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- TRON’s 16.5% activity increase is driven by stablecoin settlements, not just trading.
- Bitcoin’s break from late-day selling suggests a change in institutional trading dynamics.
- Legal actions against Jane Street and calls for congressional trading bans are boosting retail confidence.
The digital asset market witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum this week, as a sudden relief rally coincided with a renewed focus on market integrity. While Bitcoin spearheaded a $60 billion market cap recovery, the TRON network’s year-end performance highlights a shift toward utility-driven growth over pure speculation.
TRON Hits Record Activity Amid Stablecoin Dominance
TRON solidified its position as a global settlement powerhouse in the final quarter of 2025. The network processed over 994 million transactions, a 16.5% jump from Q3, peaking at 12.6 million daily transfers in late October. Unlike previous cycles driven by hype, this growth is rooted in practical use; stablecoins now represent the backbone of the ecosystem.
With a stablecoin supply holding firm at $81.8 billion and settlement volumes exceeding $2.2 trillion, TRON is increasingly the preferred rail for cross-border payments. Founder Justin Sun noted that the network is currently operating well below its total capacity, leaving significant “headroom” for institutional adoption. Sun projects that 2026 will bring major players like BlackRock and Nasdaq into the fold for on-chain tokenized asset settlements.
Bitcoin Breaks the “Late-Night Sell” Pattern
The broader market staged a sharp reversal on February 25, breaking a weeks-long downward trend. Bitcoin surged $2,000 in a matter of hours, climbing to approximately $65,875. This move effectively liquidated $120 million in short positions, providing the fuel for a 3% daily gain.
Also Read: MEXC Ranks No. 1 in XAUT Perpetual Volume Globally, Demonstrating Strong Liquidity and User Activity
Significantly, the rally broke a persistent pattern of algorithmic selling typically seen around 8 PM ET. Analysts attribute this shift to a “risk-on” sentiment in global equities and a temporary pause in aggressive high-frequency trading sell-offs. Major altcoins followed, with Solana and Ethereum posting gains of 6% and 5%, respectively.
Legal Drama and the Push for Transparency
The timing of the market pump has raised eyebrows, occurring just as quantitative trading giant Jane Street faces a lawsuit over the 2022 Terra Luna collapse. Allegations of insider trading have reignited debates over market manipulation.
Simultaneously, political pressure is mounting. In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump called for a definitive ban on stock trading by members of Congress. While the “Stop Insider Trading Act” targets traditional markets, crypto investors view the move as a signal for broader transparency that could eventually curb manipulative practices across all asset classes.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
