May 5, 2025: Our weekly Institutional Insights explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

 explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

Weekly highlight — Robust economic data might support June rate cut

Things are becoming increasingly complicated for the Federal Reserve as it prepares for its upcoming meeting. With inflation in focus, officials are likely to maintain interest rates. Yet, concerns about an economic slowdown are growing, exacerbated by calls from President Trump for a rate cut.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell may find some reassurance in recent labor data, which reported a robust increase of 177,000 jobs in April 2025. This solid job market provides a rationale for the Fed to hold rates steady. Additionally, the Fed's preferred inflation measure indicates a slight easing of price pressures. However, rising tariffs on imports threaten to undermine this progress.

Uncertainty looms globally over major central banks, as the White House seeks trade deals that could significantly alter economic forecasts. Economists suggest Powell will emphasize the importance of price stability, especially as inflation expectations appear to be shifting.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank continues to lower rates in anticipation of disinflation and weaker growth due to US tariffs, and the Bank of Canada has diverged from its usual practice of issuing a standard forecast, opting instead for two contrasting scenarios based on the tariff situation with the US.

Looking ahead, the US economic calendar is sparse, with upcoming data on service sector activity and jobless claims expected to provide insights into labor market trends. Globally, monetary policy decisions are anticipated in several countries, highlighting the widespread impact of trade tensions.

As central banks navigate these turbulent waters, the interplay of tariffs and inflation will be critical in shaping future economic policies.

Weekly crypto highlight — Strategy sees no pause in Bitcoin purchase

Michael Saylor's company, Strategy, has doubled its capital raising plan to $84 billion following a record $4.2 billion first-quarter loss. This loss was attributed to a new accounting rule mandating that the firm value its substantial Bitcoin holdings at market prices. On Thursday, Strategy registered to sell an additional $21 billion in common shares, having exhausted a previously authorized equity program.

Additionally, the company has increased its planned debt purchase program from $21 billion to $42 billion, with $14.6 billion remaining. This shift reflects a growing awareness among corporate Bitcoin buyers of the unrealized earnings fluctuations that can occur, such as in Strategy's dramatic quarterly loss. The company holds approximately $53 billion in Bitcoin.

Prior to this accounting change, Strategy classified its Bitcoin as intangible assets, which limited its ability to recognize gains unless the assets were sold. This resulted in permanent markdowns whenever Bitcoin prices fell.

Over the past five years, Saylor has transformed Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy Inc., into the largest leveraged Bitcoin proxy globally. However, revenue from its software division fell 3.6% to $111.1 million in the first quarter of 2025.

Saylor's advocacy has significantly contributed to Bitcoin’s mainstream acceptance, inspiring numerous companies to follow suit by purchasing Bitcoin for their balance sheets. Analysts suggest that as more firms adopt this strategy, demand for Bitcoin will rise, potentially benefiting Strategy further.

Despite the stock's remarkable 3,000% increase since Saylor began buying Bitcoin in 2020, concerns remain about the sustainability of this approach. New competitors are emerging, including well-funded entities like Twenty One Capital Inc., increasing the pressure on Strategy. Nonetheless, Saylor shows no signs of slowing down, and is continuing to expand Bitcoin acquisitions aggressively.

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Weekly Institutional Insights: Robust US economic data sends stocks higher; Strategy sees no pause in Bitcoin purchase

Bybit showcased its innovative crypto solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025, emphasizing its role in integrating crypto into traditional payments. 

Daily top performer — Zebec Network (ZBCN)

The S&P 500 extended its rally with a nine-day winning streak, its longest since 2004, as optimism over potential trade deals and upcoming Fed and earnings updates lifted sentiment. Gold rose to $3,245 on trade uncertainty and Fed rate cut hopes. CoinDesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, fell 1.50% in the past 24 hours, while Bitcoin and Ether dropped 0.10% and 0.51%, respectively. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is ZBCN, which surged 19.5% after Zebec Network joined the Circle Alliance, aiming to make USDC the default stablecoin for real-world payments.

Zebec Network (ZBCN), founded in 2021, is a Solana-based DeFi protocol enabling real-time payroll and payments, with products like Zebec Card, Safes, and Web3 Banking, all governed by ZBC token holders. 

, with Circle Ventures being an early backer. USDC powers Zebec's products, including Zebec Cards and payroll services. With Circle holding a significant amount of ZBCN, Zebec aims to establish USDC as the default stablecoin for real-world payments.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 its innovative crypto solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025, emphasizing its role in integrating crypto into traditional payments. The exchange launched Bybit Pay in Brazil, offering a seamless crypto-to-fiat experience with features like QR code payments, multi-currency support, and secure blockchain transactions. Bybit also highlighted its strategic partnerships, including with Tomorrowland Brasil, and introduced its rewarding Bybit Card. The event showcased Bybit’s commitment to empowering the LATAM crypto community and making crypto accessible in everyday life.

BTC spot ETFs saw $1.8B net inflows last week, driven by $1.86B into non-GBTC ETFs despite a $58.7M GBTC outflow. Since inception, total net inflows stand at $40.2B.

GiveRep is experiencing heavy traffic, causing site loading issues, but the team is actively working on 

 V1 soon. In the meantime, users can continue earning rewards as all tweets about GiveRep are still being indexed. A confirmed ATTN token airdrop will reward those who rank higher on the leaderboard, so continued engagement is encouraged.

Beginner

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Bybit showcases crypto payment solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025 with Bybit Pay launch in Brazil

Crypto portfolio diversification is the practice of spreading investments across different asset classes, industries or geographies in order to reduce risk.

In the whirlwind cryptocurrency space, the secret to keeping your profits lies not in predicting the next moonshot, but in mastering portfolio diversification: the art of turning market chaos into a calculated advantage. From blending rock-solid 

, this article reveals how strategically spreading your investments can shield your portfolio from meltdowns and position you to profit — no matter which way the crypto winds blow.

Portfolio diversification is the practice of spreading investments across different asset classes, industries or geographies in order to reduce risk.

This strategy aims to mitigate the impact of poor performance in one area by balancing it with gains or stability in others.

Portfolio diversification entails spreading investments across different asset classes in order to minimize risk. By holding a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate and commodities, you avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. When one asset class takes a hit, others may remain stable or even perform better, helping to reduce the overall risk to your portfolio.

In the crypto market, diversification works in a similar way, but with an extra layer of complexity. Cryptocurrencies 

, so diversifying within this market is essential. A well-diversified crypto portfolio often starts with well-established coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). These major assets are the foundation of many portfolios, due to their market dominance and liquidity. Then, in order to add growth potential (though with higher risk), investors might include mid-to-small cap coins like 

You can also diversify by sector, investing in different use cases, such as 

, AI or non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This can involve a mix of altcoins and newer tokens that are part of various blockchain ecosystems — such as 

 (DOT) — to reduce dependency on a single blockchain's performance.

For those looking to minimize volatility, diversifying into stablecoins like 

 can be a good option. These assets are pegged to traditional currencies such as the US dollar, making them more stable while still allowing you to gain exposure to the crypto market.

 (ETFs) or index funds can help simplify crypto diversification. These options give investors access to a basket of cryptocurrencies, reducing the need to manage each asset individually and providing a more hands-off approach to diversification.

Diversifying your cryptocurrency portfolio is a strategic approach to managing risk and enhancing potential returns in the volatile crypto market. By spreading investments across various digital assets, sectors and regions, investors can mitigate the impact of adverse movements in any single asset as follows.

Different types of portfolio diversification

Diversifying your crypto portfolio is essential for managing risk and capturing growth across varying market conditions. Below are some key methods to consider.

Infrastructure tokens like Ethereum (ETH) and Cardano (ADA) are vital for running blockchain networks, while 

) give holders a voice in project decisions. Meanwhile, 

), though speculative, can offer short-term gains, due to community hype and viral momentum.

Diversification is a powerful strategy to manage risk and optimize returns, but it requires careful planning and ongoing monitoring. Following are some key considerations before diversifying your crypto portfolio.

Assess your risk tolerance and investment goals

 and investment objectives. If stability is your priority, consider focusing on well-established assets like BTC, ETH and stablecoins like USDC and USDT. These assets tend to offer lower volatility and more predictable returns. However, if you're comfortable with higher risk for potentially higher rewards, you might allocate a portion of your portfolio to emerging sectors, such as DeFi tokens or gaming coins. Additionally, your time horizon matters — since short-term investors may prefer liquid, low-volatility assets (such as stablecoins), while long-term holders may opt for high-potential assets, such as NFTs or blockchain infrastructure (e.g., mining operations or tokenized real estate).

When diversifying, balance large-cap cryptocurrencies (e.g., BTC or ETH) with smaller, high-growth altcoins. Large-cap assets are generally more stable, and provide a solid foundation for your portfolio. Meanwhile, smaller-cap coins can offer higher growth potential, but they come with more risk. 

Spread your investments across different sectors, such as DeFi, 

 platforms, in order to reduce overexposure to any one area. Consider geopolitical factors and the regulatory environment, as these factors can affect markets differently in various regions, making geographical diversification important.

A balanced portfolio is key to effective diversification. For example, you could allocate 40% to Bitcoin and Ethereum, 30% to stablecoins for liquidity and risk mitigation and the remaining 30% to altcoins or alternative investments, such as blockchain startups. Another strategy is that of 

 (DCA), whereby you invest a fixed amount periodically, regardless of market fluctuations. This helps to reduce the impact of market timing and smooth out crypto market volatility.

While diversification has its advantages, over-diversifying can dilute your returns because your gains may be spread thin across many assets. Frequent trading and rebalancing can also lead to higher transaction fees that can into your profits. Additionally, managing a diverse portfolio requires time, expertise and constant attention, which might not be feasible for every investor.

To further reduce exposure to crypto volatility, think about including traditional assets, such as stocks, ETFs or blockchain infrastructure investments. These can act as a stabilizing force during crypto market downturns, offering balance to your portfolio.

Ultimately, a well-diversified portfolio can help investors navigate market volatility with more confidence. Diversifying your portfolio is a vital strategy for managing risk and optimizing returns, particularly in the volatile crypto market. By spreading investments across various asset types, market caps, sectors and investment vehicles, investors can cushion the impact of market fluctuations and potentially capture better returns. While diversification offers many benefits, it requires careful planning, constant monitoring and a balanced approach in order to avoid over-diversification and excessive trading costs.

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Portfolio diversification: The key to efficiently navigating market volatility

Ethereum R1 is a new donation-funded, tokenless Layer 2 rollup designed to offer a decentralized, censorship-resistant, and governance-minimized scaling solution for Ethereum

The S&P 500 rose 0.63% Thursday, boosted by strong Meta and Microsoft earnings, but futures slipped Friday as investors awaited the April jobs report and weighed Apple and Amazon tariff concerns. Gold fell to $3,235 as easing trade tensions cut safe-haven demand; markets await US jobs data for rate cut signals. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, rose 2.19%, with Bitcoin and Ether up 2.57% and 2.60%, respectively in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is AR, which gained 16.8% following CloneX's successful migration to Arweave, sponsored by ArDrive.

Arweave (AR), founded in 2017, is a decentralized network for permanent data storage, using blockweave and Proof of Access to ensure long-term accessibility. It offers 200-year storage for a one-time fee, incentivized by AR tokens for miners. The system connects blocks efficiently to preserve and retrieve data, aiming to create a lasting digital knowledge repository. CloneX has successfully 

 to Arweave for permanent storage, with the support of ArDrive, which sponsored the migration of 100 GB of data. The process is nearly complete, with only Animus remaining to undergo decentralization.

 is a new donation-funded, tokenless Layer 2 rollup designed to offer a decentralized, censorship-resistant, and governance-minimized scaling solution for Ethereum. Built on open-source code and the Nethermind Surge stack, it emphasizes credible neutrality, public good funding (with all fees burned after 2030), and infrastructure that remains free from VC control or centralized dependencies.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETFs saw $71.1M in total inflows, with $16M from GBTC and $55.1M from other ETFs.

 $BOOP tokens to active Solana memecoin traders and creators who promote memecoins or Solana dapps on X. To claim, users must connect their Solana wallet or X account and launch a free token. The airdrop arrives in 30 days, but growing the token’s market cap can accelerate the reward.

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Ethereum R1 offers a decentralized rollup solution for Ethereum

Glossary

The term “bull market” describes an extended period of rising crypto prices and optimistic investors. During a bull market, prices are high and the public isn't concerned about potential downturns.

Have you ever wondered about the “definition of bull market” and why bull markets are associated with optimism and growth, while bear markets evoke images of downturns and uncertainty? In this blog post, we unravel the mysteries of bull markets, delving into their origins, impact on the economy, and how investors can navigate these periods of economic growth.

Let’s examine the catalysts for a bull market and explore how investors can profit from these growth periods.

A bull market is often described as a period of sustained growth in stock prices, typically marked by a 20% or more increase from recent lows. The exact definition of a bull market can elicit differing opinions among experts, as it often varies based on the market index under consideration and how recent the low point was. According to the SEC, a bull market is defined as “a time when stock prices are rising and market sentiment is optimistic,” which can influence an investor’s investment strategy.

, a certified financial planner, emphasizes that not every increase in stock prices necessarily implies a bull market, and similarly, not every decrease in stock prices necessarily implies the end of a bull market or a stock market crash. Identifying the commencement or conclusion of a bull market is not always straightforward for market observers, as temporary fluctuations in stock prices may not provide a full picture of investor sentiment.

Key traits observed during bull markets encompass escalating stock prices, heightened trading volume, increased security valuations, and enhanced liquidity. As a result, companies may elect to reward their shareholders by augmenting dividends and increasing the number of companies going public through IPOs. Valuation metrics, such as PE ratio and dividend yield, can offer investors indications of their position within the bull-bear cycle. The PE ratio of stock indexes, such as the S&P 500, is usually lower than its historic long-term average at the early stages of a bull market or the late stages of a bear market. At the same time, dividend yields are higher than normal.

 can be traced back to animal symbolism and the evolution of market terminology. The terms “bull” and “bear” are thought to have originated from the manner in which each animal attacks its adversaries: a bull thrusts its horns upward, symbolizing a rising market, while a bear swipes its paws downward, symbolizing a falling market.

Over time, these market terminologies have evolved, with bull markets now signifying periods of economic expansion and bear markets indicating times of economic contraction.

Animal symbolism in bull and bear markets represents the aggressive nature of a bull and the defensive nature of a bear, reflecting market trends. Bulls are known to attack by thrusting their horns upward, symbolizing prices going up, while bears swipe their claws downward, symbolizing stock prices falling. This symbolism underscores the importance of understanding market trends and the underlying forces driving them.

Other cultures have also employed different animal symbolism to signify market trends, such as the wolf, ostrich, and pig, further emphasizing the connection between animal behavior and market movements.

Market terminology has evolved over time, with bull and bear markets now representing periods of economic growth and decline, respectively. The terms “bull market” and “bear market” have been utilized since at least the late 19th century, although their precise origins remain debatable. The terms gained popularity during the 18th century and have been used to describe rising and falling markets since then.

This evolution of market terminology has shaped the way investors perceive and navigate the financial markets, helping them better understand the forces at play during different market cycles.

Bull markets impact the economy through various economic indicators and investor sentiment. Economic indicators, such as GDP, employment rates, and corporate profits, tend to be higher during bull markets, demonstrating economic growth. Investor sentiment is generally optimistic during bull markets, resulting in increased investment and expenditure.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to recognize that not every bull market will have the same impact on the economy, as the effect can vary based on the factors propelling the market.

Economic indicators, such as GDP, employment rates, and corporate profits, often rise during bull markets, signaling economic growth. A bull market is generally associated with a positive influence on GDP, as it can lead to increased consumer and business confidence, resulting in increased spending and investment.

Furthermore, during a bull market, the employment rate typically decreases as the economy expands and businesses experience growth.

Investor sentiment tends to be optimistic during bull markets, leading to increased investment and spending. Many investors become overconfident and more willing to take risks and make investments, bolstered by the belief that stock prices will continue to rise. This optimism drives the positive sentiment in the market and contributes to the upward momentum of the bull market. As bull markets tend to foster such behavior, it is crucial for investors to remain vigilant and avoid getting carried away.

Investors should, however, stay mindful of the potential dangers of overconfidence and recognize the value of preserving a balanced and diverse portfolio.

Investing strategies during bull markets should focus on diversification, risk management, and dollar-cost averaging. By employing these strategies, investors can maximize their potential returns while minimizing the risks associated with market fluctuations.

Before making investment decisions during a bull market, investors should have a clear grasp of their financial objectives and their capacity to bear risk.

Diversification and risk management involve maintaining a balanced portfolio to minimize potential losses during market downturns. By investing in a variety of assets across different industries and categories, investors can reduce unsystematic risk and protect their capital from market volatility.

Beyond diversifying their portfolio, it may be beneficial for investors to collaborate with a financial advisor to devise an all-encompassing investment strategy that caters to their unique needs and financial circumstances.

Dollar-cost averaging involves consistently investing a fixed amount over time, reducing the impact of market fluctuations on investment returns. By investing regularly over a period of time, investors can acquire more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high, diminishing the overall effect of price volatility.

This strategy is particularly advantageous when utilized with broad-based funds like S&P 500 index funds, a type of broad market index, that have exhibited commendable performance over extended periods.

Bull Market vs. Bear Market: Key Differences

Bull and bear markets have key differences in investment approaches and market cycles. Investment strategies during bull markets prioritize growth and capital appreciation, whereas bear markets necessitate defensive tactics to protect capital.

Market cycles switch between bull and bear markets, each stage persisting for varying lengths and affected by economic elements.

Investors typically employ strategies such as:

in bull markets. Applying indicators to identify potential transitions between bull and bear markets is also vital.

Conversely, in bear markets, investment strategies often adjust to emphasize:

Market cycles alternate between bull and bear markets, with each phase lasting for varying durations and influenced by economic factors. The primary stages in a market cycle are:

Between 1926 and 2019, the average bull market has endured for 6.6 years. Identifying the transition between bull and bear markets can be challenging, as it requires analyzing market trends, economic indicators, and investor sentiment.

Identifying the Current Market: Bull or Bear?

To determine whether the current market is a bull or bear market, investors can analyze market trends, economic indicators, and investor sentiment. For instance, a sustained period of decreasing stock prices may signal a bear market, while increasing stock prices typically indicate a bull market.

Recognizing the signs of a market transition can help investors make informed decisions and adjust their investment strategies accordingly.

Some of the most notable bull markets in history include the post-Great Recession period from 2009 to 2020, during which the S&P 500 experienced a gain of over 300%. Another significant bull market occurred between 2003 and 2007, when the S&P 500 nearly doubled in value. These historic bull markets demonstrate the potential for significant growth and wealth creation during periods of economic expansion, such as the notable bull market we’ve seen in recent years.

When navigating bull markets, investors should prioritize a long-term viewpoint, steer clear of market timing, and concentrate on stocks that pay dividends for consistent returns. By adhering to these strategies, investors can maximize their potential returns while minimizing the risks associated with market fluctuations.

Furthermore, investors should remain vigilant for signs of market transitions and adjust their investment strategies accordingly to capitalize on changing market conditions.

In conclusion, understanding the ins and outs of bull markets is essential for investors looking to capitalize on periods of economic growth. By analyzing market trends, economic indicators, and investor sentiment, investors can identify the current market phase and adjust their investment strategies accordingly. By employing effective investing strategies such as diversification, risk management, and dollar-cost averaging, investors can maximize their potential returns while minimizing risk during bull markets.

A bull market is defined as a period of time in financial markets when the price of an asset or security rises continuously, with stock prices rising by 20% or more over a two-month or longer period. Investor confidence is high during a bull market, and traders employ various strategies to take advantage of this opportunity.

 believe we are already in a new bull market. The majority of investors believe this year's gains have only been a bear market bounce, expecting more trouble ahead. However, there is hope for those looking to carve out gains by picking individual stocks as the stock market forecast for 2023 looks bullish.

A bull market is an upswing in the markets, characterised by favorable economic conditions and job growth, whereas a bear market is a market downturn with economic decline and stock prices falling.

What are 2 characteristics of a bull market?

A bull market is characterized by a prolonged period of rising stock prices and increased investor confidence. Prices typically increase by at least 20% over a two-month period, measured by a broad index such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&P 500.

A bull market is typically characterized by a growing economy, increased demand, higher profits and rising investor confidence, which together drive up stock prices.

Bull Market

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