
Coinbase Institutional Market Call
Each week the Coinbase Institutional team brings you the latest news and insights to help you navigate the crypto markets.
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 25min
Bitcoin Hits ATH, Onchain Insights, and 2025 Crypto Outlook
In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin’s breakout to a new all-time high and the factors driving it, including public companies like MicroStrategy, RIOT, and Semler continuing to stack BTC on their balance sheets. BlackRock’s recommendation of a 2% Bitcoin allocation further underscores growing institutional confidence in BTC as do conversations around global Bitcoin strategic reserves progressing in the U.S., Russia, and France. We also gather onchain insights into BTC active supply, with 4.1M BTC moving onchain in the last six months.Onchain developments include the rise of stablecoin supply, AI agents driving meme token trends, and Lido’s phased withdrawal of Polygon support. We also spotlight Pudgy Penguins' momentum and token launch with PENGU.On the macro side, we preview the upcoming Fed meeting and its potential market impact. Finally, David provides an overview of Coinbase’s crypto outlook for 2025, offering a forward-looking perspective on the year ahead.Topics Covered:Market: BTC’s all-time high, institutional moves, and BlackRock’s 2% allocation call.Strategic Reserves: Bitcoin reserve discussions across the U.S., Russia, and France.Onchain: Stablecoin growth, AI-driven memes, Pudgy Penguins' token launch, and Lido’s Polygon phase-out.Supply Trends: BTC active supply analysis and market implications.Macro: Fed meeting preview and its impact on markets.Outlook: Coinbase’s 2025 crypto market forecast.Host:Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research AnalystJoshua Pak, CES Salestrader

Dec 10, 2024 • 23min
Liquidations, ETF Insights, and Onchain Highlights
In this episode, we break down a turbulent week in crypto markets, starting with a wave of liquidations driven by recent volatility. We explore ETF flows, contrasting ETH and BTC trends, and analyze the resilience of CME basis despite normalized funding rates.Corporate treasury expansion takes center stage as we highlight significant Bitcoin acquisitions by MicroStrategy, MARA Holdings, and others.On the regulatory front, David Sacks' new appointment sparks debate on crypto policy direction. Onchain developments include Google’s intriguing Willow project, the UK’s blocking of Pump’s frontend, and Pudgy Penguins' rise as a top NFT collection. Plus, Floki’s debut debit card marks another milestone in crypto adoption.We also review the macro outlook, previewing the upcoming CPI release and its potential ripple effects on the market.Topics Covered:Market: Liquidations, ETF updates, and CME basis trends.Client Conversations: Strategic positioning, rotation, and profit-taking.Bitcoin Miners & Treasuries: Bold moves by MARA and MicroStrategy.Macro & Regulation: CPI preview and shifting Fed leadership dynamics.Onchain Trends: Google’s qubits, NFT reshuffles, and token launches.Host: Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists: David Duong, Head of Institutional Research David Han, Research Analyst Georg Toropov, Senior CES Sales Trader

Dec 3, 2024 • 27min
Drift’s Cindy Leow, South Korea, and Altcoin Season
Join us for an interview with Cindy Leow, co-founder of Drift, as she shares the inside scoop on their Solana-based decentralized exchange that’s making waves with its 50x leverage perpetual futures trading and BET prediction market. In markets, Greg Sutton talks about the consolidation of assets like BTC, ETH and SOL over the last week, as well as the major disruptions happening on South Korean crypto exchanges after the country’s declaration of martial law (since blocked by the national assembly). We then explore the rise of AI agents with David Han, who also discusses the massive airdrop from DeFi protocol Hyperliquid.Host:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchPanelists:David Han, Research AnalystGreg Sutton, CES Sales TraderDon’t miss this episode packed with market analysis, macro insights, and cutting-edge onchain trends.

Nov 26, 2024 • 23min
Bitcoin Nears $100K, ETF Updates, and Macro Shifts
In this episode, we delve into Bitcoin's march toward $100K, analyzing market flows, technical drivers, and ETF developments, including the impact of 13F filings and the launch of ETF options. We also spotlight the strength in XRP tied to ETF applications and discuss key macro shifts, including Trump's Cabinet picks, Gary Gensler's exit from the SEC, and what it all means for crypto. David Duong covers the upcoming Fed meeting and its implications, while David Han provides an onchain update on long-term Bitcoin holders and the rise of meme tokens.Don’t miss this episode packed with market analysis, macro insights, and cutting-edge onchain trends.Topics Covered:Market Update: BTC's rally, ETF flows, 13F surprises, and XRP’s surge.Macro Shifts: Fed meeting preview, Trump's crypto impact, and regulatory updates in the U.S. and U.K.Onchain Update: Insights into BTC holders' strategies and meme innovation.Host:Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research AnalystGreg Sutton, CES Sales Trader

Nov 19, 2024 • 35min
Maple Finance, IBIT Options, and Crypto Outperformers
In this episode, we analyze the latest crypto market trends, highlighting BTC’s rally, standout tokens like SOL and XRP, and increased corporate adoption. Joe Flanagan, Co-Founder of Maple Finance, joins us to discuss the platform’s transition to secured lending, expansion into new borrower sectors, and the introduction of their governance token, SYRUP. We also explore the launch of IBIT options, examining how they could enhance liquidity, improve risk management, and offer strategic flexibility for investors. Don’t miss this episode packed with market updates, institutional trends, and deep dives into DeFi innovation.Topics Covered:Market Update: BTC and altcoin movements, corporate BTC adoption, and ETF flows.Maple Finance Insights: Its transition to secured lending, its long-term plans for expansion, and its SYRUP token launch.IBIT Options: Implications for liquidity, risk management, and portfolio strategies.Host:Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesSpecial Guest:Joe Flanagan, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Maple FinancePanelists:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research Analyst

Nov 12, 2024 • 40min
Coin50 Index, Market Movers and Onchain Insights
In this episode, we dive into the major market movers, examining shifts in onchain BTC activity as long-term holders start to potentially position to take profits and funding rates hit extreme levels. Rachel Ziv provides the latest insights on the Coinbase financing business, including current trends in the fluctuating cost of capital. Special guest John D’Agostino, Senior Adviser to Coinbase, introduces the Coin50 Index, explaining its methodology, potential impacts, and its future role in shaping crypto portfolio strategies. David Duong delivers a macroeconomic update covering CPI, retail sales, and insights into what the Fed may do next. Onchain specialist David Han provides a breakdown of Beam Chain, as highlighted by the Ethereum Foundation’s Justin Drake, along with the latest from the Base ecosystem. Don’t miss this packed episode full of expert analyses, innovative tools, and essential market data.**Host:**Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesSpecial GuestsJohn D’Agostino, Senior AdviserRachel Ziv, Senior Financing TraderPanelistsDavid Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research Analyst

Nov 8, 2024 • 30min
The US Election Was a Huge Win for Crypto
Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election has been a significant catalyst for the crypto market in recent days. Following the election results, bitcoin reached a new all-time high exceeding $75,000, along with substantial gains in other cryptocurrencies such as ETH, SOL, and DOGE. This surge is attributed to bullish market sentiment and re-risking by traders. Moreover, the election has led to a more crypto-friendly Congress, enhancing optimism around regulatory clarity. In this podcast, Ben Floyd, David Duong, Greg Sutton and David Han discuss some of the regulatory and policy implications of a Trump presidency. They also talk about the Federal Reserve decision, the Ethereum Foundation’s report, Solana trading ecosystem profits, and the recent spike in stablecoin supply.**Host:**Ben Floyd, Head of Execution Services**Panelists:**David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research AnalystGreg Sutton, CES Sales TraderDon’t forget to like and subscribe.Links:Stand with CryptoReflections on the election through a crypto lensCoinbase Research

Oct 29, 2024 • 37min
Kara Calvert on US Crypto Policy, BTC Price Action, and Onchain Trends
Kara Calvert, Coinbase’s Head of US Policy, shares insights on how the upcoming US election could shape crypto regulation, considering political scenarios like Trump versus Harris. Joshua Pak discusses BTC price movements, CME open interest, and spot ETF inflows. David Duong analyzes earnings from major firms and key economic indicators. David Han highlights growth in on-chain DEX volumes, especially Solana's rise. Insights on policy shifts and crypto community mobilization during elections round out this captivating discussion.

Oct 23, 2024 • 37min
BTC Momentum, Stripe’s Crypto Move, and Fed Signals on DeFi
In this episode, our expert panel explores the latest market trends, including CME fund flows, Bitcoin ETF inflows, and altcoin performance. We dive into Stripe’s strategic acquisition of Bridge, election positioning in crypto markets, and Fed Governor Christopher Waller’s positive comments on DeFi’s potential role alongside centralized finance. Stay tuned for insights on token governance, onchain updates, and the rise of a new memecoin sensation.Topics Covered:Market Update: Record open interest at CME, $2B Bitcoin ETF inflows, and altcoin market dynamics.Election Positioning: A look at funding rates, option skew and a discussion on how traders are preparing for election outcomes.Regulatory Updates: The SEC’s approval for more Bitcoin ETF options and its impact on market sentiment.Stripe Acquires Bridge: Analysis of what this acquisition means for crypto adoption and why it fits into Stripe’s strategy.Polymarket Odds: Current election odds, questions of market manipulation, and implications for crypto trading.Macro Insights: Fed Governor Waller’s remarks on DeFi’s complementary role, plus key macro indicators like next week’s JOLTS and NFP reports.Onchain Trends: Updates on the Pectra upgrade, Scroll’s launch, and governance developments across Maker, Uniswap, and ENS.Memecoin Spotlight: The meteoric rise of a new GOAT memecoin, now valued at $400 million.Host:Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research AnalystGreg Sutton, Senior CES Sales TraderLinks:Q4 Guide to Crypto MarketsCoinbase Research

Oct 15, 2024 • 36min
BTC’s Big Rally, ETF Inflows Surge, Coinbase Q4 Guide to Crypto Markets
In this episode, our expert panel dives into the BTC rally (testing the critical $68k mark) and the strong inflows into US spot BTC ETFs. We also explore key developments such as the Unichain announcement (from Uniswap), the growth of Base across multiple metrics, and the Coinbase Q4 Guide to Crypto Markets report.Topics Covered:BTC ETF Inflows: How BTC’s rally is influenced by ETF demand.Unlocks: Breaking down unlocks including TIA and EIGEN, and their potential market impact.Financing Market Trends: Zaid examines shifts in perpetual futures markets, funding rates, CME basis, liquidations, and other signs of leverage re-entering the market.CME & DeFi Funding: Exploring CME basis changes and funding rates in CeFi and DeFi sectors.Uniswap announces Unichain: What it is and what this means for liquidity migration and token-holder value.Q4 Crypto Report Highlights: Key takeaways on stablecoins, Ethereum, and Bitcoin L2s, and standout charts from our partners.Macro Insights: China’s stimulus effects, US earnings, and Polymarket election odds’ market impact.Onchain Trends: Base growth in TVL, DEX, and stablecoin volumes.Gaming Spotlight: “Off the Grid” (using Avalanche subnet) tops Epic Game Store charts.Be sure to like, subscribe, and check out the team’s research for more insights.Host: Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research AnalystGeorg Toropov, CES SalestraderZaid Khan, Senior Prime Financing Sales TraderLinks:Q4 Guide to Crypto MarketsCoinbase Research