Bitcoin just hit $87,700, its highest in 3 weeks—and Arthur Hayes is sounding the alarm: this might be your last chance to grab BTC before it smashes past $100K.
Arthur Hayes Says This Is the Last Chance to Buy BTC Below $100K
In a spicy X post, Hayes said upcoming U.S. Treasury buybacks could flood markets with fresh money. That = more fuel for risky assets like Bitcoin. He literally called it a “bazooka” for BTC.
Others are backing him up. Real Vision’s Jamie Coutts is calling $132K BTC by the end of the year . Meanwhile, economist Timothy Peterson is even more hyped: $138K in 3 months? Wild.
Why the pump? A few reasons:
The U.S. dollar is falling, making Bitcoin look better
Gold is booming at $3.4K/oz, and Bitcoin is playing catch-up
Institutions from the UK and Japan are throwing $$$ into BTC
Possible Fed rate cuts in June could boost crypto even more
Still, not everyone’s 100% bullish. Analyst Michaël van de Poppe says weekend pumps can fake people out, and BTC has to break $91K for a real moon shot.
So… is this it? The final sub-$100K moment as per Arthur Hayes?
XRP’s in the spotlight again, and this time the charts + vibes are straight fire. Analysts are calling for a 70% price pump, and it’s all lined up with Coinbase launching XRP futures today.
XRP Set for 70% Rally as Coinbase Futures Go Live Today
At the moment, Ripple is trading around $2.12, still down from its $3.40 high, but bulls are circling back. The SEC case is in the rearview, and now with the CFTC-approved futures coming in, big money’s eyeing Ripple again.
Chart nerds say Ripple is forming a Wyckoff reaccumulation pattern—aka smart money is scooping up bags quietly. We just saw the “Spring” and “Test” phases, and XRP’s trying to jump across the Creek (yes, that’s a real term lol). If it does, $3.55 is the next big stop.
Also, there’s a falling wedge forming since Feb, and if Ripple can smash past $2.20-$2.40, analysts are seeing a breakout up to $4.00 or even $5.65 in June.
And don’t forget: BTC is in a similar wedge. If Bitcoin pops first, XRP might follow hard.
TL;DR: Charts are bullish, futures are coming, and the Ripple comeback szn might be just getting started.
Yup, they did it again. Saylor’s company just dropped $555.8 MILLION to grab 6,556 more BTC at an average price of $84,785 each 💸. That brings their stash to 538,200 Bitcoins. Like… that’s half a million+ BTC!
Michael Saylor’s Strategy Just Scooped 6,556 Bitcoins
And no, it’s not just vibes—Strategy says their Bitcoin stash has given them a 12.1% return so far in 2025
Michael Saylor’s game plan? He’s riding the long-term wave . Bitcoin isn’t just a flex—it’s their treasury reserve. While others freak out over inflation and market chaos, Strategy just keeps stacking sats.
Saylor posted about the move on X (Twitter for the OGs) and basically doubled down on Bitcoin being the future.
Strategy has also reported a 12.1% BTC yield year-to-date (YTD) for 2025, underscoring the success of its ongoing strategy. Saylor’s conviction in Bitcoin stems from its perceived value as a hedge against inflation and a store of value amidst global economic uncertainty. His firm continues to accumulate BTC as part of a long-term treasury reserve strategy that shows no sign of slowing down.
Pakistan is officially stepping into the Web3 world—and it’s not looking back.
Pakistan Vows to Keep “Building in Crypto,” Says National Crypto Council Head
In a bold new video statement, Finance Minister and Crypto Council head Bilal Bin Saqib declared, “Pakistan will keep building in crypto.” The phrase, made popular in the blockchain world by Binance’s CZ, signals The nation’s full-speed commitment to the crypto space.
This isn’t just about crypto. It’s about leadership, clarity, and national direction.
With the Finance Minister chairing the Council, and @Bilalbinsaqib leading the charge, the Pakistan Crypto Council is focused on one goal: turning confusion into clarity and potential into… pic.twitter.com/V4krDr9sQf
— Pakistan Crypto Council (@cryptocouncilpk) April 18, 2025
Bilal says the country is working on turning excess electricity—a long-time national liability—into “digital gold” through sustainable Bitcoin mining. He also revealed plans to build a crypto-friendly framework that doesn’t kill innovation but encourages it.
He called the launch of the National Crypto Council a “sign of change,” showing that the government is serious about Web3. The council, officially launched on March 14, is tasked with regulating digital assets and encouraging crypto entrepreneurship across the country.
Bilal outlined future goals: blockchain hubs at universities, open calls to the global Pakistani developer community, and policies designed around youth potential and economic realities.
And the nation isn’t doing it alone—Bin Saqib recently joined Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial as a strategic advisor. Also on board? Binance’s CZ, now advising the council directly.
Pakistan’s message is clear: it’s done waiting—and it’s ready to build.
Texas is taking a big step toward adopting Bitcoin reserve on a state level. A public hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2025, to discuss a new bill that proposes creating a $500 million Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
New Legislation Could Make Texas the First U.S. State to Hold Bitcoin Reserves
The news was first shared by Crypto Rover on X (formerly Twitter), which quickly sparked strong reactions from the crypto community. If the bill passes, Texas would be able to purchase $500 million worth of Bitcoin annually as part of a reserve strategy.
Shortly after the announcement, Bitcoin’s price jumped over 1%, pushing it past $85,000, according to CoinMarketCap. At the same time, Bitcoin’s 24-hour trading volume dropped 28.81% to $13.41 billion, suggesting less short-term selling and more long-term confidence among traders.
The bill has already made progress in the Texas Senate, clearing several key votes and readings back in March. Now, with a House hearing confirmed, the crypto world is closely watching to see whether Texas becomes the first U.S. state to officially hold Bitcoin in its financial reserves.
Slovenia just dropped a spicy new draft law 👀 — and it’s aimed straight at your crypto gains. The Finance Ministry wants to tax your crypto profits at 25% if you swap your coins for fiat or buy real-world stuff with it. Yep, they’re lookin’ to cash in on your digital drip.
This tax move was made public on April 17 and it’s open for public feedback until May 5, so you can still rage-quote it on X if you’re not feelin’ it.
But not everything is getting the tax hammer:
🟢 No tax if you’re just trading crypto-to-crypto 🟢 No tax if you’re just moving funds between your own wallets 🔴 Yes tax if you cash out or flex your crypto at checkout
How it works:
You’ll have to report your profits in annual returns — simple math: sale price minus buy price = taxable profit. Basically, keep those Excel sheets updated, fren.
The Vibe from the Gov:
Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič says it’s not about draining your wallets — it’s about keeping things fair.
“Crypto is one of the most speculative plays out there. It shouldn’t get a free pass.”
Translation? No more hiding behind JPEGs and DEXs. They’re coming for that capital gains smoke.
Not Everyone’s Vibing:
Opposition lawmaker Jernej Vrtovec is throwing hands on X, claiming this move could wreck Slovenia’s Web3 glow-up.
“With excessive taxation, we’ll see young people and capital fleeing abroad.”
So yeah, the classic “don’t kill innovation” argument is in full swing.
When’s This Gonna Happen?
If it gets the green light, the law kicks in on January 1, 2026. Right now, Slovenia has a 10% tax on withdrawals and crypto payments — but if you’re just casually trading, you’re safe (for now 👀).
Also, mining and staking? Already taxed. But your random hobby-level trading? Still in the clear… until this bill says otherwise.
But Yo — Slovenia’s Still Kinda Web3 OG
Don’t forget — Slovenia was the first EU country to drop a blockchain-based sovereign bond in 2023. That’s real-deal crypto legacy stuff.
They issued a €30M note (≈$32.5M) with a 3.65% coupon, settled through the Bank of France’s tokenized cash system. Like, that’s not LARPing.
According to Statista, Slovenia’s expected to have 98K crypto users by 2025 — that’s 4.6% of its population repping digital assets, with a $2.8M market incoming.
TL;DR:
Slovenia wants to tax your crypto flips at 25% starting in 2026. No stress if you’re just trading between tokens or moving wallets, but if you cash out? Uncle Boštjančič wants his cut. Critics are worried this move could send Web3 talent packing. Your move, Slovenia. 🇸🇮
Three key figures behind one of Brazil’s largest crypto scams have been sentenced to a combined 170+ years in prison for their roles in the fraudulent Braiscompany operation. The group tricked around 20,000 investors out of roughly R$1.11 billion (US$190 million) by promising high returns from crypto investments that never existed.
Court Gives Harsh Sentences After One of Brazil’s Biggest Crypto Scam
The main figure, Joel Ferreira de Souza, received 128 years, 5 months, and 28 days in prison for leading the fake investment scheme. He ran shell companies and moved funds through secret crypto wallets in an attempt to launder the money. Judge Vinicius Costa Vidor said the group “acted to disguise the illicit origin” of their operations.
Others convicted include:
Gesana Rayane Silva – sentenced to 27 years, 10 months, and 10 days for managing money flow and deals.
Victor Augusto Veronez de Souza – sentenced to 15 years for helping with illegal transactions. He is also Joel’s son.
The court found the defendants guilty of running a pyramid scheme that was disguised as a legitimate crypto business. The company looked professional on the outside, but it was built only to benefit the insiders.
Authorities have seized R$36 million in funds linked to the scam, but it’s unclear how much will be returned to victims. Victims’ lawyer Artêmio Picanço urged quick civil action:
“People have to file civil claims soon before the state takes the money.”
Two other people accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
This case follows the earlier arrest and extradition of Braiscompany founder Antonio Inacio Da Silva Neto and his partner Fabricia Farias Campos, who were captured in Argentina and brought back to Brazil.
Da Silva Neto is serving 88 years.
Campos received 61 years and 11 months.
The case highlights Brazil’s growing crackdown on crypto fraud and its efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
It could be on the verge of a major price breakout as a golden cross technical pattern begins to form. The token, widely used for cross-border payments, last traded above $3 in January 2025, but has since struggled to reach that level again. Now, momentum may be building for a rebound.
Golden Cross and Institutional Backing Boost XRP Sentiment
A golden cross occurs when the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day moving average, often seen as a bullish signal. Analysts believe XRP is close to completing this pattern, and the formation could trigger a fresh wave of investor interest.
Currently, it’s is priced at $2.07, showing a slight 0.73% dip in the last 24 hours. Trading volume has dropped 21.84%, suggesting traders may be waiting for confirmation before re-entering the market. But if the golden cross plays out, it could push XRP past the next key resistance level at $2.60, with a return to $3 in sight.
Adding to the optimism is a major move from HashKey Capital, a prominent Asian investment firm. The company recently launched an XRP tracker fund, marking a significant moment in XRP’s history. It’s now the only altcoin besides Ethereum to receive such institutional backing.
In the U.S., investors are still waiting for the SEC to approve XRP-based ETFs. According to ETF Store President Nate Geraci, approval might be close, and there are few reasons for the SEC to hold it back any longer.
With both technical patterns and institutional support aligning, traders are watching closely. If conditions remain favorable, XRP could be poised for a strong rally in the weeks ahead.
Solana has leapfrogged USDC to claim the #6 spot on CoinMarketCap, now boasting a $64.26 billion market cap. This comes after a volatile “Black Monday” that shook the crypto space, but it has bounced back fast, rising 6.91% in the past 24 hours to $124.55.
Solana Beats USDC, Hits $64 Billion Market Cap
Just days ago, it hovered around $60B in value. Now, it’s testing the $125 resistance level after finding strong support between $100 and $105. Prediction markets like Polymarket hint it could climb to $130 or even $150 soon.
Meanwhile, USDC slips to #7 with a $60.06B market cap, down 0.11%. Its price remains steady at $0.9998, but trading volume has dipped nearly 28%.
Crypto markets are rebounding overall, with total market cap up 2.88% to $2.66T. Bitcoin has cleared $83K, and Ethereum is steady above $1,500, following Trump’s tariff pause announcement.
Solana is gaining traction thanks to its blazing-fast transactions and growing app ecosystem. With momentum building, Solana is definitely one to watch.
Binance is bringing cricket and crypto together in style with a new VIP Exclusive Trading Competition during Islamabad United’s matches from April 18 to May 10,
Binance and Islamabad United Unite for a Cricket-Crypto Celebration
Participants can win from a 20,000 USDT prize pool, VVIP match tickets, and signed team merchandise. First place takes home 5,000 USDT, a signed bat from the entire team, and a VVIP ticket. Second to ninth place winners will share 5,000 USDT and receive VVIP access. Tenth to twenty-fifth place earn VIP tickets and split another 5,000 USDT. The top 100 traders will share the final 5,000 USDT, with five receiving signed merch.
To join, users must be at least VIP 1 on Binance, register for the campaign, and start trading Spot, Futures, or Convert. Only officially invited users are eligible.
Tickets are valid for Islamabad United matches only. All physical rewards will be sent by May 18. Winners must claim tickets within 24 hours, or they’ll be reallocated.
Binance stresses fair play — wash trading or fake accounts will lead to disqualification.
