Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin fell below $95,000 amid a wider market pullback driven by AI spending concerns, mirroring a decline in tech stocks and highlighting growing interconnectivity. The sell-off, impacting crypto-linked stocks as well, reflects broader economic anxieties and deleveraging. Animoca Brands’ Yat Siu suggests institutional investors, unlike previous Bitcoin enthusiasts, may see this correction as a buying opportunity, potentially altering historical price cycle patterns and providing a buffer against downturns. They are less likely to expect a drop to $60,000.

BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) has appointed Chi Tsang as CEO and added three independent directors: Robert Sechan, Olivia Howe, and Jason Edgeworth. These changes may signal a strategic shift, leveraging BitMine’s significant Ethereum holdings (2.9% of the network) to bridge traditional finance and DeFi. The new leadership brings expertise in technology, finance, and law, aiming to position BitMine as a key player in the Ethereum ecosystem. Analysts are debating whether this signals an aggressive expansion into DeFi or simply experienced leadership for growth and regulation.

Ripple Labs, under CEO Brad Garlinghouse, is aggressively bridging Web3 and traditional finance. Speaking at Ripple Swell 2025, Garlinghouse outlined a strategy leveraging blockchain’s benefits for financial services, fueled by acquisitions like Hidden Road and GTreasury, totaling $4B. The company launched Ripple Prime, a brokerage for U.S. institutions. This move aligns with increased institutional digital asset interest and a more favorable regulatory environment. Ripple also aims to license XRP Ledger technology, despite regulatory delays hindering broader institutional adoption.

The possibility of including cryptocurrency assets in mortgage risk assessments is gaining traction in the US. While potentially expanding access to homeownership, the move faces scrutiny due to crypto’s volatility. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is exploring the feasibility of incorporating crypto assets into risk assessments, drawing both excitement and concerns. Critics, including Democratic senators, emphasize the need for caution and transparency in evaluating the potential risks to financial stability and the housing market. Robust evaluation methodologies are crucial for this evolving landscape.

White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks dismissed the need for a federal bailout for the U.S. AI sector, asserting its inherent resilience. His comments followed discussions triggered by OpenAI’s CFO, who initially mentioned a federal “backstop” for infrastructure investments. Sacks highlighted the Trump administration’s focus on streamlining permitting and enhancing power generation to support AI development. This approach prioritizes market-driven innovation over government subsidies, although some analysts suggest a more nuanced approach considering AI’s strategic importance and global competition.

Ripple secured $500 million in funding, valuing the company at $40 billion. Led by Fortress Investment Group, Citadel Securities, and others, the funding reflects institutional interest and a perceived favorable shift in US crypto regulation. Ripple will use the capital to expand its product portfolio beyond payments through strategic acquisitions. While not currently focused on an IPO, Ripple aims to deepen relationships with financial partners and contribute to its ongoing “record year of growth”, focusing on digital asset solutions for institutions including crypto asset custody and stablecoins.

Robinhood (HOOD) shares experienced volatility despite Q3 earnings exceeding expectations. Revenue doubled year-over-year, reaching $1.27 billion, with EPS at 61 cents. Net income soared to $556 million. Transaction-based revenue, however, was slightly below estimates. The company’s diversification strategy, including Prediction Markets and the acquisition of Bitstamp, contributes significantly to revenue and aims to challenge traditional wealth management firms. User growth and engagement remain key for long-term success in a competitive market.

Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX, is appealing his fraud conviction, arguing his trial was “fundamentally unfair.” His attorney claims court rulings improperly limited his testimony, skewing the proceedings. Judges questioned the evidence of guilt and the impact of additional testimony. A key argument centers on whether FTX creditors have, or will be, fully compensated, potentially undermining the prosecution’s narrative of irreparable financial losses. The appeals court is scrutinizing the $11 billion forfeiture order and its implications for victim compensation. The decision will have significant consequences for Bankman-Fried and the wider crypto industry.

Bitcoin and Ether prices declined, driven by investor risk aversion linked to concerns about AI stock valuations. Bitcoin traded at $103,356, down 3% on Tuesday, while Ether fell 2.3% to $3,509.10. An analyst suggests decreased retail buying activity. Continued selling could push Bitcoin below $100,000, with limited near-term catalysts for recovery. October’s historically strong seasonality failed to materialize, mirroring 2018’s downturn.

Ether experienced a significant drop, plummeting 9% to $3,600 following a multimillion-dollar exploit on Ethereum-based Balancer, a DeFi protocol. The hack, potentially exceeding $100 million in losses, exacerbated existing market anxieties fueled by geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic concerns, and Federal Reserve policy signals. This correction, while causing a downturn in companies like Coinbase and MicroStrategy, may reduce excessive speculation and leverage, potentially creating a more sustainable foundation for future growth.