May 20, 2025

Trading Desk Insights


BTC struggled to hold gains above $107,000, facing resistance on lighter volumes before sliding during the APAC session to the mid-range near $105,000. This marks day 13 of BTC trading above the critical $100K level. Notably, spot ETF inflows surged to $667.4 million — tripling overnight — with BlackRock accounting for nearly half the total. Still, macro risks loom large. Tariff headlines are back in focus, and rising concerns around U.S. debt sustainability are beginning to surface across financial media. The 10-year yield creeping toward 4.6% runs counter to the market’s hopes for further Fed easing. As Paul Tudor Jones previously warned, this environment could strengthen the investment case for BTC and gold as stores of value.

In the ETH complex, SOLETH is showing signs of recovery, but ETHBTC appears vulnerable to a broader pullback — potentially toward mid-rally levels or even yearly lows. Options flow supports the bullish ETH narrative, with over $400 million stacked at the $3K call strike. The $6K strike is the third most popular upside bet. Traders are positioning through call spreads, buying $3K or $3.2K and selling $6K calls, targeting the December 26 expiry.

Altcoins continue to ride higher, with DeFi leading the charge. AAVE is up 6%, buoyed by a positive feedback loop of price action and TVL growth. AAVE’s TVL just hit $30B — up 50% from the YTD low of $20B — cementing its place as ETH’s leading lending protocol and the second-largest dApp by TVL.

Institutional flows and corporate headlines remain active. JPMorgan is now allowing clients to gain BTC exposure — though notably not offering custody services. Meanwhile, Circle is exploring strategic bids from the likes of Coinbase and Ripple, seeking a $5B+ valuation. On the regulatory front, U.S. lawmakers voted 66-32 to advance stablecoin oversight legislation under the GENIUS Act — a positive signal for crypto regulatory clarity in the U.S.

The News Room

CME Launches XRP Futures with $15M Daily Volume, Boosting ETF Approval Prospects

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has debuted XRP futures, recording a notable $15 million in daily trading volume. This development has sparked optimism regarding the potential approval of a spot XRP Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), as the existence of regulated futures markets often strengthens the case for ETF approvals. Industry experts suggest that the introduction of XRP futures could be a significant step toward broader institutional adoption and regulatory acceptance of XRP-based financial products.

Chainlink Integrates CCIP with Solana, Unlocking $19B in Asset Potential

Chainlink has integrated its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) with the Solana blockchain, facilitating seamless cross-chain applications and enhancing liquidity across different blockchain networks. This integration is expected to unlock approximately $19 billion in asset potential, with several prominent crypto projects, including Solv, Backed Finance, and Shiba Inu, planning to utilize CCIP's infrastructure on Solana. The move positions Solana as a more interconnected and versatile platform within the decentralized finance ecosystem.

U.S. Senate Advances GENIUS Stablecoin Bill Amid Political Tensions

The U.S. Senate has moved forward with the GENIUS Act, a significant legislative effort aimed at regulating the $250 billion stablecoin market. Despite bipartisan support, the bill faces criticism from some Democrats due to concerns over potential conflicts of interest, particularly related to President Trump's involvement in cryptocurrency ventures. The legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, enhancing oversight and consumer protection in the rapidly evolving digital asset space.

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ETF Flow

Disclaimer

This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.

Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.

The information on which the analysis is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, company website, company white paper, pitchbook and any other sources. While Secure Digital Markets has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, it does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.

Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement, Secure Digital Markets does not represent that the report contents meet all of the presentation and/or disclosure standards applicable in the jurisdiction the recipient is located. Secure Digital Markets and their officers, directors and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses, or opinions within the report.

Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.

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