Aster&#8217;s mainnet launch could significantly enhance decentralized finance by 
prioritizing privacy and expanding access to real-world assets.
The post Aster to launch layer 1 mainnet in March with privacy-first features 
appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Aster to launch layer 1 mainnet in March with privacy-first features

XRP’s price has drifted lower this week, slipping roughly 4.5% and trading 
below $1.40, as macroeconomic pressures and unresolved regulatory issues weigh 
on digital assets. Related Reading: Bitcoin Giant Awakens: 2,043 BTC Moved 
After 7-Year Slumber Market data from major price aggregators show XRP’s 
market capitalization at around $85 billion, amid persistent volatility in 
broader crypto markets. Despite this downturn, some analysts underline 
technical patterns and potential policy shifts that could set the stage for a 
significant market move. XRP&#8217;s price trends to the downside on the daily 
chart. Source: XRPUSD on Tradingview XRP Price Action and Technical Signals On 
the technical front, crypto analysts note that XRP recently returned to the 
lower boundary of a long-term price channel on the weekly charts, a level that 
has historically preceded upward trends. According to chart interpretations, 
XRP’s price tends to rebound strongly after touching this support zone, with 
similar patterns seen in early 2017, late 2024, and earlier in 2026. These 
bottoms have often led to extended upticks, suggesting traders might be 
watching the current zone closely as a potential entry point. Short-term price 
metrics reflect ongoing pressure. XRP is trading below key moving averages and 
immediate support levels, with few strong bullish catalysts in sight today. 
Institutional interest in spot XRP ETFs has cooled compared with early phases 
of their launch, and derivatives markets show traders unwinding positions, 
with a negative weighted funding rate signaling short-term bearish sentiment. 
Regulatory Uncertainty and Macro Headwinds Regulatory ambiguity remains a 
significant factor influencing XRP’s performance. Discussions in Washington 
over crypto policy, particularly around stablecoins and digital asset 
oversight, have failed to provide clear guidance, leaving traders cautious. 
Investor commentary has picked up, with some market figures suggesting that 
XRP could benefit from broader regulatory changes. Well-known investor Mark 
Yusko noted potential shifts in digital asset rules that could limit access to 
private stablecoins and elevate alternative assets like XRP for payments and 
reserves. While specifics on timing and structure remain vague, the idea of 
upcoming rule changes has fueled debate within the crypto community. What 
Analysts Are Watching Despite the bearish drift, a number of analysts are 
closely watching structural signals. Technical patterns that historically 
signalled rebounds could hint at future strength if broader market sentiment 
stabilises. Some traders see current price levels as key to positioning for a 
possible breakout should regulatory clarity or macro conditions improve. 
Related Reading: BlockTower’s Ari Paul: Bitcoin May Never Hit Another All-Time 
High Overall, XRP’s short-term outlook is mixed. Current price behavior 
reflects ongoing market uncertainty, but technical patterns and potential 
policy developments keep the door open for a larger move if external 
conditions shift. Cover image from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart on Tradingview

XRP Slips 4% Amid Policy Uncertainty, but Analysts Say a Major Move Is Brewing

Fundstrat&#8217;s Tom Lee argues Ether is close to the bottom and says investors 
should be thinking about opportunities instead of selling.

Ether set for another ‘V-shaped recovery,’ says Tom Lee

Russian news outlets reported on Wednesday that WhatsApp’s domain had been 
completely blocked and was inaccessible without a VPN or another workaround.

Russia is blocking WhatsApp to push ‘surveillance’ app, company says

Aurora Labs has launched a new integration layer that makes NEAR Intents 
integration faster and easier for wallets and trading platforms worldwide. 
Solving the Integration Bottleneck Aurora Labs announced the launch of the 
Intents Widget, a new integration layer designed to make NEAR Intents 
accessible within third-party applications. The release is accompanied by 
Intents Widget […]

Cryptocurrency price in HUF