Coinbase Institutional Market Call

This episode unpacks the latest developments in crypto markets as corporates like Intesa Sanpaolo and Genius Group join the Bitcoin buying wave, with MicroStrategy’s premium holding steady at 1.91. We also highlight Tether’s move to El Salvador and the growing traction of IBIT options, now capturing 50% of Deribit’s open interest, signaling surging institutional demand. An ETF flow update and client strategies reveal how the big players are positioning themselves for 2024.We analyze funding rates, the Ondo unlock, and how to interpret these trends in relation to market dynamics. Recent aggressive crypto acquisitions reflect growing confidence in the new regulatory environment, paired with an update on Coinbase’s Third Circuit Court of Appeals filing.On the macro front, we discuss last week’s CPI, PPI, and employment data and we explore fiscal policy outlooks, debt sustainability, and potential policy shifts shaping the economic landscape. Additionally, we discuss China’s 10Y yield dropping from 2.1% to 1.65% and it's potential impact on global liquidity.In the on-chain segment, we break down stablecoin borrow rates, with Aave at 10-11% and Sky peaking at 12.5%, alongside a surge in USDS growth (25% in the past week). Finally, we examine Sony’s L2 launch on the OP stack, signaling a shift in how corporates leverage blockchain for Web3 adoption, and the interplay between public and permissioned chains.Topics Covered:Corporate Moves: New entrants into BTC buying, MicroStrategy premium analysis.Institutional Trends: IBIT options, ETF flows, and client strategies.Funding Rates & Unlocks: How market dynamics shape strategies.Regulatory Environment: Crypto acquisitions and Coinbase court updates.Macro Update: Key data reflections, China’s stimulus, and fiscal policy outlook.On-Chain: Stablecoin borrow rates, USDS growth, and Sony’s L2 launch for Web3 corporates.Host:Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists: David Duong, Head of Institutional Research David Han, Research Analyst Georg Toropov, Senior CES Sales Trader

This week, we explore Bitcoin’s increasing institutional adoption, with MicroStrategy expanding its holdings and other companies considering BTC for their balance sheets. We analyze ETF flows over the past two weeks and provide a Q1 market outlook, focusing on key drivers and emerging trends. In the macro segment, we examine pro-crypto regulatory appointments, potential legislation from a crypto-friendly Congress, and the Fed's rate outlook for H1. We also discuss the implications of economic data volatility and what Canada’s potential new leadership could mean for Bitcoin. Additionally, we highlight global moves toward Bitcoin as a strategic reserve.Onchain, we delve into the growth of protocols like Morpho, Babylon, and Pendle, alongside AI agents gaining traction, with Eliza ai16z’s GitHub surpassing Google Gemini in stars. We also explore the significance of high DEX volumes and Backpack’s acquisition of FTX's EU operations, shedding light on its impact on European derivatives markets.Topics Covered:Market: Institutional BTC adoption, ETF flows, and Q1 market outlook.Macro: Pro-crypto regulatory changes, potential legislation, Fed rate trajectory, and global BTC reserves.On-Chain: Protocol growth, AI agent innovation, and European market developments through Backpack’s FTX acquisition.Host: Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists: David Duong, Head of Institutional Research David Han, Research Analyst Georg Toropov, CES Sales Trader

In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin’s breakout to a new all-time high and the factors driving it, including public companies like MicroStrategy, RIOT, and Semler continuing to stack BTC on their balance sheets. BlackRock’s recommendation of a 2% Bitcoin allocation further underscores growing institutional confidence in BTC as do conversations around global Bitcoin strategic reserves progressing in the U.S., Russia, and France. We also gather onchain insights into BTC active supply, with 4.1M BTC moving onchain in the last six months.Onchain developments include the rise of stablecoin supply, AI agents driving meme token trends, and Lido’s phased withdrawal of Polygon support. We also spotlight Pudgy Penguins' momentum and token launch with PENGU.On the macro side, we preview the upcoming Fed meeting and its potential market impact. Finally, David provides an overview of Coinbase’s crypto outlook for 2025, offering a forward-looking perspective on the year ahead.Topics Covered:Market: BTC’s all-time high, institutional moves, and BlackRock’s 2% allocation call.Strategic Reserves: Bitcoin reserve discussions across the U.S., Russia, and France.Onchain: Stablecoin growth, AI-driven memes, Pudgy Penguins' token launch, and Lido’s Polygon phase-out.Supply Trends: BTC active supply analysis and market implications.Macro: Fed meeting preview and its impact on markets.Outlook: Coinbase’s 2025 crypto market forecast.Host:Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists:David Duong, Head of Institutional ResearchDavid Han, Research AnalystJoshua Pak, CES Salestrader

 In this episode, we break down a turbulent week in crypto markets, starting with a wave of liquidations driven by recent volatility. We explore ETF flows, contrasting ETH and BTC trends, and analyze the resilience of CME basis despite normalized funding rates.Corporate treasury expansion takes center stage as we highlight significant Bitcoin acquisitions by MicroStrategy, MARA Holdings, and others.On the regulatory front, David Sacks' new appointment sparks debate on crypto policy direction. Onchain developments include Google’s intriguing Willow project, the UK’s blocking of Pump’s frontend, and Pudgy Penguins' rise as a top NFT collection. Plus, Floki’s debut debit card marks another milestone in crypto adoption.We also review the macro outlook, previewing the upcoming CPI release and its potential ripple effects on the market.Topics Covered:Market: Liquidations, ETF updates, and CME basis trends.Client Conversations: Strategic positioning, rotation, and profit-taking.Bitcoin Miners & Treasuries: Bold moves by MARA and MicroStrategy.Macro & Regulation: CPI preview and shifting Fed leadership dynamics.Onchain Trends: Google’s qubits, NFT reshuffles, and token launches.Host: Ben Floyd, Head of Execution ServicesPanelists: David Duong, Head of Institutional Research David Han, Research Analyst Georg Toropov, Senior CES Sales Trader