Palo Alto, United States, October 12th, 2026, Chainwire

Trace, the onchain registry for rights-cleared AI training data with more than 250 million verifiable receipts, brings its training data to Sui and Walrus to power the next generation of AI models.

Sui Foundation and The DATA Foundation today announced that the DATA Network and its Trace registry are joining the Sui stack, bringing a live supply of rights-cleared AI training data onto the infrastructure Sui has built for AI workloads. Walrus, the data platform with integrity proofs anchored on Sui, becomes the default storage layer for applications operated by DATA Foundation. Separately, the DATA Network will be upgraded to run as a protocol natively on Sui.

The upgrade gives AI labs a single place to source real-world training data they are allowed to use, with its provenance recorded by Trace and the original file stored and access-controlled on Walrus.

The data AI needs next

The next generation of AI models is constrained by access to real-world data. The open internet has been scraped, and the data that comes next must be sourced from people, with consent and with provenance that regulators and legal teams will accept. The EU AI Act and ongoing litigation over training data have made provenance a procurement requirement for labs.

The data those models need sits with people rather than on the open web: a nurse describing a patient’s night in her own words, a dashcam recording of a rainy commute in Jakarta, a factory technician’s hands as they diagnose a fault, or a customer call conducted in Bengali. It is personal and often regulated, and it belongs to the people who generated it.

Trace, launched by DATA Foundation in June as an onchain registry for AI training data, was built for exactly this kind of data. It records the origin of each contribution and the rights attached to it, and settles payment to the person who contributed it. It has registered more than 250 million contributions since launch and now processes over 3M receipts per day on average. Applications writing to Trace include Kled, the largest opt-in human data marketplace with over 1.5 billion records being onboarded, along with Numo and Oto, applications that already license data to frontier AI labs and robotics companies.

Why Sui and Walrus

Sui represents every asset as a programmable object, allowing datasets and their licenses to be managed onchain like tokens. Independent transactions execute in parallel and settle in under a second, making the network capable of handling millions of daily registrations. Walrus extends this capability to large files: it stores massive AI datasets efficiently and ensures data is only readable by licensed buyers. No other network offers storage, access control, and ownership tracking built natively into a single ecosystem, together with verifiable compute.

Trace now adds a flagship supply of rights-cleared data, with existing demand from the AI labs that license it today. The result of the integration will be stronger provenance guarantees and tamper evidence. Today a Trace record proves that a file was registered and when, and with Walrus, Trace will be able to hold an encrypted, immutable copy of the contributed file itself as a reference guarantee. The hash of the record can be regenerated from the data itself rather than from metadata an application supplied, and any later processing of the file can be checked against the original.

The upgrade is backed by a long-term strategic investment. Sui Foundation is investing $30 million in the DATA Network, establishing the largest institutional stake in the network, alongside the continuing holdings of PIP Labs and the DATA Foundation. Furthering the alignment, SY Lee, Chairman of Poseidon and CEO of PIP Labs, joins Sui Foundation as Strategic Advisor.

The protocol upgrade

DATA Network will be upgraded to run as a protocol natively on Sui, and its independent chain will be retired. $DATA continues as the token of the DATA protocol on Sui, carried over one-to-one, with holder economics and governance rights at least equivalent to today. Locked and vesting positions carry over unchanged. In parallel, Walrus becomes the default storage layer for DATA Foundation applications.

Adeniyi Abiodun, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Mysten Labs, the original contributor to Sui and Walrus, said: “The AI industry has reached the point where the open internet has been read, and the next frontier is defined by access to datasets with the consent and provenance that regulators require. Sui and Walrus were built to be the home where AI data is stored, licensed, and paid for, capable of operating at the scale these systems demand. The migration of DATA Network and Trace to our stack now brings massive volumes of high-quality, rights-cleared data that is already serving the world’s frontier AI labs.”

SY Lee, Chairman of Poseidon and CEO of PIP Labs, said: “The next generation of AI will be trained on data that lives with people rather than on the open web, and that data needs consent and provenance built in, along with a way to pay the people it comes from, and Trace was built to be that layer. It now becomes part of the Sui stack alongside Walrus, backed by one of the strongest engineering organizations in the industry and with Sui Foundation as the network’s largest strategic holder. This is the right home for the network we built, and I am looking forward to helping Sui make it the data layer for AI.”

Andrea Muttoni, CEO of DATA Foundation, said: “Training data is critical for continuously expanding the frontier, and making sure it is traceable, auditable and cleared to use is just as important for AI safety as it is a precursor for data quality. With Trace, we have been tracking hundreds of millions of data assets. Joining forces with Sui now allows us to build out more of the stack, offering more than just an audit trail, like encrypted reference file storage and potentially fully verifiable TEEs for evals and fine tunings in the future.”

The existing DATA Network will continue to operate until the upgrade is complete, and a detailed timeline and holder transition plan will be published prior to the upgrade.

About DATA Foundation

DATA Foundation supports the DATA Network, the protocol for tracking provenance of the real-world data AI models need. Through Trace, each contribution is registered with its provenance receipt and a full audit trail. Applications building on the network include Kled, Numo, Oto, and others. Formerly Story Foundation, the organization refocused on AI training data in June 2026. The DATA Network is being upgraded to run as a protocol on Sui.

About Sui

Sui, where money moves as freely as messages, is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain built for onchain finance and agentic infrastructure. Founded by the core team behind Meta’s stablecoin initiative and powered by an object-centric model, Sui makes assets, permissions, and user data programmable and verifiable. Sui’s primitives offer everything necessary to create high-performance finance and AI-native applications. Learn more at sui.io.

About Walrus

Walrus is the data platform built for the demands of AI. It lets builders, enterprises, and AI agents move data across apps and models, protect it with built-in access rules, and make it verifiable by anyone. As AI takes actions with consequence, the data it runs on has to be provable. Created by the cryptographers and distributed systems engineers behind Sui and Meta’s first stablecoin initiative. walrus.xyz

Media contacts

DATA Foundation: datafoundation@150bond.com 

Sui Foundation: comms@sui.io 

Contact

Head of Communications
HV
DATA Foundation
henri.vues@piplabs.xyz

Why you should listen

Tonkeeper built its reputation as the leading wallet on TON, and last month it gave up the name. Monastyrskiy explains why: users had stopped living on a single chain, and were juggling several apps to hold stablecoins on TRON, Bitcoin, Ethereum and assets on layer twos. The “TON” in the name tied the brand to one network, so the team dropped it and kept the rest. Keeper now supports seven networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, TRON and Base, and launched mobile-first, because that is where the data showed younger users transacting. 

He is direct about the trade-off at the heart of self-custody. Keeper cannot access, freeze or recover user funds, and he argues that the risk people associate with self-custody comes down to how they store their recovery phrase. Keep it offline and secure, and the main danger disappears. The harder part, in his view, is psychological: when an exchange gets hacked, users have someone to blame, but with self-custody the responsibility is entirely theirs. He sees the wallet as stage one of crypto adoption, the place where someone buys their first Bitcoin, and stage two as giving those users access to everything else on-chain, from tokenized stocks and prediction markets to simpler perpetual futures trading, which he says remains too complicated for newcomers.

Looking further out, Monastyrskiy describes his ideal wallet as one users barely see: connected to an AI assistant, taking voice commands to swap or trade, with no thought given to gas or withdrawals. He thinks a supervised version, where users still sign each transaction, is about a year away, and full automation further off. He also reports a pickup in on-chain activity since May, with volumes rising again this quarter. In the hot take round, he argues that real adoption will come from everyday payments in emerging markets rather than institutions, and picks Nineteen Eighty-Four as the science fiction he fears could become reality.

Supporting links

• Stabull Finance
• Keeper
• Keeper on X
• Andy on X
• Brave New Coin on X
• Brave New Coin

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The transaction gives public-market investors another route to gain exposure to XRP through a company that actively manages its digital asset holdings. Backed by institutional investors including Ripple, Pantera Capital, Kraken, SBI Group, and Arrington Capital, Evernorth plans to allocate capital to XRP ecosystem infrastructure, decentralized finance (DeFi) strategies, and other initiatives intended to expand the token’s utility.

Evernorth Completes SPAC Merger With Armada Acquisition Corp. II

Evernorth announced the completion of its merger with Armada Acquisition Corp. II on October 9, marking its transition into the public markets. Armada, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), was sponsored by Arrington XRP Capital Fund, LP.

Evernorth completed its SPAC merger with Arrington XRP Capital-sponsored Armada Acquisition Corp. II, with Nasdaq trading under the ticker $XRPN scheduled to begin on October 12, 2026. Source: @evernorthxrp via X

Under the announced schedule, Evernorth common stock will begin trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market on October 12 under the ticker XRPN. The company also expects to participate in Nasdaq’s closing-bell ceremony on October 14, bringing together executives, investors, and members of the XRP ecosystem.

The merger establishes a publicly traded vehicle focused on managing an XRP treasury rather than simply holding the token as a passive reserve. Evernorth intends to combine digital asset exposure with the reporting, disclosure, and governance requirements associated with a Nasdaq-listed company.

Evernorth Enters Nasdaq With 473 Million XRP and $300 Million in Cash

At the close of the transaction, Evernorth held approximately 473 million XRP and raised around $300 million in gross cash proceeds before transaction expenses. The company said its investors include Arrington Capital, Ripple, Pantera Capital, Kraken, SBI Group, and GSR.

Evernorth will launch with approximately 473 million XRP and $300 million in cash, backed by major crypto investors and led by former Ripple executive Asheesh Birla. Source: @TheCryptoSquire via X

The combination of XRP holdings and cash gives Evernorth capital to manage its treasury and pursue investments across the broader XRP economy. However, the $300 million figure represents gross proceeds, not cash remaining after transaction costs or subsequent spending.

Evernorth is positioning itself as an institutional investment vehicle for people and organizations seeking XRP exposure through public equity markets. Investors buying XRPN shares will own stock in the company, not XRP directly. As a result, the share price may not move in exact proportion to XRP’s market price.

The company’s performance will also depend on its treasury management decisions, operating expenses, capital allocation, and ability to execute its business strategy.

Asheesh Birla Outlines Evernorth’s XRP Treasury Strategy

Evernorth CEO and founder Asheesh Birla said the company was established to support the XRP ecosystem while maintaining the transparency expected of a publicly traded business.

“In setting out to build Evernorth, our goal was to create something unique: an actively managed XRP treasury purpose-built to support the growth of the ecosystem with the transparency and governance that public markets demand,” Birla said in the October 9 announcement.

Evernorth CEO Asheesh Birla outlined a vision of tech-driven finance built on autonomous digital money and blockchain infrastructure as the company prepares to list on Nasdaq under $XRPN. Source: Asheesh Birla via X

The company intends to deploy capital across infrastructure, financial applications, and use cases designed to increase XRP’s utility. Its strategy also includes institutional and DeFi yield opportunities, ecosystem participation, and capital markets activities.

Evernorth has stated that it aims to grow the amount of XRP represented by each share over time. Achieving that objective will depend on investment returns, treasury management costs, changes in the company’s share count, and the performance of its holdings. The target is a stated business objective, not a guaranteed outcome.

Institutional Backing Supports Evernorth’s Public-Market Plans

Evernorth’s investor base includes several established participants in the digital asset industry. Ripple, Pantera Capital, Kraken, SBI Group, Arrington Capital, and GSR are among the institutions identified in the company’s announcement.

Michael Arrington, founder of Arrington Capital, said the firm’s support reflects its view that the XRP ecosystem can attract additional capital as it develops.

“Our conviction in XRP has always been rooted in the belief that the ecosystem would continue to mature, attracting serious builders and capital,” Arrington said.

Evernorth plans to direct capital toward areas such as tokenized assets, on-chain credit markets, and settlement infrastructure. These sectors require funding to develop products and expand their operations, although their commercial prospects and adoption rates remain uncertain.

Its public listing may make the company more accessible to investors who prefer traditional brokerage accounts over direct cryptocurrency ownership. However, stock market access does not eliminate the risks associated with digital assets, and investors will still face company-specific and market-related uncertainties.

What XRPN’s Nasdaq Listing Means for XRP Investors

Evernorth’s arrival on Nasdaq creates another publicly traded option for investors seeking exposure to the XRP ecosystem. Instead of purchasing and managing XRP themselves, investors can buy shares in a company whose treasury and strategy are closely tied to the token.

The distinction matters because XRPN shares and XRP are separate assets. The stock’s valuation will reflect not only the market value of Evernorth’s XRP holdings but also its cash position, liabilities, operating costs, investment results, and investors’ assessment of its future prospects.

XRP price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

Evernorth’s strategy also introduces execution risks. DeFi activities can involve smart-contract vulnerabilities, liquidity constraints, and counterparty exposure. In addition, XRP price volatility could affect the value of its treasury and, in turn, investor sentiment toward its shares.

The company has cautioned that its business plans are subject to regulatory changes, market conditions, competition, and the risks of maintaining a public listing. Its future performance will depend on how effectively management navigates these challenges while pursuing its stated treasury objectives.

Evernorth expects to mark its public-market debut with a Nasdaq closing-bell ceremony on October 14, two days after the scheduled start of trading. The listing will put its active XRP treasury strategy under public-market scrutiny as investors assess whether the company can translate its substantial holdings and institutional backing into sustainable long-term value.

 A potential double bottom could support a BNB price recovery toward $800, while a breakdown below the rising wedge structure may expose lower support levels between $700 and $680.

Recent technical setups highlight the importance of the $725–$730 area. A sustained hold could give buyers another opportunity to challenge resistance, but continued selling pressure may extend the correction. Traders are watching whether BNB can establish a base or confirm a deeper pullback.

BNB Price Forecast: $730 Support Puts Bulls and Bears at a Crossroads

BNB has been trading around $740–$751, following repeated rejection near the $800–$810 resistance zone. The price has also slipped below a four-hour rising channel and the daily chart’s 0.236 Fibonacci retracement near $746, according to Cryptorphic’s analysis.

BNB has broken below its 4-hour rising channel support, trading near $743 as short-term bearish momentum intensifies. Source: Cryptorphic via X

These developments indicate that short-term momentum has weakened. The loss of the rising channel’s lower boundary suggests buyers have struggled to maintain the previous upward structure. Meanwhile, the break below the Fibonacci level has placed additional attention on nearby support zones.

Cryptorphic previously maintained a bullish outlook while BNB held above $760 and the rising channel remained intact. The latest assessment takes a more cautious position, identifying further downside risk unless the broken technical levels are reclaimed.

The next support levels highlighted in that analysis stand near $719, $706, and $674. These are potential areas where buyers could attempt to stabilize the price, rather than guaranteed reversal points. A sustained recovery above $746 and the former channel support would help ease the immediate bearish pressure.

BNB Double Bottom Pattern Signals a Possible Recovery Toward $800

Despite the recent weakness, a separate four-hour chart setup identified by crypto analyst @gandreou007 points to a possible double bottom, commonly referred to as a W pattern. The formation could develop if BNB revisits the $727–$733 area, stabilizes, and establishes a second base near its earlier low.

BNB could form a 4-hour double bottom near $727–$733, with a breakout above $754–$756 potentially opening a recovery toward $800; a drop below $714 would invalidate the setup. Source: @gandreou007 via X

A double bottom typically features two troughs around a similar price level, separated by a recovery. However, two tests of support alone do not confirm the pattern. Buyers must push the price through resistance separating the two lows to establish a stronger bullish case.

In this setup, the $754–$756 region is the key confirmation zone. A break above that range followed by a successful retest would strengthen the recovery scenario and suggest that buyers are regaining control of the short-term trend.

The initial upside area sits around $775–$780, followed by $800. A move from $730 to $800 would represent an increase of approximately 9.6%, although reaching that target would depend on continued buying pressure and the ability to overcome intermediate resistance.

The setup also has a clear invalidation level. A decline below $714 would undermine the proposed double-bottom structure and weaken the case for a recovery toward $800. Until BNB clears the confirmation zone, the pattern remains a possibility rather than an established reversal.

BNB Rising Wedge Breakdown Puts $700–$680 Support in Focus

A separate analysis published by crypto_vulture_signals on TradingView identifies a rising wedge on BNB’s daily chart. The pattern features higher lows within converging trendlines, while weakening momentum raises questions about whether the upward structure can continue.

Rising wedges can precede bearish breakouts, particularly when price repeatedly fails to clear overhead resistance. In BNB’s case, the $800–$810 region has repeatedly capped advances, suggesting that buyers have struggled to sustain upward momentum at higher prices.

BNB is trading near $740 after repeated rejection at $800–810, while a daily rising wedge and weakening momentum raise the risk of a bearish breakdown. Source: crypto_vulture_signals on TradingView

The immediate support area lies between $725 and $730, broadly matching the level monitored in the potential double-bottom setup. This overlap makes the zone especially important: a successful defense could support a short-term rebound, while a decisive breakdown would weaken both the broader chart structure and the bullish reversal case.

According to the TradingView analysis, a confirmed daily close below $725 could open the way toward the $700–$680 region. That move would extend the correction from current levels and indicate that sellers have gained further control.

The bearish wedge scenario would be challenged by a sustained breakout above $810. Such a move would indicate that buyers had overcome the resistance zone that has repeatedly limited BNB’s recovery attempts. Until then, the combination of weakening momentum and failed advances supports a cautious outlook.

Key BNB Price Levels to Watch

BNB’s next move will depend on how the price reacts to nearby support and whether buyers can reclaim the resistance levels lost during the recent decline.

• $800–$810 resistance: A major overhead barrier. A sustained breakout above $810 would weaken the bearish rising-wedge thesis.
• $775–$780 resistance: The first recovery target in the double-bottom scenario and a potential test of renewed buying strength.
• $754–$756 resistance: The immediate confirmation area for the proposed four-hour double bottom.
• $746 resistance: The daily Fibonacci retracement level that BNB has fallen below. Reclaiming it would help improve the short-term outlook.
• $725–$730 support: The central level for both competing setups. Holding this zone could support consolidation or a rebound.
• $719 and $706 support: Potential downside levels identified in Cryptorphic’s analysis if selling continues.
• $700–$680 support: The lower target zone in the rising-wedge breakdown scenario, with $674 identified as an additional support level in the separate daily-chart analysis.
• $714 invalidation level: A break below this level would weaken the specific double-bottom setup described by @gandreou007.

These levels come from separate technical analyses and should not be treated as a single confirmed trading signal. The difference between a temporary move below support and a sustained breakdown will depend on the closing price, follow-through, and subsequent retest.

BNB Price Outlook: Will BNB Rebound or Extend Its Correction?

BNB faces two competing technical possibilities near $730. The double-bottom scenario offers a potential path toward $775–$780 and eventually $800, but it requires a break above $754–$756 and a successful retest. Without that confirmation, the bullish pattern remains incomplete.

BNB price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The bearish case gains strength if BNB fails to hold $725–$730 and records a confirmed daily close below the zone. That development could bring $700–$680 into focus, while the additional support levels at $719, $706, and $674 provide reference points from the separate Fibonacci and channel analysis.

For now, the price remains caught between weakening short-term momentum and the possibility of a support-driven rebound. Reclaiming $746 and then $754–$756 would improve the bullish outlook, whereas a sustained break below $725 would shift attention toward lower support.

The $730 area is therefore a key decision zone, not a guaranteed turning point. Confirmation from price action will be essential to determine whether BNB is building a second base or continuing its correction.

Buterin urged developers to prepare for potential AI vulnerabilities in both conventional and quantum-resistant cryptography, while cautioning Ethereum and other cryptocurrency holders against rushing to move their funds between wallets.

In a post on X on October 8, Buterin identified lattice-based cryptography as a particular area of concern, arguing that AI-assisted mathematical research could uncover weaknesses that researchers have not yet discovered. His comments add another dimension to the debate over blockchain security, which has increasingly focused on whether existing cryptographic methods can withstand advances in quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The Block reported that Buterin recommended reducing exposure to potentially vulnerable cryptography without triggering unnecessary wallet transfers.

AI Advances Could Challenge Lattice-Based Cryptography

Buterin warned that mathematical advances accelerated by AI could undermine assumptions about the security of lattice-based cryptography. These techniques underpin several emerging security technologies, including the Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm (ML-DSA) and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE).

Vitalik warns that rapid AI advances could undermine lattice-based and elliptic-curve cryptography sooner than expected, challenging assumptions about quantum threats. Source: @VitalikButerin via X

ML-DSA is a digital signature standard designed to resist attacks from quantum computers, while FHE allows computations to be performed on encrypted data without first decrypting it. Both technologies have applications beyond cryptocurrency, including secure communications, privacy systems and data processing.

Buterin cautioned that cryptographic systems considered secure today could face new risks if AI helps researchers discover more efficient ways to solve the mathematical problems on which they depend.

“There is a good chance that the concrete security of lattices will take serious hits from the next two years of AI math,” he wrote.

His concern centers on the possibility that AI systems could identify mathematical shortcuts that significantly reduce the computing resources required to attack existing encryption methods. Such discoveries would not necessarily make every lattice-based system immediately vulnerable, but they could force developers to reconsider security parameters and key sizes.

Buterin compared the potential development with improvements in integer factorization, where advances in algorithms made it possible to solve certain mathematical problems more efficiently than earlier methods suggested. He argued that similar breakthroughs could emerge in the study of elliptic curves and lattices.

However, his comments describe a potential future threat rather than a demonstrated cryptographic break. The warning does not establish that AI systems can currently derive private keys from Ethereum wallets or defeat deployed lattice-based encryption.

Ethereum’s Roadmap Favors Hash-Based Signatures

The warning also helps explain Ethereum’s growing preference for hash-based cryptographic techniques in parts of its long-term technical roadmap.

Buterin said Ethereum’s lean roadmap has moved toward a “hash-only” approach for signatures and proofs, avoiding lattice-based components where hash-based alternatives are feasible. He specifically referenced Winternitz One-Time Signatures (WOTS) and SPHINCS+, two hash-based signature schemes.

Vitalik Buterin predicts Ethereum will support cheaper, high-volume transactions with stronger privacy within two years, as stated at OKX NOW in Singapore on October 6, 2026. Source: @WuBlockchain via X

Hash-based signatures rely on cryptographic hash functions, which transform input data into fixed-length outputs. Their security does not depend on the same mathematical structures used by elliptic-curve or lattice-based systems. Buterin considers this distinction important because AI might discover exploitable properties in structured mathematical problems that researchers have not yet identified.

He argued that hash-based constructions should be preferred wherever practical, particularly if lattice-based alternatives require substantially larger parameters to maintain comparable security.

Nevertheless, the approach has limitations. Hash-based signatures do not provide a universal replacement for every cryptographic function. Public-key encryption, for example, requires additional mathematical structures that allow authorized users to encrypt and decrypt information securely.

Buterin acknowledged that challenge, noting that encryption underpins secure messaging, anonymizing networks, and other services beyond blockchain infrastructure. He suggested that developers using structured encryption systems should adopt more conservative security parameters and consider significantly larger keys where necessary.

The broader objective is to prepare cryptographic infrastructure for unexpected mathematical advances rather than assume that techniques considered resistant to quantum attacks will automatically remain secure against AI-assisted research.

Buterin Advises Against Rushed Wallet Migrations

Despite the potential risks, Buterin explicitly discouraged cryptocurrency holders from making immediate, unplanned wallet transfers.

“I don’t recommend anyone scramble to move their funds to new wallets today,” he wrote, emphasizing the need to assess AI-related cryptographic risks without creating additional security problems.

One precaution he endorsed was keeping funds in addresses that have never been used to conduct transactions, provided doing so is straightforward. In commonly used wallet designs, a fresh address can help limit public exposure of the corresponding public key until it is revealed through a transaction.

That distinction matters because public keys and wallet addresses are not interchangeable. Depending on the address format and transaction history, an address may not directly expose the public key, although transaction activity can reveal it. Reducing public-key exposure may therefore offer a useful precaution against certain potential attacks, but it does not guarantee protection against every cryptographic vulnerability.

Buterin also recommended conducting multisignature wallet confirmations off-chain where possible. Multisignature systems require multiple approvals to authorize transactions, and keeping individual signatures off-chain can reduce the information exposed publicly during the approval process.

For privacy-focused applications, he advised developers to avoid placing encrypted notes directly on-chain when an off-chain alternative is available.

His caution reflects the operational risks involved in moving digital assets. Incorrect addresses, compromised devices, faulty wallet configurations, and mistakes during migration can cause irreversible losses.

“I personally have lost more money in botched migrations than I have lost in all hacks combined,” Buterin wrote.

The message is therefore not that users should ignore cryptographic risks, but that any security transition should be carefully planned and implemented.

AI Security Risks Extend Beyond Ethereum

Buterin’s warning comes amid a wider debate about whether AI could accelerate the discovery of vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. Ethereum researcher Justin Drake has separately urged the cryptocurrency industry to prepare for the possibility that AI could undermine elliptic-curve cryptography, including the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) used by many cryptocurrency systems.

Vitalik Buterin warns that AI-driven mathematical breakthroughs could weaken ECDSA signatures used by Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets sooner than expected. Source: @pete_rizzo_ via X

These concerns overlap with the industry’s preparations for quantum computing, which could threaten widely used public-key cryptographic methods if sufficiently powerful quantum machines become available. AI and quantum computing present different technical challenges, however, and progress in one field does not establish that the other can break current encryption.

The discussion also highlights the importance of distinguishing theoretical vulnerabilities from demonstrated attacks. No successful AI-driven break of Ethereum’s deployed cryptography was established by Buterin’s warning. The immediate issue is whether rapid advances in mathematical reasoning could shorten the time developers have to adapt existing security assumptions.

The debate has also generated disagreement over the urgency of the threat. While some researchers advocate early preparations, the possibility of a breakthrough does not establish when, or whether, a practical attack will become feasible.

Buterin Sees AI as Both an Opportunity and a Risk

The cryptographic warning followed Buterin’s October 6 appearance at the OKX NOW conference in Singapore, where he discussed AI’s potential role in Ethereum’s future.

According to OKX’s conference recap, the event explored how artificial intelligence, blockchain infrastructure and financial services could converge. Buterin’s broader vision includes AI agents interacting directly with blockchain applications, identifying opportunities and executing transactions with less dependence on conventional user interfaces.

He has also described a future in which Ethereum transactions become cheaper, and privacy protections improve as the ecosystem develops over the next two years. AI agents could eventually act as both trading counterparties and application developers, with automated systems negotiating and matching opportunities through on-chain infrastructure.

However, these prospective benefits depend partly on secure execution, reliable transaction authorization, and safeguards against malicious instructions or software vulnerabilities. Greater automation could reduce friction for users, but it could also introduce new risks if agents misunderstand instructions or interact with compromised applications.

The two discussions point to a central challenge for Ethereum: AI could make blockchain applications more accessible and capable while simultaneously increasing the importance of cryptographic security.

For now, Buterin’s recommendations focus on preparation rather than emergency action. Developers should assess cryptographic assumptions, favor hash-based signatures where appropriate, and strengthen parameters for systems that rely on structured mathematical problems. Cryptocurrency holders, meanwhile, should avoid rushed wallet migrations and prioritize carefully implemented security measures.

Whether AI ultimately produces the mathematical breakthroughs Buterin anticipates remains uncertain. His warning nevertheless places cryptographic resilience among the issues blockchain developers must consider as AI capabilities continue to advance.

XRP Price Prediction: Elliott Wave Setup Points to $3 as XRP Nears a Potential $2 Breakout

XRP is approaching a critical technical juncture as Elliott Wave analysis points to a possible recovery toward $3, provided key support levels hold and buyers regain control of resistance.

Recent chart studies present a mixed picture for the cryptocurrency. The XRP price may be approaching the end of its corrective phase, although sellers retain control below $1.45. A potential breakout toward $2 remains possible if the current support structure holds and the price follows previous trendline patterns.

XRP Price Technical Analysis: Elliott Wave Structure Points to $3

An analysis shared by Carolina (@Carolinatcwnl) on October 8 suggests XRP may be approaching the end of an ABC Elliott Wave correction. The framework tracks corrective price movements before a potential new upward impulse, although the pattern requires confirmation from subsequent price action.

XRP may be nearing the end of an ABC Elliott Wave correction, with support at $1.38, $1.29, and $1.21 critical to sustaining a bullish outlook toward $1.45, $1.80, $2.40, and potentially $3.00. Source: @Carolinatcwnl via X

The analysis identifies $1.38, $1.29, and $1.21 as important support levels. Holding these areas would help preserve the proposed bullish structure, while a sustained decline below them could weaken the recovery scenario.

The projected upside levels begin at $1.45, followed by $1.80 and $2.40. A move toward $3 or higher represents a more ambitious target that would likely require sustained buying pressure and successful breaks above intermediate resistance.

The Elliott Wave outlook also identifies a longer-term possibility above $5. However, that projection depends on the broader pattern developing as expected. It should not be interpreted as an immediate price target or a confirmed outcome.

At the time of the October 8 analysis, XRP was trading around $1.35–$1.41 after recently dipping toward $1.31. This price action places the identified support zones at the center of the near-term outlook.

XRP Faces Resistance Near $1.45

The bullish Elliott Wave scenario faces a significant technical obstacle around $1.45. A separate four-hour analysis by a TradingView contributor indicates that XRP remains in a short-term downtrend, with its price trading below two important exponential moving averages (EMAs).

XRP is attempting to recover from $1.3189, but the 4-hour trend remains bearish, with EMA21 at $1.4153 and EMA55 at $1.4508 forming resistance alongside the $1.4458 bearish structure break. Source: TradingView

In that analysis, XRP was priced at approximately $1.4072, below the 21-period EMA at $1.4153 and the 55-period EMA at $1.4508. The latter also aligns with a bearish break-of-structure level near $1.4458, creating a resistance area that could limit recovery attempts.

The analyst identifies $1.4450–$1.4510 as a potential rejection zone. If XRP rallies into this range but fails to close above it on the four-hour chart, sellers could regain control and push the price toward lower support levels.

The downside reference points include $1.3812, followed by the recent swing low at $1.3189. A deeper decline could expose $1.2468, according to the same analysis.

Conversely, a decisive four-hour close above $1.4510 would weaken the immediate bearish setup by placing XRP back above the 55-period EMA and the identified resistance area. Such a move would not guarantee a rally, but it could provide an early sign that selling pressure is easing.

Descending Trendlines Offer a Potential Path Toward $2

Another four-hour chart shared by Isabelle (@Isabelle_Seven) highlights three descending resistance trendlines. According to the analysis, the previous two trendline encounters were followed by sharp upward moves after XRP found support along an ascending trendline.

The 4-hour XRP chart shows three descending resistance trendlines, with the previous two breakouts triggering sharp rallies after price found support along an ascending trendline. Source: @Isabelle_Seven via X

The chart identifies $1.30–$1.34 as a demand zone, where buying interest could help stabilize the price. This range overlaps with the recent swing low near $1.3189 and sits close to the support levels highlighted in the Elliott Wave analysis.

If buyers defend this zone and XRP breaks through the descending resistance structure, the next important test would be the $1.52–$1.56 range. A sustained move above that area could improve the technical outlook and open a potential path toward $2.

However, the previous trendline reactions do not establish that the third encounter will produce the same result. XRP would need to demonstrate renewed demand and overcome resistance rather than simply repeat an earlier chart pattern.

A breakdown below the demand zone would also undermine the bullish interpretation, particularly if the price falls beneath the $1.29 and $1.21 supports identified in the Elliott Wave outlook.

XRP Price Forecast 2026: What Could Confirm a Breakout?

The near-term XRP price forecast depends on whether the market can transition from a corrective structure into a sustained recovery. The supplied analyses identify several levels that could help traders assess that shift.

A move above $1.45 would be an initial improvement, particularly if XRP also reclaims the 55-period EMA. The next challenge would be the $1.52–$1.56 resistance zone. A confirmed break above that range would strengthen the case for a move toward $1.80 and potentially $2.

XRP appears to be forming a large triangle or a more complex pattern, with a pullback into the green order block potentially offering an entry opportunity for a move toward the chart’s upside targets. Source: behdark on TradingView

Beyond $2, the Elliott Wave projection identifies $2.40 and $3 as subsequent upside reference points. Reaching those levels would require additional confirmation from price action, as well as the ability to hold previously broken resistance levels during any pullbacks.

The bearish scenario remains relevant while XRP trades below the immediate resistance zone. Rejection near $1.45 could send the price back toward $1.38 or the $1.32 area. A break below those supports would increase the risk of a deeper correction toward $1.29 and $1.21.

These technical levels describe conditional scenarios rather than certainties. Elliott Wave counts can change as new price data emerges, while moving averages and trendlines can generate misleading signals during volatile market conditions.

Looking Ahead: Support and Resistance Remain Decisive

XRP’s technical outlook presents a clear divide between a possible recovery and continued downside pressure. The Elliott Wave analysis suggests that a corrective phase may be nearing completion, while the four-hour chart indicates that sellers still have an advantage below $1.45.

XRP price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The $1.30–$1.34 demand zone remains important to the bullish case, with $1.38 providing a nearer support reference. On the upside, reclaiming $1.45 and clearing the $1.52–$1.56 resistance range would provide stronger evidence that momentum is shifting in buyers’ favor.

For now, the potential $2 breakout remains conditional on those technical developments. A move toward $3 is a longer-range projection that would require further confirmation, rather than an outcome established by the current chart structure.

Traders monitoring the XRP price should therefore watch how the market responds at these support and resistance levels instead of relying solely on projected Elliott Wave targets.

Recent technical analyses identify the $1,100–$1,300 region as an important area for Zcash’s next move. A successful defense of this zone could support a recovery toward $1,699 and potentially open the way to $2,000. However, further downside remains possible if support fails to hold.

Zcash Tests Key Support Levels

Zcash’s latest correction follows a sharp rally from the $400 range to approximately $1,700. The retreat has brought the price back toward a series of technical levels that could determine the cryptocurrency’s short-term direction.

Holding above $1,137 could pave the way for a retest of $1,699, with further upside toward the ascending channel’s upper boundary. Source: HyperProphit on TradingView

On October 8, ZEC fell to approximately $1,112 before rebounding toward $1,210 by October 10. This recovery suggests that buyers responded near the $1,100 area, although the move alone does not establish that a durable bottom is in place.

Technical analyst HyperProphit identifies $1,300–$1,335 as a short-term support area on the four-hour chart, with $1,297 marking a nearby level to watch. Holding above this zone could help stabilize the price following the recent decline.

After rallying from the $400s to $1,700, Zcash has retraced to the $1,050–$1,100 support zone, where a successful defense could trigger another upward move. Source: @nordin_eth via X

A deeper pullback would bring $1,137 into focus as a more significant support level. Another TradingView analysis by @nordin_eth highlights the $1,050–$1,100 region as a potential turning point after Zcash’s rapid advance. The overlap between these levels makes the lower support zone particularly important if selling pressure returns.

Nevertheless, support levels are areas to monitor rather than guaranteed price floors. A sustained break below them would weaken the recovery outlook and require traders to reassess the prevailing technical structure.

ZEC Price Analysis: $1,516 Resistance Could Determine the Next Move

Beyond immediate support, ZEC needs to overcome resistance to demonstrate that bullish momentum is returning. HyperProphit identifies $1,516 as a key hurdle, where a Fibonacci retracement level of 0.618 aligns with a naked point of control (NPOC), a price level associated with previously traded volume.

Zcash is undergoing a sharp pullback, with large-holder exits and spot outflows adding pressure, while the 1,221–1,269 monthly support zone could become a trend reversal point. Source: Wall_Street_Levels on TradingView

A decisive move above $1,516 would strengthen the case for a recovery toward $1,699, the previous high identified in the analysis. Reclaiming that level would represent a significant step toward confirming that the latest correction has ended.

Another TradingView analysis by Wall_Street_Levels identifies a monthly resistance range between $1,405 and $1,457. This area could become an intermediate obstacle if ZEC rebounds from current levels. A rejection there could signal that sellers remain active, potentially leaving the price vulnerable to another decline.

The sequence of these levels provides a framework for assessing momentum. A move through $1,405–$1,457, followed by a sustained recovery above $1,516, would offer stronger technical evidence of improving conditions than a brief bounce from support alone.

Elliott Wave Analysis Points to a Possible Final Pullback

HyperProphit’s four-hour chart analysis outlines a possible ABC corrective pattern following ZEC’s rally toward $1,700. Under this interpretation, the first downward leg has already developed, while a rebound toward $1,516 could form the second phase before another decline completes the correction.

ZEC could retest $1,400 before correcting toward $1,100 by mid-October, potentially setting up a rally to a new high by Halloween and $2,000 in early November. Source: Candle_Mystic on TradingView

The projected final leg could take Zcash price toward $1,137, where the analyst expects the corrective structure might end. If that level holds and buying pressure returns, the price could subsequently attempt to revisit $1,699.

Candle_Mystic presents a similar outlook in a one-month forecast, suggesting that ZEC could make an initial attempt to reclaim $1,400 before declining toward $1,100 around mid-October. The analyst then outlines a potential recovery toward a new high by Halloween, with $2,000 as a possible target in early November.

These projections remain conditional scenarios rather than confirmed market outcomes. Elliott Wave interpretations can change as new price data develops, and the timing of a potential reversal is especially uncertain during periods of elevated volatility.

Whale Outflows and Bitcoin Weakness Add Downside Risks

Zcash’s pullback is also unfolding against a broader cryptocurrency market backdrop. Wall_Street_Levels attributes the sharp decline in altcoins partly to an anticipated Bitcoin correction, which can weigh on risk appetite across the market.

The analyst’s Integrated Market Analysis (IMA) framework also indicates that large holders may be reducing their exposure to ZEC, alongside spot-market outflows. If sustained, such activity could increase selling pressure and make it more difficult for the price to establish a stable recovery.

However, the available analysis does not provide enough independently verifiable data to quantify the scale of these outflows or establish that large holders are uniformly exiting their positions. These observations should therefore be treated as a potential risk signal rather than definitive evidence of a broader distribution trend.

Wall_Street_Levels also notes that miner sentiment could influence Zcash’s price behavior. Changes in miners’ willingness to hold or sell their holdings may affect available market supply, although the supplied analysis does not establish the size or direction of any current miner-driven flows.

Bitcoin’s price action, ZEC’s spot-market flows and the ability of buyers to defend support will remain important factors in assessing whether the correction is approaching completion.

Can ZEC Reach $2,000? Bullish and Bearish Scenarios

A rally to $2,000 remains a possible upside scenario, but ZEC would need to clear several resistance levels before that target becomes technically credible. From a price near $1,210 on October 10, the move to $2,000 would require a gain of approximately 65%.

The first hurdle is a sustained recovery above $1,300, followed by resistance near $1,405–$1,457 and $1,516. A successful move beyond $1,516 could bring the previous high near $1,699 back into focus. A confirmed break above that high would provide stronger evidence that the broader uptrend is resuming.

Zcash (ZEC) price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The bearish scenario would gain traction if Zcash loses the $1,100–$1,137 support region. Such a breakdown could expose lower price levels and undermine the expectation of a near-term recovery. The $1,050 area is another level highlighted in the supplied technical analyses, although its significance would depend on subsequent price action.

Zcash’s underlying network developments also provide context for the asset, although they do not guarantee a particular market outcome. The official Zcash project reports that its NU6.3 upgrade, activated on July 28, 2026, introduces the Ironwood shielded pool to strengthen security and make circulating supply independently verifiable. Market participants will still need to assess whether network developments translate into sustained demand for ZEC.

Zcash Price Outlook: What Traders Should Watch Next

ZEC’s immediate outlook depends on whether the recent rebound develops into a broader recovery or fades under renewed selling pressure. The $1,100–$1,300 region remains central to the technical picture, with $1,137 serving as a key downside reference and $1,516 acting as an important upside confirmation level.

A sustained defense of support, followed by a recovery through intermediate resistance, would strengthen the case for a retest of $1,699 and potentially a move toward $2,000. Conversely, a decisive breakdown below the lower support region would weaken the bullish scenario and raise the risk of a deeper correction.

For now, the available chart analyses present a range of possible outcomes rather than a confirmed reversal. Traders will need to monitor price structure, trading volume, Bitcoin’s direction, and evidence of sustained buying before concluding that Zcash price has established a durable bottom. A $2,000 target remains conditional on several technical hurdles being cleared, not an assured outcome.

For example, a token can be up 70% and still be a terrible trade if you have no idea when to take profits. Likewise, a 30% dip can be a buying opportunity or a warning sign, depending on why you bought the asset in the first place.

The edge can sometimes come from better chart reading, but definitely not always. The key is having a more structured framework before emotions start influencing decisions. And no one’s immune to emotions and biases. Even experienced traders have to manage fear, greed, and the urge to chase moves.

So, here’s how to build your own crypto spot trading plan, step-by-step. Done right, it will give you clear rules for what to buy, when to enter, how much to risk, as well as when to walk away.

What Is Crypto Spot Trading?

Spot trading refers to buying or selling a cryptocurrency at the current market price, with ownership of the asset transferred to you. So, if you buy 1 BTC on a spot exchange, you own that BTC. You can hold it, transfer it to a wallet, or sell it later; it’s up to you.

This differs from derivatives trading, where you speculate on price movements through contracts such as futures or perpetual swaps without necessarily owning the underlying asset. For beginners, spot trading is often easier to understand because your risk is mainly tied to the amount of capital you allocate. There is no liquidation risk from leverage, although your position can still lose value if the asset price falls.

However, the simplicity of spot trading is also where many traders get careless. Buying an asset does not automatically make it an investment strategy. Without rules around entries, exits, and risk, you are still relying on market noise.

For a deeper breakdown of market mechanics, perpetual futures, and market cycle analysis, check out Axi’s comprehensive guide to cryptocurrency spot trading.

Start With Your Trading Objective

First things first: decide what you are actually trying to achieve. And do this before choosing any coins or opening charts.

A spot trading plan looks very different depending on whether you want to:

• Build long-term exposure to major cryptocurrencies
• Capture medium-term market cycles
• Trade shorter-term price movements
• Combine investing with active portfolio management

A common mistake is mixing these approaches without realizing it. For instance, someone might buy Bitcoin with a five-year investment mindset, then panic-sell after a 20% correction. Once again, no one is immune to emotions, which is why understanding the basics of trading psychology is so important.

But to get back to the point, you want to write down your objective in one sentence. For example, “I want to build a diversified crypto portfolio over 12 months while limiting individual position risk and avoiding emotional trades.”

Do have the goal in writing. Then, let that sentence become your filter for every decision afterward.

Choose Assets With a Clear Reason

The crypto market has thousands of listed assets, but most trading plans do not need dozens of positions. So what does a solid plan look like? Selective.

A practical approach is to divide assets into categories:

• Core holdings: Large-cap cryptocurrencies with established liquidity and market infrastructure, like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Growth positions: Projects with stronger upside potential but higher uncertainty, including newer protocols and emerging sectors.
• Speculative trades: Small allocations reserved for high-risk opportunities.

Importantly, your plan should explain why each asset deserves capital.

Here’s a simple test:

• What problem does this project solve?
• Does it have real users or mainly speculation?
• Is liquidity strong enough to exit?
• How does it perform during market stress?

Define Risk Before You Enter a Trade

Professional traders usually think about risk first, not profit targets. Consider doing the same.

Your plan should answer:

• How much capital can go into one position?
• How much of your portfolio can be exposed to crypto?
• At what point will you admit the trade idea is wrong?

Many traders use position sizing rules like limiting a single asset to a certain percentage of their portfolio. The exact number depends on your risk tolerance, but the important part is consistency.

For example:

• Bitcoin allocation: 40%
• Ethereum allocation: 25%
• Higher-risk assets: 25%
• Cash or stablecoins for opportunities: 10%

Of course, this is not a universal formula. It is simply a structure that prevents one bad decision from damaging the entire portfolio. Specific percentages should mirror your personal risk tolerance.

Build Entry and Exit Rules Around Market Conditions

It’s rare for crypto to move in a straight line. So a good plan should account for different market environments.

Bull markets

During strong uptrends, traders often make the mistake of assuming every dip is a buying opportunity.

Instead, define rules:

• Will you buy after a certain percentage correction?
• Will you add only when momentum confirms?
• Will you take partial profits during large rallies?

Bear markets

Bear markets test discipline. Many assets fall 70% or more from their highs, and not every project recovers.

Your plan should include:

• Which assets you are willing to hold through downturns
• Which signals would make you exit
• How much cash you keep available

Sideways markets

Low-volatility periods often create frustration. Traders start forcing setups that are not there. Sometimes the correct move is simply waiting.

Pay Attention to Liquidity and ETF Flows

The crypto landscape is deeply integrated with traditional macroeconomic cycles. Spot Bitcoin ETF activity has become an important market factor because large inflows and outflows can affect demand dynamics. Institutional participation also changes how liquidity behaves compared with earlier crypto cycles.

So, your trading plan should include market context:

• Are ETFs attracting consistent inflows?
• Are global interest rates supporting risk assets?
• Is liquidity expanding or tightening?
• Are traders becoming overly leveraged?

Always remember: price alone does not tell the whole story. A Bitcoin rally with strong liquidity behind it is different from a rally driven mainly by short-term speculation.

A Simple 2026 Crypto Spot Trading Checklist

Before buying, ask yourself:

• Why am I buying this asset?
• What would prove my idea wrong?
• How much capital am I risking?
• Where will I take profits?
• What market conditions could change my decision?
• Am I making this decision based on research or emotion?

In the end, a crypto spot trading plan will not predict every market move. Nothing can.

But what it can do is remove some of the worst decision-making that happens when prices move quickly. And in a market that never stops testing patience, having rules before the volatility arrives is usually the difference between reacting and trading with purpose.

This is a sponsored article. Opinions expressed are solely those of the sponsor, and readers should conduct their own due diligence before taking any action based on information presented in this article.

If buyers defend these supports, Quant price could recover toward $190–$225 before targeting $270–$300. A sustained rally could eventually bring the $427 all-time high back into focus, representing roughly 70% upside from the referenced price snapshot.

Quant Price Analysis: $255–$258 Resistance Becomes Critical

Quant traded around $248–$252 in the latest reported market snapshots dated October 9, 2026, after retreating from its recent highs. The immediate technical picture centers on resistance between $255 and $258, a zone that could determine whether QNT regains upward momentum or remains in consolidation.

Quant shows breakout potential, with a move above $258 on strong volume signaling further upside, while a drop below $248 could trigger a pullback. Source: @saintcryptonft via X

Crypto market commentator @saintcryptonft identified $248–$251 as near-term support and $255–$258 as the resistance area to watch. The analysis emphasizes the need for stronger trading volume to confirm a breakout rather than treating a brief move above resistance as evidence of sustained demand.

The distinction matters after such a rapid advance. If buyers push QNT above $258 and maintain that level, the next resistance area could emerge around $260–$265, followed by the $270–$300 range. However, a rejection could leave the token trading within its current range or prompt another test of lower support.

The $248–$251 zone is therefore an important short-term reference point. A sustained move below it would weaken the immediate price structure, while a recovery above resistance supported by higher volume would provide stronger evidence that buyers are regaining control.

Quant Price Prediction: Fibonacci Levels Highlight Deeper Support

Weekly chart analysis shared by @gandreou007 tracks QNT’s retreat from approximately $374 to $252 following its breakout. The analysis identifies the former highs of the $130–$170 range as a potential area for a deeper retest, where previous resistance could become support if the market experiences a more substantial correction.

Quant’s key Fibonacci supports sit at $179 and $126, with a successful defense potentially opening recovery targets of $190–$225, $270–$300, and the $427 all-time high. Source: @gandreou007 via X

Fibonacci retracement levels offer additional reference points. The 0.618 retracement is near $179, while the 0.786 level sits around $126. These levels could become relevant if QNT loses its nearer-term support zones and selling pressure extends the pullback.

The $179 level is particularly significant within this technical framework because it represents a deeper retracement rather than an immediate downside target. A decline to that area would imply a much larger correction from the October peak. It should not be interpreted as an inevitable outcome while Quant continues to trade near $250.

On the upside, the weekly analysis identifies $190–$225 as a potential recovery range if buyers establish a durable base after a correction. A stronger recovery could bring the $270–$300 region back into focus, while a move toward the previous all-time high near $427 would require a substantial renewed advance.

These levels describe possible price scenarios rather than confirmed future movements. Their relevance depends on how QNT responds to intervening support and resistance zones, as well as changes in trading volume and broader market conditions.

QNT Technical Indicators Show Mixed Momentum

Technical indicators present a mixed picture following QNT’s rapid advance. Data published by Investing.com on October 9 showed a daily relative strength index (RSI) reading of approximately 56, while its moving-average summary leaned toward a buy signal. The readings suggest that the broader upward structure remained intact in that snapshot, although they do not independently confirm that another breakout is imminent. Investing.com’s QNT technical analysis provides a breakdown of the indicators and pivot levels.

Quant (QNT) price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The average directional index (ADX) was near 16, indicating that trend strength remained relatively limited under the indicator’s conventional interpretation. This matters because a strong price advance does not necessarily translate into a sustained trend after volatility increases. Quant may need continued buying interest and a decisive move beyond resistance to establish clearer directional momentum.

Moving averages offered more constructive signals. Several short- and intermediate-term averages were positioned below the prevailing market price, reflecting the recent recovery from lower levels. However, some longer-period averages and momentum indicators showed less consistent readings, highlighting the difference between a broadly positive price structure and confirmation of another upward leg.

The $253–$258 region remains important when assessing these signals. A sustained daily close above this area, accompanied by stronger volume, would offer more convincing evidence of a breakout than an intraday move alone. Conversely, continued rejection near resistance would leave Quantvulnerable to further consolidation.

Quant Price Outlook: Levels to Watch Next

QNT’s next move depends largely on whether buyers can overcome immediate resistance or sellers regain control near current support.

On the bullish side, a sustained break above $258 could shift attention toward $260–$265, followed by the $270–$300 region identified in the supplied weekly analysis. A move toward the previous high near $374 would require QNT to clear several intervening resistance areas. The $427 all-time-high target cited in that analysis represents a longer-term scenario rather than a near-term expectation.

On the downside, $248–$251 is the first area to monitor. A break below this zone could expose support around $237–$240, followed by the broader $220–$221 area. If selling pressure continues, the $190–$203 region could become relevant before the deeper Fibonacci support near $179.

The $179 level therefore represents a potential downside reference if the correction extends, not a confirmed price destination. A deeper retracement toward the former $130–$170 range highs would indicate a more substantial reversal from the September rally.

For now, Quant remains in a consolidation phase after an unusually sharp advance. A confirmed breakout above $258 would strengthen the near-term recovery case, while a loss of support could extend the pullback. Volume, daily closing prices, and the market’s response at successive support levels will help determine which scenario gains traction.

On October 10, 2026, Litecoin traded near $64.20, recovering from the previous session’s lows around $61. The pullback has cooled short-term momentum, but Fibonacci retracement levels and longer-term moving averages suggest the broader recovery structure remains intact. A sustained rebound could bring $67, $72, and potentially $80 into focus, although further weakness could expose lower support levels.

Pattern Analysis and Price Structure

Litecoin’s recent price action reflects a recovery from an extended bearish phase followed by a corrective pullback. On the three-day chart, LTC rebounded from approximately $39.28 before climbing toward the $71.50–$75 resistance zone. Sellers subsequently regained control, pushing the price lower.

Litecoin’s price rebounded from a low of approximately $39.28 and climbed toward the $71.50–$75.00 resistance zone. Source: CryptoNuclear on TradingView

CryptoNuclear’s TradingView analysis identifies the $55–$59 range as a key area to monitor. Litecoin previously consolidated around this zone before breaking higher. A return to that range could test whether former resistance has developed into support, although the price reaction would determine whether the breakout remains technically valid.

A separate analysis shared by @_CryptoSurf highlights Litecoin’s roughly 90% advance over three months, followed by a retracement from the 0.5 Fibonacci level toward the 0.382 level. The chart places support near $63, making the current area important for assessing whether the correction is stabilizing.

LTC surged 90% over three months before retracing from the 0.5 to the 0.382 Fibonacci level. Source: @_CryptoSurf via X

Fibonacci retracement levels help identify potential areas where buying or selling pressure could emerge during a pullback. They do not guarantee a reversal. Litecoin’s ability to hold support, establish a higher low, and recover nearby resistance levels would provide stronger evidence that buyers are regaining control.

Key Support and Resistance Levels

Litecoin’s immediate technical outlook depends on several price zones, with the $62–$63 area representing the nearest support reference and $65–$67 forming the first significant recovery hurdle.

Key levels to watch:

• $62.18–$63.00 — Immediate support: This area aligns with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement region, the Ichimoku Kijun level near $62.58, and other technical references. A sustained hold could help stabilize the price.
• $60.80 — Secondary support: A break below the immediate support zone could expose this level before a deeper test of the lower support band.
• $58.65–$59.00 — Additional support: This area overlaps with the lower Bollinger Band and longer-term moving-average support.
• $64.27–$65.10 — Initial resistance: Litecoin needs to reclaim this zone to strengthen the near-term recovery.
• $66.00–$68.85 — Intermediate resistance: Daily pivot levels place resistance around $66 and $68.85, while other technical indicators point to selling pressure near $67.
• $71.50–$75.00 — Major resistance: This zone marks the recent rejection area and the upper end of Litecoin’s latest recovery.
• $80.00 — Potential upside objective: A sustained breakout above $75 could bring $80 into focus, although the move would require confirmation from price action and trading volume.

These levels represent technical reference points rather than guaranteed outcomes. The $62–$63 zone is particularly important in the short term, while the broader $55–$59 area remains relevant to the longer-term breakout-and-retest structure identified on the three-day chart.

Bullish Scenario — Successful Support Retest

The bullish case for Litecoin would strengthen if the price continues to hold the $62–$63 area and buyers push it back above the $65–$67 resistance band. Such a move would suggest that selling pressure is easing after the retreat from the $72 region.

A convincing daily close above nearby resistance, supported by increasing trading volume, would offer stronger evidence of renewed demand. A higher low followed by a recovery through $67 would also improve the short-term price structure.

LTC is retesting a former resistance zone as support, with a strong bounce potentially opening the way toward $80. Source: @Crypt0Astronaut via X

If LTC clears these hurdles, the next important test would be the $71.50–$75.00 resistance zone. A sustained breakout above $75 could open a path toward $80, aligning with the upside scenario outlined by trader @Crypt0Astronaut, who highlighted the possibility of a rebound toward that level following a retest of long-term resistance.

However, the $80 scenario remains conditional. Litecoin would first need to overcome the intervening resistance levels rather than rely on the Fibonacci support signal alone. A recovery that lacks volume or repeatedly fails near $67 could leave the asset vulnerable to another pullback.

Bearish Scenario — Support Breakdown

The bullish setup would weaken if Litecoin loses the $62–$63 support area and fails to reclaim it. A decisive daily close below this zone would suggest that the current correction may extend further, particularly if selling volume increases.

The first downside reference is around $60.80, followed by the $58.65–$59.00 area. The latter is notable because it overlaps with the lower Bollinger Band and the 50-period simple moving average, creating a potential support cluster.

A deeper correction could bring the $55–$59 zone back into focus. This area carries additional significance because it previously acted as a consolidation range before Litecoin’s advance toward $71.50–$75. If buyers fail to defend it, the recovery structure outlined in the three-day analysis would become less convincing.

Below that range, potential support areas include $51.50–$46.50, $42.50 and the previous low near $39.28. These levels would become relevant only if selling pressure continued through the intervening support zones. A break below $62 would not, by itself, confirm a decline toward the cycle low.

Key Factors That Could Determine LTC’s Next Move

Three factors are likely to shape Litecoin’s near-term price direction.

Price reaction around $62–$63: This is the immediate area to monitor. A successful defense followed by a recovery above nearby resistance would support the possibility of stabilization. A breakdown would increase the risk of a deeper correction.

Resistance around $71.50–$75: Litecoin’s previous rejection from this zone shows that sellers remain a consideration at higher prices. A sustained move above $75, preferably accompanied by stronger volume, would improve the technical case for a push toward $80.

Litecoin (LTC) price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

Confirmation across timeframes: The daily and three-day charts provide different perspectives on the same price structure. Daily closes can help identify changes in near-term momentum, while the three-day chart offers a broader view of the earlier breakout and potential retest. Intraday rebounds alone may not establish a durable recovery.

Momentum indicators also warrant attention. The daily Relative Strength Index has been reported near 48–50, consistent with relatively balanced momentum. Meanwhile, the MACD histogram remains negative, indicating that the recent pullback has not yet been fully reversed. On the four-hour chart, RSI readings near 33–37 point to weaker short-term momentum, although oversold conditions do not necessarily produce an immediate rebound.

Longer-term moving averages provide a more constructive backdrop. Litecoin remains above its 50-period exponential moving average near $60 and its 100-period and 200-period averages around $55–$56. However, shorter-term averages between approximately $65.50 and $67.85 may act as resistance while the price trades below them.

Litecoin Technical Analysis Summary

Litecoin’s price analysis presents a mixed picture: the asset has maintained a broader recovery from its earlier lows, but its rejection near $72 has left short-term momentum vulnerable.

The Fibonacci support area around $62–$63 is the immediate level to watch. If LTC holds this zone and reclaims $65–$67, the price could retest $71.50–$75. A confirmed breakout above that resistance band would strengthen the case for a move toward $80.

Conversely, a sustained breakdown below $62 could expose $60.80 and the $58.65–$59.00 support area. Further losses could bring the broader $55–$59 zone into play, with lower levels becoming relevant if that support fails.

For the current LTC price prediction, the key distinction is between a controlled correction and a breakdown of the recovery structure. Fibonacci support provides a useful reference, but confirmation from price action, volume, and momentum remains essential before treating $80 as a realistic near-term objective.

The lithium carbonate club has reverted from its 2026 bull market highs, and a second price series is approaching multi-month lows.

Meanwhile, Lithium Americas has been far more impacted, as LAC trades just above the $2.41 range. The various charts highlight areas of support that may dictate the next step. Let’s take a closer look at the price action.

Lithium Price Holds Near CNY 125,000 After Sharp Retreat

According to data from the TradingEconomics chart, the price of lithium is in the vicinity of CNY 124,950 per tonne. Although the benchmark has pulled back from its 2026 highs, it has increased by approximately 69.88% in one year.

As per the chart, lithium carbonate has taken the most significant bounce in late 2025. January 2026 saw prices pick up and briefly surpass CNY 180,000/tonne. Source: TradingEconomics

Momentum again picked up in April and May. The price rose gradually until it reached about CNY 200,000, the highest price seen in 12 months.

That one rally reversed later. From June to July, lithium carbonate was down but picked up in August. The monthly rebound in August was around CNY 160,000 but did not break the record set in May. The price then dropped towards CNY 125,000 in early October.

The new level is then very near a significant area on the chart. A solid consolidation around CNY 125,000 may provide a floor for prices to trade from, following the recent drop.

A fall below this will leave lower levels vulnerable. In the meantime, a recovery would have to reconquer the CNY 140,000-160,000 area.

Lithium Carbonate Chart Shows Persistent Downtrend Near CNY 75,000

Meanwhile, the Investing.com chart is not as strong in trend. Lithium carbonate is trading around CNY 75,000 per tonne, trading lower by 1.96% on the latest read.

The chart begins around CNY 105,000–115,000 in April. Then, prices fell gradually, with sellers pushing the market below CNY 100,000 in June. Source: Investing.com

The drop continued in July and August. Lithium carbonate closed at CNY 89,969 and then pulled back to CNY 70,000.

That was the price range that was seen to be somewhat stable from August through September. Early in October, the market tried to rally a bit.

The rebound was approximately CNY 77000 before the sellers came in. The current price is reading close to the lower end of its range of $75,000.

This area is the primary support zone that appears on this chart and is approximately CNY 70,000 through 75,000. Keeping that range intact could keep the market in consolidation.

Anything below CNY 70,000 would be a threat to that structure. But an increase above CNY 80,000 would be an early indication of better momentum.

Lithium Americas Stock Remains Separate From Lithium Prices

The Lithium Americas stock chart is the opposite of the two commodity charts. The information indicates that LAC is currently trading around $2.41, having dropped from above $10 in late 2025.

In a recent X post, Oliver Groß called the drop ‘brutal.’ The graph depicts that selling pressure is likely to continue throughout 2026.

LAC fell below $3 in August but has since been trading sideways around its recent low. Attempts to recover earlier in the year were unsuccessful in creating a sustainable uptrend.

The graph indicates several rebounds (flattops) in January, May, and June, with weakness arising thereafter. The recoveries were unsuccessful in bringing the stock back to its previous levels. Source: X via Oliver

Trading volume also seems to have subsided from the more substantial sell-off during the early stages of the sell-off. But the shares are at the bottom of the year’s range.

This stock performance is not necessarily a reflection of the price of lithium. The first two charts are for lithium carbonate prices, whereas LAC is an individual company.

Singapore, Singapore, October 9th, 2026, Chainwire

OceanBase’s international business launched EvolvingX, a dedicated database solution for next-generation digital platforms, at the TOKEN2049 Singapore 2026 event. Built as a full-lifecycle data foundation, EvolvingX is designed to support the evolving needs of a wide range of businesses, particularly next-generation digital platforms, while delivering always-on performance — scaling freely with traffic fluctuations, supporting both high-throughput transactions and complex queries in one architecture, and helping teams move from early-stage development to global operations with lower cost and less architectural friction.

Digital asset platforms typically run workloads that resemble financial-grade platforms, where order management, market data, risk control, and ledger systems must operate together without interruption. Because these services serve users around the world, they cannot afford downtime, data inconsistencies, or slow responses during peak demand. Many teams also struggle with the complexity of sharded databases, cross-database transactions, and frequent infrastructure upgrades as their businesses expand. At the same time, they need to protect user and transaction data while keeping operational costs under control. And because the landscape of such platforms changes rapidly, their data platforms must be able to evolve without forcing constant architectural overhauls.

EvolvingX is built to address those challenges with a set of targeted optimizations:

• High throughput with millisecond-level latency: Under a 3-node configuration (32C128G per node), the solution can sustain 150,000 high-frequency writes per second. Among these, 99% of writes complete within 1 millisecond, and 99% of queries finish within 20 milliseconds, with end-to-end API latency controlled below 100 milliseconds (representing a 30% reduction in latency compared to traditional architectures). Furthermore, the system supports linear scaling of read/write throughput by adding nodes; the largest production deployment built on this solution has been shown to continuously handle tens of millions of read/write operations per second.
• Balanced performance across the cluster: EvolvingX completely eliminates the “single-point hotspot” issue commonly seen in traditional sharded architectures. Powered by OceanBase’s automatic load-balancing technology, tests on a six-node cluster show that CPU utilization is evenly distributed between 14% and 22%, with total cluster load staying below 30%, effectively preventing any single node from becoming overloaded.
• Simpler architecture and lower infrastructure costs: By replacing cross-generation heterogeneous instances with a standardized homogeneous cluster, EvolvingX can reduce monthly infrastructure costs by nearly 70%.
• Strong MySQL compatibility: In a proof-of-concept covering eight categories and 30 scenarios, including complex SQL, transactions, and operations, EvolvingX achieved a 100% pass rate, allowing existing MySQL-based applications to migrate with minimal changes.
• Multi-region resilience and data security: A multi-region disaster recovery design helps applications continue operating during regional power or network failures. Layered encryption and security features are designed to protect information such as user identity data, asset addresses, and transaction histories.

The solution supports fast-evolving next-generation digital platforms from early development through global expansion. It allows teams to scale vertically and horizontally at the tenant, server, and cluster levels, and it can handle online transaction processing, hybrid transactional and analytical workloads, and analytical queries within the same platform. Built on OceanBase’s Paxos-based three-replica architecture, EvolvingX provides strong consistency and high availability. Its in-database AI and hybrid search capabilities also allow teams to run AI models directly against live data and build AI agent applications without moving data across multiple systems.

During the past several years, OceanBase has supported digital asset platform-related companies such as HashKey and ChainBase. With EvolvingX, the company plans to expand its support for the broader ecosystem of next-generation digital platforms, offering a database platform that can grow with teams as they move from early traction to large-scale, global operations.

About OceanBase

OceanBase is a distributed database launched in 2010. It provides strong data consistency, high availability, high performance, cost efficiency, elastic scalability, and compatibility with mainstream relational databases. It handles transactional, analytical, and AI workloads through a unified data engine, enabling mission-critical applications and real-time analytics.

Contact

Winnie Li
winniekw.li@edelman.com

Bitcoin recently climbed above $85,000 before encountering renewed selling pressure. Glassnode’s latest Week On-Chain report shows that a new sell-order block has formed around $86,500-$86,750, while the largest concentration of Binance spot bids has moved toward $81,000-$81,250.

The setup leaves Bitcoin price today caught between overhead supply and a nearby demand zone. A sustained hold above $81.1K could preserve the recent recovery structure, while a decisive loss of the level would weaken the bullish case and expose lower support areas.

Bitcoin Price Faces $81K Demand Zone

Glassnode reported that Bitcoin was rejected after reaching the $86,500 sell wall, with the market subsequently moving lower toward a zone where buyers have positioned significant resting orders.

Glassnode notes Bitcoin falling toward support after rejection at the $86.5K sell wall, with substantial buy orders near $81K potentially limiting downside. Source: Glassnode via X

According to the research firm, “the largest block of bids now sits at $81K-$81.25K,” making the area an important reference point if the pullback continues. Glassnode also identified a liquidation cluster around $81.7K-$83.3K, suggesting that leveraged positions could increase volatility if BTC moves deeper into that range.

The order-book structure does not guarantee that the bids will hold. Large limit orders can be canceled or absorbed as market conditions change. However, the concentration of liquidity gives traders a clear level to monitor as they assess the latest BTC price action.

The $81K area is also close to the $81,119 Fibonacci level highlighted in a TradingView analysis by Kazim Karabacak. That analysis argues that Bitcoin’s recovery remains intact as long as daily closes stay above the level.

$81.1K Holds Key Technical Significance

The $81,119 level comes from a Fibonacci retracement framework drawn between Bitcoin’s March 2023 low and its cycle high. BTC previously reclaimed the 0.382 retracement and subsequently moved above the 0.236 level at $81,119.

Bitcoin reclaimed the 0.382 Fibonacci level and broke above the 0.236 level at $81,119, where it is now trading. Source: KazimKarabacak on TradingView

That makes the level more than a short-term order-book reference. It is also a technical pivot for determining whether the recent recovery represents an unwinding of the previous pullback or the beginning of another decline.

A daily close above $81,119 would keep the reclaim structure in place under this framework. Conversely, a sustained move below the level could return Bitcoin to the broader range between the 0.236 and 0.382 Fibonacci retracement levels.

The lower retracement identified in the analysis sits near $61,776. That does not mean BTC is necessarily headed toward that level, but it illustrates the downside range that could become relevant if the $81.1K support fails.

Bitcoin Momentum Shifts Away From US Trading Hours

Bitcoin’s latest move is also notable because the source of its gains has changed. Glassnode found that US trading hours accounted for much of BTC’s advance from July through the September breakout above $85,000.

That pattern has since reversed.

Glassnode reported that the US session has become a net seller, while gains outside US trading hours have provided the market’s remaining net advance. The firm linked the shift to weaker contributions from US market activity following the breakout.

US trading hours led BTC’s pre-breakout gains, while non-US sessions have driven performance post-breakout as US contributions have stalled. Source: Glassnode via X

This distinction matters because US trading hours overlap with activity in spot Bitcoin ETFs and broader US financial markets. A return of positive momentum during those hours could provide a stronger confirmation of renewed demand.

For now, the rally is occurring against a backdrop of relatively light trading activity. Glassnode said combined Bitcoin spot-exchange and US spot ETF volume averaged about $6.8 billion over seven days, a level lower than on most days since January 2024.

Double-Bottom Setup Keeps $100K in Focus

The technical picture becomes more constructive on a longer timeframe. TradingView analyst VincePrince has identified a potential double-bottom formation on Bitcoin’s weekly chart.

The analysis points to BTC holding above its 50-EMA and 100-EMA while also remaining above an ascending trendline. The chart structure is further supported by bullish RSI divergence, according to the analysis.

Bitcoin is forming a large double bottom above its neckline, supported by a bullish RSI divergence that strengthens the breakout setup. Source: VincePrince on TradingView

A double bottom generally develops when price tests a similar low twice before breaking above the intervening peak, known as the neckline. If the pattern is confirmed, its measured move can provide an upside reference.

VincePrince’s analysis places potential targets above $100,000 if Bitcoin maintains the relevant support levels and completes the formation. That remains a technical scenario rather than a confirmed price target, particularly while BTC price is still testing short-term support.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: What Traders Are Watching

The immediate BTC price outlook therefore centers on two levels: approximately $81.1K on the downside and the $86.5K-$86.75K area above.

Holding $81,119 would preserve the Fibonacci reclaim and keep the potential double-bottom structure technically relevant. A move back through $86,500, meanwhile, would challenge the latest ask wall identified by Glassnode and could provide stronger evidence that sellers are being absorbed.

Bitcoin (BTC) price chart (24H). Source: Brave New Coin

Glassnode also noted that the largest liquidation cluster above the current market sits around $87,100-$95,900, with the concentration particularly strong near $92,000. If BTC clears the nearby resistance, those positions could become relevant to the next phase of price discovery.

For now, Bitcoin remains in a decision zone rather than a confirmed breakout. The $81K-$81.1K region combines technical support with substantial spot-market bids, making it an important test of the recovery. Whether buyers defend that area and whether US trading activity returns as a source of demand will likely determine whether the current pullback stabilizes or develops into a deeper correction.

Tallinn, Estonia, October 8th, 2026, Chainwire

SaaS and eCommerce increased their combined share from 48.26% to 55.54%, while Trading moved from 14.07% to 13.15%.

Businesses can build stablecoin infrastructure around the wrong problem.

The mistake is treating stablecoins primarily as a coin-and-network decision. For a digital business, they may need to support a much broader set of operating workflows, including billing, checkout, settlement, payouts, and reconciliation.

Which of those workflows matters most depends on the business model.

New aggregated data from NOWPayments shows the industry mix shifting toward businesses that use payments as part of their day-to-day operations. Between January 16 and July 16, 2026, SaaS and web services accounted for 27.78% of classified partners. eCommerce Marketplaces followed at 27.76%. Together, the two sectors represented 55.54% of the sample. During the same period in 2025, their combined share was 48.26%. The increase of 7.28 percentage points represents a 15.08% year-over-year rise in their combined share.

Trading remained an important part of the sample, but its share moved in the opposite direction. It declined from 14.07% in 2025 to 13.15% in 2026, leaving trading in third place behind SaaS and eCommerce.

The clearest upward shift came from SaaS. Its share increased from 15.58% to 27.78% in one year, closing a gap of 17.10 percentage points with eCommerce. The emerging picture is not stablecoins replacing trading. It is stablecoin adoption expanding into the operating infrastructure of digital businesses.

Unless otherwise stated, industry-distribution figures compare January 16 to July 16, 2025, with January 16 to July 16, 2026.

The Partner Mix Is Shifting Toward Operational Use Cases

In 2025, eCommerce marketplaces led the dataset at 32.68%. SaaS and Web Services followed at 15.58%, with Trading close behind at 14.07%.

One year later, SaaS had increased its share by 12.20 percentage points to 27.78%. eCommerce stood at 27.76%, leaving only 0.02 percentage points between the two sectors. Their combined share rose from 48.26% to 55.54%. More than half of the classified partners in the 2026 sample therefore came from two sectors built around digital transactions, recurring services, and online customer relationships.

The rest of the partner mix changed more gradually.

Financial Services moved from 9.00% to 6.35%. Gambling and iGaming increased from 6.20% to 6.87%, and adult platforms rose from 4.99% to 5.89%. Charity declined from 2.27% to 1.40%, while TGE/Presale moved from 2.12% to 1.35%.

These figures measure changes in each industry’s share of the sample. They do not measure absolute partner growth. A category may lose share because another category expanded faster.

Methodology: Each percentage represents an industry’s share of the full aggregated partner sample classified across the same nine categories. The comparison covers January 16 to July 16 in both 2025 and 2026. Each period was normalized independently. Absolute partner counts are not disclosed, and percentages are rounded to two decimal places. The findings describe partner distribution within the NOWPayments dataset, not payment volume, transaction value, or market-wide industry share.

Different Business Models Need Different Stablecoin Workflows

The industry data becomes useful when it is translated into the operating questions each business model may need to solve.

For a SaaS company, stablecoin payments may need to connect with recurring billing, invoice matching, account activation, renewals, settlement, and financial reconciliation.

A marketplace may need stablecoins to work across a longer flow. The payment can begin at checkout and continue through refunds, seller settlement, affiliate commissions, and other payouts.

Trading platforms face a different set of requirements. Their priorities may include asset and network coverage, confirmation policies, liquidity, and treasury controls.

These are potential workflow drivers, not a universal description of every company in each category. The point is that the same stablecoin can serve all three sectors while performing a different operational job in each one.

This is why a business should define the workflow before choosing the asset and network.

The Network Mix Also Changes by Industry

The successful-payment data shows that industry differences extend to network usage.

USDT on TRON accounted for 54.58% of the measured successful-payment sample within eCommerce marketplaces. Its share was 12.04% in trading and 9.60% in SaaS and web services.

Within this dataset, USDT TRC20 was about 4.5 times as prominent in eCommerce as in Trading and 5.7 times as prominent as in SaaS.

The corresponding shares were 4.76% in Gambling and iGaming, 1.85% in Financial Services, 1.49% in Other, and 0.60% in Charity. Adult Platforms and TGE/Presale each recorded a 0% share in the analyzed sample.

The difference supports the same conclusion as the industry data. A stablecoin setup that fits one business model may not fit another.

For an eCommerce business, USDT on TRON may play a visible role in checkout activity. A SaaS company may see a different asset and network mix. Trading platforms may need broader coverage across both.

Businesses should validate these decisions against their own successful-payment data instead of importing the preferences of another industry.

Methodology: Each percentage represents USDT TRC20’s share of the aggregated successful-payment sample within the corresponding industry. Absolute transaction counts are not disclosed. Failed, expired, refunded, and test transactions are excluded. The figures describe activity within the NOWPayments ecosystem and should not be interpreted as market-wide currency shares. A 0% result means that no successful USDT TRC20 payments were recorded in the analyzed sample for that category.

Build the Workflow Before Choosing the Rails

The five operating areas introduced at the beginning provide a practical framework for evaluating stablecoin infrastructure.

• Billing: Does the payment need to connect with invoices, subscriptions, renewals, or account access?
• Checkout: Which assets and networks produce completed payments for the company’s actual customers?
• Settlement: Which asset should the business receive, and when should funds become available?
• Payouts: Will funds need to move to sellers, affiliates, contractors, or customers?
• Reconciliation: How will the finance team match transactions with invoices, orders, and internal reporting?

Not every business needs all five. A SaaS platform may focus on billing and reconciliation. A marketplace may need checkout, settlement, and payouts. A trading platform may prioritize network coverage, liquidity, and treasury controls.

The company should first identify which workflows apply. Asset and network selection comes after that.

“The mistake is asking which stablecoin is best. The better question is: best for what?” said Kate Lifshits, Commercial Director at NOWPayments. “Businesses should define the billing, checkout, settlement, payout, and reconciliation flow first. The coin and network should serve that workflow – not the other way around.”

Lifshits explores the commercial side of crypto payments in her Cryptopolitan series, Crypto That Works for Business. The first column, The 22% Sales Boost Hiding in Your Crypto Checkout, examined how payment infrastructure can affect checkout performance. Future installments will continue looking at where crypto payments can increase revenue, lower costs, and remove operational friction.

Stablecoin strategy starts with the job the money needs to do. The coin and network come next.

About NOWPayments

NOWPayments is a crypto business ecosystem designed to help companies accept payments, automate mass payouts, manage stablecoin treasury, and scale global digital asset operations through a single infrastructure. The platform supports more than 350 cryptocurrencies, over 30 stablecoins, flexible settlement options, and enterprise-grade APIs.

Contacts

PR Manager
Angelina T
NOWPayments
angelina.tmk@nowpayments.io
Commercial Director
Kate L
NOWPayments
kate.l@nowpayments.io

Willemstad, Curaçao, October 8th, 2026, Chainwire

1win, a crypto entertainment platform, has completed independent smart contract security audits of its upcoming $1WIN token with blockchain security firms CertiK and Halborn. The assessments reviewed the token’s Solana-based smart contract infrastructure ahead of its planned launch.

The audits examined the smart contracts supporting key elements of the $1WIN ecosystem, including token operations, sale mechanics, burns and related functionality. Neither CertiK nor Halborn identified any critical or high-severity vulnerabilities during their assessments.

CertiK conducted manual review and static analysis as part of its assessment of the $1WIN Token and Token Sale & Burn programs. CertiK’s published audit page lists 57 audited files and 10 findings in total, with seven resolved, two partially resolved and one acknowledged. The audit identified no critical or major-severity findings, while both medium-severity findings were resolved.

Halborn separately conducted a smart contract assessment of 1win’s Solana programs. The review focused on ensuring that the smart contract functions operate as intended and identifying potential security issues. Halborn reported four findings, with no critical or high-severity issues. Three findings were resolved, including the audit’s single medium-severity finding, while one low-severity issue was partially resolved. The full Halborn assessment is also publicly available.

The audits form part of the technical preparation for $1WIN, a native SPL token being developed for integration across the 1win ecosystem. The token is designed for use across gaming, lottery, rewards, and other platform functions.

The completion of both security assessments provides an independent review of the smart contract infrastructure supporting these mechanics before $1WIN becomes operational. The token will extend 1win’s existing crypto infrastructure, which already supports multi-chain deposits and withdrawals alongside Web3 wallet authentication through Trust Wallet, MetaMask and WalletConnect.

To learn more about $1WIN, users can look here.

About 1win 

Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto entertainment platform in the global gaming industry. Operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, 1win offers a wide range of entertainment products adapted to regional audiences. The brand has active collaborations with international public figures, including football legend Luis Suarez, martial artist Jon Jones, and Olympic champion and UFC fighter Gable Steveson. In 2026, 1win welcomed rapper Tyga and UFC legend Ilia Topuria as members of its 1win VIP community. 

Website  |  X  |  Telegram

Contact

Press Office
1win
press@1win.pro

Singapore, Singapore, October 6th, 2026, Chainwire

Travala has teamed up with BNB Chain and Binance Pay to launch a native AI travel booking agent directly on Travala that lets travellers search and book hotels using only a BNB Smart Chain (BSC) wallet with no setup required.

To use the agent, travellers simply open the AI travel agent widget on Travala, fund any BSC wallet address with USDT (turning the wallet into a universal API key), and book the desired hotel from the options presented by the agent.

In this three-way partnership, Travala supplies the hotel inventory, Binance Pay provides the settlement infrastructure, and BNB Chain brings the Machine Payments Protocol (MPP) Software Development Kit (SDK) standard, the agentic framework, and the distribution.

Travellers can receive 10% back on their first booking over US$400 made via the agent. The 10% incentive is split into two components: 7% in BNB is paid directly to the payment wallet after the stay is completed, and an additional 3% in AVA can be received when booking as an AVA Smart Member.

This agent functions independently of the Travala Travel MCP, providing travellers with a standalone option for agentic bookings on BNB Chain.

“By offering this browser-native, frictionless booking experience enabled by BNB Chain and Binance Pay, we’re streamlining agentic AI adoption at the intersection of blockchain and travel. Adding BNB Chain’s MPP standard gives our customers even more choice, making booking a vacation as simple as funding a BSC wallet and letting the travel agent do the rest,” said Juan Otero, CEO of Travala.

Travala’s entire hotel inventory of more than 2,200,000 accommodations is now available for booking via this agent, with additional travel products including flights expected to be integrated in the future.

Thomas Chen, CBO of BNB Chain, said: “The combination of AI agents, blockchain infrastructure and on-chain payments is opening the door to a new generation of products that can transact and operate on behalf of users. Travala is a great example of how this can simplify everyday experiences like travel while paving the way for entirely new on-chain use cases across industries.”

Binance Pay acts as the underlying settlement infrastructure for this new agentic experience. When travellers book with the agent, Binance Pay handles the payment process using the Permit2 facilitator.

1. User signs one EIP-712 Permit2 authorisation off-chain. No gas, no broadcast.
2. MPP SDK verifies the signature, checks balance and allowance, and confirms the Permit2 deadline and witness hash.
3. MPP calls the Binance Pay settlement endpoint, passing the pre-verified Permit2 args.
4. Binance Pay broadcasts the Permit2 call, paying gas. Funds move from the user wallet to Travala.
5. MPP marks the payment complete and issues a cryptographic on-chain receipt, instantly confirming the booking.

This addition to Travala’s growing lineup of agentic travel booking options is another step in bridging the gap between Web3 capabilities and real-world utility through the power of AI.

About Travala

Founded in 2017 and now backed by industry giant Binance, Travala is the leading crypto-native travel booking service with 2,200,000+ properties across 230 countries, 600+ airlines, 400,000+ activities, and 50,000+ car rental locations globally. Travala is a champion of cryptocurrency adoption, accepting over 100 leading cryptocurrencies alongside traditional payment methods. In addition to unbeatable prices via its Best Price Guarantee, AVA Smart Members on Travala can also enjoy additional discounts and loyalty rewards for eligible bookings made on the platform. For more information, visit: www.travala.com

About BNB Chain

BNB Chain is one of the largest and most active blockchain ecosystems in the world. Its multi-chain architecture spans BNB Smart Chain (BSC), opBNB, and BNB Greenfield, giving developers the flexibility to choose the environment best suited to their application. With high throughput, low transaction costs, and full EVM compatibility, BNB Chain is built for high-speed trading, AI agents, privacy, and instant payments. It is the blockchain with superior distribution and deep liquidity, built for global markets and the next billion users. For more information, visit: www.bnbchain.org.

About Binance Pay

Binance Pay is a payment service within the Binance ecosystem that enables eligible users to make and receive payments through supported payment experiences. The service incorporates applicable user-verification, risk-management, transaction-monitoring, and account-security controls. For more information, visit: www.pay.binance.com

Contact

Chief Marketing Officer
Sam Woollard
Travala
sam@travala.com

Singapore, Singapore, October 8th, 2026, Chainwire

Sui’s native Bitcoin finance infrastructure goes live in a phased rollout beginning this month.

Sui, a high-performance blockchain designed to move money as freely as messages, will announce today at Sui Basecamp that Hashi mainnet will go live this month, backed by more than $500 million in capital commitments from its launch coalition of more than 20 of crypto’s biggest heavyweights. 

Anchorage Digital, home to America’s first federally chartered crypto bank, becomes the newest day-one launch partner, giving its institutional clients seamless access to Hashi and bringing additional stablecoin liquidity to the network.

$500 Million in Capital Commitments Locked for Mainnet

Hashi enters mainnet with more than $500 million in committed capital, giving Bitcoin-backed markets on Sui a running start. Lending, borrowing, credit, vaults, structured products, and other applications will begin with meaningful capital already behind them in vaults run by various Hashi vault providers, such as Aftermath, Concrete, Fluid, and others.

Hashi was built around a simple opportunity: more than $1 trillion in Bitcoin remains largely idle because institutions. Publicly traded companies with Bitcoin on their balance sheets have lacked a way to use native BTC in programmable financial markets with the transparency, compliance, controls, and security they require. Hashi mainnet changes that. Bitcoin remains on the Bitcoin network, while Hashi coordinates its use as collateral through Sui smart contracts. 

“Bitcoin has already become a global reserve asset, and today, the financial infrastructure around it is catching up,” said Adeniyi Abiodun, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Mysten Labs, the original contributor to Sui. “Hashi is launching with serious capital and a coalition of industry leaders because institutions want to put Bitcoin to work without giving up the protections they require.”

Anchorage Digital Brings a New Institutional On-Ramp

Anchorage Digital will open Hashi to its clients through two distinct routes.

Tri-party collateral solutions will give institutions operating under strict qualified custody, compliance, and operational requirements a path into Hashi through Atlas, Anchorage Digital’s settlement and tri-party collateral infrastructure. That includes publicly traded companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets and digital asset treasury companies that may be unable to access DeFi directly today.

For those companies, productive Bitcoin can change the economics of the balance sheet. BTC can become collateral for liquidity and financing without first being sold, opening new ways to manage cost of capital.

Self-service via Anchorage Digital’s institutional self-custody wallet, Porto, will provide a second route. Institutions can access Hashi directly through self-custody and pursue a broader range of strategies across lending, diversified yield, and real-world asset exposure suited for crypto-native VCs, hedge funds, miners, market makers, and LPs who require speed and capital efficiency. Anchorage Digital also plans to provide stablecoin liquidity to Hashi.

“Public companies and institutions hold enormous amounts of Bitcoin, but their ability to use that capital has been constrained by the technology available to them and the limitations of the DeFi space,” said Nathan McCauley, CEO and Co-Founder of Anchorage Digital. “Connecting our institutional clients with Hashi represents a complete paradigm shift and maturation of Bitcoin finance, and we’re thrilled to be at the center of it.”

Hashi’s Bitcoin Applications

Hashi turns native Bitcoin into programmable collateral for a growing range of financial applications, letting holders borrow stablecoins without selling their BTC, supply capital to onchain credit markets, deploy Bitcoin across automated vault strategies, and access structured products, real-world assets, and Bitcoin-backed bonds. For institutions, it turns long-term BTC holdings into productive working capital. That opportunity has drawn one of the broadest coalitions in Bitcoin finance, with BitGo, Bullish, Cumberland, FalconX, Ledger, and more than 20 partners in total building around Hashi since it was first unveiled.

Bitcoin Finance Goes Live

Hashi has moved from concept to devnet, testnet, more than 20 launch partners, and now more than $500 million in committed capital. At the end of this month, the rehearsal ends, and Bitcoin becomes productive collateral on Sui. Users can learn more by visiting https://www.sui.io/hashi. For institutions looking to deploy BTC or stablecoins, please email hashi@sui.io. 

Contact: media@sui.io

About Sui

Sui, where money moves as freely as messages, is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain built for agentic finance and scalable global payments. Founded by the core team behind Meta’s stablecoin initiative and powered by an object-centric model, Sui makes assets, permissions, and user data programmable and ownable. Sui’s primitives offer builders everything they need to create high-performance payments and financial applications, including instant agentic payments. Users can learn more at sui.io. 

Contact

Sui Foundation
media@sui.io

Frankfurt am Main / Zug, 28 September 2026 — PwC and Auditchain Labs AG (“Auditchain”) today announced a cooperation to bring agentic regulatory disclosure automation and external validation to issuers of crypto-assets and capital market participants worldwide, combining PwC’s regulatory, legal and advisory expertise with Pacioli.ai—Auditchain’s agentic AI disclosure and validation protocol.

PwC and Auditchain will offer integrated solutions helping organisations prepare, validate and file regulatory disclosures more efficiently and auditably. Pacioli.ai automates preparation of financial and non-financial disclosure models and exports them in structured formats—including the XBRL and iXBRL required by over 140 regulators in 65 jurisdictions—while the Pacioli.ai validator network provides independent, corroborated external validation. PwC brings independent legal and advisory expertise to ensure the solutions meet supervisory standards.

“As capital markets migrate onchain, regulatory disclosure must enter a new era,” said Dr. Hagen Weiss, Digital Assets Legal Leader at PwC. “Issuers must deliver disclosures that are compliant, computable, traceable and auditable. Whether under MiCAR in Europe or the emerging GENIUS and CLARITY Acts in the United States, the trajectory is clear—and this cooperation puts PwC and Auditchain at the forefront.”

START: MiCAR White Paper Disclosure Automation

The first deployment is START — Submission, Traceability, Automation, Reporting & Transparency — a coordinated offering addressing obligations under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). With the MiCAR Implementing Technical Standards now published, issuers of e-money tokens (EMTs), asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and other crypto-assets face rigorous requirements for white paper preparation, validation and filing in iXBRL.

Powered by Pacioli.ai, START gives each client a dedicated, secure environment for MiCAR compliance, enabling collaboration between internal teams and external advisers with full traceability, version control and role-based access:

Template-driven composition workflows aligned with MiCAR ITS for EMTs, ARTs and other crypto-assets

Internal and external validation against the full MiCAR ITS, flagging gaps and non-compliant content

Export to iXBRL for direct regulatory filing, plus .xls, .pdf and .html for internal review and publication

Granular user management and governance controls, including built-in End User Agreement workflows

External Validation

START includes PwC’s role as external validator, providing independent regulatory review alongside the platform’s automated checks. Every validation output, version change and stakeholder approval is logged and time-stamped, generating an evidence pack that cryptographically enforces who reviewed what, when and on what basis—an audit trail critical under supervisory scrutiny.

“START is designed for defensibility by design,” said Dr. Michael Huertas, Partner and Global & European Financial Services Legal Leader at PwC. “By embedding PwC’s independent regulatory expertise alongside automated compliance validation, we give issuers a solution that compresses timelines while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and traceability. As reporting requirements expand globally, the infrastructure scales across jurisdictions and schemes.”

Pacioli.ai

Pacioli.ai applies agentic AI to regulatory disclosure and records the results. Purpose-built agents read a filing against the rules that govern it, and no single model’s output stands as the conclusion: independent agents constrained by standardized machine-readable taxonomies examine the same filing and must corroborate one another before a validation is final. Each conclusion, the evidence behind it and the agents that reached it are written to a distributed ledger, producing a tamper-evident record that a supervisor, auditor or investor can verify for themselves. Validators stake collateral against their conclusions, so accuracy carries economic consequence rather than depending on manual oversight.

“Onchain capital markets have attributes with no analogue in TradFi and require onchain disclosure frameworks, full stop,” said Jason Meyers, Lead Architect at Auditchain Labs AG. “The governance features of Pacioli.ai allow delegation of legal, accounting and assurance functions at the protocol level to a network of experts. We are honored that PwC is joining our mission to institutionalize Pacioli.ai.”

Pacioli Explorer

Pacioli.ai will also feature the Pacioli Explorer, a public application displaying the compliance status for issuers of crypto-assets and their service providers. Each project carries a color-coded badge—Green (compliant), Yellow (pending) or Red (deficient)—giving investors, exchanges and regulators at-a-glance transparency, and embeddable on websites and listing applications. The Explorer aims to become the global access point for regulatory disclosure.

About PwC

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 149 countries with over 364,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory, tax and legal services. Find out more at http://pwc.com/.

About Auditchain Labs AG

Auditchain Labs AG is a provider of global standards based regulatory disclosure automation and validation infrastructure. Pacioli.ai enables disclosure infrastructure and instance development as well as internal and external validation. Pacioli.ai enables organisations to prepare financial and non-financial disclosure models and export them in any data format, including XBRL and iXBRL, as required under capital markets legislation. For more information, visit auditchain.com.

Contacts

PwC

Dr. Michael Huertas

Partner, Global & European Financial Services Legal Leader

M: +49 1511 6155610

Michael.Huertas@pwc.com

Dr. Hagen Weiss

Digital Assets Legal Leader

M: +49 1511 5708446

hagen.weiss@pwc.com

Auditchain Labs AG

Jason Meyers

Lead Architect

jm@auditchain.com

Pacioli.ai is a product of Auditchain Labs AG, a company organised under the laws of Switzerland. Auditchain®, Pacioli.ai® and all related logos and marks are the property of Auditchain Labs AG. The cooperation described in this release does not constitute a joint venture, partnership or agency relationship between the parties. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Platform outputs, including automated compliance validations, do not constitute assurance, legal advice, regulatory approval or a guarantee of acceptance by any competent authority.

The contrasting flows highlight a market where some large investors are moving XRP away from exchanges even as leveraged traders position for further weakness in Bitcoin.

CryptoQuant data shows whales accounted for about 77% of XRP outflows from centralized exchanges on a seven-day average, compared with 22.8% for retail participants. Binance showed an even stronger concentration among large holders, with whale activity accounting for around 81% of outflows versus 18.7% for retail. The figures point to a significant shift in the composition of XRP exchange withdrawals.

XRP Whale Outflows Gain Momentum

The exchange data also shows declining XRP reserves on major trading platforms. Binance’s XRP reserves fell from about 2.704 billion to 2.631 billion between September 26 and October 4, while Upbit’s reserves declined from roughly 6.446 billion to 6.415 billion between September 11 and October 5. Together, the reported reductions amounted to approximately 104.7 million XRP.

CryptoQuant data shows whales dominate CEX outflows, accounting for 77% overall and 81% on Binance, while retail contributes less than 23%, alongside declining Binance and Upbit reserves. Source: @Xaif_Crypto via X

CryptoQuant separately reported that the 30-day sum of XRP whale outflows from Binance reached about 1.38 billion XRP, its highest level in seven months. The data indicates that large wallets have been moving substantial amounts away from the exchange, although blockchain transfers alone cannot establish whether the tokens are being placed into long-term storage, transferred between entities, or prepared for other uses.

The distinction is important because exchange outflows are not automatically proof of accumulation. CryptoQuant’s XRP flow methodology treats outflows as transfers from exchange wallets to external addresses, while the destination and subsequent activity determine what those movements ultimately represent.

At the same time, XRP has also seen significant exchange inflows. CryptoQuant recently estimated that roughly 1.6 billion XRP entered Binance over 30 days, the highest such reading since March. However, the firm cautioned that inflows do not necessarily represent completed sales and should be assessed alongside reserves, outflows, and spot-market activity.

Grayscale XRP ETF Adds a New Variable

The whale activity comes alongside an important development involving Grayscale’s XRP ETF, which trades under the ticker GXRP. An October 5 filing shows that Grayscale amended its participant agreements to allow in-kind creations and redemptions in addition to the existing cash-based process. The filing also documents an agreement involving Anchorage Digital Bank as an additional custodian.

Grayscale’s XRP ETF ($GXRP) added Anchorage Digital Bank as a secondary custodian and enabled in-kind XRP creations and redemptions. Source: @Xaif_Crypto via X

The in-kind structure allows authorized participants to create or redeem ETF shares using the underlying XRP rather than relying exclusively on cash transactions. That gives the fund structure a more direct connection to the underlying asset and provides another mechanism through which XRP can move between market participants and the ETF’s custody infrastructure.

The timing has drawn attention because the rise in whale-dominated outflows occurred around the same period as the ETF’s operational changes. However, the available data does not establish that XRP withdrawals were caused by the ETF upgrade or that the withdrawn tokens are being accumulated specifically because of it.

For now, the two developments are best viewed as concurrent market signals rather than evidence of a direct causal relationship.

Hyperliquid Traders Take 40x Bitcoin Shorts

While large XRP holders were moving tokens away from exchanges, Bitcoin derivatives activity provided a sharply different picture.

Lookonchain reported that four newly created wallets deposited $1 million in USDC into Hyperliquid and subsequently opened 40x leveraged short positions covering 148.49 BTC, worth approximately $12.5 million at the time. The positions were opened shortly before Bitcoin dropped below $84,000.

Four newly created wallets deposited $1 million USDC into Hyperliquid and opened 40x leveraged BTC shorts worth about $12.5 million shortly before Bitcoin fell below $84,000. Source: @lookonchain via X

The on-chain records made the sequence visible. The wallets funded their Hyperliquid accounts before establishing the short positions, with reported entries around the $85,000-$85,500 area. Bitcoin subsequently fell through $84,000, making the timing of the trades particularly notable.

Lookonchain asked whether the wallets were “insiders” in its report, but the transaction data alone does not establish that the traders had advance knowledge of the decline. The available records show when the wallets were funded and when the positions were opened, not why the traders entered those trades or whether they had access to non-public information.

The distinction matters because leveraged derivatives positions can reflect hedging, directional speculation, or broader portfolio strategies. The four wallets’ activity therefore provides evidence of an unusually well-timed trade, but not proof of coordinated market manipulation or foreknowledge.

Bitcoin Price Faces Short-Term Pressure

Bitcoin was trading near $83,446 in the latest technical snapshot, down about 2.5%. The broader indicator mix remained neutral, with short-term momentum showing weakness while longer-duration moving averages continued to provide support.

The technical structure places Bitcoin below several short-term averages around the $83,500-$85,500 range. At the same time, the 30-day and longer moving averages remain below the current market price, indicating that the recent decline has not yet fully broken the broader upward structure.

Bitcoin (BTC) price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The classic pivot level near $81,950 is an important reference point if weakness continues. A sustained move below that area could bring deeper support into focus, while a recovery through the mid-$84,000s and toward the $86,000-$87,000 region would indicate that buyers are regaining control.

The derivatives market has also amplified the latest move. Cointelegraph reported that more than $500 million in crypto long positions were liquidated during the decline, illustrating how forced selling can intensify a relatively fast Bitcoin pullback.

XRP Holds Above Key Long-Term Support

XRP, meanwhile, was trading around $1.44 after retreating from the $1.50-$1.52 area. Despite the short-term pullback, its daily technical structure remained comparatively constructive.

The token was still above its 50-day moving average near $1.42-$1.43 and well above its 200-day moving average near $1.28. The daily RSI was around 48, indicating neutral momentum rather than an overbought or oversold condition.

XRP price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The $1.40-$1.41 region remains an important support area because it combines several technical references, including the 50-day and 200-day exponential moving averages and a Fibonacci retracement level. A sustained break below that zone could expose XRP to the $1.33 area and potentially the $1.28 200-day moving average.

On the upside, resistance is concentrated around $1.50-$1.52. A sustained daily close above that region would strengthen the recovery structure and bring higher levels near $1.55 and $1.59 into focus.

The divergence between XRP’s longer-term trend and its shorter-term momentum is also notable. The daily structure remains constructive, while the four-hour chart shows greater weakness. This leaves XRP in a corrective phase rather than providing clear evidence of a broader trend reversal.

Two Different Signals From Large Crypto Traders

The latest on-chain activity presents two distinct pictures. XRP’s exchange data shows large holders accounting for most withdrawals, while declining Binance and Upbit reserves indicate that some XRP has moved away from immediately accessible exchange liquidity. That pattern can be consistent with accumulation, but it does not establish the ultimate purpose of the transfers.

Bitcoin derivatives activity tells a different story. Four newly created Hyperliquid wallets established sizeable leveraged short positions shortly before BTC fell below $84,000. The timing is notable, but the available blockchain records do not prove that the traders anticipated the decline or caused it.

Together, the developments underscore the importance of separating observable on-chain behavior from conclusions about trader intent. XRP whale outflows, ETF infrastructure changes, and Bitcoin short positioning are all measurable developments, but their longer-term market impact will depend on whether the trends persist and how prices respond.

For XRP, sustained exchange outflows alongside stable or rising prices would provide stronger evidence that reduced exchange supply is becoming an important market factor. For Bitcoin, the reaction around the $81,950 pivot and the $86,000-$87,000 resistance zone may offer clearer evidence of whether the latest decline represents a deeper correction or a temporary bout of leveraged selling.

Ethereum price is holding around $2,618 as buyers attempt to preserve the latest recovery, but the market is approaching a decisive stage. According to Brave New Coin, ETH is trading near $2,618.00, down 2.91% over the past 24 hours, with a market capitalization of approximately $328.06 billion.

Ethereum price is trading at around $2,618, down 2.91% in the last 24 hours. Source: Brave New Coin

The technical picture has improved after Ethereum produced its strongest weekly candle in more than eight months, yet $2,800 remains the major confirmation level.

Ethereum Recovery Stalls Below the $2,800 Breakout Level

Ethereum has recovered strongly from its September lows, but price is now consolidating below one of the most important resistance areas on the chart. Ethereum price is trading around $2,620, while the broader resistance cluster sits between roughly $2,750 and $2,800.

The weekly chart shared by Ted highlights $2,800 as the key confirmation level. ETH recently printed its strongest weekly candle in more than eight months, showing that buyers have regained momentum, but the recovery still needs a weekly close above resistance before the larger breakout can be considered confirmed.

A move through $2,800 would strengthen the higher-timeframe structure and bring $3,000 back into focus. Beyond that, the chart identifies approximately $3,447 as the next major resistance region, placing the broader $3,400-$3,500 zone in focus if momentum continues.

Ethereum has produced its strongest weekly candle in more than eight months, but $2,800 remains the major challenge. Source: Ted via X

ETH Could Retest $2,550-$2,585 Before Another Recovery

Ethereum price is still moving inside a broad four-hour consolidation, with price struggling to build a clean continuation above the $2,700 area. The recent rejection from the $2,740 to $2,780 region has kept the short-term structure uncertain, and a deeper pullback may be needed before buyers regain stronger momentum.

The chart shared by Crypto Tony leaves the $2,550-$2,585 region as the next important support zone if ETH continues to cool off. Rather than chasing the current range, the setup favors waiting for either a cleaner reclaim higher or a reaction from lower support.

Ethereum may need a deeper reset towards the $2,550-$2,585 support region before another stronger recovery attempt. Source: Crypto Tony via X

If ETH does retrace into $2,550-$2,585 and buyers defend that area, the market could rotate back towards $2,665 resistance and then retest the upper resistance near $2,780. A sustained break below $2,550 would weaken that recovery setup and increase the risk of a broader correction.

Ethereum’s Fundamental Outlook

ETH price is approaching the $2,800 resistance area while institutional demand is showing signs of weakness. U.S. spot ETH ETFs recorded approximately $50.76 million in net outflows on October 5, extending the current streak to five consecutive trading days. Data shared by Trader T puts combined withdrawals across that period at roughly $205.9 million, the longest run of consecutive outflows since June 2026.

U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs record five consecutive days of net outflows totaling approximately $205.9 million, signaling weaker institutional demand. Source: Trader T via X

The staking side is also adding another layer of caution. Ethereum’s validator exit queue climbed sharply at the start of October, rising from around 200,000 ETH near September 30 to roughly 800,000 ETH by October 3. In a post on X, Cointelegraph reported that the amount of ETH waiting to unstake had increased by approximately 392% from the beginning of the month. This does not mean all of that ETH will immediately be sold, but it does increase the amount of supply that could become liquid.

Ethereum’s validator exit queue rises to roughly 800,000 ETH, increasing the supply that could become liquid. Source: Cointelegraph via X

Together, the two trends create a more difficult situation for ETH while price remains below $2,800. Persistent ETF outflows suggest softer institutional demand, while the growing validator exit queue raises the possibility of additional supply returning to the market. If Ethereum can still reclaim $2,800 despite these pressures, it would strengthen the bullish case considerably. Failure to do so would keep the risk of another move towards the $2,600-$2,550 support region in play.

Moving Averages Emerge as Short-Term Resistances

Ethereum’s four-hour structure has weakened sharply after price lost all three key moving averages in a single move. ETH is now trading near $2,616, while the 50 EMA sits around $2,689, the 75 EMA near $2,681 and the 100 EMA around $2,666. That leaves price below the entire EMA cluster for the first time in the latest recovery phase.

The breakdown changes the role of these averages. What had been acting as dynamic support is now likely to become resistance on any rebound, with the 100 EMA near $2,666 forming the first hurdle, followed by the 75 EMA around $2,681 and the 50 EMA near $2,689. A recovery back above this cluster would be needed to repair the short-term structure and restore momentum.

Until that happens, the moving averages are signaling that sellers have regained control of the four-hour trend. ETH is attempting to stabilize around $2,600-$2,620, but failure to reclaim at least the 100 EMA would keep downside pressure elevated and leave the market vulnerable to another extension lower.

The EMA alignment itself remains positively stacked, with the 50 EMA still above the 75 EMA and 100 EMA, but price trading beneath all three is the more important development now. This creates a clear technical conflict: the broader trend structure has not fully rolled over, yet current price action has already broken below its main dynamic support base.

For now, the $2,666-$2,689 EMA cluster becomes the key recovery zone. A sustained reclaim above it would improve the outlook and reopen the $2,700-$2,720 area, while continued rejection below these averages would confirm that the recent breakdown is still in control.

Final View: Ethereum Price Prediction Targeting $3,400

Ethereum’s broader recovery remains intact as long as price continues to hold above the recent support structure, but the market still needs to clear the resistance sitting above the current range. The latest breakout from the accumulation zone has improved the higher-timeframe picture, with the $2,700-$2,800 region now acting as the main area bulls need to convert into support.

Alex Marzell’s chart shows Ethereum price reclaiming the $2,200-$2,300 base before breaking above its latest accumulation range. The next major liquidity area is positioned near $3,400, making it the larger upside target if ETH can sustain the breakout and continue building above $2,800. A loss of the reclaimed structure, however, would weaken the setup and reopen the risk of a much deeper retracement.

On the closing note, Ethereum’s price prediction remains constructive while the recent breakout holds, with $3,400 emerging as the main higher-timeframe target. The next phase will depend on whether buyers can maintain acceptance above the current range and turn $2,700-$2,800 into support rather than allowing another failed breakout.