Inflation down, Bitcoin down: What gives?

March 12, 2025

Reading time: 5 minutes

Lazarus targets crypto developers with malware-infested npm packages

Key points:

  • North Korea’s Lazarus Group has deployed six new malicious npm packages designed to steal cryptocurrency credentials from developers.

  • The malware specifically targets Solana and Exodus wallets, exfiltrating sensitive data from compromised systems.

News - North Korea’s notorious Lazarus Group has launched another sophisticated supply chain attack, infecting JavaScript developers with crypto-stealing malware. According to researchers at Socket Security, the group deployed six malicious npm packages to compromise developer environments and extract sensitive wallet credentials.

These packages—is-buffer-validator, yoojae-validator, event-handle-package, array-empty-validator, react-event-dependency, and auth-validator—mimic trusted libraries and use typosquatting techniques to trick developers into installing them. Once executed, the malware deploys BeaverTail to steal login credentials and InvisibleFerret, a persistent backdoor for long-term access.

Solana and Exodus wallets at risk - The primary targets of this attack are Solana and Exodus crypto wallets. The malware scans for id.json, the key storage file for Solana wallets, and exodus.wallet, the critical file for Exodus users. By extracting these files, hackers gain direct access to victims’ funds.

Beyond crypto wallets, the malware also infiltrates web browsers like Chrome, Brave, and Firefox, harvesting saved login credentials and session data for further exploitation.

Growing threats against the crypto sector - The Lazarus Group has a long history of targeting the crypto industry, including high-profile exchange hacks such as the $1.4 billion Bybit heist and the $41 million Stake attack. This latest campaign underscores a shift in strategy—moving from direct exchange breaches to supply chain attacks, where developers unknowingly integrate infected packages into critical blockchain projects.

As the group refines its tactics, security experts urge developers to verify npm package sources, conduct security audits, and avoid installing suspicious dependencies.

With over 330 downloads of these malicious packages already recorded, the risk of further infections remains high. The crypto community must stay vigilant as Lazarus continues its relentless cyber onslaught.

Bitcoin wobbles after CPI drop: What’s next?

Key points:

  • Bitcoin surged to $84,437 before facing a Wall Street-driven sell-off, settling around $82,400.

  • The US CPI inflation fell to 2.8%, raising expectations for Fed rate cuts, but rising Treasury market volatility could slow BTC’s recovery.

News - Bitcoin’s price briefly rallied to a three-day high of $84,437 after the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 2.8%, beating expectations and signaling a cooling inflation trend. However, the bullish momentum was short-lived as Wall Street traders introduced selling pressure, causing BTC to retrace toward $82,400.

Market analysts suggest that while the lower inflation print boosts the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts, Bitcoin bulls are struggling to push prices past key resistance levels.

According to trading firm QCP Capital, the macro environment remains mixed. The firm noted that Bitcoin’s institutional adoption is facing headwinds, with spot Bitcoin ETFs seeing a net outflow of $153.87 million, primarily led by Grayscale’s GBTC reducing its holdings by 641 BTC.

Market reaction - While the CPI data provided some optimism, volatility in the US Treasury market has emerged as a major concern. The Merrill Lynch Option Volatility Estimate (MOVE) Index, which tracks Treasury market fluctuations, has surged to its highest level in four months.

Historically, heightened volatility in Treasuries leads to reduced risk-taking in financial markets, limiting BTC’s short-term upside. Analysts at 21Shares believe Bitcoin could still break past $90,000 if recession fears persist, but the current uncertainty is slowing its recovery.

What’s next? - Bitcoin remains in a critical range-bound phase, with key support at $82,000 and resistance near $85,650. Analysts emphasize that BTC needs to reclaim $93,000 to establish a bullish breakout.

Additionally, traders are closely watching the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, where the Fed is expected to provide more clarity on potential interest rate cuts. A dovish stance from the central bank could fuel Bitcoin’s next leg up, while further uncertainty may keep prices subdued.

XRP surges on Franklin Templeton’s ETF bet: Is a breakout coming?

Key points:

  • XRP surges on ETF filing: Franklin Templeton’s XRP ETF application fueled a price surge, with the altcoin recovering 6% in the last 24 hours.

  • MVRV metric signals bottom: Onchain data suggests XRP may have bottomed out, setting the stage for a potential rebound.

News - XRP’s price saw a notable rebound today, climbing 6% to trade at $2.24. The surge follows Franklin Templeton’s filing for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This development has ignited speculation about major institutional inflows into XRP, further boosting investor sentiment.

Franklin Templeton, a major global asset management firm with $1.5 trillion in assets under management, is the latest institution to join the race for an XRP ETF. Other key players like Grayscale, Bitwise, and WisdomTree have also filed applications, though SEC approvals remain pending.

Market participants are optimistic about the potential impact of an XRP ETF, with analysts at JPMorgan predicting billions in capital inflows if the ETF gets the green light. On Polymarket, the odds of a spot XRP ETF approval in 2025 stand at 76%.

On-chain data hints at reversal - Beyond institutional developments, on-chain metrics provide further bullish signals. The Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio—a key metric measuring investor profitability—has plummeted to -16%, a level historically associated with accumulation phases. Similar past dips have preceded major price recoveries for XRP.

Additionally, XRP’s technical setup is forming a V-shaped recovery pattern, a bullish structure that suggests the altcoin could climb to $2.64 if key resistance levels between $2.30 and $2.45 are breached.

What’s next? - Despite recent gains, XRP still faces resistance. Breaking past the $2.45 level will be crucial for the altcoin’s next leg up. A successful ETF approval could serve as a major catalyst for long-term growth, potentially pushing XRP into double-digit price territory, as some analysts predict. However, broader market conditions and SEC regulatory decisions will play a crucial role in determining the asset’s trajectory in the coming months.

Binance secures historic $2B investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX

Key points:

  • Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX has invested $2 billion in Binance, marking the exchange’s first institutional investment.

  • The transaction was fully funded using stablecoins, but Binance did not disclose which stablecoin was used.

News - Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has secured a massive $2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX, a sovereign wealth fund focused on AI and emerging technologies. The investment, which Binance confirmed on March 12, is the first institutional placement in the company’s history.

While Binance did not specify which stablecoin was used in the deal, the investment reinforces its growing relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The firm currently employs around 20% of its 5,000-person workforce in the UAE, where it operates under regulatory frameworks set by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

A milestone for Binance and the crypto industry - This deal represents one of the largest single investments in a crypto exchange, further legitimizing Binance’s role in the digital finance ecosystem. CEO Richard Teng described it as a "significant milestone" that reflects growing institutional confidence in blockchain and digital assets.

“We are excited to announce the first-ever institutional investment in Binance by MGX. This is a significant step in advancing digital asset adoption and reinforcing blockchain’s role in global finance,” Binance stated in a press release.

MGX’s CEO, Ahmed Yahia, emphasized that the investment aligns with the firm’s broader vision of integrating AI, blockchain, and finance to drive digital transformation.

What’s next? - With Binance facing ongoing regulatory scrutiny in various jurisdictions, this investment could help strengthen its standing and expand its services globally. Additionally, the influx of capital may accelerate Binance’s push toward compliance and institutional partnerships.

Despite recent regulatory challenges, Binance remains the dominant crypto exchange, with over $20 billion in daily trading volume. The investment from MGX signals that major institutional players see long-term potential in the exchange and the broader cryptocurrency market.

Did you know

  • Facing a shortage of dollars and fuel, Bolivia's state energy firm, YPFB, has turned to cryptocurrency to pay for energy imports. This move aims to support national fuel subsidies and address the country's depleting foreign currency reserves, marking a significant shift in traditional payment methods for international trade.

  • As of 2025, major banks and fintech firms, including Bank of America, Standard Chartered, and PayPal, are increasingly exploring stablecoins for cross-border payments. Regulatory discussions continue as the financial sector integrates digital assets into mainstream payment systems.

  • In a notable policy shift, President Donald Trump, once a crypto skeptic, signed an executive order to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Funded by Bitcoin forfeited in criminal or civil asset proceedings, this initiative aims to bolster America's position as a global leader in cryptocurrency and reflects the increasing institutional legitimacy of digital assets.

Top 3 coins of the day

Celestia (TIA)

Key points:

  • At press time, TIA was trading at $3.34, reflecting a 4.27% increase over the last 24 hours.

  • Despite a broader downtrend, TIA showedsigns of a short-term recovery as buyers attempted to reclaim lost ground.

What you should know:

TIA saw a moderate rebound, rising by over 4% as traders reacted to recent price stabilization. The 9-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) remained above the price, indicating that bearish pressure was still present. However, the Awesome Oscillator (AO) histogram showed green bars, signaling an early shift in momentum. Despite the uptick, TIA has struggled to sustain upward movements, as seen in its recent price retraction close to its initial launch price levels. Volume levels remained relatively low, suggesting a lack of strong conviction from bulls. If TIA can sustain its current trajectory, the $3.60 resistance level will be crucial to watch, while $3.00 remains a critical support zone. Traders should monitor volume spikes and further AO movement, as a breakout above the SMA could confirm a shift toward a bullish recovery.

Ronin (RON)

Key points:

  • At press time, RON was trading at $0.79, reflecting a 9.19% increase over the last 24 hours.

  • A breakout from the lower Bollinger Band suggested a potential shift in momentum, but resistance at $0.95 remains a key barrier.

What you should know:

RON surged by over 9% as buying activity intensified near the lower Bollinger Band, signaling a potential reversal. The MACD remained in negative territory, but its histogram showed signs of weakening bearish momentum, indicating that sellers were losing dominance. Trading volume spiked, reinforcing the idea that investors were stepping in at lower price levels. Notwithstanding the short-term bullish push, RON has been in a sustained downtrend for months. The $0.95 resistance level will be a crucial test for further gains, while $0.65 remains a key support zone in case of another pullback. Traders should monitor whether the MACD lines attempt a bullish crossover, as this could validate further upside potential.

Maker (MKR)

Key points:

  • At press time, MKR was trading at $1,064, reflecting a 6.26% decline over the last 24 hours.

  • The price dropped below the midline of the Bollinger Bands, with the RSI at 37.80 signaling growing bearish pressure.

What you should know:

MKR extended its downtrend as selling pressure intensified, pushing the price below the midline of the Bollinger Bands, indicating a continued bearish bias. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) dropped closer to the oversold region, reflecting weaker momentum and reduced buying interest. In spite of the recent recovery attempts, MKR faced resistance around $1,200, a level it struggled to maintain before sellers regained control. If selling pressure persists, the lower Bollinger Band at $1,039 could act as immediate support, while a breach below this level might push the price toward $980 as the next major support zone. A reversal would require a sustained push above $1,150, with increased buying volume to confirm renewed bullish momentum.

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