Our weekly Institutional Insights explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

 explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

Macro Overview — U.S. September Payrolls Top Estimates

In September, U.S. job growth exceeded expectations, with nonfarm payrolls rising by 254,000 — the highest increase in six months — while the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 4.1%. Hourly earnings grew by 4% year-over-year, signaling robust wage growth. This positive payroll report alleviates concerns about a deteriorating labor market, as demand for workers remains strong and layoffs are low. The Federal Reserve is less likely to implement a significant interest-rate cut in November, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that protecting the labor market has influenced recent monetary policy decisions.

The report highlighted gains in leisure, hospitality, healthcare and government sectors, although manufacturing saw job cuts for the second consecutive month. The underemployment rate fell to 7.7%, marking its first decline in nearly a year. Despite some uncertainties, including potential impacts from strikes and Hurricane Helene, analysts suggest that the outlook for a soft landing of the economy has improved. While the participation rate held steady, the prime-age worker rate dropped slightly. Overall, these developments indicate a resilient labor market, potentially influencing future Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.

Weekly Crypto Highlight — AAVE ETF Coming?

Grayscale has initiated the Grayscale Aave Trust, providing investors with exposure to AAVE, the token linked to decentralized lending protocol Aave. As the 44th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, AAVE plays a crucial role in the 

 (DeFi) sector. This trust will operate as a closed-end fund, distinguishing it from Grayscale's existing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Grayscale has articulated that the Aave protocol seeks to disrupt traditional finance by applying 

, thereby enhancing the efficiency of lending and borrowing processes. Although DeFi protocols inherently carry risks, Aave's established reputation and thorough audits alleviate some investor concerns. Grayscale's expansion into trusts for various cryptocurrencies, including 

, follows recent approvals for Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs, signaling a broader trend.

Despite minimal prospects for the approval of Solana and XRP Spot ETFs, the introduction of the Aave Trust suggests rising interest from traditional financial institutions in established DeFi protocols. This trend indicates growing recognition of the potential of DeFi within the conventional financial landscape.

Total Bitcoin Spot ETF Flows.Source: CoinGlass, as of Oct 4, 2024

Bitcoin’s price dropped from $66,000, finding support around $60,000, while Bitcoin Spot ETFs experienced outflows early this week. However, BTC has since recovered some losses, rising back to $62,000 as the broader equity market reacted positively to a stronger-than-expected September payroll report.

Advanced

Bybit Institutional_Weekly Poster (26).png

Weekly Institutional Insights — Hot September Payroll Reports Reignite Market Sentiment

Inspired by a baby pygmy hippo from Thailand, MOODENG demonstrates how internet culture and its viral phenomena can drive the success of meme coins.

In an unbelievable turn of events, an anonymous trader managed to 

 into a jaw-dropping $7.5 million, all by trading Moo Deng (MOODENG) — the 

 inspired by a viral pygmy hippo from Thailand. Launched on Sep 10, 2024 (exactly two months after the eponymous hippo’s birth), the Moo Deng meme coin has rapidly gained a cult following in the crypto community, proving just how powerful the fusion of internet culture and cryptocurrency can be.

This article dives into the fascinating rise of the Moo Deng meme coin and explores its quirky charm, unique features and prospects in the wild world of cryptocurrencies.

Moo Deng is a meme coin project inspired by a viral pygmy hippo from Thailand. Launched on 

 in September 2024, it quickly captured the attention of the crypto community, reflecting the influence of internet culture on cryptocurrency trends.

Moo Deng, the pudgy three-month-old pygmy hippo, is the unlikely star behind the Moo Deng meme coin project. Born in July 2024 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, she shot to internet fame thanks to her zookeeper, Atthapon Nundee, who couldn’t resist sharing the calf’s daily antics on social media. It didn’t take long for netizens to fall in love with Moo Deng’s adorable tantrums and playful personality. Fans started creating and sharing their art and memes — and just like that, the chubby hippo became a global sensation.

Her viral fame led to the creation of the Moo Deng coin on the 

. This unexpected blend of cuteness and internet virality shows just how wildly influential online culture can be, shaping trends across industries in the most delightful ways.

The Moo Deng project seeks to create a fun, engaging space that draws new users to the Solana blockchain. It’s riding the wave of the viral Moo Dong meme, hoping to spark more interest in 

 (DeFi) and get more people involved in crypto. Beyond that, Moo Deng also strives to provide a platform for community-driven projects and charitable causes, promoting social responsibility among its users. 

The Moo Deng meme coin operates on the Solana blockchain, tapping into the adorable appeal of its namesake pygmy hippo to boost community engagement and investment. Users can easily buy, sell and trade Moo Deng tokens on 

This meme coin thrives on social media trends, with a dedicated fan community sharing memes, images and updates that keep the buzz alive. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, MOODENG’s value often fluctuates based on online chatter and community excitement, rather than conventional market fundamentals. 

To show their support for the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where Moo Deng lives, the team behind MOODENG has pledged to donate 100% of the trading fees generated through the Moonshot app to the zoo. In addition, the project has embraced community-driven initiatives, allowing token holders to vote on its proposals and participate in charitable activities. 

As with many meme coins, Moo Deng experiences rapid price swings, often driven by speculative trading and the thrill of community involvement. Just as with 

 before it, the success of Moo Deng hinges upon maintaining momentum in a volatile market where its value is shaped by the whims of investors and the joy of the online community.

MOODENG, the Solana-based native token of the Moo Deng meme coin project, is designed to fuel the Moo Deng community. It acts as a medium of exchange for trading, staking and incentivizing user engagement.

With a fixed total supply of 989,971,791 tokens, MOODENG's scarcity could help drive up demand and boost its value. The token's distribution strategy focuses on community rewards, marketing efforts and liquidity provision, ensuring healthy trading activity and long-term growth. This balanced approach aims to attract new investors intrigued by the project’s unique blend of viral culture and community-driven initiatives.

In just weeks since its launch, Moo Deng (MOODENG) has skyrocketed past a $300 million market capitalization and hit an all-time high of $0.3387 as of Sep 28, 2024 — an incredible 1,146% increase from the week before. This meteoric rise makes it one of the few meme coins to reach such heights in recent times. As of Oct 4, 2024, MOODENG has climbed into the ranks of the top 300 cryptocurrencies by market cap, 

The token's charm comes from the viral fame of its namesake, and this cultural phenomenon has led to substantial trading activity. In the past 24 hours alone (as of Oct 4, 2024), MOODENG's trading volume has reached $104 million.

While meme coins are known for their volatility, Moo Deng’s current value and trading activity show no signs of slowing down — thanks to its unique branding, engaged community and the renewed interest in meme-based cryptocurrencies. An unofficial 

 on X has already attracted over 59,000 followers, highlighting Moo Deng's rising popularity.

Thanks to this adorable little hippo, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has welcomed a 50% increase in visitors, prompting plans for a 24-hour livestream of Moo Deng to satisfy public demand. Moo Deng’s fame has also spread to her immediate family: her mother, Jona, along with siblings Moo Toon and Moo Waan, now have their own tokens, too.

Looking to trade Moo Deng tokens? Bybit now offers the MOODENGUSDT Perpetual contract. To get started, you’ll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

While MOODENG's rapid rise and enthusiastic community support make it an exhilarating prospect, remember that meme coins are speculative by nature and often volatile. Without any intrinsic value, the price of this token is largely swayed by online trends and social media hype, making it a bit of a wild ride. As with all cryptocurrency investments, potential investors should 

Moo Deng’s rise as both a cultural phenomenon and meme coin demonstrates the power of internet culture in shaping new trends. While the token’s growth has been rapid and exciting, its future depends upon continued community support and interest. As with any cryptocurrency, potential investors need to stay informed and consider the risks before getting involved.

Intermediate

moodeng meme coin.png

Moo Deng (MOODENG): A Solana-Based Baby Hippo Meme Coin

Grayscale has launched the Grayscale Aave Trust, providing investors with exposure to Aave, a decentralized lending protocol on Ethereum and the 44th largest cryptocurrency by market cap. 

The SPX index was down by 0.17% as the market was impacted by rising oil prices, which surged over 5% following President Biden's support for Israel potentially striking Iran’s oil facilities. Additionally, U.S. labor market data showed signs of cooling, with a rise in jobless claims and fewer planned layoffs. Investors are now awaiting the September jobs report for further insights. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was down by 0.35%, with Bitcoin rising by 1.40% and Ether dropping by 1.90%, in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is STX, which surged 3.6% following Stacks' success of their Bitcoin Builders event after a successful Asia tour and announcing the next Developer Event.

Stacks (STX), launched on January 2021, enhances Bitcoin with smart contracts and decentralized apps as a layer-1 solution, aiming to decentralize the internet and reduce big tech's dominance. It uses the security of Bitcoin to back its ecosystem, allowing for the creation of modular dApps. 

, which introduced thousands to the Stacks Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystem. They are now seeking input on where to hold their next Bitcoin Builders event globally.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

, providing investors with exposure to Aave, a decentralized lending protocol on Ethereum and the 44th largest cryptocurrency by market cap. The trust operates like a closed-end fund, allowing accredited investors to buy shares that track Aave's price. This follows Grayscale's earlier approvals for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Aave, a major DeFi protocol, aims to optimize lending and borrowing through blockchain and smart contracts, reducing intermediaries. Grayscale also offers trusts for other cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and Chainlink.

Yesterday, the total flow for BTC Spot ETFs was -$90.2 million, with no flow for GBTC and a -$90.2 million outflow from non-GBTC funds.

, allowing sENA and rsENA holders to start earning rewards from Ethereal DEX. Ethereal's waitlist is now live, and the first 1,000 users will gain access to an exclusive early user Telegram group.

Beginner

1.png

Grayscale Launches Aave Trust, Expanding Investor Access to DeFi Lending Protocol

Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report dives into macro events, the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

The U.S. presidential election is creating a volatility premium for options expiring after Nov 5, 2024. While longer-term volatility smiles have consistently favored out-of-the-money (OTM) calls, short-term options have recently mirrored this trend. This suggests that the decline in spot prices at the end of September hasn’t significantly dampened sentiment in the derivatives markets.

Please check out some of the report’s highlights.

Futures Activities Subdued After Month-End Expiration

Spot price volatility leading up to the Sep 27, 2024 futures expiration resulted in the highest trading volumes in futures contracts in over a month. This surge was primarily focused on BTC contracts, reflecting a trend we've seen throughout much of the market's recent history. The expiration of a substantial quarterly contract at the end of September caused a decline in open interest, as not all traders opted to roll their positions into later expirations. Consequently, futures activity is currently much lower compared to that in perpetual swap markets.

While the expiration of the September contract led to a significant drop in futures open interest, the effect on perpetual swap contract markets was comparatively mild. Although we observed a decline in perpetual open interest at the end of the month, this was likely due to the closure of long positions as spot prices retreated toward the lower end of their recent range. 

This shift halts an upward trend in open interest that had been approaching all-time highs, but it doesn’t indicate a major decline — especially considering the high trading volumes recorded over the last two days of the month.

BTC ATM Implied Volatility Falls Sharply Since Fed Rate Cut

Positioning in BTC options markets continues to be heavily influenced by the U.S. election narrative. This is most evident in the term structure, which indicates significantly higher volatility expectations following the election, while short-term options are trading at much lower levels. The rise in implied volatility for these shorter tenors contrasts with the recent decline in actual volatility, which has reached lows for the month as spot prices remain relatively stable. 

Over the past week, trade volumes have mirrored this shifting sentiment, showing similar activity in both puts and calls. However, neither trade volumes nor open interest levels have surpassed recent figures, reflecting the range-bound nature of BTC spot prices, which remain influenced by broader macroeconomic factors.

block-scholes-x-bybit-report.jpeg

Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Oct 2, 2024): Positive Sentiment Persists Following Recent Decline in Spot Prices

Bybit Learn

Blockchain

web3

Decentralized apps (DApps) are open-source software apps designed to run on P2P blockchain networks. Find out more about how they work and why they exist.

Technology has spoken: The world no longer needs middlemen. 

Thanks to decentralized apps, or DApps, you no longer have to go through a company or single authority to connect to people or the goods and services you need. Unlike conventional apps, DApps aren’t owned by a single entity, they never have downtime, and they cannot be shut off. This novel breed of application is quickly changing the app game and the world. 

Below, you’ll learn all about DApps, how they work, why you should use them, and some of the challenges this new type of app faces both now and in the days ahead.

 and DApps becoming more and more popular, chances are that you’re wondering — like millions of others — what DApps are and what this new technology is all about. Essentially, DApps are applications just like any other, but instead of running on a single server, they run on decentralized P2P networks. This means there is no single central authority.

 and decentralized networks supported by distributed 

 ledgers, DApps can be continually improved and built upon by others once the codebase has been released. This makes their control by a single authority virtually impossible.

, and other distributed ledger technologies have helped popularize DApps. The use of blockchain allows DApps to process data and execute transactions through 

DApps have been created for a variety of applications, ranging from gaming and social media to web browsing and DeFi. Unlike web-based apps, DApps are always accessible and are not exposed to any single point of failure.

DApps are still in their nascent stage, so the specific definition of a DApp or the criteria needed to be considered a DApp isn’t something that can be explained in a single line. Nonetheless, in 2014, a 

 was released defining DApps. In it, DApps were defined as entities meeting the following four criteria:

The first and most crucial criterion for a DApp is that its core source code must be available to everyone. It must be user-controlled and work without any third-party intervention, and no entity can own more than 50 percent of the tokens or coins issued. While it was created several years prior to Ethereum, which is the blockchain network most DApps are built on, Bitcoin is an excellent example of a DApp, as its code is open-source, it has no majority owner, and it’s governed by a proof of work consensus mechanism.

As their name suggests, DApps use decentralized blockchains. In fact, to be considered a DApp, all information must be stored in an openly accessible blockchain to keep the app free of centralized authority and invulnerable to any central point of attack.

Since DApps are based on decentralized blockchain networks, everyone who validates their records must be incentivized or rewarded with digital assets, such as cryptographic tokens. These tokens serve as payment to miners and stakers, who are necessary for the DApp’s continued operation and growth.

A DApp must run according to a protocol, and the development community must agree on a 

 (PoW) cryptographic algorithm as a means of showing proof of value.

Under this definition and according to these criteria, many cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, can be considered DApps, even if in a rudimentary sense. In fact, even without the use of smart contracts, a blockchain in and of itself can be considered a DApp.

Like Bitcoin, blockchains can host DApps with their own blockchains. Or, like Ethereum-based blockchains, non-blockchain based DApps can be built on top of existing blockchains. If all of this starts to sound a bit confusing, just remember DApps and blockchains go hand-in-hand.

DApps may be getting a lot of shine these days, but they’re nothing new. In fact, for all of you younger millennials out there, you may be surprised to know that they even predate Bitcoin. That’s right; DApps have been around since the thought of blockchain technology was, well, just a thought.

If you were born post-1995, you may not have heard of some of the earliest decentralized applications. The most famous were 

 (which was influential in the naming of Bitcoin), 

. However, back then, the term “DApp” didn’t exist. If it did, no one knew it, and it certainly wasn’t a part of everyday nomenclature like it is today.

It wasn’t until P2P file sharing, which preceded blockchain, that DApp usage really started taking off. Websites leveraging BitTorrent protocol, for example, are still widely used around the world today, despite always seeming to be in regulatory hot water.

Today, however, DApps are mostly talked about in relation to blockchain, as many decentralized software startups utilize the technology’s native properties as foundations for their apps. By leveraging existing networks, there’s less need for development costs. Bitcoin and similar systems also allow for the distribution and tracking of native tokens given out to backers during project launches.

That said, as mentioned, decentralized applications have continued to evolve with blockchain technology, and most modern DApps are built on Ethereum, which many consider a second-generation blockchain. In addition to basic proof-of-work protocols for ledger management, these second-generation blockchains are layered with smart contract functionality to create a developer-friendly framework and ecosystem.

While Bitcoin was the world’s first blockchain, the once revolutionary technology has quickly evolved far past processing simple financial transactions. When Ethereum was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013, his sights were set on something much bigger —a  decentralized world.

Buterin envisioned an internet based on blockchain, one where corporations didn’t have control, users did. To do so, Ethereum developed the now widely used smart contract. Essentially little more than automated if-then statements, these contracts are immutable and have rules and limitations built right into their code. This allows any party to transact without the need for an intermediary or centralized platform. This type of DApp is the one we know today.

A DApp is executed and stored on a blockchain network, commonly using Ethereum but now utilizing various tokens native to other networks as well. Cryptographic tokens are used to validate the app and are required to access the application.

In many ways, DApps are quite similar to conventional apps, as they both render web pages using the same front-end code. If you’re still wondering what DApps are, it’s the back-end code that makes them different, since they run on decentralized P2P networks.

While traditional applications are supported by centralized servers, DApps are supported by smart contracts stored on a blockchain. When it comes to using smart contract technology, the most popular blockchain to date is Ethereum, though competitors are numerous and proliferating.

A smart contract mediates transactions and enforces rules written into the code. While important, they only exist on the back end and make up just part of the complete DApp. Creating a DApp based on the use of a smart contract system requires combining a number of smart contracts for the back end. For the front end, third-party systems are used.

Smart contracts run on a ledger of data stored in blocks. Rather than being stored on a server in a central location, the blocks are dispersed across distributed locations. Each of the data blocks are linked and governed by cryptographic validation.

Using this decentralized blockchain as well as smart contract technology, DApps can be created and used for almost anything, including:

DApps run on distributed systems and aren’t owned by a company or individual, giving them their own unique advantages. Of course, because technology is always changing, DApps are works in progress. Let’s go over their pros and cons.

As you now know, DApps don’t rely on a central server. Because of this, they’re often regarded as being more secure than traditional centralized applications. Given the rampant

 taking place these days, anything you can do to secure your data should definitely be a priority.

Since DApps are hosted across expansive decentralized networks, there’s virtually no need to worry about data loss. If one of the blockchain’s nodes goes down, all of the other nodes pick up the slack to ensure your data remains in sync — and that you don’t miss a beat.

Each node of a blockchain syncs with the others to accurately track every action taking place within the network. This is how new transactions are verified. Would-be attackers must control a majority of the network’s computers for a successful intrusion, but even then, they must bypass cryptographic encryption.

While this alone isn’t impossible, it’s extremely difficult within a distributed, decentralized system. That being said, there’s no absolute guarantee of data safety these days, regardless of which type of app you’re using.

Not only must conventional, centralized apps act according to their country’s laws and regulations, but they must also follow the Terms & Conditions they themselves arbitrarily set when deciding which content they should and shouldn’t publish.

DApps, on the other hand, have no central authority telling community developers and users what they can and cannot say, which transactions they can or cannot make, or even what blockchain data they can read.

Centralized apps often have higher costs. For instance, applications like YouTube profit by taking a percentage of what their users earn from their video postings. Apps that are decentralized allow users to transact directly through the use of cryptocurrency. They are thus more financially efficient, and have no middlemen to cut into profits.

With greater flexibility and more robust than centralized apps, due to their lack of connectivity to a single central server, DApps can run with minimal downtime and fewer interruptions for maximum resilience and continuity.

Executing global transactions takes place very quickly, as no third parties exist to approve each one. Since transaction approval is based on consensus algorithms within the network, expensive third parties can be eliminated and transactions can be executed much faster.

Having no central authority also means slower updates. Even fixing a minor bug requires majority consensus among every peer in the network. With this governance structure, it can take weeks and sometimes months before a problem can be fixed and an update made.

DApps also require a sizable user base in order to operate properly. The more users an app has, the more effective it will be in delivering its services. This is known as the 

. Many newer DApps suffer from low user numbers, making them less interactive and diminishing the overall user experience.

Since DApp users aren’t required to provide their real identities when interacting with the apps, verifying the identities of customers can be challenging.

For starters, while these apps do away with the possibility of data breaches on centralized servers and data systems, their open-source nature does leave them vulnerable to hacks and scams. Since they’re open-source, hackers have opportunities to probe blockchains and their networks in search of weaknesses. The 

 alone cost the ecosystem $80 million in 2021.

Fortunately, as decentralized app technology continues to expand and user bases grow, the industry is taking action to make hacking blockchain networks increasingly difficult. Some of the strategies currently being worked on include smart contract debugging, eliminating copy-and-paste errors, fixing faulty app logic and implementing regular audits.

While DApp creators are taking steps to fix these issues, as more and more DeFi projects hastily launch without proper funding and auditing protocols, the hacking problem persists.

The majority of apps today operate on centralized networks owned and maintained by a controlling authority. Streaming services, social media networks and financial institutions all hold your data on servers. When accessing these apps, their servers receive a request and they send the result back to you after validating your credentials. This generates enormous amounts of user data, which results in exposure to hacks, as well as big tech companies profiting from it.

These shortcomings have led to greater data security awareness and increased interest in blockchain technology. Decentralized by nature, blockchains eliminate the need for third-party intermediaries. Thanks to automated smart contract usage and shared consensus, Ethereum-based blockchains and apps can be completely decentralized, and function without Big Tech getting in the way.

For example, if you want to send some crypto to a friend using a DApp, all you have to do is log in to your personal crypto wallet, choose the amount to send, and then confirm the transaction. A smart contract then does the rest and completes the exchange. A permanent record of the transaction is created after being verified by blockchain validators.

Centralized web apps don’t work this way. When sending U.S. dollars to a friend using 

 or another centralized web app, the process takes place on a centralized network, with a bank or other company handling every component of the transaction. Not only do they decide on the validity of the transaction, but they also own the data.

Everyone from Twitter to Trello uses web apps, but every single one consists of both a front end and a back end. For example, when you open up the Twitter app or access it on your web browser, the Twitter web server (back end) goes to work supplying data to the display feed (front end).

Web Apps vs. DApps: Further Considerations

While huge amounts of data are channeled through the internet via centralized servers, blockchains share the transactional burden with scores of machines over a distributed network. Both websites and DApps work similarly on the front end to render available pages viewable on the internet. On the back end, however, a DApp communicates with a large blockchain network via a wallet.

Your wallet is responsible for managing your blockchain address, as well as the cryptographic keys needed to verify your identity. If a DApp is Ethereum-based, a smart contract is used (rather than HTTP protocol) to communicate back and forth with the blockchain and carry out transactions.

Despite still being in its early stages, DApp technology is really taking off. Already, there are thousands of DApp solutions offering a vast array of services. From playing games to trading NFTs and investing in DeFi, you name it — and there’s a DApp for it.

, there are over two million unique daily DApp users. While this is impressive, there’s still a way to go before DApp usage outpaces that of traditional web apps.

In order for DApp usage to become more mainstream, DApp developers and the networks they’re built on must work through a lengthy list of challenges, including security and 

. When they do, however, a new era of decentralization will dominate the app landscape.

DApps are sprouting up everywhere and creating a new P2P economy free of centralized power and monopolistic companies. Just as varied as traditional web apps, they're used for everything from productivity and finance to games and entertainment. Most of these apps are hosted on the Ethereum blockchain, but as smart contract and blockchain technology in general continues to evolve, DApps stand poised to evolve right along with it.

What Are Decentralized Apps (DApps) & Why Are They Used?

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards