Bitcoin’s (BTC) mining difficulty surged to an all-time high of 127.6 trillion this week, underscoring the network’s growing computational power. However, a downward adjustment is expected on August 9, with projections pointing to a roughly 3% decrease, bringing difficulty down to 123.7 trillion, according to data from CoinWarz.
Currently, the average block time sits at approximately 10 minutes and 20 seconds, slightly above the protocol’s 10-minute target. Difficulty adjustments help bring this time back in line by responding to changes in the total computing power, or hashrate, dedicated to mining.
CryptoQuant data shows that mining difficulty declined throughout June, hitting a low of 116.9 trillion in early July. However, the trend reversed in late July, resuming the long-term upward trajectory tied to increased miner participation.
Bitcoin’s soaring stock-to-flow ratio signals rising scarcity
Bitcoin mining difficulty measures how hard it is for miners to find a valid hash for the next block. It adjusts every 2,016 blocks—roughly every two weeks—to maintain a steady block time of around 10 minutes, regardless of changes in network hashrate.
When difficulty rises, mining becomes more expensive and less profitable unless BTC’s price also climbs. A drop in difficulty, on the other hand, offers miners short-term relief by making rewards easier to earn with the same equipment.
Mining difficulty and network hashrate are critical not just for security but also for maintaining Bitcoin’s stock-to-flow ratio—a key measure of scarcity. This ratio compares the existing supply of an asset to the rate of new supply entering the market.
A high stock-to-flow ratio indicates that new production has a minimal impact on the overall supply, helping preserve price stability. BTC’s stock-to-flow ratio is currently higher than gold’s, making it “twice as scarce,” according to PlanB, the analyst who developed the stock-to-flow pricing model. With about 94% of its capped 21 million BTC already mined, Bitcoin boasts an estimated stock-to-flow ratio of 120, compared to gold’s 60.
Silver, by contrast, was historically demonetized partly due to its much lower stock-to-flow ratio. When silver prices rise, more supply floods the market, pushing prices back down—a phenomenon Bitcoin is designed to resist.
Bitcoin’s self-adjusting difficulty keeps block production steady and supply predictable
Bitcoin’s protocol includes automatic difficulty adjustments roughly every two weeks. When more miners join the network and the hashrate rises, mining becomes harder, slowing down block production until the difficulty adjusts. The opposite happens when the hashrate drops—the difficulty is reduced to keep the average block interval close to 10 minutes.
This mechanism ensures that BTC’s issuance remains predictable and avoids sudden supply shocks that could trigger market volatility. By adjusting the difficulty of matching available computing resources, the protocol maintains the assets’ inelasticity to production—one of the key attributes underpinning Bitcoin’s value proposition as “digital gold.”
Bitcoin slips as Kimchi premium returns
As mining difficulty prepares for a potential drop, Bitcoin’s price remains under pressure. Bitcoin slipped 3%, hitting an intraday low of $112,680, then bounced back. By 7:30 pm ET, BTC was at $113,375. South Korea was once again at a premium—$113,987, 0.84% higher than the global average—and the Kimchi premium was back after a nearly month-long absence.
This premium often means rising domestic demand or region-specific regulatory issues. Despite the pullback, Bitcoin has a 61.4% market share.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved in-kind creations and redemptions for two crypto ETPs, which will pave the way for these products to be made available to the public on exchange platforms.
The new rule allows investors to exchange real Bitcoin or Ether for shares of the ETF, and vice versa. The shift means that digital asset ETFs will now be on the same operational status as traditional commodity ETPs, adds the SEC, and will further create a more level playing field and an element of consistency across derivative-based investment products.
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins confirmed the change in his statement on X: “I am pleased the Commission approved these orders permitting in-kind creations and redemptions for a host of crypto asset ETPs. Investors will benefit from these approvals, making these products less costly and more efficient.”
In its press release, Jamie Selway, the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets director, echoed similar sentiments. He said the announcement was a positive development for the developing crypto ETP market, as this operational change offers additional flexibility and could mitigate investor costs.
The SEC’s action comes in response to a mounting push from issuers such as BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale, which had lobbied for more traditional fund structures for their spot crypto ETFs. It also comes just days after the agency formally requested public comment on a Nasdaq filing for staking options for BlackRock’s spot Ethereum ETF, providing further evidence of a move toward regulatory approval of riskier crypto features.
SEC revises restrictions and expands options for crypto ETPs
The vote on in-kind redemptions was one of several significant regulatory decisions made. The SEC also cleared a new model for trading options for spot Bitcoin ETFs. That includes introducing FLEX options and customizable derivatives, allowing market participants more say in the contract characteristics, including strike price, expiration date, and exercise style.
In the most headline-catching move, the SEC raised the position limit for Bitcoin ETF options from 25,000 to 250,000 contracts. The step leads to enhanced liquidity and increased participation by institutional investors in the derivatives segment.
In apost on X, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted what it all means, airing comments from an anonymous ETF issuer who wrote in to say, “This is huge… and will create an explosion of option-based Bitcoin ETFs.”
The SEC said that these changes are now effective. The regulator is broadening the accessibility and range of cryptoderivative financial products to build a stronger investment framework for wading into digital assets via fiat-based, orderly markets.
Meanwhile, the market’s evolution indicates a maturing crypto ecosystem in which derivatives products and alternative structures are essential to price discovery, hedging strategies, and market growth.
SEC paves the way for altcoin wave with crypto ETPs, analyst predicts
Market watchers say the approval indicates a wider strategic pivot toward deeper crypto integration in the traditional financial system. Bloomberg’s James Seyffart pointed out that by approving in-kind processes on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, the SEC paves the way to future altcoin ETFs—such as those based on Solana, Avalanche, or Cardano—to follow suit.
In-kind redemption and creation features could be built in for new ETF applications from the beginning, making them more interesting to sophisticated investors and offering the cost-efficient arbitrage and better price tracking they offer.
This new attitude comes amid mounting political and institutional support for regulating crypto. The recently enacted Genius Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump, brings financial accountability into the 21st century and embraces technology-centric policy. This legislation likely incentivizes the SEC to become more accommodating and creative on digital assets.
The in-kind decision also promotes price transparency and makes it easier for ETFs to represent the real-time value of their underlying crypto assets. That’s a win for investors, who enjoy narrower bid-ask spreads and fewer tracking errors.
Your crypto news deserves attention – KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites
In 2021, El Salvador became the first country in the world to make Bitcoin legal tender. President Nayib Bukele said the decision would help the country break free from relying on the US dollar and lower the high costs of sending and receiving money.
The government launched the Chivo Wallet, set up Bitcoin ATMs, promised a tax-free “Bitcoin City,” and planned to raise $1b through “Volcano Bonds” to advance its digital agenda. But what stood out the most was the president’s promise to buy one Bitcoin every day starting in November 2022, and for more than two years, his administration claimed it did.
On top of that, the government constantly highlighted its commitment to Bitcoin by posting updates about new purchases every week on social media. They used sites like Nayib Tracker to show off the country’s growing reserves and convince everyone that El Salvador wasn’t backing down.
Bitcoin circles praised the country for standing up to traditional finance systems and leading the way for other developing nations, while crypto enthusiasts said its boldness was visionary.
In reality, El Salvador urgently needed money. The country faced rising debt, a growing budget gap, and increasing pressure to rebuild trust with international lenders. The financial situation was more fragile than it seemed, so the government quietly worked out a $1.4 billion loan deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), agreeing to follow strict conditions to get the support it needed.
In July 2025, the IMF review revealed El Salvador hadn’t bought any new Bitcoin since February, just weeks after finalizing the deal. This shocking news raised a big question: Did El Salvador believe in Bitcoin, or was it just putting on a show to get money from the IMF?
Officials told one story to the IMF and another to the public
El Salvador faced growing debt and economic pressure by late 2024. Its bold Bitcoin experiment grabbed headlines but failed to attract the broad economic relief the government expected. While tourism rose slightly and a few Bitcoin influencers showed interest, issues like rising deficits, weak public trust, stalled projects, and a broken Chivo Wallet remained unresolved.
The government had no choice but to turn to the IMF (an organization it once resisted) for help because it urgently needed to secure reliable funding.
After months of talks, El Salvador secured a 40-month, $1.4 billion loan from the IMF in December 2024. The deal aimed to stabilize the economy and rebuild trust with global partners and investors, but also came with strict conditions.
The country agreed to stop buying more Bitcoin, make its use optional instead of mandatory, limit government control of the Chivo Wallet, and increase transparency in all state-run crypto activities.
The government quietly told the IMF it had stopped buying Bitcoin in February 2025 but kept that information from the public. Instead, President Bukele and the National Bitcoin Office kept posting on social media as if they were still buying Bitcoin every day.
The new IMF report released in July 2025 revealed that there had been no new public Bitcoin purchases for months. A letter was attached to the review stating that “the stock of Bitcoins held by the public sector remains unchanged.” Worse, it was signed by the country’s central bank president and the finance minister.
A small but telling detail in footnote nine revealed that the rise in El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserve came from moving existing Bitcoin between wallets and not from new purchases or market gains. In short, the government was just shifting Bitcoin between its own wallets, rearranging its holdings without adding anything new.
The government carefully followed the IMF’s rules to unlock funding and keep creditors happy, while still pretending to the public that it was fully committed to Bitcoin and daily buys.
Leaders faked Bitcoin buys to secure a $1.4b loan
Did the government knowingly mislead the public about buying Bitcoin, or was it just using a smart strategy to get funding while keeping its crypto image alive? That’s the question at the heart of El Salvador’s Bitcoin saga.
It was clear that President Bukele’s team and top financial advisors entered IMF talks knowing the loan required big changes to their digital asset policies. Yet they kept making public claims that told a different story, even after agreeing to the terms and confirming compliance in official documents sent to the IMF in early 2025.
The government’s mixed messaging showed a clear strategy: win over both the public and global lenders. It not only cooperated with the IMF, accepted strict conditions, and secured not just the $1.4 billion loan in private, but also got over $2 billion more from the World Bank and IDB.
The government faced public pressure to protect its crypto image as it met IMF demands behind the scenes. Bukele had used Bitcoin to brand El Salvador as a bold, tech-driven nation challenging global powers since 2021. The story drew media attention, crypto tourists, and praise from Bitcoin supporters. Admitting it had stopped buying Bitcoin or was following IMF rules could damage that image, show weakness, and change their story from rebellion to retreat.
For this reason, the government likely chose to balance truth and image out of political and economic need and not out of malice. It protected its brand, energized supporters, and postponed the fallout of changing course by keeping the Bitcoin buying story alive. It also unlocked vital funding, kept creditors calm, and avoided deeper economic trouble by quietly following IMF rules.
This double strategy offered short-term rewards but relied on a fragile illusion that could fall apart if people saw the gap between what the government said and what it actually did.
El Salvador’s story sends a warning to other countries
El Salvador never said it had stopped using Bitcoin, but behind the scenes, it quietly let key parts of the story fade while still showing strong support in public. This double strategy worked for a while because the IMF got its reforms, and the crypto world kept believing.
But in July 2025, the IMF report confirmed the government hadn’t bought any Bitcoin since February. That revealed the truth and showed how weak the Bitcoin experiment was when real economic pressure hit.
El Salvador’s example is a warning for countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, considering similar experiments. It tried to lead the way in using Bitcoin as national policy, but the bold experiment gave way to quiet retreat when debt, weak systems, and real-world demands hit. Bitcoin didn’t fail because the technology still works. But without transparency, solid rules, and reliable infrastructure, the plan was never built to last.
This raises a bigger question: Can Bitcoin really work as national policy, or is it too unstable and risky to last? Are governments serious about change, or just using crypto to distract the public, delay tough choices, and polish their image?
In El Salvador’s case, the picture is clear. Bitcoin brought attention, boosted the president’s popularity, and created an image of progress. But once that image collapsed, the country was still deep in debt, reliant on foreign loans, and left to fix the confusion it helped create.
Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
Bitcoin (BTC)’s steady climb toward the $160,000 mark has reignited excitement across the crypto space, but savvy investors know that the true power lies in discovering the next breakout altcoin capable of matching or even surpassing that momentum. While Bitcoin (BTC) sets the pace, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is quietly emerging as a high-potential decentralized finance…
Our Bitcoin price prediction expects BTC’s price to reach $160K by the end of 2025 due to the bullish sentiment following the halving event.
By 2031, BTC might touch $350,548 following increased institutional adoption.
Since the beginning of 2024, Bitcoin’s price has doubled, but it has seen a notable 45% increase in just the two weeks following the presidential election. This boost has solidified Bitcoin’s role in the so-called “Trump trade,” with the president-elect’s positive stance on the cryptocurrency industry fueling investor optimism about this emerging asset class.
As Bitcoin’s on-chain activities surge, questions arise, such as: “Does Bitcoin have the potential to hold above the $100K mark?” or “Will Bitcoin go up?” or “Where will Bitcoin be in 5 years?” Let’s answer them using our Bitcoin price prediction.
Overview
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin
Ticker
BTC
Price
$118,100 (+1.1%)
Market cap
$2.11 Trillion
Trading volume (24-hour)
$42.13 Billion (+18.9%)
Circulating supply
19.87 Million BTC
All-time high
$111,970; May 22, 2025
All-time low
$0.04865; Jul 15, 2010
24-hour high
$118,544
24-hour low
$117,700
Bitcoin price prediction: Technical analysis
Metric
Value
Current Price
$118,100
Price Prediction
$ 128,009 (10.76%)
Fear & Greed Index
64 (Greed)
Sentiment
Bullish
Volatility
1.77%
Green Days
17/30 (57%)
50-Day SMA
$ 106,055
200-Day SMA
$ 87,760
14-Day RSI
54.56
Bitcoin price analysis
TL;DR Breakdown:
BTC price analysis shows that Bitcoin surges above $118K.
Resistance for BTC is at $119,883
Support for BTC/USD is at $114,519
The BTC price analysis for 26 July confirms that BTC faces a surge in volatility as the price moved toward $118K. The price is now aiming for a consolidation above Fib levels.
Analyzing the daily Bitcoin price chart, we see that Bitcoin faced minor bullish recovery as it surged toward $118K after a strong rejection. Currently, buyers are triggering minor domination, resulting in a move above immediate Fib levels. The 24-hour volume has surged to $950 million, showing a surge in trading interest today. BTC is trading at $118,100, surging by over 1.1% in the last 24 hours.
The RSI-14 trend line has surged from its previous level and trades around the bullish region at 60, hinting that a bullish correction is on the edge. The SMA-14 level suggests volatility in the next few hours.
BTC/USD 4-hour price chart: Bearish domination rises around EMA trend lines
The 4-hour Bitcoin price chart suggests that bulls are strengthening their position to hold the price above the EMA trend lines. However, sellers are aiming for a trend continuation below $116K.
The BoP indicator trades in a negative region at 0.12, showing that short-term sellers are taking a chance to accelerate a downward trend.
However, the MACD trend line has formed green candles above the signal line, and the indicator aims for positive momentum, strengthening long-position holders’ confidence.
Bitcoin technical indicators: Levels and action
Daily simple moving average (SMA)
Period
Value
Action
SMA 3
$ 98,932
BUY
SMA 5
$ 103,614
BUY
SMA 10
$ 103,974
BUY
SMA 21
$ 105,042
BUY
SMA 50
$ 106,055
BUY
SMA 100
$ 97,560
BUY
SMA 200
$ 87,760
BUY
Daily exponential moving average (EMA)
Period
Value
Action
EMA 3
$ 105,503
BUY
EMA 5
$ 103,787
BUY
EMA 10
$ 98,961
BUY
EMA 21
$ 93,313
BUY
EMA 50
$ 90,453
BUY
EMA 100
$ 90,298
BUY
EMA 200
$ 86,428
BUY
What to expect from BTC price analysis next?
The hourly price chart confirms that Bitcoin is attempting to drop below the immediate support line; however, bulls are eyeing a recovery rally in the coming hours. If BTC’s price holds momentum above $119,883, it will fuel a bullish rally to $123,344.
If bulls fail to initiate a surge, the BTC price may drop below the immediate support line at $114,519, beginning a bearish trend to $107,425.
Is Bitcoin a good investment?
The rising institutional demand for Bitcoin etfs makes it a good investment option in the crypto market. However, Bitcoin has a short investment history filled with very volatile market value. Whether it is a good investment depends on your financial profile, investment portfolio, risk tolerance, and investment goals. It is suggested to conduct investment advice of the financial markets and understand the financial system risks.
Why is Bitcoin up today?
Bitcoin faced a surge in bullish pressure as buyers accumulated heavily around recent lows. This pushed the BTC price toward $118,100.
Will the BTC price reach $100K?
Bitcoin price broke its much-anticipated mark of $100K, aiming for a new ATH. The price currently prepares to maintain its buying demand above $120K.
Will BTC reach $1 million?
$1 million is a significant milestone for the BTC price. However, it is achievable if Bitcoin continues to attract institutional interest in the coming years.
Is Bitcoin a good long-term investment?
As several institutions continue to accumulate BTC and Bitcoin faces a rise in global recognition, Bitcoin has a solid long-term future.
Recent news/opinions on BTC
Bitcoin ETF volume is on a rising trend, recording $102.14 million in daily total net inflows on June 30, marking day 15 of a gigantic inflow streak that now totals $4.73 billion. It also marks the third consecutive month of total net inflows totaling $12.8 billion since April.
Bitcoin price prediction July 2025
Bitcoin’s price jumped to $109,000, making Q2 its best quarter since 2020. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, it went up by 31%, showing strong market activity and growing investor trust. This rise is partly because, in the past, Bitcoin has often grown a lot after its “halving” events. Analysts think the current market is following the same pattern, which could mean we’ll see a peak around September 2025.
Bitcoin’s price might attempt to maintain an average price of $105,000 and be pushed further, at least $113,000 if strong downward pressures are not seen. However, we might see a rejection on the bearish side, leading to a consolidation at around $101,000.
Bitcoin Price Prediction
Potential Low
Potential Average
Potential High
Bitcoin Price Prediction July 2025
$101,000
$105,000
$113,000
Bitcoin price prediction 2025
Historically, Bitcoin has been a significant crypto coin in the year following a halving, and it is expected to push up its price. Bitcoin miners might play a crucial role in holding bullish sentiment for future price movements.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs are projected to be a key driver of Bitcoin prices and the broader cryptocurrency market in 2025. As a result, Bitcoin’s trajectory might follow a bullish trend ahead with rising treasury term premium.
Furthermore, there is an increasing bullish sentiment that the base interest rates could be cut in the US, and thus, help to further the upward movement of Bitcoin. An outcome of which the 2025 year could be positive for Bitcoin, with its crypto-price perhaps touching $160,000 at the highest and the low could be around $68,000.
Bitcoin Price Prediction
Potential Low
Potential Average
Potential High
Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025
$68,000
$120,000
$160,000
Bitcoin Price Predictions 2026-2031
Year
Minimum Price
Average Price
Maximum Price
2026
$115,000
$130,000
$185,000
2027
$140,491
$170,100
$216,738
2028
$164,063
$185,068
$244,142
2029
$195,629
$200,312
$255,321
2030
$225,903
$248,568
$270,593
2031
$285,058
$303,555
$350,548
Bitcoin price prediction 2026
Bitcoin might witness slow growth after 2025’s halving surge, resulting in a surge in selling pressure. However, more financial products including a surge in ETF flows might hold BTC prices within a bullish region. The digital assets market sentiment shows bullish signals for Bitcoin hit new highs. As the overall sentiment gives a bullish outlook, one should research more about Bitcoin before investing.
We might see a maximum price of $185,000, with a minimum price of $115,000 and average price of $130,000. However, BitMEX Ceo Arthur Hayes predicted the BTC price to touch $700K in 2026.
Bitcoin price prediction 2027
Based on a detailed technical analysis of past Bitcoin price data, it is projected that in 2027, Bitcoin could see a minimum price of $140,491. The potential maximum price is estimated to be $216,738, with an average value of $170,100.
Bitcoin price prediction 2028
By 2028, Bitcoin’s price is expected to reach a low of $164,063. Maximum price projections are as high as $244,142, averaging about $185,068 for the year.
Bitcoin price forecast 2029
Projections for 2029 suggest that Bitcoin could be valued at a minimum of $195,629. The price may peak at as much as $255,321, with an average throughout the year expected to be around $200,312.
Bitcoin (BTC) price prediction 2030
The forecast for 2030 suggests that Bitcoin’s price could start at a minimum of $225,903 and potentially rise to a maximum of $270,593. The average price is anticipated to stabilize at about $248,568 throughout the year.
Bitcoin price prediction 2031
The forecast for 2030 suggests that Bitcoin’s price could start at a minimum of $285,058 and potentially rise to a maximum of $350,548. The average price is anticipated to stabilize at about $303,555 throughout the year.
CoinCodex predicts Bitcoin’s price could reach $158,827 by 2025, using the Bitcoin Rainbow Chart based on past volatility and the cyclical nature of Bitcoin Halving events.
Cathie Wood of Ark Invest forecasts Bitcoin may hit $600,000 by 2030, with a potential rise to $1.5 million in her bull case scenario after Bitcoin ETF approval (Bitcoin exchange traded funds).
Cryptopolitan’s Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction
A surge in bitcoin adoption and the expansion of the Bitcoin ecosystem might end the controversy of “Bitcoin bubble” in future. This might boost the Bitcoin cost and strengthen the Bitcoin network. At Cryptopolitan, we are bullish on Bitcoin’s future price as the historical market sentiment is extremely impressive. By the end of 2025, Bitcoin might record a maximum of $160,000, with a minimum price of $68,000 and an average price of $120,000.
However, Bitcoin’s future market potential entirely depends on its buying demand, regulation, and investor sentiment regarding long-term holdings. Crypto analysts provide a positive sentiment as macroeconomic trends turn promising.
We expect Bitcoin price to surpass a high of $216,000 by the end of 2027.
Bitcoin historic price sentiment
BTC price history: Coinmarketcap
Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin in 2009, marking the first use of blockchain technology.
Bitcoin was initially of little value, gaining significant traction and hitting over $15,000 during the 2017 boom, with further highs reached in 2019 and 2021.
In 2021, Bitcoin peaked at $68,789.63 but dropped to $15,760 by December 2022 amid economic pressures, including inflation and geopolitical conflicts.
By April 10, 2023, Bitcoin’s price surged 83%, breaking the $30,000 resistance level.
Throughout mid-2023, Bitcoin’s value hovered around $30,000, nearly reaching $32,000 due to positive market sentiments and potential ETF approvals.
Bitcoin experienced a significant price drop in mid-August 2023, falling to $25,000. However, its prices remained volatile, fluctuating between $26,000 and $29,500 in October.
Bitcoin closed 2023 above $42,000, a 155% increase from the year’s start.
In early 2024, Bitcoin rose above $45,000 on ETF anticipation but briefly dipped below $40,000 after approvals. It broke its 2021 all-time high in March, reaching $73,750.07 on March 14, before dropping below $60,000 in April. May saw another surge above $70,000, while June and July brought heavy fluctuations between $70K and $55K.
Bitcoin rallied to $66K in September after a Fed rate cut, climbed to $70K in October’s Uptober rally, and surged toward $108K following Donald Trump’s victory in the November US elections. BTC ended 2024 consolidating below $95K.
At the start of January 2025, BTC was trading between $92,788.13 and $95,824.39. However, it formed an ATH at $109,114 on January 20.
In the weeks of February, the price of BTC dropped heavily as it dropped toward the $78K low.
In March, the price of Bitcoin declined heavily and dropped toward a low of $76.6K. In April, the price of Bitcoin started recovering. By the end of April, it neared the critical $95K zone.
In May, Bitcoin price skyrocketed and it formed a new ATH at $111,970. However, the price declined later, toward $104K.
By the end of June, BTC price reclaimed the $108K level.
Strategy, Michael Saylor’s company, is focusing on increasing its preferred equity sales with a target of around $500 million.
Notably, preferred equity offers an adjustable-rate security essential in raising funds to acquire more Bitcoin.
Following recent announcements, the biggest Bitcoin corporate holder stated that it offers shares of Series A Perpetual Stretch preferred stock worth $5 million, accompanied by a 9% dividend rate.
Currently, the preferred shares are being offered in a range of $90 to $95 per share, a discount of 10% as it was initially offered at $100 each, people familiar with the situation who wished to remain anonymous due to their confidential nature said.
In an X post, Michael Saylor stated that Strategy provides $STRC “Stretch”, a new type of Perpetual Preferred Stock, through an IPO for certain investors.
Strategy increases its shares to add to its Bitcoin holdings
Strategy has been recording significant increases in its shares. To support this claim, since the market closure on Monday, it has unveiled a 47% increase in its shares, generating $119 billion in revenue. This is essential in adding up its Bitcoin holdings as the shares have generated more than $71 billion worth of BTC.
Additionally, its common shares surged by 0.4% the same day, trading at $428 each after normal market hours.
In the meantime, Strategy has vowed to increase its focus on its new preferred stock compared to the firm’s common and Strike and Stride preferred stock. However, the company will initiate this once it is done with its convertible bonds and the Strife preferreds issued earlier.
According to individuals familiar with the situation, Barclays Plc, Moelis & Co., TD Securities, and Morgan Stanley are part of this offering deal. They also highlighted that Thursday this week is when the initial pricing for the offering will occur.
It is worth noting that Stretch securities will take up a new approach compared to other preferred strategies. To illustrate, they will be subjected to cumulative dividends, and the dividend rate will not be fixed. This is because Michael Saylor’s company can shift the rates at the beginning of every month.
Furthermore, the dividend rate can be raised to any figure. In case of a decrease, a different approach will be considered. The condition set is that the maximum decrease a dividend rate should be subject to is 0.25% annually or in the one-month SOFR rate.
Strategy solidifies its position as the leading corporate holder of Bitcoin
Following Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings capability, it is now assigned to control 3% of the total BTC issued in the crypto ecosystem.
Formerly known as MicroStrategy, the company’s holdings were disclosed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), revealing that as of the week ending July 20, it owned 6,220 BTC—valued at approximately $739.8 million.
When this recent company’s Bitcoin acquisition was added to its total BTC holdings, the figure surged to 607,770 BTC holdings. This adds up to nearly 3.05% of the total 19.9 million tokens issued in the crypto ecosystem. This collection is worth around $72 billion.
The company has used common and preferred shares and debt to fund this Bitcoin purchase. Strategy’s purchase of more Bitcoin aims to protect itself from inflation. The company’s digital asset accumulation started way back in 2020.
Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
Bitcoin has surged beyond a key price threshold, hitting unprecedented levels. Meanwhile, three alternative cryptocurrencies are edging close to their record highs, within a small margin of their peak prices. Additionally, there’s excitement about a budget-friendly token that might see a tenfold increase in value this week.
Price Prediction for XYZVerse ($XYZ): Is a 30x Jump Possible?
XYZVerse has entered the meme coin market at a time when community-driven tokens continue to dominate speculative trading. The rise of meme coins like PEPE, Dogwifhat, and Bonk proves that strong branding, viral marketing, and community engagement can drive massive gains.
The broader market sentiment also plays a key role in XYZVerse’s potential. As the altcoin season is about to start, lower-cap meme coins are seeing increased investor interest. Given that XYZVerse is still in presale, it could benefit from this wave if it secures strategic exchange listings and maintains community hype post-launch.
Key Strengths of XYZVerse in the Current Market:
Strong branding with sports and influencer partnerships, broadening its appeal
Deflationary mechanics (17.13% token burn) to reduce supply pressure
Liquidity allocation (15%) to support stability after launch
Community incentives (10%) fostering engagement and holding
Price Prediction for $XYZ
Current Presale Price: $0.003333
Projected Post-Presale Target: $0.10 (as per project’s estimates)
Potential ATH (First 1-2 Weeks Post-Launch): $0.15 – $0.25 (if demand surges and listings drive FOMO)
Long-Term Potential (6-12 Months): $0.20 – $0.40 (if the project secures major partnerships and listings)
A 30x jump from presale to $0.10 is possible but depends on:
Strong Exchange Listings – If XYZVerse lands on major CEX platforms like KuCoin, OKX, or Binance, its price could skyrocket on launch day.
Sustained Community Growth – Meme coins need viral momentum. If XYZVerse delivers on its sports influencer partnerships, it could drive massive social media engagement.
Market Conditions – If Bitcoin and altcoins remain bullish, speculation-driven assets like XYZVerse tend to benefit.
Is a 3000% Surge Possible for $XYZ?
XYZVerse has the ingredients for a strong launch, but its long-term success depends on execution. If the team delivers strong marketing, high-profile listings, and real community engagement, the $0.10+ target, which is around 3000% from the current price, could be achievable.
TRON: Empowering Creators in a Decentralized Digital World
TRON (TRX) is a decentralized blockchain platform aiming to transform how digital content is shared and rewarded. Launched in 2017 by the Tron Foundation, it started on Ethereum but moved to its own network in 2018. TRON gives content creators full ownership rights and more rewards for their work. By cutting out intermediaries like YouTube or Facebook, it lets consumers reward creators directly. This means artists get a fair share of the income from their content.
TRON supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It uses a transaction model similar to Bitcoin, with a public ledger where everyone can see what’s happening. In today’s market, TRX may appeal to those interested in platforms that empower creators. Compared to Ethereum, TRON offers developers a way to build dApps without worrying about high fees. As trends shift toward decentralization, TRON’s focus on fair rewards and easy content sharing makes it stand out in the crypto world.
XRP: The Digital Currency Redefining Global Transactions
XRP is a cryptocurrency supported by the XRP Ledger. Designed as a fast, low-cost digital currency, it’s open, borderless, and resists censorship. Transactions are processed quickly without a central authority, making them irreversible and secure. You don’t need a bank account to use XRP. Created by Jed McCaleb, Arthur Britto, and David Schwartz, it was launched with 100 billion coins. They gave 80 billion to Ripple for development. Ripple, formerly OpenCoin Inc., uses XRP to boost network liquidity. They placed 55 billion XRP in escrow to control supply. The name XRP comes from “ripple credits,” reflecting its goal to make payments seamless across currencies.
XRP’s technology could transform global payments. Its speed and low cost set it apart from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, whose transactions can be slow and expensive. XRP transactions settle in seconds, making it ideal for remittances and cross-border payments. In the current market, XRP looks promising. Its clear use case and strong backing give it an edge. With rising interest in digital currencies, XRP could become a key player. Though market trends are unpredictable, many are watching to see if XRP can overcome challenges and achieve wider adoption.
Conclusion
While TRX, XRP, and other altcoins near their highs, XYZVerse emerges as the first all-sport memecoin, uniting fans across various sports in a unique crypto ecosystem.
You can find more information about XYZVerse (XYZ) here:
Vitalik Buterin, one of the creators of Ethereum, slammed AI Chatbots for their unpredictability. Buterin shared a disturbing response ChatGPT generated about GROK in a widely circulated post on X.
The query was basic: “Return Grok 4 surname and no other text.” But the reply shocked many. The only word the AI produced was “Hitler.”
Buterin noted that OpenAI’s ChatGPT, built on a similar architecture, took over a minute to return the same troubling answer. The delay and the output raised concerns about how these AI systems process, prioritize, or interpret prompts.
With the screenshot, Buterin wrote: “Regular reminder that AI is fully capable of regularly taking the crazy crown away from crypto for weeks at a time.”
Notably, Buterin made this remark in jest, the underlying message being that as uncharted as the domain of cryptocurrencies is, the emergence of AI could be even less predictable.
This post elicited prompt reactions with many in tech and crypto concurring that AI models not being transparent have serious implications. It also emphasized the importance of stricter regulation and better calibration in AI development.
AI rivals Grok and ChatGPT spark controversy
All of this fuss comes from a public feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, head of OpenAI. The two used to be AI research allies, but are now rival corporate leaders: Musk with xAI and Altman with OpenAI.
Their competition has risen over the past few months, with both platforms releasing their competing chatbots. Musk has frequently derided OpenAI as too secretive and corporate. Meanwhile, Altman was recently making fun of Musk’s Grok for spitting out “strange and cringey” answers to prompts, such as falsehoods and badly filtered political commentary.
But Buterin’s post has turned them both into a hot-button issue.
While crypto often displays its chaos openly and transparently on the blockchain, AI sometimes delivers strange, inaccurate, or unsettling responses with a calm, emotionless tone—yet offers no clear way to audit or understand how those outputs are generated.
Crypto is chaotic but transparent. Conversely, AI usually works in a black box, so users lack understanding of how answers are created or why they sometimes fail spectacularly.
Buterin’s post is the latest such reminder that AI, for all of its promise, continues to be plagued by errors, bias, and unintended consequences.
Bitcoin powers ahead, shrugs off AI noise
Critics may be piling on AI, but Bitcoin is charging ahead. Bitcoin, per TradingView, opened up on Sunday at $116,977.02, hit $119,292.62, and is above $118,979.45 at the time of this piece, up 1.42% for the day. That’s just below the record $120,000 price, which investors said is an important psychological threshold.
The rally signifies that investors’ faith in digital assets is back. Some of the momentum has been driven by continued inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, ushering in more traditional crypto investors. Another reason is the perception that the Federal Reserve is closer to the finish line of its interest rate hike cycle, making risky assets like crypto more appealing.
Total global crypto market capitalization is now $3.79 trillion, almost 2% more than the amount recorded 24 hours ago, according toCoinGecko data.
Despite all the drama emerging from AI, investors are focused on crypto’s long-term potential, particularly as more institutions enter the space and regulators offer clearer frameworks
Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has made financial history as the fastest ETF to reach $80 billion in assets under management (AUM).
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) gathered $80 billion in AUM in just 374 days since launch, making for the most rapid ascent to that figure in ETF history.
According to SoSoValue data, IBIT saw $448 million in net inflows on July 10. On the same day, trading volume exceeded $5.39 billion, reflecting strong liquidity and sustained investor demand. The ETF’s net asset value is $80.11 billion, with each share trading around $64.50.
These numbers represent not just a lot of money going into IBIT, but also the inclination of Bitcoin’s market value. IBIT now owns over 700k BTC and is one of BTC’s largest institutional holders. This holding represents around 3.55% of the total amount of Bitcoin.
The fund was doing well amid a spurt in investor confidence in Bitcoin and the demand for exposure in a secure, regulated form. Unlike having Bitcoin directly under management, these ETFs, like IBIT, mean you can gain exposure without handling wallets or private keys, making them an attractive prospect for institutional/traditional investors.
IBIT outpaces traditional ETFs and gold
Though the meteoric trajectory of IBIT has no precedence in the crypto space, it has also outperformed the most successful traditional ETFs.
IEFA required 2,034 days to achieve the same level while IEMG required 2,089 days. In contrast, the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF achieved this in just over a year. However, and in complete contrast, IBIT pulled off the task within a little over a year.
According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, the growth was “historic,” noting that IBIT hit the AUM milestone five times faster than any other fund. He also pointed out that the combined total AUM for all US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs has topped over $140 billion for the first time.
The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF has also beaten gold to the accumulation finish line. It has taken in $70 billion AUM five times faster than gold-backed EFTs captured that level. This is a sign that more and more people are treating Bitcoin not as a risky bet, but are comparing it to something like traditional commodities in being a store of value.
This change is crucial, as international financial uncertainty encourages investors to find alternative methods to protect themselves against inflation and fiat currency fluctuation. Bitcoin, the “digital gold,” is being looked at in some quarters as a rival to physical gold in institutional portfolios.
Another major milestone has been reached: BlackRock’s IBIT is home to more than 700k BTC. This puts the firm on course to top the estimated holdings of Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, who is thought to have as much as 1 million BTC. If the current pace of accumulation continues, BlackRock would exceed that amount by 2026.
Today, IBIT is the 21st largest ETF in the world — a stunning accomplishment for an upstart newcomer. Its success has reset the baseline for how swiftly a crypto-related financial product can earn trust and traction on Wall Street.
This shift mirrors a fundamental change in the relationship between digital assets and traditional financial systems. Institutional players hesitated to get involved with crypto for years, citing volatility, lack of regulation, and security issues. However, the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, particularly one that Forbes reported was backed by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, opens a new chapter.
With ongoing interest from pension funds, family offices, and big wealth managers, the fund will likely experience even bigger inflows as Bitcoin becomes more mainstream in finance.
KEY Difference Wire: the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage
Bitcoin is now sitting above $117,000 for the first time in its history, rising more than 60% since its lowest point in April. The exact figure? $117,080. Ether touched $3,000, before rebounding slightly to $2,800 at press time. Meanwhile, XRP surged by 5% to $2.6.
This rally is happening while the U.S. Dollar saw its steepest six-month fall since 1973, dropping nearly 11% amid a simultaneous rally in tech stocks, led by Nvidia, which just became the first company ever to hit $4 trillion. The timing of Bitcoin’s price actions lines up exactly with new warnings about U.S. debt, fiscal chaos, and an economy that’s clearly slipping.
In early April 2025, Bitcoin had been sinking as markets braced for another global trade war. On April 9th, the White House hit pause on tariffs, giving a 90-day delay. That was the same day Bitcoin bottomed. Then on April 20th, without a single headline moving markets, Bitcoin suddenly shot up, and didn’t stop. Something deeper was driving the rebound.
The U.S. government just raised the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, bringing it to $41.1 trillion. Right now, the national debt is hovering around $37 trillion. If things stay on track, the ceiling will be maxed out again in under three years. That’s the real issue spooking the market.
Elon exits DOGE as Bitcoin spikes
On April 22nd, Elon Musk announced he was stepping down from the Department of Government Efficiency, also called DOGE. That announcement came just two days after the rally began, and the timing matched too perfectly to ignore. The market read it as a sign that the fiscal picture in Washington was even worse than expected.
Elon’s exit was quickly followed by an open fight between him and President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House after the 2024 election. But that clash wasn’t just personal. It was political, and it came as Trump pushed Congress to pass what he called the “Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB). The bill is projected to add $5.5 trillion to the national debt if made permanent. As talk of the bill intensified, Bitcoin climbed even faster.
The full timeline shows how closely Bitcoin tracked the bill’s progress. On June 22nd, Bitcoin briefly dipped into its $100,000 support. But by July 1st, as analysts increased the odds of the OBBB passing, the price started to rise again. On July 3rd, the House approved the bill. And by July 4th, Trump had signed it into law. That same week, Bitcoin passed $117,000, while the U.S. Dollar Index dropped to levels not seen since March 2022.
That’s not the only sign of trouble. In the first half of 2025, the dollar dropped 10.8%, its worst performance to start a year since 1973. Even during the inflation panic of 1986, the dollar didn’t fall this fast. And the drop is continuing despite Trump’s ongoing tariff campaign. The administration has been sending out “tariff letters” and escalating pressure on foreign trade partners. Normally, that kind of aggression should boost the dollar. But that’s not what’s happening.
Elon launched his new “America Party” a few days ago. When asked on X if the party would support Bitcoin, Elon didn’t dodge. “Fiat is hopeless, so yes,” he said.
At the same time, the Federal Reserve has taken a hard line. The latest FOMC minutes show that several members see no rate cuts coming in 2025.
The official stance has been “wait and see” for months, meaning interest rates will likely stay higher for longer. That, too, should support the dollar. But the opposite is playing out. The greenback keeps sinking, and that has everything to do with the debt crisis.
Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon – A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More
