“A U.S. judge ruled that XRP is not a security, and BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF reached the next approval stage, boosting XRP’s price. This and the acceptance of crypto in retirement portfolios pose more regulatory uncertainties, possibly affecting Bitcoin, Ether, and altcoin prices and trade volumes. Despite 2022’s crypto turbulence, H1 2023 saw a reversal led by Bitcoin, with notable shifts in option market activity and increased focus on crypto-specific news. Ethereum’s classification remains uncertain, potentially impacting the market’s move towards higher beta altcoins.”