Ripple is adopting the Chainlink standard to enhance the utility and access of its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in DeFi.

Daily Top Performer —  DeepBook (DEEP)

The S&P 500 fell 1.11% as rising Treasury yields and inflation concerns hit markets, with tech and AI stocks leading the decline. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was down by 6.05%, with Bitcoin and Ether dropping by 5.67% and 8.17%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is DEEP, which surged 4.2% following the announcement of the collaboration between DeepBook and NAVI Protocol, enhancing the utility of DEEP tokens in the Sui DeFi ecosystem.

DeepBook (DEEP), launched in 2023, is a native liquidity layer for the Sui ecosystem, utilizing a central limit order book system to execute trades. It focuses on providing high throughput, minimal slippage, and low fees. 

, allowing users to use DEEP tokens as collateral to borrow from 19 other assets, enhancing their utility within the Sui DeFi ecosystem.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

 to enhance the utility and access of its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in DeFi. By using Chainlink’s Price Feeds, Ripple can now provide secure and reliable pricing data for RLUSD on the Ethereum blockchain, enabling its integration into DeFi applications like trading and lending. This collaboration allows Ripple to offer high-quality offchain data to accelerate RLUSD’s adoption. Chainlink’s decentralized infrastructure ensures secure, tamper-proof, and accurate pricing, supporting RLUSD’s expansion within both institutional and decentralized markets.

Yesterday, BTC Spot ETFs experienced total outflows of $543.7M, including $125.4M from GBTC and $418.3M from non-GBTC sources.

 offers 50 free loyalty points for completing simple tasks like following on X, reposting, and joining Discord. Participants must join the PIN AI Telegram game and have a Galxe Humanity Score, Passport, or Subscription to qualify. Keep playing to earn more points and potential eligibility for a future airdrop.

Beginner

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Ripple Enhances RLUSD Utility in DeFi with Chainlink Price Feeds Integration

Velodrome Finance, an AMM built on the Superchain network, aims to offer marketplace features from Convex and Uniswap in one convenient place. Learn more here.

 finance fields right now is liquidity provision. There are all sorts of 

 looking for ways to sell liquidity to markets while providing profits for their own community members. Velodrome hopes to break free from the pack and beat its competitors with its uniquely user-focused experience. This liquidity provision service boasts a helpful combination of decentralization, user incentivization and user-led governance. To learn more about Velodrome's features and see how its token is performing, keep reading this guide.

 is an automated market maker (AMM) built on the 

 network that aims to offer marketplace features from Curve Convex and Uniswap in one convenient place. It’s designed to provide liquidity to many other programs while also allowing traders to swap tokens.

The Superchain network is an ecosystem that combines multiple blockchains into one seamless network. Initially launched by the 

 ecosystem, Superchain now has a variety of partners. It works with many Ethereum-based chains, including 

Velodrome Finance’s evolution has involved various stages. The project 

 (DeFi) architect who previously helped to found 

. One of the many features of this DEX was veDAO, a 

A few months after its launch, Solidly's founders parted ways over a disagreement. Initially, this left the future of veDAO up in the air. However, community members banded together and decided to save their system. veDAO took the best parts of the Solidly DEX design and moved it to Optimism. 

Velodrome's main goal is to create a sustainable and user-focused version of other popular liquidity providers, such as Uniswap and Convex for Curve. Unlike many other automated market makers, Velodrome is entirely run by its users. As a DAO, Velodrome encourages users to submit proposals and vote on proposals. By giving users the ability to regulate everything from fees to branding, Velodrome ensures that each participant's opinions are heard.

Velodrome's governance model is also meant to incentivize users to commit to long-term community growth. Unlike some systems that are all about short-term individual profit, Velodrome has incentives that specifically reward those involved in community growth. It believes this design ensures the system has regular users who make decisions that enhance its overall sustainability.

 starts with liquidity providers temporarily placing their tokens in concentrated liquidity pools. Traders then use funds from the liquidity hub to facilitate trading with minimal 

, paying low fees for the privilege. These fees are then transmitted to liquidity providers in the form of VELO emissions. Liquidity providers can choose to lock their VELO tokens, if they wish to join the Velodrome governance model and vote on protocol upgrades. This flywheel cycle has a seven-day timeline. Every week, Velodrome updates its system to recalculate votes, trading fees and VELO emissions. 

Another unique mechanic of Velodrome Finance is its blockchain base. Instead of being built on a single chain, Velodrome is designed to run on the Optimism Superchain network. When operating the liquidity management system, Velodrome doesn't focus on individual liquidity pools based on a token's home chain. Instead, its protocol router evaluates multiple types of liquidity pools to automatically select the one with the most efficient prices and optimal trade execution routes.

Velodrome is a fairly focused AMM. Instead of providing a wide range of services, it prioritizes doing an excellent job at just a few things. 

Velodrome's swapping service lets traders exchange one type of coin for another. It currently supports a broad range of coins, both on and off the Optimism Superchain network. This form of trading has many uses, ranging from portfolio management to profiting from market changes. Velodrome's convenient three-step system simply requires users to link their wallets, choose their desired tokens and approve their fee quotes before swapping.

Velodrome offers concentrated liquidity pools that help DEXs function properly. In exchange for these services, liquidity providers on Velodrome earn financial rewards. For many investors, participating in a liquidity hub is a way to 

 on tokens they don't yet want to sell. Velodrome's ability to provide deep liquidity is so popular that it's the primary liquidity hub on the Superchain.

Velodrome has changed a lot since its early days as a token-swapping system, gradually adding features like decentralization, dynamic fees and a 

 (DApp) interface. Its long-term future will depend upon the changes its DAO votes on. However, there are already 

 currently in the works. In 2025, Velodrome plans to add more dynamic pricing options, additional governance methods, Superchain-based voting and bridgeless Superchain swaps.

The Velodrome ecosystem relies on the following two tokens to function properly.

 – based token that’s used for fees and liquidity provision. You can obtain VELO either by purchasing it directly through the market, or by contributing to liquidity pools and receiving VELO liquidity incentives.

If desired, users can lock their VELO tokens in order to receive veVELO, an ERC-721 governance token that exists as an NFT. The amount of veVELO you receive for your VELO is in part directly proportional to the amount of time you choose to lock your tokens. People who hold veVELO can submit and vote on community proposals for the Velodrome platform.

The VELO utility token has a circulating supply of roughly 900 million, with plans to unlock more tokens in the future. These 

The VELO token was initially selling for around $0.04. However, after the project’s DAO adapted its platform from Solidly to Velodrome, token prices took off. In April 2023, March 2024 and December 2024, VELO token prices spiked. While the VELO token price is down from its all-time high of $0.42, it’s still sitting in the $0.10–$0.20 range. 

This pricing pattern seems likely to persist for a while. Binance 

 will reach an average price of around $0.17 in 2025. However, other price predictors are even more optimistic, with CoinCodex suggesting there will be a price jump in February 2025, resulting in yearly average prices of around 

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

Velodrome has plenty of competitors in the liquidity management field, but several factors make its token a good investment. First of all, the VELO utility token has been around for quite a while. This stability makes it more reliable than tokens that were just recently added to the market. Secondly, VELO has a history of sharp price increases; the token is highly responsive to positive press and market upturns, so there's a chance for high prices. Finally, Velodrome is performing well, and Its partnership with the Optimism ecosystem has helped it attract users.

Nevertheless, any crypto token features some volatility in its price. For example, a DAO voting for abnormally low fees could cause sudden price downturns. If you want to invest in the VELO token, make sure to 

. As with any other medium-risk token, VELO isn't reliable enough to be the only asset in your entire investment portfolio.

Velodrome has done a great job of transitioning from a DeFi tool to its own standalone liquidity provision system. By functioning as the primary liquidity hub on Superchain, Velodrome provides minimal slippage, deep liquidity and reasonable trading fees. Furthermore, its liquidity incentives appeal to a wide variety of users and help keep the system running. Ultimately, the Velodrome platform and the VELO token have a lot to offer to the world of decentralized finance.

Intermediate

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Velodrome Finance (VELO): A Liquidity Hub for the Superchain

Our monthly report delves into insights from options volatility to inspire your next crypto move.

Following the significant expiration of contracts on Dec 27, 2024, and despite the largest single-day expiration in crypto derivatives history, the anticipated spike in volatility did not materialize. Instead, the realized volatility of BTC, ETH and SOL declined, defying expectations. Key takeaways include the following:

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Market Dynamics Post-Expiration in December 2024

Although the December 27 expiration saw over $435 million in contracts expire, the actual market response was muted. Only $65.53 million of BTC options expired 

 (ITM), indicating that the majority of significant contracts expired worthless. The clustering of ITM puts and calls at high strike levels (between $70K and $105K) highlighted the lack of significant hedging activity that typically drives volatility during expiration events.

As a result, realized volatility for BTC, ETH and SOL fell, with the most notable declines observed in the days following the expiration. This trend reflects a market environment in which sophisticated trading strategies haven’t led to the anticipated volatility spikes, indicating a cautious sentiment among traders.

Could $100K Hold This Time? — and Volatility Premiums

Despite the lack of immediate volatility following the expiration, forward-looking volatility expectations for 2025 remain elevated. Implied volatility levels for BTC and ETH have traded sideways, but the premium over realized volatility is at its highest since before the Nov 5, 2024 U.S. elections, suggesting traders are preparing for potential future price swings.

The term structure of implied volatility indicates a stable demand for short-term options, even as the market navigates a quieter winter. Meanwhile, the return to BTC prices above $100K hasn’t seen the same level of inversion in term structure as previous rallies, suggesting a less aggressive market stance. However, a bullish call-skew in shorter-tenor volatility smiles indicates ongoing optimism among traders regarding potential price movements in the near future.

Advanced

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Bybit X Block Scholes Option Volatility Report (January 2025): Reflections From Year-End Expirations; Will $100K Hold This Time?

Discover Rifampicin (RIF), a Solana-based token merging decentralized science with longevity research on Pump.science. Explore live experiments, gamified funding and predictions.

Rifampicin (RIF) is the gamified compound token for the Rifampicin experiment, representing longevity research conducted with the compound Rifampicin. As part of the 

 (DeSci) movement spearheaded by Molecule and 

, RIF is connected to the Pump.science platform, which leverages blockchain’s decentralized nature to democratize access to research and innovation.

This guide explores what Pump.science is, the RIF token (including its launch and trading) and the way Pump.science seeks to address critical challenges within longevity research.

 highlights three core challenges in developing life-extending interventions.

Traditional research, such as that conducted through human and mouse trials, is often slow and expensive. With more potential drug molecules than atoms in the universe, high-throughput methods are essential. Pump.science leverages blockchain and gamification to balance speed, cost and quality, accelerating discoveries while maintaining data integrity.

 is a blockchain-based research protocol that democratizes the process of conducting and funding scientific experiments, with a focus on longevity research. By breaking down barriers to scientific innovation, Pump.science fosters a more inclusive and creative environment for discoveries.

The platform allows users to propose longevity-focused drug regimens, test them on experimental platforms such as 

 (with plans to expand to other models) and retain ownership of the resulting intellectual property (IP). Results are transparently shared for community review and collaboration.

Think of it as a virtual arena for scientific experimentation, in which regimens compete to extend lifespans. The Colosseum is now a petri dish, the gladiators are microscopic organisms and their weapons are cutting-edge longevity strategies.

How Pump.science Aims to Solve the Longevity Trilemma

Pump.science uses tools such as WormBot to gamify research, creating a Percentage Life Extension (PLE) score as a benchmark for success. Here’s how the basic process works:

This approach reduces research costs, democratizes participation and introduces a transparent, collaborative system for scientific advancement.

Pump.science is a blockchain-based platform that decentralizes and funds longevity research through gamified experimentation. Its process includes the following steps:

This milestone-driven approach combines accessible funding with transparent experimentation, enabling a collaborative and efficient path to discovering effective longevity compounds.

Pump.science integrates decentralized funding with structured, milestone-based experimentation, ensuring each stage is financially feasible and tied to measurable thresholds, as follows:

These thresholds are informed by extensive analysis of historical trading data on platforms like 

, ensuring alignment between funding goals and realistic market behavior.

Efficient and Transparent Research Funding

This structured funding model reduces reliance on centralized gatekeepers, enabling community-driven innovation and collaboration.

 (RIF) is a token on the Solana blockchain that represents ownership in longevity experiments using the compound Rifampicin. Traditionally an antibiotic, Rifampicin is gaining attention for its potential anti-aging properties. Studies of 

 (worms) suggest Rifampicin enhances cellular defenses against stress and damage, extending lifespan by maintaining protein quality and reducing oxidative stress.

On Pump.science, investors can fund and monitor real-time experiments by using RIF tokens.

The RIF token represents intellectual property and experimental rights for Rifampicin on Pump.science. Participants can trade the token and view data from studies that assess its impact on longevity. Its tokenomics ensure efficient funding, as well as transparency and scalability for advancing scientific discovery.

As trading scales, RIF tokens empower participants to fund and benefit from transformative scientific breakthroughs.

 (FDV) of $42 million, reflecting its total supply of 1 billion tokens. Its price performance indicates its potential, as follows:

Pump.science’s clear and ambitious road map for 2025 indicates that the platform is set to expand its impact on decentralized longevity research.

By integrating RIF tokens and leveraging blockchain for funding and data sharing, Pump.science is transforming longevity research into a collaborative and gamified frontier.

Rifampicin (RIF) is now available to trade as a Bybit Perpetual contract. Trade 

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Rifampicin (RIF): Gamified Decentralized Science

Crypto

Staking

Explainers

What is crypto staking? And how can users learn how to stake coins to earn crypto?

? That’s right! “What is crypto staking?” you may ask. Crypto staking has become increasingly popular among investors as a way to grow their crypto portfolios without having to constantly trade or monitor the market. In this blog post, we will explore the world of crypto staking, discuss various staking methods, and help you choose the right strategy to start earning passive income today.

Crypto staking, or the process of locking up digital assets to support a 

 network, is a mechanism used primarily in proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms. By staking their assets, validators help maintain the security and integrity of the network, while earning staking rewards in return.

Before diving in, investors should familiarize themselves with the staking process and its implications.

 (PoW) are two different consensus mechanisms used in blockchain networks. These consensus mechanism types, PoW being the older of the two, rely on miners who use their computing power to solve complex equations and validate transactions. However, this process consumes a massive amount of energy, sparking concerns about its environmental impact. In contrast, staking work in PoS systems offers a more energy-efficient alternative for achieving consensus.

Enter PoS, a more energy-efficient alternative that enables staking. In PoS blockchains, network participants stake predetermined amounts of cryptocurrency to validate new transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain, earning staking rewards in the process.

In PoS blockchains, validators stake their assets and validate transactions, thereby ensuring the network’s security and integrity. Validators are typically chosen through a random selection process based on factors such as the number of coins staked or a combination of other factors.

Once chosen, validators are responsible for validating transactions in new blocks and adding them to the blockchain.

There are various staking methods available for crypto investors, including independent staking, staking pools, and staking on exchanges. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on factors such as your technical expertise, available resources, and risk tolerance.

Below is a detailed exploration of these staking methods.

Independent staking involves becoming a validator on a PoS blockchain, which requires a minimum amount of cryptocurrency and some technical knowledge. To become a validator, you must lock up a predetermined amount of the network’s native cryptocurrency (such as 32 ETH for 

) and participate in the consensus process, which involves signing blocks and attesting to the signing of blocks.

This approach directly contributes to the network’s security and rewards the stakers for their efforts, including crypto rewards and staking reward.

Staking pools offer a more accessible option for those with smaller holdings. For instance, many Ethereum 

), have been created as user-friendly and inexpensive alternatives due to the complexities and high amount required to stake ETH. In a staking pool, multiple token holders combine their tokens to amplify their staking power and chances of being selected to validate blocks and receive rewards. By joining a staking pool, participants share the costs and rewards of staking their tokens.

To join a staking pool, you’ll need to research available options for your chosen cryptocurrency, select a pool, and stake your crypto to it via your wallet. Be sure to evaluate factors such as the pool operator’s history, safety measures, and fees or commissions when selecting a staking pool.

Some cryptocurrency exchanges offer staking services, allowing you to stake your assets directly on the platform for a commission. However, staking on exchanges can be more costly than other staking methods, as exchanges generally charge fees for staking services.

Moreover, keeping your crypto online on the platform exposes you to potential losses in the event of a crypto exchange failure, which is why many users opt for more secure alternatives like using a crypto wallet or choosing crypto exchanges with better security measures. Bybit, for example, offers you a safe platform to stake supported cryptocurrencies with 

 thanks to its robust security protocols such as a triple-layer asset protection in which all user funds are stored in cold wallets.

Popular cryptocurrencies for staking include Ether (ETH), 

 (DOT), among others that use PoS consensus mechanisms. These cryptocurrencies offer attractive staking yields that vary depending on the specific asset and market conditions. For instance, staking yields for ADA currently range from 3.1% to 4.5%, while Polkadot (DOT) can offer annual yields ranging from 8% to 14.29%.

Bear in mind that factors like network demand and the staking method used can cause staking rewards and yields to fluctuate over time. Be sure to stay informed about the latest staking opportunities and market developments to maximize your returns.

How to Start Staking: A Step-by-Step Guide

For those ready to embark on the journey of crypto staking, follow these initiation steps:

Now that you have your chosen cryptocurrency and a compatible wallet, you’ll need to decide on a staking method. As discussed earlier, you can choose between independent staking, joining a staking pool, or staking on an exchange. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so consider your technical expertise, available resources, and risk tolerance when making your decision.

Once you’ve selected a staking method, follow the specific steps for that method to start staking your assets and earning passive income. For example, if you choose to stake independently, you’ll need to set up a validator node and lock up the required amount of cryptocurrency. If you opt for a staking pool, you’ll need to research available options, select a pool, and stake your crypto via your wallet. And if you choose to stake on an exchange, simply deposit your assets to the platform and enroll in their staking program.

The variation in staking returns can depend on the type of cryptocurrency, the staking method applied, and the prevailing market conditions. Some staking opportunities offer 

 (APY) of up to 20%, while others may provide lower returns. To optimize your staking rewards, consider factors such as the pool’s commission fees, the reliability of the validator, and the overall demand for the blockchain network.

Potential risks, such as market volatility and liquidity issues, should also be considered when staking. By staying informed and carefully assessing your staking opportunities, you can make informed decisions and maximize your passive income.

While crypto staking can be an attractive source of passive income, it comes with its own set of risks. Market volatility is a significant concern, as the value of staked assets can fluctuate drastically, potentially leading to financial losses. Additionally, liquidity issues can occur when stakers are unable to convert their staked assets into cash quickly, due to a lack of buyers or sellers in the market or an absence of liquidity on the staking platform.

Another risk associated with crypto staking is the lock-up period, during which staked assets are inaccessible and cannot be sold or traded. Validators who act improperly may also face penalties and forfeiture of their staked collateral. Understanding these risks is crucial before deciding to participate in crypto staking.

Alternatives to Staking for Passive Income

If you’re interested in earning passive income but not quite ready to dive into crypto staking, there are other alternatives to consider. Some options include:

These alternatives can provide stable passive income streams.

For those still interested in the world of cryptocurrencies, lending programs and decentralized finance (

) applications offer additional passive income opportunities. Reputable crypto lending programs like 

 allow users to lend their crypto assets and earn interest income, while DeFi applications provide various yield-generating opportunities through platforms like 

Awareness of the tax implications associated with crypto staking is vital. In general, staking rewards are subject to taxation as income at their fair market value, which also establishes a cost basis for future capital gains calculations. Tax treatment of staking rewards can vary depending on the country; for example, in the US, staking rewards are treated as ordinary income and taxed based on the fair market value at the time of receipt, while in the UK, they are classified as miscellaneous income and subject to income tax.

Always consult a tax professional for guidance on reporting your staking rewards and understanding your specific tax obligations. Accurate record-keeping of your staking activities is crucial to ensure you meet your tax obligations and avoid potential penalties. This includes:

By maintaining detailed records, you will be better prepared to report your staking rewards accurately and fulfill your tax obligations.

In conclusion, crypto staking offers a compelling opportunity for investors to earn passive income while supporting the security and integrity of PoS blockchain networks. By understanding the different staking methods, popular cryptocurrencies for staking, and potential risks and rewards, you can make informed decisions and grow your crypto portfolio with confidence. Whether you choose independent staking, joining a staking pool, or staking on an exchange, crypto staking can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to participate in the world of blockchain technology. 

Staking your crypto can be a great way to earn passive income, as some cryptocurrencies offer high interest rates. However, it's not a riskless process, and you need to make sure you understand how it works before getting started.

Staking crypto carries risks including protocol penalties, market risk, liquidity risk, lockup periods and more. Additionally, the rewards gained through staking can be offset if the price of crypto drops significantly. It is important to bear in mind these risks when considering staking your crypto assets.

Is staking better than holding in crypto?

Staking offers many benefits compared to simply holding crypto, such as higher returns on investment, compounding interest and the ability to earn more than 10% or 20% per year. Additionally, it is also a way to contribute to the security and efficiency of the blockchain projects you support. Thus, staking may be a better choice than holding in crypto.

Crypto staking is a process in which holders commit their digital assets to help verify transactions on the blockchain, earning rewards in return. Participants don't usually personally validate transactions - instead, computers in the network do - and it can be easily done through programs on major exchanges.

What is the minimum amount of ETH required to become a validator on Ethereum?

To become a validator on Ethereum, the minimum amount of ETH required is 32 ETH.

What Is Crypto Staking? Your Guide to Earn Passive Income

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards