A16z raises $15B, Powell and Trump clash, and crypto holds steady

Major cryptocurrencies are exhibiting mostly flat movement as the market heads toward the Monday opening. Bitcoin remains steady at $90,600, Ethereum has climbed 1% to reach $3,110, Solana is up 2% at $140, and XRP has dipped 2% down to $2.04. Among the top movers, IP surged 20% and XMR gained 15%, with Monero (XMR) establishing a new all-time high at $590.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell published a video message asserting that the criminal charges against him stem from his refusal to reduce interest rates in accordance with Donald Trump’s preferences. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) revealed initiatives to introduce “smart cashtags,” which will display live cryptocurrency and stock prices directly alongside market tickers.

VanEck released a projection estimating that Bitcoin could climb to $53 million by 2050. The forecast is built on assumptions regarding long-term adoption, trade settlement use cases, and its role as a store of value, which together drive a projected 29% annual growth rate. In venture capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) successfully raised $15 billion to support American Dynamism, placing artificial intelligence and crypto at the center of the initiative.

Regulatory developments show that Ripple secured approval from the FCA to expand its crypto payment operations in the UK. Additionally, BNY Mellon launched tokenized deposits aimed at institutional and digital-native clients. In legislative news, a newly introduced House bill seeks to prohibit members of Congress and federal officials from participating in prediction markets. Lastly, Tether froze $182 million worth of USDT tied to oil transactions in Venezuela.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current prices of major cryptocurrencies?

Bitcoin is trading flat at $90,600, Ethereum is up 1% at $3,110, Solana gained 2% to reach $140, and XRP dropped 2% to $2.04.

What caused Monero (XMR) to move?

XMR gained 15% and reached a new all-time high of $590, leading the top movers alongside IP, which rose 20%.

Why did Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell release a video message?

Jerome Powell stated in a video that the criminal charges he is facing are the result of him not cutting interest rates to satisfy Trump’s wishes.

What is VanEck’s long-term projection for Bitcoin?

VanEck projects that Bitcoin could reach $53 million by the year 2050, driven by long-term adoption, trade settlement, store-of-value assumptions, and an anticipated 29% annual growth rate.

What new developments involve a16z and regulatory updates?

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) raised $15 billion for American Dynamism focusing on AI and crypto. Additionally, Ripple gained UK FCA approval, BNY Mellon launched tokenized deposits, and Tether froze $182 million in USDT linked to Venezuelan oil trades.