Crypto

Key Points

• Bitcoin prices dropped by 2%, losing over $2,000 in value, following escalating tensions in the Middle East and reports of US President Donald Trump calling advisers to the White House Situation Room.
• Trump left the G7 summit in Canada early due to the Israel-Iran conflict, posting a warning on Truth Social urging evacuation from Tehran.
• Altcoins, including Ethereum, experienced steeper declines, with ETH falling nearly 4.8%, and total crypto market capitalization dropped by $80 billion.
• Evacuation warnings have been issued by Chinese and Russian embassies in Israel, urging citizens to leave amid increasing civilian casualties and security concerns.

Summary

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets faced significant declines as tensions in the Middle East intensified, with Bitcoin shedding over $2,000 in a 2% drop to $106,421 after reaching a high of $108,780. The downturn coincided with reports of US President Donald Trump abruptly leaving the G7 summit in Canada to address the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, instructing the National Security Council to prepare in the White House Situation Room. Trump also issued a stark warning on Truth Social, urging evacuation from Tehran. Altcoins saw even sharper losses, with Ethereum dropping nearly 4.8% to just above $2,500, and the broader market losing $80 billion in capitalization alongside $400 million in liquidated leveraged positions. Meanwhile, evacuation advisories from Chinese and Russian embassies in Israel highlighted the worsening security situation, with increasing civilian casualties and damage. The volatile geopolitical climate continues to impact financial markets, pushing cryptocurrencies into a downward trend as uncertainty grows.

Key Points

• Bitcoin Simplified: Bitcoin is explained as digital money that exists only on the internet, likened to collecting special coins in a video game, making it relatable and easy to understand.**
• No Bank Needed: Unlike traditional money, Bitcoin operates without banks; instead, thousands of computers worldwide track transactions in a shared, unchangeable record.**
• Blockchain Basics: The blockchain is described as a secure digital notebook, updated every 10 minutes with new transaction records, ensuring transparency and security.**
• Mining Rewards: Miners use powerful computers to solve complex math problems, earning new Bitcoins as a reward, similar to finding buried treasure.**
• Scarcity Value: Bitcoin’s limited supply of 21 million coins is compared to rare trading cards, highlighting why it holds value due to its scarcity.**

Summary

This article from GOBankingRates explores how ChatGPT explains Bitcoin in a way a 12-year-old can understand, using relatable analogies like video games and trading cards. ChatGPT describes Bitcoin as digital money that exists online, not physically, and is tracked in a shared, unchangeable “notebook” called the blockchain, updated by thousands of computers worldwide without a bank. It introduces mining as solving hard math problems to earn new Bitcoins, akin to finding treasure, and emphasizes Bitcoin’s scarcity with only 21 million coins ever to exist, comparing it to limited-edition cards. The explanation breaks down complex concepts like blockchain and mining into simple terms, ensuring clarity. ChatGPT’s use of familiar ideas, such as trading Pokémon cards at school with a shared record to prevent disputes, makes Bitcoin’s value and operation accessible. The article concludes that such kid-friendly explanations can help anyone, including adults, grasp cryptocurrency’s intricacies, proving that simplicity often unlocks understanding of complex financial topics like Bitcoin.

Key Points

• Duolingo's stock has surged significantly, with a 43% increase in 2024 and an additional 47% in 2025, leading some analysts to believe it is overvalued with an average price target of $476 per share, below its current trading price.
• The underlying business is thriving, with nearly 47 million daily users and a 40% year-over-year increase in paid subscribers, alongside innovative strategies like A/B testing and gamification.
• Duolingo is expanding into new verticals such as math, music, and chess, leveraging generative AI to launch new courses rapidly, though this also introduces competitive risks.
• Despite strong revenue growth of over 40% quarterly since 2022, the stock trades at a high valuation of nearly 30 times sales, prompting caution among potential investors.
• A long-term investment perspective is recommended, balancing the company's solid fundamentals and market opportunity against its current premium pricing.

Summary

Duolingo's stock (NASDAQ: DUOL) has seen remarkable growth, rising 43% in 2024 and another 47% in 2025, but Wall Street analysts suggest it may be overvalued, with an average price target of $476 per share, below its current level. Despite this, the language-learning app's business is booming, with 47 million daily users and a 40% increase in paid subscribers. The company attributes success to user engagement through gamification and A/B testing, while expanding into new areas like math and music, aided by generative AI, which also poses competitive risks. Revenue has grown over 40% quarterly since 2022, yet the stock's valuation at 30 times sales raises concerns. Analysts advocate a long-term view, noting that while fundamentals are strong, the high price may deter new investors. Current shareholders are advised to hold, while potential buyers might wait for a more favorable entry point, weighing Duolingo's growth potential against its premium valuation.

Key Points

• Illegal Operation Uncovered: Russian authorities in Buryatia discovered an illegal cryptocurrency mining operation inside a KamAZ truck, equipped with 95 mining rigs and a mobile transformer, siphoning power from a 10-kilovolt line meant for a nearby village.**
• Electricity Theft Impact: This incident, the sixth of its kind in Buryatia this year, highlights how illegal mining disrupts local power grids, causing voltage drops, overloads, and potential blackouts.**
• Regional Mining Restrictions: Crypto mining is banned in most of Buryatia from November to March due to energy shortages, with only registered companies in specific districts allowed to operate outside this period.**
• Broader Crackdown: Russia has imposed mining bans during peak energy months in several regions, including a full ban in Irkutsk since April, despite it being a hub for major mining firms like BitRiver.**
• Cyber Threats: The hacker group “Librarian Ghouls” has targeted Russian devices with cryptojacking malware, using phishing emails to mine crypto covertly during early morning hours.**

Summary

Russian authorities in Buryatia uncovered an illegal cryptocurrency mining operation hidden in a KamAZ truck, draining electricity meant for a local village. Discovered during a routine inspection, the setup included 95 mining rigs and a mobile transformer tapping a 10-kilovolt line. This marks the sixth electricity theft case linked to crypto mining in the region this year, with such activities causing grid disruptions like voltage drops and potential blackouts. Amid energy shortages, Buryatia bans mining from November to March, restricting it to registered firms in designated areas. Broader federal restrictions include mining bans during peak energy months in regions like Dagestan and a full ban in Irkutsk, a key hub for firms like BitRiver. Additionally, the hacker group “Librarian Ghouls” has been linked to a cryptojacking campaign targeting Russian devices with malware spread via phishing emails, mining crypto undetected during early hours. These incidents underscore the challenges of regulating crypto mining in Russia, balancing energy demands, and combating cybercrime.

Key Points

• Crypto's liquidity is fragmented and fragile, mirroring traditional finance (TradFi) risks, making the market vulnerable to sudden shocks during sentiment shifts.
• The illusion of liquidity in crypto, similar to FX and bond markets, shows robust order books in calm periods that thin out during volatility.
• Fragmentation across multiple exchanges, especially for Tier 2 tokens, exacerbates liquidity issues, with inconsistent pricing and lack of unified depth.
• Opportunistic actors and practices like spoofing and wash trading create fake liquidity, leaving retail traders exposed during market downturns.
• Solutions involve integrating crosschain bridging and unified liquidity routing at the protocol level to reduce fragmentation and enhance market stability.

Summary

Arthur Azizov, in his Cointelegraph opinion piece, highlights the critical issue of liquidity fragmentation in the cryptocurrency market, drawing parallels to traditional finance (TradFi). Despite crypto's decentralized ethos and a projected market growth from $2.49 trillion in 2024 to $5.73 trillion by 2033, its liquidity remains fragile, with order books appearing robust only in stable conditions. During volatility, as seen in the 2022 downturn and recent crashes like Mantra's OM token, depth vanishes, exposing the market to shocks. This fragility is worsened by fragmented infrastructure across exchanges, inconsistent pricing for lesser-known tokens, and deceptive practices like spoofing and wash trading. Azizov argues that TradFi's historical liquidity issues, such as those post-2008 with ETFs and passive funds, are now mirrored in crypto, where fake liquidity leaves retail traders vulnerable. He proposes solutions like integrating crosschain bridging and unified liquidity routing at the protocol level to consolidate pools and reduce fragmentation. Supported by advancements in execution speeds and cloud ecosystems, these measures aim to create a more stable market, though interoperability and unified systems are essential to avoid building on fragmented foundations.

Key Points

• Diverse Ownership: The National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2025 report highlights that crypto ownership spans a wide demographic, including construction workers, artists, and grandparents, with 21% of American adults (55 million) owning cryptocurrency.**
• Practical Usage: Many crypto holders use digital assets for everyday activities, with 39% paying for goods and services and 31% sending money to family, showing crypto’s integration into daily life.**
• Motivations for Adoption: Investment drives 60% of crypto ownership, while curiosity about blockchain (50%) and practical uses like shopping (27%) are also significant factors.**
• Demographic Shift: While 67% of owners are men, 31% are women, and 67% are under 45, nearly 9 million are over 55, challenging the stereotype of crypto as a young, male-dominated space.**
• Regulatory Demand: 64% of crypto holders support government regulation for legitimacy and protection, though 67% fear overregulation could hinder innovation.**

Summary

The National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2025 “State of Crypto” report, as detailed in Michael Tabone’s Cointelegraph analysis, reveals a significant shift in crypto ownership, moving beyond stereotypes of tech bros and Wall Street elites to include diverse groups like construction workers, artists, and grandparents. With 21% of American adults (55 million) owning cryptocurrency, adoption spans age, gender, and profession, driven by investment (60%), curiosity (50%), and practical uses like shopping (27%). Notably, 39% use crypto for payments, and 31% for remittances, integrating it into daily life. The report, based on a Harris Poll of 54,000 adults, also shows a demographic spread, with 31% women and nearly 9 million owners over 55. Despite broad adoption, concerns linger, with 75% worried about scams, though only 3% report fraud. Additionally, 64% support regulation for consumer protection, while 67% fear it could stifle innovation. This data challenges crypto’s narrative, reframing it as a tool for financial inclusion and practical utility rather than speculative hype, and underscores a growing demand for balanced policy as the industry evolves under potentially favorable U.S. political shifts in 2025.

Key Points

• Crypto Loss: A crypto user lost nearly $7 million after purchasing a compromised cold wallet through Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.**
• Compromised Wallet: Blockchain security firm SlowMist reported that the wallet’s private key was compromised at creation, leading to funds being drained within hours.**
• Warning on Bargains: SlowMist cautioned against buying discounted or "factory sealed" cold wallets, as they are often tampered with to lure victims.**
• Unrecoverable Funds: Despite tracking the stolen funds, recovery is unlikely, highlighting the risks of third-party sellers and tampered devices.**
• Broader Scam Trends: Scammers often pre-load devices with malware, as seen in other cases involving counterfeit smartphones and malicious drivers.**

Summary

A crypto user suffered a staggering loss of nearly $7 million after buying a discounted cold wallet via Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, which was later revealed to be compromised. Blockchain security firm SlowMist reported that the wallet’s private key was tampered with at creation, allowing thieves to drain the funds within hours. The wallet, marketed as a bargain, was a trap, with SlowMist warning against such "factory sealed" or cheap devices often used to ensnare victims. The stolen funds were laundered through Huiwang, a Cambodian conglomerate linked to illicit activities, and recovery seems unlikely despite tracking efforts. SlowMist’s chief information security officer emphasized the danger of risking one’s fortune for minor savings, calling it akin to “throwing your life away.” This incident, alongside other scams involving malware-laden devices like counterfeit smartphones and malicious drivers, underscores the growing cybersecurity risks in the crypto space. Users are urged to purchase wallets only from trusted sources to avoid falling prey to such sophisticated traps orchestrated through third-party platforms.

Key Points

• Bitcoin traders are highly optimistic, targeting new all-time highs with price predictions ranging from $140,000 to $270,000 during this bull run.
• Technical patterns like the Ascending Broadening Wedge and golden crosses on charts suggest significant upward price movement, with potential targets between $152,000 and $229,000.
• Despite current consolidation around $100,000, many traders believe the bull market is far from over and anticipate a fresh period of price discovery.
• Some caution remains, with concerns about future bear markets and historical price drops of 70-80% as warned by prominent Bitcoin figures.

Summary

Bitcoin traders are increasingly bullish on the cryptocurrency's price trajectory, forecasting new all-time highs ranging from $140,000 to as much as $270,000 during the current bull run. Despite Bitcoin consolidating just above $100,000 amid macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, market sentiment remains optimistic. Technical analyses, including patterns like the Ascending Broadening Wedge and golden crosses on weekly and daily charts, support predictions of significant gains, with potential targets between $152,000 and $229,000. Traders like Alan Tardigrade and Merlijn highlight recurring bullish signals and classic bottoming structures, reinforcing expectations of price discovery. However, not all perspectives are uniformly positive; some market participants express doubts about the bull run's sustainability, drawing comparisons to the 2021 peak and noting persistent price rejections near all-time highs. Additionally, warnings from figures like Saifedean Ammous remind investors of Bitcoin's historical volatility, with past drawdowns of 70-80%, urging caution for corporate buyers and individual investors alike. While the consensus leans toward optimism, the potential for a future bear market looms as a critical consideration for those navigating the current market landscape.

Key Points

• Cryptocurrency Decline: Major cryptocurrencies, including BTC and ETH, are down due to market uncertainty following an Israeli military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.**
• Ethereum's Performance: Despite recent volatility, ETH has risen nearly 40% over the past three months, outperforming BTC and the CoinDesk 20 index, signaling potential investor interest in altcoins.**
• Regulatory Moves in Singapore: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has mandated licensing for digital token service providers operating overseas from Singapore, leading to closures of exchanges like Bitget and Bybit.**
• Quantum-Safe Wallet Launch: Quranium introduced QSafe Wallet, designed with post-quantum encryption to protect digital assets from future quantum computing threats.**
• Market Movements: BTC dropped 4.7% to $103.3K, ETH fell to $2,694, gold surged 3% to $3,426.95, and Asia-Pacific markets like Nikkei 225 declined amid geopolitical tensions.**

Summary

Asia's markets opened with significant turbulence as major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), declined following Israel's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, heightening geopolitical tensions. BTC fell 4.7% to $103.3K, while ETH dropped to $2,694, despite a 40% gain over the past three months, outpacing BTC and the CoinDesk 20 index. Analysts see ETH's performance as a bellwether for altcoin investment appetite, supported by over $1.25 billion in spot ETH ETF inflows since mid-May. Meanwhile, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) enforced stricter regulations, requiring licensing for crypto firms operating overseas from the city-state, prompting closures of exchanges like Bitget. On the innovation front, Quranium launched QSafe Wallet, a quantum-secure crypto wallet to counter future quantum computing threats. Market movements also saw gold surge 3% to $3,426.95 amid Middle East tensions, while Asia-Pacific indices like the Nikkei 225 fell over 1%. In contrast, the S&P 500 gained 0.38%, buoyed by tech sector strength. These developments reflect a complex interplay of geopolitical risks, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements shaping global markets.

Key Points

• Developer and user momentum are surging, with Solana seeing an 83% increase in active developers in 2024 and nearly 35 million active wallet addresses.
• Solana is deepening ties with traditional finance through partnerships with Visa, Shopify, Stripe, and PayPal for stablecoin settlements and payments.
• Decentralized finance (DeFi) revenue on Solana is climbing, with application revenue reaching $1.2 billion in Q1 2025, a 20% increase from the prior quarter.
• The chain's high throughput and low transaction fees (averaging a quarter of a cent) make it attractive for users and developers compared to rivals like Ethereum.

Summary

Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) is gaining significant traction in the cryptocurrency space due to its fast, low-cost infrastructure, making it a standout among blockchain platforms. The chain processes over 2,000 transactions per second with fees averaging just a quarter of a cent, attracting a surge in users (nearly 35 million active wallets) and developers (an 83% increase in 2024). Solana is also forging strong connections with traditional finance through partnerships with major players like Visa, Shopify, Stripe, and PayPal, integrating stablecoin payments and shortening the gap between crypto and everyday transactions. Additionally, its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem is thriving, with application revenue hitting $1.2 billion in Q1 2025, up 20% from the previous quarter, driven by robust user engagement and trading volumes. While regulatory uncertainties and market fluctuations pose risks, Solana’s growing developer base, real-world payment integrations, and increasing revenue suggest it is evolving from a speculative platform into a diversified, cash-flow-generating ecosystem. These factors position Solana as a compelling option for investors seeking exposure to a high-potential blockchain, despite not being among the top stock picks by some analysts.

Key Points

• PayPal plans to launch its USD stablecoin, PYUSD, on the Stellar network, pending approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services.
• The Stellar network offers fast, low-cost transactions, enhancing PYUSD's potential for payments, cross-border transactions, and micro-financing.
• Integration with Stellar aims to improve PYUSD's usability for everyday financial services like remittances and merchant services.
• PYUSD on Stellar could introduce new liquidity and financing opportunities through instant settlement via Payment Financing (PayFi).
• This move supports PayPal's goal to transform stablecoins into practical financial tools for users and businesses in over 170 countries.

Summary

PayPal has announced plans to integrate its USD stablecoin, PYUSD, with the Stellar network, subject to regulatory approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services. This strategic move aims to leverage Stellar’s fast and low-cost transaction capabilities to enhance PYUSD’s utility for financial services such as payments, cross-border transactions, and micro-financing. By joining Stellar, PYUSD users will access a vast network of entry and exit points, improving the stablecoin’s usability for everyday transactions, including remittances and merchant services. Additionally, the integration introduces opportunities for instant settlement through Payment Financing (PayFi), enabling businesses to manage operational needs efficiently. Leaders from Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Digital Currency Group, as well as the Stellar Development Foundation, emphasized the potential of this collaboration to bring practical financial solutions to millions in over 170 countries, particularly in emerging markets. This announcement follows PayPal’s recent partnership with Mastercard to expand payment options, reflecting its ongoing efforts to innovate in the digital currency space.

Key Points

• Bitcoin's onchain data reveals a consistent reduction in exchange and OTC balances, indicating long-term accumulation and a tightening supply.
• With Bitcoin futures open interest near record highs and liquidity diminishing, the market is poised for potential sharp price movements.
• BTC held on exchanges has dropped to 2.5 million, a level not seen since August 2022, reflecting investor confidence and reduced sell pressure.
• OTC desk reserves are at historic lows, with a 19% drop since January, further constricting available supply and amplifying price volatility.
• Negative funding rates alongside rising BTC prices suggest strong underlying spot demand, potentially fueling further price surges.

Summary

Bitcoin's recent price rally, despite low trading volumes and subdued retail activity, is underpinned by a stealth accumulation phase as revealed by onchain data. Exchange balances have fallen to 2.5 million BTC, the lowest since August 2022, while OTC desk reserves have dropped 19% since January, signaling a tightening supply. This reduction in liquid Bitcoin, coupled with near-record high futures open interest, creates a market poised for volatility. Negative funding rates in perpetual swaps, coinciding with price increases, indicate robust spot demand absorbing sell pressure, a pattern historically followed by significant surges. Notably, a recent instance saw BTC jump from $104,000 to $110,000 between June 6–8. The shrinking supply and leveraged market dynamics suggest that any forced liquidations could trigger explosive upward movements, even as the market appears calm on the surface. This setup highlights a mismatch between leverage and real demand, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic price shift.

Key Points

• US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have questioned Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the company’s potential plans to launch a stablecoin, amid the upcoming Senate vote on the GENIUS Act.
• The senators are concerned about Meta’s past stablecoin projects, Libra and Diem, and the possibility of Meta sidestepping regulations under a potential waiver from President Donald Trump.
• They highlighted risks of Meta controlling a stablecoin, including increased consumer data surveillance, targeted advertising, and monetization of private information.
• Meta is reportedly exploring stablecoin payment integration on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, though a Meta spokesperson previously denied plans for a company-issued stablecoin.

Summary

US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seeking clarity on the company’s potential plans to introduce a stablecoin as the Senate prepares to vote on the GENIUS Act, a bill to regulate payment stablecoins. The lawmakers expressed concerns over Meta’s past failed stablecoin projects, Libra and Diem, and the risk of the company bypassing regulations through a waiver from President Donald Trump. They warned that a Meta-controlled stablecoin could enable extensive consumer data surveillance, fueling intrusive advertising and data monetization. Reports suggest Meta is exploring stablecoin payments on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, though a spokesperson denied plans for a Meta-issued stablecoin. The GENIUS Act advanced in the Senate with bipartisan support, despite Warren’s reservations about Trump’s ties to a family-backed crypto platform.

Key Points

• Bitcoin must avoid dropping below $100,000 to maintain bullish sentiment and structural support, as emphasized by analyst Keith Alan.
• The US-China trade deal, with tariffs rising to 55% from 30%, is seen as a potential negative driver for Bitcoin and broader markets.
• Key support levels for Bitcoin include $100,000 and the 2025 yearly open, critical for sustaining the current consolidation phase.
• Significant ask liquidity on exchange order books is stacked between $111,000 and $120,000, suggesting potential for upward movement.

Summary

Bitcoin (BTC) is consolidating just below its all-time high of $112,000 as markets react to the US-China trade deal, which imposes a steep 55% tariff on Chinese imports, up from the previous 30%. This development has dampened market sentiment despite positive US inflation data, with Bitcoin pulling back after an initial rally. Analyst Keith Alan from Material Indicators highlights the importance of Bitcoin holding above $100,000 to validate its transition from resistance to support, a move crucial for long-term stability, even into the next bear market. Additionally, the 2025 yearly open is identified as a key support level for bulls. Order book data shows heavy ask liquidity between $111,000 and $120,000, indicating potential for upward price movement, though Alan notes that support tests are healthy and does not anticipate a major sell-off. The tariff hike is seen as a significant short-term pressure on both traditional and crypto markets, with broader economic implications for the US. Bitcoin traders are closely monitoring the $100,000 level as a psychological and technical boundary, with its breach potentially impacting market sentiment.

Key Points

• Crypto Risks Rising: The Financial Stability Board (FSB) warns that the deepening ties between cryptocurrency and traditional finance (TradFi) are approaching a critical "tipping point," potentially posing systemic risks.**
• Stablecoins and ETFs: FSB Chair Klaas Knot highlights stablecoins and crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as key drivers of this integration, with stablecoin issuers holding significant US Treasurys and ETFs lowering entry barriers for retail investors.**
• Stablecoin Impact: Research indicates stablecoin inflows and outflows influence short-term US Treasury yields, with major players like USDT and USDC having notable effects on the market.**
• Regulatory Moves: The US Senate has advanced the GENIUS Act, a bill to establish regulatory clarity for stablecoins, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the US digital asset industry.**

Summary

The Financial Stability Board (FSB), led by outgoing Chair Klaas Knot, has raised concerns about the growing integration of cryptocurrency with traditional finance (TradFi), warning of a potential "tipping point" for systemic risks. Speaking in Madrid, Knot emphasized the role of stablecoins and crypto ETFs in this convergence. Stablecoins, with a market cap exceeding $251 billion, are increasingly embedded in financial systems, holding large amounts of US Treasurys and impacting short-term Treasury yields, as shown by recent research. Crypto ETFs, meanwhile, simplify retail investor access to digital assets. Knot stressed the need for close monitoring of these developments, despite crypto not yet posing a systemic threat. Additionally, the US Senate advanced the GENIUS Act, a bill to provide regulatory clarity for stablecoins, signaling potential growth for the US digital asset sector. As interlinkages deepen, the FSB underscores the urgency of addressing these evolving financial risks.

Key Points

• Ethereum (ETH) Performance: ETH is trading at $2,770, up nearly 11% this month, outperforming Bitcoin (BTC), which rose 5%, driven by institutional demand and its growing role in bridging DeFi and TradFi.**
• Institutional Interest: ETH dominates derivatives markets with 45.2% of trading volume on OKX compared to BTC’s 38.1%, while BTC sees sustained institutional buying despite volatility, with long-term holders accumulating.**
• Stablecoin Growth: The stablecoin market hit a record $228 billion, with Tron leading in inflows ($6 billion in May) due to fast transactions and Tether integration, while Ethereum and Solana face outflows.**
• AI and Crypto Synergy: Crypto blockchains are proposed as infrastructure for interoperable AI agent economies, enabling autonomous transactions and collaboration, with projects like Halliday and Coinbase supporting development.**
• Web3 Gaming Challenges: Web3 gaming, despite leading dAPP categories, saw market share drop to 19.4% and funding plummet to $9 million in May, hindered by poor gameplay and focus on tokenomics over engagement.**

Summary

Asia Morning Briefing highlights key trends in crypto and financial markets as Asia starts its Thursday. Ethereum (ETH) trades at $2,770, up 11% this month, outpacing Bitcoin (BTC) due to institutional demand and its DeFi-TradFi bridging role, dominating derivatives trading. BTC, despite volatility, sees strong institutional accumulation. The stablecoin market reached a record $228 billion, with Tron attracting significant inflows, while Ethereum and Solana lose capital. AI agent economies are emerging, with crypto blockchains proposed as infrastructure for interoperable transactions, supported by initiatives from Coinbase and others. Web3 gaming, though leading in dAPPs, faces declining market share and funding due to unengaging gameplay and misplaced focus on tokenomics. Market movements show BTC slipping 2% to test $108.5K support, while ETH surged 5% past $2,800 on $815M ETF inflows. Gold rose nearly 1% on cooling U.S. inflation, and Tokyo stocks opened mixed. Despite macro uncertainties and geopolitical risks, institutional conviction in crypto remains strong, with ETH eyeing $3,000.