Macro drivers will dampen Bitcoin’s halving cycle — Tim Draper

Stellar (XLM) could be poised for a price surge similar to XRP's recent rally, according to this week's crypto roundup. In other news, former US President Donald Trump made a notable move by signing one of the first bills tied to cryptocurrency—hinting at growing political engagement with digital assets.

Editor’s Note: If you're watching crypto trends, this suggests Stellar might be the next big mover, especially if it follows XRP's trajectory. Trump's involvement also signals that crypto is gaining traction in mainstream politics, which could mean more regulatory clarity (or drama) ahead. Either way, it’s a sign the space is heating up.

Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, just snagged the top spot in Bluechip’s rankings, earning an ‘A’ rating—essentially a gold star for reliability in the volatile world of stablecoins. This puts it ahead of competitors like USDT and USDC, signaling strong confidence in its stability and backing.

Editor’s Note: Stablecoins are the quiet backbone of crypto trading, acting as a safe harbor when markets get wild. RLUSD’s top ranking isn’t just a win for Ripple—it’s a big deal for users and investors who rely on stablecoins to avoid the rollercoaster of crypto prices. If Bluechip’s stamp of approval holds weight, this could shake up trust in older players like Tether and fuel more adoption of Ripple’s ecosystem.

Market expert Austin Hilton is making waves with a bold prediction that XRP, a major cryptocurrency, could skyrocket to "insane levels" after hitting a seven-year high. His technical analysis suggests the token might reach $5 by the end of July and continue climbing through the year. While crypto predictions are always speculative, this optimism is fueling excitement among XRP investors.

Editor’s Note: Crypto markets thrive on hype, and when a respected analyst drops a bullish forecast like this, it can move prices—at least in the short term. Whether XRP actually hits these targets is anyone’s guess, but for traders, it’s a signal to pay attention. If nothing else, it’s a reminder of how volatile and sentiment-driven crypto investing can be.

The CEO of Tether, the company behind the widely used USDT stablecoin, is praising the newly proposed GENIUS Act, claiming it could solidify the U.S. as a frontrunner in digital finance. While details on the bill are still emerging, the endorsement from a major crypto player suggests the legislation might offer favorable conditions for blockchain innovation—or at least, that’s how Tether sees it.

Editor’s Note: Stablecoins like USDT are the plumbing of crypto trading, so when their biggest backers cheer on new regulations, it’s worth paying attention. If the GENIUS Act lives up to the hype, it could ease regulatory uncertainty for crypto businesses in the U.S.—or just give Tether a competitive edge. Either way, it’s a sign that lawmakers and industry leaders might finally be finding common ground.

US Senator Cynthia Lummis criticized the Federal Reserve's recent crypto decision as "just lip service," arguing it doesn't represent real progress. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Paul Atkins spoke at an agency roundtable, and Circle executive Dante Disparte denied rumors about the company seeking a US federal bank charter. The crypto industry's optimism over softened Fed guidance may be premature, according to Lummis.