Act I : The AI Prophecy PriceACT

Speaking at the Consensus 2025 conference in Toronto, PayPal Senior Vice President of Digital Currencies Jose Fernandez da Ponte said that incorporating banks into the stablecoin business is important and that without doing so, the full potential of these coins cannot be unlocked. Stablecoins, digital currencies that track traditional assets like the US dollar, have taken on new prominence as a way to move money between the volatile, programmatic world of cryptocurrencies and the more predictable, government-controlled realm of the traditional financial system. But they have been hamstrung by regulatory grey areas and worries about financial stability. PayPal’s own stablecoin, PYUSD, launched in August 2023, is fully backed by US dollar deposits and short-term US treasuries, allowing for 1:1 redemption. Despite its potential, PYUSD’s adoption has been modest, with a market capitalization of approximately $872 million, compared to the stablecoin market’s total exceeding $238 billion. Fernandez’s comments come as lawmakers are close to passing stablecoin legislation that could transform the market and open it up to banks. The US also seeks to update rules around digital assets. Fernandez da Ponte claims that although it may seem counterintuitive if stablecoins are to grow outside of crypto-native circles, the banks in this market will be essential because their infrastructure, from custody to providing fiat rails, will be crucial. Both the fabric and the connectivity must function. One other famous name that weighed in on the topic of conversation, Anthony Soohoo, chairman and CEO of MoneyGram, a cross-border money transfer service, claimed that this was a big breakthrough. Based on his argument, “There’s always hesitation: Can I trust this? [The stablecoin legislation] will answer many of those questions.” Once there are clear regulations, both executives said, they expect consolidation after a wave of new issuers floods the industry. Fernandez da Ponte said there wouldn’t be just two stablecoins, or even 300, but more than that. The stablecoin market is, at present, mostly run by Tether and Circle’s Stablecoins , commanding almost 90 of the $230 billion asset class. However, at a supply of $900 million, PYUSD is far behind. Fernandez said market capitalization should not be the basis for measuring success. He said one should focus on velocity, active wallets, and the total number of transactions, emphasizing that drives actual use. In the meantime, customers have been hunting for stablecoins backed by dollars that they can use for international payments and as stores of value in nations with high inflation and volatile currencies. MoneyGram, which has nearly a million cash-access locations in over 200 countries, helps enable that access, Soohoo says. According to reports, developed countries have been slower in embracing stablecoins. With adequate clear regulation, stablecoins can streamline cross-border disbursements and corporate treasury activities, Fernandez da Ponte said. The GENIUS Act is back in the spotlight as lawmakers make a final attempt to bring the legislation to the Senate floor following weeks of debate. Senate sources say a bipartisan amendment is under consideration, with proposed changes that include stricter regulations for tech firms handling financial assets, enhanced consumer protections, and increased oversight of public figures—including Elon Musk. The amendment also aims to tighten bankruptcy protections and prevent misuse of FDIC insurance. These changes could also make the bill more palatable to a wide array of Republicans. The pending vote will be the litmus test for whether the Senate is prepared to move forward with digital asset legislation that includes strict accountability without stifling innovation. Led by Senator Bill Hagerty, the GENIUS Act imposes a regulatory structure for token issuers, rather with an emphasis on US dollar-pegged stablecoins. The bill would require issuers to meet strict licensing, asset backing, and transparency conditions. Under the proposal, stablecoin issuers with more than $10 billion in assets would be subject to oversight by the Federal Reserve, while the states would regulate smaller issuers. US dollars or Treasury securities must fully back all stablecoins. The legislation is intended to strengthen the dollar’s status in the global marketplace and boost broader financial access in the digital era. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

The US District Court for the Southern District of New York has thrown out a joint bid by Ripple Labs and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking to alter a previous judgment. Among the other thorny issues is a significant reduction in Ripple’s civil penalty that the courts must consider. District Judge Analisa Torres issued the ruling, and this means that the existing injunction against Ripple and the original $125 million penalty remain in place for now. The request by the two parties is a culmination of a purported settlement agreement which was made earlier this month between Ripple and the SEC aimed at resolving their longstanding legal battle, which is currently under appeal in the Second Circuit. According to the proposed terms of the agreement between the two, the parties asked the court for an indicative ruling that would dissolve an injunction barring Ripple’s unlawful offer and sale of securities. Additionally, the agreement also toyed with the idea of slashing the previously imposed penalty of $125 million to $50 million, representing a 60% reduction. The legal battle started in 2020 when the SEC accused Ripple and its executives of carrying out an illegal offer and sale of securities. Reports indicate that in July 2023, Judge Torres discovered that Ripple had indeed carried out the offense; offered and sold unregistered securities, subsequently violating Section 5 of the Securities Act. As a result, the court entered a final judgment in August last year, admonishing Ripple from such activities as well as ordering the payment of a substantial civil penalty. Ripple was asked to pay 111% of the penalty amount into an interest-bearing account pending appeals filed by both parties. According to today’s order, Judge Torres indicated that while both SEC and Ripple framed their requests as a “settlement approval,” the substance of their motion was a request to leave huge portions of the final judgment. Judge Torres found this procedural approach “inapposite.” In a post on the X platform, Ripple’s chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty emphasized that the ruling was not about the case’s outcome but about technical legal steps that are related to Ripple’s cross-appeal. “Nothing in today’s order changes Ripple’s wins (i.e., XRP is not a security, etc),” wrote Alderoty. “This is about procedural concerns with the dismissal of Ripple’s cross-appeal. Ripple and the SEC are fully in agreement to resolve this case and will revisit this issue with the Court, together.” Alderoty. Alderoty’s comments spell a mix of relief and hope about the case, that the ruling was merely based on procedural concerns and that the case could reach a conclusion soon. In the ruling, Judge Torres also explained that the relief from a final judgment is governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60, and this requires a showing of “exceptional circumstances. The Order states that: “The parties have made no effort to satisfy that burden here; their request does not even mention the rule.” Resultantly, Judge Torres settled that if the court had jurisdiction (which it currently does not, due to the ongoing appeal), the motion would be denied as “procedurally improper.” As such, the motion for an indicative ruling was rejected. The ruling drew mixed reactions from enthusiasts following the case and updates on the X platform . “The meaning here is that the parties didn’t request relief under the right rule of civil procedure. So they will refile it under the correct rule but, me reading between the lines, is that Ripple and the SEC need to get on all fours and beg for relief.” Fred Rispoli. Others expressed frustration at the procedural misstep, with one user identified as Crypto_Owl saying: “How did you guys screw this up?? You fight for 5 years and spend a few hundred million dollars and get denied due to improper procedure!!” Following the ruling, the XRP price went down 4.68%. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

Solana price is currently trading around $173 after shedding over 3% in the past 24 hours. This dip follows an impressive run that saw SOL break above key moving averages on the daily chart. However, the current Solana price action suggests profit-taking at the $180–$185 resistance zone. This correction aligns with broader market volatility, but the technical picture still offers hope for bulls. On the hourly chart, SOL price recently broke below the 20 and 50 simple moving averages , now facing resistance near $175. The 100 SMA is trying to act as support around $170, while the 200 SMA has slightly flattened out, suggesting a tug-of-war between bulls and bears. Despite the current red candles, the downtrend is relatively contained, forming a staircase-style correction rather than a sharp dump. The price is consolidating just above a trendline formed since May 10, and any breach below $168 may trigger a sharper drop toward $160. However, as long as SOL price holds above the 200-hour SMA , there's a good chance of a bounce. The daily chart is more optimistic. Solana price recently reclaimed the 50-day and 100-day moving averages , which are now stacked below the current price. The next major challenge is the 200-day SMA at around $181, which is currently acting as dynamic resistance. The rejection near this level has triggered the recent pullback, but the support structure below remains intact. The Fibonacci retracement plotted from the previous peak near $210 to the recent low around $120 shows that SOL is holding above the 0.5 level, a sign that the correction is still healthy. A bounce from this zone could catapult the price toward the 0.618 level around $190 and possibly retest the psychological barrier at $200. For Solana to hit $200 in May, it needs to first reclaim $181 and close above it on the daily chart. This would flip the 200-day SMA into support and attract more momentum-driven buyers. Volume confirmation will be key here. If bulls can defend the $165–$170 support range and push above $185 with strong volume, the $200 breakout could happen quickly. However, failure to hold above $165 would expose SOL to a deeper correction, potentially testing the $150 zone, where the 100-day moving average lies. That would delay any hopes of a breakout rally this month. Short-term, Solana price is likely to remain range-bound between $165 and $181. A bullish breakout above $181 could set the stage for a retest of $190 and beyond. Conversely, a breakdown below $165 would signal growing weakness and shift the target to $150. The RSI on both hourly and daily charts appears neutral, hinting at a potential buildup before a bigger move. Given the overall market sentiment and Solana’s strong recovery from April lows, the path of least resistance still leans upward. But confirmation is needed in the form of reclaiming and holding $181 on a daily close. Solana's recent correction is not a trend reversal but a natural cool-off after a strong rally. If key supports hold, SOL still has a valid shot at testing $190–$200 in the coming days. Caution is advised below $165, but the bullish structure remains intact for now. Solana price is currently trading around $173 after shedding over 3% in the past 24 hours. This dip follows an impressive run that saw SOL break above key moving averages on the daily chart. However, the current Solana price action suggests profit-taking at the $180–$185 resistance zone. This correction aligns with broader market volatility, but the technical picture still offers hope for bulls. On the hourly chart, SOL price recently broke below the 20 and 50 simple moving averages , now facing resistance near $175. The 100 SMA is trying to act as support around $170, while the 200 SMA has slightly flattened out, suggesting a tug-of-war between bulls and bears. Despite the current red candles, the downtrend is relatively contained, forming a staircase-style correction rather than a sharp dump. The price is consolidating just above a trendline formed since May 10, and any breach below $168 may trigger a sharper drop toward $160. However, as long as SOL price holds above the 200-hour SMA , there's a good chance of a bounce. The daily chart is more optimistic. Solana price recently reclaimed the 50-day and 100-day moving averages , which are now stacked below the current price. The next major challenge is the 200-day SMA at around $181, which is currently acting as dynamic resistance. The rejection near this level has triggered the recent pullback, but the support structure below remains intact. The Fibonacci retracement plotted from the previous peak near $210 to the recent low around $120 shows that SOL is holding above the 0.5 level, a sign that the correction is still healthy. A bounce from this zone could catapult the price toward the 0.618 level around $190 and possibly retest the psychological barrier at $200. For Solana to hit $200 in May, it needs to first reclaim $181 and close above it on the daily chart. This would flip the 200-day SMA into support and attract more momentum-driven buyers. Volume confirmation will be key here. If bulls can defend the $165–$170 support range and push above $185 with strong volume, the $200 breakout could happen quickly. However, failure to hold above $165 would expose SOL to a deeper correction, potentially testing the $150 zone, where the 100-day moving average lies. That would delay any hopes of a breakout rally this month. Short-term, Solana price is likely to remain range-bound between $165 and $181. A bullish breakout above $181 could set the stage for a retest of $190 and beyond. Conversely, a breakdown below $165 would signal growing weakness and shift the target to $150. The RSI on both hourly and daily charts appears neutral, hinting at a potential buildup before a bigger move. Given the overall market sentiment and Solana’s strong recovery from April lows, the path of least resistance still leans upward. But confirmation is needed in the form of reclaiming and holding $181 on a daily close. Solana's recent correction is not a trend reversal but a natural cool-off after a strong rally. If key supports hold, SOL still has a valid shot at testing $190–$200 in the coming days. Caution is advised below $165, but the bullish structure remains intact for now.

$CVC Elliott Wave Update (4h) #Civic just completed a 5-wave impulse — topping out at $0.1613 (Wave 5). That marks a 3.733x move from the Wave 2 low! Now, the chart is signaling a potential ABC correction is kicking off. Key retracement levels to monitor: 0.5 Fib: $0.1292 0.618 Fib: $0.1216 These zones could act as strong supports where buyers regroup, especially if we see confluence with trendlines or volume spikes. Correction phases are natural — and often a setup for the next leg up. Watch how price behaves in that $0.1216–$0.1292 zone — a bullish bounce from there could launch Wave 1 of a new cycle

The U.S. Senate’s effort to regulate stablecoin issuers could soon return to the floor, following a week of stalled progress tied to partisan concerns over President Donald Trump’s crypto connections. Lawmakers are close to finalizing updated language in the bill, which may be brought forward procedurally as early as Thursday. The legislation — known as the GENIUS Act — aims to establish a federal framework for stablecoins. A previous version passed the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support but failed to advance in a cloture vote last week when all Democrats and two Republicans opposed it. Senate Majority Leader John Thune later flipped his vote in a procedural move to keep the bill alive. One sticking point for Democrats was Trump’s indirect ties to stablecoin issuer World Liberty Financial, linked to a deal involving Binance and Abu Dhabi’s MGX. However, the revised bill does not include language addressing this, according to CoinDesk reporting . Senator Kirsten Gillibrand acknowledged that while the bill includes general ethics measures, it is “not an ethics bill per se.” Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), co-sponsor of the bill, urged lawmakers to focus on regulatory clarity rather than political distractions. “I don’t want the fact that President Trump’s name comes up… to distract us from the important goal,” she said at a Wednesday event. The House is also advancing a separate stablecoin bill. If both chambers align, it could mark a major shift in how the U.S. approaches digital dollar regulation.