Gold is projected to surpass $3,000 per ounce in 2025, driven by strong macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.

At the heart of gold's potential surge is the current macroeconomic landscape that’s characterized by persistent inflation and anticipated monetary policy shifts. Inflation rates in the U.S. are expected to remain above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, creating an environment in which gold is expected to serve as a crucial hedge against currency devaluation. When inflation erodes purchasing power, investors often turn to gold to preserve their wealth.

Moreover, the Federal Reserve has signaled a shift toward monetary easing, with market expectations indicating potential interest rate cuts in the coming months. Lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding gold, making it a more attractive investment as compared to interest-bearing assets, such as bonds and savings accounts. With real interest rates projected to remain low or even go negative, gold could experience renewed demand as a safe store of value.

Geopolitical tensions further bolster gold’s appeal. Ongoing conflicts, particularly the strained U.S.-China relationship and the Russia-Ukraine war, create an atmosphere of uncertainty that drives investors toward safe-haven assets. During times of geopolitical instability, gold has historically seen increased demand as investors seek to mitigate risks associated with market volatility.

As global tensions escalate, the demand for gold is likely to rise, reinforcing its status as a reliable hedge against financial instability. Investors tend to flock to gold during crises, viewing it as a secure asset that retains its intrinsic value, especially when other markets are under pressure.

Another significant factor contributing to the bullish outlook for gold is the unprecedented demand from central banks around the world. In 2024, central banks collectively purchased over 1,000 metric tons of gold, marking one of the highest levels of accumulation in recent history. This trend is expected to continue into 2025, particularly among countries like China and Russia that are actively reducing their reliance on U.S. dollar reserves as part of a broader de-dollarization strategy.

This central bank buying provides a strong structural support for gold prices, minimizing downside risks. As these institutions accumulate more gold, the resulting scarcity in the market could lead to higher prices. The growing demand from central banks underscores the renewed confidence in gold as a strategic reserve asset, especially amidst economic volatility and geopolitical tensions.

From a technical perspective, gold is currently in a robust uptrend, trading above key moving averages and nearing critical resistance levels. If gold successfully breaks through the psychological barrier of $3,000 per ounce, momentum could carry it toward higher price targets, potentially reaching $3,200 or even $3,500. 

, such as relative strength index (RSI) and moving average convergence divergence (MACD), suggest that gold remains in a bullish phase, indicating further upside potential.

As gold approaches these key resistance points, technical traders will closely monitor its price movements. A successful breach of the $3,000 level could trigger momentum buying, propelling prices higher as investor confidence grows.

Finally, rising investor sentiment plays a crucial role in gold’s potential price surge. Increased inflows into gold-backed 

 (ETFs), in addition to speculative positioning in futures markets, reflect strong confidence among both retail and institutional investors. As ETF holdings rise, it signals renewed interest in gold as a safe-haven investment.

This optimism is bolstered by a general shift in market sentiment as investors are increasingly turning to gold amid concerns over economic stability and inflation. The combination of robust technical indicators, macroeconomic pressures and favorable investor sentiment positions gold favorably for a significant price increase in 2025.

In summary, gold is well-positioned to reach $3,000 per ounce in 2025, driven by a combination of persistent inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, strong central bank demand and positive technical indicators. As investors seek refuge in safe-haven assets, gold’s intrinsic value and historical performance during times of crisis will make it an attractive option for preserving wealth. The confluence of these factors suggests that gold's upward trajectory could continue, making 2025 a pivotal year for this precious metal.

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Bybit Commodity Insight Report: Why Gold Is Poised to Reach $3,000 in 2025

Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events, the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume, as well as futures, options and perpetual contracts.

Macro headwinds are impacting the crypto market, with a sell-off that began over the weekend deepening this week. BTC, ETH and most altcoins are declining alongside equities, gold and treasury yields, though derivatives markets are showing little bearish sentiment or increased volatility expectations. Among perpetuals, there are record consistent positive rates across most markets, indicating a reset in positioning. Meanwhile, ETH retains a volatility premium over BTC, but its term structure hasn’t inverted as sharply as in earlier sell-offs this month.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Funding Rates Largely Positive Amid Sell-Off

Despite risk-off sentiment across asset classes this weekend and early this past week, USDT-denominated perpetual contracts have shown their most consistently positive funding rates within the past month. While these rates haven't reached the bullish levels of early December 2024, most have returned to a neutral level of 0.01%, signaling a reset in positioning due to recent market movements.

Tuesday's intensified risk-off sell-off led to a significant spike in BTC put trade volume as traders hedged against further declines. Unlike ETH, which leans bullish on calls, BTC's open interest is balanced between upside and downside protection. The volatility term structure is flat again, typical during sharp market moves, but this reflects a decline in longer-dated options, rather than a rise in short-term expectations.

As the sell-off in risk-on assets deepened this past week, ETH outperformed BTC. ETH derivatives markets are showing stronger sentiment, with higher call trade volumes indicating greater demand for upside positioning as compared to puts. However, ETH's volatility term structure has inverted more sharply than BTC's, as seen in previous significant market moves since last November (2024), with front-end volatility levels 15 points above those of BTC options with a similar tenor.

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Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Feb 26, 2025): Reset in Sentiment Brewing as Fund Rates Turn Positive

Explore four essential tips to help you accumulate more points, optimize your strategy and claim the best rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge.

With the rise of gamified crypto events, EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge stands out as one of the most exciting opportunities for users to earn rewards while engaging with both Bybit and Mantle Network. This limited-time event offers participants a shot at a 1,000,000 MNT prize pool when they complete on-chain and trading-related tasks. 

To help you maximize your rewards and ensure you get the most out of this event, in this guide we’ll break down four essential tips to help you accumulate more points, optimize your strategy and claim the best rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge.

EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is a limited-time campaign that rewards participants with a share of a 1,000,000 MNT prize pool when they complete both Bybit and on-chain tasks. Players earn "wishes" that can be used to enter Lucky Draws or climb the leaderboard for greater rewards.

This campaign, hosted by Bybit in collaboration with Mantle, blends gamification with 

 engagement, offering users multiple ways to win. Participants can choose to rely on chance via the Lucky Draw or strategically allocate their wishes to compete on the leaderboard. The event runs from Mar 6, 2025 to Mar 27, 2025, making it a limited-time opportunity to accumulate rewards while exploring the Mantle ecosystem.

4 Tips to Maximize Your Wishes and Rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge

To make the most out of EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge, you need to strategize your wish allocation, complete as many tasks as possible and take advantage of all available earning mechanisms. Here are four essential tips to maximize your rewards:

One of the best ways to earn high-value rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is by competing on the leaderboard. There are a total of five rounds, and the rewards are higher with each passing round. 

The more wishes you allocate toward leaderboard rankings, the higher your position and the larger your rewards. However, since the leaderboard is dynamic, your rank can change based on the activity of other participants.

Since leaderboard positions fluctuate, it’s recommended that you monitor your ranking regularly and adjust your strategy accordingly. Players who accumulate the most wishes by the end of each leaderboard round will receive the greatest rewards.

 that each round’s rewards and wishes are calculated independently, and any wishes spent in a round won’t carry over to the next round.

If you prefer an element of surprise, the Lucky Draw is your best bet. By spending wishes on Lucky Draw attempts, you earn the chance to win instant prizes. The Lucky Draw operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you participate, the better your chances of securing top-tier rewards.

Since rewards are limited, it's advisable to use your wishes early before the top prizes run out.

An easy way to earn free points in this campaign is by holding Mantle (MNT) and/or Mantle Restaked ETH (cmETH) in your Bybit account. By simply keeping these assets in your wallet, you’ll receive additional wishes, increasing your chances of winning more rewards.

This passive method of earning wishes ensures that you accumulate extra points without actively completing tasks, making it one of the simplest ways to boost your rewards.

Another hidden gem for doubling your rewards in EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is through Layer 3. Participants who complete specific Layer 3 quests will receive extra bonuses, including double rewards on certain tasks.

By leveraging Layer 3 bonuses, you can significantly boost your total wish count, increasing your chances of securing leaderboard positions or hitting big wins in the Lucky Draw.

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to engage with the Mantle ecosystem, EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is definitely an event worth joining. With 1,000,000 MNT up for grabs, both casual users and seasoned traders can benefit from this campaign.

The event's dual-reward system allows participants to tailor their strategy based on their preferences. Whether you enjoy the thrill of luck-based rewards or prefer the competitive edge of leaderboard climbing, this campaign offers something for everyone.

Additionally, holding MNT and cmETH provides passive earnings, while Layer 3 integration presents an opportunity for double rewards — making the experience even more lucrative for active participants.

EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge is a limited-time, gamified rewards campaign that blends trading, staking and on-chain interactions. By completing tasks, holding Mantle assets and strategically using your wishes, you can maximize your rewards and secure your share of the 1,000,000 MNT prize pool.

This event runs from Mar 6, 2025 to 27, 2025, so now is the best time to get started. Are you ready to explore the Mantle ecosystem and claim your rewards? Join EcoGalaxy: Mantle Surge today!

Beginner

how to participate in ecogalaxy mantle surge

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Join Bybit’s AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle, vote for top AI projects and compete for a share of a $1M prize pool. Earn rewards while shaping the future of AI in crypto.

The Bybit AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle is an exciting and innovative trading and voting event that aims to identify and support high-potential AI projects within the cryptocurrency space.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize blockchain technology, this competition offers users a unique opportunity to engage with emerging AI-driven crypto projects while earning substantial rewards of up to $1 million.

 (AI) and cryptocurrency is reshaping blockchain and 

 — autonomous programs powered by machine learning — are revolutionizing the sector by automating trading strategies, optimizing portfolio management and executing on-chain decisions with minimal human input.

These intelligent agents analyze vast datasets, identify market trends and execute trades in real time, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing risks in the volatile crypto market. Their role extends beyond trading, influencing DeFi protocols, NFT markets and blockchain governance.

Bybit is at the forefront of this AI-driven transformation, launching the 

 to spotlight high-potential AI projects. This event provides a launchpad for groundbreaking AI applications, connecting innovators with a global crypto audience.

What Is the Bybit AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle?

Bybit is launching a unique AI trading event designed to highlight the most promising AI-driven crypto projects.

AI is revolutionizing crypto markets, with automated trading bots now executing over 60% of all crypto transactions. The integration of AI and blockchain is unlocking new trading strategies, DeFi innovations and web3 applications, making the AI sector one of the most promising in crypto.

Bybit’s AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle bridges AI and blockchain, providing a global stage for emerging projects to gain exposure to a global audience. Participants play an active role in shaping the future of AI in crypto while earning rewards.

How to Participate in the AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle

Campaign Period: Feb 28, 2025, 10AM UTC – Mar 27, 2025, 10AM UTC

Bybit users can support AI projects and earn rewards by participating in this AI-powered trading competition. Here's a step-by-step guide to joining:

Projects earn voting points from the following ways:

By actively trading and voting, participants not only have a chance to earn from the $1 million prize pool, but will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI in the crypto industry.

Bybit's AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle offers an exciting $1 million prize pool, with multiple ways for participants to win rewards.

*Note that to win the prizes, there is a minimum number of voting points required. For example, to win the largest prize of $50,000, 600,000 voting points are required. Refer to the event page for more details. 

The breakdown of how votes are allocated for Bybit Spot is as follows:

The breakdown of how votes are allocated for Bybit Web3 is as follows:

The maximum number of daily votes that a user can receive is 100,400 (50,200 for Bybit Spot and Web3 respectively).

By trading, voting and engaging in the competition, participants not only support innovative AI projects but also receive a chance to maximize their earnings in this high-stakes trading battle.

Bybit's AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle offers a distinctive platform that connects cryptocurrency traders with AI innovators. Participants are invited to support leading AI projects, earn attractive rewards and contribute to shaping the future of AI within the crypto ecosystem. 

 and be part of the AI-driven revolution on Bybit!

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How to Participate in Bybit’s AI-DOL SUPERSTAR Trading Battle

Blockchain

Altcoins

Explainers

Bittensor is a decentralized marketplace that brings together providers and consumers of ML algorithms and models.

Since 2023, AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) algorithms have been taking the business world by storm. And even with the commence of the new year in 2024, the 

symbiotic integration of AI and ML continues to be a driving force, reshaping how businesses operate, make decisions, and engage with their customers. 

The blockchain industry isn’t indifferent to the current AI revolution we’re all witnessing. A number of crypto projects are actively leveraging AI and ML models to deliver decentralized, blockchain-based solutions.

One of the most exciting projects in this rapidly growing niche is Bittensor (TAO), a platform that can be described as a massive decentralized ML computer. More precisely, the Bittensor protocol is a decentralized machine learning network where miners provide access to their ML algorithms and models, while clients use the outputs of these algorithms and models for their own applications.

 (TAO) is a decentralized machine learning protocol that acts as a marketplace for providers and users of algorithms in the domains of AI and ML.

 Miners provide the algorithms by contributing their processing power and ML models to the network. Clients who require ML algorithms as inputs for their own solutions pay in the protocol’s native crypto token, TAO, for access to them. Currently, clients can access ML models across more than 30 various domains, including some of the most popular ones such as text prompting, machine translation, data scraping, image generation, time series prediction and more.

Bittensor’s ML providers don’t operate in isolation. The models communicate over the network to exchange data and provide the best possible solutions to clients' queries.

A competitive process in action selects the best model when Bittensor’s miners handle client requests for ML computations. The miners’ individual solutions are assessed for the quality of the solutions provided. Those who consistently provide the most accurate solutions to client queries can expect more rewards from their work. This competitive process ensures clients can obtain the most accurate solutions to their ML queries.

Bittensor was originally built using Substrate, a blockchain development framework within the 

 (DOT) ecosystem. From its November 2021 launch to March 2023, the platform operated as one of the numerous 

 linked to Polkadot. Since March 2023, Bittensor has used its own blockchain network, which is optimized for ML computation and use cases.

The key aim of the Bittensor project is to make ML and AI models and algorithms available to a broader user base. While sophisticated AI and ML models are being introduced every month, access to them is often reserved for corporations with deep pockets and solid in-house expertise. By providing a decentralized and affordable network of ML algorithms, Bittensor democratizes access to these solutions, making them available for small businesses, technology startups, boutique analytics consultancies and even solopreneurs involved in the field of AI and ML technologies. As a result of opening the network to more people, AI and ML technologies will experience a rapid acceleration in growth.

Another aim of Bittensor’s platform is to provide ML computation without the need for massive hardware to handle it. In order to work effectively, ML models typically require a tremendous amount of computational power. By providing a decentralized platform where computation takes place on miners’ computers, Bittensor relieves clients from the need to own powerful (and expensive) hardware.

Finally, Bittensor promotes further R&D in the field of ML, thanks to the exchange of data between miners’ algorithms. The competitive nature of algorithm selection used by Bittensor improves the quality of ML output delivered to clients. It also helps miners improve their models through the learning and adaptation process.

Providers of ML algorithms first need to join Bittensor by applying as miners. A miner on the protocol is somewhat different from the archetypical blockchain miner you would encounter on 

 cryptocurrencies. Miners on Bittensor mine crypto by providing their algorithms to clients’ requests. They do later participate in the block validation activity, but the actual consensus mechanism on the Bittensor network isn’t based on Bitcoin-style 

After a node is registered as a miner, it’s assigned to a specific subtensor/subnet most relevant to the type of ML algorithms it provides. Bittensor offers a variety of subnets, such as text generation, text training, storage, audio, image generation, predictive analytics and more. When a client requires some ML computations, the request is directed to the subnet most aligned for the task. 

Client requests are processed in a distributed fashion, with multiple miner nodes interacting with each other and offering their inputs.

 mechanism can be described as a two-step process. First, there’s the consensus related to the best output provided to a client request. As noted earlier, Bittensor uses a competitive process called 

 to select the most accurate model for a request. It rewards miners who contribute higher quality models to the network and, as a result, have a higher chance of being selected to validate transaction blocks. Given how computationally demanding machine intelligence algorithms are, successful miners are typically required to contribute a significant amount of processing power to the network.

The elements of a competitive race (on this platform, in the form of algorithm selection) and computational power expenditure make this first step of Bittensor’s consensus quite similar to PoW. A classic PoW system also features a race to solve a computational puzzle and significant processing power expenditures. However, this PoW-like step of Bittensor’s consensus isn’t designed to add validated blocks to the network’s ledger.

The actual block validation activity occurs in the second step of the overall consensus process. Miners selected at the first step (PoI) for their quality ML contributions get the chance to validate transaction blocks. The second step of Bittensor’s consensus represents classic 

 (PoS) validation. Miners need to stake their TAO funds on the platform to participate in block validation activity. Additionally, TAO holders can delegate their staked TAO to a subnet validator and earn a portion of their staking rewards.

The two-step consensus mechanism makes Bittensor a unique platform in the blockchain world. Very few chains or protocols are based on such a combination of what is essentially a “quasi-PoW” and a PoS algorithm.

In addition to Bittensor’s PoW-like mechanism in the first step of its consensus process, it has also modeled its native cryptocurrency’s 

 to closely resemble those of Bitcoin. For these reasons, Bittensor is often compared to the world’s largest cryptocurrency network. However, the PoW process employed by Bittensor is very different from Bitcoin’s own PoW.

First of all, miners on Bittensor provide their computing power to enable ML algorithms on the network. In contrast, Bitcoin miners use their computational resources to solve a random puzzle. The laborious PoW process on Bitcoin is designed to secure the network against takeovers, prevent spam and add transaction blocks to the ledger. While all of these are noble responsibilities, mining activity on Bitcoin doesn’t provide any qualitative input into the system beyond ensuring its security and viability.

Secondly, Bitcoin miners add actual transaction blocks to the blockchain via the PoW process. Bittensor miners, whose primary role is to provide ML algorithms, might also end up validating blocks if they’re successful enough at the algorithm provision stage. Hence, the actual validation of blocks on Bittensor is based on PoS, not PoW.

It should also be noted that Bitcoin was created as a chain for secure, decentralized cryptocurrency transfers and storage, nothing more than that. On the other hand, Bittensor offers a platform that focuses on specific applications of AI and ML algorithms, not just asset transfers and storage.

As the Bittensor platform's native cryptocurrency, the TAO token is a critical element of its ecosystem. Miners can earn TAO by providing their ML algorithms to client queries, and clients use TAO to pay for access to ML algorithms and processing. The token is also used in the 

 process to validate transaction blocks. Miners selected as validators need to stake TAO in order to participate in generating blocks. Platform users can also delegate TAO to active validators to earn a share of block rewards.

TAO’s tokenomics closely resembles that of BTC. Like BTC, TAO is a capped crypto with a maximum supply of 21 million. Currently, the token’s total and circulating supplies stand at around 5.97 million. The entire supply of 21 million tokens is scheduled to be fully released via block rewards by 2046. And just as with Bitcoin, TAO has 

Currently, miners and validators share one TAO per block between them as a reward. The first halving event is scheduled to take place in September 2025, with subsequent halving events occurring every four years.

Earlier, we noted that the last step of Bittensor’s consensus mechanism involves typical PoS validation. The platform also supports stake delegation. You can easily stake your TAO funds on the platform by delegating them to your preferred validator.

You don’t need to join the platform as a miner or user of ML algorithms to participate in staking. Anyone can acquire TAO tokens from the market and stake them via the delegation process to earn crypto rewards. One great feature of TAO staking is that it’s noncustodial, which means you can unstake at any time. Unlike many other PoS platforms, Bittensor staking involves no minimum lockup periods, which makes TAO staking very flexible.

If you choose to stake TAO, you’ll need to use one of the supported crypto wallets. Besides its own native wallet, as of mid-December 2023 Bittensor supports two others for TAO staking — Polkadot-JS and Talisman. 

As of Jan 4, 2024, TAO Bittensor was trading at $246.46, or 37.3% lower than its all-time high of $394 achieved on Dec 14, 2023. That price is also 701.1% higher than its all-time low of $30.83, registered on May 14, 2023.

The token’s rapid ascent began in late October, buoyed by the increasing enthusiasm for AI-focused blockchain solutions. Between Oct 24, 2023, when the token traded at around $52, and Dec 14, 2023, TAO appreciated by 570%. Nevertheless, the bullish sentiment for Bittensor TAO has faded slightly since Dec 14, as its price has gradually declined from almost $400.

Long-term forecasts for TAO are bullish. DigitalCoinPrice 

 the token will rise to $654.29 in 2025 and $1,892.65 in 2030, while PricePrediction 

 at $587.04 in 2025 and $3,912.78 in 2030. Nevertheless, if you plan to invest in TAO, it’s important to conduct 

 and evaluate its growth potential before making your investment decision, despite the token’s current buoyant performance and confident long-term forecasts.

Currently, AI and ML are probably the fastest-growing technological areas, and projects that synergize these technologies with blockchain are experiencing unprecedented growth. As one of the most innovative and sophisticated ML projects, Bittensor is among the biggest beneficiaries of this boom. The future looks bright for Bittensor and its TAO token. Because the current wave of AI and ML popularity is unlikely to abate any time soon, Bittensor’s platform is well-positioned to take advantage of current developments.

Bittensor’s key strength is that it isn’t just another venture jumping on the AI bandwagon. The platform offers a valuable and rare service that benefits both the end-users of ML algorithms and providers of the technology. Moreover, Bittensor advances machine learning science by allowing a decentralized exchange of data between model providers. ML models on the network communicate and learn from each other, improving their accuracy and capability. As such, Bittensor is quickly shaping up as one of the prominent forces at the junction of AI and blockchain. With the growing synergy between these technologies, we’ll likely hear more about Bittensor in 2024 and beyond.

Bittensor (TAO): Pioneering Decentralized Machine Learning

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards