Crypto4aLiving Newsletter

Welcome back to the second edition of Crypto4aLiving, your free newsletter brought to you by the Crypto4aLiving YouTube channel! Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just dipping your toes into the crypto waters, we’re here to break down the latest market news, technical analysis, and practical tips to help you make informed investment decisions. This month, we’re diving into what’s moving Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Dogecoin (DOGE), with a focus on upcoming events and strategies to grow your portfolio. Let’s get started!

Beginners Corner: Understanding Crypto Exchanges

If you’re new to cryptocurrency, one of the first things you’ll encounter is a crypto exchange, a platform where you can buy, sell, and trade digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. There are two main types of exchanges: centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). A centralized exchange, like Binance or Coinbase, is run by a company that acts as a middleman, holding your funds and requiring you to create an account with personal info. They’re user-friendly and great for beginners, offering fast trades and plenty of support. On the flip side, a decentralized exchange, like Uniswap or PancakeSwap, lets you trade directly with others using blockchain technology, keeping your funds in your own wallet and prioritizing privacy, no account needed. While CEXs are easier to use, DEXs offer more control and security since there’s no central point to hack.

Here are some top examples:

• Centralized Exchanges (CEXs):

  • Binance: A global giant with tons of trading options.

  • Coinbase: Perfect for beginners with a simple interface.

  • Kraken: Known for security and reliability.

• Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs):

  • Uniswap: A popular Ethereum-based DEX.

  • SushiSwap: Offers extra features like earning rewards.

  • PancakeSwap: Fast and cheap on Binance Smart Chain.

Market Pulse: What’s Driving Crypto Prices in April 2025

The crypto market has been a rollercoaster in Q1 2025, with volatility driven by macroeconomic shifts and regulatory developments. Bitcoin, the market bellwether, has faced headwinds, dropping 16% year-to-date after hitting a high of $109,350 in January. Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin have also seen sharp corrections, with a combined $1.3 trillion wiped from the market since January. Here’s what’s shaping prices and what to watch for:

• Bitcoin (BTC): Recent outflows from exchanges (over 50,000 BTC on April 7) signal investors moving to self-custody, possibly anticipating volatility. President Trump’s tariff policies, paused for 90 days, briefly lifted altcoins, but uncertainty around global trade persists. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) March ruling that Proof-of-Work mining rewards aren’t securities has boosted miner confidence, potentially stabilizing BTC’s supply dynamics. Watch for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming “dot plot” update, as fewer rate cuts could pressure risk assets like crypto.

• Ethereum (ETH): ETH is struggling, down 45% in Q1, partly due to competition from Solana and delays in the Pectra upgrade (now set for April 30). This upgrade promises better scalability and multi-currency gas fee support, which could drive DeFi adoption if successful. However, FTX’s $800 million liquidation (39% in ETH) looms as a bearish catalyst, potentially pushing prices toward the $1,886-$1,944 support zone.

• Solana (SOL): SOL has been volatile, consolidating below $130 after a $200 million token unlock and whale dumps. Despite this, its low transaction fees ($0.00025 average) and NFT ecosystem keep it competitive. A potential spot ETF approval (75% odds per Bloomberg) could spark a rally, but FTX’s 61% SOL-heavy holdings add selling pressure. The futures ETF launch has already drawn institutional interest, so monitor ETF flows closely.

• XRP: XRP is gaining traction after the SEC dropped its Ripple appeal, boosting sentiment. Trading at $1.70-$2.24 recently, it’s sensitive to macroeconomic cues and high leverage, with support at $1.60. A formal appeal withdrawal could catalyze a breakout, especially if Ripple expands its payment network.

• Dogecoin (DOGE): DOGE surged post-tariff pause, but it’s 78% below its 2021 peak of $0.73. Trading at $0.18, it faces resistance at $0.207. Its meme-driven volatility ties it to social sentiment on platforms like X, where ETF speculation swirls. Watch for retail-driven pumps, but tread carefully, DOGE needs a 394% rise to match XRP’s market cap.

What Is FTX and How Its Collapse Still Affects Crypto Today

FTX was a Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in May 2019 by Sam Bankman-Fried and Gary Wang. It rapidly grew into one of the world’s largest exchanges, reaching a valuation of $32 billion by early 2022. FTX offered a variety of trading services, including spot trading, futures, options, and leveraged products, appealing to both retail and institutional investors. Its native token, FTT, played a central role in its ecosystem. By 2021, FTX boasted over one million users and ranked as the third-largest exchange by trading volume. It also operated a U.S. division, FTX.US, tailored to American regulations. Led by Bankman-Fried, a prominent figure in the crypto world, FTX was seen as a credible and innovative player, until its dramatic collapse in November 2022.

The Collapse of FTX: Key Dates and Events

FTX’s downfall unfolded over a matter of days in November 2022, triggered by financial instability and fraud revelations. Here’s a timeline of the critical events:

• November 2, 2022: CoinDesk reported that Alameda Research, a trading firm owned by Bankman-Fried, held a large portion of its assets in FTT. This suggested an unhealthy financial link between FTX and Alameda, raising red flags about their stability.

• November 6, 2022: Binance announced it would sell its entire FTT holdings (worth $529 million), citing “risk management concerns.” This sparked panic selling, causing FTT’s price to plummet.

• November 7, 2022: FTX faced a liquidity crisis as customers withdrew over $6 billion in 72 hours, overwhelming the exchange’s reserves.

• November 8, 2022: FTX halted withdrawals, signaling severe distress. Binance briefly considered acquiring FTX but withdrew after reviewing its finances.

• November 11, 2022: FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and Bankman-Fried stepped down as CEO. Investigations later revealed an $8 billion shortfall in customer funds, misappropriated to cover Alameda’s risky trades.

The collapse was a result of mismanagement and fraud, with FTX using customer deposits as a financial backstop for Alameda, a practice that unraveled when market confidence evaporated.

Cryptocurrencies Most Affected by the FTX Collapse

The following cryptocurrencies experienced notable price declines due to their association with FTX or their inclusion in its substantial holdings:

• Solana (SOL): FTX held approximately $685 million worth of Solana, making it one of the largest assets in its portfolio. Solana’s price dropped sharply after the collapse, largely due to its close ties to FTX and Alameda Research, a sister company heavily involved with the token.

• FTX Token (FTT): As the native token of the FTX exchange, FTT was severely impacted, with FTX holding $529 million in FTT. Its value plummeted following the collapse, reflecting the loss of confidence in the exchange.

• Bitcoin (BTC): FTX’s holdings included $268 million in Bitcoin. While Bitcoin is a widely traded cryptocurrency, its price was still affected by the broader market turmoil caused by FTX’s downfall.

• Ethereum (ETH): With $90 million in Ethereum held by FTX, this major cryptocurrency also saw price declines amid the market instability triggered by the collapse.

Summary

The cryptocurrencies most affected by the FTX collapse are Solana (SOL), FTX Token (FTT), Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH), with additional impacts on tokens like APT, DOGE, XRP, and others held by FTX. These assets are being sold as part of the bankruptcy proceedings, which began in November 2022 and are ongoing as of April 2025. While the liquidation process started, with court approval in September 2023 and actions like the unstaking of Solana in April 2025, the exact timeline for when all assets will be fully sold remains uncertain due to the complexity of the case and efforts to avoid market disruption.

Upcoming Events to Watch

April 2025 is packed with catalysts that could sway crypto prices. Here’s your radar:

• Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade (April 30): This could enhance ETH’s scalability, making DeFi apps more efficient. A smooth rollout might lift ETH, but testnet issues raise risks of delays. Stake your ETH cautiously until post-upgrade stability is clear.

• FTX Liquidation Fallout: FTX’s $800 million sell-off (61% SOL, 39% ETH) starts May 30, but markets are already pricing in pressure. SOL and ETH traders should watch liquidity flows and set stop-losses near support levels.

• Solana ETF Developments: With an 88% chance of spot ETF approval by year-end, SOL could see institutional buying. Track Polymarket odds and ETF filings for early signals.

• Regulatory Clarity: The U.S. “Crypto Czar” is streamlining rules, potentially greenlighting XRP, SOL, and DOGE ETFs. A pro-crypto Congress could also pass stablecoin legislation, boosting market confidence.

• Macro Triggers: The Fed’s rate cut stance and Trump’s trade policies will ripple into crypto. If tariffs resume post-pause, risk-off sentiment could hit altcoins harder than BTC.

Community Spotlight

Our Crypto4aLiving YouTube family is growing! Thanks for your comments and questions, keep them coming. This week, shoutout to @CryptoRiser for asking about SOL ETF odds. We covered it above, but join the discussion on our latest video for more! Want a topic covered? Drop it in the comments.

Final Thoughts

April 2025 is a pivotal month for crypto. Bitcoin’s holding above $82,000, Ethereum’s upgrade looms, and altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin face ETF-driven upside and FTX-related risks. By mastering TA, tracking news, and investing smartly, you can navigate this market with confidence. Stay disciplined, secure your assets, and let’s build wealth together!

Join us on YouTube and subscribe to Crypto4aLiving for free updates. See you in the markets!

Disclaimer: Crypto investing carries risks. Always do your own research before trading. This newsletter is for educational purposes only, not financial advice.