Apr 14, 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 — Apple exemptions send crypto higher 

US president Donald Trump’s administration recently exempted smartphones, computers and other electronics from reciprocal tariffs, providing significant relief for major technology manufacturers like Apple and NVIDIA. This move, announced by US Customs and Border Protection, limits the impact of Trump’s 125% tariff on goods from China and baseline 10% global tariff affecting many countries.

The exclusions cover popular electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, hard drives and memory chips, typically not domestically produced. This decision is welcome news for consumers who feared rising prices due to potential tariffs. It also benefits major tech companies that have made substantial investment pledges in the US domestic markets to the Trump administration.

The tariff reprieve marks a noteworthy easing in Trump's trade conflict with China, effective retroactively from April 5. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that America must not depend upon China for critical technologies, highlighting the president's efforts to secure substantial investments from leading tech firms to bolster domestic manufacturing. 

However, the reprieve may be temporary. The exclusions stem from an initial order designed to prevent cumulative tariffs on specific sectors. While certain semiconductor manufacturing equipment is excluded, the announcement doesn’t cover the 20% tariff targeting China, aimed at addressing fentanyl shipments.

Analysts note that while this exemption is a win for the tech industry, uncertainty remains regarding future tariffs. The administration is poised to further investigate semiconductor imports, potentially leading to new tariffs in the coming weeks. As negotiations evolve, other countries may seek similar exceptions, complicating the trade landscape. 

Overall, while this announcement offers temporary relief, the future of tariffs remains uncertain as the administration continues its aggressive trade policies.

Weekly crypto highlight — Bitcoin has its role to play amid volatility

The concept of "safe haven" assets, traditionally represented by gold and government bonds, is being challenged in today’s volatile markets. For decades, investors relied on a classic portfolio structure of 60% equities and 40% bonds, with capital flowing into gold and government bonds during market downturns. These assets were seen as stable and reliable, ideal for safeguarding against volatility. However, in a world marked by constant market activity, geopolitical unrest and rising skepticism toward governments, the definition of a safe-haven asset may require reevaluation.

Enter Bitcoin, a highly volatile and often misunderstood asset. Despite skepticism from many investors, Bitcoin has significantly outperformed traditional safe-haven assets since the COVID-19 market lows, rising over 1,000% since March 2020. In contrast, long-duration bonds have dropped by 50%, and gold, while up 90% over five years, appears less impressive when adjusted for monetary inflation.

However, Bitcoin's status as a safe haven remains debated. During various risk-off events, it’s behaved more like a high-beta asset than a protective hedge. For instance, in March 2020, BTC fell 40%, while the Nasdaq-100 dropped 27%. But during the recent tariff-led sell-off in April 2025, Bitcoin held up better than the Nasdaq-100, suggesting emerging strength.

Non-sovereign assets like Bitcoin could thrive amid geopolitical tensions, given their decentralized, censorship-resistant nature. Traditional safe havens like gold and long-duration bonds are losing their luster, with gold’s gains overshadowed by monetary expansion and rising yields on Treasury bonds.

As Bitcoin continues to demonstrate resilience, it may challenge the notion of what constitutes a safe haven. While it may not fit the classic definition of a low-volatility asset, its durability, neutrality and liquidity make it increasingly relevant in today’s financial landscape. Thus, the traditional playbook for safe-haven assets may need an update.

Advanced

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Weekly Institutional Insights: Apple exemptions send crypto higher; Bitcoin’s role to challenge gold

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

After initially resisting US president Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, crypto markets joined the global sell-off, with BTC falling from $87K on April 2 to a low of $74K. BTC’s term structure was inverted again before easing, while ETH’s term structure remained inverted. Meanwhile, short-term BTC volatility skews favored OTM puts, reflecting more bearish sentiment than during the Q1 2023 US banking crisis. However, volatility levels decreased after Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs (excluding those on China), leading to a significant rally in spot prices.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

BTC open interest declined substantially this week

Bybit’s largest perpetual swap markets initially remained stable during the broader market sell-off and tariff reactions, recovering from the dip after the 

. However, Trump’s recent announcement and subsequent pause of near-unilateral import tariffs significantly impacted these markets, leading to notable declines in open interest for BTC and ETH, which have fallen sharply from their late March highs.

After a brief period of positive funding rates, BTC’s perpetual swap market fluctuated between positive and negative sentiment, indicating traders were hesitant to commit to a strong directional move (similar to trends in options markets). This changed when President Trump announced a 90-day tariff relief, leading to positive jumps in funding rates. Altcoins displayed a similar pattern, with funding rates alternately positive and negative before rising following the tariff announcement.

During the April 6–7, 2025 sell-off, traders sought downside protection, as BTC's spot price fell to $75K in reaction to President Trump’s tariff announcement. The high volume of put options relative to calls indicates strong demand for this protection. Meanwhile, the US's reciprocal tariffs caused a significant inversion in BTC’s at-the-money volatility term structure, which, although it has eased, remains inverted. Additionally, there‘s a stronger skew toward OTM puts at short tenors as compared to the March 2023 US banking crisis. Put open interest has surged over the past week, reflecting extremely bearish sentiment for both the near and long terms.

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Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (Apr 9, 2025): Tariffs bring substantial volatility at a level similar to that of the Q1 2023 US banking crisis

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how you can stake and mint Lombard LBTCv on Bybit Web3 Staking with the Bybit Web3 Seed Phrase Wallet. 

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how you can stake BTC to mint 

Please note that in order to get started, you’ll first need to download the Bybit App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

How to stake and mint LBTCv with Bybit Web3 Staking

: Launch the Bybit App on your mobile device and tap on the 

: Deposit BTC into your preferred Bybit Web3 Seed Phrase Wallet BTC address.

: Once you’ve deposited BTC into your wallet address, tap on the 

drop-down and select the BTC address into which you’ve deposited BTC. 

: Input the exact amount of BTC you’d like to stake, and tap on 

 and sign the message to allow this exact amount of BTC to be staked.

 page. Ensure that the amount of BTC is exactly the same as you wish to stake, and tap on 

: Tap on the icon located at the upper-right corner of the screen to check your transaction history.

: You’ll receive LBTCv in three progressive stages:

: Once you’ve received LBTCv, you can check your points (updated every hour).

If you wish to stake more BTC, simply repeat Steps 7 through 12. However, please

that you won’t be able to stake more BTC as long as you haven’t yet received your LBTCv.

To redeem your LBTC, simply scroll down the 

button. Then, wait three days for the successful redemption of LBTC.

If you wish to cancel your redemption, you can do so within these three days.

Beginner

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How to stake and mint Lombard LBTCv with Bybit Web3 Staking

A Chainlink Spot ETF would bridge TradFi and crypto, offering a simplified way to gain exposure to LINK without the complexities of digital wallets or exchanges.

There's been a recent surge in spot ETF applications as investors look for ways to sidestep the rigid frameworks of traditional finance. The success of 

 — drawing billions in inflows — signals a major shift in the way institutions approach crypto investments. 

 networks, is in line for its own Spot ETF. The proposed fund promises a direct, hassle-free way to invest in Chainlink (LINK), eliminating the need to deal with complex 

 and exchanges. This article explores what a Chainlink Spot ETF is, how it would work, its current market impact and what its potential approval could mean for investors and the broader crypto landscape.

A Chainlink Spot ETF is an exchange-traded fund, backed by Chainlink (LINK) tokens, that would directly track the market price of LINK, a cryptocurrency powering decentralized oracle networks, thus enabling investors to gain exposure without directly holding the asset itself.

 (ETF) would offer investors direct exposure to LINK’s price movements without requiring the investors to handle the digital asset directly. 

Authorized Participants (APs), typically large financial institutions or market makers approved by the ETF issuer, play a central role in maintaining liquidity and aligning the ETF’s market price with its net asset value (NAV). These entities facilitate the creation and redemption of ETF shares by acquiring LINK tokens from exchanges or over-the-counter markets, and transferring them to the ETF’s custodian, a regulated entity responsible for secure storage. 

In exchange, the ETF issuer provides APs with newly created shares, which represent fractional ownership of the underlying assets. The shares are then introduced to secondary markets for investors to trade.

Creation, redemption and listing of shares

When redeeming shares, APs collect ETF shares from the market and return them to the issuer, receiving LINK tokens from the custodian in return. These tokens can be sold on the open market or held, depending upon the AP’s strategy. This creation-redemption process enables an 

 mechanism that stabilizes the ETF’s price, relative to its underlying assets. 

If the ETF is trading at a premium to NAV, APs create and sell shares to capitalize on the price difference, pushing the market price downward. Conversely, if the ETF is trading at a discount, APs redeem shares, reducing supply and driving the price upward. This dynamic ensures that the ETF’s market price remains closely tied to LINK’s actual value. 

Shares are listed on exchanges and traded like traditional stocks, integrating seamlessly into existing portfolios while offering potential tax efficiencies. The structure combines the accessibility of conventional investments with the benefits of cryptocurrency exposure, appealing to those seeking indirect participation in LINK’s market movements through a regulated and familiar framework. For investors, the ETF will simplify exposure to Chainlink by eliminating the need to manage 

 or wallets, or navigate complex crypto exchanges. 

The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, which includes Chainlink (LINK), has gained attention as a significant development in the crypto ETF space. This ETF, 

 in February 2025 and currently provides exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

 with the SEC on Mar 14, 2025 to expand the ETF's scope to include additional cryptocurrencies like LINK, ADA and SOL. This application remains the sole filing for a Spot Link ETF (as of Mar 20, 2025). While the SEC has approved the fund's initial structure, its response to the inclusion of Chainlink and other assets remains pending.

The SEC has historically been cautious about approving spot cryptocurrency ETFs, due to concerns about market manipulation and investor protection. However, the approval of multi-asset ETFs such as NCIQ signals a potential shift in regulatory attitudes. Market sentiment has been cautiously optimistic, with investors viewing these developments as a step toward broader acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems. The timeline for the approval of Chainlink Spot ETFs remains uncertain, but growing institutional interest and regulatory advancements suggest progress in the near future.

Current impact of Chainlink Spot ETF applications on the crypto market

The anticipation surrounding Chainlink Spot ETF applications is clearly influencing market sentiment. Although Chainlink's price hasn’t yet surged dramatically, increased investor interest and speculation about potential ETF approvals have boosted overall optimism. 

Data from LINK and CoinGlass reveals that 

 have fallen to 138.8 million coins, the lowest since September 2024, indicating that investors are holding onto their tokens in self-custody wallets instead of selling. This trend reflects a growing belief that SEC approval for a Spot LINK ETF could substantially boost the token’s price. In addition, Chainlink’s role as one of the largest oracle networks and its innovative cross-chain interoperability protocol for asset tokenization further reinforce this positive outlook.

What will it mean if a Chainlink Spot ETF application is approved?

The approval of a Chainlink Spot ETF would have some significant implications for both the cryptocurrency market and traditional financial sectors, as follows.

If you’re looking to capture the market and trade LINK tokens, Bybit offers the 

A Chainlink Spot ETF would connect cryptocurrency with traditional finance by allowing investors to track LINK’s price without the complications of managing digital wallets. Specifically, it would keep the ETF's price in line with LINK’s market value, increase liquidity and attract institutional investors. Approval of a Chainlink Spot ETF could drive LINK's price higher, similar to trends seen with Bitcoin ETFs, and confirm Chainlink’s importance in the crypto ecosystem, encouraging its use across various industries. 

However, investors need to be cautious of potential short-term price swings and changes in regulations. Overall, this ETF would make crypto investing simpler for a broader audience, strengthening Chainlink’s position and supporting wider acceptance of blockchain technology in the financial world.

Intermediate

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Chainlink Spot ETF: A gateway to decentralized oracle investment

Bybit Learn

Stablecoin

While stablecoins and cryptocurrencies both utilize blockchain technology, their fundamental purposes and characteristics significantly diverge. Learn more.

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Volatility is the one thing that traders both fear and adore. If you’re somewhat familiar with the crypto market, you’ll know that 

 can be a double-edged sword in the arena that is crypto trading. From dizzying highs to staggering lows, gains and losses can be made in an instant, thanks to the inherent volatility within the crypto space. Fortunately, digital assets such as 

 aim to mitigate this risk by providing a more dependable alternative within the crypto trading ecosystem.

 are, and that they’re typically used as a means to facilitate crypto trading, there’s certainly more than meets the eye with this type of pegged asset. From their unique role in decentralized finance (

) protocols to their place in the ever-changing regulatory landscape, this article will explore how stablecoins compare to other cryptocurrencies — and what awaits them in the future.

Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to an underlying asset, such as a fiat currency, commodity or basket of cryptocurrencies. 

Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, which are generally volatile, stablecoins aim to provide price stability. This makes them particularly useful for facilitating trades, payments and remittances, and as a store of value during market fluctuations.

The stability of stablecoins also bridges the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and 

. For example, sending money internationally using a stablecoin such as 

 avoids costly bank wiring fees and administrative delays associated with banks.

The mechanisms of each stablecoin peg vary depending upon their type.

Stablecoins thus offer a reliable medium of exchange in the volatile crypto market, making them increasingly popular among businesses and individuals alike.

In their broadest definition, cryptocurrencies are decentralized digital assets that use cryptography for security and operate on blockchain technology. 

Unlike stablecoins, cryptocurrencies derive their value from market dynamics, rather than being tied to an external asset. With the end goal of eliminating intermediaries such as banks, cryptocurrencies allow users to transact directly with one another in a 

 (P2P) fashion. This decentralization is a core principle of cryptocurrencies, one of many values that aim to empower crypto users with greater financial autonomy and control.

Popular cryptocurrency projects and their use cases

Some of the most well-known coins and tokens include the following.

These cryptocurrencies have diverse use cases, ranging from investment opportunities to powering blockchain ecosystems.

Unlike traditional stocks and equity, cryptocurrencies lack an external anchor for their value. Their prices fluctuate based on the factors listed below.

While this volatility presents risks, it also offers significant growth potential for investors willing to navigate these fluctuations strategically.

Stablecoins vs. cryptocurrencies: similarities and differences

You might be wondering why we’re comparing these two seemingly different asset classes. One is a bastion of price stability and certainty, while the other is primarily associated with volatility and speculation. While they both exist within the realm of digital assets and utilize blockchain technology, their fundamental purposes and characteristics diverge significantly. However, they also share certain commonalities that warrant a closer examination.

Shared characteristics between stablecoins and cryptocurrencies

At their core, both stablecoins and cryptocurrencies share foundational traits.

Stablecoins and cryptocurrencies both exist as digital assets, meaning they’re represented electronically and rely on digital infrastructure. This shared digital nature allows for fast, borderless transactions and integration with online platforms.

A significant portion of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies utilize blockchain technology. This shared foundation provides transparency, security and immutability.

While their degree of decentralization varies, stablecoins and cryptocurrencies can operate on decentralized networks. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are designed to be highly decentralized, with no central authority. Some stablecoins (like Dai) also strive for increased decentralization. However, many fiat-backed stablecoins are more centralized in nature.

Stablecoins and cryptocurrencies both have the potential to facilitate cross-border transactions without the need for traditional intermediaries such as banks. This can result in faster, cheaper and more accessible international payments, particularly for individuals and businesses in regions with limited access to traditional financial services.

Both stablecoins and cryptocurrencies play crucial roles in DeFi. They’re used for lending, borrowing, trading and providing liquidity on DeFi platforms, enabling users to access financial services without relying on traditional institutions.

Stablecoins and cryptocurrencies both utilize cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and ensure the integrity of their networks. Cryptography protects against unauthorized access, 

Ultimately, these shared features make both asset types attractive to individuals seeking financial independence from centralized institutions.

Key differences between stablecoins and cryptocurrencies

The primary distinctions between these two digital assets lie in their value mechanisms, functionality and overall adoption.

Stablecoins are specifically designed to maintain a stable value, usually by being pegged 1:1 to a fiat currency like the US dollar. This inherent stability makes them suitable for predictable transactions and as a temporary store of value. In contrast, other cryptocurrencies are typically characterized by high price volatility, driven by speculation, open market supply and demand and broader economic news. This volatility presents opportunities for profit, but carries substantial risk.

The primary roles of stablecoins are to serve as a stable medium of exchange within the digital asset ecosystem, act as a 

 against the volatility of other assets and facilitate trading and/or DeFi activities. Conventional cryptocurrencies often serve a wider range of purposes, including speculative investment, potential long-term store of value (like Bitcoin) or as the native token to power DApps and networks.

A fundamental difference between stablecoins and cryptocurrencies lies in determining how their values are maintained. Stablecoins rely on mechanisms like holding equivalent reserves of the pegged asset, or using algorithms to control supply and demand to sustain their link. Conversely, the values of other cryptocurrencies are generally determined by dynamic market forces, without a direct peg to external real-world assets.

Stablecoins are facing intense and increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide, as exemplified by frameworks like the 

, now in effect, and ongoing discussions in the US, such as those potentially related to proposals like the previously discussed 

 (GENIUS) Act. Regulatory focus is primarily on reserve adequacy, issuer responsibilities and potential systemic risks. The regulatory landscape for other cryptocurrencies is more varied and fragmented across jurisdictions, leading to a complex global patchwork that continues to evolve.

Due to their design, stablecoins generally have lower volatility risk as compared to other digital assets. However, they carry distinct risks related to the reliability of their pegs, the solvency and transparency of the issuers and evolving regulations. On the flip side, cryptocurrencies carry high market risk due to their inherent price volatility.

By understanding these similarities and differences, individuals can make informed decisions about how to utilize these digital assets within their trading strategies.

When deciding between stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, there is no definitive answer as to which is better. Each serves a unique purpose, and their suitability depends upon your financial goals, 

 and intended use. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs between stability and growth potential in order to gauge which works best for your long-term trading and/or investing objectives.

Evaluating stability vs. growth potential

Stablecoins and cryptocurrencies occupy opposite ends of the risk spectrum. Stablecoins are designed to minimize volatility, making them ideal for individuals or businesses seeking predictability in value. Their price stability makes them particularly useful for payments, remittances and storing value during turbulent market conditions.

On the other hand, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ether are inherently volatile, but offer significant opportunities for capital appreciation. Their value fluctuates based on market demand, investor sentiment and technological developments. For those willing to embrace risk in pursuit of higher returns, cryptocurrencies may be the preferred choice.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal objectives and deciding whether you’re actively trading or focused on a long-term portfolio.

The future of stablecoins and their expanding role in finance

Stablecoins are increasingly seen as a crucial component bridging traditional financial systems and the burgeoning digital asset ecosystem. Their core function is to maintain a stable value, typically by pegging to reserve assets like fiat currencies or commodities. Considering that they’re expected to play a pivotal role in transforming global financial systems by merging the efficiency of digital currencies with the reliability of fiat money, here are some ways they may influence global finance.

Stablecoins and cryptocurrencies represent two sides of the same coin (no pun intended) within the digital asset ecosystem. While stablecoins offer reliability through price stability, cryptocurrencies provide opportunities for innovation and growth. Understanding these differences is essential for navigating the crypto space effectively.

As blockchain technology advances and global adoption grows, these two asset types will play complementary roles in reshaping finance. Whether you seek stability or growth potential, there’s no doubt that crypto is driving us toward a more inclusive financial future.

Stablecoin vs. crypto: Balancing stability with growth potential

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