowe asserted that he was no crypto expert but contended that he saw “the logic of having disciplined currency.”

After further discussions, the British MP urged McCormack to come and share his knowledge about it with the Reform party, adding, “I am in favor of it,” when the show host highlighted that Bitcoin was a Libertarian idea.

But this was not before Lowe talked about his experience trying to learn about crypto. The MP admitted to looking into it and buying about £9,300 (~$11,600) worth of XRP on Revolut, arguing that it appeared well structured to enable bank transfers. He further disclosed that the XRP stash was now worth about £33,000 (~$41,100).

Unsurprisingly, McCormack was quick to convince Lowe against investing in XRP, accusing it and every other crypto except Bitcoin of being a scam. This is a common stance of Bitcoin maxis that has often fueled divisions in the industry.

A Kindred Spirit?

Lowe’s appearance on McCormack’s podcast follows his push to end quantitative easing in the U.K. 

Quantitative easing is the process by which central banks try to stimulate the economy when other tools like low interest rates fail. It typically involves printing new money to inject liquidity into the economy through asset purchases.

This intervention aided relief during events like the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19. 

According to Lowe, however, quantitative easing comes at too great a cost: the debasement of the currency. The MP has argued that it removes financial accountability from the government and is unfair to citizens.

Interestingly, this view is widely shared by most core Bitcoin proponents, who tout the digital asset’s programmed and limited supply as the only alternative and safe haven.

Large Shiba Inu Holders Keep Accumulating as Price Drops 18% This Week

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The price of Shiba Inu dropped 3.87% in 24 hours, while whales added 6.33 trillion tokens in 2024 as mid-tier holders reduced stakes.

In recent weeks, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has witnessed significant fluctuations, with its price failing to gain momentum. As of today, SHIB is trading at $0.00001526, reflecting an 18.38% drop over the past week.

Despite the downward trend, blockchain data shows that large SHIB holders, particularly whales with 10 trillion to 100 trillion tokens, have continued accumulating.

Large Shiba Inu Holders Increase Holdings

IntoTheBlock data reveals that large Shiba Inu whales added 6.33 trillion SHIB to their holdings in 2025, with 840 billion tokens acquired in February alone. Their cumulative balance now stands at 161.49 trillion SHIB. 

Shiba Inu Holding
Shiba Inu Holding

Meanwhile, mid-tier investors holding between 100 billion and 10 trillion SHIB have reduced their stakes. Holders with 100 billion to 1 trillion SHIB offloaded 3.16 trillion tokens, while those with 1 trillion to 10 trillion SHIB sold 2.05 trillion tokens.

This shift suggests that mid-sized investors may be securing profits, cutting losses, or reallocating funds elsewhere.

Retail investors have shown mixed activity. Addresses holding between 0 and 1 million SHIB slightly increased, adding 4.34 billion tokens. However, other small retail categories, such as 10 million to 100 million SHIB and 100 million to 1 billion SHIB, experienced minor declines. 

Token Distribution and Market Influence

Further data from Santiment highlights concerns over the concentration of SHIB’s supply. The top 10 largest wallets currently hold 61.3% of the total supply. This high concentration level can lead to increased market volatility, as large holders can influence price movements by accumulating or selling large quantities of SHIB.

However, a deeper analysis suggests that the situation may not be as alarming as it appears. Despite concerns, the largest whale category, consisting of addresses holding over 100 trillion SHIB, has remained stable at 410.43 trillion tokens. 

SHIB Distribution with Other Cryptos

Santiment compared SHIB’s token concentration with other major cryptocurrencies, noting that Ethereum’s top 10 wallets hold 46.1% of its supply. Meanwhile, Chainlink and Toncoin have a more decentralized distribution, with their top 10 wallets holding 33.1% and 32.8%, respectively.

According to the firm, lower concentration levels contribute to price stability, as they reduce the likelihood of single entities controlling significant portions of supply. A more decentralized distribution structure generally builds investor confidence by minimizing risks associated with price manipulation and sudden market shifts.

TORN Spikes by 13% as Tornado Cash Developer Gains Freedom

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Alexey Pertsev, the Tornado Cash developer convicted of money laundering, has gained temporary freedom today, February 7, to prepare for his appeal. 

The decision follows a Dutch court’s suspension of his pretrial detention, permitting him to work on his case under electronic monitoring. For context, Pertsev received a 64-month sentence in May 2024. The prosecutors accused him of facilitating illicit money transfers through Tornado Cash, a platform designed for token mixing to ensure user privacy. 

Meanwhile, Pertsev’s release marks a reprieve in his legal battle, allowing him to focus on his appeal. While he will remain under electronic surveillance, his freedom outside the prison walls gives him an opportunity to continue his defense. 

His conviction for facilitating money laundering through Tornado Cash has been contentious. Pertsev has consistently denied involvement in illicit transactions, stating that he was unaware of illegal activities on the platform.

Tornado Cash’s Market Response 

Meanwhile, the release of Pertsev has sparked positive momentum for Tornado Cash’s governance token, TORN, which surged in value. In particular, TORN posted a 12.92% gain today but still trades with an 11% decline in its weekly performance.

TORN price action CoinMarketCap
TORN price action CoinMarketCap

This fluctuation highlights a market grappling with mixed sentiment surrounding the ongoing legal battle and its potential outcomes.

The surge in TORN’s price also follows a significant legal victory for Tornado Cash earlier in 2024. A U.S. Appeals Court reversed sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) after a group of Tornado Cash users filed an appeal challenging the validity of these sanctions.

The decision led to a dramatic rise in the token’s value, reaching an increase of more than 116%. This legal success influenced market sentiment, resulting in renewed interest in the project.

Ultimately, Tornado Cash remains a controversial platform known for its ability to obscure the origin of crypto transactions, raising concerns over its potential use in illegal activities, such as money laundering.

Bitcoin Immediately Rebounds, Knocks at $100K as US Jobs Data Shows Slower Growth in January 2025 

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Bitcoin has rebounded considerably after the latest US jobs data showed weaker-than-expected job growth in January 2025. 

The crypto asset, which had been struggling below six figures in recent days, saw a strong rebound as traders responded to the labor market report.  

Bitcoin Reclaims Lost Ground After Jobs Report

Bitcoin had been under pressure throughout the week, dropping from a peak of $101,785 on Tuesday, Feb. 4 to a low of $95,678 yesterday, Feb. 6. 

The asset struggled to regain momentum as investors awaited key economic data from the U.S. Labor Department. However, once the jobs report was released, Bitcoin spiked nearly 3% within an hour, climbing back toward $99,700.  

Bitcoin 5m Chart
Bitcoin 5m Chart

The price surge followed reports that the U.S. economy added 143,000 jobs in January, falling short of the 170,000 expected by economists. 

The unemployment rate stood at 4.0%, and wage growth came in higher than the previous month. The report signaled that job expansion was slowing, possibly giving the Federal Reserve more reason to delay further rate cuts.  

Why the Jobs Report Moved Bitcoin

Weaker job growth has a direct impact on market expectations for Federal Reserve policy. A cooling labor market increases the likelihood of rate cuts, which reduce borrowing costs and add liquidity to financial markets. 

This environment tends to benefit risk assets like Bitcoin, which thrives in a lower interest rate setting. Financial markets now widely expect the Fed to begin cutting rates in June. 

Although policymakers have already reduced rates by 100 basis points since September 2024, they have held off on further cuts while monitoring inflation and economic growth. The latest jobs data supports the case for continued rate reductions, making Bitcoin more attractive to investors seeking alternative stores of value.  

Bitcoin Faces Resistance at $100K

Despite the sharp rebound, Bitcoin must maintain strong buying momentum to break through the psychological $100,000 barrier. 

The asset had struggled to hold this level earlier in the week, facing heavy selling pressure. If bullish momentum continues, Bitcoin could reclaim six figures before the end of the day.  

However, for the rally to be sustainable, Bitcoin must attract steady capital inflows, as buyers are likely to face intense resistance around the $100K mark. 

A stronger push past $100,000 could trigger further buying interest, while rejection at this level might lead to another period of consolidation. Currently, Bitcoin changes hands at $99,612 at press time, up over 3% in the past 24 hours. 

Japan’s Regulator Requests Google and Apple to Take Down KuCoin, Bybit, Bitget, LBank, and MEXC Apps

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Japan’s financial watchdog has asked Google and Apple to remove unregistered cryptocurrency trading apps from their app stores.

Local news outlet Nikkei reported today that Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) issued the directive last week. Per the report, the FSA asked Google and Apple to suspend the downloads of apps belonging to five unregistered exchanges. 

They include KuCoin, Bybit Fintech, LBank Exchange, MEXC Global, and Bitget. Though headquartered in different parts of the world, these exchanges have made their apps available for download in Japan. 

The FSA claimed these exchanges are unregistered. As such, it asked Google and Apple to remove their applications from their respective mobile app stores for the Japanese market.

Interestingly, Nikkei reports that Apple has already complied with the directive by removing the five applications yesterday, February 6. However, whether exchange applications are still available on Google PlayStore remains unclear. 

Not a Clampdown on Crypto Trading 

In response to this development, Japanese blockchain expert Anndy Lian clarified that the recent directive does not imply that the FSA is clamping down on crypto trading. Instead, he emphasized that the move is part of efforts to get crypto businesses to play by the country’s rules. 

Furthermore, Lian characterized the decision as another example of the FSA prioritizing market integrity and consumer protection. According to him, the authorities are only preventing a repeat of the 2014 Mt. Gox hack. 

Recall that the exchange suffered one of the biggest hacks in crypto’s history, causing over 127,000 investors losses worth $9.7 billion. 

Mt. Gox is already taking steps to repay creditors, with 48,641 BTC transferred to KuCoin for redistribution. In December, Mt. Gox also transferred over $2.4 billion worth of BTC to a new wallet, stirring speculations that it plans to repay more creditors. 

“These exchanges must acquire the necessary compliance to serve Japanese users going forward,” Lian added. 

Japan’s Cautious Approach to Cryptos 

This recent decision follows Japan’s 2025 tax reforms, which require the country to treat cryptos like traditional financial instruments. Since the Mt. Gox incident, Japan has taken a more cautious approach to crypto assets.

Last year, Japan stated that it would not acquire Bitcoin as a reserve asset. This statement came after a member of the House of Councilors, Satoshi Hamada, asked the country to consider following the U.S. plan to potentially create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). 

A Year Later, 3 Bitcoin ETFs Rank in the Top 100 by AUM: “Not a Fringe Asset Anymore”

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Ecoinometrics highlights yet another significant Bitcoin ETF feat.

In the year since the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs, it has been hard to keep track of the milestones, and they are showing no signs of slowing.

In the latest instance, a leading crypto research firm has highlighted that the products feature in yet another key list showcasing the growth of the premier crypto asset.

Bitcoin in the Top 100

Ecoinometrics has highlighted yet another significant Bitcoin ETF feat.

In an X post on Thursday, February 6, the platform disclosed that three Bitcoin ETFs now rank among the top 100 ETFs by assets under management. The three ETFs include BlackRock’s IBIT, Fidelity’s FBTC, and Grayscale’s GBTC. Per the data, IBIT ranks 31st with about $56.5 billion, FBTC ranks 89th with $20.4 billion, and GBTC ranks 94th with $19.5 billion.

Commenting on the milestone, the firm asserted:

“Bitcoin is not a fringe asset anymore.”

Bitcoin ETFs in the top 100
Bitcoin ETFs in the top 100. Source: Ecoinometrics

Indeed, the asset has come a long way from its niche libertarian roots to becoming a $2 trillion asset that is highly in demand on Wall Street even as the U.S. government at various levels mulls holding a strategic reserve of it. 

Further highlighting Bitcoin’s growth, Ecoinometrics noted that BlackRock’s IBIT was not far behind SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), the largest gold ETF. GLD ranks 18th with about $73 billion in AUM.

Interestingly, in mid-December, the cumulative AUM of all U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, including derivatives and leveraged products, surpassed the total AUM of U.S. gold ETFs.

The feat is significant as core Bitcoin proponents argue that the asset will one day surpass gold as a store of value.