Crypto Market Sees Modest Gains as Risk-On Sentiment Returns
Cryptocurrency prices experienced a slight increase over the weekend, driven by a positive investor mood following Friday’s US stock market surge. Bitcoin (BTC) maintained its position above $84,000, and the total market cap of all cryptocurrencies climbed to over $2.8 trillion.
This week, two key events could influence the crypto market: President Donald Trump’s stance on tariffs and the federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. A softer approach on tariffs and a more accommodative Fed could boost cryptocurrencies and other risky assets.
Among the top cryptocurrencies to watch this week are Binance Coin (BNB), Cronos (CRO), and ZetaChain (ZETA).
BNB: Pascal Hard Fork on the Horizon
BNB will be in focus this week as developers prepare for the Pascal hard fork on March 20.This upgrade is one of three planned for the frist half of the year. It will enhance Ethereum compatibility, introduce native smart contract wallets, and boost security.
The other upgrades will improve BNB Chain’s speed and security, making it a strong choice to Ethereum and Solana. Ethereum is known for high fees and slow transactions, while Solana is often linked to meme coins.
Cronos: Strategic Reserve Vote Approaching
A crucial Cronos vote will conclude on March 17, aiming to create a Cronos Strategic Reserve by reversing a 70 billion token burn from 2021. If prosperous, the new tokens will support the ecosystem. Though, critics fear this could dilute existing investors.
Currently, 45.8% of users support the proposal, while 44.4% oppose it. If the vote ends this way, the proposal will likely be rejected due to insufficient turnout.
ZetaChain: Price Crash and Token Unlock
ZetaChain’s price has plummeted to a record low of $0.2070, down 92% from its all-time high. The market cap is now at $151 million. The crash is partly due to a drop in the total value locked in its ecosystem and a highly dilutive supply.
This week, ZetaChain will unlock tokens worth over $6.6 million, which could cause further volatility.Investors should stay cautious as major token unlocks often lead to price fluctuations.