29th August

You can read the last “This week in crypto” here.

Ethereum is taking a moment to breathe after its recent peak near $4,950, retracing to around $4,630 in the past few days. While it hasn't hit new all-time highs in the last 72 hours, the pullback merely signals consolidation following a strong rally during the summer. The broader sentiment remains constructive, anchored by continued institutional interest and positive macroeconomic indicators, which suggest the rally might resume once conditions stabilise.

Institutional demand for Ether has been remarkably strong, especially driven by the introduction and performance of US-based ETH ETFs. Investments from major firms such as BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale are estimated to be pushing over $1.5 billion in inflows since August began. These inflows underscore renewed institutional confidence in Ethereum's long-term narrative, including staking, DeFi, and tokenised real-world assets. The regulatory environment, especially in the US, has also become more supportive with frameworks clarifying stablecoin usage and staking operations.

Technically, Ether’s current trajectory still points upwards. Saxo Bank highlighted that breaking above $4,700 could pave the way for another leg higher, while analysts at JPMorgan suggest that macroeconomic catalysts like rate cuts could provide the necessary momentum. That said, downside pressure could emerge if macro sentiment darkens, so many are watching for potential corrections or short-term volatility as traders lock in gains and reposition.

Ethereum’s position as both a digital infrastructure backbone and a speculative asset remains intact. As long as regulatory clarity and institutional adoption continue to strengthen, Ether’s next leg could be just around the corner. Analysts and investors alike are now watching leadership events, ETF inflows, and staking growth for signs of renewed momentum.

Bitcoin managed a modest rebound this week, climbing from a low near $110,500 back above $113,000. This rebound has been attributed to signs of easing macroeconomic conditions, including expectations of upcoming interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve. With markets digesting recent legislative clarity—such as the GENIUS Act—the mood is quietly supportive for BTC, though global volatility continues to command investor attention.

Retail and institutional flows are resurging. Data from major exchanges show a return of capital into Bitcoin-backed ETFs, even as inflows still lag behind those of Ether. Analysts note that Bitcoin’s renewed stability is encouraging long-term holders who view it as “digital gold.” Others remain cautious, pointing to overbought signals and the risk of whipsaw if regulation or macro data disappoint.

Technically, Bitcoin's short-term chart suggests a potential range between $110,000 to $120,000, especially if bulls can break above the near-term resistance around $114,500. Market watchers point to open interest levels in Bitcoin futures and options as critical indicators to gauge potential directional shifts. A robust break could set the stage for renewal, while failure may trigger a deeper retrenchment.

At its core, Bitcoin's resilience continues to be driven by fundamental demand. Whether as a treasury asset, inflation hedge, or wealth preservation vehicle, BTC remains central to crypto asset portfolios. Investors are closely monitoring global fund flows, regulatory speeches, and macro policy statements for cues on the next directional move.

Solana has surged back into the spotlight this week, rallying close to 8% over the past 72 hours and trading consistently near $210. A growing wave of institutional accumulation has been noted, with recent reports showing over 8.2 million SOL now held by corporate wallets across thirteen key entities. These wallets are collectively worth more than $1.7 billion, and importantly, over $104 million of this is currently staked. That signals long-term conviction rather than short-term speculation.

The increasing popularity of Solana among institutions is no accident. As Ethereum fees remain elevated during peak network activity, Solana’s speed and cost efficiency continue to win over developers and investors alike. Additionally, its growing ecosystem in gaming, NFTs, and decentralised finance has broadened appeal. Some analysts are calling it the most attractive alternative to Ethereum for smart contract deployment at scale.

Technically, SOL is flirting with critical resistance around the $210–$211 range. A sustained break could open the door for a rally toward $222, though price rejection may trigger a move back to $198–$200. Volume remains healthy, and relative strength index (RSI) data suggests room for continued upside before becoming overextended. With the next protocol upgrade approaching, anticipation is only adding to investor interest.

The combination of staking activity, treasury accumulation, and protocol improvements places Solana in a favourable position. If market sentiment remains constructive and macro headwinds stay manageable, SOL could be among the better performers as summer unfolds. Corporate holders and long-term investors are watching closely.

Memecoins have had a quieter few days in terms of raw price action, but the cultural buzz surrounding them shows no sign of slowing down. Public figures and influencers have kept the conversation alive, especially as politicians toy with the idea of issuing their own meme-inspired tokens. While no major launches occurred in the past 72 hours, the ongoing chatter highlights how memecoins remain a powerful narrative force within the crypto ecosystem.

This week, much of the discussion was sparked by Governor Gavin Newsom’s satirical remarks about launching a “California Coin.” While clearly tongue-in-cheek, it sparked debate around the role of state-backed digital tokens and the increasing politicisation of Web3 technologies. The speculation quickly made its way onto Twitter and Discord, fuelling both humour and genuine discussion among crypto-native communities.

Pricewise, top memecoins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu remained relatively stable, with modest single-digit movements. However, newly launched meme tokens on Solana and Base have continued to attract speculative retail interest, even as volumes ebb and flow. Their viral potential keeps them on the radar, despite the risks associated with high volatility and lack of fundamentals.

The persistence of the memecoin narrative reveals an important truth: crypto is as much about culture as it is about capital. These tokens may not offer utility in the traditional sense, but they drive community engagement, marketing reach, and platform stickiness. Whether viewed as a parody or a profit opportunity, memecoins aren’t going anywhere just yet.

Ethereum is holding steady after a sharp summer rally, with investors watching for fresh ETF inflows and staking data.

Bitcoin’s recovery signals broader market confidence, though caution remains.

Solana is standing out thanks to growing adoption by corporate treasuries and staking volume.

Meanwhile, memecoins keep crypto culture lively, blending satire and speculation in equal measure. The market feels balanced, but very much alive.

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