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'The industry isn't dying, it's splitting into two different models': What experts are saying about the EA buyout
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‘The industry isn’t dying, it’s splitting into two different models’: What experts are saying about the EA buyout

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The leveraged buyout of EA, which will see private equity firms and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund take control of the megapublisher for $55 billion (and saddle it with $20 billion in debt), has us all wondering what the new owners are going to do with it.

As games industry analyst Mat Piscatella said this week, no one really knows, but the speculation we’re hearing from analysts and corporate finance experts is that EA’s new owners aren’t likely to shake things up in the immediate future, and will probably do what you’d expect: focus on its existing live service moneymakers as it pays off that $20 billion in debt.

Philip Alberstat, managing director at DBD Investment Bank, doesn’t foresee a Toys ‘R’ Us-style descent into bankruptcy as a result of the new debt on EA’s balance sheet.


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“EA generates approximately $7.5 billion annually from franchises like Apex Legends, Battlefield, and FIFA [now EA Sports FC],” said Alberstat. “That flow of cash gives EA a real capacity to service the $20 billion in debt. The Toys ‘R’ Us comparison gets thrown around, but in reality that was a dying retailer. EA has sustainable revenue from live services across multiple platforms.”

Beyond its sports games, being freed from the scrutiny of public investors could “in theory give EA breathing space to push innovation in new IP and titles,” says Phylicia Koh, general partner at investment firm Play Ventures, but Newzoo director of market intelligence Emmanuel Rosier—a former EA strategist himself—also notes that “consolidation often brings more cautious portfolio management.”

“Publishers may double down on proven franchises rather than taking risks on experimental projects, which could narrow the creative pipeline over time,” wrote Rosier in a recent newsletter about the buyout.

EA’s biggest moneymakers are unsurprisingly its sports games, according to Newzoo. (Image credit: Newzoo)

Consolidation, and the resulting layoffs and studio closures, has been the theme of the 2020s games industry, with Microsoft, Tencent, Embracer and others snapping up studios left and right. Rosier says that “opportunities may grow for AA studios and indie developers to stand out” as a result of that trend. That’s the thinking of Alberstat, as well, who says that gaming is “moving into a new phase where the biggest players need serious capital to compete,” and are even more risk averse as a result.

“We’ll see more consolidation at the top, but also more room for focused studios doing what large publishers can’t: taking chances on new ideas,” said Alberstat on gaming’s future. “The industry isn’t dying, it’s splitting into two different models. You have capital-intensive blockbusters on one side and creative independent development on the other. Both can thrive. The question is whether the consolidation leaves enough buyers in the market when those independent studios are ready to exit.”

On the topic of what large publishers will and won’t take a chance on, BioWare is in a precarious position. EA already tried to get the struggling RPG studio to make a live service hit with Anthem and it didn’t work, and it’s hard to imagine the politically progressive Mass Effect and Dragon Age creator thriving under the ownership of Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia. Its staff is worried.

Judging by Saudi Arabia’s acquisition of mobile developer Scopely, EA may be allowed to operate independently “in the short-medium term,” Koh said, adding however that the publisher has a challenge ahead as it balances the wants of its three primary owners: “I imagine PIF will want some job creation for the Saudi market.”

For Rosier, “the future of Battlefield, The Sims, Apex Legends, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age is less clear” than the future of the sports games at the top of the pile. “These IPs could be streamlined, spun out, or restructured through partnerships, depending on how the new owners assess profitability and growth potential, as well as the post-closing portfolio decisions,” he said.

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Wall Street’s RWA bet could break on crypto infrastructure
Crypto Trends

but experts warn of risks

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The IPO wave is sweeping through crypto. However, experts warn that Wall Street exposure brings both opportunities and risks.

Summary

  • Wall Street exposure brings potential centralization risks
  • Stablecoins are becoming a core part of the financial infrastructure
  • Firms will have to navigate increased regulatory scrutiny

The crypto industry no longer operates on the fringes. The latest fundraising efforts and IPOs have shown an increasing appetite for systemic players that benefit from favorable regulation. This includes Circle’s blockbuster IPO, Tether’s reported fundraising at a staggering $500 billion valuation, and Kraken’s pre-IPO bid to secure $500 million in funding.

For some, this is a sign of the industry’s legitimacy. However, some experts warn about questions of decentralization and governance as crypto meets Wall Street’s standards.

“Circle’s USDC IPO earlier this year demonstrated that mainstream investors are now willing to pay a premium for exposure to regulated digital assets platforms when its stock climbed tenfold from $30 to $300,” said Farzam Ehsani, CEO and co-founder of VALR told crypto.news.

Ehsani added that similar moves by Tether and Kraken show investor appetite for well-regulated crypto firms that provide critical infrastructure. However, he also noted that Wall Street’s involvement creates added risks of centralization, which can impact innovation as shareholders pursue narrow interests.

Crypto is becoming core financial infrastructure

According to Shawn Young, chief analyst at MEXC Research, the IPO wave shows that the crypto industry is becoming a core part of financial infrastructure, especially for stablecoins.

“The macro narrative is equally compelling. Stablecoins in circulation are already collectively valued at over $296 billion and now account for over 1% of the U.S M2 money liquidity supply,” Young said. “CITI projects stablecoins to hit $4 trillion in a bull market scenario by 2030,” he added.

Lionel Iruk, senior advisor to Nav Markets and managing partner at Empire Legal, points out that further integration with Wall Street will bring both legitimacy and scrutiny. Under these conditions, firms will have to balance innovation with transparency.

“Public listing and fundraising bring heightened shareholder operational scrutiny, demanding rigorous reporting, governance, and adherence to securities laws across multiple jurisdictions,” Lionel Iruk, Nav Markets.



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Best Record Players for 2025: Top Turntables Tested by CNET Experts
Gaming Gear

Best Record Players for 2025: Top Turntables Tested by CNET Experts

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The Audio-Technica offers a carbon-fiber tonearm.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Design

There are four main elements to a turntable: the plinth (or base), the platter on which the vinyl record sits, the motor and the arm. The best designs offer extended bracing and isolation between each of these elements to reduce the noise, which can affect the sound quality of the vinyl.

Motor

Generally, modern record players are powered in one of two different ways: belt drive and direct drive. Direct drive has a dedicated motor that spins the platter directly, and this design is almost exclusively used by DJs — in turntables such as the Technics SL1200. Belt drive models are more consumer-focused and use a motor-driven rubber belt to spin the platter. Belt drive is designed to reduce the noise over direct-drive designs by absorbing motor vibrations which could otherwise be picked up by the stylus. All of the record players in this list offer a belt drive.

Cartridge

A cartridge is the small “box” mounted to the end of the tonearm on your record player. It includes the stylus (or needle) that lowers onto the vinyl itself. The best turntables feature a user-replaceable cartridge, which allows you to experiment with a higher-quality cartridge (such as an Ortofon 2M Red) to produce a better sound.

Speed switch

Another convenience feature to look for include an electronic speed switch which means no more removing the platter to change speeds. If you play a lot of singles, or own audiophile pressings. then you will likely want a hardware switch to choose between 33 1/3 and 45.

Preamp

A switchable, onboard preamp that enables you to use a better phono stage. Unlike most types of players, a turntable needs a preamp to bring music up to “line level.” Otherwise it will sound like pixies singing in a cave. External preamps are generally required for some vintage models as well as intermediate and high-end turntables that sell at a higher price. If you’re looking to keep costs low and convenience high, you may want to consider a turntable with a built-in preamp that then connects to any speaker or receiver. CNET contributor Steve Guttenberg recommends the $100 Schiit Mani phono preamp as a quality budget option.

Additional features

Many modern record players come equipped with features including Bluetooth pairing and USB connectivity.

Price

Turntables start at around $50 and can cost as much as a mortgage payment, but the good ones start at around $300. Audiophile-quality models start from $1,000. This list contains plenty of options, including budget models, to help you stay within your budget.



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Trump and RFK Jr. Blame Tylenol For Autism in New Report, but Experts Push Back
Gaming Gear

Trump and RFK Jr. Blame Tylenol For Autism in New Report, but Experts Push Back

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President Donald Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have officially found scapegoats to blame for rising rates of reported autism cases. In a report published today by HHS, the government has linked the use of acetaminophen (better known as Tylenol) during pregnancy to the neurodevelopmental condition.

Trump made the announcement at a news conference Tuesday afternoon, though the Wall Street Journal was the first to break the news on the expected findings earlier this month. The report singles out acetaminophen use and folate deficiency as possible autism causes and even suggests a specific drug used to improve the latter—leucovorin—as a potential autism treatment.

“Taking Tylenol is not good—I’ll say it, it’s not good,” Trump stated decidedly during the conference, though he went on to admit that there are no safer alternative over-the-counter painkillers for pregnant women to take. RFK Jr., meanwhile, stated that the FDA will be taking formal steps to add a safety label to acetaminophen products warning of its supposed autism risk, while HHS will be conducting a public health campaign to highlight the link.

Outside experts are dubious about the report, however, arguing that its findings are based on weak and mixed evidence, at best.

Why Tylenol is a red herring

Perhaps the biggest red flag surrounding this report is Trump and RFK Jr.’s grandiose language advertising it. Both men have crowed about finding the singular cause or answer to autism spectrum disorder.

“I’ve been waiting for this meeting for 20 years.” Trump said during the news conference. “And it’s not that everything is 100% understood or known. But I think we’ve made a lot of strides.”

Actual scientists, however, have long known that autism is generally triggered by a mix of genetic and environmental influences—influences that aren’t easily untangled.

The rate of reported autism cases in children has gone up over time. Many experts have argued that a greater awareness of autism symptoms and broader criteria in how autism is diagnosed are largely responsible for this increase. But Trump, RFK Jr., and others have refused to accept this conclusion, and have instead looked to point a finger at some external culprit in the environment.

Some environmental factors could be contributing slightly to more autism cases, such as people having children at an older age than before, but there are good reasons why Tylenol is unlikely to be a good villain for the Trump administration to blame.

“There’s nothing new here. They are reviewing existing literature, and they’re doing it badly,” David Mandell, an autism researcher and psychiatric epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, told Gizmodo. Mandell is also an executive committee member of the Coalition of Autism Scientists, an organization that formed in response to RFK Jr.’s initial announcement earlier this April that he would supposedly uncover the causes of autism.

Some studies, including a review published last month, have suggested that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen could increase the risk of several neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Importantly, though, many other studies haven’t, including studies that have tried to account for the weaknesses in the data being analyzed.

In a 2024 study, researchers in Sweden and the U.S. looked at the health outcomes of all children born in Sweden between 1995 and 2019. At first, they did find a small signal of potential autism risk in kids whose mothers reported using acetaminophen during pregnancy. This signal disappeared entirely when they only focused on comparing siblings to each other, however. Since siblings share many of these influences, this type of study can better isolate and cut down on potential noise in the data that could lead researchers down the wrong path.

Indeed, based on their results, the researchers concluded that the link between Tylenol and disorders like autism was probably a “noncausal association.”

Some research has also suggested that acetaminophen use among pregnant women in the U.S. and Canada has actually declined slightly since the early 2000s, Mandell notes, the opposite trend you’d expect to see if the drug was truly driving higher autism rates.

Notably, other countries have already tried to distance themselves from the U.S.’s new stance on Tylenol. The UK’s health regulators issued a statement today reassuring its residents that the use of acetaminophen (called paracetamol in Europe) during pregnancy is safe and that there is no evidence of it causing autism.

The tenuous case for leucovorin

The link between folate deficiency/leucovorin and autism in the new report is built on less shaky, but still tenuous, ground.

Folate is also known as vitamin B9, and expectant mothers need adequate levels of it to support their child’s health during pregnancy and prevent certain birth defects. That’s why women are recommended to regularly take folic acid (another form of vitamin B9 that breaks down into folate in the body) supplements while pregnant.

Research has suggested that some children with autism also tend to have trouble moving folate into their brains (usually due to an autoimmune issue), which then causes a condition called cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). Importantly, people can have CFD but still have normal folate levels in their blood. Leucovorin is a different form of vitamin B9 (folinic acid) that’s most commonly used to counteract the toxic effects of some chemotherapy treatments. But the drug can also bypass the typical method for folate delivery, meaning it can raise folate levels in the brain and treat CFD.

Based on this early research, some scientists have been excited about the potential of leucovorin to help children with both autism and CFD. Some clinical trials have yielded promising results, while some parents have claimed that leucovorin dramatically improved their children’s communication and developmental skills. All that said, the trials have been small to date, with the largest so far involving 80 children (a similar trial of 80 children is expected to be completed next year) and the smallest only having 19 children.

Leucovorin could absolutely turn out to be an effective treatment for the subset of children who seem to have both conditions, but Mandell is worried about the Trump administration rushing through the scientific process in hopes of securing good publicity. When I asked if the administration is putting the cart ahead of the horse with leucovorin, Mandell replied, “We don’t even know if there is a cart yet.”

Mandell also cautions that both researchers and the autism community have had their hopes raised—only to be dashed—by early, promising studies in the past. Over 20 years ago, he notes, much was made about the potential of secretin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate digestion, to treat autism symptoms. Case reports and small trials appeared to show a positive effect from secretin, only for multiple larger trials to later find nothing of the sort.

This cautionary tale has not stopped Trump and Kennedy from quickly moving to promote and even approve leucovorin for autism via the FDA. The FDA is publishing a Federal Register notice outlining a label update for leucovorin, according to HHS, which will formally authorize a prescription version of the drug for treating autism.

“If folinic acid gets an FDA indication for autism, it would be the drug with the weakest evidence to support its FDA indication of any drug that I can think of,” Mandell said.

Mandell and others have also noted some groups close to Trump world could potentially profit handsomely if leucovorin becomes popularized as an autism treatment. Mehmet Oz, the current administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, was previously an advisor to the supplement company iHerb, for instance, which has several listings for folinic acid supplements on its website. Oz himself pledged to resign from the company and divest his restricted stock units from iHerb upon becoming CMS chief.

The future of autism research

The government’s approach to autism and research is now taking shape. That said, under the Trump administration, the National Institutes of Health has actually cut funding this year from its existing autism-related efforts, either due to negligence or as part of a larger crusade to tear down anything in the government that even acknowledges racial and other disparities for being too “woke.”

Mandell and other experts worry that the administration’s new focus on acetaminophen and leucovorin will only lead to more wasted resources and fearmongering about an important intervention. Compared to aspirin and NSAIDs, Tylenol is considered a safer OTC pain and fever reliever for pregnant women, and it’s estimated more than half of women worldwide take the drug at least once during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, the scapegoating may not be over yet.

The HHS report notably doesn’t focus on vaccination, which Kennedy, other antivaccination proponents, and even Trump have long tried to blame for rising autism rates. Extensive scientific research over the years has and continues to find no such link between vaccines or their ingredients and autism. But HHS has reportedly hired well-known antivaxxer David Geier to conduct a new study reexamining this debunked connection.

During the news conference, Trump tried to relitigate the case for separating out the measles, mumps, and rubella combination vaccine (a common goal of the anti-vaccination movement), arguing that taking too many vaccines at once is dangerous to people’s health, a claim with little backing. RFK Jr. also made it clear during the conference that HHS will be investigating the purported link between vaccines and autism, somehow framing it as a matter of “believing all women”—referring to the mothers who believe vaccines cause autism.

Acetaminophen may be the first fake bogeyman that Trump and Kennedy will formally blame for autism, but it seems unlikely that it will be the last.



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Product Reviews

AI Experts Urgently Call on Governments to Think About Maybe Doing Something

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Everyone seems to recognize the fact that artificial intelligence is a rapidly developing and emerging technology that has the potential for immense harm if operated without safeguards, but basically no one (except for the European Union, sort of) can agree on how to regulate it. So, instead of trying to set up a clear and narrow path for how we will allow AI to operate, experts in the field have opted for a new approach: how about we just figure out what extreme examples we all think are bad and just agree to that?

On Monday, a group of politicians, scientists, and academics took to the United Nations General Assembly to announce the Global Call for AI Red Lines, a plea for the governments of the world to come together and agree on the broadest of guardrails to prevent “universally unacceptable risks” that could result from the deployment of AI. The goal of the group is to get these red lines established by the end of 2026.

The proposal has amassed more than 200 signatures thus far from industry experts, political leaders, and Nobel Prize winners. The former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and the former President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, are on board, as are Nobel winners Stephen Fry and Yuval Noah Harari. Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, two of the three men commonly referred to as the “Godfathers of AI” due to their foundational work in the space, also added their names to the list.

Now, what are those red lines? Well, that’s still up to governments to decide. The call doesn’t include specific policy prescriptions or recommendations, though it does call out a couple of examples of what could be a red line. Prohibiting the launch of nuclear weapons or use in mass surveillance efforts would be a potential red line for AI uses, the group says, while prohibiting the creation of AI that cannot be terminated by human override would be a possible red line for AI behavior. But they’re very clear: don’t set these in stone, they’re just examples, you can make your own rules.

The only thing the group offers concretely is that any global agreement should be built on three pillars: “a clear list of prohibitions; robust, auditable verification mechanisms; and the appointment of an independent body established by the Parties to oversee implementation.”

The details, though, are for governments to agree to. And that’s kinda the hard part. The call recommends that countries host some summits and working groups to figure this all out, but there are surely many competing motives at play in those conversations.

The United States, for instance, has already committed to not allowing AI to control nuclear weapons (an agreement made under the Biden administration, so lord knows if that is still in play). But recent reports indicated that parts of the Trump administration’s intelligence community have already gotten annoyed by the fact that some AI companies won’t let them use their tools for domestic surveillance efforts. So would America get on board for such a proposal? Maybe we’ll find out by the end of 2026… if we make it that long.



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Gemini Gems Share
Gaming Gear

How to share your Gemini Gems custom AI experts with all your friends

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AI chatbots with a specific focus are a great way to skip having to explain what you want to do with an AI chatbot. Google created the Gemini Gems setup so that you’d be able to make and reuse those specialized chatbots whenever you want. Now, you can share your custom-made Gems with friends, family, or anyone else you share a link with.

All you have to do is hit the “Share” button on your custom Gem. That way, you can share, say, your toddler sleep schedule assistant or meal planner for someone in a rush, in the same way you’d share a Google Doc. They can view it, clone it, or even tweak it with your permission, as it’s basically Google Drive for AI assistants.

The Gems are otherwise the same, but they’re now portable. Consider how much of your digital life runs on shared docs, and then imagine if your AI helpers could do the same.


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“This makes Gemini way more collaborative,” Google noted in its announcement, “turning your favorite Gems into a shared resource so you can prompt less and create more.” It’s a tagline with startup energy, but it’s not wrong.

And for organizations using Google Workspace, administrators can control how and where Gems can be shared, restricting sharing outside the domain if needed. The permissions map one-to-one with existing Drive policies, which means most people won’t have to learn anything new to use the feature.

Shared Gems

Functionally, this could reduce time spent retyping or re-explaining how to use AI to do a task. It might also surface use cases that people wouldn’t have built themselves.

If it sounds like a familiar idea, that’s because it’s not dissimilar to what ChatGPT offers with custom GPTs, except those get published to the whole world.

It’s more efficient than the manual approach, wherein people take long prompts from Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity and share them on Reddit or other social media platforms. The difference is that Gems are persistent and can hold files, rules, and settings you’d typically have to reconfigure every session.

There are limits. Some Gems aren’t eligible for sharing, especially if they contain private uploads or link to sensitive data sources. And even when you do share a Gem, the recipient may need access to the files inside, like if it uses a personal Google Doc. The system mostly warns you when this might be a problem, but not always with excellent specificity.

And while sharing Custom GPTs has been an option for a while, sharing Gems is less tied to one platform and offers Drive-style collaboration settings. Gemini’s ability to piggyback on the infrastructure millions already use could give it an edge in that regard.

Mostly, though, it means those who enjoy making Gemini Gems can share them with whoever they wish, and those who like using them but don’t want to make them might find some new favorites without having to ask what people wrote to get Gemini to perform.

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Squarespace
Product Reviews

Squarespace review 2025: What our experts say

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Squarespace is a designer-friendly no-code platform with great aesthetics that consistently ranks among the best website builder platforms on the market. With its sleek templates and comprehensive feature set, Squarespace positions itself as an all-in-one solution for creating stylish and functional websites with minimal effort.

Over the years, Techradar has spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders, making our reviewers the leading experts in what makes a platform exceptional. Squarespace stands out to us for its award-winning templates, which can be modified down to the last pixel thanks to a powerful block-based editor.

Wix remains our top pick for the best website builder of 2025, thanks to a slightly higher number of features at a reduced price point. But, Squarespace’s new Blueprint AI and Design Intelligence tools make it a close competitor that gives the former a good run for its money.

    Squarespace subscription options:

  • 12 month plan – $16 per month ($192 total cost)

Squarespace: 2-minute review

Squarespace is a complete website builder, with everything you would expect from one of the best-known names in the industry. This includes a range of stunning website templates, a full AI website builder, ecommerce features including payment gateway integrations, marketing tools, analytics, and the ability to integrate with select 3rd party services.

The platform was originally built to serve the blogging space but is now capable of hosting practically any type of website from ecommerce stores to freelancer portfolios. Despite the platform’s growth, it stays true to its roots by continuing to offer some of the more aesthetically pleasing website templates available.

Squarespace isn’t the cheapest website builder, but it is fairly priced when compared with competitors with similar features, tools, and ease of use. Its entry level plan starts at $16/mo with an annual plan, which is in the same ballpark as Wix ($17/mo) and Hostinger ($11.99/mo). Plus, you can take advantage of a 14-day free trial to test it out, although unlike Wix, it doesn’t offer a forever-free version.

Overall, Squarespace is a safe bet for those looking for an easy to use website builder with all the features most businesses will ever need.

What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is a website builder that helps you create professional websites without coding. It’s like a digital canvas where you can design your online presence. You can use pre-made templates and customize them to fit your vision. Whether you want a blog, portfolio, or online store, Squarespace has all the tools you need.

When you sign up, you can choose from over 180 designer-made templates or use their AI-powered Blueprint tool for a custom design. After that, you can easily add your content, change colors and fonts, and arrange elements with its drag-and-drop editor. Squarespace takes care of technical details like hosting and security, so you don’t have to stress about them.

What’s great about Squarespace for beginners is that everything is in one package. This includes domain registration, cloud hosting, design tools, and a CMS. The all-in-one approach saves you from juggling services from different providers, which can be overwhelming when starting out.

Recent updates

Squarespace 7.1 represents a fundamental shift in the platform’s design philosophy, moving away from fixed template families to a highly flexible design system powered by Fluid Engine. This introduces a grid-based editing system that allows users to drag, drop, and layer content blocks with unprecedented freedom, essentially transforming every website into a custom design canvas with zero template limitations.

Design

The Fluid Engine editor enables independent mobile and desktop layout design, giving users granular control over how their content appears across different devices, a significant improvement from the previous version where mobile layouts were automatically generated.

Squarespace 7.1 introduces Auto Layouts that intelligently present content sets, gallery sections for cohesive image displays, and advanced visual effects like Block Pinning for split-scrolling and Text Highlights for emphasizing selected content.

Content management

We found the new page section functionality particularly impressive, as it allows users to divide content into distinct sections with unique design, layout, and styling options. This is a major improvement from 7.0’s single content area limitation. They also added Saved Sections functionality in May 2025, enabling users to create reusable design components across multiple pages, speeding up the design workflow for both beginners and professionals.

Ecommerce

For ecommerce users, 7.1 delivers substantial improvements in selling capabilities and product management. The platform now supports up to 10,000 products per page (compared to 200 in version 7.0) and 250 variants per product (up from 100), while introducing nested category navigation and optimized mobile scrolling for longer product descriptions. Product waitlists, previously available only on specific templates, are now accessible across all websites.

However, it’s worth noting that Squarespace recently implemented Products V2 with a mandatory migration deadline of August 30, 2025, requiring users with custom code targeting product pages to update their implementations to maintain functionality.

Support

Security and support options have been strengthened through Squarespace’s dedicated security team implementing enhanced technical and organizational measures updated in January 2025. The platform maintains a risk-based security approach with continuous monitoring, red team exercises, and threat modeling for new system developments, ensuring robust protection for both company and customer assets.

Integration capabilities have also evolved, though 7.1 maintains Squarespace’s philosophy of relying primarily on native tools rather than extensive third-party integrations, which some users find limiting compared to competitors but ensures better stability and support.

Partner program

The platform’s recent major update arrived in September 2025 with the launch of Squarespace for Pros, unveiled during Circle Day 2025. This professional-grade experience introduces Finish Layer Design Tools with interactive block animations, customizable transforms (opacity, rotation, offset), and the ability to import external fonts for complete brand consistency.

It also includes integrated practice management for project oversight and client collaboration, plus expanded Circle partner program benefits representing Squarespace’s most significant investment to date in supporting professional designers and agencies. However, you should be aware that upgrading from classic editor sections to Fluid Engine is irreversible and may break custom CSS implementations.

Note: Upgrading to the 7.1 version of Squarespace is entirely optional for now. While new users get introduced to Squarespace 7.1 by default, existing website owners can choose to keep the legacy version of the website builder, along with all its existing features and support.

Features

Squarespace provides a wide range of features for different website needs. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Squarespace has always offered some of the best website templates on the market, making it a firm favourite amongst creatives such as artists and photographers. Anyone looking for a stunning website should seriously consider Squarespace.

Owain Williams, Website Builder Editor

Squarespace provides a wide range of features for different website needs. At the heart of the platform is a powerful drag-and-drop editor with a smart grid system. This helps keep your design elements aligned. You’ll also find over 180 professionally designed templates. These templates are great starting points for creating stunning websites. They feature a modern, minimalist design with plenty of white space and room for photos.

If you want to sell online, Squarespace offers strong ecommerce tools in its Business plans. You can sell physical and digital products, offer subscriptions, and create discounts. It even helps with abandoned cart recovery emails and social media sales. The platform supports various payment methods, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square, and includes automatic tax calculations. However, these ecommerce features come at a higher price compared to some competitors.

In 2023, Squarespace introduced Blueprint AI, which streamlines website creation. This AI system guides users through five simple steps to create a personalized website. It also generates content with its AI text generator. We found this feature helpful for beginners facing the “blank page” anxiety. Still, the AI-generated templates seem basic compared to Squarespace’s professionally designed options.

The platform has specialized tools like Acuity Scheduling for booking appointments, available for $16 a month. It also offers portfolio collections for showcasing work and various blocks to enhance user experience, like search and archive functions. While Squarespace includes many built-in features, it mainly relies on its own tools. This limits extensive third-party integrations in most areas. Squarespace’s pricing ranges from $16 to $52 per month (billed annually). Although it’s a premium price, the quality of design and features usually justify the investment for users.

Tools

Over the years, Squarespace has stacked on a bunch of different tools and add-ons to make its website builder more lucrative. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Over the years, Squarespace has stacked on a bunch of different tools and add-ons to make its website builder more lucrative. This includes everything from SEO features to help you optimize your content strategy to AI tools for assistive design suggestions.

Blogging

Squarespace is well known for being one of the best blogging sites around. So, if you’re into blogging, you’ll be glad to hear that Squarespace provides a full set of blogging features such as built-in blog pages, a comment section, and content promotion tools. However, if you’re making a blog as a means of making money, Squarespace shouldn’t be your first choice. First off, to get hold of ecommerce features, you’ll have to purchase the “Business” plan or up, and it will set you back $23 per month (if you subscribe for a year) or $36 for one month.

Ecommerce

The Business plan (and up) will also let you integrate a shopping cart into your website with ease, as well as sell physical products, digital downloads, online services, and subscriptions. However, if we take the 3% transaction fee on sales and the plan’s initial price tag into account, this solution doesn’t seem particularly pocket-friendly.

Also, Squarespace isn’t as strong as some of its competitor (like Shopify) when it comes to shipping and payment options – for instance, manual payments isn’t an option and you can’t sell in multiple currencies.

SEO and marketing

Squarespace also offers superb Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features, which will help you get your site in front of your core audience. There are multiple options for social media marketing, email marketing, and custom post designs. Not only are these tools powerful, but they are easy to use – this makes it one of the best small business website builders on the market.

AI tools

Although Squarespace’s AI offering isn’t quite as advanced as some competitors such as Wix and Hostinger, it does offer a host of helpful AI-powered tools that will make creating your website a breeze.

The list starts with the option to use AI to get your initial website set up. If you select this option Squarespace will ask you a few questions such as the name of your site, which sections and pages you want on your website, which colors and fonts you want to use, and then use your answers to build your site.

Like with most AI website builders, the results are a little generic and will need some editing. Luckily, Squarespace also offers some AI tools to help you do this. For example, you can use an AI copywriter to help you complete your site’s written content. A similar tool can be used to create product descriptions, which can be a lifesaver for large online stores.

Finally, Squarespace also offers AI-powered branding and email marketing tools, helping you make the right impression and getting you in front of the right people.

Integrations

Squarespace doesn’t take too kindly to third-party tools – while there’s a decent variety of versatile tools it’s not up to scratch – so, you might feel like you’re stuck with Squarespace’s ecosystem.

Website editor

We should also talk about Squarespace’s up-to-date, drag-and-drop editor called Fluid Engine, a superior version to their old editor. As soon as you add an element or change something on the template you’re using, it will become visible straight away. It also offers a decent level of customization choices, so you can adjust your template to suit your needs and desires.

The only major drawback is that you can’t place elements (such as images or text) wherever you want them to be – you can position them in pre-built places bounded by grid lines. Also, while you’ll be prompted to save your site after each change, you won’t enjoy the convince of the autosave functionality.

Ease of use

Of all the website builders we have tested, Squarespace ranks as one of the easiest to use. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Of all the website builders we have tested, Squarespace ranks as one of the easiest to use. Its drag-and-drop editor balances simplicity and functionality. This makes it great for beginners but still offers depth for experienced users. The clean, minimalist interface removes clutter. It shows only the tools you need, like the option to add a new section, which appears when you hover over an existing section.

Getting started with Squarespace is easy. During onboarding, you answer a few questions about your website’s purpose and goals. This helps the platform tailor its recommendations to your needs. The 14-day free trial lets you explore without rushing into a paid plan. We liked that no credit card is needed to start the trial, allowing risk-free experimentation.

Squarespace emphasizes user experience (UX) principles, evident in how the platform works and the sites it creates. The editor uses a smart grid system to align elements. This helps beginners create visually balanced pages. Real-time previews show how your changes affect your site, making the design process dynamic. However, some users notice lag or unresponsiveness with larger, content-heavy websites.

The platform includes accessibility features through its All in One Accessibility Widget. This makes your website more usable for people with various disabilities, including visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments. Yet while customization is simple, Squarespace has limits. Once you pick a template, you can’t switch to another without rebuilding your site. And some advanced customizations need CSS or JavaScript knowledge, which is only available on higher-tier plans.

Pricing

With Squarespace, you can choose between four all-in-one plans ranging from $16 to $52 per month. (Image credit: Squarespace)Swipe to scroll horizontally

Plan

Monthly cost (paid monthly)

Monthly cost (paid annually)

Personal

$25

$16

Business

$36

$23

Commerce (Basic)

$40

$28

Commerce (Advanced)

$72

$52

The site builder’s price tag is on par with similar all-in-one solutions on the market and it provides plenty of bang for the buck. However, if you only wanted a pocket-friendly site builder without other components of Squarespace, we’re sorry to say you won’t find this here.

If you’re in for an all-in-one solution, you can choose between four plans ranging from $16 to $52 per month, if you opt for an annual billing option, that is. If you choose a one-month-only option, the price will spike significantly.

While Squarespace doesn’t offer a forever-free edition of its site builder, there is a 14-day free trial with all four plans and no credit card details are required. It is also worth mentioning that you can often save on your subscription by using Squarespace promo codes and/or signing up for a longer period of time.

As for payment methods, Squarespace accepts all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express included), JCB, Diners Club (in USD only), and SEPA direct debit (in EUR only). As you already suspect, you can’t pay via PayPal or Bitcoin (BTC).

For a more detailed review the plans available on Squarespace you can read our full Squarespace pricing guide.

Integrations

Squarespace takes a curated approach to integrations, offering built-in connectivity to carefully selected platforms rather than an open marketplace of third-party apps. The platform provides what it calls “Connected Services,” which are seamlessly integrated into the core Squarespace experience.

This includes essential tools for payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, Square), shipping carriers (FedEx, UPS, USPS), social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo), and marketing services (Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Facebook Pixel). We find that this approach ensures reliable performance and support, though it may feel limiting compared to platforms that offer thousands of third-party integrations.

But for automation enthusiasts, Squarespace also supports Zapier integration, which opens up connectivity to over 1,000 additional 3rd-party apps and services. Through Zapier, users can create automated workflows (called “Zaps”) that trigger when specific events occur on their Squarespace site, such as new form submissions, newsletter signups, or product purchases. Common automation scenarios include adding new form submissions to Google Sheets, creating CRM entries in Salesforce or HubSpot, sending notifications to Slack, or adding contacts to email marketing platforms like ConvertKit.

Finally, Squarespace offers API access for developers looking to build custom integrations, though this requires technical expertise. API key generation is possible through the platform’s developer settings. It uses OAuth 2.0 authentication and provides REST endpoints for managing content, products, orders, and inventory.

Developers can access endpoints for site-level configurations, e-commerce functionality, and content management, enabling custom solutions for businesses with specific integration needs. This is useful for connecting Squarespace to enterprise systems like ERPs, CRMs, or custom fulfillment services that aren’t available through the standard integrations.

Security

Squarespace websites are all kept on secure with SSL certificates, two-factor authentication (2FA), and protection against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Squarespace websites are all kept on secure with SSL certificates, two-factor authentication (2FA), protection against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and a login activity panel. While the activity log won’t protect your site by itself, it’ll help you discover if any logins were made from suspicious or unknown devices.

Squarespace’s security staff is monitoring all Squarespace sites round-the-clock for threats and vulnerabilities to make sure your site is properly protected. Still, if you discover a vulnerability, you can report it to the security staff and they’ll conduct their investigation on it.

Customer support

You can seek assistance from Squarespace’s support staff via live chat, email, and X (Twitter). (Image credit: Squarespace)

If you get stuck somewhere during your Squarespace journey, you can seek assistance from their support staff via live chat, email, and X (Twitter). Sadly, phone support isn’t available.

Live chat is available Monday to Friday, 4 AM to 8 PM, ET, and once you contact the staff, someone will get back to you in a matter of minutes. In contrast, email support is available 24/7, but the response time can sometimes be sluggish.

As for self-service, you can visit the Help Center which contains a well-supplied knowledge base, video guides, and an avidly active community forum you can conveniently browse by topics.

Alternatives

As we noted earlier, Wix is an awesome alternative for those who want to build their site on a tight budget or entirely free — it even offers a forever-free edition of its site builder for personal use. Plus, it’s super simple to use, packed with features, and provides automatic backups.

If you’re searching for a cheap yet endlessly customizable site builder, WordPress is the solution of choice. Since it’s an open-sourced software, it has thousands of themes, templates, plugins, how-to guides, and a committed community that can lend you a helping hand. While it’s not as beginner-friendly as Squarespace or Wix, it makes up for it with a fabulous level of flexibility and freedom.

Finally, Shopify is built for ecommerce from the ground up, so if an ecommerce solution is what you’re looking for, it might be the best choice. Squarespace offers all essential ecommerce features, but it’s still better suited for a professional site or a blog.

How we tested Squarespace

To test the Squarespace website builder, we started by setting up an account. We then got hands-on with the tools and features available when building a website on the platform. This included exploring the various available website templates, SEO and marketing tools, and testing the drag-and-drop website editor.

We also reviewed the available plans, comparing their pricing and what they include. Finally, we researched what level of help and support is available to users and how the platform protects users’ websites from security threats.

You can learn more about how we test website builders with our full guide.

Summary

Squarespace is a splendid, simple-to-use site builder with terrific templates and it gets better each time a new version crops up. Hitting high marks in all major areas, Squarespace site builder qualifies as an amazing all-arounder in the market, and it’s also fit for small and mid-sized online stores.

Their website builder comes packed with tools and features such as email marketing, an SSL certificate, and options for mobile responsive templates – giving you everything you need to launch and grow your website in one convenient space.

However, Squarespace keeps its users on a short leash with a low level of customization and the inability to switch between templates without starting from scratch. Also, the lack of auto-save features makes it less convenient than some of its competitors.

Squarespace: FAQs

Does Squarespace have a free plan?

No, unlike some other website builders, Squarespace doesn’t have a free plan. However, it does offer a free 14-day trial. This offers you the opportunity to test out the platform to make sure it is the right one for you.

Does Squarespace charge a transaction fee on sales? 

It depends on the plan you pick.

The Business plan ($23/mo paid annually) is the cheapest plan which offers the full range of ecommerce functionality but charges a 3% transaction fee for physical products and services sold via the site. Both the Commerce plans (Basic ($27/mo paid annually) and Advanced ($49/mo paid annually)) charge a 0% transaction fee.

So, at just $4 extra a month, most ecommerce businesses would benefit from investing in the Commerce plan. But you will need to do the math to decide which one works best for you.

Can I get a discount on a Squarespace plan? 

Yes, we keep track of all the latest Squarespace voucher codes.

Is Squarespace better than Wix?

Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a site builder. Wix offers more templates overall, but the ones you’ll get with Squarespace look better. Also, Wix has a forever-free edition, while with Squarespace you can make use of a 14-day free trial, and that’s about it.

Both site builders are easy to use, offer robust ecommerce features, and provide superb value for money. However, Wix is cheaper while Squarespace has more additional tools for growing your site.

Is Squarespace good for beginners?

Yes, Squarespace is one of the best site builders for beginners. Its intuitive, drag-and-drop editor is backed by simple-to-follow guides in case you get stuck. And if that doesn’t do the trick, you can rely on rather responsive customer support staff.

What are the downsides of using Squarespace?

The primary drawbacks of using Squarespace are the shortage of customization capabilities, the absence of auto-save features, and the lack of phone support. Also, there are cheaper options around and some of them offer a free edition of their site builders too.



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How experts believe Bitcoin and altcoins will react
NFT Gaming

How experts believe Bitcoin and altcoins will react

by admin



With the Fed delivering a widely anticipated decision, experts are shifting attention to the tone.

Summary

  • The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, as markets anticipated
  • Fed’s tone leans dovish, potentially boosting Bitcoin and altcoins
  • Still, altcoins are not out of the woods yet, as there’s no definitive decision on further easing

The Federal Reserve delivered its long-anticipated 25-basis-point rate cut, the first cut of 2025. While markets fully priced the September 17 cut, all attention was on the Fed’s tone and what it signals for the future.

Notably, Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized risks to employment and growth and stated that the door was open for more cuts. This, together with the FOMC dissenter who called for a 50-basis-point cut, signals a dovish shift. crypto.news talked to several experts in the crypto space ahead of the decision, asking how this would affect the crypto markets.

A 25-basis-point cut was expected, but the stakes are higher than earlier, says Shawn Young, chief analyst at cryptocurrency exchange MEXC. With inflation still elevated, markets will closely watch the direction the Fed is taking.

In a bullish scenario, a dovish Fed outlook with further expectations of rate cuts could drive flows into BTC and other blue-chip coins, pushing the BTC price towards the $120,000–$125,000 range in the weeks ahead.

Farzam Ehsani, CEO at crypto exchange VALR, also suggested that Bitcoin may continue to face macro pressures. For Bitcoin, the key is the expansion of institutional liquidity, he added.

“Bitcoin’s relative underperformance against Gold and the S&P 500 highlights the current shift in market dynamics… investors are very selective about where they deploy their capital now.”

Fed’s decision could trigger altcoin rotation

According to Arthur Azizov, founder at B2 Ventures, the reaction to the Fed could boost Bitcoin and altcoins or lead to a “sell the news” scenario. The latter alternative is particularly likely if markets see the Fed’s decision as not dovish enough.

“Altcoins are even more sensitive. Solana, now above $230, looks strong but faces heavy resistance near $240-250, while XRP is defending the $2.90-$3.00 zone. The problem is liquidity: unless fresh inflows arrive, traders tend to rotate back into Bitcoin during uncertainty,” Arthur Azizov, B2 Ventures



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Crypto liquidations surpass $900m following Fed Chair's Jackson Hole speech
GameFi Guides

Markets await Fed’s first 2025 cut, experts bet “this bull market is not even close to over”

by admin



Will the Fed’s first rate cut of 2025 fuel another leg higher for Bitcoin and equities, or does September’s history point to caution?

Summary

  • The Fed is widely expected to announce its first rate cut of 2025, with markets pricing in a 25bp move.
  • Bitcoin is trading near $116,500 and Ethereum near $4,500, supported by declining exchange balances and record ETF inflows.
  • Historical patterns show September as a weak month for equities and crypto, while tariffs and inflation add fresh macro risks.
  • Anthony Pompliano argues the bull market has much further to run, while other analysts warn of seasonal volatility and short-term pullbacks.

First rate cut of 2025 set against a fragile backdrop

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce its first rate cut of 2025 at the conclusion of its Sep. 16–17 meeting. Markets are pricing in a 25 basis-point reduction, which would bring the federal funds rate down to a range of 4.00% to 4.25%.

A larger 50 basis-point cut is seen as unlikely, but attention will be on the Fed’s updated “dot plot,” which will indicate how many cuts policymakers expect through the rest of 2025 and the likely path of rates into 2026.

The case for easing has been building for months. Job growth has slowed noticeably. In August 2025 nonfarm payrolls rose by only 22,000, one of the weakest monthly gains in years. The unemployment rate also ticked up to 4.3% from 4.2% in July, close to its highest level since 2021.

Housing data points to softer momentum as well. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.39% in early September, its lowest level since October 2024. That decline spurred a pickup in refinancing activity and showed how higher borrowing costs have curbed demand.

Inflation is still above target but shows signs of stabilizing. Consumer prices in August 2025 rose 2.9% year-over-year compared with 2.7% in July, while core inflation held steady at 3.1%. On a monthly basis, headline CPI increased 0.4% and core CPI rose 0.3%.

These figures remain above the Fed’s 2% goal but are well below the peaks of 2022 and 2023, when headline inflation ran above 6%. That gap gives the Fed some room to cut without immediately risking a rebound in price pressures.

These developments shape expectations for how crypto markets may react once the Fed delivers its first cut of the year.

Bitcoin and Ethereum climb as investors bet on easing

Crypto markets have been gradually advancing in the days leading up to the Fed meeting, reflecting expectations of a rate cut.

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading close to $116,500, up about 3.5% over the past week and approaching its August peak above $124,000.

Ethereum (ETH) has gained nearly 4% in the same period, trading near $4,500, though it remains more than 9% below its August all-time high of $4,950.

On-chain data shows that the amount of Bitcoin available for immediate sale has been declining. Since Sep. 1, balances on exchanges have dropped from about 2.5 million BTC to 2.45 million. This means more than 50,000 BTC have been moved off exchanges in just over two weeks.

BTC supply on exchanges | Source: CryptoQuant

A year earlier, balances were above 3 million. Current levels mark a sharp drawdown and the lowest on record, suggesting that holders are increasingly transferring assets into private custody and easing near-term selling pressure.

ETF flows point to continued institutional demand. Between Sep. 8 and Sep. 17, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded more than $2.8 billion in net inflows, with every trading day in that period showing positive contributions.

Ethereum ETFs also attracted strong interest, with nearly $1 billion in inflows during the same stretch. On Sep. 15 alone, spot ETH funds pulled in $360 million, surpassing Bitcoin ETFs for the day.

The next stage will hinge on how the Fed matches its rate decision with guidance. A 25 basis point cut paired with signals of more easing could lift sentiment further, with Bitcoin moving closer to $120,000 and Ethereum testing levels above $4,600.

A more guarded message that poses inflation risks or a limited path for cuts could restrain the upside, keeping Bitcoin and Ethereum consolidating while smaller tokens face greater downside pressure.

September’s historic drag meets fresh tariff headwinds

Historical data shows that September has long been one of the weakest months for U.S. equities. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged a return of about −0.68% in September, the lowest of any month in the calendar year.

The index has finished higher in only about 44% of Septembers during that span. The Nasdaq has recorded a slightly better frequency of positive outcomes but still shows a higher chance of losses than other months.

Crypto markets display a similar seasonal pattern. Bitcoin has historically struggled in September, with an average monthly decline of more than 3% since inception.

In many years the monthly low for Bitcoin has occurred within the first 10 days of September, followed by a recovery into the fourth quarter. Market participants often refer to this rebound phase as “Uptober.”

Amid this backdrop, tariff policy remains one of the biggest sources of uncertainty. In 2025 the U.S. has imposed steep levies, including a wide range of tariffs on different countries and products. These measures are feeding inflation by driving up production and input costs.

The Congressional Budget Office has revised its outlook for real GDP growth in 2025 to around 1.4%, down from earlier forecasts closer to 1.9–2.0%.

Rising tariffs and persistent inflation add to macro uncertainty, which often weighs on risk assets such as digital tokens. However, crypto can sometimes benefit in such conditions, as some investors view it as an alternative store of value when traditional markets appear fragile.

Taken together, a mix of inflation surprises, tariff escalation, weaker consumption, and economic challenges could trigger sharper volatility. Isolated shocks, by contrast, may cause short-term swings but are unlikely to disrupt the broader crypto market trend on their own.

Fed cut sparks split in market views

Anthony Pompliano, a well-known crypto investor and co-founder of Pomp Investments, believes the Fed’s rate cut will add fuel to an already strong market.

He points out that the S&P 500 has climbed more than 30% in five months, a move that has occurred only six times since 1975.

“In 100% of these cases, the S&P 500 has ended higher in the following six and 12 months,” he said, noting an average gain of 18% in the year ahead. He added that momentum is firmly intact and “this bull market is not even close to over.”

He also highlighted the unusual backdrop for the Fed’s expected cut. Household net worth rose by $7 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, yet wealth distribution remains heavily skewed, with the top 1% holding far more than the bottom 50%.

Despite these disparities, he emphasized that “asset owners are going to be winners and savers will be losers moving forward.”

In his view, the Fed is behind the curve and should cut by 50 to 75 basis points, but even a smaller move will add liquidity and lift asset prices, from stocks to gold to Bitcoin.

Other analysts, however, are more cautious in the short term. Ted, a crypto market analyst, warns that seasonal factors such as September’s triple witching expiration could add pressure.

September triple witching expiration has been short-term bearish for the S&P 500.

Since 2000, the S&P 500 has averaged a -1.17% return in a week after triple witching expiration.

If this happens again, $BTC could drop 5%-8%, while alts could drop 15%-20%. pic.twitter.com/FvQG3Mw3Cp

— Ted (@TedPillows) September 14, 2025

“Since 2000, the S&P 500 has averaged a -1.17% return in the week after triple witching. If this happens again, Bitcoin could drop 5%-8%, while alts could drop 15%-20%,” he wrote.

For now, structural inflows and Fed easing may keep the broader trend intact, but the near-term window carries elevated volatility risk. A pullback in Bitcoin and sharper corrections in altcoins cannot be ruled out if negative catalysts align. As always, trade wisely and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.





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XRP could hit $4-5 if ETF approvals unlock liquidity, experts say
GameFi Guides

XRP could hit $4-5 if ETF approvals unlock liquidity, experts say

by admin



Experts explain why the XRP’s ETF decision is key for the token, especially when it comes to attracting institutions

Summary

  • XRP recently broke above the $3 psychological resistance
  • Experts explain how XRP spot ETF approval could propel it to new ATH

XRP (XRP) has recently broken the psychological level of $3, thanks largely to enthusiasm over the upcoming decision on the spot XRP ETF. According to several analysts who shared their views with crypto.news, this decision could propel the token to a new all-time high, even beyond $4.

Shawn Young, Chief Analyst at MEXC, points out that traders are increasingly rotating into altcoins. This especially affects those who are seen to be next in line for ETF approvals, and XRP is one of them.

Solana, Dogecoin, and XRP are showing relative strength against the flat broader crypto market as speculation around near-term ETF approvals fuels outsized buying,” Shawn Young, MEXC.

According to Lionel Iruk, senior advisor to Nav Markets and managing partner at Empire Legal, ETF approvals are key. He explains that this is part of a broader transition from retail speculation to more regulated offerings.

“An ETF wrapper unlocks more than fresh liquidity — it provides the compliance, custody, and transparency frameworks that traditional investors often require before making any investment decision,” Lionel Iruk, Nav Markets.

Whale accumulation could propel XRP toward $4 to $5

Arthur Azizov, Founder & Investor at B2 Ventures, points out the $600 million in XRP accumulated by whales in recent weeks. This signals that traders are confident about the upcoming approval of an XRP ETF. In this context, a move toward $4.00 is realistic, he stated.

The token has surpassed the $3.00 psychological level with volumes nearly three times above normal, which tells me big money is active,” Arthur Azizov B2 Ventures.

According to the B2BinPay analytics team, options data also shows that traders are bullish toward XRP, with calls trading significantly higher than puts.

“This clearly reflects optimism around U.S. ETF approvals later this year. If even one product is eventually greenlit, inflows could push XRP toward the $4–$5 range by the end of the year,” B2BinPay analytics team.



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