XLM Edges Higher 2.6% to $0.25 as U.S. Bank Tests Stablecoin Pilot

The UAE has enacted a new financial law that integrates cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into traditional finance, placing them under the supervision of the Central Bank. This decree aims to solidify the UAE's position as a global leader in the cryptocurrency sector.

Aptos (APT) has been trading relatively unchanged, underperforming compared to the broader cryptocurrency market rally, with current support at $2.16 and resistance at $2.31. This stagnation occurs as Bitcoin leads a rebound in the market, recovering from earlier losses and rising above $86,000.

Nasdaq ISE has filed to elevate the option limits for BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to top-tier status, reflecting a surge in IBIT options activity and a shift of open interest towards U.S. regulated venues. This move comes amid a backdrop of fluctuating investor sentiment in the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin has recently reversed its downward trend, surpassing the $90,000 mark just ahead of Thanksgiving, a notable shift from the typical pre-holiday price declines observed in previous years. This rebound follows a period of volatility, where Bitcoin's price had dipped significantly earlier in the week.

Hedera's native token, HBAR, has risen by 1% to surpass the critical resistance level of $0.143, driven by institutional accumulation as the launch of futures approaches. This increase follows a period of volatility where HBAR faced significant downward pressure, including a recent drop below $0.1373.

The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector has experienced a notable decline, with a total value locked dropping by $55 billion since October. Despite this downturn, the underlying fundamentals of DeFi protocols remain robust, as evidenced by increasing activity on decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

S&P Global Ratings has downgraded Tether's USDT, citing the increasing vulnerability of the stablecoin due to its rising exposure to Bitcoin, which has been experiencing significant price declines. This downgrade reflects concerns about the stability of USDT's dollar peg amid a volatile cryptocurrency market.

In the latest Crypto Long & Short Newsletter, Martin Gaspar analyzes the current state of decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens following the market's significant downturn post 10/10, highlighting potential opportunities amid dislocations. Investor sentiment is characterized by confusion and humility as the market grapples with ongoing volatility.