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

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.SWOOSH is Nike’s web3 marketplace that supports the sale of its virtual apparel and footwear. Find out more about its latest airdrop here.

Top-rated brands have historically embraced the future and moved to be at the head of the pack with innovations and advancements. Largely, brands like Nike and others have focused exclusively on selling their physical products, but this is changing: 

 are digital assets that have been used as collectibles, in 

 and for other digital purposes. While there has been a promise from some NFT creators to add real-life utility to their collections, this has largely been unrealized. However, Nike hopes to change this with its first digital sneaker collection on its .SWOOSH platform.

By interweaving virtual and physical products together, .SWOOSH may be Nike’s future. Its marketplace allows .SWOOSH community members to trade and collect the brand’s virtual products. In addition, .SWOOSH members can create new collections and earn 

 on sales. Via this utility, the .SWOOSH community can directly participate in the brand’s future. In addition, .SWOOSH virtual products may grant access to real-life events, including the possibility of pre-ordering the latest styles of physical shoes.

The .SWOOSH platform was developed by Nike Virtual Studios and was originally launched in November 2022. Ron Faris, who contributed to the development of the 

 app, heads the division as VP/GM. The purpose of .SWOOSH is to support Nike’s web3 creators. Nike got behind the concept for this project after making $185 million in 

 and $90 million in royalties from its first NFTs in August 2022. While the platform initially had the exclusive utility of allowing new community members with a Nike-provided access code to sign up, it’s now closer to fulfilling its intended purpose of being an NFT marketplace.

The .SWOOSH developers want to bring Nike into the future with a unique web3 experience. More than that, they aim to enhance the customer experience by offering access to exclusive physical products and experiences to owners of NFT sneaker boxes. These boxes also support creative innovation by allowing users to create their own collections and earn related royalties. 

Thus far, many people who aren’t active web3 users have shied away from NFTs, possibly from fear of being caught in a scam because the process is too complicated or for other reasons. With .SWOOSH, Nike wants to simplify the process and bring NFTs into the mainstream. It prevents related scams through the use of its own .nike domain and takes some of the confusion out of the equation by completing transactions in U.S. currency. In addition, the future utility of the sneaker boxes could support pre-ordering new-release physical shoes, as well as providing other real-life benefits.

In order to use the .SWOOSH features, you must be a member of the community. After completing the membership process, you can browse through the virtual products and make your selections. All purchases can be completed with a standard debit or credit card in U.S. currency. As a web3 platform, .SWOOSH transactions are logged on the 

. Two types of NFT sneaker boxes are available through the brand’s first airdrop, offering creative possibilities as well as access to exclusive experiences and physical products.

.SWOOSH membership isn’t currently open to the general public. During this closed beta phase, only those who have a special access code can join. However, if you don't have an access code, you can join the .SWOOSH waitlist. On the 

 link to access your new profile. Once you see the 

 page, you can follow the process to join the waitlist. When you’re granted membership, you’ll receive a .SWOOSH ID, which gives you access to Create and Trade functions.

Nike is slowly rolling out the platform, including both access and available digital products. As part of its ramp-up process, it’s hosting educational sessions in select cities. Additional educational resources will be publicized on Nike’s blog and its Instagram profile.

The .SWOOSH platform was initially released in its beta version in November 2022. At that time, Nike Virtual Studios announced that it would be a web3 platform for digital collectibles as well as an educational resource. To add utility to these virtual sneaker collectibles, the company has also stated that the .SWOOSH collectibles will be usable in various immersive experiences and games. 

In January 2023, Nike Virtual Studios hosted a 

 for .SWOOSH users. Specifically, .SWOOSH members were asked to create an Instagram storyboard of their sneaker designs, and the winner of the contest would receive a $5,000 prize. The designs of four participants are now featured in the new NFT collection.

.SWOOSH is being carefully unveiled at a slow pace, and access to membership will gradually be opened to the general public. Concurrently, .SWOOSH will expand its utility and appeal. For example, a possible update down the line could include digital storefronts for individual athletes.

With the recent release of the new .SWOOSH platform, Nike’s foray into the metaverse will soon be followed by the launch of its virtual sneaker collection, known as OF1 (or 

On Apr 18, 2023, .SWOOSH will airdrop OF1 posters that pay homage to the Air Force 1 marketing campaign from several decades ago. These posters will also commemorate the new OF1 digital sneaker collection. A total of 106,453 OF1 posters will be airdropped to the .SWOOSH community. This means that approximately one out of every three .SWOOSH users will receive a poster. Those who receive one can take advantage of OF1’s early access sale on May 8, 2023. Access for the full .SWOOSH community will be available on May 10, 2023. 

There are two types of digital collectibles available for the new digital sneaker collection: the New Wave and Classic Remix sneaker boxes. In honor of the release date for the Air Force 1 sneakers, the price of the New Wave and Classic Remix sneaker boxes is $19.82. Notably, each sneaker box NFT will have utility, such as for creative expression, access to exclusive physical products and more. 

According to Nike Virtual Studios, these exclusive physical products will combine with special experiences and other benefits to expand the overall experience of .SWOOSH users. Those who own .SWOOSH digital collectibles will also have the opportunity to earn royalties by creating their own .SWOOSH collections

Who Is Eligible to Receive the .SWOOSH Airdrop?

.SWOOSH community members who have previously co-created with Nike will be eligible to receive an OF1 poster from Nike. This includes 

Members who’ve registered through Nike’s DEI (

) and SCI (Social Community and Impact) partnership organizations will also receive their own OF1 posters.

The rest of the available posters will be airdropped to .SWOOSH members in a fair and randomized process. However, in order to be eligible, you need to be fully onboarded to the .SWOOSH platform with a .SWOOSH ID as of the snapshot taken on Apr 12, 2023, 12:00PM PST. Not sure if you’re eligible? No worries — you can verify this information on 

As an added layer of verification, .SWOOSH will be sending an airdrop confirmation email to all eligible community members. Simply look out for the email from 

If you’ve missed out on the airdrop this time, don’t worry, as Nike has stashed 82 posters away in a Nike-owned wallet, with plans to distribute them in the form of giveaways and rewards in the future. You can join the waitlist today and still get a chance to win.

Are Nike .SWOOSH’s OF1 Boxes a Good Investment?

Since it’s a new web3 platform, the utility of .SWOOSH is still in development. Since Nike is still rolling out the platform’s features and membership access, the timeline for many details hasn’t been released. However, the platform has tremendous potential, and Nike’s intentional rollout indicates that it’s dedicated to making .SWOOSH a success. 

OF1 is the first digital sneaker collection available on .SWOOSH, so in addition to offering exciting utility, there’s potential for the value of these NFTs to increase as well. Given the fact that only a select group of people have the ability to purchase OF1 Boxes initially, and with the membership base expected to grow substantially, demand for these NFTs is likely to grow as well. With these key factors in mind, OF1 Boxes may be a great investment.

Nike has a longstanding history of breaking barriers and is poised to continue on this path with its focus on combining virtual and physical products and experiences through .SWOOSH. If you aren’t one of the early users of .SWOOSH, you can join the waitlist today.

.SWOOSH: All About Nike's Web3 Marketplace & Latest Airdrop

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards