The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments influencing investor sentiment and asset valuations. Recent analyses highlight optimistic price predictions, innovative product launches, and strategic corporate movements. Here’s a breakdown of the latest trends and insights.
Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin Surge to $135,000
Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, forecasts Bitcoin reaching $135,000 by September 2025, reiterating a year-end target of $200,000. Several catalysts underpin this bullish outlook.
Key Catalysts for Growth
Kendrick emphasizes that H2 2025 catalysts will outweigh typical post-halving weakness. Growing ETF inflows, increasing corporate treasury demand, and supportive U.S. policies are primary drivers. In Q2, spot Bitcoin ETFs and corporate buyers absorbed 245,000 BTC, a trend expected to accelerate in Q3 due to passive allocation growth and leveraged acquisition strategies.
Bitcoin ETFs attracted $12.4 billion in Q2, surpassing gold ETFs amid geopolitical tensions—a sign of robust net demand. Additional bullish factors include potential Federal Reserve leadership changes under Trump, longer Treasury durations, and the possible passage of the Fit21 Stablecoin Act.
If the $200,000 target is realized, Bitcoin would see its largest H2 gain in its 16-year history, surpassing $90,000 in value appreciation.
Robinhood Launches Tokenized Stock Trading on Arbitrum
Robinhood has deployed 213 tokenized stocks on Arbitrum for a mere $5 in total gas fees, enabling EU users to trade tokenized equities. Each deployment averaged three cents, as per Entropy Advisors’ Dune Analytics data.
Tokenized Equity Features
The tokens mirror major U.S. stocks like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Apple but remain in a whitelisted "walled garden" environment, preventing transfers to DeFi wallets. Similar products exist on Bybit and Kraken via partnerships with Backed Finance and their Xstocks tool, though these are also tradable on Solana-based DEXs.
Alongside this launch, Robinhood is developing its own Arbitrum-based Layer-2 network and expanding crypto offerings and perpetual futures in the U.S. and EU. For those interested in exploring decentralized trading tools, discover advanced trading platforms.
BIT Digital Raises $163 Million for Ethereum Treasury Strategy
Nasdaq-listed BIT Digital has raised $162.9 million through stock sales to fund its new Ethereum treasury strategy, pivoting from Bitcoin mining. Underwriters exercised full options, increasing the sale to 86.25 million shares and adding $21.4 million to last week’s raise.
Strategic Shift to Ethereum
The company plans to gradually convert its existing 417.6 BTC ($45 million) holdings to ETH, building on its Q1 holdings of 24,434 ETH ($61 million). BIT Digital joins a growing trend of public companies diversifying into crypto treasuries but stands out by betting on ETH alongside BTC, aligning with firms like Bitmine and Sharplink.
Circle Introduces Cross-Chain Solution for USDC
Circle has unveiled a new cross-chain solution enabling real-time access to unified USDC balances across multiple blockchains. This system eliminates traditional bridges by allowing users to deposit USDC into non-custodial smart contracts, unlocking capital efficiency and seamless multi-chain transfers.
Gateway rollout
The Gateway solution will launch this month on Avalanche, Base, and Ethereum testnets, with additional networks planned. This initiative follows Circle’s recent IPO and national bank license application, signaling deeper integration with traditional finance.
Market Stability Amid Policy Developments
Despite a packed July agenda featuring political and regulatory events, K33 Research analyst Vetle Lunde expects crypto markets to remain subdued, continuing summer trading patterns.
Low Volatility Expectations
Lunde notes that even with major policy deadlines, budget bills, and tariff pauses, "Trump Trade" volatility remains minimal. Historical data shows that major headlines often pair with low volume in July. He advises patience and maintaining spot exposure, suggesting "nothing new under the sun" for now.
Upcoming Economic Indicators
In the next 24 hours, U.S. unemployment claims and non-farm payroll data will release at 8:30 AM ET Thursday. U.S. markets close early at 1:00 PM ahead of Independence Day. Federal Reserve member Raphael Bostic will speak at 11:00 AM ET.
For real-time updates and comprehensive market analysis, access real-time data tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving Bitcoin’s potential surge to $135,000?
Key factors include ETF inflows, corporate treasury demand, supportive U.S. policies, and potential regulatory changes. Standard Chartered analysts believe these elements will push Bitcoin to new highs by September 2025.
How does Robinhood’s tokenized stock trading work?
Robinhood deployed tokenized stocks on Arbitrum, allowing EU users to trade equities digitally. The tokens mimic traditional stocks but are currently restricted to Robinhood’s platform to prevent external transfers.
Why is BIT Digital shifting from Bitcoin to Ethereum?
BIT Digital is diversifying its treasury strategy by converting BTC holdings to ETH, anticipating growth in Ethereum’s ecosystem. This move aligns with broader trends of companies holding multiple cryptocurrencies.
What is Circle’s cross-chain solution for USDC?
Circle’s Gateway enables users to manage USDC across blockchains without traditional bridges. It uses smart contracts to facilitate seamless transfers, improving capital efficiency and interoperability.
Will upcoming U.S. policy changes affect cryptocurrency markets?
While July has significant policy events, analysts expect minimal short-term impact due to typical summer low volatility. Long-term implications depend on legislative outcomes and Federal Reserve actions.
How can investors stay updated on cryptocurrency developments?
Following reliable news sources, monitoring ETF flows, and tracking regulatory announcements are essential. Utilizing real-time data platforms helps make informed decisions in dynamic markets.