Yield-bearing stablecoins offer price stability plus passive income, transforming DeFi with returns from tokenized assets, yield strategies and more.

 are among the most popular cryptocurrency types in the market. Their rate stability and inherent link to traditional fiat currencies have drawn millions of crypto natives to use them for storing value and moving funds between blockchain and 

 (TradFi) sources. However, one of the most significant drawbacks of traditional stablecoins is their lack of yield: these assets are designed to be pegged to a major fiat currency, often the US dollar, but don't generate any interest on the principal amount.

This scenario starkly contrasts with fiat money held in deposit accounts at banks, as cash parked at a traditional banking institution earns you yield in the form of interest. Cash investments aren't known for stellar returns, but they can still protect your funds from value erosion due to inflation. Although stablecoins were envisioned as digital equivalents of fiat currencies, they don't earn interest when simply held in a crypto wallet.

Yield-bearing stablecoins are a relatively new trend in the crypto market, and are specifically designed to address this issue. As their name suggests, yield-bearing stablecoins allow you to earn yield, making them ideal for any investor who wants both rate stability and return potential.

The yield-bearing stablecoin niche has been growing quickly, as evidenced by a 583% increase in the category's market cap in 2024. Their surge in popularity has continued into 2025 as well. In February 2025, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 

 — a yield-bearing stablecoin offered by digital asset firm Figure Markets — as a security. This pivotal event is widely expected to further boost the already impressive growth of this segment. As of mid-April 2025, YLDS remains the only stablecoin of this kind to receive regulatory approval. 

In this article, we’ll examine yield-bearing stablecoins and their benefits and risks, and consider the leading assets of this type currently dominating the rankings.

Yield-bearing stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that maintain a peg to an established fiat asset — similarly to traditional stablecoins — while also generating yield on the principal amount via various decentralized protocols or tokenized traditional finance instruments.

Traditional stablecoins have long been used to maintain the value of crypto funds tied to fiat national currencies. These cryptos, the first of which appeared over a decade ago, are tightly pegged to an asset or basket of assets. The most popular traditional stablecoins are typically pegged to the US dollar, and backed by cash and cash-equivalent reserves held by their issuers or authorized custodians.

Another type of stablecoin maintains its peg through 

Regardless of how the peg is maintained, traditional stablecoins aren’t yield-generating assets. When you buy such a stablecoin, your funds retain their nominal value in the pegged fiat currency — but you earn no interest on the principal.

This lack of yield has long been seen as a core drawback of traditional stablecoins. This contrasts with fiat currencies held in bank accounts, which typically generate yield through accrued interest. While cash deposits don’t typically offer high returns as compared to more risky financial instruments, they can at least help offset inflation-driven erosion of the principal value.

This erosion has become a bigger issue in recent years. In June 2021, US monthly inflation rose above 5% for the first time since mid-2008. The rest of 2021 and the following two years saw inflation levels not experienced in decades. As of April 2025, inflation is down, compared to the 2022 and 2023 peaks — but it’s still historically high.

Multiple years of elevated inflation rates have shone the spotlight on a key problem of traditional stablecoins: their lack of yield-generating capacity. While fiat deposits may soften the blow of inflation through interest, stablecoin holdings pegged to those same currencies are slowly losing their real value.

Major stablecoin issuers like Circle, the issuer of 

, and Tether, the company behind USDT, use the fiat reserves backing their coins in yield-generating instruments. But instead of sharing those yields with holders, they keep the earnings. The result is that USDC, USDT and most other stablecoins offer no yield to users, while issuers pocket the income from the cash reserves backing the coins.

Yield-bearing stablecoins have emerged as a key answer to this issue — and it’s no surprise they’re now gaining traction as investors wake up to the limitations of holding traditional stablecoins in a high-inflation world.

Yield-bearing stablecoins generate returns for their holders primarily from: 

Some stablecoins generate yield via DeFi protocols' native solutions. Typically, you submit your funds to a protocol that uses them in various interest-generating activities, such as 

. As the protocol earns income through these activities, a portion of it is shared with the stablecoin holders via regular distributions. DeFi protocols may earn such income from charging protocol fees, position and vault liquidations, interest charged on borrowed funds and more.

Another primary yield source for stablecoins is through crypto derivatives based on 

. Such tokens represent an underlying crypto asset, such as 

 (BTC). When the original underlying asset earns interest 

 (for example, via staking), the yield accrues to its liquid representation.

In turn, yield accumulated by the LST or LRT is then shared with holders of the yield-bearing stablecoin that tracks these liquid tokens.

This is how it typically works: let's say a protocol issues an LST in the form of 

 (stETH) to anyone staking Ether. Additionally, there's a yield-bearing stablecoin based on that LST. Users with ETH funds deposit into the protocol, and are issued stETH, the LST that accrues their staking rewards. As staking rewards are added to stETH, a portion is also shared with your stablecoin. In essence, you earn yields by holding the stablecoin as a derivative asset without needing to stake crypto yourself.

Some yield-bearing stablecoins are tokenized, on-chain representations of RWAs and traditional financial instruments. For instance, a stablecoin may represent your investment in a tokenized fund that generates yield by investing in Treasury bills, corporate bonds, equities and other traditional assets. As the fund earns yield through these financial instruments, it’s shared with stablecoin holders.

One key benefit of yield-bearing stablecoins is the ability to 

 while enjoying the stability provided by these assets. The crypto market is well known for 

, and stablecoins generally offer unmatched stability as compared to any other type of cryptocurrency. Thanks to their peg to the US dollar or other established fiat currencies, your funds are well-protected from losing their real-world value — even if Bitcoin and other cryptos decline markedly — giving you peace of mind combined with steady, even if modest, income from these coins.

Returns from yield-bearing stablecoins are typically 

. This is particularly the case for stablecoins representing tokenized TradFi instruments. At the same time, you can enjoy these low-risk returns regardless of your location because these assets reside on-chain.

Most traditional low-risk investments in the US (e.g., Treasury bills and other cash equivalents) are highly regulated by the country’s securities laws. Foreigners residing in the US may need an international brokerage account, and to meet additional qualification requirements in order to invest in these assets. In contrast, purchasing, holding and trading yield-bearing stablecoins is open to anyone with a crypto wallet. These stablecoins provide ready access to steady, low-risk returns for both US residents and foreigners.

Investing in traditional stablecoins preserves the nominal value of your funds at the time of investment, but generates no yield. Therefore, these assets lose their real value over time due to inflation. In contrast, yield-bearing stablecoins provide additional income that grows on top of the principal. As such, investing in these stablecoins provides a better deal than parking your funds in their traditional counterparts.

In general, any investment in low-risk and low-return assets carries opportunity cost. By holding your funds in these kinds of investments, you forego the earnings potential offered by higher-risk asset types. However, this opportunity cost is lower with yield-bearing stablecoins as compared to traditional ones for the reason above: the former accrue yield on top of the principal, while the latter do not.

Like most other cryptocurrencies, many yield-bearing stablecoins may be used in various DeFi protocols for further yield. This may vary by each specific coin, as some issuers impose certain limitations on such 

The utilization of yield-bearing stablecoins in DeFi protocols is something that the traditional assets they represent (such as cash and cash equivalents) lack. You can’t simply lock Treasury bills in a growth-focused DeFi lending protocol, but you may well be able to do so using a yield-bearing stablecoin that acts as a tokenized representation of the bills.

Earning interest from yield-bearing stablecoins isn’t rocket science — even for crypto beginners. Many protocols automatically distribute yield in the form of additional tokens of the same kind, a process known as rebasing. Other issuers may pay yields in some other token, specifically used as a reward cryptocurrency. 

Regardless of the method used, the stablecoin holders usually receive their yields directly into their wallets without having to worry about performing any additional crypto operations. In most cases, you earn yield from these assets simply by holding on to them, ensuring a smooth and simplified UX.

Yields earned via yield-bearing stablecoins aren’t fixed, and may fluctuate. Market volatility may affect the returns these assets generate. Some yield-bearing stablecoins, especially those that generate yields through DeFi protocols, may be affected by the typically high volatility of the crypto world. In addition, incomes earned by DeFi protocols and shared with holders of the stablecoins can vary widely, depending upon transaction activity within a given protocol.

Even stablecoins tied to low-risk RWAs such as government bonds are affected by interest rates set by the Federal Reserve. These rates may change based on factors like underlying inflation in the economy, unemployment figures, business spending levels, credit market conditions and geopolitical risks.

Sudden and drastic devaluation of collateral is also a risk for yield-bearing stablecoins. Although they’re pegged to established fiat currencies, the reserves backing them may consist of much more volatile assets, such as BTC or ETH. Any significant declines in the value of these collateral assets can potentially lead to instability and 

The risk of collateral devaluation isn't limited to stablecoins backed by cryptocurrencies, and such risk is also present for RWA-backed, yield-bearing coins. For instance, if a stablecoin is backed by tokenized real estate investment trusts (REITs) and a severe downturn occurs in the property market, it could act as a catalyst for the stablecoin’s collateral devaluation.

Sufficient liquidity may also be an issue for yield-bearing stablecoins. Limited trading volumes and inflexible redemption mechanisms are typical characteristics of some of these assets. These factors may exacerbate liquidity crunches during sudden surges in trading activity for them. For instance, if many investors try to redeem their stablecoins at the same time, the issuer may struggle to accommodate the requests. Any delays in redemption beyond normally agreed-upon times may lead to a panic among investors, who could rush to redeem their funds, causing a liquidity crisis for the issuer.

Since yield-bearing stablecoins are based on blockchains, there are always technological risks. The operational mechanism of these stablecoins is typically managed via on-chain 

, which could be compromised during hacking attempts.

Network outages unrelated to hacking exploits also occur on blockchains, which can affect a stablecoin’s flow of operations. Although the largest smart contract chain in the industry, Ethereum, is well known to have never experienced a major outage, several other popular chains, including 

 (ARB), have had at least one significant network disruption event in the past few years.

Regulatory risks also exist for yield-bearing stablecoins. As of April 2025, the US still doesn’t have a comprehensive, federal-level law regulating stablecoin assets. In early 2025, the 

 were introduced to the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively. These acts specifically deal with stablecoin cryptocurrencies. Both bills are still being considered by US lawmakers.

If and when these bills are passed into law, some yield-bearing stablecoins — depending upon their operational mechanisms, collateral types, issuer standing and other key factors — might find themselves struggling to satisfy new regulatory requirements.

 (SKY), formerly known as MakerDAO (MKR). It represents a rebranded version of the protocol’s original 

 (DAI) stablecoin. Users can mint USDS via Sky Protocol by depositing collateral in various eligible assets, such as ETH, USDC and certain tokenized RWAs.

After minting USDS, you can use it throughout the DeFi ecosystem, as with other major stablecoins. USDS maintains an algorithmic peg to the US dollar, with overcollateralized reserves backing the coin.

You can also generate yield from Sky Protocol by depositing your USDS into a savings smart contract. Upon depositing your funds, you’re issued the sUSDS coin (SUSDS), which represents the yield-accruing version of USDS.

 (ENA) DeFi protocol offers a synthetic stablecoin, 

, whose value is maintained via advanced trading strategies. Pegged to the US dollar, USDe is minted by depositing BTC, ETH, stETH or USDT. USDe’s peg and its collateral stability are ensured via the use of 

 trading strategies, which attempt to balance the risks for the traded asset by taking directionally opposite positions through related financial instruments such as 

 contracts. For instance, to hedge against the risk of the decline in ETH’s collateral value, Ethena may purchase an Ether-based short futures contract.

As the delta-hedging strategies (hopefully) deliver positive returns (e.g., via positive funding rates for the futures held by Ethena), your USDe investment accumulates yield. You may also earn yields with USDe via the Ethena protocol by 

. Ethena uses your funds to stake on the underlying Ethereum blockchain, delivering regular staking rewards distributed via sUSDe, the staked version of USDe.

BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL)

 (BUIDL) provides a stablecoin that represents ownership in a tokenized money market fund managed by BlackRock, the world's largest asset management firm. This fund invests in various cash and cash-equivalent instruments, such as Treasury bills and repurchase agreements.

As the fund's investments earn interest, this interest is distributed to the holders of the BUIDL stablecoin. BUIDL is an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency, but under the fund's rules, it's not tradable on the crypto market. As such — unlike most other stablecoins — BUIDL's rate will theoretically stay fixed at exactly $1, although the issuer doesn’t guarantee this rate.

The fund's yield is calculated daily, and is distributed to BUIDL holders once a month.

The Ondo US Dollar Yield (USDY) token is another stablecoin that generates yield via traditional RWA instruments. Offered by 

 (ONDO), which specializes in institutional-grade DeFi solutions, USDY is backed by US Treasury bills and bank demand deposits.

Before you can mint USDY via the protocol, you’ll need to go through a formal onboarding process, during which you’ll be asked to submit your identity documents and the crypto wallet address to receive the stablecoin, as well as any necessary tax documents. If all documentation is in order, you can then acquire USDY by depositing either US dollars (for amounts of $100,000 or more) or a minimum of 500 USDC.

USDY is somewhat different from the other stablecoins we’ve mentioned above, since yields generated for token holders aren’t distributed separately as new USDY tokens using the rebasing system. Instead, the yields are added to each unit of USDY held. Due to this mechanism, the price of the USDY stablecoin is normally higher than $1 because it includes the accumulated yield in addition to the principal.

Ondo also offers a rebasing variation of the USDY stablecoin, rUSDY, for which yields are sent to holders as new tokens of the same kind by increasing the supply of the cryptocurrency.

Usual USD (USD0) is a yield-bearing stablecoin offered by 

 (USUAL). USD0 is pegged to the greenback, and is fully backed by RWAs, such as Treasury bills. You can mint USD0 by providing collateral in eligible RWA assets. Alternatively, you can also obtain the stablecoin by depositing USDC collateral.

By staking USD0, you can receive the token’s liquid version, USD0++. As an LST, USD0++ is a composable asset that’s used throughout the DeFi ecosystem for yields. These yields are distributed in USUAL tokens, the native 

 is that the mandatory locking period for USD0 to benefit from USD0++ yields is four years. As such, it may suit crypto users with a long-term approach to investing.

Yield-bearing stablecoins have breathed new life into the stablecoin market. For years, stablecoins lacked yield accumulation, making these assets less than optimal for preserving the real value of your investment — especially during times of high inflation. Now, with the explosive growth of the niche, a crypto investor has many choices at their fingertips — native DeFi yield coins, crypto derivatives–based coins, and assets backed by traditional finance instruments.

These yield-bearing stablecoins offer numerous benefits to investors — a passive income source with low volatility, borderless access, lower opportunity costs than for traditional stablecoins, major composability in DeFi and a simplified UX. With all these advantages on offer, it’s no surprise that the category of yield-bearing stablecoin cryptocurrencies is growing by leaps and bounds. As a result, 2025 may well become the first year this previously modest segment of the stablecoin market becomes its driving force.

Intermediate

yield bearing stablecoins.png

Yield-bearing stablecoins: What are they — and how are they reshaping DeFi?

Raydium introduces new features for creators and developers through its LaunchLab program.

The S&P 500 dropped 2.24% as chip stocks tumbled and Fed Chair Powell warned tariffs could fuel inflation, offering no clear rate outlook. Gold hit a record $3,343, up 3.5%, as U.S.-China trade tensions and a weaker dollar drove safe-haven demand. Falling yields and Fed inflation concerns added support. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, are up by 0.10%, with Bitcoin up 0.40% and Ether down 1.36% over the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is LAYER, up 5.1%, after the launch of the Emerald Card Program with $LAYER rewards.

Solayer (LAYER), launched in August 2024, is Solana's first native restaking protocol, allowing users to earn yield by securing decentralized apps with staked SOL or LSTs. Solayer has 

 the Emerald Card program, offering rewards in $LAYER for users who sign up, make a purchase, and share their purchase on X. Refunds are now available for users in restricted countries or who failed KYC. Pre-orders will be accepted starting today.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 new features for creators and developers through its LaunchLab program. Creators can now earn 10% of trading fees from the AMM pool post-graduation. Tokens launched via LaunchLab have a simple fee structure, with 50% going to the community pool, 25% for $RAY buybacks, and 25% for program fees. The platform also offers a referral program, where users can earn 0.1% of swap volume in SOL. Additionally, LaunchLab provides enhanced distribution for developers, allowing tokens to be visible across trading apps and terminals from Day 1. Raydium has partnered with leading apps like Axiom.

Yesterday, Bitcoin spot ETFs saw $201.7M in net outflows, all from non-GBTC funds, while GBTC had no change.

, a verifiable data infrastructure platform using ZKPs and MPC, has launched its ONProver node. Users can run the lightweight node, complete tasks, and earn $ON tokens redeemable at TGE. The project has raised $12M and is live on the Monad Testnet. Early participants can join the airdrop by signing up, connecting an EVM wallet, and running the Prover.

Beginner

1.png

Raydium launches new features with creator rewards, referral program, and enhanced developer distribution

The top industries you can make USDC payments in include retail, e-commerce, travel, entertainment, technology, digital services, philanthropy and more.

 is expanding beyond crypto trading to help create a more accessible and efficient global financial system. Several industries are rapidly adopting this regulated 

 as a payment method, offering consumers new ways to use their digital dollars for everyday purchases and services. This article examines the top seven industries where USDC payments are making the greatest impact today, how these transactions work behind the scenes and the advantages that make this stablecoin an attractive alternative to conventional payment methods.

USDC is a regulated stablecoin, issued by Circle, that maintains a fixed 1:1 value with the US dollar. It offers speed, efficiency and borderless transactions while eliminating the price volatility that makes many cryptocurrencies impractical for everyday transactions.

Each USDC token is fully backed by US dollars and short-term Treasury instruments held in regulated financial institutions. This transparent reserve structure ensures stability and builds trust among merchants and consumers, contributing to USDC's growing adoption as a payment method worldwide.

 to transfer value directly between digital wallets. When a user initiates a payment, their wallet creates a digitally signed transaction specifying the recipient's address and the USDC amount. This transaction is broadcast to the blockchain network, where validators verify the signature and confirm sufficient balance.

Once it’s validated, the transaction is added to the blockchain, and the USDC 

 automatically updates balances by reducing the sender's holdings and increasing the recipient's. This process typically completes within seconds to minutes, depending upon the specific blockchain network and its current congestion level.

For merchants, payment processors like Circle Business Solutions and BitPay handle the technical aspects by integrating with point-of-sale systems. These services can automatically convert incoming USDC to fiat currency (if desired), provide compliance support and generate financial reporting.

USDC operates across multiple blockchain networks, including 

. Specialized bridges enable transfers between these systems while maintaining the token's 1:1 dollar peg throughout the payment journey.

While USDC offers substantial benefits over traditional payment systems, it also presents the following challenges that users and businesses should consider before adoption.

Best industries in which to make USDC payments

USDC adoption continues to grow across numerous sectors, with specific industries leading the way in accepting this digital dollar for goods and services.

Retail has embraced USDC as a payment option across diverse price points and product categories. Leading brands such as Home Depot, GameStop and Chipotle now accept USDC through payment processors like BitPay and Flexa, offering customers a streamlined checkout experience.

 the acceptance of USDC through Crypto.com's payment service, marking the electronics giant's first step into direct crypto transactions in the region. Online marketplaces and smaller e-commerce stores also incorporate USDC payment gateways to offer customers more flexibility while reducing transaction costs.

The travel industry has emerged as a front-runner in USDC adoption, offering travelers a convenient way to book overseas vacations without currency exchange complications. 

 (AVA), a blockchain-based travel booking platform, allows customers to pay with USDC for over 3 million travel products worldwide, including hotels, flights and car rentals.

Other travel providers like Cheapair.com and Alternative Airlines also accept cryptocurrency payments, including USDC, and provide travelers with seamless booking experiences regardless of location. This adoption is particularly valuable for international travelers, who can avoid currency exchange fees and enjoy faster transaction processing.

The entertainment sector has embraced USDC payments across various platforms. Major streaming services and content providers now accept cryptocurrency payments, allowing subscribers to access premium content using their digital assets.

In the gaming world, platforms such as Xbox and various online gaming services accept USDC through payment processors like BitPay, enabling gamers to purchase games, in-game items and subscriptions. Additionally, Twitch streamers can receive donations in USDC, creating new revenue streams for content creators.

Tech companies were among the earliest adopters of cryptocurrency payments. Microsoft, one of the world's largest technology corporations, accepts USDC through BitPay for various products and services, such as Microsoft account credits that can be used for Xbox games and apps.

Other tech vendors embracing USDC payments include Newegg, a popular electronics retailer; ExpressVPN, a leading virtual private network service; and Dish Network, which allows subscribers to pay for their TV services using cryptocurrencies. Software companies, web hosting services and cloud storage providers also integrate USDC payment options.

The automotive industry has begun exploring cryptocurrency payments, with companies like Tesla periodically accepting digital currencies for vehicle purchases. Platforms like 

 facilitate vehicle purchases using stablecoins such as USDC, connecting buyers with dealerships willing to accept cryptocurrency payments.

Luxury brands across various segments have also started accepting USDC, thus appealing to crypto-wealthy clientele. From high-end watches and jewelry to designer fashion and accessories, luxury merchants recognize the growing purchasing power of crypto holders and are adapting their payment systems accordingly.

Charitable organizations worldwide now accept USDC donations, offering donors a transparent and efficient way to support causes they care about. Major international organizations like Save the Children and The Water Project accept cryptocurrency donations, leveraging blockchain's transparency to show donors exactly how their contributions are being used.

Smaller nonprofits are also adopting USDC payment options, often benefiting from lower transaction fees as compared to traditional donation methods — especially for international contributions. This allows more of each donation to go directly to the cause, rather than being lost to processing fees.

Law firms, accounting services, consulting agencies and other professional service providers are increasingly accepting USDC payments, particularly those serving clients in the technology and finance sectors. These businesses benefit from immediate settlement and reduced transaction costs, especially when working with international clients.

USDC stands at the forefront of an emerging internet-native financial system that promises to transform global value exchange. With 

, UDSC is demonstrating its capacity to handle significant economic activity at scale.

Several complementary developments are driving USDC's growing role in payments: 

User experience (UX) innovations push technical complexities to the background, making the technology accessible to mainstream users. The expanding connections between USDC and traditional finance (TradFi) are unlocking practical payment applications beyond crypto trading, including global payroll, supplier payments, remittances and merchant services.

This progression mirrors the internet’s development, from dial-up connections and basic browsers to today's seamless digital experiences that serve billions of people. With traditional payment executives recognizing the need for instant payment infrastructure, USDC offers a solution that aligns with broader financial trends toward openness and frictionless value transfer.

USDC leverages blockchain's fundamental advantages — speed, cost-efficiency, global reach and programmability — to power frictionless value exchange across industries and borders, helping to build a more accessible and efficient global financial system.

With major corporations like Sony Singapore already embracing this regulated stablecoin, we're witnessing the early stages of what could become the new standard for digital payments in our increasingly connected global economy.

usdc payments.png

Top 7 industries that you can make USDC payments in

Ongoing US-China trade tensions are contributing to significant fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market.

On Apr 13, 2025, the cryptocurrency market faced a shock with the sudden collapse of MANTRA's OM token, plummeting from $6.35 to $0.37 — a drop of over 90% in just hours. This drastic decline reduced its market cap from $6.11 billion to approximately $683 million, prompting comparisons to past crypto disasters, such as the Terra LUNA collapse and the FTX scandal.

MANTRA CEO John Patrick Mullin attributed the crash to reckless forced liquidations initiated by 

 (CEXs) during low-liquidity hours that exacerbated the price drop. He insisted that neither the MANTRA team nor its investors were at fault, noting that the project’s core tokenomics remained sound. However, suspicions of insider trading emerged as on-chain analytics revealed significant deposits of OM tokens into exchanges just before the crash, raising concerns among investors.

The immediate aftermath saw a crisis of confidence, with MANTRA's Telegram group disappearing shortly after the crash, fueling speculation of a rug pull. Critics accused the MANTRA team of attempting to avoid backlash by removing communication channels. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX also faced scrutiny for their roles in the situation, with OKX launching an investigation into suspicious activities dating back to March 2025.

Despite a modest recovery to around $0.73 by April 15, down over 85% from pre-crash levels, confidence in MANTRA has been severely shaken. Mullin announced plans for a recovery strategy, including a token buyback and enhanced community engagement through the $109 million MANTRA Ecosystem Fund (MEF). However, investor skepticism remains high, with critics questioning the project's management and its reliance on CEXs.

In contrast to the turmoil surrounding MANTRA, XRP has emerged as a strong contender for the next US crypto spot ETF approval. Teucrium launched the first US-based XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), a 2x leveraged product under the ticker XXRP, which saw over $5 million in volume on its launch day. XRP currently leads the ETF filing race with ten active applications, surpassing competitors like Solana and Litecoin.

XRP's market liquidity has significantly improved, as highlighted by Kaiko Indices, making it an attractive candidate for ETFs due to stable pricing and lower trade slippage. Analysts are particularly optimistic about an upcoming SEC decision on Grayscale’s XRP Spot ETF application on May 22, which could have substantial implications for XRP’s future.

With XRP trading at around $2.09, analysts are monitoring key resistance levels at $2.24 and $2.38. This momentum suggests that XRP may soon reclaim its market share, particularly as it has shown resilience against a backdrop of bearish sentiment in options markets. The structure of Teucrium’s ETF, which utilizes swap agreements and European benchmarks, may pave the way for more crypto ETFs, signaling a shift toward broader institutional acceptance of digital assets.

As the crypto market grapples with the fallout from the OM token collapse, the developments surrounding XRP provide a glimmer of optimism. With potential regulatory breakthroughs on the horizon, XRP’s position as a foundational asset in tokenized finance could accelerate its mainstream adoption, marking a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency landscape.

Advanced

Intro to Santiment.png

Bybit x Santiment social sentiment report: OM collapse and hopes of XRP ETF approval

Bybit Learn

Crypto

Will crypto recover? Some of the factors that could cause crypto to recover include increased uses for crypto and decreased interest rates. Learn more here.

2401-T16454_Skinny_Banner_for_Blog_and_Learn_Row_53_728x90.png

Skinny_Banner-1600x400.webp

In early July 2024, Bitcoin took a notable dive, dropping to around $54,000. This decline was driven by a mix of factors, including market liquidations and upcoming payouts from the Mt. Gox bankruptcy. 

Recently, however, the mood in the crypto world has shifted dramatically. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the U.S. pro-crypto presidential aspirant, unexpectedly sparked optimism among investors. This boost in sentiment led to Bitcoin's price jumping by nearly 10%.

As the market begins to stabilize and political events continue to unfold, there’s growing speculation that cryptocurrencies might soon be on the path to recovery.

A Timeline of Events Leading to Crypto’s Crash in 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic first started, there were a lot of doomsayers who believed the crypto world was about to 

. However, 2020 and 2021 were marked by a 

. This occurred for many reasons, among them new market innovations and more people becoming interested in trading. Bitcoin

, and several coins hit all-time highs. However, the soaring prices of the bull market couldn't last forever.

Inflation worries ignited in late 2021, heightening fears of increased borrowing costs and triggering a crypto downturn. Bitcoin peaked at $69,044.77 on Nov 10, 2021 before tumbling to a low of $46,696.30 by mid-December as investors sought safer havens. The sell-off extended into January 2022, with Bitcoin falling further to $35,180.44.

TerraUSD (UST), an algorithmic stablecoin, became unstable and dropped below the $1 threshold in May 2022. This resulted in its sister token, LUNA, crashing, causing market panic and 

. Bitcoin further fell to $19,047.42 by mid-June, half of its value six months prior, as macroeconomic factors like persistent inflation and central bank policy weighed heavily.

June 2022 saw the crypto market hit rock bottom. Key platforms like Celsius Network and Binance halted withdrawals, due to severe market conditions. Notably, Celsius Network had to 

 after having expanded more than five times since the end of 2020. Three Arrows Capital 

, and Bitcoin lost around 38% of its value in June, its worst month on record.

 started in July with Three Arrows Capital, followed by 

. Their downfall was linked to risky strategies, loan defaulting and liquidity drying up. Meanwhile, Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX, was positioning himself as an industry savior. 

However, FTX also fell into trouble in November 2022. As one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, FTX had a huge impact on crypto prices. When rumors about the exchange's instability first surfaced, crypto prices began to wobble. It briefly looked like things would recover when Binance decided to look into buying FTX. However, Binance eventually announced the platform was too risky to buy and walked away from the deal. This led to a sharp drop in crypto prices, and in November 2022, Bitcoin fell to $15,742.44.

Investors like Sequoia Capital and Multicoin Capital, who had backed FTX heavily, marked their investments down to zero and anticipated heavy losses. 

, founder of fintech venture firm Launchpad Capital, pointed to a trust crisis in the crypto world, further destabilizing the industry.

Though the FTX bankruptcy caused the greatest single sudden drop, there are many other factors that caused the long-term decline in crypto prices. Some experts believe the first signs of the crypto crash occurred in the spring and fall of 2022. As mentioned, several innovative projects that had attracted a lot of buzz from the crypto world — such as Terra, Voyager and 

 — all failed. This caused a lot of uncertainty as investors realized many crypto projects were less reliable than they appeared.

Furthermore, investment prices began to drop due to high interest rates. As the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to curb inflation, crypto prices started to slow down and then decline. Without a lot of easy money available, big-time investors had fewer opportunities to put funds into the crypto market.

The final contributing factor was the federal crackdown on cryptocurrency. As crypto became more popular, its ability to run under the radar faded. Several notable cases, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 

, eroded public trust in the crypto market. Ultimately, all of these factors combined to cause significant dips in crypto prices. Since 2021, the overall market cap for crypto has 

In January 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved 

, sparking a rebound in cryptocurrency prices. Bitcoin prices surged by 

, and other top cryptocurrencies also recovered significantly. However, by early July, momentum had faltered and the global cryptocurrency market experienced a notable downturn, 

 to approximately $2.114 trillion. After a period of recovery, this decline left many industry watchers speculating about the causes. Following are some of the possible factors.

Together, these factors have likely created a challenging environment for the cryptocurrency market in 2024.

So how's the crypto market been since crypto winter? So far, it hasn't recovered by much. The total market cap was hovering around $3 trillion for a while, but it plummeted to around $800 billion by late 2022. Early 2023 saw the total market cap rise above $1 trillion again, and it has mostly stayed in the $1 trillion to $1.3 trillion range since. Then, in early 2024, it jumped to $1.67 trillion. 

However, this growth was short-lived. The market dipped again as inflows into U.S. Bitcoin Spot ETFs slowed and news of the Mt. Gox Bitcoin transfer surfaced. Despite these setbacks, a shocking event — the July 14 attempted assassination of former President Trump — led to a 

 The attack, which seemed to boost Trump's prospects of winning the election, was perceived as positive for the crypto market, due to his reputation as crypto-friendly.

In response, Bitcoin saw a remarkable 10% gain within a week, reaching $63,604.15 by Jul 18, 2024. Currently (as of Jul 30, 2024), the total cryptocurrency market cap stands at $2.5 trillion.

While the overall market has been stabilizing at an overall lower price, individual cryptos have had some noteworthy movements. Taking a close look at some of the major crypto projects reveals a few other notable trends in the past performance of the crypto market.

What Factors Could Contribute to a Crypto Rebound?

The cryptocurrency market recently took a hit, with Bitcoin and other digital assets seeing a sharp decline in value in early July 2024. This downturn was largely driven by 

: growing economic uncertainty in the U.S., a more aggressive stance from Federal Reserve officials on interest rates and significant withdrawals from Bitcoin Spot ETFs. However, several potential drivers could lead to a rebound in the cryptocurrency market:

A potential second Trump presidency could significantly contribute to a crypto recovery due to his pro-crypto leanings. Trump's recent campaign has embraced cryptocurrency, positioning him as a "crypto president" who supports the industry. Following a thwarted assassination attempt, optimism surged around his chances of winning, leading to a sharp increase in Bitcoin's value. Investors are betting on the "Trump trade," anticipating that his administration would oversee a more favorable regulatory climate for cryptocurrencies, contrasting with the stricter policies seen under the current administration. This shift in sentiment could drive renewed interest and investment in the crypto market.

If upcoming economic data, like the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, indicates that inflation is under control, it could boost investor confidence and encourage more investment in cryptocurrencies.

When it comes to crypto investing, regulation isn't necessarily a bad thing. Proper regulation can help with issues such as sketchy crypto firms overpromising and under-delivering. However, when regulations seem to come out of nowhere, and only apply to certain parts of the crypto industry, it causes uncertainty that drives prices down. The only way to fix this problem is to have clear, reliable regulations that crypto investors can count on. More stability on the regulation front will help the market avoid further declines in pricing.

Positive news or endorsements from influential figures could shift investor sentiment, creating a bullish trend and encouraging more investment in cryptocurrencies.

Institutional interest in crypto from financial heavyweights like BlackRock and Fidelity partly triggered the 2023 BTC price surge. Increased investment from institutional investors, especially if they show faith in the market’s long-term prospects, could have a significant positive impact on prices and market stability.

Recently, rising interest rates have been one of the main causes of declines in the crypto market. High interest rates have always been 

Not only do rising interest rates cause market uncertainty, but they also make it harder for investors to obtain capital. Many end up pulling their funds out of the crypto market and switching to less volatile investments. A prerequisite for getting all this investment capital back into crypto is for interest rates to start declining again.

The cryptocurrency market has shown impressive performance in 2024. Following a strong finish in 2023, its market cap surged to a high of 

, with Bitcoin prices rising by over 48% year-to-date, and Ethereum up by 43% so far this year.

Several factors have contributed to this positive trend. Regulatory changes, such as the SEC’s new rules allowing Ethereum Spot ETFs, have bolstered market confidence. Also, the potential for the Fed to cut interest rates later in the year could further spur crypto prices.

The current bull market is also fueled by growing confidence in 

 (DeFi) and increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies by mainstream companies. The sustainability of this upward trend will likely depend upon the continuation of favorable regulations, technological advancements in the crypto space and overall global economic health.

While market volatility makes it challenging to predict exactly when cryptocurrencies will recover fully, current trends suggest the market could continue to grow through 2024 and possibly reach new heights by late 2024 or early 2025. However, it’s important for investors to stay informed and consider the risks, as predictions are speculative and the market can be unpredictable.

The cryptocurrency market is beginning to show signs of recovery, buoyed by a reduction in liquidations and a surge of optimism from recent political events. Experts are optimistic about a rebound beginning in August, likely fueled by the end of heavy liquidations and a fresh wave of investment inflows. A Trump presidency, clearer regulations and positive economic indicators could also contribute to a full recovery. As shown by growing institutional interest and ongoing technological advancements, the crypto market's resilience suggests a solid foundation for future growth and stability.

Understanding the Future: Will Crypto Recover?

Compete for 2,500 USDT USDT Every Week

Understanding the Future: Will Crypto Recover?

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Compete for 2,500 USDT USDT Every Week

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards