This past week, node operators for Vaulta, previously known as EOS, gathered to discuss important updates. The meeting covered progress on the Antelope Spring 2.0 software, how the new gossip system for connecting block producers is working out, and ideas for making network connections safer. Node operators shared their experiences with technical problems and how their networks are set up, all while keeping the Vaulta blockchain running smoothly.

Crypto token unlocks are projected to significantly decrease in August, potentially halving to approximately $3 billion from July's $6.3 billion. This reduction, a 52% drop according to vesting data tracker Tokenomist, is expected despite several high-profile projects like Sui, Fasttoken, Aptos, Avalanche, and Arbitrum scheduled for token releases.

Digital asset bank Sygnum predicts a potential "altseason" is on the horizon, driven by increasing liquidity and growing regulatory clarity within the cryptocurrency market. This shift could see capital flowing from Bitcoin into alternative cryptocurrencies, particularly those with strong use cases and sustainable token models.

Hong Kong's financial regulator has finalized its stablecoin rules, set to take effect on August 1st. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has also launched a public registry for licensed stablecoin issuers. This move aims to bring greater oversight and transparency to the burgeoning digital asset market in the region, while also combating potential scams.

Recent data from analytics firm Glassnode indicates a significant shift in the cryptocurrency market, with Ethereum's perpetual futures volume dominance surpassing Bitcoin's for the first time since 2022. This "largest" volume skew in ETH's favor suggests a strong rotation of speculative interest towards the altcoin sector, potentially signaling a burgeoning altseason.

Brokerage firm Bernstein has issued a cautionary note regarding companies establishing Ethereum treasuries, highlighting unique risks compared to their Bitcoin counterparts. While these firms are leveraging Ethereum's (ETH) staking capabilities for yield, they must navigate significant liquidity and smart contract security challenges.

Google searches for stablecoins have seen a dramatic increase, mirroring the significant growth observed in the stablecoin market. This surge in interest suggests a growing public awareness and curiosity about these digital assets, which are pegged to stable underlying assets like the US dollar.

PayPal has launched a new crypto payment tool for U.S. merchants, enabling them to accept payments in over 100 cryptocurrencies. This move aims to simplify cross-border transactions and reduce costs for businesses. The feature automatically converts crypto payments into U.S. dollars or PayPal's stablecoin, PYUSD, mitigating volatility risks for merchants.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a delay in its decisions regarding proposed Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin and Solana. This move, affecting applications from firms like Grayscale and potentially others linked to U.S. president Trump's Truth Social, indicates a need for further regulatory scrutiny and extended review periods for these digital asset investment products.

Tron Inc., formerly SRM Entertainment, is making a significant move to bolster its cryptocurrency holdings by seeking to raise $1 billion through a securities offering. This strategic initiative aims to expand its reserves of Tron (TRX) tokens, following a recent reverse merger with Justin Sun's blockchain project. The company's stock has seen a substantial rally in anticipation of this funding.