Top🌗Wednesday Web3 News: Bitcoin’s Global Trade Potential, OpenAI’s Social Platform Plans, Solana Surge, and XRP ETF Predictions

Web3 is evolving fast, and today’s top stories highlight major shifts in crypto, AI, and decentralized finance. From Bitcoin’s potential role in global trade to OpenAI’s ambitious social platform plans, there’s a lot to unpack. Solana is making waves with a 20% price surge, and analysts predict XRP could be the first to secure a U.S. spot ETF ahead of SOL and DOGE. Let’s dive into the latest updates shaping the future of blockchain and digital assets.

1. VanEck: Bitcoin could power ⚡ 10% of global trade as China shifts from the dollar

VanEck, a leading investment firm, suggests that Bitcoin could become a major global reserve asset, potentially settling up to 10% of worldwide trade as China continues to move away from the U.S. dollar. This shift, driven by China’s de-dollarization efforts and the growing demand for neutral, decentralized assets, positions Bitcoin as a strategic alternative in global finance. VanEck highlights that Bitcoin’s fixed supply, borderless nature, and censorship resistance make it an ideal candidate for countries seeking independence from traditional monetary systems. As trust in fiat weakens, Bitcoin’s role in international trade may grow significantly in the coming years.

VanEck: Bitcoin Can Settle 10% of Global Trade Amid China’s De-Dollarization

China’s de-dollarization boosts Bitcoin’s role as an alternative reserve asset. Experts predict BTC’s rise despite challenges in scalability.

BeInCryptoCamila Grigera Naón

2. OpenAI may launch an X-like platform 📱 amid tensions with Musk

OpenAI is planning to create a new social platform similar to X (formerly Twitter), amid an ongoing rift with Elon Musk. This move is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the tech and social media space, providing AI-powered tools and features that could reshape online interactions. The platform aims to offer a more intelligent, engaging experience, leveraging OpenAI’s cutting-edge AI technology. As tensions between OpenAI and Musk continue to grow, this new project signals a significant shift in the direction of both AI and social media, potentially challenging Musk's own ventures.

OpenAI Plans to Build X-Like Social Platform Amid Ongoing Rift With Musk: Report - Decrypt

Altman’s startup is reportedly testing an X-style app, as legal and business clashes with Elon Musk escalate.

DecryptCallan Quinn

3. Solana (SOL) surges 20% 🚀 with booming DEX activity & fees

Solana (SOL) has surged 20% over the past week, driven by a significant rise in decentralized exchange (DEX) volume and protocol fees. This uptick reflects growing investor interest in Solana's fast and low-cost blockchain, which is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to Ethereum for decentralized applications. The surge in activity has also attracted more developers and users to its ecosystem, further boosting its market position. As the DeFi sector continues to expand, Solana's performance underscores its potential to capture a larger share of the decentralized finance market.

Solana (SOL) Jumps 20% In a Week With DEX Volume and Protocol Fees Soaring

Solana (SOL) is up 20% over the past seven days, supported by strong technical indicators and rising on-chain activity. Its Ichimoku Cloud and BBTrend charts both point to bullish momentum, with trend

InsightsBeincrypto

4. XRP tipped to win U.S. spot ETF race 🏁 over SOL & DOGE

XRP is emerging as a leading candidate for U.S. spot ETF approval, surpassing Solana (SOL) and Dogecoin (DOGE) in liquidity and market depth. Analysts from Kaiko report that XRP's market share has increased since the SEC's 2021 lawsuit, while Solana's share has declined. The recent launch of a 2x XRP ETF by Teucrium has further boosted XRP's momentum. Unlike Bitcoin, which secured spot ETF approval after Grayscale’s legal victory highlighted the SEC’s inconsistent stance on futures and spot markets, XRP operates differently. It lacks a robust futures market, and its trading volume is largely offshore.

Ripple News: XRP Most Likely to Get U.S. Spot ETF Approval Ahead of SOL, DOGE

Data from Kaiko Indices shows XRP and SOL boast the deepest 1% market depth on vetted exchanges, with XRP surging past SOL since late 2024 and doubling Cardano’s ADA in liquidity.

CoinDeskShaurya Malwa

Web3 continues to reshape the digital world, from finance to social platforms. As Bitcoin edges closer to influencing global trade, and projects like Solana and XRP gain momentum, the landscape is shifting rapidly. Staying informed is key to navigating this dynamic space.

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