Market
Could Bitcoin ETF Outflows Signal a Bear Market?
Concerns about a bear market are growing as Bitcoin ETF outflows ramp up dramatically alongside the ongoing volatility. Other hopes, like state-level Bitcoin Reserves, are failing, and it’s difficult to find a clear bullish trend.
Industry experts like Arthur Hayes predict that any losses will be temporary, with a fierce rebound by the end of the year. However, this would be the first major price collapse since ETF approval and institutional adoption, and non-crypto-native investors could behave in unpredictable ways.
Is Bitcoin Headed for a Bear Market?
Bitcoin, the world’s first and largest cryptocurrency, has been on a downward price trajectory lately. Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) saw a huge drop in stock price despite spending nearly $2 billion on the asset, and broader economic headwinds are having a real dampening effect.
A few worrying trends are building speculation about a Bitcoin bear market:
“Bitcoin goblin town incoming: Lots of IBIT holders are hedge funds that went long ETF [and] short CME futures to earn a yield greater than where they fund, short term US treasuries. If that basis drops as BTC falls, then these funds will sell IBIT and buy back CME futures,” claimed Arthur Hayes, former CEO of BitMEX.
Hayes also referenced his earlier prediction from January that the asset was set for a price drop to $70,000. This bear market will not last forever, he claimed, and Bitcoin would rebound by the end of the year, but it would face significant pain first.
Hayes’ predictions centered around the US Bitcoin ETF market, which has been facing its own pressures.
These ETFs are indeed showing signs of a bear market, caused by one simple correlation: the tendency of Bitcoin to decline alongside traditional stocks.
Even though there is a huge appetite for institutional investment, it’s very shallow in some ways. If BTC’s potential returns diminish, investors will look elsewhere, as evidenced by substantial outflows.
These one-day outflows total over $500 million from the top 10 ETFs alone. Last week, however, the entire market had $585 million in outflows, the worst level in five months.
If ETF outflows keep accelerating at this dramatic pace, a Bitcoin bear market seems very likely.
Bitcoin Reserve Hopes Fail, Deflating Enthusiasm
Another factor might cause additional downward pressure if political developments don’t live up to hopes. Specifically, many US states launched efforts to enact Bitcoin Reserves, which would trigger up to $23 billion in BTC purchases.
However, some Republican members themselves are defeating these efforts nationwide. With its other setbacks, can Bitcoin bear a major disappointment here?
In short, many factors are making a Bitcoin bear market seem like a credible prospect. However, the industry is no stranger to harsh price fluctuations. Hayes and other commentators have claimed that it will be temporary at best, with a rebound by the end of 2025.
The only question, then, is how a non-crypto-native investor class will deal with these cyclical patterns. Since the Bitcoin ETFs were approved in 2024, the industry has yet to face a genuine bear market on par with previous collapses.
Institutional investors have recently poured billions into crypto, but it’s uncertain how they will deal with the volatility inherent in this industry.
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.
The crypto market continues its downward trend today, with bearish pressure overpowering bullish efforts.
Amid this decline, some altcoins have emerged as the most searched assets, continuing to attract investors’ attention. They include Vana (VANA), Sonic (S), and Official Trump (TRUMP).
Vana (VANA)
VANA has bucked the broader market downtrend, noting a 46% uptick over the past 24 hours. This double-digit rally comes as YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) announced an undisclosed investment in Vana, a crypto-AI startup focused on data ownership.
The firm confirmed that Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao—who recently took on an active role at YZi Labs following its rebrand—has joined Vana as an advisor as part of the deal.
At press time, VANA trades at $8.78. Over the past 24 hours, its trading volume has totaled $639 million, surging by over 2,800% during that period. This significant hike in VANA’s trading volume indicates that its current rally is driven by demand for the altcoin.
If the rally continues, VANA’s price could reach $10.77.
On the other hand, a rise in profit-taking activity could result in a decline to $7.77.
Sonic (prev. FTM) (S)
Sonic’s S is another altcoin trending today. Its price is down 17%, mirroring the general market decline of the past 24 hours.
S’ plummeting buying pressure also contributes to this price fall. Its declining on-balance volume (OBV) confirms this. This indicator measures an asset’s cumulative trading volume to gauge its buying and selling pressure.
When it falls, it suggests that selling pressure outweighs buying pressure, potentially signaling further price weakness or a bearish trend. If selloffs continue to strengthen, S’ price could fall to $0.59.
However, a bullish shift in market trend would invalidate this bearish projection. If S demand soars, it could push its price to $0.76. A successful breach of this resistance could create a path for the altcoin to trade above the $0.90 price level.
Official Trump (TRUMP)
Solana-based meme coin TRUMP is one of the most searched altcoins today. It exchanges hands at $12.78, plunging 14% in the past 24 hours. Having lost 55% of its value over the past month, readings from TRUMP’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggest that it might be poised for a rebound.
At press time, this momentum indicator, which measures an asset’s oversold and overbought market conditions, is at 27.72.
When an asset’s RSI falls to this low, it indicates that it is in oversold territory. If buyers step in, this could mean a potential price rebound, but it may also signal continued weakness if bearish momentum persists.
If buyers flock in to buy TRUMP, they could trigger a rebound and push its price up toward $18.07.
On the other hand, if the decline persists, the meme coin’s price could fall below $12.
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.
Artificial intelligence (AI) agents are expected to change almost every aspect of the workplace. As more of these autonomous systems are integrated into crypto and blockchain projects, questions arise regarding how long it will be before AI agents appear in mainstream work areas.
BeInCrypto spoke with representatives from Coinbase, Theoriq, O.xyz, 0G Labs, and Balance.fun to learn more about how AI agents operate, what areas of the workplace they will impact the most, and how to best prepare for their permanent arrival.
The Rise of AI Agents
AI agents have become a hot topic in Web3 as a subsection of artificial intelligence.
This technology drives change across various sectors, offering cost savings and productivity improvements. It is also influencing how decisions are made and redefining job roles.
These systems make decisions and perform tasks independently. Unlike AI bots, they adapt to tasks and handle multi-step processes with goal-oriented autonomy. Given their vast capabilities, AI agents have also unleashed alarm bells due to the disruptions they can cause to current workforce dynamics.
According to a recent report by All About AI, nearly one-third of workers worldwide worry that AI advancements could replace their jobs within the next three years. The potential behind these agents further validates their fears.
“It could boost economic efficiency and innovation but also lead to job displacement, requiring reskilling for affected workers. Socially, it could widen inequality without equitable access, while fostering advancements in healthcare, education, and productivity,” Michael Heinrich, Co-Founder and CEO of 0G Labs, told BeInCrypto.
In a statement earlier this month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicted that the first AI agents could enter the workforce by 2025, altering how businesses operate. Meanwhile, markets are already feeling their effects.
A New Market Force
AI agents’ impact on the crypto market has already been extensive. According to data from Crypto.com, artificial intelligence emerged as the best-performing sector in 2024, with AI agents particularly witnessing the biggest log return of 186%.
This success also spilled into innovations in the blockchain industry.
“Investment in AI related Blockchain projects also surged by 340% year-over-year in 2024. In 2025 it’s predicted that over 80% of blockchain transactions will involve autonomous agents, marking a shift in how decentralized networks operate,” Ahmad Shadid, Founder and CEO of O.xyz, told BeInCrypto.
Key AI agent projects that have gained traction over the past year showcase their potential for broader industry applications.
Leading AI-Powered Crypto Projects
The Virtuals Protocol, which allows users to create and monetize AI agents using cryptocurrency tokens, contributed significantly to the growth of AI agents last year.
One example is Aixbt, an AI-powered influencer launched on the platform in November. Aixbt uses machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics to give users insights into the cryptocurrency market. By automating market analysis, it suggests trading strategies based on probabilities.
“AI agents are already making waves in the crypto sector, starting as “social” or “personality” agents. These agents scrape data from various sources to provide users with valuable insights and commentary. They’ve captured widespread attention, showcasing the potential of AI in Web3,” said Ron Bodkin, Founder at Theoriq.
Truth Terminal is another AI agent that blends cultural creativity with blockchain functionality. It’s best known for creating the “Goatse Gospel,” a quirky AI-generated narrative that inspired the meme coin GOAT.
But it’s not just about memes. It leverages AI to produce viral content and innovative ideas that resonate with communities.
“Meme coins –a sector often dismissed as niche– have demonstrated the power of autonomous agents. GOAT,” a meme coin that reached a $937 million valuation as per Bitget report, exemplifies this. The Terminal of Truths influenced the coin’s success. With over 250,000 followers on X, it showcases how AI agents can integrate with public platforms to drive engagement and decision-making,” Shadid added.
As AI agents improve, their personalized insights, automated strategies, and intuitive interface will transform crypto trading.
AI-Driven Crypto Trading
While last year saw these autonomous systems primarily used for content creation and social media engagement to generate attention, AI agents in crypto trading are poised to be a defining trend in 2025.
“AI agents in Web3 have already reached a market valuation of $15 billion at the end of 2024, with projections of $150 billion by the end of 2025,” Bodkin noted.
Given their inherent autonomy, AI agents can act independently. Because they aren’t human, they can work 24-hour shifts.
“The future development goal of AI agents is to become more intelligent humans, performing better under the existing rules of the game. Rather than necessarily changing the rules of the game,” said Norris Wang, Co-Founder at gaming companion platform Balance.fun.
AI agents’ advantages over humans allow them to continuously monitor market conditions and execute actions based on pre-defined parameters without requiring constant user intervention.
They can effectively function as self-reliant assistants for managing cryptocurrency portfolios and executing trades.
“AI agents will automate trading strategies, simplify complex transactions, and make crypto more user-friendly. Imagine being able to trade, manage your portfolio or even pay for fast food with just a voice command,” said Nemil Dalal, Head of Coinbase’s Developer Platform.
According to Shadid, AI agents will have a particularly strong impact on crypto staking and DAO governance.
“As of January 2025 over 10,000 Al agents operate in the Web 3 ecosystem. In staking AI agents can optimize participation by analyzing real-time network conditions, which significantly minimizes risks. Manual staking requires constant oversight, while these agents adjust strategies autonomously to maintain efficiency. Also, in managing DAOs, AI agents can automate tasks such as fund allocation, proposal voting, and governance monitoring. This real-time automation eliminates bottlenecks, creating a more viable scope for swift and unbiased decision-making,” he added.
The advancements that AI agents have made in the cryptocurrency sector alone illustrate their potential in other industries.
AI Agent Impact Will Be Far-Reaching
According to MarketsandMarkets data, the global AI agent market is forecast to grow from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $47.1 billion by 2030, with a projected 45% compound annual growth rate.
The need for automation and efficiency in sectors like healthcare, finance, and customer service will particularly fuel this surge in growth.
“By 2027, Deloitte predicts that half of companies that use generative AI will have launched agentic AI pilots or proofs of concept that will be capable of acting as smart assistants, performing complex tasks with minimal human supervision. Jensen Huang recently stated that ‘the IT department of every company is going to be the HR department of AI agents in the future’ and that ‘AI Agents are a multi-trillion dollar opportunity’. Agents are here, and they aren’t slowing down,” Bodkin stated.
Heinrich gave a similar answer:
“In healthcare, decentralized AI can securely manage patient data, ensuring privacy and compliance with regulations. In finance, AI agents can execute smart contracts for trading and risk management, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Supply chain management can benefit from AI agents that track products in real-time, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud. These sectors, characterized by their longevity and resilience against market volatility, stand to gain substantial benefits from integrating AI agents on robust AI L1 infrastructure,” he said.
For Wang, on the other hand, AI agents will have a deep impact on the gaming industry. He expects their influence to be transformative.
“On one hand, on the production side, the emergence of AI agents allows more independent games to produce extremely high-quality products with just a good idea. On the other hand, on the consumer side, AI agents will greatly change the future of gaming. The interaction between AI and AI, and between humans and AI, will become mainstream for future games,” Wang told BeInCrypto.
However, the effect of AI agents on the job market will also present a series of opportunities.
The Rise of New Opportunities
While job displacement is inevitable amid the rise of autonomous technologies, some experts believe AI agents will create new jobs and increase demand for specific skills.
“AI creates a number of new jobs, in turn, and, with the evolution of AI agents, we would have even more. Roles in building, maintaining, and optimizing AI-driven frameworks will become more and more in-demand. As well as positions, ensuring transparency and ethical alignment of AI systems. In my opinion the most important job in AI would be community engagement roles, focused on fostering community participation and integrating feedback into AI decision-making processes,” said Shadid.
To that, Bodkin added:
“While AI agents will undoubtedly disrupt certain job categories, they will also create a wide range of new opportunities. The demand for skilled professionals to build as well as manage AI systems will increase. This includes roles in AI development, cybersecurity, ethical oversight, and governance. The rise of AI agents is not just a technological shift; it’s a transformation in how we conceptualize work and human-machine collaboration.”
Regardless, responsible use of AI agents and preparing workers for their impact will be crucial as these technologies transform workplaces across industries.
AI Agent Deployment Will Require Careful Risk Management
The development of artificial intelligence technologies is concentrated in the hands of a handful of corporations. Major players include Anthropic, Google DeepMind, IBM, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
“As AI agents get more powerful it’s important that we don’t have a concentration of power and control over them and we have community governance with proper incentives for agents. If monopolies or large corporations dominate AI development, this could exacerbate inequality. That’s why we advocate for decentralization—empowering individuals and communities with control over the technology,” said Bodkin.
Industry experts also pointed to data privacy and user security as other factors.
“Transparency and accountability are key when adopting AI agents. It’s essential to address bias in AI decisions and ensure user privacy and data security. Developers should be implementing robust security measures to protect end users and maintain trust. And users should keep in mind that AI isn’t perfect yet and it should always be double checked or disclosed,” Dalal explained.
There are also steps businesses can start taking now to make the transition easier.
“Start experimenting now. Use AI more, participate more in the construction of AI,” Wang said.
According to Bodkin, offering resources to employees would also simplify the process.
“By adopting AI early, businesses and individuals can stay competitive while ensuring the workforce is prepared for the changes ahead. This means investing in training programs and even restructuring jobs to complement AI capabilities. This way, you promote a culture of innovation that allows individuals to adapt to new roles. The key will be collaboration to ensure a smooth transition to an AI-augmented workforce,” he said.
Shadid agreed with that point and added:
“Including AI in your work is the first step towards being ready for the change. A big part of the job market will require candidates to be at least familiar with it, if not well-versed. Businesses can explore frameworks for automation to stay agile and adaptive.”
AI agents will undoubtedly transform the workplace, but their responsible development and deployment are crucial.
“It’s time for us to shift away from opaque systems and adopt technology that prioritizes both ethics and progress,” Heinrich concluded.
Collaboration between stakeholders will be paramount to ensure a smooth and equitable transition to an AI-augmented workforce.
Disclaimer
Following the Trust Project guidelines, this feature article presents opinions and perspectives from industry experts or individuals. BeInCrypto is dedicated to transparent reporting, but the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of BeInCrypto or its staff. Readers should verify information independently and consult with a professional before making decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Onyxcoin (XCN) has extended its losing streak, plunging another 22% in the last 24 hours. It now trades at a 30-day low of $0.015.
With a growing bearish bias toward the altcoin, its price may continue to drop. This analysis explains why.
Onyxcoin Traders Remain Bearish
XCN’s persistent negative funding rate is a major indicator of the bearish bias against it. According to Coinglass, the altcoin’s funding rate has been predominantly negative since December 9. At press time, this stands at -0.17%.
The funding rate is a periodic fee exchanged between long and short traders in perpetual futures contracts to keep prices aligned with the spot market. When it is negative, short traders are paying long traders. This indicates that most XCN traders are bearish and expect further price declines.
In addition, XCN’s open interest has been in a downward trend, highlighting the poor demand for the altcoin among market participants. Per Coinglass data, as of this writing, it stands at $6 million, marking its lowest level in 30 days.
An asset’s open interest measures the total number of its outstanding derivative contracts, such as futures or options, that have not been settled. When it falls alongside the asset’s price, as in XCN’s case, it indicates weakening market participation, with traders closing their positions rather than opening new ones.
This indicates that XCN’s price decline is driven by liquidation or profit-taking rather than fresh short-selling, reducing the likelihood of a sharp short-term rebound.
Bearish Clouds Loom Over XCN
On the daily chart, XCN trades below the Leading Spans A and B of its Ichimoku Cloud indicator. This momentum indicator measures an asset’s market trends and identifies potential support/resistance levels. When an asset falls below this cloud, the market is in a downtrend.
In this case, the cloud acts as a dynamic resistance level for XCN. It confirms the likelihood of its continued price decline as long as the price remains below the cloud and demand continues to drop. If this trend persists, XCN’s value could dip to $0.011.
On the other hand, if buying activity resumes, XCN’s value could rocket to $0.022.
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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