Monday Morning Blockchain
11th August 2025
Market Overview
Crypto markets hit a milestone - total market capitalisation reached a record $4.13 trillion, up about 1.8% over the past day
This week's upswing was fueled by policy tailwinds, notably a new executive order allowing crypto investments in U.S. 401(k) plans, unleashing potential access to $8.9 trillion in retirement assets.
Top Crypto Performances
Bitcoin (BTC): $121,49
Ethereum (ETH): $4,276.73
Binance Coin (BNB): $814.11
XRP: $3.31
Cardano (ADA): $0.8169
Solana (SOL): $184.01
Dogecoin (DOGE): $0.2355
Polkadot (DOT): $4.06
Polygon (MATIC): $0.2444
Litecoin (LTC): $125.11
Standout movers:
BTC is up over 3.6% in the past 24 hours, nearing its all-time high AP News+8Barron's+8CoinDesk+8.
ETH, SOL, and XRP each posted solid gains, lifted by the regulatory news and broader sentiment shifts Barron's.
Notable Events Impacting the Market
Crypto-Friendly 401(k) Access Opens New Doors
The executive order enabling cryptocurrency inclusion in retirement plans is seen as a watershed moment, potentially routing from $8.9T into digital assets Barron's.Market Cap Breaks $4 Trillion
Buoyed by strong performance in BTC, ETH, and XRP, the overall market value hit an all-time high of $4.13T, with trading volumes also surging Coin Edition+1.
Investor Sentiment & Outlook
Investor sentiment is firmly bullish. BTC’s surge and broader comfort among policymakers signal growing mainstream trust in crypto. Watch for:
Detailed 401(k) implementation guidance
Sustained inflows into ETH and SOL
Upcoming U.S. macroeconomic indicators and FOMC commentary
Conclusion
With major policy advancements supporting crypto’s integration into retirement systems, institutional and retail confidence is rising. As Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins rally, the market is poised for potential continuation—though volatility may resurface on macro shifts or implementation delays.
This Week in Crypto
Crypto IPO Wave Sparks 'Crypto Summer' in Public Markets
Bullish’s oversubscribed NYSE IPO—and upcoming listings from BitGo, Grayscale, Kraken, Gemini, and more—reflect growing investor enthusiasm and increased mainstream legitimacy.PYMNTS.com+2New York Post+2New York PostRipple Acquires Rail for $200M to Expand Stablecoin Operations
The regulated stablecoin infrastructure firm Rail joins Ripple as RLUSD ramps up, aligning with post-GENIUS Act adoption waves.Financial Times+2Wikipedia+2Bitcoin Nears $122K as 401(k) Crypto Inclusion Bolsters Demand
Trump’s executive order allowing crypto in U.S. retirement plans has propelled BTC to within 0.1% of its all-time high, with ETH also riding the momentum.metalpay.com+15Barron's+15TradingView+15Ripple Wins Broad Vindication as SEC Drops Major Lawsuit
In a landmark move, the SEC dismissed its case against Ripple; XRP surged on the news, though Ripple still agreed to a $125 million fine.The Times of IndiaIndonesia Hikes Crypto Tax Rates Effective August 1
Overseas trades now taxed at 1% (up from 0.2%), while domestic trades stand at 0.21%, and mining VAT is doubled—reframing crypto as a financial asset in local law.Indiatimes+15Reuters+15New York Post+15China Tests Stablecoins in Hong Kong to Boost RMB Internationalisation
Licensed issuers are enabling limited stablecoin issuance, as China tests the waters for renminbi usage in international and B2B payments.Financial Times+2Financial Times+2Crypto Gains a Strategic Channel: Aged Funds Can Now Invest via 401(k)
Including crypto in retirement vehicles could unlock access to $12 trillion in defined contribution assets, according to White House policy updates.The GuardianCrypto Whales Accumulate Meme Tokens, Including LILPEPE & PENGU
On-chain data shows growing accumulation of meme-coins with strong technicals and community buzz—chief among them Little Pepe, Pudgy Penguins, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, and Bonk.IndiatimesEthereum Surges Past $4,000 in Latest Rally
ETH posted new highs for the year, bolstered by ETF inflows and broader market rallies.Barron's+6MarketPulse+699bitcoins.com+6$LIBRA Meme Coin Scandal Shakes Argentine Politics
Though not from this week, the fallout from Argentina’s controversial $LIBRA meme coin launch remains a high-profile regulatory cautionary tale.
Meme of the Week
