Web 3 Journalist
Tim Hakki
Web 3 Journalist
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Another crypto crash rocked markets over the weekend, sending Bitcoin spiralling down to the sub $80k level and simultaneously crashing virtually every other major asset.
The crash appears to have been prompted by panic selling after the U.S. amped up its tense rhetoric about striking the Iranian regime.
Despite the setback, U.S. crypto legislation continues its inevitable path to fruition. At the same time, Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market has fallen since summer. Conversely, the weekend’s crash has shown us that the whole market is still tied to the fate of Bitcoin.
When U.S. legislation arrives, investors’ diversification will likely come with it, positioning altcoins such as XRP, Solana, Ethereum, and emerging Bitcoin Layer-2 projects to reap the rewards.
XRP (XRP): Payments Network Targets a Move Toward $5
XRP ($XRP) is the largest payments-focused cryptocurrency with a market cap of over $98 billion, thanks to its recognition as the global leader in fast and inexpensive cross-border payments.
Ripple created the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to modernize international money transfers for banks and financial institutions, positioning it as a tech that could one day make SWIFT obsolete.
The blockchain has drawn interest from high-level global organisations, including the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the White House, solidifying XRP’s reputation.
After a decisive legal victory last year against a five-year lawsuit filed by the previous U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, XRP surged to a new all-time high of $3.65 in mid-2025. Since then, broader market weakness has erased 56% of those gains, with the token now trading near $1.61.
One of the most notable recent catalysts was the approval of spot XRP exchange-traded funds in the United States, providing traditional investors with regulated access to the asset.
As additional ETFs launch and regulatory clarity improves, these developments could act as strong tailwinds, potentially pushing XRP toward $5 during the second quarter.
Solana (SOL): Scalable Smart Contract Platform Eyes Fresh Highs
Solana ($SOL) is the biggest smart contract blockchain in crypto outside of Ethereum. Known for its high throughput and low costs, the network has attracted $8 billion in total value locked, while SOL’s market capitalization stands above $58 billion.
At around $103, SOL is currently trading far below its 30-day moving average and shows an oversold relative strength index (RSI) near 29, a level that often reflects the token is currently selling at a massive relative discount. Such setups often precede strong rebound rallies.
A bullish flag pattern formed in late 2026 further supports the case for a speedy recovery.
A sustained break above resistance around $200 and $275 could clear the path for Solana to surpass its previous all-time high of $293.31 and potentially climb beyond $300 before the second quarter concludes.
Solana is also becoming a leading platform for real-world asset tokenization, a sector gaining traction among institutional investors. Firms such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton have already used the network to launch tokenized investment vehicles.
Ethereum (ETH): DeFi Cornerstone Gears Up for Another Rally
Ethereum ($ETH) is the foundation of decentralized finance and much of the broader Web3 ecosystem, supported by a lofty market capitalization of roughly $275 billion.
With more than $59 billion locked across its protocols, Ethereum maintains its position as the most commercially active blockchain network.
In a strongly bullish market environment, ETH could challenge the $5,000 resistance level by March, exceeding its prior all-time high of $4,946 set last August.
A breakout may then open the door to a move toward $7,500 by the end of the quarter, representing a tidy 3x gain from current levels near $2,274.
Over the longer term, Ethereum’s ability to reach five-figure prices will depend heavily on clearer U.S. regulatory guidance and favorable macroeconomic conditions, both of which are critical for sustained institutional adoption.
ETH is currently hovering in a strong support zone, which may stem further depreciation and act as a nice accumulation zone for those who believe this project could go much higher.
Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Bitcoin Layer-2 Project With Meme Roots and Serious Utility
Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a Bitcoin layer 2 that significantly increases transaction speed, lowers fees, and introduces advanced smart contract functionality to the network.
The project’s key features include Solana Virtual Machine integration, decentralized governance, and a Canonical Bridge that enables seamless Bitcoin transfers across multiple blockchains.
Its ongoing token presale has already raised more than $31.2 million, with some analysts forecasting potential returns ranging from 10x to 100x once the token becomes publicly tradable. A recent audit by Coinsult reported no critical vulnerabilities in the project’s smart contracts.
The HYPER token plays a central role in the ecosystem, covering transaction fees, facilitating governance participation, and enabling staking incentives.
Early participants can currently stake presale tokens for yields of up to 38% APY, although these rewards decrease as the staking pool grows.
With exchange listings anticipated later this year, Bitcoin Hyper’s presale offers early exposure to a project that could represent a breakthrough in Bitcoin’s scalability and functionality.
Visit the official website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.
Visit the Official Website Here
