Gold is projected to surpass $3,000 per ounce in 2025, driven by strong macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.

At the heart of gold's potential surge is the current macroeconomic landscape that’s characterized by persistent inflation and anticipated monetary policy shifts. Inflation rates in the U.S. are expected to remain above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, creating an environment in which gold is expected to serve as a crucial hedge against currency devaluation. When inflation erodes purchasing power, investors often turn to gold to preserve their wealth.

Moreover, the Federal Reserve has signaled a shift toward monetary easing, with market expectations indicating potential interest rate cuts in the coming months. Lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding gold, making it a more attractive investment as compared to interest-bearing assets, such as bonds and savings accounts. With real interest rates projected to remain low or even go negative, gold could experience renewed demand as a safe store of value.

Geopolitical tensions further bolster gold’s appeal. Ongoing conflicts, particularly the strained U.S.-China relationship and the Russia-Ukraine war, create an atmosphere of uncertainty that drives investors toward safe-haven assets. During times of geopolitical instability, gold has historically seen increased demand as investors seek to mitigate risks associated with market volatility.

As global tensions escalate, the demand for gold is likely to rise, reinforcing its status as a reliable hedge against financial instability. Investors tend to flock to gold during crises, viewing it as a secure asset that retains its intrinsic value, especially when other markets are under pressure.

Another significant factor contributing to the bullish outlook for gold is the unprecedented demand from central banks around the world. In 2024, central banks collectively purchased over 1,000 metric tons of gold, marking one of the highest levels of accumulation in recent history. This trend is expected to continue into 2025, particularly among countries like China and Russia that are actively reducing their reliance on U.S. dollar reserves as part of a broader de-dollarization strategy.

This central bank buying provides a strong structural support for gold prices, minimizing downside risks. As these institutions accumulate more gold, the resulting scarcity in the market could lead to higher prices. The growing demand from central banks underscores the renewed confidence in gold as a strategic reserve asset, especially amidst economic volatility and geopolitical tensions.

From a technical perspective, gold is currently in a robust uptrend, trading above key moving averages and nearing critical resistance levels. If gold successfully breaks through the psychological barrier of $3,000 per ounce, momentum could carry it toward higher price targets, potentially reaching $3,200 or even $3,500. 

, such as relative strength index (RSI) and moving average convergence divergence (MACD), suggest that gold remains in a bullish phase, indicating further upside potential.

As gold approaches these key resistance points, technical traders will closely monitor its price movements. A successful breach of the $3,000 level could trigger momentum buying, propelling prices higher as investor confidence grows.

Finally, rising investor sentiment plays a crucial role in gold’s potential price surge. Increased inflows into gold-backed 

 (ETFs), in addition to speculative positioning in futures markets, reflect strong confidence among both retail and institutional investors. As ETF holdings rise, it signals renewed interest in gold as a safe-haven investment.

This optimism is bolstered by a general shift in market sentiment as investors are increasingly turning to gold amid concerns over economic stability and inflation. The combination of robust technical indicators, macroeconomic pressures and favorable investor sentiment positions gold favorably for a significant price increase in 2025.

In summary, gold is well-positioned to reach $3,000 per ounce in 2025, driven by a combination of persistent inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, strong central bank demand and positive technical indicators. As investors seek refuge in safe-haven assets, gold’s intrinsic value and historical performance during times of crisis will make it an attractive option for preserving wealth. The confluence of these factors suggests that gold's upward trajectory could continue, making 2025 a pivotal year for this precious metal.

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Bybit Commodity Insight Report: Why Gold Is Poised to Reach $3,000 in 2025

Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events, the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume, as well as futures, options and perpetual contracts.

Macro headwinds are impacting the crypto market, with a sell-off that began over the weekend deepening this week. BTC, ETH and most altcoins are declining alongside equities, gold and treasury yields, though derivatives markets are showing little bearish sentiment or increased volatility expectations. Among perpetuals, there are record consistent positive rates across most markets, indicating a reset in positioning. Meanwhile, ETH retains a volatility premium over BTC, but its term structure hasn’t inverted as sharply as in earlier sell-offs this month.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Funding Rates Largely Positive Amid Sell-Off

Despite risk-off sentiment across asset classes this weekend and early this past week, USDT-denominated perpetual contracts have shown their most consistently positive funding rates within the past month. While these rates haven't reached the bullish levels of early December 2024, most have returned to a neutral level of 0.01%, signaling a reset in positioning due to recent market movements.

Tuesday's intensified risk-off sell-off led to a significant spike in BTC put trade volume as traders hedged against further declines. Unlike ETH, which leans bullish on calls, BTC's open interest is balanced between upside and downside protection. The volatility term structure is flat again, typical during sharp market moves, but this reflects a decline in longer-dated options, rather than a rise in short-term expectations.

As the sell-off in risk-on assets deepened this past week, ETH outperformed BTC. ETH derivatives markets are showing stronger sentiment, with higher call trade volumes indicating greater demand for upside positioning as compared to puts. However, ETH's volatility term structure has inverted more sharply than BTC's, as seen in previous significant market moves since last November (2024), with front-end volatility levels 15 points above those of BTC options with a similar tenor.

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Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Feb 26, 2025): Reset in Sentiment Brewing as Fund Rates Turn Positive

Explore four essential tips to help you accumulate more points, optimize your strategy and claim the best rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge.

With the rise of gamified crypto events, EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge stands out as one of the most exciting opportunities for users to earn rewards while engaging with both Bybit and Mantle Network. This limited-time event offers participants a shot at a 1,000,000 MNT prize pool when they complete on-chain and trading-related tasks. 

To help you maximize your rewards and ensure you get the most out of this event, in this guide we’ll break down four essential tips to help you accumulate more points, optimize your strategy and claim the best rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge.

EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is a limited-time campaign that rewards participants with a share of a 1,000,000 MNT prize pool when they complete both Bybit and on-chain tasks. Players earn "wishes" that can be used to enter Lucky Draws or climb the leaderboard for greater rewards.

This campaign, hosted by Bybit in collaboration with Mantle, blends gamification with 

 engagement, offering users multiple ways to win. Participants can choose to rely on chance via the Lucky Draw or strategically allocate their wishes to compete on the leaderboard. The event runs from Mar 6, 2025 to Mar 27, 2025, making it a limited-time opportunity to accumulate rewards while exploring the Mantle ecosystem.

4 Tips to Maximize Your Wishes and Rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge

To make the most out of EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge, you need to strategize your wish allocation, complete as many tasks as possible and take advantage of all available earning mechanisms. Here are four essential tips to maximize your rewards:

One of the best ways to earn high-value rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is by competing on the leaderboard. There are a total of five rounds, and the rewards are higher with each passing round. 

The more wishes you allocate toward leaderboard rankings, the higher your position and the larger your rewards. However, since the leaderboard is dynamic, your rank can change based on the activity of other participants.

Since leaderboard positions fluctuate, it’s recommended that you monitor your ranking regularly and adjust your strategy accordingly. Players who accumulate the most wishes by the end of each leaderboard round will receive the greatest rewards.

 that each round’s rewards and wishes are calculated independently, and any wishes spent in a round won’t carry over to the next round.

If you prefer an element of surprise, the Lucky Draw is your best bet. By spending wishes on Lucky Draw attempts, you earn the chance to win instant prizes. The Lucky Draw operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you participate, the better your chances of securing top-tier rewards.

Since rewards are limited, it's advisable to use your wishes early before the top prizes run out.

An easy way to earn free points in this campaign is by holding Mantle (MNT) and/or Mantle Restaked ETH (cmETH) in your Bybit account. By simply keeping these assets in your wallet, you’ll receive additional wishes, increasing your chances of winning more rewards.

This passive method of earning wishes ensures that you accumulate extra points without actively completing tasks, making it one of the simplest ways to boost your rewards.

Another hidden gem for doubling your rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is through Layer 3. Participants who complete specific Layer 3 quests will receive extra bonuses, including double rewards on certain tasks.

By leveraging Layer 3 bonuses, you can significantly boost your total wish count, increasing your chances of securing leaderboard positions or hitting big wins in the Lucky Draw.

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to engage with the Mantle ecosystem, EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is definitely an event worth joining. With 1,000,000 MNT up for grabs, both casual users and seasoned traders can benefit from this campaign.

The event's dual-reward system allows participants to tailor their strategy based on their preferences. Whether you enjoy the thrill of luck-based rewards or prefer the competitive edge of leaderboard climbing, this campaign offers something for everyone.

Additionally, holding MNT and cmETH provides passive earnings, while Layer 3 integration presents an opportunity for double rewards — making the experience even more lucrative for active participants.

EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is a limited-time, gamified rewards campaign that blends trading, staking and on-chain interactions. By completing tasks, holding Mantle assets and strategically using your wishes, you can maximize your rewards and secure your share of the 1,000,000 MNT prize pool.

This event runs from Mar 6, 2025 to 27, 2025, so now is the best time to get started. Are you ready to explore the Mantle ecosystem and claim your rewards? Join EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge today!

Beginner

how to participate in ecogalaxy mantle surge

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Join Bybit’s AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle, vote for top AI projects and compete for a share of a $1M prize pool. Earn rewards while shaping the future of AI in crypto.

The Bybit AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle is an exciting and innovative trading and voting event that aims to identify and support high-potential AI projects within the cryptocurrency space.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize blockchain technology, this competition offers users a unique opportunity to engage with emerging AI-driven crypto projects while earning substantial rewards of up to $1 million.

 (AI) and cryptocurrency is reshaping blockchain and 

 — autonomous programs powered by machine learning — are revolutionizing the sector by automating trading strategies, optimizing portfolio management and executing on-chain decisions with minimal human input.

These intelligent agents analyze vast datasets, identify market trends and execute trades in real time, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing risks in the volatile crypto market. Their role extends beyond trading, influencing DeFi protocols, NFT markets and blockchain governance.

Bybit is at the forefront of this AI-driven transformation, launching the 

 to spotlight high-potential AI projects. This event provides a launchpad for groundbreaking AI applications, connecting innovators with a global crypto audience.

What Is the Bybit AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle?

Bybit is launching a unique AI trading event designed to highlight the most promising AI-driven crypto projects.

AI is revolutionizing crypto markets, with automated trading bots now executing over 60% of all crypto transactions. The integration of AI and blockchain is unlocking new trading strategies, DeFi innovations and web3 applications, making the AI sector one of the most promising in crypto.

Bybit’s AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle bridges AI and blockchain, providing a global stage for emerging projects to gain exposure to a global audience. Participants play an active role in shaping the future of AI in crypto while earning rewards.

How to Participate in the AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle

Campaign Period: Feb 28, 2025, 10AM UTC – Mar 27, 2025, 10AM UTC

Bybit users can support AI projects and earn rewards by participating in this AI-powered trading competition. Here's a step-by-step guide to joining:

Projects earn voting points from the following ways:

By actively trading and voting, participants not only have a chance to earn from the $1 million prize pool, but will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI in the crypto industry.

Bybit's AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle offers an exciting $1 million prize pool, with multiple ways for participants to win rewards.

*Note that to win the prizes, there is a minimum number of voting points required. For example, to win the largest prize of $50,000, 600,000 voting points are required. Refer to the event page for more details. 

The breakdown of how votes are allocated for Bybit Spot is as follows:

The breakdown of how votes are allocated for Bybit Web3 is as follows:

The maximum number of daily votes that a user can receive is 100,400 (50,200 for Bybit Spot and Web3 respectively).

By trading, voting and engaging in the competition, participants not only support innovative AI projects but also receive a chance to maximize their earnings in this high-stakes trading battle.

Bybit's AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle offers a distinctive platform that connects cryptocurrency traders with AI innovators. Participants are invited to support leading AI projects, earn attractive rewards and contribute to shaping the future of AI within the crypto ecosystem. 

 and be part of the AI-driven revolution on Bybit!

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How to Participate in Bybit’s AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle

Altcoins

Crypto

Wrapped tokens are essentially 'wrapped' versions of cryptocurrencies, but what are they and how do they work? All is revealed here.

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Whenever you check out the crypto market, you encounter tokens that have the word “wrapped” in front of them, such as Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) or 

As their name suggests, such tokens are called 

Wrapped tokens are cryptocurrencies that are implemented in a different blockchain. The reason that wrapped tokens exist is for 

, which is the ability of a coin to work in a blockchain that normally does not support it.

In this article, we will elaborate on what wrapped tokens are and how they work.

Wrapped tokens are essentially “wrapped” cryptocurrencies made for the purpose of working in other blockchains. Wrapped Bitcoin is a wrapped version of Bitcoin that will work on other blockchains. Similarly Wrapped Ether is a wrapped version of Ether that works on other blockchains.

, work according to the same logic. Tether is considered a virtual version of USD with the ability to work in a decentralized system. Wrapped tokens work on the same principle. Each type of blockchain differs from another. Some cryptocurrencies might not work in a specific blockchain. Hence, they go through the process of “wrapping,” in order to be utilized in that specific 

, which means that it identically represents another token, as well as a protocol for issuing such tokens. In fact, ERC-20 stands for “Ethereum Request for Comment.” 

, to allow users to turn their ETH into Wrapped ETH (WETH) – in order to use ETH as ERC-20 tokens and increase function in its blockchain.  

One of the main reasons that Wrapped Tokens were developed was that some decentralized applications (

) on the Ethereum network were not compliant with Ether. Thus, wrapping tokens allowed people to convert their ETH into ERC-20 tokens.

In order for a token to be wrapped, it needs to have a 

, which guarantees the same value of the original token as its wrapped version. This custodian could be a set of codes, such as a 

, a multisignature wallet (multisig wallet), or a 

Smart contracts are sets of codes that are self-executing, and which run in a blockchain to regulate everything that happens in it, including services and transactions.

DAO stands for Decentralized Autonomous Organization, and it works through smart contracts to execute commands on the blockchain.

Multisig wallet (multisignature wallet) is a digital signature signed by different users of a blockchain which ensures security for their funds.

The custodian holds the original token and “wraps” it through a process which is known as 

After the token is minted into a wrapped token, it is then sent to the blockchain that it wants to operate. So, one token will turn into one wrapped token, five tokens will turn into five wrapped tokens, and so on.

The wrapped token can also be “unwrapped” and turned into its original form. This is also done by a custodian through a process which is known as 

After the wrapped token is burned, it is converted to its original form and sent to its original blockchain. The token and the wrapped token have equivalent prices during the processes of minting and burning.

When a token is wrapped, it can access other blockchains and function normally (fully supported) on them.

Bitcoin itself cannot run in the Ethereum blockchain. Actually, Ethereum’s blockchain offers many more services than Bitcoin’s blockchain. Because of this, some people mint their Bitcoins (BTC) and use their newly Wrapped Bitcoins (WBTC) on the Ethereum network to operate every service that the latter offers. These services include running decentralized applications (dApps) in the 

Wrapped Bitcoin was introduced in 2019. It was founded collectively by three organizations: BitGo, Kyber Network, and Ren. 

, 141,322 BTC were minted and running in the Ethereum network by the end of 2020.

But is it possible to directly buy Wrapped Bitcoins without having to buy Bitcoins first, and then mint them into Wrapped Bitcoins?

The answer is yes. You can directly buy Wrapped Bitcoins using 

, which is a crypto wallet/software that interacts with the Ethereum blockchain.

Such crypto wallets are used for protecting your private keys, funds and other information, as well as a way of exchanging your tokens in a decentralized manner.

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) price and its ratio to Bitcoin (BTC). Source: Coinmarketcap.com

As seen in the above graph, the price of Wrapped Bitcoin [WBTC, in green, with the relative price of Bitcoin (BTC) in yellow] has been fairly constant over the last two years.

Besides Wrapped ETH (WETH) and Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), other important wrapped tokens are worth mentioning. Wrapped tokens on Ethereum need to be compliant with ERC-20. Some of the other wrapped tokens on Ethereum are as follows:

Basic Attention Token price (2017–2021). Source: Coinmarketcap.com

OMG Network price (2018–2021). Source: Coinmarketcap.com

However, Ethereum is not the only network that supports wrapped tokens. Binance Smart Chain is another blockchain on which wrapped tokens such as WBTC and WETH can run. 

These wrapped tokens on the Binance Smart Chain need to be compliant with BEP-20 tokens. The aforementioned tokens can be wrapped through the

Binance Bridge, which is one of the safest ways to mint new wrapped tokens and launch them in the Binance Smart Chain. Wrapped tokens on the Binance Smart Chain can be used for either cryptocurrency transactions or for yield farming applications.

Be aware that the process of wrapping (minting) and unwrapping (burning) tokens is not free. Some gas fees need to be paid in order to successfully wrap or unwrap tokens. Fortunately, wrapping and unwrapping fees on the Binance Smart Chain are lower than on other blockchains that support wrapped tokens. 

Some of the most important wrapped tokens that can run in the Binance Smart Chain are WBTC, WETH, Wrapped Ripple (WXRP), and Wrapped Polkadot (WDOT).

As with every other token, wrapped tokens have many benefits, but also some disadvantages. For you to understand clearly the importance of wrapped tokens as well as their flaws, here are their pros and cons.

: The biggest benefit that wrapped tokens offer is interoperability. Unlike in the past, you can now use your Bitcoins on the Ethereum network by wrapping them. Not only can you still conduct transactions through wrapped tokens, but you can also use them for different services, such as running and launching DApps, or running 

: A huge benefit that comes with the utilization of wrapped tokens is the increase in liquidity. Capital efficiency can be increased together with the liquidity of an asset, whether it is centralized (fiat currencies) or decentralized (cryptocurrencies). 

: Another big advantage that wrapped tokens offer their owners is faster transaction services. For instance, buying or selling Bitcoin in its blockchain can take up a considerable amount of time. However, using Wrapped Bitcoin in the Ethereum network is much quicker. Keep in mind, however, that time is a valuable asset in the crypto market, due to the high volatility of cryptocurrencies.

: Wrapping your tokens can actually increase the security of your funds because you have more control over private keys. Additionally, custodians (DAO, smart contracts, or multisig wallet) focus on secure exchanges.

: Last but not least, lower transaction fees are another way that you can benefit from using wrapped tokens.

Wrapped tokens are continually improving. They still rely on a custodian to be able to be minted (wrap) or burned (unwrap). If the custodian is somehow flawed, the wrapping or unwrapping process will be flawed as well.

The whole purpose of cryptocurrencies is to operate in a decentralized system. However, since wrapped tokens are issued by a custodian, they are prone to centralization. According to

, even the founder of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, has acknowledged the fact that wrapped tokens are “sensitive” to centralization because they’re made in a centralized manner.

“I’m worried about the trust models of some of these tokens. It would be sad if there ends up being $5b of BTC on Ethereum and the keys are held by a single institution,

The problem is that when wrapped tokens are minted, it’s not done directly in the desired blockchain but rather through a central program.

Another minor disadvantage that comes with wrapped tokens is the minting costs. Wrapping and unwrapping tokens require gas fees, which can then result in 

Nevertheless, the benefits of wrapped tokens outweigh the negative features. Moreover, in the future, it is expected that these minor disadvantages will be removed. Perhaps a custodian (DAO, smart contracts, or multisig wallet) may not be needed in the future to wrap or unwrap tokens.

So, is investing in wrapped tokens a wise idea?

Overall, wrapped tokens are becoming progressively more important because of the increasing need to use other cryptocurrencies in a specific blockchain. Therefore, investing in wrapped tokens can be very profitable in the long run, especially with the likes of WBTC.

Wrapped tokens are similar to normal tokens. In fact, they are bought and sold for the equivalent price. Thus, if the price of a token rises, the price of the wrapped token may also rise.

When it comes to the price of WBTC, it depends on the price of BTC itself. Credible prediction sites estimate a relatively large increase for both BTC and BTC.

, the price of Bitcoin could go as high as $89,000 in 2021 and reach six figures by 2022, at around $103,000. This could be followed by a steady increase throughout the decade. It may eventually reach a soaring high of around $264,000 by the year 2028. Since WBTC is the same token (built for a different blockchain), it will also follow the same path as BTC at equivalent rates. To illustrate,

 predicts that the price of WBTC may reach around $258,000 when BTC reaches its high point in 2028.

Other wrapped tokens are likely to follow the same trajectory. Of course, not every cryptocurrency can go as high as Wrapped Bitcoin, since Bitcoin is the world’s leading cryptocurrency. But other cryptocurrencies are also predicted to increase relatively in price.

Ultimately, wrapped tokens have made cryptocurrencies much more efficient and useful. 

DApps benefit from the variety of wrapped tokens on blockchains. Thus, they have even more potential than before, and can positively influence the crypto world if they keep growing at their current rate. 

Ever since the utilization of wrapped tokens, they have been used to increase the efficiency of cryptocurrencies.

What are Wrapped Tokens — and How do They Work?

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