Luc Jose A.

"On the eve of an extraordinary options expiration estimated at 20 billion dollars, the crypto market holds its breath. With bitcoin hovering around 107,800 dollars, every price movement becomes a battle between buyers and sellers. In this strategic duel, billions are at stake. The outcome will depend on the buyers' ability to lock in key levels before the outcome. Maximum pressure builds as the fateful deadline approaches."

In an economic climate marked by geopolitical tensions and a wait-and-see approach regarding the Fed's decisions, Morgan Stanley disrupts the consensus. The investment bank anticipates seven rate cuts in 2026, starting in March, with a terminal rate between 2.5% and 2.75%. This sharp projection, published on June 25th, contrasts with the prevailing caution and reignites debates about the U.S. monetary calendar.

While the market focuses on price curves, a key indicator of real activity has collapsed. Payment volume on the XRP Ledger has dropped by nearly 70% in just a few days. Behind this discreet withdrawal lies a deeper questioning of the network's vitality, its concrete adoption, and the robustness of its operational model.

As the lines between traditional finance and blockchain become increasingly blurred, Mastercard and Chainlink are crossing a decisive threshold. In a partnership announced this Tuesday, they unveil a fiat-to-crypto conversion solution directly on-chain, designed for Mastercard cardholders. This initiative, far from being anecdotal, redefines access to cryptocurrencies and lays the groundwork for a new era of hybrid payments between traditional finance and Web3.

Despite a decline in profits, companies in the CAC 40 are increasingly attentive to their shareholders. In 2024, they maintain record payouts, contrary to traditional economic signals. In an environment marked by sluggish growth, rising inflation, and unstable markets, this strategy raises questions. Is it a sign of strength or a risky bet? While shareholder profitability remains a priority, the gap between distributed profits and actual performance raises doubts about the sustainability of this model.

As an American strike targeting Iranian nuclear sites raised fears of a regional escalation, bitcoin briefly fell below $99,000 before making a swift rebound. In less than 24 hours, the asset erased its losses, defying usual panic logics. This sequence reveals a strategic mutation: bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset; it is becoming an indicator of resilience against geopolitical shocks.

A simple emoji posted by Arthur Britto, co-founder of Ripple, was enough to reignite speculation about the future of XRP. Having disappeared from the radar for nearly fourteen years, the elusive engineer has broken his silence on X without a word. In an industry where every signal matters, this unexpected reappearance of a key player in Ripple's history raises many questions about his intentions and the role he might play in the ecosystem.

Can the dollar lose its global supremacy? What was once speculation is now taking a concrete diplomatic turn. As the BRICS summit approaches in Rio, major emerging economies are placing local currency transactions at the heart of their strategy. This shift occurs within a context of growing geopolitical tensions and demands from the Global South for a more balanced financial system. Behind this dynamic lies a possible redefinition of the rules of global trade.

While XRP is experiencing a notable surge, on-chain data paints a much less euphoric picture. In the background, record volumes of profit-taking by long-term holders are multiplying, injecting a silent but significant selling pressure. This disconnect between visible euphoria and structural signals raises doubts about the rally's strength. Several technical indicators suggest an increased risk of a reversal in a market where the balance seems increasingly precarious.

The calm will have been short-lived. Within a few hours, Bitcoin dropped below $99,000, triggering a chain reaction: over a billion dollars in positions liquidated, altcoins shaken up, and volatility reignited. The episode, marked by rare brutality, reminds us of the relentless mechanics of leveraged markets. After several weeks of calm, the correction hits hard, sweeping away the illusion of a controlled recovery. Reckless traders bear the cost of excessive confidence, in a market always quick to flip.

While the crypto market hesitates on the direction to take, Pi Network captures attention at a pivotal moment. After a spectacular rally followed by a marked drop, the project now intrigues with a technical setup rarely observed: a descending wedge, often seen as a precursor to a reversal. This signal, combined with intense community news, places the PI token at the center of speculation about a potential rebound.

The figure is attention-grabbing: 65% of Shiba Inu (SHIB) holders are currently recording losses. This observation, derived from the latest on-chain data, occurs during a marked correction phase for cryptocurrencies with a strong speculative component. Boosted yesterday by the viral excitement of memecoins, SHIB now reflects the uncertainties of a market where the community is no longer enough to support the price.

What if Bitcoin hasn't yet reached its peak? As the markets digest their recent upheavals, a projection based on historical signals puts the bullish cycle into perspective. According to a technical analysis supported by the AVIV ratio, an obscure behavioral indicator, Bitcoin could peak at up to $330,000. Analyst Gert van Lagen links this hypothesis to a sustained accumulation dynamic, indicating that the current bull run may be far from having said its last word.