After a challenging two weeks resulting in a 21% drop, the Bitcoin (BTC) price rebounded emphatically, closing last week on a strong note. The premier cryptocurrency witnessed a surge that saw it end with a Doji Hammer candle on its weekly chart, signaling a potential bullish reversal. Notably, this uptick has propelled Bitcoin’s value back into its previous range of $41,300 to $45,000.

Keith Alan, the co-founder of Material Indicators, highlighted the significance of this pattern, stating, “Looks like we have a Doji Hammer candle forming on the BTC Weekly chart. That typically indicates a bullish reversal is coming. […] If we do indeed print a Hammer, Bitcoin bulls will need to overcome resistance at the bottom range of the Golden Pocket to have a chance at a meaningful move to retest the $44k – $45k range.”

Bitcoin has also reclaimed its position above the 20- and 50-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), hinting at the potential for further gains. However, the anticipation surrounding the first Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of 2024 adds a layer of complexity to Bitcoin’s trajectory.

FOMC Preview

The upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, is anticipated to be a major determinant in the short-term movement of Bitcoin’s price, as it could signal significant shifts in the United States Federal Reserve’s monetary policy approach.

Macro analyst @tedtalksmacro provided an in-depth perspective: “This week’s FOMC meeting is pivotal.” Currently, the market is expecting the Fed to maintain the status quo, with a 97% probability against any policy change.

“However, there’s a 46% chance of a rate cut by the March meeting. Investors should closely monitor for signs of the Fed moving towards a data-dependent approach, any recognition of inflation nearing their 2% target, and potential adjustments to Quantitative Tightening (QT) policies,” Ted remarked.

After this week, the Committee will meet again on March 19-20. Thus, this week’s FOMC meeting could lay the foundation for the critical decisions in March, which could have immediate and pronounced effects on market dynamics.

The Federal Reserve has forecasted that it will reduce interest rates three times this year. The market anticipates a possibility of five or more cuts. There is a general agreement that the initial reduction in rates might occur in the second quarter, though there is substantial support for the possibility of it happening at the March meeting.

Goldman Sachs has been consistently predicting a rate cut by the Fed in March. Their analysis is grounded in the significant progress observed in inflation control.

The post-FOMC meeting press conference will be a focal point, as investors seek clarity on the collective view of the FOMC members, including the newly rotated regional Fed bank presidents. These officials, known for their cautious approach towards rate cuts, will play a significant role in shaping the committee’s decision-making process.

December’s inflation report indicated a 3.4% year-on-year increase, with core prices rising more rapidly than many economists had projected. However, the Department of Commerce’s personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, showed more promising signs of inflation cooling down to 2.9%, aligning closer to the Fed’s target.

Implications For The Bitcoin Price

Renowned crypto analyst @ColdBloodShill drew attention to the historical inverse correlation between the DXY (Dollar Index) and Bitcoin. He shared the following chart and stated: “Heard you needed some hopium. The last two FOMC events have marked the pico top of the DXY. Next one on Wednesday.”

A potential drop in the DXY following the FOMC meeting could act as a catalyst for Bitcoin to rise towards the $45,000 mark. In addition, there are possible changes in QT policy that could indicate an increase in the supply of money. Such developments could serve as a major catalyst for the Bitcoin price as the hardest asset of the world.

Read More

Solana, the high-performance blockchain darling, spent today grappling with the $100 mark. Having rallied to within spitting distance earlier, the native token (SOL) retreated slightly but held onto most recent gains, hovering primarily above $97. This price point has emerged as a key battleground, analysts say, with significant selling pressure poised at the century mark.

Solana’s 2023 Surge And Challenges

2023 was a stellar year for Solana, a stark contrast to its previous rollercoaster ride. Fuelled by factors including network upgrades and booming DeFi projects, SOL soared to a record high near $125 in December, clocking in a staggering 1,100% gain since January.

Despite today’s hesitation, Solana’s performance continues to draw admirers.

“I see it as a potentially even better protocol than Ethereum for major crypto uses,” declared Joe DiPasquale, CEO of BitBull Capital, praising its speed, low fees, and increasing popularity.

This sentiment echoes widespread confidence in Solana’s technical prowess. Hosam Mahmoud, a research analyst at CCData, highlights the growing number of active wallets and record transaction volumes on the network as key drivers of investor faith. “These metrics, along with consistent advancements, are reinforcing bullish sentiment,” he explains.

However, the climb to $100 hasn’t been smooth. Armando Aguilar, an independent analyst, points to persistent selling pressure around this level, noting its “ongoing” rejection by the market. This raises questions about whether Solana can break through resistance and sustain its momentum.

Crypto Uncertainties: Bitcoin Consolidation, Solana Strength

The expansive realm of the cryptocurrency market is not immune to uncertainties, and its dynamics are often shaped by the performance of key players. Bitcoin, regarded as the bellwether of the digital currency space, has recently displayed indications of consolidation following a noteworthy rally.

The future trajectory of the top coin is of particular significance, as its movements have the potential to exert a substantial impact on the overall market sentiment, including that of Solana.

Despite the near-term hurdles, Solana’s fundamentals remain strong as it stands at a crossroads. While the $100 barrier presents a challenge, the underlying strengths of its network and the bullish whispers from analysts paint a promising picture.

In the face of extreme volatility of digital currency markets, some commentators have voiced their optimism for the Solana network and its native cryptocurrency.

Portfolio Manager Brett Munster of Blockforce Capital is one of these market watchers. He made notice of Solana’s strong momentum as the year winds down.

Whether Solana can conquer its resistance and continue its ascent remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the high-performance blockchain is far from fading into the background.

Featured image from Freepik, chart from TradingView

Read More

Ethereum price is attempting a recovery wave above the $2,240 zone. ETH could gain bullish momentum if it clears the $2,300 resistance zone.

Ethereum started an upside correction above the $2,200 zone.
The price is trading above $2,240 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
There was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance near $2,265 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
The pair might start a steady increase if it clears the $2,300 resistance zone.

Ethereum Price Regains Strength

Ethereum price formed a base and started a recovery wave above the $2,220 resistance zone. ETH cleared the $2,240 resistance zone like Bitcoin to move into a short-term bullish zone.

However, the bears were active near the $2,300 zone. A high was formed at $2,307 before there was a pullback. The price declined below the $2,280 level. It broke the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recovery wave from the $2,170 swing low to the $2,307 low.

The bulls are now active above the $2,240 support and the 50% Fib retracement level of the recovery wave from the $2,170 swing low to the $2,307 low. Recently, there was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance near $2,265 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD.

Ethereum is now trading above $2,240 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the first major resistance is near the $2,280 level. The next major resistance is near $2,300, above which the price might rise and test the $2,350 resistance.

Source: ETHUSD on TradingView.com

If the bulls push the price above the $2,350 resistance, they could aim for $2,420. A clear move above the $2,420 level might start a decent increase. In the stated case, the price could rise toward the $2,550 level.

Another Decline in ETH?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $2,300 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $2,240 level.

The next key support could be the $2,220 zone. A daily close below the $2,220 support might start another major decline. In the stated case, Ether could test the $2,170 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $2,120 level.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Level – $2,220

Major Resistance Level – $2,300

Read More

Polkadot (DOT) is gaining pace above the $6.80 resistance against the US Dollar. The price could gain bullish momentum if it clears the $7.28 resistance.

DOT is trading in a positive zone from the $6.00 support against the US Dollar.
The price is trading near the $7.00 zone and the 100 simple moving average (4 hours).
There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance near $6.50 on the 4-hour chart of the DOT/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
The pair could continue to rise unless the bears are able to defend the $7.28 resistance zone.

Polkadot Price Restarts Increase

After a steady decline, DOT price found support near the $6.00 zone. A low was formed at $5.97 and Polkadot recently started a fresh increase. The price was able to clear the $6.20 and $6.50 resistance levels to move into a positive zone, like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance near $6.50 on the 4-hour chart of the DOT/USD pair. The pair even surpassed the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $8.58 swing high to the $5.97 low.

DOT is now trading near the $7.00 zone and the 100 simple moving average (4 hours). Immediate resistance is near the $7.20 level. The next major resistance is near $7.28 or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $8.58 swing high to the $5.97 low.

Source: DOTUSD on TradingView.com

A successful break above $7.28 could start another strong rally. In the stated case, the price could easily rally toward $8.00 in the near term. The next major resistance is seen near the $8.50 zone.

Are Dips Supported in DOT?

If DOT price fails to start a fresh increase above $7.28, it could start a fresh decline. The first key support is near the $6.60 level.

The next major support is near the $6.00 level, below which the price might decline to $5.65. Any more losses may perhaps open the doors for a move toward the $5.32 support zone.

Technical Indicators

4-Hours MACD – The MACD for DOT/USD is now gaining momentum in the bullish zone.

4-Hours RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOT/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $6.60, $6.00 and $5.65.

Major Resistance Levels – $7.28, $8.00, and $8.50.

Read More

Bitcoin price is recovering higher above the $42,000 resistance. BTC must clear $42,800 and $43,500 to start an increase toward the $45,000 resistance.

Bitcoin price is moving higher above the $42,000 resistance zone.
The price is trading above $41,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average.
There is a key bullish trend line forming with support near $41,500 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken).
The pair could start a steady increase if it clears the $42,800 and $43,500 resistance levels.

Bitcoin Price Aims Higher

Bitcoin price formed a support base above the $40,000 support zone. BTC started a decent increase above the $41,200 and $41,500 resistance levels.

It opened the doors for more gains above $42,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. Finally, the price tested the $42,800 zone. A high was formed near $42,800 before there was a minor decline. The price declined below the $42,200 level.

Bitcoin tested the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $38,518 swing low to the $42,800 high. There is also a key bullish trend line forming with support near $41,500 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair.

The price is now trading above $41,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. Immediate resistance is near the $42,500 level. The next key resistance could be $42,800, above which the price could rise and test $43,500.

Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com

A clear move above the $43,500 resistance could send the price toward the $44,250 resistance. The next resistance is now forming near the $45,000 level. A close above the $45,000 level could push the price further higher. The next major resistance sits at $46,500.

Another Drop In BTC?

If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $42,800 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support on the downside is near the $41,750 level.

The next major support is $41,500 and the trend line. If there is a close below $41,500, the price could gain bearish momentum. In the stated case, the price could dive toward the $40,650 support or the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $38,518 swing low to the $42,800 high in the near term.

Technical indicators:

Hourly MACD – The MACD is now gaining pace in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $41,500, followed by $40,650.

Major Resistance Levels – $42,800, $43,500, and $45,000.

Read More

The Tron network is a decentralized blockchain platform that aspires to create an expansive and interconnected global digital content ecosystem. At its core, Tron leverages its native cryptocurrency, TRX, to facilitate seamless transactions and interactions within the network.

An outstanding advantage of the Tron (TRX) network lies in its exceptional scalability and impressive transaction processing capacity. This remarkable feature enables Tron to process a substantial number of transactions swiftly, ensuring the smooth execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). The network’s scalability is of utmost importance as it plays a vital role in supporting the expansion of its ecosystem and meeting the growing needs of both users and developers.

Tron (TRX) empowers developers to create and launch decentralized applications (DApps) through the integration of smart contracts into its framework. These versatile DApps span across diverse sectors, including finance, gaming, social media, and more. Tron equips developers with essential tools, resources, and support, enabling them to craft cutting-edge and fully operational applications. This fosters a dynamic developer community, driving ongoing expansion and diversification within the Tron ecosystem.

Tron’s emphasis on digital content is a distinguishing feature of the network. It aims to revolutionize the entertainment industry by directly connecting content creators and consumers without the need for intermediaries. The platform empowers creators by enabling them to distribute their content and monetize it through direct interactions with their audience.

The network (TRON) relies on a delegated proof-of-stake consensus mechanism for its security. Validators in the network are rotated every six hours, chosen by users who stake their TRX tokens.

To combat software bugs, Tron involves its community through the Bug Bounty Program. Users can contribute to development and earn rewards by reporting bugs and vulnerabilities. The Tron Foundation generously provides TRX rewards as an incentive, fostering a collaborative environment for network security.

This article delves into the fundamental features of the TRON network and explores its significant potential within the TRON ecosystem while also providing guides on how to buy, sell and trade on the network.

Features Of The TRON Network

Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) Consensus: The DPoS is a consensus mechanism utilized by the TRON network to enable its users to vote for representatives responsible for validating transactions and securing the network. This system guarantees swift transaction confirmation and streamlined network operations, enabling scalability and suitability for high-demand applications.

Smart Contracts and DApps: TRON offers a platform for the creation and implementation of smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements governed by predetermined rules. These smart contracts serve as the foundation for developing decentralized applications (DApps) that automate processes, enhance peer-to-peer interactions, and introduce trailblazing functionalities in sectors including finance, gaming, social media, and more.

Developer-Friendly Environment: TRON fosters a developer-friendly ecosystem by equipping developers with essential tools, resources, and support to build innovative and functional DApps. It offers user-friendly programming languages, software development kits (SDKs), and comprehensive documentation to optimize the development process. This commitment to developers encourages a vibrant community, promotes collaboration, and fuels ongoing growth and diversification within the TRON ecosystem.

Scalability and Throughput: One of the main purposes of the TRON network is that it is purposefully built to efficiently process a substantial number of transactions with exceptional throughput. Its infrastructure facilitates swift transaction execution, ensuring seamless operations for smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). This scalability plays a vital role in meeting the increasing adoption and requirements of users and developers.

Global Accessibility: TRON’s decentralized architecture guarantees worldwide accessibility, enabling individuals from across the globe to engage with the network. The platform’s infrastructure is intentionally designed to be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, promoting inclusivity and fostering a digital ecosystem without any geographical boundaries.

Direct Creator-Consumer Interaction: TRON enables content creators to engage directly with their audience without intermediaries. This direct connection fosters a more intimate and transparent relationship, allowing creators to better understand their audience’s preferences and tailor their content accordingly.

Ownership Rights: TRON acknowledges the significance of content ownership for creators and leverages the immutability and transparency of blockchain technology to safeguard their intellectual property rights. By doing so, TRON empowers creators to retain control over their content and ensures they are duly compensated for its utilization.

Monetization Opportunities: TRON empowers content creators by enabling them to directly monetize their content. By leveraging smart contracts and digital tokens, creators can receive payments directly from their audience, bypassing the need for third-party payment processors. This direct monetization approach allows creators to retain a greater share of their earnings and exert more control over their revenue streams.

How To Get Started On The Tron Network

To buy and sell tokens on the TRON network, you will first need to get a TRON-compatible wallet like  Tronlink. In this article, we will give examples using Tronlink. It is a popular TRON wallet extension and is readily accessible on leading browsers such as Google Chrome. 

Related Reading: How To Buy, Sell, And Trade Tokens On The Optimism Network

With TronLink, users can effortlessly create and oversee TRON wallets, securely store TRX, as well as other TRC-10/TRC-20 tokens, and seamlessly engage with TRON DApps, all within the convenience of their browser interface.

To add your TronLink Wallet as a browser extension, simply click on the “Add to Chrome” icon located in the top right corner, as demonstrated below. This step will ensure that your TronLink Wallet becomes seamlessly accessible within your browser.

Once installed and set up, Open the TronLink extension in your browser. You will be prompted to either create a new wallet or import an existing one. If you’re new to TronLink, select the option to create a new wallet and follow the instructions to set up a password.                                 

It is imperative to back up your wallet to ensure you can recover your funds in case of any unforeseen circumstances. TronLink will provide you with a unique set of recovery phrases during the wallet creation process. Write down and securely store these phrases in a safe place. (Do not store it on your device).

Trading On The TRON Network

The Tron network is capable of supporting various decentralized applications. Tron is often used to transact, as TRX transactions come with very low fees.

In order to engage in trading activities on the TRON network, it is essential to have TRX tokens in your wallet. TRX serves as the native cryptocurrency of the TRON network and is indispensable for executing trades, interacting with decentralized exchanges, and participating in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. 

Hence, prior to initiating any trading or transactions on the TRON network, it is crucial to ensure that your wallet is adequately supplied with TRX tokens.

The next step is to fund your wallet. You can add TRX or other TRC-10/TRC-20 tokens to your TronLink wallet. Click on the “Receive” button in your Tronlink wallet to generate a wallet address; tokens will be available in your wallet almost immediately.                                         

You can obtain TRX using popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) from cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and transfer it to your TronLink wallet address.

Note that users can also access various DEXs interfaces like SunSwap through their Tronlink wallet by clicking on the “More” button in the same row as the “Receive” button.

How To Buy and Sell Tokens Using SunSwap

SunSwap is a decentralized trading protocol built on the TRON network, with the objective of facilitating automated liquidity provision and establishing an inclusive financial market accessible to all users. By utilizing the decentralized nature of blockchain, SunSwap enables users to participate in liquidity provision by depositing their TRON-based tokens into liquidity pools. 

To protect your wallet from malicious activity, ensure that you are on the correct SunSwap website. To get started, visit the correct SunSwap website and click on the “Connect Wallet” option at the top left corner, as in the image below:

Then, select your preferred wallet (In this case, Tronlink):

Once connected, Users can commence trading activities as SunSwap is automatically linked to the TRON networks because it is a TRON-based DEX. 

After accessing the SunSwap interface, the next step is to select the tokens you want to trade. SunSwap operates on a system where you can exchange your TRON-based tokens directly with other tokens.

Click on the “Select token” button to select the trading pair you want to trade against.

For example, if you want to buy USDT using TRX,  select  TRX – USDT, enter the amount, then click on “swap” or “trade now” and then you can go to your Tronlink wallet to confirm the transaction.

Tracking Token Prices on The TRON Network

Avedex is a powerful on-chain tool for TRON network users, offering comprehensive market insights for specific tokens. It provides valuable information such as price data, contract details, and advanced analytics tools. Traders can analyze price trends, liquidity, and token fundamentals to make informed trading decisions. 

Additionally, Avedex allows for token comparison, user reviews, and rating systems, enhancing the decision-making process. With integration to TRON wallets and notification features, Avedex streamlines the trading experience, enabling users to stay updated and act promptly. 

Related Reading: Celestia Network: How To Stake TIA And Position For 5-Figure Airdrops

Overall, Avedex empowers TRON traders with reliable information and tools to navigate the market effectively and make well-informed trading choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TRON (TRX) network offers a decentralized blockchain platform that prioritizes the creation of a global digital content ecosystem. With its scalable infrastructure and high transaction processing capacity, TRON enables the swift execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) across various sectors. The network’s developer-friendly environment provides essential resources and support for developers to build innovative DApps, fostering a vibrant community within the TRON ecosystem.

To engage with the TRON network, users need a TRON-compatible wallet like TronLink. They can obtain TRX tokens from various popular exchanges, transfer them to their TronLink wallet, and then trade on platforms like SunSwap for decentralized trading.

Overall, the TRON network offers a robust ecosystem for buying, selling, and trading tokens, while its focus on digital content and developer support makes it an attractive platform for creators and users alike.

Read More

The foundational infrastructure of the Base Network brings about yet another Ethereum Layer 2 network, distinguished by its scalability and empowerment through the notable association with Coinbase. Coinbase is recognized globally as one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges and companies, Coinbase effectively manages a diverse portfolio of crypto assets, solidifying its status as a cornerstone within the digital currency realm.

Positioned as a pivotal solution to address the persistent challenge of high transaction costs within the Ethereum network, the Base Chain stands quite firmly to revolutionize transaction fees, delivering a cost-effective alternative within the secure Ethereum environment. The assurance of a safe and reliable ecosystem is heightened by the affiliation with Coinbase, an industry titan renowned for its unwavering commitment and 10-year-long track record of great service.

Reasons To Trust The Base Chain

The current centralized phase of the Coinbase company, with its owners and Devs known to the public, establishes a solid foundation for users to place their trust in the Base chain. With over a decade of extensive experience in the cryptocurrency space, Coinbase has consistently demonstrated its expertise by developing and launching numerous successful crypto products.

This wealth of experience instills confidence in the Base Chain as it navigates its initial stages of centralization, with a strategic vision to progressively evolve into a decentralized entity over time.

For those embarking on their journey within the Base Chain ecosystem, it is imperative to keep certain key considerations in mind. Firstly, the association with Coinbase serves as a testament to the network’s reliability and credibility. Additionally, users can anticipate ongoing enhancements and decentralization initiatives as the Base Chain matures, aligning with the broader ethos of blockchain technology.

In summary, the Base Network, fortified by its affiliation with Coinbase, emerges as a promising Ethereum Layer 2 solution, poised to alleviate the burden of high transaction costs while providing a secure and gradually decentralized environment.

Key Features To Note About Base Chain

Absence of Native Token: Notably, the Base Chain currently operates without a native token. Instead, transaction fees within the ecosystem are conducted using Base ETH. This choice streamlines interactions on the Base Chain and positions it as a unique player within the cryptocurrency landscape on the Ethereum chain. Some chain accepts their native token for gas fees but the Base chain accepts Base ETH.
Layer 2 Security Powered by Ethereum: The Base Chain distinguishes itself as a layer 2 chain, constructed upon the robust Ethereum technology. This strategic integration ensures a heightened level of security, leveraging the well-established reputation of Ethereum as one of the most secure technologies in the crypto community. Consequently, the Base Chain is anticipated to offer a security profile close to the Ethereum Layer 1 network.

Related Reading: How To Buy, Sell, And Trade Tokens On The Avalanche Network

Developer Transparency and Coinbase Backing: In contrast to many emerging chains, the Base Chain stands out due to its transparent development process and substantial backing by Coinbase. The association with Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, lends credibility and trust. Considering Coinbase’s track record of providing crypto products to over 100 million users and processing $80 billion worth of crypto assets without controversies, users can confidently rely on the expertise of the development team.
Anticipated Low Gas Fees: One of the attractive features of the Base Chain is the expectation of significantly lower gas fees compared to the native Ethereum chain. This affordability factor provides users with an opportunity to experience Ethereum Layer 1 compatibility at a fraction of the cost, enhancing the cost-effectiveness of transactions on the Base Chain.
Open Source Technology with Optimism Integration: The Base Chain’s Open Source technology is powered by the Optimism Open Source chain. This integration not only supports the overall functionality of the chain but also simplifies the development process for creators. Developers can anticipate a user-friendly environment for building applications on the Base Chain, thanks to the enhanced capabilities and support provided by the Optimism Open Source chain.

Expanding on the diverse utilities and functionalities within the Base Ecosystem

Bridging Utility: The Base Ecosystem has a bridging utility, facilitating seamless interoperability with other blockchain networks. This feature enhances the overall connectivity of the Base Chain, allowing for the fluid transfer of assets and data across different blockchain environments.
DeFi (Decentralized Finance) Utility: Positioned at the forefront of decentralized finance, the Base Ecosystem provides comprehensive support for DeFi applications. Users can engage in a spectrum of financial services, including lending, borrowing, and trading, all within the secure and efficient framework of the Base Chain.
Gaming Utility: Acknowledging the growing significance of blockchain in the gaming industry, the Base Ecosystem integrates a gaming utility. This functionality opens avenues for the development and deployment of blockchain-based games, ensuring a secure and transparent gaming experience for users.
Social Utility: Recognizing the social aspect of blockchain technology, the Base Ecosystem incorporates a social utility. This facet enables the creation and deployment of decentralized social applications, fostering interactions, and transactions within a secure and trustless environment.

Related Reading: How To Buy, Sell, And Trade Tokens on The Polygon Network

NFT (Non-Fungible Token) Utility: The Base Ecosystem extends its utility to support Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), a rapidly evolving and popular aspect of the blockchain space. Users can create, trade, and interact with NFTs seamlessly, leveraging the secure infrastructure of the Base Chain.
Compatibility with EVM-Supported Wallets: The Base Ecosystem ensures widespread accessibility by allowing users to utilize and access its utilities through different Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) supported wallets. This compatibility enhances user convenience, as individuals can leverage familiar wallets to engage with the diverse utilities offered by the Base Chain.

How To Buy, Sell, And Trade On The Base Network

Select an EVM-Compatible Wallet

To be able to make any transactions on the Base network, you need to have an EVM-Compatible Wallet. Click here to see a list of wallet options you can select from but I would recommend you use MetaMask, it is one of the most popular Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible wallets and also one of the most used wallets for Base Network transactions.

If you are using a PC, install the Metamask wallet extension by clicking on “Add to Chrome” to add the extension to your Chrome browser, as shown below:

Once installed, open your MetaMask, set up your account, and make sure to keep your secret phrase very safe, I would advise that you write it down on a shit of paper, away from the internet where it can’t be hacked.

Add The BASE Network To Your MetaMask

To add the Base Network to your MetaMask, search for Chainlist on your browser, open it, connect your MetaMask wallet, search for Base, and add it to MetaMask by clicking on “Add to Metamask”, click on “Approve” and lastly click on “Switch Network” on your Metamask.

Acquire Base ETH

To make any transaction on the Base Network, you need Base ETH. Get your Base ETH from these cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, OKX, or KuCoin. Buy ETH on these platforms, go to the withdraw section, making sure to choose the BASE network as your transfer Network, which automatically converts your ETH to Base ETH as it gets to the ETH wallet destination.

Related Reading: How To Buy, Sell, and Trade Tokens On The Arbitrum Network

Alternatively, if you already have native ETH in your Metamask wallet, you can use the BASE bridge to bridge from the Ethereum Mainnet to the Base Network.

Bridging to Base Network ETH From Other Ethereum Layer 2s

If you wish to bridge your ETH to Base ETH from other Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, I would recommend secondary bridging platforms featured on the BASE Bridge platform. These platforms facilitate a smooth transition to the Base Network from various Ethereum Layer 2 environments, as shown below.

Example Of Bridging to Base ETH From Other Ethereum Layer 2s

ACROSS PROTOCOL is the first secondary bridging platform featured on the BASE Bridge platform as shown above, all you need to do is connect your Metamask wallet and select the amount of ETH you want to bridge to Base ETH and Bridge.

After Acquiring your Base ETH, you need to do your research and know which token you want to buy on the Base Network on Coingecko before heading over to Dexscreener to check for the token,  Dexscreener serves as a valuable tool for checking available tokens on the EVM chain, including the Base Network. 

By selecting the Base network on Dexscreener, you can access a comprehensive chart of available Base tokens. Note that not all tokens are supported on every DeFi DEX, search for the token you would like to trade and select it. After selecting, look out for the Green Box section selected in the image to identify which DeFi platforms support the token you wish to trade. 

Obtaining Token Contract Address

Scroll down on the Dexscreener to find the token contract address or go back to Coingecko and copy the contract address. This address is crucial when trading on DeFi platforms.

Copy the contract address, and when you enter it in the swap section of a DeFi platform like Uniswap, it will reveal the token. If the token is not available on Uniswap, the Dexscreener will redirect you to another supported DeFi where you can trade the token like KyberSwap.

Connect your wallet to KyberSwap, click on the denominator token, and paste the contract address of the Base token in the search box. Before initiating any trade on DeFi, confirm that the network on the DeFi is on, in this case, the Base Network, ensuring the token’s availability on the Base Network. If it’s not initially on the Base Network, go to “Select a chain”, and select the Base network to ensure compatibility. 

Choose the desired pair of Base tokens and ETH (or other base pairs), specify the amount you want to swap, and execute the trade.

Related Reading: How To Buy, Sell, And Trade Tokens On The BSC Network

Reverse Trading For Base Network ETH

If you wish to trade from a BASE token to Base ETH, simply reverse the order. Place the Base token at the top and the ETH at the bottom, then proceed with the swap. This allows you to exchange your Base token for ETH within the Base Network.

By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the trading process on the Base Network, leveraging the features of DeFi platforms and Dexscreener to make informed decisions and execute trades seamlessly.

Conclusion

The Base Network is another Ethereum Layer 2 network which is also affiliated with Coinbase, which is one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges and companies in the crypto space with over 100 million users and processing $80 billion worth of crypto assets. Base Network has a lot of features which I have pointed out in the article already, although the Base Network does not have its Native token yet, it is still trusted and reliable due to its affiliation with Coinbase.

Read More

It’s only been a month into 2024, and Bitcoin has already experienced a whirlwind of activity. These events range from the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs to the cryptocurrency’s price underperforming with a decrease over the past month and selloffs from the Grayscale BTC Trust. Amidst all these, on-chain data has revealed an interesting sentiment of strategic accumulation among whales of the largest cryptocurrency. 

According to information provided by crypto analytics firm IntoTheBlock, Bitcoin whales have added over 76,000 BTC worth approximately $3 billion to their holdings since the beginning of the year. 

Bitcoin whales have increased their $BTC holdings by ~$3B (76,000 BTC) sine the start of this year. pic.twitter.com/0hi3Q7WXEo

— IntoTheBlock (@intotheblock) January 27, 2024

Bitcoin Whales Increase Holdings By $3 Billion Despite Market Downturn

The price of Bitcoin climbed shortly after the approval of spot ETFs in the US to reach a 20-month high of $48,600. However, in a surprising turn of events, the crypto has suffered a price dip, reaching as low as $38,880 during the week. 

Despite this series of events, on-chain data suggests that the selloff is coming mostly from small-term holders and a few large whales, as the majority of whales have been taking advantage of the price dip to scoop up more Bitcoin into their wallets.

The total balance among Bitcoin whales has jumped by 76,000 in January, with the count now nearing 7.8 million BTC. Consequently, addresses holding more than 1,000 BTC have now reached a new all-time high.

Despite the negative price movement, Bitcoin held in addresses with over 1,000 BTC has reached a new yearly high! pic.twitter.com/4qQhbXSD9S

— IntoTheBlock (@intotheblock) January 26, 2024

Price Surge Incoming?

BTC’s future price outlook looks unclear at the moment, as the crypto is currently trading at a minor resistance around the $42,000 level. According to analyst Michaël van de Poppe, Bitcoin could continue consolidating between $37,000 and $48,000 for the coming months, giving altcoins a time to shine.

However, fundamentals surrounding Bitcoin point to a price growth in the longer term. Renowned economist Peter Schiff recently commented that Bitcoin has the possibility of surging to $10 million within the next decade if it becomes a hedge against the devaluation of the US dollar.

The community and investors also like to keep an eye out for crypto whales because they can significantly influence price movements. When whales stock up on BTC, it often signals they believe the price is undervalued and ready to rise substantially in the near future.

If the whale accumulation continues, it could lead to a change to positive sentiment among the wider Bitcoin investing market. The next Bitcoin halving is also on its way, and many analysts predict a price growth around the event.  

Featured image from Pexels

Read More

The tides seem to be turning in favor of the Bitcoin price, as the market leader has reclaimed the $42,000 level for the second time in as many days. According to data from CoinGecko, the premier cryptocurrency has managed to register a 1.1% profit on the weekly timeframe. 

While Bitcoin appears to be garnering positive momentum at the moment, outflows from the Grayscale BTC ETF (GBTC) continue to brew fear of continued bearish pressure in the hearts of investors. However, a prominent crypto analyst has offered insights into the flagship coin’s recent movement, claiming that the price correction is over.

BTC Price To Make Another Run At $48,000?

In his latest video on YouTube, crypto pundit and analyst Michael van de Poppe declared that he believes that the Bitcoin price correction is over for now. The premier cryptocurrency experienced an almost 10% price decline after notching a multi-month high at around $49,000 on January 11, the day Bitcoin spot ETFs started trading in the United States.

While the general belief is that this price dip is connected to investors cashing out their shares in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, van de Poppe claims that it is only one of the negative events that enter the spotlight when the market is going through a correction. The analyst also highlighted the recent news of Mt. Gox paying out approximately 200,000 BTC to its past clients as another such incident.

However, with the selling pressure somewhat dampening, de Poppe speculated that the Bitcoin price might have one more run to $48,000 before the halving event. While acknowledging that the Bitcoin halving is a bullish event, the analyst doesn’t believe there would be a significant price rally prior to it.

In line with his analysis, Michael van de Poppe expects the Bitcoin price action to be within a range of $37,000 – 48,000 over the coming months. The crypto analyst anticipates that the altcoins will go on a positive run during this period.

Finally, van de Poppe mentioned that a trip down to $30,000 is not completely off the cards for the market leader, echoing recent bearish predictions. However, the pundit believes the odds of a $30,000 retest are low, as the crypto market rarely moves in the crowd’s direction.

Bitcoin Price Update

As of this writing, the Bitcoin price stands at $42,124, reflecting a mere 0.7% increase in the past day. With a market capitalization of over $826 billion, BTC maintains its position as the largest cryptocurrency in the sector.

Read More

[toc]

The Cardano Network is a decentralized proof-of-stake blockchain platform with smart contract support and uses its own native token ADA, just like the Ethereum blockchain. Cardano is often described as the Ethereum killer. However, Cardano also considers itself the updated version of Ethereum, which is currently the king of all altcoins, including ADA.

Cardano (ADA) The Supposed Ethereum Killer

It has been said that Cardano has anointed itself as a third-generation crypto platform which it regards to Ethereum as the second generation. Cardano has deemed itself fit to be a threat or competitor to Ethereum as they are both similar in so many ways, including the fact that Cardano (ADA) was created by one of the co-founders of Ethereum, Charles Hoskinson.

As Ethereum is having a hard time with high gas fees issues and slow transaction times, Cardano is all set up to take their share and make a name for themselves in the NFT, DeFI, and Stablecoin market. Cardano aims to be scalable and low-cost for users compared to Ethereum, its major competitor. 

It enables owners of their native token ADA to help operate the network and vote on changes to the software roles. A lot of developers now use the Cardano Blockchain for Smart contracts and building decentralized applications (dApps).

Cardano Continues To Evolve: Hard Forked From Byron To Shelley 

Cardano has been releasing its blockchain in stages with the aim of releasing better, cleaner, and more secure codes. They continued to evolve as the Cardano blockchain hard forked from Byron, a federated and static model, to Shelley, a more dynamic and decentralized model

A hard fork means or is described as a radical change in the blockchain, but in the case of Cardano, The blockchain hard fork was unique because instead of the blockchain radical change, it ensured a smooth transition from the old protocol to a new protocol while saving the history of the previous blocks. This means the Cardano blockchain contains the Byron blocks and after a certain transaction period, it adds the Shelley blocks.

Shelley was upgraded, and the Shelley protocol upgrade added a new feature that enabled different kinds of Smart contract use cases, which included the creation and transactions with multi-asset tokens. It also established support for the Voltaire voting mechanism. The Shelley protocol hard fork upgrade of March 2021 called “Mary” introduced native token and multi-asset support on the Cardano Blockchain. 

Mary allows users to create their own tokens that run on the Cardano network natively, just like Cardano’s native token ADA. Similar to the ERC20 tokens that can be created and transacted on the Ethereum network, Native tokens will open up this same functionality to Cardano.

How Does Cardano (ADA) Work?

The Cardano (ADA) Blockchain is made up of two main components, which are the Cardano Computational Layer (CCL) and the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL).

The Cardano Computational Layer (CCL):

The Cardano Computational Layer (CCL) consist of the Ouroboros consensus protocol and Proof of stake, which are the backbone of the Cardano blockchain. They help to run smart contracts, it also ensures compliance and security. Lastly, allow other key advanced features and functionalities such as identity recognition and blacklisting.

The Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL):

The Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) serves as the accounting layer of the Cardano blockchain where its native token holders can send and receive their ADA immediately with minimal transaction fees.

Blockchain Industry Issues Cardano Aims To Solve

To create a secure voting mechanism for token holders. 
To Separate accounting and computation layers. 
To create an infinitely scalable consensus mechanism. 
To use mathematics to provide a provably secure blockchain that is less susceptible to attacks. 

Benefits And Advantages of Cardano (ADA) Blockchain

Decentralization: The Cardano network is designed to promote decentralization, and the founder of ADA Charles Hoskinson, is confident that the network would be 50 to 100 times more decentralized than Bitcoin.

High scalability: The recent Cardano Blockchain Vasil hard fork solves scalability issues as it introduced critical updates that streamline transaction processing, ultimately increasing the transactions per second (tps) Cardano’s blockchain can handle to significantly boost transaction processing speeds, unlike Ethereum.

Multilayer security measures: Cardano has a multilayer architecture that separates the computation layer from the accounting layer and also the Ouroboros proof of stake algorithm reduces the surface attack and ensures good security without falling short on decentralization.

Low gas fees: Unlike Ethereum, Cardano has low transaction or gas fees which makes it more appealing to users and developers.

Environmentally friendly ecosystem: Cardano is designed to be accessible to all persons, no matter their level of skill, from novices to advanced users.

Strong Community: A project is as strong as its community and Cardano has a strong community of active users, developers, researchers, and founders all work together to make the project a very good one.

How To Buy, Sell, And Trade Crypto Tokens On The Cardano (ADA) Network 

To see a full picture of the Cardano ecosystem, go to CardanoCube. CardanoCude has information on the applications on the Cardano Blockchain, ranging from DEXes to Liquidity to Wallets, Marketplaces, DeFI, Infrastructure, and Launchpads, in case you want to launch a project on the Cardano Blockchain. There are also Metaverse platforms, Gaming platforms, AI tools, Community & DAO, Developer Tools, Meme Coin, and so many more.

To buy and sell tokens on the Cardano (ADA) network, you need to get a wallet. The official wallet created by the Cardano developer IOG is called DAEDALUS. DAEDALUS is a desktop or PC secure wallet for the ADA cryptocurrency that downloads a full copy of the Cardano Blockchain, and it independently validates every transaction in its history, ensuring maximum security.

How To Install, Set Up, and Use DAEDALUS Wallet

Make sure you download the installation file from the DAEDALUS official website daedaluswallet.io. Once the website is open, click on “Download” and then choose your operating system: either macOS, Linux, or Windows. Start the downloading process by clicking on “Download DAEDALUS.”

Install it, and once DAEDALUS is launched, you will need to configure the general settings and click on “Continue.” Read, and accept the terms and conditions. 

Please note that the blockchain must be completely synced before you can use your wallet.

To create a new wallet, click on the “Create” button, give your wallet a “Name,” and Create your “Spending password”. You will need your spending password later to make transactions. It will also Encrypt your wallet file in the dataless directory.

After the setup, the “Recovery phase” page will pop up, and you will be given the 24-word secret phrase that you can use to recover your account in case your laptop is stolen or broken.

Ensure to write down your secret phrase and keep it in a safe place, after verifying your secret phrase your wallet is all set up.

Click on “Send” to send coins and Click on “Receive” to receive coins, select one of the automatic recipient addresses to receive your coins for other exchanges.

How To Use The Wallet Function On Minswap Instead Of Daedalus

Minswap is a multi-pool decentralized exchange (DEX) on Cardano (ADA) where you can swap tokens with minimal time, cost, and maximum ease.

The Minswap website is user-friendly and easy to trade on. Go to the website, click on “Trade,” then click on “Connect wallet.” 

You might not see the DAEDALUS wallet there, so just create a “MinWallet” by clicking on it, then click on “New Wallet.” Copy your 24-word secret phrase down, write it down in a safe place, verify your secret phrase, create your MinWallet password, Now your MinWallet is ready to be used.

How To Buy ADA On Centralized Exchanges And Send To Your MinWallet

You need some ADA tokens in your wallet to make your transactions. You can buy your ADA from centralized exchanges (CEX) like ByBit, Binance, OKX, and MEXC, etc. In this case, we will use Binance.

Once the ADA is purchased, copy your MinWallet address, go to Binance, buy your ADA, and then go to “Withdraw.” Paste the MinWallet address you copied in the box to input your address, and Cardano will be automatically filled as your transfer network. Input the amount of ADA you want to transfer, then click on the “Withdraw” button.

How To Trade Crypto Tokens On MinSwap

To buy tokens, go to Coingecko and search for the token on the Cardano Blockchain Network you want to buy. Alternatively, you can go to the social media pages of the token you want to make sure you have the correct coin. Go back to MinSwap, click on the denominator token button, input the name of the token you want to buy, and select it.

Input the amount of ADA you want to swap for that token and swap it. If you want to sell, just switch their positions and swap.

Checking Prices Of Cardano-Based Tokens

Knowing how to check the price action of tokens when trading on blockchains such as Cardano is important for investors to make the best decisions. For the Cardano network, data trackers such as TapTools is the one-stop-shop for all things Cardano charts.

Just go to TapTools, click the Search bar, and input the name of the token you want to check. In this case, we’re using SUNDAE.

Choose the correct token and click on it, and TapTools will show you the price chart for that token. By using TapTools, you will be able to keep track of the price and follow how your token is doing, as shown below:

Interestingly, TapTools also has its own inbuilt decentralized exchange (DEX) for those who want to do everything in the same place. All you have to do is connect your wallet similarly to connecting to MinSwap as illustrated above, pick the token you want to swap to, enter the amount of ADA you want to swap, and click “Swap”. The DEX is visible on the right-hand side when you open the chart of a token.

Conclusion 

Trading on the Cardano (ADA) network is quick and seamless due to its fast transaction speeds and low fees. However, like with any crypto trading, it does carry its own risk, which could be a partial or total loss of capital.

Read More