Market
Bitcoin Runes Dominate BTC Transactions
Bitcoin transactions continue to grow following the halving, with data showing that much of the recorded demand comes from the Runes protocol.
Since its launch, Runes has recorded at least 150,000 daily transactions, dethroning BRC-20, which now struggles to achieve 10,000 transactions.
Runes Dethrone BRC-20 and Ordinals as Protocol Transactions Surge
On-chain data shows that the Runes token standard has effectively sidestepped BRC-20 and Ordinals. According to Dune Analytics, the number of transactions on Rune has averaged at least 150,000 per day since its debut on April 20. The highest it has ever been was 753,584 on April 23.
On average, the share of Bitcoin transactions on Runes protocol relative to BRC-20 and Ordinals is also higher for Runes, coming in at around 40%. This trajectory comes as Runes makes creating fungible tokens on Bitcoin more efficient, unlike BRC-20, which uses the Ordinals protocol.
BRC-20 tokens and Ordinals have been controversial in the past amid complaints that they clog up the network and cause fee increases. Relative to simple peer-to-peer transactions, it is complex to create and transfer BRC-20 tokens. At the very least, one would need more space on the blockchain.
Read more: Crypto Inscriptions: What Are They And How Do They Work?
Casey Rodarmor, BTC developer and the creator of Bitcoin Ordinals and Runes, discussed the protocol’s pros and cons in his last appearance on Hell Money Podcast.
“If Runes are successful, they’ll drain liquidity, technology, and attention away from other cryptocurrencies, and bring it back to Bitcoin. I’m not creating a shitcoin [but] a venue for people to create shitcoins, which is possibly worse and more dangerous. We’ll see,” he said.
The Game-Changers for Bitcoin’s Future
Runes, BRC-20, and Ordinals have enabled Bitcoin to evolve and become more than just a store of value. Now, it is a platform for creative expression and complex financial instruments. The three token standards have progressively developed atop each other’s strengths and weaknesses, each better than the next.
Runes launched on April 20, when the fourth BTC halving happened. It increases the efficiency of creating fungible tokens on the Bitcoin network:
- Enables off-chain transactions, thereby reducing congestion on the Bitcoin network and therefore facilitates more transactions to be processed quickly and cost-effectively.
- Faster confirmation times and lower fees for users, which increase accessibility and practicality of Bitcoin transactions for everyday use.
Read more: Bitcoin NFTs: Everything You Need To Know About Ordinals
The main similarity between BRC-20 and Runes is that both use Bitcoin and pay fees in BTC to create new tokens. BRC-20, launched in February 2023, was developed to create a standard for fungible tokens on Bitcoin. Its key highlights were affordability, speed, and increased accessibility relative to its forerunner, Ordinals. It also brought programmability, unlike Ordinals.
Ordinals launched in January 2023. Through Ordinals, Rodarmor enabled the creation of NFT-like “inscriptions” on the Bitcoin network. He described the Ordinals “theory” as a lens to view the Bitcoin blockchain and see the “trackable satoshis pop into view like Pokémon in the tall grass.” Its main challenge was high fees.
Read more: Top 5 BRC-20 Platforms To Trade Ordinals in 2024
Social media analytics and investment tools confirm growing interest in Runes. According to Lunarcrush, BRC-20 has up to 37,169 interactions, while Ordinals has 34,299. Meanwhile, Runes has 53,008 at the time of writing.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Cardano Whales Accumulation Hits $55 Million: $1 Target Soon?
On November 20, crypto whales offloaded significant amounts of Cardano (ADA), disrupting its bullish momentum. However, the narrative shifted today as the Cardano whales’ accumulation has taken center stage.
This renewed buying activity suggests that ADA’s price might regain its bullish momentum toward $1. But does the data support this bullish outlook?
Cardano Key Investors Change Their Stance
According to IntoTheBlock, Cardano’s large holders’ netflow has surged to 67.51 million ADA, signaling a significant shift in sentiment among crypto whales. The netflow represents the difference between the amount of ADA purchased and sold by large holders over a specific period.
When netflow increases, it indicates that whales are buying more than they are selling. Typically, this is a bullish signal. Conversely, a drop in netflow suggests more selling by whales, which is generally regarded as bearish.
In this case, the recent netflow increase, valued at approximately $55 million, aligns with ADA’s 11% price surge over the last 24 hours. Thus, this Cardano whales accumulation suggests that ADA may be poised for further gains, with the recent uptick serving as a potential foundation for a higher value.
Furthermore, the In/Out of Money Around Price (IOMAP) indicator provides further support for this bullish outlook. For context, the IOMAP analyzes token clusters based on three groups: holders who purchased below the current price (in the money), above the current price (out of the money), and those at breakeven.
This metric is essential for identifying potential support and resistance zones. Specifically, if there is a higher number of tokens “in the money, ” it signifies solid support, as many holders are at a profit and less likely to sell, potentially driving the price higher.
On the other hand, a higher “out of the money,” volume points to resistance, as holders might sell to recover losses, putting downward pressure on the price.
Currently, ADA’s IOMAP shows strong support levels outweighing resistance zones, reinforcing the potential for its price to climb further.
ADA Price Prediction: Move Toward $1 Almost Valid
On the daily chart, ADA’s price has risen above the key Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). Specifically, the 20-day EMA (blue) and 50 EMA (yellow) are below Cardano’s price. When the price is above the indicator, the trend is bullish.
On the other hand, if the price is below the indicator, the trend is bearish. Therefore, it appears that, with the current trend, ADA could rise higher than $0.87. If this happens, the altcoin might rally toward the $1 mark.
However, if Cardano whales decide to sell and book profits, this prediction might not come to pass. Instead, the price could drop to $0.68.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Bitcoin Price Approaches $100K: The Countdown Is On
Bitcoin price is rising steadily above the $95,000 zone. BTC is showing positive signs and might soon hit the $100,000 milestone level.
- Bitcoin started a fresh increase above the $95,000 zone.
- The price is trading above $95,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average.
- There is a key bullish trend line forming with support at $95,200 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken).
- The pair could continue to rise if it clears the $100,000 resistance zone.
Bitcoin Price Sets Another ATH
Bitcoin price remained supported above the $92,000 level. BTC formed a base and started a fresh increase above the $95,000 level. It cleared the $96,500 level and traded to a new high at $98,999 before there was a pullback.
There was a move below the $98,000 level. However, the price remained stable above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $91,500 swing low to the $98,990 high. There is also a key bullish trend line forming with support at $95,200 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair.
The trend line is close to the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $91,500 swing low to the $98,990 high. Bitcoin price is now trading above $96,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average.
On the upside, the price could face resistance near the $98,880 level. The first key resistance is near the $99,000 level. A clear move above the $99,000 resistance might send the price higher. The next key resistance could be $100,000.
A close above the $100,000 resistance might initiate more gains. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $102,000 resistance level. Any more gains might send the price toward the $104,500 resistance level.
Downside Correction In BTC?
If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $100,000 resistance zone, it could start a downside correction. Immediate support on the downside is near the $98,000 level.
The first major support is near the $96,800 level. The next support is now near the $95,500 zone and the trend line. Any more losses might send the price toward the $92,000 support in the near term.
Technical indicators:
Hourly MACD – The MACD is now gaining pace in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now above the 50 level.
Major Support Levels – $96,800, followed by $95,500.
Major Resistance Levels – $99,000, and $100,000.
Market
This Is Why XRP Price Rallied By 25% and Could Soon Hit $2
Ripple’s (XRP) price rallied by 25% in the last 24 hours following Gary Gensler’s announcement that he would resign as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair on January 20, 2025.
This development comes as a relief to the popular “XRP Army,” which has had to deal with suppressed price action due to the Gensler-led SEC’s nonstop petitions against Ripple. But that is not all that happened.
Ripple Bears Face Notable Liquidation Following Gensler’s Notification
Gensler’s announcement appears to be a positive development for the broader crypto market. But XRP holders seemed to benefit the most. This was particularly significant given the unresolved Ripple-SEC legal issues that have persisted throughout the SEC Chair’s tenure.
As a result, it came as no surprise that XRP price rallied and outpaced those of any other cryptocurrency in the top 10. Furthermore, the development triggered liquidations totaling $26.11 million over the last 24 hours.
Liquidation occurs when a trader fails to meet the margin requirements for a leveraged position. This forces the exchange to sell off their assets to prevent further losses. In XRP’s case, the liquidation primarily resulted in a short squeeze.
A short squeeze happens when a large number of short positions (traders betting on price declines) are forced to close, driving the price higher as they rush back to buy back the asset.
At press time, XRP trades at $1.40 and currently has a market cap of $80.64 billion. With Gensler almost gone, crypto lawyer John Deaton noted that XRP price gains could be higher, and the market cap could climb to $100 billion.
“XRP soon will achieve a $100B market cap. Times are changing,” Deaton wrote on X.
Meanwhile, CryptoQuant data shows that the total number of XRP sent into exchange has significantly decreased. Typically, high values indicate increased selling pressure in the spot market. This is because it suggests that more assets are being offloaded, potentially driving prices lower.
However, since it is low, XRP holders are refraining from selling. If this remains the case, the token’s value could rise higher than $1.40.
XRP Price Prediction: $2 Coming?
According to the 4-hour chart, XRP has been trading within a range of $1.04 to $1.17 since November 18. This sideways movement has resulted in the formation of a bull flag — a bullish chart pattern that signals potential upward momentum.
The bull flag begins with a sharp price surge, forming the flagpole, driven by significant buying pressure that outpaces sellers. This is followed by a consolidation phase, where the price retraces slightly and moves within parallel trendlines, creating the flag structure.
Yesterday, XRP broke out of this pattern, signaling that bulls have seized control of the market. If this momentum persists, XRP’s price could surpass $1.50, potentially approaching the $2 threshold.
However, this bullish scenario hinges on market behavior. If holders decide to secure profits, selling pressure could push XRP’s price below $1, erasing recent gains.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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