Chainlink Rewards, launching on May 8, incentivizes active participation in the Chainlink network.

Daily top performer — ICON Network (ICX)

The S&P 500 fell 0.64% on Monday as market sentiment weakened due to stalled trade talks and new tariff threats, with investors awaiting the Fed’s policy meeting and Powell’s remarks. Gold surged over 2% to $3,321 as a weaker USD and Fed rate hold expectations boosted demand, with traders eyeing resistance at $3,350 ahead of Powell’s upcoming comments. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, down 0.53%, with Bitcoin and Ether down 1.33% and 1.44%, respectively in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is ICX, which surged 21.4% after the announcement of its transformation into SODAX, a unified DeFi platform powered by Sonic and $SODA.

ICON Network (ICX), launched in 2017, connects diverse blockchain communities through smart contracts and Citizen nodes, aiming to improve interoperability across blockchains. It uses decentralized identifier (DID) technology to securely store user data, supporting decentralized finance and digital content distribution. 

, a unified DeFi platform with a new deflationary token ($SODA), optimized liquidity products, and a migration to the faster, low-cost Sonic EVM chain for scalability and sustainability.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

, launching on May 8, incentivizes active participation in the Chainlink network. The first phase, Season Genesis, offers 100M SXT tokens to eligible LINK Stakers. Future seasons will introduce a more advanced claiming system and additional rewards linked to various Chainlink Build projects. Stay cautious of phishing attempts, and only rely on official links provided at launch.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETFs saw total outflows of $105.7M, with $16.4M from GBTC and $89.3M from other ETFs.

, enabling users to verify their reserved Human ID as an on-chain proof of identity linked to their humanity. RWT will convert to Humanity Points (HP), claimable offchain with one click. Palm scanning via mobile will also be introduced to confirm user presence on the network.

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Chainlink rewards launches with 100M SXT token giveaway for LINK stakers

May 5, 2025: Our weekly Institutional Insights explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

 explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

Weekly highlight — Robust economic data might support June rate cut

Things are becoming increasingly complicated for the Federal Reserve as it prepares for its upcoming meeting. With inflation in focus, officials are likely to maintain interest rates. Yet, concerns about an economic slowdown are growing, exacerbated by calls from President Trump for a rate cut.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell may find some reassurance in recent labor data, which reported a robust increase of 177,000 jobs in April 2025. This solid job market provides a rationale for the Fed to hold rates steady. Additionally, the Fed's preferred inflation measure indicates a slight easing of price pressures. However, rising tariffs on imports threaten to undermine this progress.

Uncertainty looms globally over major central banks, as the White House seeks trade deals that could significantly alter economic forecasts. Economists suggest Powell will emphasize the importance of price stability, especially as inflation expectations appear to be shifting.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank continues to lower rates in anticipation of disinflation and weaker growth due to US tariffs, and the Bank of Canada has diverged from its usual practice of issuing a standard forecast, opting instead for two contrasting scenarios based on the tariff situation with the US.

Looking ahead, the US economic calendar is sparse, with upcoming data on service sector activity and jobless claims expected to provide insights into labor market trends. Globally, monetary policy decisions are anticipated in several countries, highlighting the widespread impact of trade tensions.

As central banks navigate these turbulent waters, the interplay of tariffs and inflation will be critical in shaping future economic policies.

Weekly crypto highlight — Strategy sees no pause in Bitcoin purchase

Michael Saylor's company, Strategy, has doubled its capital raising plan to $84 billion following a record $4.2 billion first-quarter loss. This loss was attributed to a new accounting rule mandating that the firm value its substantial Bitcoin holdings at market prices. On Thursday, Strategy registered to sell an additional $21 billion in common shares, having exhausted a previously authorized equity program.

Additionally, the company has increased its planned debt purchase program from $21 billion to $42 billion, with $14.6 billion remaining. This shift reflects a growing awareness among corporate Bitcoin buyers of the unrealized earnings fluctuations that can occur, such as in Strategy's dramatic quarterly loss. The company holds approximately $53 billion in Bitcoin.

Prior to this accounting change, Strategy classified its Bitcoin as intangible assets, which limited its ability to recognize gains unless the assets were sold. This resulted in permanent markdowns whenever Bitcoin prices fell.

Over the past five years, Saylor has transformed Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy Inc., into the largest leveraged Bitcoin proxy globally. However, revenue from its software division fell 3.6% to $111.1 million in the first quarter of 2025.

Saylor's advocacy has significantly contributed to Bitcoin’s mainstream acceptance, inspiring numerous companies to follow suit by purchasing Bitcoin for their balance sheets. Analysts suggest that as more firms adopt this strategy, demand for Bitcoin will rise, potentially benefiting Strategy further.

Despite the stock's remarkable 3,000% increase since Saylor began buying Bitcoin in 2020, concerns remain about the sustainability of this approach. New competitors are emerging, including well-funded entities like Twenty One Capital Inc., increasing the pressure on Strategy. Nonetheless, Saylor shows no signs of slowing down, and is continuing to expand Bitcoin acquisitions aggressively.

Advanced

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Weekly Institutional Insights: Robust US economic data sends stocks higher; Strategy sees no pause in Bitcoin purchase

The US dollar is facing its biggest test in years. Since President Trump returned to office, markets have struggled. 

Introduction: The Trump effect and market breakdown

The US dollar is facing its biggest test in years. Since President Trump returned to office, markets have struggled. The S&P 500 recorded its worst start under a new president since 1928. At the same time, the US dollar is falling — not just against one or two currencies, but broadly.

Normally, when stock markets fall, the dollar gains as a “safe-haven” asset. But this time is different, as both stocks and the dollar are dropping, which is rare and worrying. Investors are leaving the dollar and moving into alternatives like the euro (EUR), Japanese yen (JPY), gold and Bitcoin (BTC).

Example of negative S&P 500-Dollar correlation. S&P 500 dropped while the Dollar rose — July to October 2023 correction period. 

A perfect storm: Tariffs, isolation and the Federal Reserve

One of the biggest reasons for the dollar's current weakness is fear. Trump’s aggressive trade stance is isolating the US economy, and investors are worried about new tariffs and the long-term damage to global trade relationships.

If Europe decides to deepen trade ties with China instead of the US, the dollar’s position as the global reserve currency could face a real threat. On top of that, Trump has been attacking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, calling him a “loser” and pushing for lower interest rates. These comments hurt confidence in the independence of the Fed — a cornerstone of US financial stability.

, it could signal a more cooperative approach and help stabilize investor confidence, offering much-needed support for the dollar.

China, trade and the mechanism behind the dollar decline

For decades, China and other countries have exported goods to the United States, earning US dollars. These dollars were often reinvested in US assets such as Treasury bonds, helping support the dollar’s strength. But tariffs are upending this entire system.

When Trump’s tariffs were activated, Chinese goods became more expensive in the US This meant that China sells less, earns less profit and has fewer dollars to reinvest. Demand for the dollar falls — and so does its value.

In other words, more tariffs are actually 

 for the dollar. The same goes for other export-heavy countries, such as Japan or Germany. If they see reduced access to US markets, they hold fewer dollars and invest less in US assets.

This shift in global capital flows is a major reason why the dollar is falling, and why it could fall further — unless, of course, a 

, which could help bring global flows back toward the dollar.

Technical environment: Oversold — or more pain to come?

There are two key ways to track the dollar in financial markets:

The DXY is currently down 8.3% in 2025, sitting at around 99.5 — its lowest level since April 2022. Meanwhile, EUR/USD is trading at around 1.134,after hitting 1.157 on April 21 — its highest level since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in early 2022.

Technically, the dollar appears to be oversold. The 

 (RSI) is at 38, which is close to the “oversold” threshold of 30. Earlier in April it hit 25, which often signals a short-term rebound. The 

 indicator also shows early signs of positive momentum, as the 12-day moving average has crossed above the 26-day. If DXY can remain above 100 for a few days, it could help to build a stronger rally.

On the other hand, EUR/USD shows signs of being slightly overbought. The RSI is at around 60 (with 70 being the usual “overbought” threshold), and the MACD suggests downside risk is building. A drop below 1.13 in EUR/USD could push the dollar back up slightly. However, without fundamental support, any rebound may be short-lived.

Key events to watch: Tariff deadline and Fed cuts

Two major forces will shape the dollar in the weeks ahead:

Trump signing a tariff agreement with China

 before the July deadline — could help reverse the current negative trend and provide a short-term boost for the US dollar.

The US dollar is under pressure from all sides: politics, trade, interest rates and technical factors. Meanwhile, the rare combination of falling stocks and a falling dollar signals that global investors are losing confidence in their outlook on the US. The core of the problem is Trump’s aggressive trade policy and its impact on China — a longtime buyer of US assets.

As the 90-day tariff delay nears its end and the Fed prepares to lower interest rates, the dollar could face another sharp leg down. However, 

if a tariff deal is reached between the US and China

, the dollar could regain strength, as investor sentiment improves and capital flows return.

Technical indicators also suggest that the Dollar may be slightly oversold. RSI and MACD readings point to a possible short-term bounce if conditions improve.

In the meantime, traders and investors should watch the 100 level on the DXY and the 1.13 line on EUR/USD. These will be key markers for where the dollar is heading next.

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Bybit x FxStreet Report: USD is oversold as the result of technical indicators and EUR hype

Bybit showcased its innovative crypto solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025, emphasizing its role in integrating crypto into traditional payments. 

Daily top performer — Zebec Network (ZBCN)

The S&P 500 extended its rally with a nine-day winning streak, its longest since 2004, as optimism over potential trade deals and upcoming Fed and earnings updates lifted sentiment. Gold rose to $3,245 on trade uncertainty and Fed rate cut hopes. CoinDesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, fell 1.50% in the past 24 hours, while Bitcoin and Ether dropped 0.10% and 0.51%, respectively. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is ZBCN, which surged 19.5% after Zebec Network joined the Circle Alliance, aiming to make USDC the default stablecoin for real-world payments.

Zebec Network (ZBCN), founded in 2021, is a Solana-based DeFi protocol enabling real-time payroll and payments, with products like Zebec Card, Safes, and Web3 Banking, all governed by ZBC token holders. 

, with Circle Ventures being an early backer. USDC powers Zebec's products, including Zebec Cards and payroll services. With Circle holding a significant amount of ZBCN, Zebec aims to establish USDC as the default stablecoin for real-world payments.

 its innovative crypto solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025, emphasizing its role in integrating crypto into traditional payments. The exchange launched Bybit Pay in Brazil, offering a seamless crypto-to-fiat experience with features like QR code payments, multi-currency support, and secure blockchain transactions. Bybit also highlighted its strategic partnerships, including with Tomorrowland Brasil, and introduced its rewarding Bybit Card. The event showcased Bybit’s commitment to empowering the LATAM crypto community and making crypto accessible in everyday life.

BTC spot ETFs saw $1.8B net inflows last week, driven by $1.86B into non-GBTC ETFs despite a $58.7M GBTC outflow. Since inception, total net inflows stand at $40.2B.

GiveRep is experiencing heavy traffic, causing site loading issues, but the team is actively working on 

 V1 soon. In the meantime, users can continue earning rewards as all tweets about GiveRep are still being indexed. A confirmed ATTN token airdrop will reward those who rank higher on the leaderboard, so continued engagement is encouraged.

Bybit showcases crypto payment solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025 with Bybit Pay launch in Brazil

Trading

Candlestick

Also known as a Pinocchio Bar, pin bar is a reversal pattern characterized by a single candlestick with a long tail or wick and a small body. 

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If you're an active trader or investor in the cryptocurrency market, it's essential to understand various price patterns that can help you make informed trading decisions. 

One such pattern is the pin bar, one of the most popular 

 technical analysts use to identify potential trend reversals in the market

. In this guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of the pin bar pattern, explore its variations and how to spot it on charts, and discuss various pin bar trading strategies.

Also known as a Pinocchio Bar, a pin bar is a single candlestick pattern consisting of a long wick or tail and a small body. A distinctive characteristic of a pin bar is that the tail extends beyond the surrounding price action, creating a pin-like appearance.

The pin bar candlestick pattern can be found on any financial chart, within any time frame, and is generally considered a reversal pattern.

Traders often interpret this price action as a bullish signal, indicating a shift in market sentiment. It suggests that buyers are stepping in, and the price may therefore continue to rise. The signal from a bullish pin bar is stronger when the tail or wick temporarily breaks a technical level of price support.

Traders view this price action as a bearish signal, suggesting a potential decrease in price. It indicates that sellers are gaining strength, and the market sentiment may turn bearish.

As with any candlestick pattern, it's important to consider additional factors, such as 

 analysis, to confirm a potential reversal signaled by a bearish pin bar.

There are four different types of pin bar candlestick patterns.

 pin bar with a small upper body and a long lower wick, resembling a hammer. It signifies a potential trend reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. The long lower wick indicates a brief period during which sellers were in control, only to be outmatched by buyers later on. This pattern is a strong bullish signal, and is viewed as a potential buying opportunity.

Resembling a meteor falling from the sky, the 

pin bar with a small lower body and a long upper wick. The pattern signals the potential for a bearish trend reversal from an uptrend to a downtrend. The long upper wick indicates that buyers temporarily pushed prices to a new high, only for sellers to take over and press the price back down. This pattern is an indication for a trader to consider closing long positions, or entering new short positions.

 and looks very similar to a shooting star, but with one major difference: the inverted hammer appears after a 

while the shooting star appears after an 

. The inverted hammer has a long wick to the upside, but the wick might not protrude above the previous candle. This pattern implies that prices have attempted to rally, but haven’t had enough strength, and have been pushed back down by sellers.

 pin bar, similar to a hammer pattern. The main difference between it and the hammer is that a hanging man pattern forms after an uptrend, frequently near resistance, signaling a shift in sentiment from bullish to bearish. On the other hand, the hammer forms after a downtrend, and possibly near support.

Understanding the nuances of the pin bar will help you spot and interpret the pattern. Identifying a pin bar is fairly straightforward, since it’s a single-candle pattern. The pattern can be found in any tradable market, whether crypto, forex, stocks, indices or commodities, and can be seen on all chart time frames.

Fortunately, there are two easily identifiable features to this pattern.

:The body of the pin bar is relatively small and is located at one end of the candle. It represents the opening and closing prices, which are typically close to each other.

Trading pin bars is fairly straightforward. A successful trader will begin trading only after the pin bar setup develops, based on the following checks.

: Stronger pin bar reversals form in the direction opposite from the tail. In a bullish pin bar trade, the long tail extends beyond the lower side of the body, while in a bearish setup, the tail extends above the body. The pin should be prominent and noticeable.

A pin bar setup is most effective at key support or resistance levels, 

 Look for these areas to increase the reliability of a pin bar reversal.

: While not a requirement, observing volume during the formation of a pin bar can be helpful. An increase in volume can further confirm the validity of the pin bar reversal.

: To further enhance the reliability of the pin bar reversal pattern, consider using additional 

 or price action patterns. Additionally, signs of bullish or bearish divergence, trend line breaks or other reversal pattern signals will help.

Now that you’re familiar with the pin bar, it’s best to incorporate it with other technical analysis tools and chart patterns in order to improve its accuracy. To trade pin bars, consider the following strategies.

While the pin bar is one of many reversal patterns, an 

 is a continuation pattern. Coupling the pin bar with a continuation pattern like the inside bar creates a powerful combination. Essentially, the pin bar is the mother bar of the inside bar pattern.

 is pressing lower while the low point of the pin bar coincides with a key price level. After the pin bar, an inside bar forms. This combination of pin bar and inside bar suggests a potential reversal, with the price attempting to bottom and an upward price movement expected to follow. Subsequently, a few candles later, the price breaks higher to the upside.

This trading strategy is indicated by a pin bar inside a 

Another pin bar trading strategy is to couple it with a 

, which can act as both support and resistance key levels for the price.

Two commonly encountered candlestick patterns that are easy to confuse are the pin bar and the 

. From a distance, there are similarities. For example, both patterns are single candle patterns in which the closing price of the candle is near the opening price.

Advantages and Limitations of the Pin Bar Pattern

The pin bar pattern is easily recognized by traders in financial markets. Though it offers several advantages, there are a few limitations for traders to be aware of when incorporating it into their strategies. Below, let's explore both the advantages and limitations of the pin bar pattern.

: Pin bars provide clear and visually recognizable reversal signals. The long tail indicates a firm rejection of price levels and potential exhaustion of the prevailing trend.

: Pin bars are particularly effective near significant support or resistance levels, trend lines or Fibonacci retracement levels. These confluence areas increase the probability of trend reversals.

: Pin bars are visible on any liquid financial market, and in any chart time frame. This makes them a favorite among day traders, swing traders and position traders.

: Like any technical indicator or pattern, pin bars aren’t foolproof. False signals can occur, especially in volatile or choppy market conditions. Traders are advised to use additional confirmation tools and techniques to validate pin bar signals.

: Pin bars alone cannot predict future market conditions. They provide information about potential reversals, but they don’t offer certainty about the direction or strength of future trends.

: Pin bars are most effective in trending markets, particularly when they occur near significant support or resistance levels. In sideways or 

 markets, pin bars may produce mixed or less reliable signals, making them less effective.

Incorporating the pin bar pattern into your trading strategy can provide valuable insights into potential trend reversals and market sentiment. While the pattern offers clear advantages, such as being easy to spot, be mindful that it’s best utilized in a trending market. By combining the pin bar pattern with other technical indicators and thorough analysis, traders can enhance their decision-making process in order to maximize their outcomes.

Candlestick Patterns Professional Traders Use

 — A curated list of candlestick patterns frequently used by traders

 — Learn the basics of candlestick patterns

 — (Chart basics: Trend, neckline, wedges)

Pin Bar Strategy Mastery: Unlocking Market Opportunities

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