US GOV Re-Opens! XRP Up as ETF Launches! VISA Launch USDC Pilot!
Crypto majors traded lower, with most down 1–2% before rebounding on news of the US government reopening. Bitcoin (BTC) fell 2% to $103,200, Ethereum (ETH) slipped 1% to $3,500, Binance Coin (BNB) lost 1% to $966, and Solana (SOL) declined 2% to $157. XRP stood out, gaining 2% on the day and 9% over the week ahead of its ETF launch. Among top movers, AB surged 30%, while ZEC and QNT rose 8% and 7%, respectively. In macro and policy news, the White House Press Secretary remarked that October CPI data “may never come,” sparking market chatter. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index hit 15 (Extreme Fear) last night—its lowest since March 4, 2025. FanDuel announced a partnership with CME to launch a prediction market platform called FanDuel Predicts, while the U.S. Department of Justice created a Crypto Scam Strike Force with the FBI and Secret Service to combat international “pig-butchering” networks tied to organized crime. Coinbase revealed plans to leave Delaware and reincorporate in Texas, citing a friendlier regulatory environment and stronger governance protections. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Paul Atkins clarified that network tokens and digital collectibles are not considered securities unless investor profit expectations depend on third-party managerial efforts. Visa launched a pilot to pay creators and gig workers in USDC, allowing fiat-funded payouts to settle on stablecoin rails ahead of a broader 2026 rollout. Separately, Arthur Hayes advised Zcash holders to withdraw ZEC from exchanges into shielded wallets amid heightened volatility and liquidity concerns.