Raydium introduces new features for creators and developers through its LaunchLab program.

The S&P 500 dropped 2.24% as chip stocks tumbled and Fed Chair Powell warned tariffs could fuel inflation, offering no clear rate outlook. Gold hit a record $3,343, up 3.5%, as U.S.-China trade tensions and a weaker dollar drove safe-haven demand. Falling yields and Fed inflation concerns added support. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, are up by 0.10%, with Bitcoin up 0.40% and Ether down 1.36% over the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is LAYER, up 5.1%, after the launch of the Emerald Card Program with $LAYER rewards.

Solayer (LAYER), launched in August 2024, is Solana's first native restaking protocol, allowing users to earn yield by securing decentralized apps with staked SOL or LSTs. Solayer has 

 the Emerald Card program, offering rewards in $LAYER for users who sign up, make a purchase, and share their purchase on X. Refunds are now available for users in restricted countries or who failed KYC. Pre-orders will be accepted starting today.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 new features for creators and developers through its LaunchLab program. Creators can now earn 10% of trading fees from the AMM pool post-graduation. Tokens launched via LaunchLab have a simple fee structure, with 50% going to the community pool, 25% for $RAY buybacks, and 25% for program fees. The platform also offers a referral program, where users can earn 0.1% of swap volume in SOL. Additionally, LaunchLab provides enhanced distribution for developers, allowing tokens to be visible across trading apps and terminals from Day 1. Raydium has partnered with leading apps like Axiom.

Yesterday, Bitcoin spot ETFs saw $201.7M in net outflows, all from non-GBTC funds, while GBTC had no change.

, a verifiable data infrastructure platform using ZKPs and MPC, has launched its ONProver node. Users can run the lightweight node, complete tasks, and earn $ON tokens redeemable at TGE. The project has raised $12M and is live on the Monad Testnet. Early participants can join the airdrop by signing up, connecting an EVM wallet, and running the Prover.

Beginner

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Raydium launches new features with creator rewards, referral program, and enhanced developer distribution

The top industries you can make USDC payments in include retail, e-commerce, travel, entertainment, technology, digital services, philanthropy and more.

 is expanding beyond crypto trading to help create a more accessible and efficient global financial system. Several industries are rapidly adopting this regulated 

 as a payment method, offering consumers new ways to use their digital dollars for everyday purchases and services. This article examines the top seven industries where USDC payments are making the greatest impact today, how these transactions work behind the scenes and the advantages that make this stablecoin an attractive alternative to conventional payment methods.

USDC is a regulated stablecoin, issued by Circle, that maintains a fixed 1:1 value with the US dollar. It offers speed, efficiency and borderless transactions while eliminating the price volatility that makes many cryptocurrencies impractical for everyday transactions.

Each USDC token is fully backed by US dollars and short-term Treasury instruments held in regulated financial institutions. This transparent reserve structure ensures stability and builds trust among merchants and consumers, contributing to USDC's growing adoption as a payment method worldwide.

 to transfer value directly between digital wallets. When a user initiates a payment, their wallet creates a digitally signed transaction specifying the recipient's address and the USDC amount. This transaction is broadcast to the blockchain network, where validators verify the signature and confirm sufficient balance.

Once it’s validated, the transaction is added to the blockchain, and the USDC 

 automatically updates balances by reducing the sender's holdings and increasing the recipient's. This process typically completes within seconds to minutes, depending upon the specific blockchain network and its current congestion level.

For merchants, payment processors like Circle Business Solutions and BitPay handle the technical aspects by integrating with point-of-sale systems. These services can automatically convert incoming USDC to fiat currency (if desired), provide compliance support and generate financial reporting.

USDC operates across multiple blockchain networks, including 

. Specialized bridges enable transfers between these systems while maintaining the token's 1:1 dollar peg throughout the payment journey.

While USDC offers substantial benefits over traditional payment systems, it also presents the following challenges that users and businesses should consider before adoption.

Best industries in which to make USDC payments

USDC adoption continues to grow across numerous sectors, with specific industries leading the way in accepting this digital dollar for goods and services.

Retail has embraced USDC as a payment option across diverse price points and product categories. Leading brands such as Home Depot, GameStop and Chipotle now accept USDC through payment processors like BitPay and Flexa, offering customers a streamlined checkout experience.

 the acceptance of USDC through Crypto.com's payment service, marking the electronics giant's first step into direct crypto transactions in the region. Online marketplaces and smaller e-commerce stores also incorporate USDC payment gateways to offer customers more flexibility while reducing transaction costs.

The travel industry has emerged as a front-runner in USDC adoption, offering travelers a convenient way to book overseas vacations without currency exchange complications. 

 (AVA), a blockchain-based travel booking platform, allows customers to pay with USDC for over 3 million travel products worldwide, including hotels, flights and car rentals.

Other travel providers like Cheapair.com and Alternative Airlines also accept cryptocurrency payments, including USDC, and provide travelers with seamless booking experiences regardless of location. This adoption is particularly valuable for international travelers, who can avoid currency exchange fees and enjoy faster transaction processing.

The entertainment sector has embraced USDC payments across various platforms. Major streaming services and content providers now accept cryptocurrency payments, allowing subscribers to access premium content using their digital assets.

In the gaming world, platforms such as Xbox and various online gaming services accept USDC through payment processors like BitPay, enabling gamers to purchase games, in-game items and subscriptions. Additionally, Twitch streamers can receive donations in USDC, creating new revenue streams for content creators.

Tech companies were among the earliest adopters of cryptocurrency payments. Microsoft, one of the world's largest technology corporations, accepts USDC through BitPay for various products and services, such as Microsoft account credits that can be used for Xbox games and apps.

Other tech vendors embracing USDC payments include Newegg, a popular electronics retailer; ExpressVPN, a leading virtual private network service; and Dish Network, which allows subscribers to pay for their TV services using cryptocurrencies. Software companies, web hosting services and cloud storage providers also integrate USDC payment options.

The automotive industry has begun exploring cryptocurrency payments, with companies like Tesla periodically accepting digital currencies for vehicle purchases. Platforms like 

 facilitate vehicle purchases using stablecoins such as USDC, connecting buyers with dealerships willing to accept cryptocurrency payments.

Luxury brands across various segments have also started accepting USDC, thus appealing to crypto-wealthy clientele. From high-end watches and jewelry to designer fashion and accessories, luxury merchants recognize the growing purchasing power of crypto holders and are adapting their payment systems accordingly.

Charitable organizations worldwide now accept USDC donations, offering donors a transparent and efficient way to support causes they care about. Major international organizations like Save the Children and The Water Project accept cryptocurrency donations, leveraging blockchain's transparency to show donors exactly how their contributions are being used.

Smaller nonprofits are also adopting USDC payment options, often benefiting from lower transaction fees as compared to traditional donation methods — especially for international contributions. This allows more of each donation to go directly to the cause, rather than being lost to processing fees.

Law firms, accounting services, consulting agencies and other professional service providers are increasingly accepting USDC payments, particularly those serving clients in the technology and finance sectors. These businesses benefit from immediate settlement and reduced transaction costs, especially when working with international clients.

USDC stands at the forefront of an emerging internet-native financial system that promises to transform global value exchange. With 

, UDSC is demonstrating its capacity to handle significant economic activity at scale.

Several complementary developments are driving USDC's growing role in payments: 

User experience (UX) innovations push technical complexities to the background, making the technology accessible to mainstream users. The expanding connections between USDC and traditional finance (TradFi) are unlocking practical payment applications beyond crypto trading, including global payroll, supplier payments, remittances and merchant services.

This progression mirrors the internet’s development, from dial-up connections and basic browsers to today's seamless digital experiences that serve billions of people. With traditional payment executives recognizing the need for instant payment infrastructure, USDC offers a solution that aligns with broader financial trends toward openness and frictionless value transfer.

USDC leverages blockchain's fundamental advantages — speed, cost-efficiency, global reach and programmability — to power frictionless value exchange across industries and borders, helping to build a more accessible and efficient global financial system.

With major corporations like Sony Singapore already embracing this regulated stablecoin, we're witnessing the early stages of what could become the new standard for digital payments in our increasingly connected global economy.

Intermediate

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Top 7 industries that you can make USDC payments in

Ongoing US-China trade tensions are contributing to significant fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market.

On Apr 13, 2025, the cryptocurrency market faced a shock with the sudden collapse of MANTRA's OM token, plummeting from $6.35 to $0.37 — a drop of over 90% in just hours. This drastic decline reduced its market cap from $6.11 billion to approximately $683 million, prompting comparisons to past crypto disasters, such as the Terra LUNA collapse and the FTX scandal.

MANTRA CEO John Patrick Mullin attributed the crash to reckless forced liquidations initiated by 

 (CEXs) during low-liquidity hours that exacerbated the price drop. He insisted that neither the MANTRA team nor its investors were at fault, noting that the project’s core tokenomics remained sound. However, suspicions of insider trading emerged as on-chain analytics revealed significant deposits of OM tokens into exchanges just before the crash, raising concerns among investors.

The immediate aftermath saw a crisis of confidence, with MANTRA's Telegram group disappearing shortly after the crash, fueling speculation of a rug pull. Critics accused the MANTRA team of attempting to avoid backlash by removing communication channels. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX also faced scrutiny for their roles in the situation, with OKX launching an investigation into suspicious activities dating back to March 2025.

Despite a modest recovery to around $0.73 by April 15, down over 85% from pre-crash levels, confidence in MANTRA has been severely shaken. Mullin announced plans for a recovery strategy, including a token buyback and enhanced community engagement through the $109 million MANTRA Ecosystem Fund (MEF). However, investor skepticism remains high, with critics questioning the project's management and its reliance on CEXs.

In contrast to the turmoil surrounding MANTRA, XRP has emerged as a strong contender for the next US crypto spot ETF approval. Teucrium launched the first US-based XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), a 2x leveraged product under the ticker XXRP, which saw over $5 million in volume on its launch day. XRP currently leads the ETF filing race with ten active applications, surpassing competitors like Solana and Litecoin.

XRP's market liquidity has significantly improved, as highlighted by Kaiko Indices, making it an attractive candidate for ETFs due to stable pricing and lower trade slippage. Analysts are particularly optimistic about an upcoming SEC decision on Grayscale’s XRP Spot ETF application on May 22, which could have substantial implications for XRP’s future.

With XRP trading at around $2.09, analysts are monitoring key resistance levels at $2.24 and $2.38. This momentum suggests that XRP may soon reclaim its market share, particularly as it has shown resilience against a backdrop of bearish sentiment in options markets. The structure of Teucrium’s ETF, which utilizes swap agreements and European benchmarks, may pave the way for more crypto ETFs, signaling a shift toward broader institutional acceptance of digital assets.

As the crypto market grapples with the fallout from the OM token collapse, the developments surrounding XRP provide a glimmer of optimism. With potential regulatory breakthroughs on the horizon, XRP’s position as a foundational asset in tokenized finance could accelerate its mainstream adoption, marking a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency landscape.

Advanced

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Bybit x Santiment social sentiment report: OM collapse and hopes of XRP ETF approval

Bybit Launchpool is an asset issuance platform that allows users to stake various cryptocurrencies to earn new project tokens without any fees. Learn more here.

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are always on the lookout for innovative ways to grow their investments, and Bybit Launchpool offers just that. Imagine 

 your favorite tokens to earn new, promising project tokens with no fees involved! With its user-friendly platform, competitive yields and enhanced liquidity, Bybit Launchpool is transforming the way investors engage with emerging cryptocurrencies. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about maximizing your earnings through Bybit Launchpool. 

 is an innovative asset issuance platform that enables users to discover quality crypto assets. By staking your cryptocurrency, you gain direct access to new tokens from vetted, emerging projects, providing a unique opportunity to engage with new projects. 

To begin using Bybit Launchpool, you must first create an account on Bybit and select from the available pools to stake. Once you’ve staked your funds, your daily Launchpool yield will automatically be calculated based on the proportion of your average staked amount relative to the total staked amount of all users. After the system calculates the daily average staked amount for all participants, rewards will be distributed to your Funding Account within a few hours after midnight (12AM UTC) each day.

To calculate your daily yield, use the following formula (where β refers to the Launchpool reward): 

Daily β yield = (Your average daily staked amount in the pool / total staked amount of all participants in the pool) × daily β reward pool

Note that you'll only receive a payout if your yield equals or exceeds 0.01 USDT equivalent.

Bybit Launchpool has introduced several enhancements that improve user experience and increase earning potential.

The new Bybit Launchpool allows you to stake an increased variety of tokens, providing multiple opportunities to earn rewards. Participants can select from different projects and pools, enabling them to diversify their staking strategies and maximize their potential returns. This flexibility encourages broader participation and engagement with emerging cryptocurrency projects.

Another key upgrade is the chance to earn higher yields. By staking tokens in the Launchpool, users can acquire new tokens before they officially hit the market. This early access provides the potential to profit from price gains as demand for these tokens usually grows after listing, offering an edge over traditional trading.

The updated mechanism for reward distribution allows users to more quickly receive their earnings. Instead of waiting for days to receive their yields, users now receive their rewards within just a few hours after the daily calculation period. This faster payout system enhances liquidity and makes it easier for participants to reinvest or use their earnings sooner, adding convenience to the overall experience.

Bybit Launchpool offers a range of benefits for users looking to grow their crypto investments. By staking tokens, you can earn additional coins — including exposure to new cryptocurrencies — while 

 through daily rewards. The platform’s flexibility allows you to unstake tokens at any time, maintaining liquidity without any fees. 

VIP users on Bybit enjoy higher staking caps and/or estimated APRs as compared to regular users, allowing them to earn more from their staked assets — an appealing benefit for those with larger investments. They also gain priority access to new projects and tokens, which gives them a head start on emerging opportunities before they become widely available. 

Bybit Launchpool makes it easy to stake your cryptocurrencies and earn new tokens. Please note that you’ll need to 

 and complete Identity Verification before you can proceed with Bybit Launchpool. If you don’t already have a Bybit account, you can follow our guide 

Once you’ve created your Bybit account, here’s how to get started with Bybit Launchpool. 

: Log in to your Bybit account and hover your cursor over the 

tab on the navigation bar at the top of the page. Then, hover your cursor over 

: Scroll down to view the available Launchpools. Then, click on 

button of the corresponding Launchpool you would like to participate in.

: Input the amount you would like to stake, read and agree to the terms, and click on 

Congratulations! You’ve successfully staked tokens for a Launchpool project!

To view your staked tokens, simply navigate to the 

Once you’ve earned rewards (worth a minimum of 0.01 USDT equivalent), they’ll be automatically credited to your account daily.

Trading Launchpool Tokens on Bybit Pre-Market

Bybit's Spot Pre-Market Trading product allows users to trade Launchpool-listed tokens before they officially debut on the Spot market. To participate, users must create an account and upgrade to a 

. The trading process involves two key roles: Makers, who place orders at set prices, and Takers, who fulfill these orders completely. Both parties incur transaction fees, and sellers must provide collateral based on each token’s risk. If a seller fails to deliver on time, the buyer receives a portion of the collateral as compensation. This feature not only gives traders early access to new tokens but also aids in determining the market value of each token, enhancing the overall trading experience and offering opportunities for potential profits.

Bybit Launchpool provides an excellent opportunity for cryptocurrency enthusiasts to earn new tokens through staking, with no fees involved. The platform offers competitive APRs, a user-friendly interface and the flexibility to unstake your tokens at any time. With diverse token options and transparent daily yield calculations, Bybit Launchpool caters to both casual and serious investors, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to engage with emerging projects while generating passive income.

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Bybit Launchpool: Everything you need to know (updated 2025)

Moonbirds is a collection of 10,000 unique owl avatars with rare traits such as mohawks, eye patches and fiery eyes.

moonbirds-nft-collection.png

The NFT space has become quite crowded. More often than not, you’ll be sidelined by copycat collections looking for a quick buck. But amid the hype around NFTs, especially profile picture (PFP) collections, you’ll come across a gem like Moonbirds — fresh from the mint, with out-of-this-world artwork and heavy backers on its tracks.

Following a hot launch in April 2022 that generated millions of dollars in sales volumes, it was clear that Moonbirds hadn’t come to play. With similar attributes to legendary NFT collections 

, Moonbirds has caused quite a storm in the NFT space.

So, what is it about these Ethereum-based Owls that has the NFT world hooked? Let’s dive into the Moonbirds project and discover why it’s stirred up the NFT community.

 The project can be categorized as part of the PFP boom that’s hit the crypto industry. PFPs are profile pictures displayed on social media sites by celebrities or other NFT enthusiasts.

Each Moonbird gives the user access to an exclusive private membership club, called PROOF Collective, where one can accrue additional benefits. As with every other NFT, although Moonbirds share similar elements, no two Moonbirds are exactly alike.

While the inaugural Moonbirds NFT collection was capped at 10,000 Owls, only 7,875 of the Moonbirds were available to the public. The NFT community felt concerned about the limited Moonbirds drop, citing accessibility issues. Indeed, the much-hyped collection sold out within 48 hours of the NFT drop.

Birds in nature often nest their young ones by incubating them, allowing them to grow and develop. Similarly, the Moonbirds “nesting” mechanism is a form of staking that involves locking up one’s Moonbird in a wallet, where the NFT accrues benefits. 

is popular in the crypto community as a way for token holders to lock their assets for a period to earn rewards. 

 rewards come in the form of the platform’s native utility tokens, the reward for staking Moonbirds is more status-driven. Total nested time accumulates perks for Moonbirds NFT holders, including access to higher tiers in the PROOF Collective and upgraded nests that attract enhanced drops and rewards. Nesting keeps the Moonbird safe from security breaches and 

, since the fledgling never leaves your wallet.

Moonbirds’ key founders are Kevin Rose, Justin Mezzell and Ryan Carson. This solid team behind Moonbirds also brought the PROOF Collective to the NFT world. Before becoming an NFT mogul, celebrated American web entrepreneur Kevin Rose was already an established investor and successful podcaster.

Justin Mezzell, another co-founder and Moonbirds Chief Product Officer (CPO), is the face behind the superb artwork on the Owls. Mezzell and his team put together the randomized visual components on each Moonbird, resulting in an iconic collection of generative NFTs.

Ryan Carson, Moonbirds ex-Chief Operating Officer (COO), was also an instrumental part of the project team. While 

 to create his own NFT fund stirred feathers in the NFT community, it only added to the hype around the project.

The PROOF Collective is a private membership club made up of 1,000 passionate NFT collectors and artists. PROOF's community includes early NFT collectors and key players in the NFT industry. Launched in December 2021, PROOF quickly became a force to reckon with in the NFT industry. Holding a PROOF Collective NFT provides access to this exclusive club.

As with other top-flight NFT clubs, being a PROOF Collective member is the golden key to the NFT space. With it, one gains access to PROOF’s invite-only Discord where members get first-hand information on everything NFT. PROOF Collective members can attend in-person events, get exclusive spots to promising NFT projects, listen to the PROOF podcast, participate in free NFT drops, and receive many other benefits.

, with some going for over 200 ETH. At the time of this writing, 

 places its NFT stash at 153,940 unique NFTs. These include 817 Bored Apes, 148 CryptoPunks, and 499 NFTs from 

. At the moment, the exclusive NFT club has yet to announce any plans to increase its membership of 1,000, despite the explosive demand by NFT holders for a spot in the exclusive collectors club.

Why Are Moonbirds So Popular and Expensive?

The buzz around Moonbirds has been mind-boggling. Moonbirds flew right out of the mint, and made some of the more prominent PFP NFTs look like child’s play. Its shake-up of the NFT space is phenomenal, its prominence has caused a serious ripple effect.

Upon its launch, the 7,875 of the 10,000 NFTs up for grabs (through a raffle) were cleared off the shelf within two days. Moonbirds raked in 19,687 ETH, which was valued at around $60 million at that time. The Moonbirds collection has continued to generate millions for holders in the NFT secondary market.

Moonbirds’ affiliation with the PROOF Collective made it an instant hit. When the PROOF Collective NFTs hit the market, they went for 1 ETH each. Despite a slow 2021, the PROOF Collective passes started slowly rising to double digits — and hit over 100 ETH before the Moonbirds launch. A combination of FOMO (

) and NFT notoriety associated with Moonbirds have blown the project’s value through the roof.

. The price is usually quoted in ETH, and you need a 

 wallet to facilitate trades. From the prices quoted on these NFT markets, it’s clear that owning one of these pixelated owls doesn’t come cheap.

And yet, if you can get a Moonbird, it could prove lucrative in the end, as with the immense success of Bored Apes and CryptoPunks. With so many Moonbirds nesting, and a well-funded project development team, it seems like the journey has just begun for these coveted digital owls.

Despite its roaring success, Moonbirds has faced some rocky times, raising concerns around NFT circles. The controversial exit of one of its co-founders, Ryan Carson, in April 2022 caused an uproar in the NFT community. Some termed his departure to set up his own NFT fund as premeditated and detrimental to the project.

However, the other co-founder, Kevin Rose, was quick to 

 and assure Moonbirds owners that everything was under control, and that the project was on track.

That said, Moonbirds has continued to bring in heavyweights in the industry to help map out its future. The Moonbirds team is seriously focused on building and empowering its community, and the project’s momentum hasn’t flagged.

, its future success is highly pinned to the exclusivity of the PROOF NFT private community. For now, many still believe in the project’s vision for the NFT ecosystem, which has been greatly fueled by the continued interest in utility-enabled PFPs.

Moonbirds: NFT Owls Flying High

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