February 18, 2025

Trading Desk Insights

BTC has been confined to a narrow range since late November, oscillating between $89,000 and $109,000, with the bulk of trading volume concentrated between $93,000 and $105,000. Both realized and implied volatility are at multi-year lows, signaling a period of consolidation. Historically, such tight ranges are often followed by significant volatility, suggesting a potential sharp move once the market breaks out.

ETH is garnering increasing attention as investors shift focus from Bitcoin to Ethereum, particularly following strong inflows into Ethereum ETFs in February, totaling $393.9 million. In contrast, Bitcoin ETFs saw outflows of $376.4 million during the same period. The upcoming Pectra upgrade on April 8th, which promises network optimizations, faster transactions, and improved staking mechanics, is likely to bolster ETH’s appeal. Additionally, the Ethereum Foundation’s $120 million investment in decentralized finance (DeFi) projects indicates growing institutional interest and adoption. Finally, ETH has outperformed SOL by 15% since the start of February.

In regulatory news, the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) is intensifying scrutiny on the SEC, which could prove favorable for tokens that have previously been targeted by the agency, including XRP.

On the macroeconomic front, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman emphasized that while current monetary policy is in a good place, she is looking for further progress on inflation before easing interest rates. With inflation still in focus, market participants have dialed back expectations for rate cuts in 2025, now pricing in just one quarter-point reduction, according to CME Group data.

Geopolitical developments also warrant attention, as U.S. and Russian officials are set to hold their first formal meeting in years on Tuesday to discuss potential steps towards ending the war in Ukraine. This meeting, between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, will take place in Riyadh, with Ukrainian officials and European allies not participating at this stage.

The News Room

Argentinian President Javier Milei Faces Fraud Charges Over $LIBRA Token Scandal

Argentinian lawyers, including former Central Bank head Claudio Lozano, have charged President Javier Milei with fraud over his involvement in the $LIBRA token, which crashed 95% from its peak after initially being promoted by him. Advisor Hayden Davis blamed Milei for sparking the collapse by withdrawing support, though data shows the token had already fallen sharply amid reports of insiders cashing out $107 million. Milei denies wrongdoing and has called for an anti-corruption investigation, while opposition members push for impeachment proceedings. A judge may be assigned to the case soon.

Cobie Hints at Possible ICO Product Launch by Private Funding Platform Echo

Echo founder Jordan Fish (Cobie) has hinted that the platform is developing an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) product, marking a shift from its focus on early-stage venture investments. Cobie noted that current token launch options are limited, suggesting Echo could provide a better alternative to platforms like CoinList. While ICOs peaked in 2017, industry experts believe the regulatory shift under the Trump administration could revive public token sales. With growing frustration over memecoin failures, including the $LIBRA scandal, some investors see ICOs as a structured alternative to speculative token launches.

Strategy Warns of Profitability Risks From Bitcoin Volatility, Potential Tax Liabilities

Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has issued a profitability warning in its annual SEC filing, citing risks from Bitcoin price declines and potential greater-than-expected tax liabilities. The firm, which holds 478,740 BTC (~$46 billion), noted that a sharp drop in Bitcoin’s value could affect its ability to meet financial obligations. Strategy also confirmed that unrealized fair value gains on Bitcoin under new FASB accounting rules could trigger corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) liabilities under the Inflation Reduction Act, potentially impacting cash flow. Despite concerns, Strategy’s stock has risen 350% over the past year.

ETF Flow

Crypto Charts

Disclaimer

This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.

Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.

The information on which the analysis is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, company website, company white paper, pitchbook and any other sources. While Secure Digital Markets has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, it does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.

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Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.

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