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)

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Trading

A gamma squeeze is an unusual type of price increase that happens in the crypto market. Find out how it works and how to spot one in this article.

One of the key challenges of crypto investing is that huge changes can happen with little warning. In the event of a gamma squeeze, crypto prices will suddenly shoot upwards and increase far past the crypto's usual value. This might seem entirely random, but there's actually a method behind the madness. Understanding what a gamma squeeze is can help you identify future price increases.

A gamma squeeze is an unusual type of price increase that happens in the crypto market. It typically occurs when options and other behind-the-scenes contracts force investors into buying stock.

Gamma squeezes are a rare occurrence in crypto investing. They happen when large investment companies start trying to speculate on crypto prices by buying 

 and other types of contracts. This puts a lot of pressure on the market, and other investors can end up in a position where they have to buy crypto to cover their losses. As more and more people rush to buy crypto, prices end up soaring.

To better understand the gamma squeeze, let’s take a look at a real-world example in the stock market. A gamma squeeze was behind the notorious

. Traders had purchased a bunch of options with the intent of shorting the underlying stock, but then market conditions forced them into buying large batches of GME stock. The end result was sky-high GME stock prices.

To understand the mechanics of a gamma squeeze, we need to understand certain details about how the crypto market functions. In the cryptocurrency market, some major financial players buy and sell various crypto-related contracts. These "market makers" tend to trade millions of dollars worth of crypto, and they will often participate in options trading, which lets them speculate on future prices. When these contracts go wrong, a gamma squeeze can occur.

The first step in a gamma squeeze is created when various major investors try to 

. This investment means they are essentially betting that crypto prices will fall. They borrow crypto tokens to sell at current prices, and agree to later give the same amount of tokens back to the lender. If prices drop, the investor can buy cheap tokens to repay their loan. However, if prices rise, their contracts could put them in a position where they have to buy a lot of pricey crypto in the future.

Most investment firms shorting crypto have a policy of hedging their bets. If prices start to rise, they purchase some call options that will let them make money if crypto prices increase. This ensures they can make enough money to cover losses if prices rise above their 

. Ultimately, all of this "required" buying from big investors causes a self-perpetuating cycle of price increases. Rising prices make major investors rush into buying crypto as a way of covering their losses, and then prices increase even more.

Gamma squeezes are somewhat rare because a lot of things have to happen simultaneously before a gamma squeeze occurs.

So how do you know when a random spike in the market is heralding the start of a gamma squeeze? There are a few simple features you can analyze to see if a gamma squeeze is occurring. First of all, take a look at the coin's 

. During a squeeze, there will be a tremendous burst in activity, as institutional investors rush to buy coins before they hit their strike price.

 news, it’s usually easy to spot a gamma squeeze. These events are very uncommon — and come with a lot of opportunities to both make and lose money. You'll notice that everyone is talking about the crypto that's undergoing the squeeze.

The final way to confirm the squeeze is by looking at its volatility. The market for a crypto will be extremely volatile when a squeeze is taking place. Squeezes tend to cause extreme volatility because there are sudden, unprecedented changes in price. Instead of prices drastically rising and plunging, a squeeze will make prices go up and up.

A gamma squeeze plays out in three separate stages. The first thing that happens is an unexpected jump in a crypto’s price.  What’s more, the crypto's price might rise even though it's unpopular or has some issues with development. This unexplained price rise tends to result in a little bit of selling, as people holding onto the crypto hope to make a profit on the unexpected price jump.

Next comes the huge spike in prices. All of the institutional investors doing options trading start to buy in volume, because they're concerned about looming strike prices. At the same time, retail investors start hearing about the squeeze and buying up underlying stock in the hopes of profiting from the squeeze. At this point, prices can rise to unprecedented levels.

The final stage of the squeeze is the price correction. Because the high price isn't backed by any real-world value, the crypto won't maintain the price past a certain point. Usually, the price starts dropping when all the big institutional investors' call options start expiring. Once the price starts to drop, most investors will sell while they can — and the price drops even further.

A gamma squeeze shares quite a few similarities with a short squeeze. Both price cycles involve investors betting a crypto will fall and then accidentally ending up in a position where they have to buy it back at a higher price. In both cases, this will trigger a rush for both investors and casual traders to buy up crypto and prices will rise unexpectedly.

The main difference between a short squeeze and a gamma squeeze is in their magnitude. Short squeezes can take place whenever retail traders are investing in crypto. Meanwhile, gamma squeezes only occur when

 get involved. These market makers handle larger volumes of crypto at once, so they influence the market more drastically.

You can also distinguish between a short squeeze and a gamma squeeze by looking at the types of contracts being sold. Short squeezes can occur with a variety of investment strategies. Meanwhile, gamma squeezes only occur when there's a huge number of short-dated call options being purchased. This causes the upward spiral that creates such high crypto prices.

When considering gamma squeezes, make sure you aren't getting gamma and delta mixed up. These are both Greek letters that are frequently used in math and finance, so it's no surprise people get confused. They're also both terms used by institutional traders, and they both relate to the eventual outcome of a squeeze. However, they do technically mean different things.

Delta is a type of measurement used to analyze put and call options. It measures how much an option price varies in relation to the underlying stock or crypto. Delta varies between zero and one. The closer it is to zero, the lower a crypto's value is compared to the option's strike price. If the delta is closer to one, a crypto's value is higher than the strike price.

Gamma takes this method of analysis one step further. It measures the change in delta, compared to the amount the price changes. This shows an investor how market changes are influencing their options. Higher gamma levels mean the investor needs to buy proportionally more stock to manage their hedges. This ever-increasing need for more stock is where the name "gamma squeeze" originates.

Gamma squeezes can definitely be … exciting. And trading during one of these squeezes can come with some major benefits.

One of the best positions to be in is to be the person who owns the crypto before the squeeze starts. Often, these investors have purchased their crypto for very low prices, so they stand to gain a lot. As long as they sell their tokens before prices drop, they can earn quite a profit on their crypto. These are the people you see who make millions off of a squeeze.

Because gamma squeezes always tend to play out in the same way, there are some neat trading opportunities. You can get involved in the derivatives market, and speculate on whether the price will keep increasing or start to fall. Once you spot a squeeze, you can also buy more crypto to sell before the dip happens.

Though there are plenty of perks to this type of market scenario, it also comes with some major risks. Those who make the wrong choices can end up on the wrong side of the squeeze.

If you buy crypto right before the peak of the squeeze, you might be in trouble. Gamma squeezes are very volatile, and the price can plummet at any point. If you time things poorly, you could be left holding almost worthless tokens — for which you paid a premium.

For those who like trading options on crypto, risks are even higher. The problem with options is that you can lose far more than just the initial amount of money you’ve invested. For certain types of options, a trader has to purchase a set amount of crypto by the time the option expires. There's no ceiling on how high a price can climb during a squeeze, so a trader could theoretically end up having to buy at a very steep price.

The length of a squeeze tends to depend on what underlying factors were driving it. There’s no hard limit on how short a squeeze can be, so some may be over in as little as an hour. However, most squeezes last at least a couple of days. Some may last up to a few weeks, but none are sustainable enough to last for months at a time. Gamma squeezes usually end with a period of extreme volatility, in which crypto prices will drop and peak several more times.

If you want to trade during a gamma squeeze, it’s best that you keep the following tips in mind.

Ultimately, a gamma squeeze brings some unique opportunities. If you have extra funds to play around with and are okay with high-risk trades, you can get involved. However, keep in mind that it’s also an incredibly volatile time — for an already volatile asset. Traders who hop onto trends without really knowing what they're doing can lose a lot of money. If you plan on trading during a squeeze, you need to take the time to do some market analysis and in-depth research. This can help mitigate some risks, but there’s still the potential to lose money, no matter how careful you are.

Whenever major industry traders are involved in crypto, their actions can put unnatural pressure on the market. If derivatives market actions bring about a gamma squeeze, you can expect sky-high prices before a sudden drop. This gives you the option of making a lot of money, but most experts recommend playing it safe. Getting too caught up in the hype can easily lead to losing your funds.

What Is a Gamma Squeeze & How Does It Affect Crypto Prices?

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