The News Tribune Weekly!
Great to have you here for another edition of our weekly newsletter, where we explore the most relevant and fast-moving topics shaping our economic and digital world.
Without further ado, let’s move on to point 1!
Crypto Interest Shows Signs of Recovery as Google Searches Climb
After months of cooling enthusiasm across the cryptocurrency market, early signs suggest that public interest may be returning. Following a prolonged decline in Bitcoin’s price, excitement surrounding digital assets also faded, with fewer people searching for crypto-related topics online. However, new data indicates that this trend could be changing.
According to blockchain analytics platform Alphractal, Google searches for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other leading cryptocurrencies are beginning to increase again. While search activity remains far below the levels recorded during previous market highs, the gradual rise points to renewed curiosity among investors and the wider public.
Growing Interest Signals a Shift in Sentiment
Google Trends has long been used as a useful indicator of market sentiment because it reflects what people are actively searching for. In the crypto industry, rising search volume often suggests growing interest, increased discussion, and the possibility of more participants entering the market.
Alphractal noted that although current search levels are still well below the periods of intense excitement seen during earlier bull markets, the recent increase is worth paying attention to. Rather than signalling excessive hype, the data may indicate that confidence is slowly returning after an extended period of caution.
Retail Investors Could Be Returning
One of the most notable takeaways from the latest data is the possibility that retail investors are becoming active again. Historically, renewed interest from individual investors has played an important role in supporting broader market recoveries.
While higher Google search volumes do not guarantee a sustained price rally, they often serve as an early indicator of changing market sentiment. If the current trend continues, it could signal that confidence is gradually returning to the cryptocurrency market, potentially laying the foundation for stronger participation as market conditions improve.
🏛️ Wall Street Tightens Its Grip on the Crypto Market
The cryptocurrency market is looking more like traditional finance than ever before. According to a new report from Wintermute, institutional investors are now playing a much bigger role in shaping crypto trading, liquidity, and investment trends. Their growing presence is not only changing how the market operates but also making it more structured, with capital flowing into a smaller group of digital assets.
📈 Institutions are driving the market
Professional investors accounted for 72% of over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading volume in the first half of 2026, up from 61% in the second half of 2025. The sharp increase signals that institutions are becoming the dominant force in crypto trading, while retail participation has taken a back seat.
Unlike individual traders who often react to short-term price swings, institutional investors typically follow long-term strategies with stricter risk management. As a result, more money is flowing into highly liquid cryptocurrencies, reducing speculative trading and giving the market a more stable structure.
₿ Bitcoin steadies as altcoin rallies become more selective
One of the clearest signs of this shift is Bitcoin’s declining volatility. Wintermute found that Bitcoin’s realised volatility has fallen to around 45%, compared with nearly 70% in previous market cycles. This suggests that long-term investment strategies are gradually replacing the rapid buying and selling that once defined the market.
The report also notes that institutional money is becoming increasingly concentrated in a handful of cryptocurrencies. Instead of lifting the entire altcoin market during rallies, capital is now flowing into projects that meet stricter liquidity and risk standards. That means future bull runs may benefit fewer cryptocurrencies, leaving many smaller tokens struggling to attract investor attention.
🚀 Derivatives and tokenisation fuel crypto’s next phase
The market is also becoming more sophisticated beyond spot trading. Wintermute reported that altcoin options trading grew by roughly 3.4 times between the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026, as investors increasingly used derivatives for hedging and yield strategies rather than simple speculation.
Meanwhile, tokenised real-world assets expanded to about $31 billion, while average monthly transfer volumes climbed past $9 billion. Institutions are leading this trend by focusing on tokenised Treasury bonds, money market funds, and private credit.
Overall, the report suggests Wall Street’s influence on crypto is no longer temporary. While retail investors may become more active during the next bull market, institutional capital is expected to remain the primary force shaping prices, liquidity, and the future direction of the digital asset industry.
Weekly Recap: The Headlines That Made a Splash!
Like every Monday, here’s your pick of last week’s crypto news that you absolutely shouldn’t have missed!
However, if you’re the type who likes to stay updated every day, we’ve got just the thing for you. We’ve set up a Daily on our Substack. In just five minutes, you’ll be fully in the loop on everything happening in the crypto world! 😎
🪙 USDT reaches a new milestone in global adoption
USDT has reached a new record for global adoption as the stablecoin continues expanding across payments, trading and cross-border transactions. Its growing circulation reflects increasing demand from both retail users and institutions seeking faster digital settlement solutions. The stablecoin is now widely used across multiple blockchain networks, cryptocurrency exchanges and decentralized finance applications, supporting a growing range of digital transactions worldwide.
👉 Read the article
🇷🇺 Russia extends crypto-mining restrictions to Moscow and Kursk
Russia is expanding its cryptocurrency mining restrictions by extending the ban to Moscow and the Kursk region. The decision is intended to address pressure on electricity infrastructure as authorities continue regulating energy-intensive mining operations. The new measures add to existing regional restrictions already applied across several parts of the country.
👉 Read the article
🤖 AI and stablecoins could reinforce the US dollar's global role
The growing adoption of artificial intelligence and dollar-backed stablecoins could strengthen the international role of the US dollar across digital finance. As AI systems automate financial services and payment processes, stablecoins linked to the dollar are becoming increasingly integrated into global digital transactions. Financial institutions and technology companies are exploring new applications for these technologies in payments, settlement and digital commerce.
👉 Read the article
💸 FTX advances another phase of customer repayments
FTX is continuing its large-scale repayment program for former customers as the bankruptcy administration moves forward with additional distributions. The reimbursement process follows earlier payment rounds and remains focused on eligible claimants under the court-approved restructuring plan. Administrators continue processing outstanding claims, managing recovered assets and preparing future distributions.
👉 Read the article
🐻 Ethereum rally faces a new bearish signal
Ethereum has gained more than 30%, but a bearish technical signal has emerged. The indicator appears as the cryptocurrency trades near recent highs, prompting traders to monitor its next move. Technical indicators and key price levels are now in focus as the market evaluates whether the recent momentum can continue.
👉 Read the article
🏛️ CLARITY Act secures support from the SEC
The CLARITY Act has received support from the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The endorsement comes as lawmakers continue reviewing the bill, which aims to establish a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets. The proposal remains under discussion in Congress.
👉 Read the article
📉 Crypto firms that survived 2022 are closing in 2026
Several crypto companies that survived the 2022 market crash are shutting down in 2026. After remaining operational through one of the industry's toughest periods, they have decided to cease their activities. Their closures come despite having weathered the previous market downturn.
👉 Read the article
⚖️ Apple sued over fake Bitcoin app linked to $1.8 million theft
Apple is facing a lawsuit after a fake Bitcoin application available through the App Store was allegedly used in a theft totaling $1.8 million. The complaint questions the company’s app review process and how the fraudulent application was approved for distribution.
👉 Read the article
That’s the end of our weekly roundup! 😄
A big thank you for reading. We’ll see you next Monday with even more juicy news from the crypto world!
The Newsletter does not provide investment advice, nor does it offer recommendations to buy or sell financial securities. Any opinions or views that the Newsletter may express in the course of its research activities, particularly regarding markets and/or financial instruments, cannot be held financially liable. Any paid promotions will always be clearly indicated so as not to mislead the reader.
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