The European Central Bank will launch a blockchain settlement pilot by late 2026 under its new “Pontes” initiative, aiming to connect DLT platforms with the eurozone’s core payment systems.

ECB to pilot blockchain-based euro settlement system by 2026

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF is earning more in annual fees than the firm’s 
signature S&amp;P 500 fund, despite having an expense ratio almost nine times 
higher.

BlackRock Bitcoin ETF earns more than its flagship S&P 500 fund

Ethereum price started a fresh increase from the $2,375 zone. ETH is now back 
above $2,550 and struggling to clear the $2,620 barrier. Ethereum started a 
fresh increase above the $2,550 level. The price is trading above $2,550 and 
the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is a short-term contracting 
triangle forming with support at $2,560 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data 
feed via Kraken). The pair could start a fresh increase if it remains stable 
above the $2,550 zone in the near term. Ethereum Price Regains Traction 
Ethereum price started a fresh increase from the $2,375 zone, like Bitcoin. 
ETH price gained pace for a move above the $2,500 resistance zone and entered 
a positive zone. The bulls were able to push the price above the 76.4% Fib 
retracement level of the downward move from the $2,523 swing high to the 
$2,372 low. It even cleared the $2,550 resistance zone and spiked above the 
$2,600 level. A high was formed at $2,614 and the price is now consolidating 
gains. Ethereum price is now trading above $2,550 and the 100-hourly Simple 
Moving Average. Besides, there is a short-term contracting triangle forming 
with support at $2,560 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. On the upside, the 
price could face resistance near the $2,615 level. It is near the 1.618 Fib 
extension level of the downward move from the $2,523 swing high to the $2,372 
low. The next key resistance is near the $2,650 level. The first major 
resistance is near the $2,665 level. A clear move above the $2,665 resistance 
might send the price toward the $2,720 resistance. An upside break above the 
$2,720 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the 
stated case, Ether could rise toward the $2,750 resistance zone or even $2,800 
in the near term. Another Decline In ETH? If Ethereum fails to clear the 
$2,615 resistance, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the 
downside is near the $2,560 level. The first major support sits near the 
$2,550 zone. A clear move below the $2,550 support might push the price toward 
the $2,520 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $2,450 
support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $2,350. Technical 
Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the 
bullish zone. Hourly RSI &#8211; The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone. Major 
Support Level – $2,550 Major Resistance Level – $2,615

Ethereum Price Pops Above $2,550 — Can It Avoid a Quick Reversal?

A growing number of technical signals suggest that XRP may be on the verge of 
a short squeeze, according to prominent crypto analyst CryptoInsightUK. In a 
post on X, the analyst highlighted key on-chain and derivatives data, painting 
a picture of dense liquidity stacked above current price levels, rising open 
interest, and a structure that resembles previous pre-squeeze conditions. XRP 
Short Squeeze Incoming? “Liquidity on the hourly is interesting,” 
CryptoInsightUK wrote, emphasizing what he described as “SUPER dense liquidity 
above us,” adding that in his view, “it’s inevitable this gets taken, probably 
sooner rather than later.” Accompanying images shared by the analyst indicate 
that the lower liquidity cluster sits around $1.90, while the upper zone—where 
a potential short squeeze could be triggered—concentrates around $2.40. The 
implication is clear: shorts are vulnerable to a cascade of forced 
liquidations if price begins to accelerate upward. The analysis drew on data 
from @velo_xyz, showing that open interest has been steadily climbing since an 
unexplained spike on June 24. Notably, during this time, premium remained 
heavily negative, and funding rates oscillated between positive and negative. 
“This suggests to me there have been a net addition of short positions to the 
Open Interest for $XRP,” the analyst wrote, implying that a crowded short 
trade could now be structurally exposed. Related Reading: Wave 3 Ignites As 
XRP Breaks Structure—Analyst Says ‘Fireworks Ahead’ Layering this with 
TradingDiff’s liquidity heatmap, CryptoInsightUK inferred that “we are at some 
point looking for a short squeeze here for XRP.” While the timing remains 
uncertain, the combination of rising open interest, negative premium, and 
dense liquidity above suggests growing asymmetry in risk for short sellers. 
Still, the analyst added a critical note of caution. “Both ETH and XRP on the 
daily do have some liquidity below us,” he said, acknowledging the possibility 
of a fakeout or liquidity sweep downward before any aggressive upside 
movement. “As you guys know, it is possible to leave some liquidity behind as 
some people win their trades. BUT, we cannot count this out.” Related Reading: 
Analyst Reveals Rational Behind XRP Price Reaching $9.5 And $37.5 A final 
observation focused on Ethereum’s changing liquidity landscape, which may have 
broader implications for the market as a whole. “Something has changed on 
ETH,” CryptoInsightUK wrote. “If we look to the liquidity above us we can see 
the Red has turned Yellow.” He interpreted this shift as a possible signal 
that shorts are being closed, or that new longs are building below the current 
price, thereby visually reducing the intensity of liquidity above. Whether XRP 
can reach the $2.40 liquidity pocket remains to be seen, but the fuse may 
already be lit. At press time, XRP traded at $2.18. Featured image created 
with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

Analyst: XRP Is Coiled For A Short Squeeze Rally

Webus is activating $100 million in XRP-driven funding to scale its XRP 
treasury strategy, expand crypto payments, and accelerate global growth across 
mobility and loyalty sectors. Webus to Supercharge XRP-Powered Financial 
Strategy A strategic leap toward crypto treasury innovation is unfolding as 
Webus International Ltd. (Nasdaq: WETO) announced that it has secured capital 
to strengthen […]

XRP Strategy Strengthens as Webus Secures $100M Equity Line Agreement

Crypto billionaire Tim Heath lost a tooth but took a finger in a 30-second 
struggle with kidnappers in Estonia last year, a court has heard.