Coin overview
USUAL
Ended--
Last price (USDT)
302.03K
24h total (USDT)
6.44M
Total vol (USDT)
2024-11-14 12:00:00 ~ 2024-12-18 10:30:00
Trading time (UTC+0)
2024-12-18 12:00:00 ~ 2024-12-18 16:00:00
Delivery time (UTC+0)
Total supply837.50M
Resources
Introduction
Usual is an on-chain version of Tether, aggregating Real-World Assets (RWAs) and issuing USD0, an institutional-grade stablecoin. Unlike traditional revenue-sharing models, Usual operates on an innovative ownership-sharing model. The protocol is governed by the USUAL token, which redistributes both value and control to its users. USUAL Total supply: 4,000,000,000
The Usual community has released the UIP-6 proposal, suggesting to raise the lower limit of USD0++ to 0.92 dollars
The RWA stablecoin issuer, Usual Community, has released the UIP-6 proposal titled "Maximizing Value for USUALx Holders", suggesting to raise the floor price of USD0++ from $0.87 to $0.92 and redistribute 47 million USUAL tokens collected from early redemptions to USUALx holders before the second quarter of 2025. The proposal points out that the USUALx ecosystem is facing unfair arbitrage issues which cause an estimated annual revenue loss of $11.1 million through early redemption mechanisms, reducing the value of USUALx by about 22%.
Usual launches $16 million bug bounty, setting a new benchmark in crypto security
Largest crypto bug bounty to date, surpassing Uniswap’s $15.5 million. Usual has undergone 20 security audits, all finding no major flaws. Other protocols lag behind, with max bounties at $2 million so far. Stablecoin protocol Usual has unveiled a record-setting $16 million bug bounty programme in partnership with blockchain security firm Sherlock. The initiative, now the largest in the crypto sector, targets critical codebase flaws that could lead to the loss or freezing of funds. Hosted on Sherlock’s platform, the bounty will only award findings that highlight confirmed and long-term security risks, with an emphasis on realistic exploit scenarios. The launch marks a significant escalation in the industry’s approach to on-chain safety, overtaking Uniswap’s $15.5 million bounty announced in late 2024. Crypto security hits $16m milestone The $16 million bounty makes Usual the new frontrunner in the blockchain security race, eclipsing all previously recorded bug bounty rewards in the decentralised finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Prior to this, the largest bounty was offered by Uniswap Labs in November 2024, totalling $15.5 million. Usual’s bounty sets a new precedent and comes at a time when Total Value Locked (TVL) on its platform has crossed $880 million, increasing the need for robust defence mechanisms. Unlike standard bug bounties, the Usual-Sherlock initiative focuses on vulnerabilities with the potential to cause irreversible damage. Only bugs that result in definite fund loss or indefinite freezing, lasting a year or more without reliance on external conditions, will qualify for rewards. This selective approach aims to prioritise threats with the highest real-world impact. 20 security audits complete, no flaws found so far The launch of this $16 million programme follows a string of security checks on Usual’s codebase. According to Sherlock, the protocol has already undergone 20 audits, including a recent Sherlock-hosted audit contest that featured a $209,000 prize pool. None of the audits identified any critical issues in the code, increasing industry confidence in the protocol’s architecture. This latest bounty campaign is hosted entirely on Sherlock’s platform, which serves as a hub for vetting blockchain applications through community-led vulnerability hunts. Sherlock’s role ensures that the bounty process is transparent, competitive, and efficiently managed, giving ethical hackers clear guidelines on what qualifies for a payout. Threat detection becomes priority As DeFi platforms grow in complexity and capitalisation, the scale and stringency of bug bounties have become key differentiators. For Usual, this initiative signals a strategic move to reassure users and institutional partners about the integrity of its operations. The push toward larger and more targeted bug bounty programmes underscores a maturing industry grappling with escalating threats. In a space where vulnerabilities can be exploited in seconds, pre-launch security assurances are becoming just as critical as post-launch performance metrics.
Usual and Sherlock launch $16 million bug bounty program
decentralized stablecoin protocol Usual is partnering with blockchain security company Sherlock to launch a bug bounty program, offering a reward of $16 million to find critical vulnerabilities in the codebase. This bounty surpasses the ones previously set by Uniswap ($15.5 million), LayerZero Labs ($15 million), and Wormhole ($10 million). The Usual codebase has undergone 20 audits, including the recent Sherlock audit competition, but no medium or higher-level vulnerabilities have been found. Only vulnerabilities deemed critical are eligible for the highest reward. Usual currently manages a total locked value (TVL) of over $880 million.
Usual and Sherlock launch a $16 million bug bounty program
According to The Block, the decentralized stablecoin protocol Usual has partnered with blockchain security company Sherlock to launch a bug bounty program, offering a reward of $16 million for finding critical vulnerabilities in its codebase. This bounty surpasses those previously set up by Uniswap ($15.5 million), LayerZero Labs ($15 million), and Wormhole ($10 million). The Usual codebase has undergone 20 audits, including the most recent Sherlock audit competition, but no medium or higher-level vulnerabilities have been found. Only those deemed critical are eligible for the highest reward. Usual currently manages over $880 million in total value locked (TVL). Sherlock CEO Jack Sanford stated that this collaboration aims to promote the integrity development of DeFi and enhance trust throughout the entire ecosystem.
These Projects Are Seeing Significantly Higher Whale Moves Than Usual!
🐳 These projects are seeing the highest rises in whale transactions ($100K+ or more) over the past week: 🪙 1) DeXe $DEXE 🪙 2) Nexo $NEXO 🪙 3) OKB $OKB 🪙 4) Maker $MKR 🪙 5) Gala $GALA 🪙 6) Ethena USDe $USDe 🪙 7) Polygon Ecosystem Token $POL 🪙 8) PayPal USD $PYUSD 🪙 9) Kucoin Token $KCS 🪙 10) FastToken $FTN Keep a close eye on projects seeing the highest jumps in whale transfers, as this metric often acts as a great hidden gem to reveal where major crypto capital is moving next. 👀
Usual teams up with Sherlock to launch the biggest bug bounty in crypto history
Stablecoin protocol Usual has partnered with blockchain security firm Sherlock to launch a $16 million bug bounty, surpassing Uniswap’s $15.5 million bounty, which was previously the largest in the industry. Usual has partnered with Sherlock to launch a $16 million bug bounty aimed at identifying critical vulnerabilities in its codebase, as originally reported by The Block. The bounty, hosted on Sherlock’s platform, will only reward findings that pose a definite and significant risk of fund loss or freezing for over a year, without external conditions. Usual’s codebase has already undergone 20 audits, including a recent Sherlock audit contest with a $209,000 prize pool, with no vulnerabilities found. High-value bug bounties are becoming a trend in crypto security. Recently, Sonic Labs teamed up with Immunefi to offer a $2 million bounty, while Compound Finance launched a $1 million program, also with partnership with Immunefi. In November 2024, Uniswap Labs (UNI) launched a $15.5 million bug bounty—previously the largest in the industry. However, Usual’s $16 million bounty now stands as the biggest to date. “With over $880 million in TVL, this record-breaking bounty prize is a powerful statement from Usual showing their dedication to the security of their protocol,” the projects told The Block.
Usual and Sherlock launch crypto's 'largest bug bounty prize in history,' offering $16 million to find a critical vulnerability
Decentralized stablecoin protocol Usual has teamed up with blockchain security company Sherlock to offer $16 million for uncovering a critical vulnerability anywhere in Usual's codebase. Usual and Sherlock described the program as the "largest bug bounty prize in tech history," which seems to ring true, with prior bug bounties from Uniswap ($15.5 million), LayerZero Labs ($15 million) and Wormhole ($10 million) previously making up the top three in the crypto industry. In terms of the broader tech space, Google's $12 million 2022 bug bounty program appears to be the largest on record, albeit on an annual basis. "With over $880 million in TVL, this record-breaking bounty prize is a powerful statement from Usual showing their dedication to the security of their protocol," the projects said in a statement shared with The Block. Bug bounty programs are commonly employed in the tech industry to encourage ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in a codebase before malicious actors can exploit them. The Usual codebase has already undergone 20 previous audits, including a recent Sherlock audit contest, which offered a $209,000 prize pool. However, "no valid medium vulnerabilities nor higher were found," the team said. Only critical vulnerabilities are eligible Only vulnerabilities deemed critical will be eligible for the $16 million top payout and all reports must be submitted directly to the Usual bug bounty page on Sherlock. Sherlock's definition for this is a "definite and significant loss of funds without limitations of external conditions" or a "definite and significant freezing of funds for over one year without limitations of external conditions." "Sherlock is privileged to host this historic bug bounty and to continue our collaboration with Usual, a partnership rooted in mutual dedication to advancing DeFi with integrity," Sherlock CEO Jack Sanford said. "Usual's rigorous approach to security complements our mission, reinforcing trust across the ecosystem." In January, Usual's staked USD0 token dropped 8.5% from $1 to $0.915 via decentralized exchanges after the protocol intentionally adjusted the mechanics of USD0++ as part of its dual exit update, sparking community concern. While Usual's USD0 is a U.S. Treasuries-backed stablecoin, currently still pegged to $1, the liquid staked version, USD0++, operates more like a zero-coupon bond that is locked up for four years and earns holders Usual’s native utility and governance token, USUAL, at the end of the term. In December, Binance and Kraken led a $10 million Series A funding round for Usual, with participation from Ethena, Ondo and Echo, among others.
Bpifrance Sets €25M Crypto Fund to Back French Projects
Bpifrance launched a €25M fund to buy French crypto tokens before they go public. France boosts crypto while investigating Binance and attracting Coinbase as VASP. Who would have thought that a state-owned bank in France would be so bold as to jump straight into the crypto world? Bpifrance, which has so far been known to be more familiar with financing traditional businesses, has now launched a €25 million fund to invest directly in crypto tokens created by French projects. This move is not just a whim or following a trend. Bpifrance seems to be really serious about strengthening the local digital asset ecosystem, especially amid the strong flow of investment that often flows abroad. 💥 🇫🇷 French state-owned bank Bpifrance launches €25m fund for new French #crypto tokens. pic.twitter.com/rgDNk9cBD8 — BITCOIN EXPERT INDIA (@Btcexpertindia) March 28, 2025 Bpifrance Jumps Into the Crypto Ring Different from their previous approach, where they only supported blockchain technology behind the scenes, this time Bpifrance is getting straight into the arena. This fund is designed to buy French tokens before they go public, a kind of state way of booking front-row seats at a local crypto concert. And considering that over the past decade they have poured more than €150 million into blockchain-related projects, it is clear that this is not a decision made overnight. Progress on One Side, Scrutiny on the Other On the other hand, this move comes amid quite complicated conditions. In January, French authorities actually deepened their investigation into Binance, the world’s crypto exchange giant. The alleged violations are serious, spanning from money laundering and financing terrorism to their connections to drug trafficking and tax evasion. The investigation covers Binance’s activities in Europe from 2019 to 2024. So, while the state is providing encouragement through Bpifrance, there is also an ongoing clean-up effort. A Friendlier Lane for Digital Pioneers However, France seems to still want to be a magnet for this industry. Coinbase, for example, has just celebrated its expansion into France after being officially recognized as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) by local authorities. CNF previously reported that more crypto-friendly regulations have made France one of Europe’s new favorite destinations. This can be likened to opening a special toll gate for digital projects, so that they no longer have to compete for lanes with startups from other parts of the world. Merging Public Trust with DeFi Agility Furthermore, the push from the private sector is also increasingly felt. Last year, former French parliamentarian Pierre Person decided to switch from politics to the crypto space. He founded Usual Labs and launched Usual Money, an Ethereum-based DeFi protocol. They issued two tokens: USD0++ which functions as a liquid bond, and USD0, a stablecoin backed by government bonds. It can be said that this is like combining trust in the state with the flexibility of the crypto world, two worlds that used to feel very far from each other.
Zoth Protocol Loses $8M in Latest DeFi Exploit
The real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, Zoth protocol, has lost over $8 million in a latest DeFi exploit. Following the exploit, the protocol has put its front-end on maintenance mode until the issue is resolved. On its official X handle, Zoth team announced that their system has encountered an exploit and they are actively investigating the incident. “We are working closely with our partners to mitigate the impact and fully resolve the issue. A detailed report with a clear view will be shared once the investigation is complete,” said the Zoth team, adding “Your patience and understanding mean a lot to us. Further updates will follow soon.” Security Notice Our system has experienced a security breach. We’re actively investigating the incident and taking all necessary steps to resolve it as swiftly as possible. We are working closely with our partners to mitigate the impact and fully resolve the issue. A detailed… — ZOTH (@zothdotio) March 21, 2025 Web3 security firm Securr noted that the exploit occurred as Zoth’s deployer wallet was compromised and the attacker upgraded protocol’s proxy contract with the malicious code. The attacker then withdrew $8.4 million worth of USD0++ tokens and swapped it all for DAI stablecoin. USD0++ is the liquid derivative version for USD0 stablecoin, which is launched by the RWA tokenization platform Usual Protocol. It offers rewards while remaining transferable, with $USUAL rewards incentivizing the growth and adoption of USD0. As per Etherscan data, the attacker address has now swapped all stolen assets into 4,223.10 ETH – currently valued at $8.3 million. Follow The Crypto Times on Google News to Stay Updated!
Usual: 50% of all $USUAL tokens in circulation are now staked
the decentralized RWA stablecoin project Usual, based on fiat currency support, disclosed data on X platform, stating that currently 50% of all $USUAL circulating tokens have been pledged.
Altcoin Season Watch: Bitcoin Dominance Holds, But Breakout Signals Flash
Bitcoin’s market cap has doubled, while the altcoin market cap remains below its all-time high. Analysts predict a potential altcoin season following Bitcoin’s cycle peak. A golden cross in the altcoin market cap signals a possible breakout. For the better part of 2024’s third quarter, Bitcoin has watched its market capitalization balloon, hitting new highs. However, the altcoin market cap hasn’t kept pace, remaining below its previous all-time high, leading to concerns about capital rotation. Altcoin Season Index: Not Yet in “Alt Season” Territory Presently, the Altcoin Season Index , which tracks market cycles, currently sits at 26. This is below the threshold of 75 needed to confirm an altcoin-dominated phase. While this indicates that Bitcoin is still dominant, a shift toward altcoin season could occur if Bitcoin begins to stabilize or decline. Is Altcoin Season Imminent? In a tweet, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju described the altcoin market as a “zero-sum PvP game,” with assets rotating among themselves without fresh capital inflows. In his view, only a handful of projects with real-world use cases will make it big and reach new peaks in this cycle. Related: Is Altcoin Season Coming Feb 2025? A Look at the Bullish Signs Despite this, some analysts believe an altcoin breakout is imminent. Crypto Rover stated that Bitcoin’s bull run is “80% completed,” with the next 20% expected to be the most volatile. Historically, altcoins tend to rally after Bitcoin reaches its cycle top, indicating that a shift may be on the horizon. Golden Cross: A Historically Bullish Sign for Altcoins Crypto analyst Ted pointed out that the altcoin market cap recently experienced its first golden cross since early 2021. A golden cross occurs when the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day moving average. Historically, this cross signals a strong uptrend. In 2021, the last golden cross preceded a 500% surge in altcoin market capitalization within months. Meanwhile, Crypto Goos reinforced this sentiment, stating that “altcoin season will make a huge comeback” and predicting that investors could see significant gains soon. Why is the Altcoin Season Deviating from Usual Pattern? However, the debate over altcoin season continues. Even though technical indicators suggest a bullish outlook, Ki Young Ju’s observation about the lack of new capital entering the altcoin market raises concerns. Crypto analyst Miles Deutscher believes that the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs has altered the traditional market cycle. Historically, Bitcoin’s halving cycle led to wealth accumulation, prompting investors to reinvest in altcoins. Related: Altcoin Season MIA? Raoul Pal Reveals Crypto Portfolio, Puts Sui Ahead of Solana However, Deutscher notes that this cycle is weakening because Bitcoin ETF investors primarily hold BTC through traditional financial markets rather than crypto exchanges. Since these ETFs settle in U.S. dollars, there is minimal capital rotation into Ethereum and other altcoins. Glassnode data backs up this claim, highlighting a sharp $234 billion decline in the altcoin market capitalization over the past weeks. This marks one of the most significant drawdowns in recent history, though it remains less severe than the May 2021 miner migration crash or the late 2022 LUNA collapse. Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.
Euler DeFi Platform Goes Live on Sonic with Massive $100,000 Reward Program
Key Notes Euler has experienced remarkable growth, with its TVL surging from $8 million to $216 million since October 2024, achieving $270 million in deposit growth with just $1.1 million in incentives. The platform implemented innovative vault-based lending in its v2 update and launched rEUL, a token pegged to locked EUL that supports reward distribution throughout the ecosystem. Strategic partnerships are expanding Euler's reach, with Usual leveraging its design for a direct deposit module and Bunni announcing advanced rehypothecation integration to optimize returns. Euler , the cryptocurrency lending and borrowing platform, is now live on Sonic, introducing a suite of features aimed at enhancing lending capabilities and decentralized features within the Sonic ecosystem. The platform announced that the integration with Sonic will be marked by a substantial reward program offering $100,000 in rEUL incentives to early users. The launch brings several key cryptocurrency markets to the Sonic ecosystem, curated by MEV and Re7. Users can now engage with multiple digital assets, including scETH, USDC.e, and scUSD, among others. Users can lend, borrow and loop all of Sonic's major assets including: $stS , $wS , $scETH , $USDC.e , $scUSD , $wOS https://t.co/NezcW59Wmp pic.twitter.com/SCU6hC6sgW — Euler Labs🛢️🇬🇧 (@eulerfinance) February 17, 2025 Additionally, users will benefit from looping strategies, allowing them to maximize returns through systematic borrowing and lending. Re7 Labs has introduced specific earning opportunities through scUSD borrowing against USDC, while MEV Capital offers earning potential for users supplying scETH or scUSD. Euler co-founder Michael Bentley commented on the integration, praising Sonic’s success. He expressed enthusiasm about Euler becoming part of a growing DeFi network. Sonic has been killing it recently. Major resurgence not to dissimilar to another core DeFi project I know! Excited to see Euler join another thriving DeFi ecosystem. https://t.co/QQf5dZqaxj — Michael Bentley (@euler_mab) February 17, 2025 Innovative Strategies and Market Expansions Euler has gained traction in the DeFi space through the introduction of vault-based lending in its v2 update, as well as the release of rEUL, a token pegged to locked EUL, launched in November 2024. rEUL supports the distribution of rewards within the ecosystem. This expansion has positioned Euler as a leading platform in the DeFi space, with its total value locked (TVL) growing significantly. Since October 2024, Euler’s TVL has surged from $8 million to $216 million. Related article: Corn Adopts Chainlink’s CCIP to Boost Cross-Chain Bitcoin DeFi Solutions Matt Casto, a researcher, wrote about Euler’s strong performance in January. He noted a $270 million increase in total deposits while using only $1.1 million in token incentives. He said : “January was an extremely successful month for Euler. What’s overlooked is that they grew total deposits by $270mn while only spending about $1.1mn in token incentives. $245 of TVL for every $1 of emissions is far under what protocols are spending for a fraction of Euler’s m/m growth.” Growth, Performance, and Key Partnerships Recently, Usual leveraged Euler’s flexible design to introduce a direct deposit module for borrowing USD0 against USD0++. The Usual Stability Loan (USL), developed with the Euler Vault Kit, is the first to utilize Euler’s hooks for establishing permissioned markets. Additionally, decentralized exchange Bunni announced on February 3 that its v2 will collaborate with Euler v2 to introduce an advanced rehypothecation integration aimed at optimizing liquidity provider returns. The exchange noted that Euler v2’s modular framework brings extensive customization, flexibility, and capital efficiency, enabling isolated markets, innovative lending strategies, and rEUL rewards. This partnership expands options for Bunni LPs, enhancing yield opportunities through Euler’s vault strategies. next Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
Crypto Price Today (Feb 7, 2025): Bitcoin Drops Below $96k, Altcoins Bleed
The price of Bitcoin is currently struggling to break above the psychological mark of $100,000 with it dropping below $96,000 today as ETFs sees $140 million of net outflow. While the crypto market is experiencing a cooled down sentiment, leading altcoins were bleeding with trading significantly down from daily highs. ENA, XCN, TAO, SUI, HYPE and other mid-cap cryptocurrencies are down 10% in the past 24 hours. Major altcoins like SOL, ADA, LINK, AVAX are also seeing notable price decreases. One of the major headlines today was Ondo Finance’s announcement of launching its own blockchain for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. Despite significant attention from TradFi and a wave of new investors, the crypto market has witnessed huge selling pressure this week. Data from CryptoQuant shows that more people are selling their crypto assets and realizing profit at this point. If this market sentiment continues, analysts are expecting a further downtrend in the coming days. Trending Crypto Today BERA (BeraChain) ONDO (Ondo Finance) AVT (Aventus) QTUM (Qtum) FLR (Flare) Top Daily Gainers XYO (XYO Network): +25% STP (STPT): +15% USUAL (Usual Protocol) +4% The broader crypto market currently sits at $3.15 trillion, down 2.26% compared to the past 24 hours. As per Coinmarketcap data , the 24 hour total trading volume for the crypto market today stands at $125.3 billion. Follow The Crypto Times on Google News to Stay Updated!
Why Bitcoin Might Not Follow Its Usual Cycle Anymore
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan believes Bitcoin’s four-year cycle is over, with macroeconomic factors now playing a bigger role. Institutional interest in Bitcoin remains strong, with ETFs accumulating 1.163 million BTC, representing 5.94% of its market capitalization. According to Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, Bitcoin’s four-year cycle, which has long been used as the primary benchmark for market movements, may have come to an end. He claims that the halving—which used to be the key driver of price rises—is no longer the major influence. Macroeconomic conditions and institutional acceptance now, however, have more influence. Hougan remarked in his most recent comment, “institutional investors and policy changes in Washington could extend Bitcoin’s uptrend into 2026 and beyond.” This implies that the standard trend following halving could not be applicable anymore. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan said that Bitcoin's traditional 4-year cycle has ended. 2025 is expected to be a strong year, but 2026 may be different from previous cycles. The main driving force of the Bitcoin market is not the halving event, but macroeconomic factors.… — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) February 1, 2025 2025 Predicted to be Strong, But 2026 Could Be Different Hougan believes that 2025 will be a great year for Bitcoin as more and more big companies embrace this cryptocurrency. The key causes behind this are the rising institutional investor count and the release of highly sought-after Bitcoin ETFs . Hougan also cautioned, though, that 2026 might not show the same trends as past ones. While volatility may remain as the market ages, price action will not necessarily follow the well-known four-year pattern. Institutional Interest Remains Strong According to CNF , CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju highlights two key signals suggesting Bitcoin’s bull run could continue. One of them is the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), which reflects institutional interest in Bitcoin. Ju pointed out that once inflows into GBTC stopped, Bitcoin dropped sharply in 2021. Notably, GBTC was trading at a premium of more than 100%, therefore its stock price was substantially more than the value of the Bitcoin it possessed. But in February 2021 this premium became a discount, suggesting institutional investor demand was dropping. Should this tendency continue, GBTC’s movement could be an indication of approaching future changes in the price trend for Bitcoin. Young Ju also pointed out that Bitcoin holdings in ETFs have been growing fast. Since October 2024, they’ve surged to about 1.163 million BTC—worth over $123 billion, or nearly 6% of Bitcoin’s market value. Bullish Speculation Still Dominates Binance data suggests that most traders stay optimistic about Bitcoin’s direction, even with differing opinions on cycle changes. According to on-chain analyst Ali Martinez , about 60.94% of traders opening futures positions on Binance are betting on Bitcoin’s price increase. This indicates that optimism remains strong among market participants. Source: Ali Martinez on X Nonetheless, Bitcoin remains volatile. After a 2.29% pullback in the past 24 hours and a 4.60% drop over the last 7 days, BTC is currently trading at about $100,195. This shows that price swings are a natural part of Bitcoin, even though its long-term outlook still looks promising. Is Bitcoin’s Future Shaped by Macroeconomics? If Matt Hougan is right, Bitcoin’s price movements might start following economic trends rather than its familiar four-year cycle. Institutional investors are playing a bigger role, and the market seems less wild than before, which could lead to fewer extreme swings. For long-term investors, that’s probably a good thing—it means less chaos. But for those who’ve relied on the four-year cycle, figuring out a new game plan might not be so simple. Recommended for you: Buy Bitcoin Guide Bitcoin Wallet Tutorial Check 24-hour Bitcoin Price More Bitcoin News What is Bitcoin?
$1.2B+ Stablecoin Issuer Usual Adopts Chainlink for Security & Transparency
Usual stablecoins USD0 and USD0++ leverage Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network to aggregate real-time, volume-weighted pricing data from multiple exchanges. By using Chainlink CCIP, Usual enables secure, seamless cross-chain transfers of USUAL tokens. Usual, the issuer of decentralized fiat-backed (RWA) stablecoin has upgraded to the Chainlink standard for enhancing the utility as well as the liquidity of its two stablecoins USD0 and USD0++. By upgrading to the chainlink Standard, Usual would be leveraging the CCIP infrastructure, along with Data Feeds and Proof of Reserve. This integration will help Usual address challenges in the tokenized asset space while offering users and the ecosystem enhanced transparency and utility. Leveraging Chainlink Price Feeds for USD0 and USD0++ To ensure maximum security and transparency within the Usual ecosystem, stablecoins USD0 and USD0++ depend on accurate, real-time asset pricing supplied directly on-chain. In order to derive the fair market price, it uses a volume-weighted average across multiple trading environments. However, to achieve this level of accuracy and reliability, it’s important to have an oracle network, that will aggregate price data from off-chain sources and deliver it on-chain. This integration ensures the ecosystem operates with precision while maintaining trust and efficiency in all transactions. As a result, Chainlink has integrated Chainlink Price Feeds that offer high-quality data aggregated from premium providers across multiple exchanges. Additionally, Chainlink provides a decentralized network of independent, security-reviewed node operators, while minimizingthe risk of a single point of failure. Speaking on the development, Adli Takkal Bataille, cofounder at Usual said : “We’re excited to adopt the Chainlink standard to accelerate the adoption of USD0 and USD0++, enabling the creation of secure onchain markets around these assets, while providing transparency around reserves and enabling seamless cross-chain movement.” Usual to Leverage the Cross-Chain Interoperability (CCIP) Usual is leveraging Chainlink CCIP to enable secure and efficient cross-chain transfers of USUAL tokens on Base and BNB Chain. Using a burn-and-mint mechanism, USUAL moves seamlessly across networks while preserving its integrity. Key benefits include: Robust Security: CCIP uses Chainlink’s Decentralized Oracle Network (DON) to validate cross-chain transactions, ensuring security with redundancy from multiple validators and an independent Risk Management Network. Secure Transfers: Cross-chain transfers don’t require changes to USUAL’s smart contract, providing a secure and flexible solution. Built-in rate limits protect against congestion and market volatility. Programmable Transfers: CCIP enables value and data to move across chains, triggering smart contracts to execute actions upon receiving USUAL. Future-Proof: The architecture supports seamless integration of new blockchains, assets, and evolving security features as the ecosystem grows. As previously mentioned in our report, Chainlink introduced the CCIP v1.5upgrade on the mainnet while introducing low-friction billing mechanisms thereby enabling payment for VRF requests in LINK and other assets. Building Transparency Using Chainlink Proof of Reserve To boost transparency for USD0 and USD0++ stablecoins, Usual will integrate Chainlink’s Proof of Reserve, an on-chain verification tool that ensures continuous monitoring and public auditing of collateral backing our tokens, as noted in our previous article. By using the same Chainlink infrastructure that secures Price Feeds, Usual boosts the verifiability of tokenized real-world assets, ensuring USD0’s collateral remains strong across Base, BNB Chain, and beyond.
Trending Cryptos of the Week: ACH and GPS Break Out on Strong Demand
Regulatory advancements and security-driven innovations are shaping the week's biggest crypto trends. Alchemy Pay (ACH) is surging on the back of licensing approvals, while GoPlus Security (GPS) continues expanding its Web3 protection infrastructure. Market participants are also closely watching infrastructure projects like Wormhole (W) and XYO (XYO), which are driving cross-chain adoption. Meanwhile, DeXe (DEXE) and Usual (USUAL) are proving that staking and governance remain strong narratives. With several tokens breaking key resistance levels, traders are looking for the next moves that could set the pace for the broader crypto market. Alchemy Pay (ACH) Price Change (7D): +126.66% Current Price: $0.04715 News Alchemy Pay saw a sharp rise after securing a digital currency exchange provider license in Australia, expanding fiat-to-crypto services. It now holds 12 global licenses and is working towards obtaining more regulatory approvals. The company’s recent $10 million funding round valued it at $400 million, attracting institutional interest. A partnership with Movement strengthens its position by enabling seamless fiat onboarding for blockchain applications. The introduction of Alchemy Chain, a high-performance Layer 1 payment solution, further enhances its market presence, positioning it as a key player in bridging cryptocurrency and traditional finance. Forecast ACH broke resistance at $0.0515, confirming a bullish trend. The next target is $0.0930, aligning with the 50% Fibonacci retracement. If momentum sustains, further upside to $0.12 is possible. A rejection may lead to consolidation around $0.0425 before resuming upward. If volume declines, a breakdown to $0.0380 is likely, but the bullish structure remains intact above $0.0350. The RSI indicates strong buying pressure, while MACD suggests continued bullish divergence. Moving averages show support at $0.0440, making dips a potential accumulation opportunity before the next leg up. GoPlus Security (GPS) Price Change (7D): +38.31% Current Price: $0.1812 News GoPlus Security continued its expansion as the first decentralized security layer in Web3, integrating AI-driven risk analysis for blockchain transactions. The token price surged following strategic partnerships, including UXLink and Virtuals , to enhance security intelligence across decentralized applications. CoinMarketCap now integrates GoPlus Security’s analysis, allowing users to cross-reference blockchain security risks with CertiK reports. The project’s growing adoption was further demonstrated by its airdrop campaign, which exceeded 500,000 wallet claims. The team continues improving its decentralized architecture, leveraging artificial intelligence to build a scalable, trustless security layer across all major blockchain ecosystems. Forecast GPS tested resistance at $0.20 but faced selling pressure. A breakout above this level could trigger an upward move to $0.225, with the next major target at $0.25 if market conditions remain bullish. If it fails to hold above $0.175, the price could pull back to $0.155, where buyers may re-enter. The MACD shows weakening momentum, and RSI suggests a potential short-term retracement. However, long-term bullish sentiment remains strong as trading volume remains elevated. The key support to watch is $0.165, where historical buying interest has been concentrated. XYO (XYO) Price Change (7D): +31.22% Current Price: $0.01825 News XYO experienced significant gains after launching its Layer 1 blockchain, XYO Layer One, designed to facilitate AI-driven applications, real-world asset management, and decentralized data analytics. Market speculation surrounding a potential partnership with Tesla further fueled investor interest, driving a price surge of over 42%. The project benefits from its U.S. presence, where discussions around a 0% capital gains tax on domestic cryptocurrency projects could provide long-term advantages. XYO’s governance model ensures decentralized control over its infrastructure, making it a critical player in the emerging Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector. Forecast XYO is trading above its falling wedge breakout level, signaling a potential move towards $0.0245. If bullish momentum continues, the next resistance at $0.0270 could be tested. A failure to sustain above $0.0175 may lead to a retracement toward $0.0150, where support has historically held. The MACD remains in bullish territory, but RSI is approaching overbought levels, suggesting a short-term pullback could precede further gains. If XYO consolidates above $0.0180, it could enter an accumulation phase before another leg upward, with $0.0300 as the next major target. Neon EVM (NEON) Price Change (7D): +30.44% Current Price: $0.3004 News Neon EVM gained traction after integrating EIP-1559 , bringing Ethereum’s dynamic fee structure to the Solana ecosystem. This upgrade improves transaction cost predictability, making it easier for developers to migrate Ethereum-based decentralized applications to Solana. The project’s strong fundamentals, including over 200 projects preparing for deployment, position it as a critical bridge between Ethereum and Solana. Recent discussions surrounding the upcoming token unlock on February 7 have also fueled speculation, increasing trading volume. Neon’s infrastructure allows developers to access Solana’s high-speed transactions without modifying Ethereum smart contracts, increasing adoption potential. Forecast NEON is facing resistance at $0.315. A breakout above this level could push the price toward $0.38, aligning with previous rejection points. Sustained bullish momentum could see it retest $0.42, but failure to maintain current levels may lead to a drop to $0.265 before consolidation. The RSI is near overbought levels, suggesting a short-term correction is possible. The 50-day moving average provides support at $0.275, making it a key level to watch. A bounce from this support zone could signal renewed buying interest, with $0.35 as the next psychological resistance. Qtum (QTUM) Price Change (7D): +18.18% Current Price: $3.53 News Qtum saw a price surge following a significant rally in quantum computing stocks, highlighting renewed interest in blockchain scalability solutions. The project combines Bitcoin’s UTXO model with Ethereum’s smart contract functionality, enabling secure and efficient decentralized applications. Recent advancements in quantum-resistant cryptographic implementations have improved security and long-term viability. Institutional investors have shown increased interest in Qtum’s hybrid consensus model, which utilizes proof-of-stake to enhance efficiency. The project continues integrating cutting-edge blockchain upgrades, positioning itself as a leading contender in high-performance smart contract platforms. Forecast QTUM faces resistance at $3.80, a level that has previously triggered sell-offs. A breakout above this point could push the price to $4.45, with $5 as the next major resistance. If bearish pressure increases, the price could retrace to $3.25, where buyers may look to accumulate. The MACD remains in positive territory, but the RSI suggests slight overbought conditions. If QTUM sustains momentum above $3.50, it could enter a consolidation phase before another leg upward. Key support to watch is at $3.30, which has historically served as a re-entry point for bullish traders. Wormhole (W) Price Change (7D): +7.38% Current Price: $0.2451 News Wormhole continues expanding its interoperability capabilities with major integrations. Securitize announced Wormhole as its primary interoperability solution, enhancing cross-chain liquidity for institutional investors , including those holding tokenized assets from BlackRock and Hamilton Lane. Additionally, Cronos integrated LayerZero, connecting to over 115 blockchain networks, indirectly benefiting Wormhole's ecosystem. The protocol has now facilitated over $55 billion in cross-chain volume, with multiple DeFi platforms leveraging its infrastructure. Forecast Wormhole is currently consolidating above the $0.24 support level, attempting to establish a stronger position before another move upward. The immediate resistance at $0.26 has acted as a rejection point, and a decisive breakout above this level could push the price toward $0.30, which aligns with previous liquidity zones. If momentum continues, the next target sits at $0.34, a level not seen since early January. However, if the price fails to hold above $0.235, a retest of $0.22 is likely, which has served as a strong accumulation zone. A breakdown below $0.22 would weaken the bullish case, potentially leading to a decline toward $0.20 before any meaningful recovery. The RSI remains neutral, indicating that a breakout or breakdown will depend on broader market sentiment and trading volume in the coming days. DeXe (DEXE) Price Change (7D): +5.83% Current Price: $21.33 News DeXe Protocol saw increased activity as staking participation surged, with over 16.3 million DEXE staked, locking nearly 20% of circulating supply. The token also benefits from strong whale accumulation, with 99.22% held by large addresses. DeXe’s recent collaboration with GraFun added enhanced anti-sniping protection to token launches, increasing demand for its governance features. The project remains a leader in DAO governance and staking mechanisms, attracting institutional and long-term holders. Forecast DeXe is facing resistance at $22, which has acted as a local high in previous trading sessions. A confirmed breakout above this level could see the price climb to $24, where the next resistance zone is located. If strong buy pressure sustains, the next key target would be $27, aligning with a prior liquidity area. The MACD indicates continued bullish momentum, but RSI nearing overbought territory suggests some potential for short-term retracement. If DEXE fails to break $22, a pullback toward $19.50 could occur, with $18.80 being a key level to watch. A breakdown below this range could lead to further downside, targeting $17.50 as the next major support level. As staking participation increases and more supply is locked, any dips may present buying opportunities for long-term holders. Usual (USUAL) Price Change (7D): -0.93% Current Price: $0.3169 News Usual partnered with Chainlink to integrate price feeds and proof of reserve mechanisms for USDO and USDO++. This strengthens its position as a transparent and reliable stablecoin issuer. Nearly 50% of its circulating supply is staked in USUALx, and another 11% has been captured by early redemption, reducing sell pressure. Recent exchange listings, including Kraken, have increased liquidity. Despite market-wide corrections, Usual continues to build strategic partnerships and expand its adoption. Forecast USUAL remains in a corrective phase after failing to sustain its rally above $0.35. To regain momentum, the price needs to reclaim the $0.33 level, where stronger demand is expected. If successful, the next resistance level at $0.38 could be tested, followed by $0.42 if volume increases. A sustained uptrend could eventually bring USUAL back to the $0.45-$0.48 range. However, if the price fails to hold above $0.30, the next critical support is at $0.27, which previously served as a reversal point. The 50-day moving average is hovering near $0.29, making it a crucial area to watch for potential buying interest. Given the high staking percentage, reduced circulating supply could limit downside pressure, but weak market sentiment could still push USUAL lower before recovery attempts. JasmyCoin (JASMY) Price Change (7D): +4.13% Current Price: $0.02881 News JasmyCoin has been in focus following its breakout from a falling wedge pattern. The price initially surged past $0.030 but has since retested this breakout level. Whale holdings remain high at 49.64%, suggesting strong investor interest. JASMY’s performance remains closely tied to Ethereum, which is also testing its own breakout levels. If Ethereum sustains its uptrend, JASMY could see further upside as well. Forecast JASMY has held above its critical support at $0.028, indicating some resilience despite recent market weakness. The next resistance stands at $0.032, and a breakout above this level could open the way to $0.036, where a previous rejection occurred. If market sentiment remains strong, the next target of $0.041 comes into play, which aligns with a key Fibonacci retracement level. However, if JASMY fails to sustain above $0.028, a pullback toward $0.025 is likely, followed by $0.022 in a more extended decline. The RSI is nearing neutral levels, suggesting room for upward movement, but trading volume needs to increase for a sustainable breakout. If Ethereum rebounds, JASMY could follow, given their correlated price action in recent trading sessions. Closing Thoughts Crypto adoption is clearly accelerating, particularly in payment solutions and cross-chain interoperability. Alchemy Pay's strong performance highlights growing regulatory acceptance of crypto payments, while Usual’s integration with Chainlink reflects increasing demand for transparency in stablecoins. Security remains a dominant sector, with GoPlus Security reinforcing its position as a Web3 infrastructure leader. DeFi participation remains steady, as seen with DEXE’s strong staking numbers, but price action remains mixed. Cross-chain interoperability is another major theme, with Wormhole and XYO making strides. Overall, the market is favoring utility-driven projects over speculation, signaling a maturing ecosystem where adoption and security play leading roles.
Can Usual Protocol (USUAL) Sustain its 15% Weekly Price Surge?
USUAL token price recorded 15% weekly price surge, amidst extreme price volatility. Crypto community anticipates a further price surge in the coming weeks. Usual Protocol’s innovative approach to stablecoins and token-based finance quickly gained traction after its launch in Nov 2024. However, the project’s native stablecoin USD0++ lost its peg on Jan 10, which led to a price dump. Despite the price fluctuations, the USUAL price surged by around 15% this week. USUAL Price This Week (Source: CoinMarketCap ) The USUAL token is currently trading close to $0.4, with around 5% daily surge. It recorded around 15% raise this week, with most of the gains coming from the last couple of days. While its market cap is in the $226 million range, 24-hour trading volume is $405 million, up by a staggering 200% raise. The token was launched in mid-November 2024, at a starting price of around $0.35. One month after the launch, the token recorded an ATH of $1.61. After trading sideways for a couple of weeks with no significant price surges, USUAL token suffered a severe price drop one week into the new year. Usual Protocol’s native stablecoin USD0++ lost its peg to $1 and dropped to $0.89 after the project introduced a new floor price mechanism. However, this is not sudden or unplanned. The project team introduced a “revenue switch” on Jan 07, which included its plans to decrease the floor price of its stablecoin. It also detailed a complete roadmap to stabilize and enhance the USD0++ stablecoin on Jan 27. Can USUAL Sustain its Weekly Price Surge? Keeping the price fluctuations aside, the USUAL token seems to go on a price surge in the coming week. Several trading analysts on social platforms are estimating that there is a price hike ahead for the token. Trader DevKhabib posted on X stating that we got the bottom of the USUAL token. He further revealed that he bought the token at $0.37, anticipating previous highs from the altcoin. Other proponents of the usual protocol stated that the increase in trading volume reflects the possibility of upcoming price surge. However, the project must maintain the trust and reliability among the community to see future gains. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Elon Musk’s Father Targets $200M with ‘Musk It’ Memecoin Launch
Pi Network Price Fluctuates as Community Questions Grace Period Extension
Pi network announced Grace Period extension to Feb 28, making the community impatient. Pi token price surged by over 2% today amidst extreme price fluctuations. Pi network is one of those widely adopted crypto projects with its simple mining process through mobile application. However, its community is growing impatient as the project extends its Grace Period deadline. Meanwhile, the Pi token is facing extreme price fluctuations from the past month. Pi Token Price (Source: CoinMarketCap ) The native Pi token is currently trading at around $44, with around $3 billion market cap. It witnessed daily, weekly, and monthly price changes of +2%, -4%, and -10% respectively. The token is facing extreme price volatility, particularly in the last 24 hours, with a 24-hour high of $49.78 and 24-hour low of $43.6. Pi Network Extends Grace Period Deadline to Feb 28 The Pi community long-awaited for the completion of Pi Network Grace Period. However, the project announced its extension to Feb 28, 2025 recently. This caused speculation across social channels as the community grew impatient over the extension. Pi Network clarified that the Grace Period extension is to allow more Pioneers to complete their KYC and migration to mainnet. They are giving an additional month to more Pi holders to complete the Mainnet checklist. Thus, all the community members who mined Pi tokens need to complete KYC to avoid the risk of losing their tokens. The project also mentioned that the Grace Period Rules remain unchanged. And, this extension doesn’t affect its mainnet Open Network launch in Q1 2025. The earlier deadline for Grace period was Jan 31, 2025, which is why the community was expecting it to complete today. Amidst the increasing discussions around the extension announcement, the Pi token price is swinging wildly. However, a notable raise of 50% in its 24-hour trading volume is showing positive signs for the future price movement. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Can Usual Protocol (USUAL) Sustain its 15% Weekly Price Surge?
A whale redeemed 11.23 million USD0++, with a total loss of $999,000
@ai_9684xtpa monitored a whale redeeming 11.23 million USD0++, resulting in a loss of 99.9 thousand US dollars. In the past 15 hours, it chose to use a combination of two exit modes: 4.8 million USD0++ was directly exchanged for USD0 through Curve, at approximately 9.11% discount; the remaining 6.43 million USD0++ went through the official exit channel and a total of 1.042 million USUAL was confiscated as punishment, at approximately 9.12% discount.
Mango DAO votes to shut down following SEC settlement
A version of this article appeared in our The Decentralised newsletter on January 14. Sign up here. GM, Tim here. Mango DAO votes to shut down trading platform. Usual defends bond token rule change. Thorchain’s DeFi pause shakes investors. Mango DAO shuts down Mango DAO, a digital collective that manages the Mango Markets trading platform, is voting to shut down. Three proposals designed to force users to close their trading positions and prevent them from opening new ones were created on January 11. So far, two of the three proposals have passed. The votes mark the end of a turbulent, months-long saga at the decentralised autonomous organisation. In August, DAO members ratified a proposal to settle a lawsuit brought against the app’s creators by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The settlement stipulated that the DAO would destroy the MNGO governance token and pay a hefty fine to the regulator. Then in October, Mango Labs brought legal action against two senior contributors, accusing the pair of running a fraudulent scheme to enrich themselves at the DAO’s expense. Mango Markets was once one of the Solana blockchain’s leading DeFi apps with over $200 million in deposits. In 2022, crypto trader Avraham Eisenberg, stole $115 million from the protocol by exploiting a vulnerability in the way the app calculated asset prices. Eisenberg was convicted by a federal jury for fraud and market manipulation in April. Usual addresses controversy DeFi app Usual apologised for the chaos caused by its decision to cut the fixed price of the staked, bond-like version of its USD0 stablecoin. The $1.6 billion protocol blamed the confusion on users misunderstanding the protocol’s mechanisms. “The end of the 1:1 mechanism and the introduction of Early Unstaking were scheduled for early 2025, as has always been visible on the dApp itself since October 2024 and the whitepaper since November 2024,” Usual said in an X article. The incident highlights how in DeFi, where proponents lionise the sector’s ability to create a trustless financial system, developers at many popular apps still retain the power to shake markets without recourse. Previously, holders of the staked version of Usual’s dollar-pegged USD0 stablecoin could redeem them for at least $0.9995, as governed by the protocol’s code. But on Thursday, Usual updated its code so staked USD0 could only be redeemed for $0.87. The move plunged DeFi into chaos. Usual users and investors said the change was unexpected, and not adequately communicated ahead of time. Thorchain’s RUNE drops Concerns over the solvency of DeFi apps on Thorchain have shaken investor confidence, resulting in a 25% drop for its native RUNE token. On January 9, Thorchain founder JP Thorbjornsen implemented a 12-month pause for Thorchain’s Savers and Lending programmes in response to fears that the apps may not be able to return funds to depositors. There are 3 sources of RUNE inflation in the price. 1) THORFi - this is now timed out for 12 months. No longer a concern for now. We will get users liquidity in the app layer then restructure after 12 months. 2) Emissions. This year I’ll work with community to look at how… — JP.THOR | ACEL (@jpthor) January 9, 2025 Hours after the pause, three Thorchain nodes whose owners disagreed with the move reversed it, re-opening withdrawals. The episode shook investors, who, fearful that their funds could become trapped, withdrew some $75 million off the blockchain. Thorchain lets crypto users trade native assets between separate blockchains without the need for a centralised intermediary like crypto exchanges Coinbase or Kraken. It’s a popular tool among crypto diehards who want to distance themselves from centralised products for security and privacy reasons. In 2021, the RUNE token hit an all-time high of $20.87. It now trades at just $3.14 — an 85% decline. There’s a growing consensus among the Thorchain community that the amount of new RUNE tokens minted as rewards for DeFi participants should be reduced. This week in DeFi governance VOTE: Aave DAO mulls app deployment on Bitcoin layer 2 Rootstock VOTE: Uniswap DAO to adopt SEAL Security Alliance’s Safe Harbour Agreement VOTE: Arbitrum DAO continues Stable Treasury Endowment Programme Post of the week Crypto Twitter pokes fun at those caught up in the USD0++ snafu. dad, did you buy a 4 year zero coupon at par? pic.twitter.com/Alxq4OTjzO — SS (@sshxbt) January 10, 2025 Got a tip about DeFi? Reach out at [email protected].
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