Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar or gold, are increasingly integrated into the global financial system, according to Cointelegraph. Robert Hackett, head of special projects at a16z crypto, highlighted this evolution in a report released on Friday. Initially, the term 'stablecoins' emerged during crypto's volatile early years, aiming to maintain stable value and facilitate everyday financial activities. Hackett noted that while the name was straightforward, it now seems outdated as the technology has surpassed its original purpose. Hackett emphasized that stability is now a fundamental requirement rather than the main focus. The current question is not whether stablecoins will hold their value, but what additional functionalities can be developed using them. He argued that the term 'stablecoin' is outdated, as it refers to the initial problem it addressed rather than the platform it has evolved into. Stablecoins have become a significant use case for cryptocurrency, with the global market exceeding $321 billion, according to DefiLlama. Their adoption is expanding as banks and institutions leverage the technology for faster payments and other advantages. John Palmer, a developer and brand adviser, echoed similar sentiments on Thursday, suggesting that calling them stablecoins feels like a limitation. He believes stablecoins could significantly amplify crypto's impact and deserve a name that reflects their broader potential. Despite this, Hackett acknowledged that rebranding to terms like 'digital cash' or 'programmable money' might be too cumbersome. He pointed out that initial terms often persist, citing examples like email and horsepower, which have remained despite evolving beyond their original meanings. Hackett predicted that stablecoins might follow a similar linguistic path, with the name lingering even after it ceases to be descriptive. Alternatively, it may gradually fade as digital dollars, euros, and other on-chain assets become commonplace. Ultimately, Hackett suggested that the technology might become so integrated into everyday life that it simply becomes the standard way money operates, akin to how electric lighting became just 'lights' once it became the norm.

When technology is a true infrastructure rather than a shackle, the opportunities it creates far outweigh the jobs it eliminates.

India's manufacturing sector showed a slowdown in April, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) final value recorded at 54.7. According to Jin10, this figure fell short of the anticipated 55.5 and was lower than the previous month's value of 55.9. The PMI is a key indicator of the manufacturing sector's health, with values above 50 indicating expansion. Despite the decline, the sector remains in growth territory, although the pace has moderated compared to earlier expectations and previous performance.

Prediction markets recorded a combined monthly notional volume of $29.8 billion last month. According to NS3.AI, a Wall Street Journal analysis revealed that over 70% of Polymarket users are experiencing financial losses. The analysis highlighted that a mere 0.1% of Polymarket accounts secured 67% of all profits. Additionally, Kalshi spokeswoman Elisabeth Diana noted that losing users outnumbered winners by a ratio of 2.9 to 1 over the past month.

Bitcoin's recent price rally is primarily fueled by leverage demand rather than spot buying. According to NS3.AI, last month's increase in Bitcoin's price was attributed to futures demand, while spot demand saw a decline. This divergence has historically led to more fragile rallies.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has suggested that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by 2029. According to Odaily, Brandt believes the market will first undergo a prolonged bottoming process, potentially extending until September or October 2026. Brandt highlighted that Bitcoin's price movement still aligns with the typical 'four-year halving cycle.' Historically, bull markets have peaked approximately 16 to 18 months after a halving event, followed by a bear market, and then a new upward cycle begins 12 to 18 months before the next halving. If this pattern continues, the peak of the current cycle, which began after the April 2024 halving, might occur around October 2025, with the next bottom possibly appearing in the fall of 2026. Even if prices do not fall below previous lows, a 'bottoming structure' characterized by fluctuations and pullbacks could emerge, with extreme cases seeing retracements to the $50,000 or even $40,000 range. Brandt also noted that his predictions are entirely based on the continuation of historical market rhythms. If the price movement deviates from the cyclical pattern, he will adjust his model accordingly and not adhere to previous assumptions. Currently, there is a divergence of opinions in the market. Some analysts believe that the rebound from the February low marks the start of a new upward cycle, with future performance depending on whether the cyclical structure remains valid.

According to BitMart's market observations on May 4th, BTC is currently trading at approximately $80,312, with an intraday high of approximately $80,529; ETH is trading at approximately $2,392.34, with an intraday high of approximately $2,394.25; and SOL is trading at approximately $85.80, with an intraday high of approximately $85.94. Overall, major assets continued to strengthen today, with BTC regaining its position above $80,000, ETH returning to around $2,390, and SOL maintaining its position around $85. Market sentiment has further improved compared to before the holiday. Looking at the market performance, BTC rose from a low of $78,081 to around $80,500 during the day, with core assets still dominating the market rhythm. ETH followed suit, indicating that the correlation among major coins remains. SOL's volatility was relatively smaller, generally tending to follow the upward trend rather than actively leading it. The current market is still dominated by BTC, with concentrated capital inflows. While the scope of the catch-up rally has broadened, its strength has not yet fully materialized. BitMart X Insight: On May 4th, stock markets in the UK, Tokyo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and other regions were closed for holidays, while US stocks traded normally. Simultaneously, the market continued to digest the macroeconomic backdrop of rising oil prices and the Federal Reserve maintaining unchanged interest rates. Reflecting on the crypto market, this environment typically leads to more concentrated trading around a few core assets, thus BTC's strong performance is more pronounced than altcoins. Today, BTC broke through $80,000 first, with ETH and SOL following suit, reflecting the current market's characteristic of being driven by core assets. Investors are advised to continue monitoring BTC's stability above $80,000 and whether ETH and SOL can further amplify their catch-up gains under the influence of core assets. This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice. The crypto market is highly volatile and risky; please make rational decisions and manage your personal risk.

The cryptocurrency market has risen 1.86% to $2.63 trillion following Donald Trump's announcement of Project Freedom, which aims to escort neutral civilian ships through the Strait of Hormuz starting May 4. This initiative has eased geopolitical tensions, triggering a risk-on bid across digital assets, according to BeInCrypto. Bitcoin (BTC) has breached the $80,000 mark, gaining 2.29% in the session, while Zcash (ZEC) led top-100 movers with a 10% increase. The total crypto market cap has added $47.96 billion since yesterday's close.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt suggests that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 in 2029, but the market will need a lengthy bottoming process before then, potentially extending to around September or October 2026. Brandt points out that Bitcoin's price action still follows a typical "four-year halving cycle": historically, bull markets typically peak about 16-18 months after a halving, followed by a bear market, before starting a new upward cycle 12-18 months before the next halving. If this structure continues, the high point formed after the April 2024 halving may have already occurred around October 2025, and the next bottom may appear in the fall of 2026. Even if the price doesn't break the previous low, it may exhibit a volatile, back-and-forth "bottoming structure," potentially retreating to the $50,000 or even above $40,000 range in extreme cases. Peter Brandt also stated that his predictions are entirely based on the market continuing its historical rhythm. If the trend deviates from the cyclical pattern, the model will be readjusted, and the original assumptions will not be rigidly adhered to. Currently, market opinions remain divided. Some analysts believe that Bitcoin's rebound since its February lows has marked the start of a new upward cycle, and its subsequent performance will depend on whether the cyclical structure remains effective. (CoinDesk)

Nic Puckrin, co-founder and CEO of Coin Bureau, stated in an article on the X platform that Bitcoin has broken through the $80,000 mark, reaching a new high in nearly three months, and has regained several key technical and on-chain indicator ranges, including the middle of the CME gap ($79,000–84,000), the bullish support zone, and has risen above the realized price for short-term holders and the real market average. Puckrin analyzed that if Bitcoin's price can stabilize in the current range, the next levels to watch include the ETF average cost range of approximately $83,000 and the upper edge of the CME gap of approximately $84,500. Overall, Bitcoin's short-term trend has entered a crucial verification phase, and the market may be entering a more volatile trading window.

Dogecoin experienced a 4% increase, reaching $0.1119 during early Asian trading hours, following its breakthrough above $0.109. According to NS3.AI, this rise coincided with Bitcoin surpassing the $80,000 mark. The upward movement was accompanied by a significant increase in trading volume, establishing $0.109 as a potential support level if the current momentum continues.

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Once payments become faster, cheaper, and globally interconnected, stablecoins will open up not just a new market, but a whole new world whose boundaries are still unclear today.

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