Markets Outlook

Tom Bruni, Head of Markets & Retail Investor Insights at StockTwits, shares insights on retail sentiment in crypto. He reveals how Bitcoin's recent highs haven’t sparked interest in altcoins, frustrating traders. Tom discusses the appeal of precious metals and AI stocks, linking them to shifts in global liquidity. He explains retail's varied access points to crypto, highlighting concerns over the lack of momentum. Additionally, he identifies key tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum that dominate retail focus, emphasizing the impact of community engagement on project longevity.

Join Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management and crypto enthusiast, as he dives into the current crypto rally and why Bitcoin may soar to $200,000 this year. He highlights the critical role of institutional interest and ETF flows, while showcasing Solana's potential as a top contender alongside Ethereum. Matt argues that Solana's speed and impending ETP approvals position it well for explosive growth, despite some risks. He also shares insights on the future of DeFi and the evolving crypto landscape.

Don Kaufman, co-founder of TheoTrade and market strategist, dives into the volatile world of Bitcoin and crypto markets. He warns that if Bitcoin falls below $110,000, it could trigger panic selling down to $100,000. Kaufman discusses the government's potential shutdown impact on traders and the inflationary risks of President Trump's tariff 'dividend.' He also examines gold's strong performance compared to Bitcoin and the increasing correlation between crypto and stock markets, highlighting significant shifts in trading behavior.

Sanat Rao discusses the impact of recent Fed rate cuts on crypto markets and sets the stage for a potential new DeFi summer. He highlights how lower interest rates enhance DeFi yields and encourages risk-on behavior. The conversation also touches on Traditional Finance's increasing engagement with on-chain finance, suggesting a convergence of the two sectors. Rao compares today's landscape to the past, noting a more institutionalized DeFi environment while addressing the evolving risks facing investors, such as stablecoin stability.

Join NBA champion Tristan Thompson and Somnia's Herman Narula as they blend sports with crypto innovation. They discuss empowering fans to influence sports decisions and introduce InfoFi for crowdsourced insights. The duo challenges traditional sports business models and explains how tokenizing players can turn fandom into real value. Expect exciting ideas on global scouting democratization and a unique blockchain experience. Plus, Tristan makes a bold Bitcoin prediction that'll have listeners buzzing!

An update on Drex with Ronaldo Lemos To get the show every week, follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. In today’s Markets Outlook, CoinDesk’s Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen sit down with Ronaldo Lemos — advisor to Brazil’s Central Bank, and board member of the Stellar Development Foundation — to explore Drex, Brazil’s upcoming central bank digital currency. This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes. - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen.

Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins and Abstract, is a pioneer in blending culture with crypto. He shares insights on why Korea is the global epicenter for both, pointing to impressive K-pop and crypto trading stats. Luca highlights the stark differences between American institutional approaches and Korea's focus on community-driven retail. He also discusses exciting potential collaborations between Pudgy Penguins and K-pop groups and explains how Abstract aims to improve the consumer experience within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Jaime Leverton, the CEO of ReserveOne and a former executive at Hut 8, dives into the world of bitcoin mining economics and Bitcoin DeFi. She discusses the critical importance of transaction fees in light of bitcoin halving, while sharing insights on ReserveOne’s ambitious Nasdaq debut. Jaime outlines the 80/20 diversified treasury strategy, featuring 80% Bitcoin and 20% altcoins, and highlights her team—dubbed the "Avengers of Crypto." Tune in for an engaging exploration of the future of crypto investments!

Arthur Hayes, Chief Investment Officer at Maelstrom and co-founder of BitMEX, shares his insights from Korea Blockchain Week. He discusses South Korea's vibrant crypto scene, driven by educated retail traders and a unique internet culture. Hayes predicts Bitcoin could hit $250k by year-end, with a potential leap to seven figures by 2028, influenced by political cycles. He also reveals why he exited a major HYPE position due to concerns over token unlocks and competition. Hayes provides a fresh perspective on the interplay between crypto and traditional finance.

Announcing PayPal PYUSD on Stellar with PayPal's Larry Wade and Stellar's José Fernández Da Ponte. To get the show every week, follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Live from Stellar Meridian 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen sit down with PayPal's Global Head of Compliance and Regulatory Relations for Crypto, Larry Wade and Stellar's President and Chief Growth Officer José Fernández Da Ponte to announce their new partnership. They discuss how this partnership will bring more utility to stablecoins, the role of compliance in a regulated space, and how this alliance serves a long-term vision for the future of finance. This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes. - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen.