Author: Arslan Butt

Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics. His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker. His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

Ethereum Nears Crucial Pectra Upgrade, Bullish Signals Emerge Below $1900

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Arslan Butt

As Ethereum [[ETH/USD]] holds steady around $1,800, several emerging bullish signals and the upcoming Pectra upgrade may finally trigger a convincing rally.

Ethereum Nears Crucial Pectra Upgrade, Bullish Signals Emerge Below $1900 — Ethereum price analysis

Ethereum Pectra Upgrade: A Potential Catalyst for Price Action

Scheduled on May 7, the forthcoming Pectra update could act as the trigger to release ETH from its extended consolidation period at last. Emphasizing three critical areas—scalability through layer-2 solutions, user experience enhancements, and staking efficiency improvements—this release brings 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs).

Enhanced User Experience and Fee Structure

EIP-7702 is one of the most important improvements since it lets conventional user wallets momentarily operate as smart contracts. This opens important capabilities such token other than ETH gas fee payment capability and fee sponsorship.

Particularly in gaming, payments, and mobile apps where bad UX has been a constant impediment to popular acceptance, these developments could drastically reduce entrance barriers for non-technical users. Crucially, these developments won’t lessen ETH’s basic function in the network since validators will still pay fees in ETH at the protocol level.

Institutional-Friendly Staking Improvements

Regarding staking, various EIPs will bring significant modifications that would be interesting to institutional players. Validators will be allowed to stake up to 2,48 ETH (up from the present 32 ETH maximum), and both onboarding and leave procedures will get more simplified.

Given recent claims of failing institutions selling their ETH interests, these developments are especially noteworthy. The improved staking mechanism could revive institutional involvement, therefore locking in more ETH in validator nodes and hence lowering the circulating supply.

Historical Technical Patterns Suggest Bottom Formation

[[ETH/USD-graph]]

With no movement over the previous 24 hours, Ethereum (ETH) has been somewhat flat recently and trades at roughly $1,800. Although ETH has underperformed relative to other big cryptocurrencies in the current market cycle, multiple technical signs point to this underperformance maybe reversing shortly.

Most importantly, ETH has developed a rare monthly Dragonfly Doji candlestick pattern—the same form that followed its unprecedented 25,000% climb during the 2017 bull cycle. Usually indicating a rejection of lower prices and the possible recovery of bullish momentum, this pattern is typified by a long lower wick with either little to no upper wick and a close near its opening level.

Ethereum is also retesting its long-term parabolic support zone, which historically has acted as a launching pad for fresh uptrends. “In every cycle, this zone triggers a reversal — and this time is no different,” one researcher said. Early 2017’s ETH bounced from this same trendline drove a vertical climb from roughly $6 to $1,400.

MVRV Z-Score Indicates Undervaluation

On-chain data supports a comeback of Ethereum even more. Key indicator of market tops and bottoms, the MVRV Z-Score has returned within its historical accumulation zone. In past cycles, entrances into this zone matched market bottoms in late 2018, March 2020, and mid-2022—all of which preceded notable rallies.

This statistic implies that Ethereum might be underpriced given the present price levels, thereby offering a good starting point for investors. This on-chain indicator’s alignment with optimistic technical patterns reflects the configuration observed prior to Ethereum’s most significant historical price rises.

Ethereum Price Prediction

Notwithstanding these encouraging signs, data on the derivatives market shows that professional traders are wary of ETH’s immediate price future. Consistent below the neutral barrier, the ETH monthly futures premium points to modest excitement for leveraged bullish plays.

But data on the options market shows that traders are growing more at ease with ETH’s present value. Put (sell) options, which indicate less worry about additional downside risk at current market levels, are now trading at levels comparable to call (buy) options unlike in past times.

Technically ETH is ready for a climb above the critical $1,840 resistance level. With more possibility to hit $2,000 in the near future, a successful breakout might open the road towards the $1,920 mark. On the other hand, failing to surpass $1,840 might cause a retest of support at $1,760 or perhaps $1,735.

The Bigger View: Ethereum’s Competitive Scene

With its market capitalization momentarily dipping in April 2025 below the total value of its four biggest rivals—Solana, BNB, Cardano, and Tron— Ethereum’s market situation has suffered. ETH has subsequently recovered, though, to take front stage with a market capitalization of around $217 billion.

Ethereum has unable to replicate Solana’s integrated user experience or Tron’s leadership in the stablecoin market even when it leads in total value locked (TVL). The forthcoming Pectra update seeks to solve some of these competitive shortcomings, therefore reducing the gap with rivals.

Bitcoin Eyes $100K After Shaking Off Bearish Macro Data, $95,500 Looms as Key Hurdle

Posted on May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 by Arslan Butt

As it gathers around the $94,800 barrier, Bitcoin [[BTC/USD]] keeps proving tenacity and stability over the previous 24 hours despite conflicting signals from market indicators. After recovering from recent dismal US GDP figures, the top cryptocurrency has showed amazing resilience, which prepares the ground for what analysts predict to be a major summer surge.

Bitcoin Eyes $100K After Shaking Off Bearish Macro Data, $95,500 Looms as Key Hurdle — Bitcoin price analysis

Post-GDP Recovery Highlights Bitcoin’s Growing Resilience

Following concerning US GDP numbers indicating economic decline in Q1 2025, Bitcoin rapidly rebounded, reflecting recoveries witnessed in conventional markets, after temporarily plunging below $92,910. With increases of 0.35% and 0.15% respectively, the DOW and S&P 500 closed showing that investors across asset classes are seeing the GDP contraction as maybe temporary.

Rather than indicating a more general recession, market watchers speculate the economic slump may be caused by companies accelerating imports ahead of President Trump’s tariffs on about 90 countries. Still, this economic uncertainty fits the Bitcoin investment thesis that expects Federal Reserve rate reduction and more dollar printing—historically favorable conditions for bitcoin appreciation.

From 59.8% on April 29 to 63.8% on April 30, current probability for a Federal Reserve interest rate drop show markets are progressively pricing in monetary easing in response to economic headwinds.

BTC/USD Technical Analysis: $95,500 Emerges as Critical Resistance

[[BTC/USD-graph]]

Technical analysis shows that traders are intently monitoring a critical resistance level of $95,500. A continuous breach over this level might set off a quick comeback to the psychologically significant $100,000 milestone.

Especially, Bitcoin stays above its Short-Term Holder Realized Price (STH-RP), a historically positive indicator when maintained. The capacity of the bitcoin to surpass this crucial on-chain indicator points to underlying strength in the present market structure.

Funding Rate Divergence Creates Intriguing Market Dynamic

Deratives markets provide a more complex tale even with price recovery. As Bitcoin hits $95,000, its funding rates—which have gone negative once more—have clearly diverged from its growing price. This trend reflects behavior noted during the March to October 2024 downturn.

Usually indicating a prevalence of short positions or hedging behavior among futures traders, negative financing rates signal prudence even in view of the increasing price movement. This discrepancy could be a reflection of the lack of conviction among the present rally’s participants—some of whom are ready for possible reversals at resistance levels.

Respected crypto trader “Skew,” claims today’s spot flow has been “primarily driven by passive buyers” with “price lifted with taker bid,” while “funding rate normalizing now after some shorts closing out.” This market structure implies that, by removing weak points, short-term retracements—should they arise—may eventually help to strengthen the market generally.

Long-Term Models Project Substantial Growth Potential

Beyond transient price behavior, logarithmic analysis of Bitcoin’s age-to-price relationship points to remarkable upward potential. Research from 21st Capital co-founder Sina shows that historically, BTC price has risen almost sixfold each time its network age changed by 40%.

Should this trend maintain, Bitcoin would reach $351,506 by the end of 2025, a 5.2x gain from its $68,000 top. Although this model has displayed contradictions in recent years, it shows amazing resilience in describing the long-term development path of Bitcoin in face of macroeconomic challenges and regulatory uncertainty.

Key Support Level Emerges at $84,000

Bitcoin analyst “blackwidow” uses fractal analysis to find $84,000 as a critical support level similar to the $58,000 support level expected in 2024. For traders expecting the next big breakout, this level—which is designated as the point of control (POC), markedly presents a re-entry possibility.

Analyst “Titan of Crypto,” who notes that BTC has “bounced off the orange line of the Golden Ratio Multiplier and is now aiming for the blue line, currently at $125,000,” suggests that technical indications also point to Bitcoin preparing for a near term advance toward $125,000.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Balancing Short-Term Caution with Long-Term Optimism

Although short-term signs point to a potential corrective retreat before sustained increasing momentum, more general technical and on-chain data show a positive picture for Bitcoin’s medium to long-term future.

The forthcoming May 2 US employment report could bring volatility that might affect conventional markets as well as cryptocurrency. But Bitcoin’s proven capacity to bounce back from selloffs brought on by economic data points to increasing market participant resilience.

With firm support at $93,850 and resistance at $95,250, Bitcoin’s price action stays focused above $94,500 for now. Setting the foundation for Bitcoin’s expected summer surge beyond six-figure price objectives, a continuous movement above $95,500 might spark off acceleration toward $96,500 and maybe $98,000 in the next weeks.

Daily Crypto Signals: Bitcoin Surges Past $95K While Ethereum Finds Stability

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Arslan Butt

While Ethereum fights for market leadership against growing rivals in a transforming crypto scene, Bitcoin recovers from GDP-induced fall as XRP ETF prospects brighten.

Daily Crypto Signals: Bitcoin Surges Past $95K While Ethereum Finds Stability — Latest crypto market news

Crypto Market Developments

This week the market for cryptocurrencies showed resiliency despite alarming US economic data projecting a Q1 2025 recession in the US. After the GDP announcement, Bitcoin swiftly recovered from a small sell-off to $92,910, proving great market purchasing demand. As institutional investment keeps changing the market, stablecoin issuer Circle apparently turned down a $4–5 billion buyout offer from Ripple.

In regulatory developments, a federal judge decided that the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) cannot permanently restrain the agency from imposing subsequent sanctions by reinstalling sanctions against crypto mixing provider Tornado Cash. Apart from that, the SEC delayed decisions on XRP and Dogecoin ETFs until June; meanwhile, Bloomberg Intelligence experts have indicated clearance chances for various altcoins.

News of a significant Bitcoin theft—an elderly US citizen victim of a tragic $330 million heist—now regarded as the fifth-largest crypto hack in history shocked the market as well. Using advanced social engineering techniques, the assailant got into the victim’s wallet—which had more than 3,000 Bitcoin since 2017.

Bitcoin Rebounds on Bearish US GDP Data

[[BTC/USD-graph]]

After a brief GDP-induced sell-off to $92,910, Bitcoin [[BTC/USD]] has shown amazing tenacity, fast rebounding to threaten the $95,000 level. This rebound supports the strong bid from many market players and fits the perspective that, should current unfavorable economic data push the Federal Reserve to lower rates and boost dollar issuance, Bitcoin would eventually gain from this.

From 59.8% on April 29 to 63.8% on April 30, the likelihood of a Fed interest rate cut has changed this week, maybe providing a positive atmosphere for Bitcoin. With funding rates normalizing as shorts complete positions, market experts observe that Bitcoin’s recent pricing activity has been “primarily driven by passive buyers.”

Closely observing the $95,500 resistance level, technical analysts believe that a consistent breakthrough might allow a quick recovery to $100,000. With traders largely indifferent to dismal US economic data since they expect final monetary easing, the forthcoming May 2 jobs report could have more impact on market attitude.

Ethereum Traders Still Cautious

[[ETH/USD-graph]]

After failing to recover the $4,000 mark in December 2024, Ethereum [[ETH/USD]] has been trading below $1,900 since March, which has raised questions about its future prospects. Though futures data shows professional traders are reluctant to adopt significant positions in either direction, market mood toward ETH remains wary.

In April 2025, Ethereum’s market capitalization momentarily slipped below the aggregate value of its four biggest rivals: Solana, BNB, Cardano, and Tron—first time ever. Though ETH has subsequently risen to a market capitalization of $217 billion, surpassing the total value of these competitors, investor confidence is still precarious.

Ethereum keeps its leadership in terms of total value locked (TVL) in distributed finance despite these difficulties. By enhancing staking systems meant for institutional investors, which would lock more ETH in validator nodes and hence lower circulating supply, the forthcoming “Pectra” network upgrade, set for May 7, might perhaps increase investor sentiment.

Though not yet indicating strong bullish attitude, market data reveals that ETH options are trading with balanced put and call volumes, suggesting that professional traders are growing more at ease with ETH’s present price levels.

XRP ETF Approval Likelihood on the Rise

[[XRP/USD-graph]]

XRP [[XRP/USD]] has seen notable price volatility, trading within a declining wedge pattern that technical analysts regard as a positive reversal indicator. XRP’s market structure is robust even with a recent 5% decline on dismal US GDP statistics; the relative strength index (RSI) above the midline indicates conditions still favor upward potential.

With some estimating a price goal as high as $19.27 based on technical study, several well-known traders remain hopeful about XRP’s future. The higher likelihood of spot XRP ETF approval in the United States seems to be the main driver of XRP.

From their 65% forecast two months ago, Bloomberg senior ETF experts have boosted their expected probabilities for XRP ETF certification to 85%, a significant rise. Likewise, Polymarket’s betting odds on approval by December 31, now stand at 80% from 63% on April 23. Setting a new review date on June 17, the SEC lately delayed its ruling on Franklin Templeton’s spot XRP ETF.

The acceptance of these ETFs could open large institutional capital for XRP, hence increasing demand and pushing prices toward new all-time highs in 2025.

Solana to Rebound to $200 Soon?

[[SOL/USD-graph]]

With Bloomberg Intelligence raising its projected chances of US authorities approving a Solana ETF in 2025 to 90%, up from 70% in February, Solana [[SOL/USD]] is still gathering momentum in the bitcoin industry. This optimistic view aligns with the March listing of futures contracts linked to Solana on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, often considered as a forerunner of ETF clearance.

With the network guiding the whole Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem with $21.6 billion in distributed exchange activity over the previous week, on-chain indicators strengthen Solana’s position even more. Especially remarkable were the 58% increase in Meteora activities and the 87% weekly increase in Raydium’s volumes.

Currently waiting SEC clearance to offer ETFs using Solana’s native cryptocurrency are six asset managers: Grayscale, VanEck, 21Shares. Although the regulatory schedule might stretch beyond 2026, analysts remain hopeful about ultimate approval, which might lift SOL’s price above $200 even before official announcements are made.

Solana’s integrated user experience has been driving consumers away from Ethereum for activities involving regular deposits and withdrawals, where even Ethereum’s layer-2 solutions offer little benefits compared to Solana’s simple approach.

Hedera (HBAR) Down 2.5% — Is This a Breakdown or Short Trade Setup Below $0.184?

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

Hedera (HBAR) just lost a key technical level, dropping below $0.184 with a sharp 2.5% intraday decline. After days of squeezing between lower highs and flat support, the breakdown is now confirmed on the chart—and momentum is shifting hard to the downside.

Price is trading around $0.1815, firmly below its 50-hour EMA ($0.1883), which has flipped from support to resistance. The MACD shows a bearish crossover with widening histogram bars, reinforcing the selling pressure.

This is classic descending triangle behavior: sellers crowding the exits while buyers hesitate. The structure shows weakening demand and a buildup of supply—two warning signs of deeper downside.

Trade Setup: Risk-Managed Short Strategy

For traders watching this unfold, HBAR may be entering a trend-following short opportunity. The key now is patience and confirmation before jumping in.

Hedera (HBAR) Price Chart - Source: Tradingview — Hedera (HBAR) Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Short Trade Parameters:

Entry: If HBAR retests $0.184–$0.185 and fails to reclaim it
Target 1: $0.1784 (first support zone)
Target 2: $0.1756 (stronger demand area)
Stop-Loss: Above $0.1875 (to protect against false breakouts)

This setup offers a favorable risk-reward profile, especially as broader market volatility and ETF delays weigh on sentiment.

ETF Delays Add Macro Pressure

While Hedera’s fundamentals remain intact, the regulatory backdrop adds another layer of pressure. The SEC has postponed a decision on Grayscale’s HBAR ETF filing until October 8, pushing institutional interest further down the road. Despite Bloomberg Intelligence assigning HBAR an 80% approval chance for 2025, the delay could keep upside capped in the short term.

Pair that with overall market caution and you’ve got a chart—and a catalyst—that supports the bearish thesis. For now, the path of least resistance for HBAR is lower, and traders may look to capitalize.

Silver Price Analysis: Rebounds 1.2% on Weak GDP, 62K ADP Print

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

Markets were spooked on Wednesday as US economic data missed big time, causing safe haven flows into silver. ADP Non-Farm Employment Change came in at 62,000 vs 114,000 expected and 147,000 previous. Q1 GDP shrank 0.3% vs 0.2% expected and 2.4% previous. Back to back misses are going to make the Fed more dovish in the next few meetings. GDP Price Index rose 3.7% though, so inflation is still sticky – a mixed signal for the Fed.

Silver Bounces from Demand Zone

Silver (XAG/USD) reacted quickly to the weak data and bounced from the demand zone at $32.22 and up to $32.60 – a 1.2% intraday gain. $32.22 has been a demand floor multiple times this month and once again attracted dip buyers.

While this is a nice bounce, silver is still capped by the 50 EMA at $32.91 which is short term resistance. MACD is still bearish but flattening out so downside momentum is easing.

Key Levels to Watch:

Support: $32.22 and $31.60
Resistance: $32.81 and $33.15

Silver (XAG/USD) Trade Setup

Treat this as a reaction bounce not a reversal. If silver goes above $32.81 with volume, bulls may target $33.15. But if it fails $32.22 it could go to $31.60 or $31.33. This is a classic test and react setup.

Silver Price Chart - Source: Tradingview — Silver Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Trade Plan:

Buy above: $32.81
Target: $33.15
Stop-Loss: Below $32.00

Be patient. Let the price confirm before you enter. With macro data now uncertain, volatility will be high in the short term.

52% of Bitcoin Mining Now Green—Big Shift for BTC

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

Bitcoin mining, once lambasted for its environmental impact, is undergoing a quiet revolution. According to a new report by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF), 52.4% of the electricity used for mining now comes from renewable sources. That’s a big deal for an industry under pressure to clean up its act.

The US has become the epicenter of this green mining movement, now accounting for 75.4% of reported global Bitcoin mining activity. Add in Canada’s 7.1% and North America dominates over 80% of reported mining.

China’s exit from the mining scene—following the regulatory crackdown—pushed miners to move west and accelerate this shift.

When China banned mining, it disrupted operations. Miners used VPNs to stay under the radar. But the industry got the message: sustainable energy was no longer optional, it was necessary.

Hydropower, Wind Lead the Renewables Mix

The energy mix in mining is not only cleaner, but more diverse. According to the CCAF data, hydropower and wind now lead the renewable mix, followed by nuclear and solar. Here’s how it breaks down:

Hydropower: 23.4%
Wind: 15.4%
Nuclear: 9.8%
Solar: 3.2%
Other renewables: 0.5%

Fossil fuels still make up 47.6% of the total, with natural gas (38.2%) being the largest single contributor. Coal is 8.9% and oil 0.5%.

Not perfect, but a big step in the right direction for Bitcoin’s evolution—especially as environmental pressure mounts.

Energy Costs Rise, Diversification is Key

Even as renewable energy increases, Bitcoin mining’s power consumption hasn’t decreased. In fact, the industry’s total electricity usage rose 17% year over year to 138 terawatt-hours—0.54% of global electricity consumption.

The financials are real too. Miners reported:

Median electricity cost: $45 per megawatt-hour
All-in operational cost: $55.50/MWh
Electricity makes up over 80% of operational expensesMiners need to diversify to stay profitable. Some are moving into high-performance computing (HPC) for AI processing. Others are looking at energy innovations like flared gas, waste heat recovery and demand side response solutions.

Bottom line:

Bitcoin mining isn’t just about coins anymore—it’s about survival, innovation and sustainability. And the move to clean energy is more than just a PR exercise; it’s the foundation of crypto’s future.

Boxer Retail Eyes 7,393 ZAC After R8.5B IPO—SA’s Biggest Since 2017

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

Boxer Retail Ltd has made history in South African corporate history with a blockbuster listing on the JSE on November 28, 2024. The company raised R8.5 billion in what is now the biggest IPO since 2017. Shares opened at R54 and closed at R63.51 on debut, up 17% and taking Boxer’s market cap to R24.7 billion.

This listing solidifies Boxer’s position within the Pick n Pay group which still holds 65.6% of the company. With a forward P/E of around 20, Boxer is seen as a high growth, value play in the evolving South African retail landscape.

Expansion Targets Underserved Regions

Boxer has over 500 stores in South Africa and Eswatini and has a 68% share of the local discount grocery market. The company plans to open 60 to 70 new stores a year and double its footprint in 7 years. These new stores will be in rural and peri-urban areas to tap into the estimated R105.5 billion in unserved grocery spend.

Key Expansion Highlights:

Add 60-70 stores a year
Double store count in 7 years
Focus on underserved high growth regions

Technical Setup Points to Bullish Continuation

From a technical perspective Boxer Retail (JSE: BOX) is now trading at the 7,000 ZAC level just below the wedge top. After rebounding off the 0.5 Fibonacci at 6,701 ZAC and taking out the 50 EMA (6,744 ZAC) momentum is now bullish. The MACD has a clean crossover and is looking for a breakout.

Boxer Price Chart - Source: Tradingview — Boxer Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

If BOX breaks above 7,098 ZAC on good volume a retest of the March high at 7,393 ZAC looks likely. But if it fails to clear resistance it could pull back to 6,701 ZAC.

Technical Trade Setup:

Buy: Above 7,098 ZAC
Target: 7,393 ZAC
Stop-Loss: Below 6,744 ZACThis wedge breakout is a great entry for trend followers looking to get into one of South Africa’s best retail stories.

Financials Bolster Pick n Pay’s Plan

Boxer’s performance is also a boost for Pick n Pay which used the R8.5 billion raised to reduce debt and invest in operational improvements. For investors Boxer’s IPO is a sign of renewed confidence in South Africa’s retail recovery especially in discount formats that cater to price sensitive consumers.

With a lean cost structure, strong store economics and clear expansion runway Boxer Retail is not just a post IPO winner but a long term player in the shaping of value retail in South Africa.

JSE Price Slips 0.12%—Banks Drag, Top 40 & Gold Stocks Shine

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

The JSE FTSE All Share Index slipped 0.12% on Tuesday, down 109.64 points to 91,201.51 ZAR, as global macro uncertainty spooked investors. Concerns about a global recession and renewed US-China trade tensions saw emerging markets go risk-off.

With foreign capital pulling back, SA equities followed global jitters, especially in the financial sector.

Financials Extend Losses

SA’s financials took the biggest hit, with major banks tumbling as global liquidity and trade-linked outflows worried investors.

Standard Bank led the decline, down 8.48% to R205.93, while Old Mutual and Nedbank also fell sharply. Over the past month, the financials have lost 8.05% – a clear indication of their sensitivity to international volatility.

Institutions with cross-border exposure are vulnerable as investors move away from risk assets and emerging market financials.

Gold Stocks Shine as Investors Flee to Safe-Haven

In contrast, gold mining stocks were a bright spot. Gold rose above 3,250 per ounce and investors rotated into safe-haven assets.

AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold and Gold Fields outperformed as investors sought hedges against financial uncertainty and inflation.

This is gold’s traditional role as a store of value during times of geopolitical and economic instability.

Technical Analysis: JSE Top 40 Bullish

While the All Share Index struggled, the JSE Top 40 Index has broken out of the long-standing range of R84,000-R84,300 and is now above the trendline and 50 EMA (R83,224). The MACD has also given a bullish crossover.

JSE Price Chart - Source: Tradingview — JSE Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Entry Point: Retest near R84,300
Targets: R84,900 and R85,900
Stop-Loss: Below R83,200

This is a buy-the-dip opportunity for trend followers if price holds above the breakout level. A sustained move could take the index to R85,897.

Conclusion: Sector Paths Diverge on JSE

The JSE is caught between two opposing forces. Financials are being hit by global headwinds and recession fears while mining stocks and the Top 40 Index offer a bullish counterweight.

The recent Top 40 breakout suggests investors may return if the economic signals stabilise. But macro risks are still in control and volatility is high and investors are cautious.

Watch this space to see if the Top 40 breakout holds—or fails.

AUD/USD Steady at $0.6412 as Aussie CPI Beats Forecasts, PCE Up Next

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

The Australian dollar is trading around $0.6412, getting a slight boost after a stronger-than-expected inflation reading early Wednesday. For currency markets, inflation is a big deal—higher prices typically mean central banks stay cautious about cutting interest rates, which can support a currency’s value.

Key Aussie Data Released:

CPI q/q: 0.9% (vs. 0.8% expected)
Trimmed Mean CPI q/q: 0.7% (vs. 0.6% expected)
CPI y/y: 2.4% (slightly above forecast, unchanged from prior)
Private Sector Credit: 0.5% (in line with expectations)

Why it matters: The stronger inflation print suggests the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) might delay rate cuts, helping keep the Aussie dollar supported. Higher interest rates often attract foreign investment, boosting currency demand.

Spotlight on U.S. Data: Key Risk Events Ahead

Later today, attention shifts to the U.S. economic calendar, where a flood of data could swing the AUD/USD pair significantly.

What to Watch — and Why:

ADP Employment: A slowdown to 114K jobs (from 155K) would suggest softer U.S. labor demand—often bearish for the dollar.
Q1 Advance GDP: A drop to 0.2% from 2.4% would signal fading economic momentum.
Core PCE Price Index: The Fed’s preferred inflation measure. A fall to 0.1% (from 0.4%) could increase rate cut expectations.
Pending Home Sales & Income Data: Weak results would reinforce the idea of a slowing consumer economy.

Bottom line: If the data comes in soft, the dollar could weaken, lifting AUD/USD. Strong numbers, however, may cap or reverse today’s gains.

Technical View: Watching for Breakout or Rejection

Technically, AUD/USD is showing early signs of strength. After bouncing off an ascending trendline and reclaiming the 50-period EMA at 0.6399, the bulls are eyeing a breakout.

AUD/USD Price Chart - Source: Tradingview — AUD/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Key Levels:

Resistance: $0.6429 (breakout point), then $0.6449
Support: $0.6400 (trendline and EMA zone)

Beginner-Friendly Trade Plan:

Buy if price closes above $0.6429 → Target $0.6449
Sell if price rejects $0.6429 → Watch for a dip toward $0.6400
Stop-loss: Keep it 15–20 pips beyond entry to manage risk

Why it matters: A confirmed breakout shows momentum is building—but don’t jump in too early. Waiting for confirmation can help avoid false signals, especially with high-impact U.S. data on the way.

Pi Network Technical Analysis Points to Potential Recovery Despite Recent Slump

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Arslan Butt

Down 3.5% in the past 24 hours, Pi Network (PI) is trading at about $0.58 and is following a declining trend whereby the value of the cryptocurrency has dropped over 10% over the past week. Though there is a bearish momentum, multiple technical indications and future events point to PI coin perhaps about to reverse.

Pi Network Technical Analysis Points to Potential Recovery Despite Recent Slump — Pi Network price prediction

PI/USD Technical Indicators Show Mixed Signals

At the 50-day simple moving average of $0.82, Pi Network encounters strong opposition trading 80% below its all-time high of $2.99. Technical markers show a mixed picture:

RSI at 38.7 comes but isn’t yet in oversold area.
Price is implying possible oversold circumstances by hugging the lower Bollinger Band.
MACD offers early indicators of positive divergence.
Over the past 24 hours, trading volume shot 35% to $128 million.

This higher volume in spite of declining prices would point to accumulation at lesser levels and revived token interest.

Token Dilution Remains a Key Challenge

Constant token dilution presents Pi Network’s biggest obstacle. With an estimated 131 million tokens set for monthly release over the next year, April saw 21.4 million fresh tokens—worth around $12.3 million—enter circulation.

Comprising roughly 70 billion PI tokens worth more than $40 billion, the Pi Foundation A targeted token burn could help to solve dilution issues and maybe sustain the price.

What Pi Network Needs for Sustainable Growth

Bitget Wallet COO Alvin Kan claims that initially impetus of Pi Network has diminished. The initiative needs to: enable sustainable development by:

Increase liquidity by expanding trade listings.
Create valuable practical real-world applications.
Apply balanced token economics.
Create DeFi and retail sector integrations.

Another issue is the inverse correlation with Bitcoin (-0.11), since Pi’s price could be under more pressure as Bitcoin’s ascent toward $100,000 proceeds.

Pi Network Price Prediction for May 2025: Conference Season Could Spark Rally

Two big events could set off a Pi Network price comeback:

Token 2049: Pi Network and co-founder Nicolas Kokkalis, who sponsors, will have chances to connect with big exchanges such Binance, HTX, and KuCoin.
Analyst “Dr Altcoin” forecasts: “I am fairly confident that the price pumping of Pi might start rather than at the end of August when Pi unlocking greatly reduces.” May 14–16 Consensus Summit

Price Scenarios for May 2025

Bearish Case: Failure to break above key moving averages could see prices fall to $0.45-$0.55.
Neutral Case: Sideways trading between $0.59-$0.67 if market sentiment remains mixed.
Bullish Case: A break above the 50-day SMA could push prices toward $0.85-$0.90, with optimistic analysts targeting $1.70 (a 3x gain) by mid-May.

What’s Next for Pi Network?

May could be crucial for Pi Network even under pressure if the team uses conference appearances to solve basic issues. A break over $0.8727 would indicate a possible trend reversal; yet, without improvements in utility and exchange accessibility, token locks will keep challenging price increase.

One expert observed, “May 2025 may not be the time for Pi to moon, but it needs to be the time Pi matures.”