Weekly crypto recap – Bitcoin’s $94K comeback, Solana’s big bet, and Trump’s new crypto moves

I was watching this short video about last week’s movements in the crypto world, and thought I'd take it a step further for those who might have missed the bigger picture.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest stories, and why they matter in my oppinion:

1. Bitcoin Reclaims $94K After Saylor's Shopping Spree

Michael Saylor’s strategy is looking smarter by the day. After a brief dip, Bitcoin shot up above $94K, fueled by Saylor’s purchase of 15,355 BTC, adding $1.42 billion to his treasury. The market responded in kind, and now we're seeing bullish sentiment surge as Bitcoin is back on track.
Some analysts, like those at Standard Chartered, are even predicting a new all-time high for Bitcoin by mid-2025. It’s clear that the market’s ready for another run, but the question is—can we hit $100K before the end of the year?
What does this mean for us? If you're holding Bitcoin or planning to invest, this surge could mean more profits if the upward trend continues. But with volatility still a constant, you need to keep a close eye on market movements—especially if we break past that $100K mark.

2. Solana Gets ARK Invest’s Backing
ARK Invest just dropped $10 million into the 3iQ Solana Staking ETF. This move is a big deal. ARK is now the first major U.S.-listed ETF to gain exposure to Solana and its staking rewards, signaling massive institutional confidence in Solana’s long-term potential. As Solana continues to grow, especially in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, its value is becoming more attractive for serious investors. ARK’s involvement is just another indicator that Solana’s not just a flash in the pan—it's a real contender in the Layer 1 race.
What does this mean for us? For the average investor, this move means that Solana is likely to see more mainstream attention, and its price could rise as more people back it. If you’ve been considering Solana, this could be the time to take a closer look.

3. Trump’s Memecoin and Exclusive Dinner Event
Now, this one’s a bit more... controversial. Trump’s memecoin ($TRUMP) took off after the announcement that the top holders would get an exclusive invite to a dinner with him. The price spiked by 70%, reaching $16.17. While some are calling it a joke, the reality is that crypto and politics have become deeply intertwined. The memecoin’s volatility and the exclusive dinner aren’t just a marketing stunt—this is a sign of how pop culture and politics are now shaping the crypto market. So, should you invest in $TRUMP memecoin? That’s for you to decide, but be aware—this thing has been a rollercoaster from the start.
What does this mean for us? For everyday investors, this is a classic example of why memecoins are risky. While there’s potential for quick profits, the volatility and lack of real utility mean you need to be prepared for a bumpy ride. If you decide to jump in, just remember: it’s a gamble, not an investment.

4. Trump Media’s Pivot to Crypto
Trump Media is stepping into crypto with big plans.
After reaching a partnership with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital, they’re launching a range of crypto-related investment products, including ETFs.
This isn’t just a one-off token or meme coin. Trump’s pushing into real financial services, offering products aligned with his "America First" agenda. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops, but one thing is clear: Trump’s not just a political figure anymore—he’s also a key player in the digital asset space.
What does this mean for us? This could open up new opportunities for retail investors to gain exposure to crypto in a more regulated way. However, as always with political ventures, you’ll want to keep a careful eye on the long-term viability of these products. If you’re into ETFs and digital assets, this could be one to watch.

In short, there’s a lot happening right now, and whether you're bullish on Bitcoin, backing Solana, or just trying to make sense of Trump's latest move, the next few months in crypto could set the stage for some big changes.
I’d love to hear what you all think

Weekly crypto recap – Bitcoin’s $94K comeback, Solana’s big bet, and Trump’s new crypto moves

I was watching this short video about last week’s movements in the crypto world, and thought I'd take it a step further for those who might have missed the bigger picture.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest stories, and why they matter in my oppinion:

1. Bitcoin Reclaims $94K After Saylor's Shopping Spree

Michael Saylor’s strategy is looking smarter by the day. After a brief dip, Bitcoin shot up above $94K, fueled by Saylor’s purchase of 15,355 BTC, adding $1.42 billion to his treasury. The market responded in kind, and now we're seeing bullish sentiment surge as Bitcoin is back on track.
Some analysts, like those at Standard Chartered, are even predicting a new all-time high for Bitcoin by mid-2025. It’s clear that the market’s ready for another run, but the question is—can we hit $100K before the end of the year?
What does this mean for us? If you're holding Bitcoin or planning to invest, this surge could mean more profits if the upward trend continues. But with volatility still a constant, you need to keep a close eye on market movements—especially if we break past that $100K mark.

2. Solana Gets ARK Invest’s Backing
ARK Invest just dropped $10 million into the 3iQ Solana Staking ETF. This move is a big deal. ARK is now the first major U.S.-listed ETF to gain exposure to Solana and its staking rewards, signaling massive institutional confidence in Solana’s long-term potential. As Solana continues to grow, especially in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, its value is becoming more attractive for serious investors. ARK’s involvement is just another indicator that Solana’s not just a flash in the pan—it's a real contender in the Layer 1 race.
What does this mean for us? For the average investor, this move means that Solana is likely to see more mainstream attention, and its price could rise as more people back it. If you’ve been considering Solana, this could be the time to take a closer look.

3. Trump’s Memecoin and Exclusive Dinner Event
Now, this one’s a bit more... controversial. Trump’s memecoin ($TRUMP) took off after the announcement that the top holders would get an exclusive invite to a dinner with him. The price spiked by 70%, reaching $16.17. While some are calling it a joke, the reality is that crypto and politics have become deeply intertwined. The memecoin’s volatility and the exclusive dinner aren’t just a marketing stunt—this is a sign of how pop culture and politics are now shaping the crypto market. So, should you invest in $TRUMP memecoin? That’s for you to decide, but be aware—this thing has been a rollercoaster from the start.
What does this mean for us? For everyday investors, this is a classic example of why memecoins are risky. While there’s potential for quick profits, the volatility and lack of real utility mean you need to be prepared for a bumpy ride. If you decide to jump in, just remember: it’s a gamble, not an investment.

4. Trump Media’s Pivot to Crypto
Trump Media is stepping into crypto with big plans.
After reaching a partnership with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital, they’re launching a range of crypto-related investment products, including ETFs.
This isn’t just a one-off token or meme coin. Trump’s pushing into real financial services, offering products aligned with his "America First" agenda. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops, but one thing is clear: Trump’s not just a political figure anymore—he’s also a key player in the digital asset space.
What does this mean for us? This could open up new opportunities for retail investors to gain exposure to crypto in a more regulated way. However, as always with political ventures, you’ll want to keep a careful eye on the long-term viability of these products. If you’re into ETFs and digital assets, this could be one to watch.

In short, there’s a lot happening right now, and whether you're bullish on Bitcoin, backing Solana, or just trying to make sense of Trump's latest move, the next few months in crypto could set the stage for some big changes.
I’d love to hear what you all think

🚨 Major Crypto Developments Today: XRP Adoption Surges, Bitcoin Faces Market Pressure, and Apple's Policy Shift Sparks Optimism!

Today's crypto landscape is buzzing with noteworthy events:

🌟 XRP's Growing Institutional Adoption:

Mastercard has identified XRP as a key bridge currency in cross-border payments, signaling increased institutional interest. Additionally, Ripple unlocked 1 billion XRP, sparking discussions about its market implications.

🌟 Bitcoin's Market Movement:

Bitcoin experienced a slight decline, dropping to $98,206.16, amid broader market uncertainties. Despite this, its market dominance has risen to 60.40%, indicating a potential shift towards BTC as a safer asset.

🌟 Apple's Policy Update Boosts Crypto Sentiment:

Apple has relaxed its App Store guidelines concerning crypto-related applications, a move hailed as "hugely bullish" for the industry. This change is expected to foster innovation and accessibility in the crypto app ecosystem.

Discussions:

What are your thoughts on XRP's increasing role in institutional finance? 🤔

Do you view Bitcoin's current market behavior as a sign of consolidation or concern?

How might Apple's policy shift impact crypto app development and user adoption?

Looking forward to your insights!

The weekly market indicator

The first week of May saw the S&P 500 rise by 1.47%, with nearly every sector participating in the rally. Financials led the market, surging 2.07% as investors rotated into value-oriented names. This move reflects growing confidence in the stability of the banking sector and expectations that interest rates will remain elevated for longer, supporting bank margins. Industrials and materials also outperformed, rising 1.79% and 1.69% respectively. Analysts have become more constructive on these sectors, citing robust earnings, resilient order books, and optimism around infrastructure spending. https://flic.kr/p/2r2uoY2

Technology stocks, as measured by the XLK ETF, advanced 1.67%. The sector’s performance was buoyed by anticipation of strong earnings and major strategic moves. Apple’s announcement of a partnership with Anthropic, a leading AI startup, signals a major push into generative AI. This partnership is expected to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities across its ecosystem, keeping it competitive with other tech giants investing heavily in artificial intelligence. ARM Holdings is expected to post another quarter of strong AI-driven chip demand, while Super Micro Computer’s results will be scrutinized for evidence of sustained growth in AI server sales. Palantir Technologies, with its deep government and commercial contracts, continues to attract bullish sentiment as a core AI analytics provider. DoorDash is also reporting this week, with the market looking for signs of profitability and continued growth in delivery volumes. Analyst sentiment in tech is cautiously optimistic, with a preference for companies demonstrating both top-line growth and improving margins.

Consumer discretionary stocks (XLY) rose 1.55%, but the sector faces headwinds. TEMU, a fast-growing e-commerce player, announced it will begin shipping from U.S. fulfillment centers to sidestep new tariffs on Chinese imports. This move is expected to increase logistics costs but could help TEMU maintain its aggressive pricing and market share in the U.S. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales in Sweden collapsed by 80.7%, reflecting both local labor disputes and broader European EV demand challenges. Consumer staples lagged, up only 0.54%, as investors favored higher-growth and more economically sensitive sectors.

Energy stocks advanced 1.46%, supported by a rebound in oil prices and ongoing supply concerns. Healthcare climbed 1.38%, buoyed by strong quarterly results from major pharmaceutical companies and renewed investor interest in defensive growth. Real estate and utilities underperformed, with gains of 1.23% and 0.78% respectively, as higher interest rates continued to weigh on these rate-sensitive sectors.

This week’s earnings calendar was packed with high-profile reports. DoorDash, ARM Holdings, Super Micro Computer, and Palantir Technologies are all set to release their results. Investors are focused on profitability, forward guidance, and the impact of artificial intelligence on future growth. Companies with clear paths to profitability and exposure to secular growth trends are attracting the most positive analyst sentiment.

The upcoming Federal Reserve meeting on May 7 is the most anticipated event for markets. No rate change is expected, but investors are watching closely for any shift in tone regarding inflation and the timing of potential rate cuts. Recent inflation data has come in above the Fed’s 2% target, reinforcing a cautious stance. The central bank’s forward guidance will be critical for equities, bonds, and rate-sensitive sectors. Month-over-month inflation remains sticky, with core prices still running hot. This has kept the Fed on hold and contributed to increased market volatility. Investors are looking for any sign of easing price pressures in the coming months.

Geopolitical tensions continue to influence markets. TEMU’s logistics shift is a direct response to escalating U.S.-China trade frictions. Broader instability in Europe and Asia is contributing to a risk-off tone in certain global sectors.

Despite the broad rally, several sectors and indices saw relative weakness or outright declines. Airline stocks (JETS), Chinese large caps (FXI), and small caps (IWM) underperformed due to travel demand concerns, China’s economic challenges, and small-cap headwinds. Homebuilders (KBH) struggled with higher rates and a cooling housing market. Clean energy (ICLN), security (MAGS), and a range of sector ETFs including XLB (materials), XLK (technology), XLC (communications), XLY (consumer discretionary), XLE (energy), and XLV (healthcare) experienced pockets of selling as investors took profits and rotated into value. The U.S. dollar (DXY), long-term Treasuries (ZB MAIN), and crude oil (CL MAIN) also trended lower, while the S&P 500 Bear ETF (SPXU) saw inflows as a hedge against rising volatility. Volatility remained elevated, with VVIX at 97.26 and VIX at 22.68.

The IPO and SPAC calendar remains subdued as market participants await greater clarity on Fed policy and macro conditions. No major IPOs or SPACs priced this week, but several high-profile tech and biotech names are rumored to be preparing for summer listings, contingent on improved market stability and investor risk appetite. Analysts expect a pickup in new offerings if volatility subsides and the Fed signals a more dovish outlook.

Bitcoin remains near all-time highs at $96,500, supported by institutional inflows and ETF demand. Ethereum lags at $1,850, as investors focus on Bitcoin and regulatory uncertainty persists. Crypto markets remain volatile but are increasingly seen as alternative assets in a high-inflation environment.

Unemployment claims remain steady, but there are early signs of softening labor demand. Retail sales are slowing as consumers become more selective amid persistent inflation and higher borrowing costs.

Technical indicators reflect a market in transition. The Money Flow Index (MFI) shows outflows from growth sectors (notably tech and consumer discretionary) and inflows into financials and materials. The Directional Movement Index (DMI) indicates weakening uptrends in tech and discretionary, with strengthening trends in financials and energy. Displaced Moving Averages (DMA) reveal most sectors are trading near or slightly below short-term averages, suggesting a pause or possible reversal in recent leadership. Elevated volatility, as seen in the VIX and VVIX, signals ongoing caution and hedging activity.

Key corporate news this week included Apple’s partnership with Anthropic, marking a significant AI push. TEMU’s logistics shift highlights the impact of tariffs and trade tensions. Conagra is selling portions of its divisions to streamline operations. Tesla’s 80.7% sales plunge in Sweden underscores challenges in the European EV market. Warren Buffett discussed the possibility of resigning from Berkshire Hathaway, raising new questions about succession planning.

This week’s market action reflects a complex mix of optimism around AI and tech innovation, caution ahead of the Fed meeting, and ongoing sector rotation. Investors are positioning for a dynamic summer, with macro uncertainty, earnings quality, and policy signals likely to drive near-term performance. Technical indicators confirm a trend of profit-taking in overbought sectors and renewed interest in value and defensive plays, setting the stage for a potentially volatile but opportunity-rich period ahead. The IPO and SPAC pipeline remains on hold, but could revive quickly if market conditions stabilize.