Bitcoin came under renewed selling pressure this week, briefly dropping below the psychologically important $80,000 level as traders reduced their exposure ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting. On October 26, BTC traded near $79,800, while Ethereum slipped towards $2,300 and XRP moved closer to $1.28. Solana also weakened, trading around $100 as selling pressure spread across the wider crypto market. The pullback has put key support levels back in focus, with traders watching closely to see whether buyers will step in or sellers will push prices lower.
The weakness reflects a combination of macroeconomic uncertainty, pressure on technology stocks and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Higher oil prices could keep inflation elevated, making it harder for the Federal Reserve to ease monetary policy. Even if interest rates remain unchanged, traders will closely examine the Fed’s comments for clues about its next move and the possibility of another rate increase in December. Higher interest rates and a stronger US dollar can reduce liquidity and weigh on risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.
From a trading perspective, Bitcoin needs to reclaim the $82,500 region to improve short-term sentiment and open the door to a stronger recovery. On the downside, the $79,000–$80,000 zone is an important support area. A decisive break below this range could expose the $77,000–$77,765 region, where buyers may attempt to defend the market. Traders should monitor trading volume, Bitcoin spot ETF flows and broader market sentiment to determine whether the latest decline is a temporary correction or the start of a deeper pullback.
Ripple Wins Final US Approval for National Trust Bank
Ripple has secured final approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish Ripple National Trust Bank (RNTB). The decision completes the chartering process after the regulator granted conditional approval in December 2025. The development is an important step for Ripple as it looks to expand its presence in the regulated financial system and strengthen its position in the growing stablecoin market.
The federally supervised trust bank is authorised to manage reserves backing Ripple USD (RLUSD), act as collateral trustee for the benefit of RLUSD holders and provide digital asset custody services. However, RLUSD will continue to be issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, Ripple’s limited-purpose trust company regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services. This structure allows Ripple to expand its regulated banking operations while maintaining the existing arrangements for issuing its stablecoin.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse welcomed the decision, saying that crypto and traditional banks work better together when innovation is supported by accountability and federal oversight. For the crypto industry, the approval highlights the growing importance of regulatory compliance as digital asset companies seek to work more closely with traditional financial institutions. A stronger regulatory framework could help attract institutional capital and increase confidence in stablecoins. Traders will be watching whether the development leads to wider RLUSD adoption, higher transaction activity and stronger demand for Ripple’s services. While the news is positive for Ripple’s business outlook, its effect on XRP’s market price will depend on whether adoption and network activity translate into sustained demand for the token.
Robinhood’s Prediction Markets Could Outperform Crypto Revenue by 2028
Prediction markets are emerging as a major potential growth area for Robinhood Markets, with Bernstein analysts forecasting that the business could generate more revenue than the company’s crypto operations by 2028. According to the analysts, prediction markets could produce approximately $1.7 billion in annual revenue by 2028, compared with an estimated $1.6 billion from crypto trading.
Bernstein expects prediction market revenue to rise from around $650 million in 2026 to $1.7 billion in 2028, accounting for roughly 18% of Robinhood’s projected $9.4 billion in total revenue that year. The forecast reflects growing interest in event-based contracts, which allow users to trade on the outcome of real-world events. Robinhood is expanding its offering beyond traditional shares, options and cryptocurrencies as it looks for additional sources of growth.
The forecast comes as investors assess how sustainable Robinhood’s revenue growth will be across different market conditions. Bernstein also expected the company’s third-quarter 2026 revenue to increase by around 13% quarter-over-quarter to approximately $1.5 billion, supported by equity, options and event-contract trading, alongside a recovery in crypto volumes.
For crypto investors, Robinhood’s outlook highlights a broader trend: trading platforms are competing for user activity across multiple asset classes. Prediction markets could become an important source of income when cryptocurrency volumes are weak, potentially reducing the impact of crypto market cycles on the company’s overall performance. Traders following HOOD shares should watch actual earnings, trading volumes and management guidance to see whether prediction markets are delivering the growth analysts expect. The forecast remains an estimate rather than a guaranteed outcome, and Robinhood’s performance will continue to depend on customer activity and market conditions.
Musk Warns AI Cloud Providers Face a Wave of Consolidation
Elon Musk has warned that more than 200 specialist AI cloud providers, often called neoclouds, could face severe financial pressure as lenders become more cautious about funding companies heavily exposed to artificial intelligence infrastructure. In a post on X, Musk argued that businesses without substantial revenue streams outside AI data centres may struggle to secure financing. He contrasted these companies with SpaceX, which he said had secured $40 billion in debt financing for GPUs, supported by its investment-grade status and revenue from Starlink and rocket launches.
Musk expects many of these specialist providers to fail or consolidate, although some may survive. His warning follows an October forecast from research firm Gartner that more than 80% of neocloud providers could cease operating independently by 2030 as the industry struggles to generate sufficient returns from massive AI infrastructure investments.
The issue is also relevant to Bitcoin miners that have expanded into AI computing and data-centre services. Companies such as IREN have moved into AI cloud services, while Core Scientific provides data-centre hosting for customers including CoreWeave. These businesses are attempting to diversify their revenue beyond Bitcoin mining by using their power capacity, land and computing infrastructure to serve AI customers.
The shift offers miners an opportunity to reduce their dependence on Bitcoin prices and mining profitability. However, AI infrastructure requires substantial capital spending, and the business can become vulnerable if demand fails to justify the cost of equipment, financing and electricity. If funding tightens or AI customers reduce spending, companies with heavy debt or limited cash flow could face increased pressure. Investors should monitor miners’ balance sheets, debt levels, contracted AI revenue and capital expenditure plans rather than assuming that a move into AI automatically improves their long-term outlook.
Strategy Pauses Bitcoin Purchases and Spends $204.9 Million on STRC Buybacks
Strategy, the largest publicly listed corporate holder of Bitcoin, did not buy or sell any BTC last week, instead spending approximately $204.9 million to repurchase its STRC preferred shares. According to its latest filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company repurchased around 2.07 million shares between Monday and Friday. It also reported no Bitcoin transactions and no stock sales through its at-the-market offering programme during the period.
Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings remained unchanged at 848,517 BTC, acquired for approximately $64.02 billion at an average cost of $75,446 per coin. With Bitcoin trading near $79,992 around Monday’s US market open, the company’s holdings were still above their reported average acquisition price, although their market value remains exposed to Bitcoin’s volatility.
Strategy’s US dollar reserve remained at approximately $4.83 billion, while its separate USD cash balance fell around 46% to $242.4 million from $447.3 million following the preferred-share repurchases. Since the beginning of October, the company has spent roughly $664 million buying back STRC preferred shares, compared with approximately $72.3 million used to purchase 851 BTC.
The decision comes as Bitcoin has retreated from a recent high of $84,777 towards the $80,000 region. Strategy’s common stock, MSTR, also came under pressure, falling around 2.2% to $142.80 in Monday’s premarket trading, while STRC edged down to approximately $99.35.
Strategy’s decision to pause Bitcoin accumulation does not necessarily signal a change in its long-term strategy, but it shows that management is also managing its capital structure and preferred-share market. Buybacks can support a company’s securities, but they also compete with other uses of cash, including additional Bitcoin purchases. For traders, Strategy remains closely linked to Bitcoin’s price movements, investor confidence and the company’s financing decisions. A sustained Bitcoin recovery could improve sentiment towards MSTR, while a deeper BTC correction could increase volatility in the stock. Investors should watch future SEC filings to see whether Strategy resumes accumulation and how it balances Bitcoin purchases with preferred-share repurchases.
The crypto market remains under pressure as Bitcoin struggles to hold the $80,000 level and traders wait for clearer signals from the Federal Reserve. BTC needs to reclaim $82,500 to improve short-term momentum and strengthen the case for a relief rally. If the $79,000–$80,000 support zone fails, the $77,000–$77,765 region could become the next important downside target. Ethereum, XRP and Solana may remain vulnerable if Bitcoin continues to weaken and investors reduce exposure to riskier assets. Traders should monitor the Fed’s policy statement, oil prices, the US dollar and bond yields for clues about the next market move. Ripple’s national trust bank approval is a positive development for regulated crypto services and could support broader stablecoin adoption over time. Robinhood’s prediction market forecast highlights how trading platforms are diversifying their revenue beyond cryptocurrency, although actual earnings will need to confirm the growth outlook. Musk’s warning about AI cloud providers is a reminder that Bitcoin miners expanding into AI infrastructure face financing, debt and profitability risks. Strategy’s decision to prioritise STRC buybacks over fresh Bitcoin purchases is another development for investors tracking institutional BTC demand and crypto-linked equities. In the near term, traders should focus on key support and resistance levels, confirm breakouts with volume, manage leverage carefully and avoid chasing rebounds until the market shows stronger buying pressure.
Bitcoin is trading around $80,000, under pressure after failing to hold its recent recovery toward $85,000. The market has now entered an important support zone, and traders are watching whether buyers can defend the $80,000–$82,000 area. The 20-day moving average is near $82,000, while the 50-day moving average is around $81,000–$82,000, leaving BTC below or close to these key trend indicators. The RSI is near 41, showing weak momentum and suggesting that sellers currently have the advantage in the short term. Immediate resistance sits around $80,700–$81,700, followed by the stronger $82,500–$83,400 zone. A sustained move above $83,400 would improve the technical structure and could open the way toward $85,000. On the downside, the first support is around $79,400, followed by $78,100. A daily close below $79,000 would increase the risk of a deeper correction toward $75,000–$73,000, where the 200-day moving average and longer-term support area become important. Institutional ETF demand has provided some support, but uncertainty around interest rates and recent volatility in risk assets continues to weigh on sentiment. Bulls need to reclaim the short-term moving averages, while bears will look for a decisive break below $79,000. Until BTC recovers above $83,400, traders should treat rallies cautiously and watch for possible rejection near resistance.
Ethereum is trading around $2,310–$2,330, with sellers maintaining pressure after the price slipped below several important moving averages. The RSI is near 33, indicating weak momentum and placing ETH close to oversold territory, although this alone does not confirm a reversal. The 20-day moving average is around $2,440, while the 50-day moving average is near $2,540 on the simple moving-average measure. This leaves Ethereum needing a meaningful recovery before its short-term structure can turn bullish. Immediate support is around $2,307, followed by $2,262. A daily close below $2,260 could expose the $2,200 area and potentially lead to a deeper retest of the $2,100 zone. On the upside, ETH needs to reclaim $2,370–$2,440 to show that buyers are returning. A sustained breakout above $2,440 would improve the recovery setup and could open the way toward $2,500–$2,550. However, repeated rejection below the 20-day moving average would indicate that sellers remain in control. Traders should watch the RSI and trading volume for signs of improving momentum, rather than buying simply because the market appears oversold. For now, ETH remains vulnerable until it can establish a higher low and reclaim its nearest resistance levels.
BNB is trading around $742, showing relative strength compared with several other major altcoins. Technical indicators remain mixed but lean constructive, with the RSI near 50 and price trading above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages. The 20-day moving average is around $742, making this an important short-term decision level. Immediate resistance sits near $744–$746, followed by $753. A sustained breakout above $753 could open the way toward $760–$767, while a stronger move above that zone would improve the bullish structure further. On the downside, the first support lies around $732, followed by $722. If BNB loses $722 on a daily closing basis, the recovery structure would weaken and sellers could push price toward $710–$700. The RSI suggests that momentum is close to neutral, so a breakout still needs volume confirmation. Bulls need to hold above $732 and push through $746–$753 to establish stronger control. If price continues to struggle below resistance, BNB could remain range-bound despite its comparatively resilient structure. Traders should avoid assuming that relative strength guarantees an immediate rally, particularly while the broader crypto market remains under pressure
Solana is trading around $100, after losing ground during the latest market correction. The RSI is near 34, reflecting weak momentum and suggesting that SOL is approaching oversold conditions. However, the price remains below its 20-day moving average near $106 and its 50-day moving average around $106–$110, keeping the short-term trend under pressure. Immediate support is positioned around $100–$98.50, with the lower end of the recent trading range acting as an important line for buyers. A sustained break below $98.50 could expose $95 and $90, particularly if Bitcoin also loses its key support. On the upside, SOL needs to reclaim $102.50–$106 to show that buyers are returning. A breakout above $106, followed by a move through $110, would strengthen the recovery setup and could open the way toward $113–$117. The RSI and stochastic indicators suggest that a relief bounce is possible, but oversold conditions can persist during a strong downtrend. Bulls need to defend the $98.50–$100 area and build higher lows before a sustained recovery can be considered. Until SOL reclaims its moving averages, rallies may attract selling from traders looking to reduce exposure
XRP is trading around $1.29, with the broader technical structure remaining bearish. The RSI is near 38, showing weak momentum, while the price is trading below its key short-term moving averages. Immediate support sits around $1.275, followed by $1.246. A daily close below $1.24 would increase the risk of a move toward $1.20 and potentially the $1.10 area if selling pressure intensifies. On the upside, the first resistance lies around $1.31–$1.34, followed by the stronger $1.38–$1.43 zone. A sustained breakout above $1.34 would be the first sign that buyers are regaining some control, while reclaiming $1.43 would provide stronger confirmation of a recovery. The current RSI suggests that selling momentum is already significant, but traders should not assume that the price has reached a bottom. Bulls need to defend $1.275 and establish higher lows before attempting a larger move higher. If XRP breaks below support, sellers could extend the decline toward the next psychological levels. For now, XRP remains a cautious setup, and traders should wait for a confirmed support hold or resistance breakout before increasing directional exposure.
Bitcoin remains the main market indicator, and the $79,000–$82,000 zone will be critical in determining whether the current correction stabilises or extends further. A confirmed reclaim of $83,400 would improve the short-term outlook, while a daily close below $79,000 could expose the $75,000–$73,000 support area. Ethereum is showing weaker momentum, and buyers need to reclaim $2,370 before a more meaningful recovery can develop. Solana is approaching an important support zone near $98.50–$100, but traders should wait for a reversal signal rather than relying on oversold indicators alone. XRP remains under pressure, with $1.275 acting as the first key support and $1.34 as an important recovery hurdle. BNB is showing comparatively better resilience, although a sustained break above $753 is needed to strengthen its bullish case. The Federal Reserve meeting on October 27–28 is the major event this week, and its policy statement and guidance could trigger sharp moves across digital assets. US inflation expectations, bond yields and ETF flows should also remain on traders’ watchlists. If Bitcoin holds support and reclaims its short-term moving averages, the wider market could attempt a relief rally. However, if BTC breaks below $79,000, altcoins could face further downside as traders reduce risk. Avoid chasing sharp intraday candles, and look for confirmation through daily closes, trading volume and market structure. Keep position sizes appropriate for the current volatility and define stop-loss levels before entering a trade. The priority this week is protecting capital, respecting support and resistance, and waiting for confirmation before committing to the next major move.
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