Quick Facts
Hodler’s Digest: The Week in Review (Dec. 29 – Jan. 4)
Ether Faces Challenges in 2025
Ether (ETH), the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, has been facing an uphill battle in recent months. Despite its market capitalization and widespread adoption, Ether’s price has struggled to break above the $1,500 mark. In fact, some analysts are predicting that Ether may experience a tough 2025, with potential price fluctuations and regulatory hurdles lying ahead.
One of the primary concerns is the looming threat of a regulatory crackdown. With governments and financial institutions increasing their efforts to regulate the crypto space, some experts believe that Ether’s price may suffer as a result of these restrictions. Additionally, the upcoming Ethereum merge, which aims to transition the network from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, may also lead to short-term volatility.
However, despite these challenges, many believe that Ether’s fundamentals remain strong. The Ethereum network continues to grow, with thousands of decentralized applications (dApps) built on its protocol. Moreover, the network’s increased scalability and interoperability are expected to attract more users and stakeholders as the year progresses.
SOL ETF Odds Rise
In more positive news, the odds of a spot Solana (SOL) ETF listing in 2025 have increased significantly. According to VanEck researcher, a major exchange is close to launching a spot SOL ETF, which could provide institutional investors with a gateway to the Solana network.
Solana’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable, with its daily transaction volume and user base expanding exponentially in recent months. The network’s fast transaction times, low fees, and smart contract capabilities have made it an attractive hub for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
An ETF listing would not only increase Solana’s exposure to the broader market but also provide a liquid and tradable asset for investors. This could lead to a surge in SOL prices, as institutional investors and individual traders alike become more confident in the network’s potential.
Terraform Labs Co-Founder Pleads Not Guilty
In a separate development, Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the collapse of the Luna stablecoin. Kwon’s company, Terraform Labs, was responsible for the development of the Luna and UST stablecoin, which was heavily marketed as a decentralized and algorithmically-stable store of value.
However, in May 2022, UST’s peg to the US dollar broke, leading to a catastrophic collapse that wiped out thousands of investors’ funds. Kwon has since been accused of violating securities laws and making false statements to investors.
Kwon’s not-guilty plea has sparked widespread debate, with some arguing that he is innocent and others claiming that he was complicit in the collapse. Regardless of the outcome, the Terraform Labs saga serves as a cautionary tale for the crypto space, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance and investor protection.
What’s Ahead in 2025?
As we enter the new year, the crypto space is poised for significant changes. With regulatory efforts intensifying, institutional investment increasing, and decentralized applications continuing to grow, it’s clear that the market is heading into uncharted territory.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be monitoring the Solana ETF listing, Ether’s price movements, and regulatory developments closely. We’ll also be keeping a watchful eye on newly-emerging trends, such as the growth of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and the increasing adoption of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
In this week’s Hodler’s Digest, we’ve outlined the key takeaways from the past week’s events. Whether you’re an experienced investor or a newcomer to the space, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the crypto market.
Stay tuned for our next installment of Hodler’s Digest, where we’ll dive deeper into the latest developments and analyze the trends that are shaping the future of the market. Happy investing!
