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Can AI Startups Predict Ethereum’s Price Rise? DeFi Trading Gets Smarter

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Ethereum's Price Rise

Ethereum has emerged as the dominant platform for Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Unlike traditional finance controlled by central institutions, DeFi uses blockchain technology to create a peer-to-peer financial system.

Ethereum’s programmable capabilities allow developers to build innovative financial applications, such as lending platforms, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and yield farming protocols.

This has promoted the growth of DeFi, with the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi applications reaching record highs in recent years.

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Ethereum. Experts predict a huge rise in Ethereum’s network activity and revenue, potentially doubling to $5 billion.

This bullish sentiment is further bolstered by the highly anticipated EIP-4844 upgrade, which aims to drastically reduce transaction costs and make the network more accessible to mainstream users.

While Ethereum forms the technological foundation, a new wave of innovation is surging in the DeFi space – AI startups. These young companies are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to develop solutions that can transform DeFi trading.

With Ethereum’s price and network poised for significant growth, can AI startups predict Ethereum’s price rise and contribute to a smarter DeFi trading industry? Read on to learn!

Ethereum’s Revenue Surge and EIP-4844

Ethereum’s future appears bright, with analysts at Bitwise Asset Management predicting a staggering doubling of its revenue to $5 billion in 2024. This impressive growth projection reflects the increasing adoption and usage of DeFi applications built on the Ethereum network.

As DeFi protocols continue to attract users, the fees generated from transactions on the Ethereum blockchain will naturally rise.

A significant catalyst for this growth is the upcoming EIP-4844 upgrade, expected to be implemented later in 2024. This much-anticipated upgrade aims to address one of Ethereum’s biggest challenges – high transaction fees (gas fees).

EIP-4844 introduces a new transaction type called “blob-carrying transactions,” which store less critical data off-chain, significantly reducing the cost of transactions on the Ethereum network.

According to estimates, they range from 5-10x cheaper to 40-100x cheaper depending on the rollup type, which is paving the way for wider user adoption and further DeFi innovation.

DeFi’s Obstacles

Despite its rapid growth, DeFi still faces hurdles that hinder mainstream adoption. One of the biggest roadblocks is the issue of high transaction fees. On the Ethereum network, gas fees can fluctuate significantly depending on network congestion.

These fees can be a major deterrent for casual users and smaller transactions, making DeFi seem inaccessible and expensive.

Another challenge is the complexity of DeFi applications. Using DeFi platforms often requires a certain level of technical knowledge and familiarity with cryptocurrency concepts.

The user interfaces of many DeFi protocols can be intimidating for newcomers, hindering wider participation in the DeFi ecosystem.

The Position Of AI In DeFi Trading

The burgeoning field of AI startups is rapidly transforming the industry of DeFi trading. These innovative companies are developing sophisticated AI-powered solutions that address key challenges and open new possibilities for participants in the DeFi ecosystem.

Price Prediction Models

One of the most intriguing applications of AI in DeFi is the development of price-prediction models. These models leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of historical market data, including price movements, trading volumes, and on-chain activity.

AI models attempt to forecast future price movements for assets like Ethereum by identifying patterns and trends within this data.

While not foolproof, AI-powered price predictions can be a valuable tool for DeFi traders by providing insights and potentially mitigating risk.

For instance, a price prediction model might indicate a potential surge in Ethereum’s price, prompting a trader to buy before the price increase occurs.

Automated Trading Strategies

Human emotions can often cloud judgment and lead to irrational trading decisions. AI-powered automated trading strategies aim to address this by removing human bias from the equation.

These strategies are pre-programmed sets of rules that guide trading activities based on specific market conditions.

For example, an automated trading strategy could be configured to buy Ethereum if the price falls below a certain threshold or sell it if it reaches a pre-defined profit target.

This approach allows traders to automate repetitive tasks and potentially improve their trading performance by adhering to a disciplined strategy.

Sentiment Analysis

Social media and news outlets are a constant stream of information that can influence market sentiment. AI startups are developing tools that utilize sentiment analysis to gauge the overall market mood towards Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies.

These tools analyze text data from social media posts, news articles, and online forums to identify positive, negative, or neutral sentiment toward Ethereum.

By understanding the prevailing market sentiment, traders can make more informed decisions about their DeFi investments.

The Impact On DeFi Trading

AI-powered trading offers a multitude of benefits for DeFi users, fundamentally transforming the trading experience. Firstly, AI automates repetitive tasks such as order execution and market monitoring, freeing up valuable time for users to focus on strategic analysis and portfolio management.

This increased efficiency allows traders to react more quickly to market opportunities and make informed decisions.

Secondly, AI-powered risk management tools can help users mitigate risk by automatically implementing stop-loss orders and other safeguards. This data-driven approach helps to remove emotional biases from trading decisions, potentially leading to more disciplined and profitable outcomes.

Finally, AI has the potential to democratize DeFi trading by making it more accessible to new users. User-friendly interfaces and automated strategies can simplify the complexities of DeFi, attracting those with less technical knowledge and fostering wider participation in the DeFi ecosystem.

Can AI Predict Ethereum’s Price Rise?

AI-based price prediction models hold immense potential, but it’s important to acknowledge their limitations. The cryptocurrency market remains inherently volatile, susceptible to unforeseen events and external factors that can disrupt even the most sophisticated AI models.

Additionally, AI predictions themselves can influence market behavior, potentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Therefore, AI should be viewed as a valuable tool for informed decision-making, not a guaranteed crystal ball for predicting Ethereum’s future price movements.

Wrapping Up

As Ethereum’s network activity and revenue surge, AI startups emerge as a powerful force in DeFi trading. These companies are developing innovative solutions like bitcoin pro air that utilize AI to predict price movements, automate trading strategies, and analyze market sentiment.

This confluence of AI and DeFi holds immense promise for the future. AI can facilitate DeFi trading, reduce risks associated with emotional decision-making, and make the DeFi ecosystem more accessible to a broader range of users.

As AI technology continues to evolve and integrate further with DeFi, we can expect even more groundbreaking advancements that will reshape the landscape of decentralized finance.

Economy

PenCom Extends Deadline for Pension Recapitalisation to June 2027

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Pension Recapitalisation

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The deadline for the recapitalisation of the Nigerian pension industry has been extended by six months to June 2027 from December 2026.

This extension was approved by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the agency, which regulates the sector in the country.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday in Lagos, the Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, explained that the shift in deadline was to give operators more time to boost the capital base, dismissing speculations that the exercise had been suspended.

“The recapitalisation has not been suspended. We have communicated the requirements to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and we expect every operator to be compliant by June 2027. Anyone who is not compliant by then will lose their licence,” Ms Oloworaran told journalists.

She added that, “From a regulatory standpoint, our major challenge is ensuring compliance. We are working with ICPC, labour and the TUC to ensure employers remit pension contributions for their employees.”

The DG noted that engagements with industry operators indicated broad acceptance of the policy, with many PFAs already taking steps to raise additional capital or explore mergers and acquisitions.

“You may see some mergers and acquisitions in the industry, but what is clear is that the recapitalisation exercise is on track and the industry agrees with us,” she stated.

PenCom wants the PFAs to increase their capital base and has created three categories, with the first consists operators with Assets Under Management of N500 billion and above. They are expected to have a minimum capital of N20 billion and one per cent of AUM above N500 billion.

The second category has PFAs with AUM below N500 billion, which must have at least N20 billion as capital base.

The last segment comprises special-purpose PFAs such as NPF Pensions Limited, whose minimum capital was pegged at N30 billion, and the Nigerian University Pension Management Company Limited, whose minimum capital was fixed at N20 billion.

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Economy

Three Securities Sink NASD Exchange by 0.68%

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NASD securities exchange

By Adedapo Adesanya

Three securities weakened the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange by 0.68 per cent on Thursday, December 18.

According to data, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc led the losers’ group after it slipped by N2.87 to N36.78 per share from N39.65 per share, Golden Capital Plc depreciated by 77 Kobo to end at N6.98 per unit versus the previous day’s N7.77 per unit, and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc dropped 19 Kobo to sell at N60.00 per share versus Wednesday’s closing price of N60.19 per share.

At the close of business, the market capitalisation lost N16.81 billion to finish at N2.147 billion compared with the preceding session’s N2.164 trillion, and the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) declined by 24.76 points to 3,589.88 points from 3,614.64 points.

Yesterday, the volume of securities bought and sold increased by 49.3 per cent to 30.5 million units from 20.4 million units, the value of securities surged by 211.8 per cent to N225.1 million from N72.2 million, and the number of deals jumped by 33.3 per cent to 28 deals from 21 deals.

Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company (InfraCredit) Plc remained the most traded stock by value with a year-to-date sale of 5.8 billion units valued at N16.4 billion, followed by Okitipupa Plc with 178.9 million units transacted for N9.5 billion, and MRS Oil Plc with 36.1 million units worth N4.9 billion.

Similarly, InfraCredit Plc ended as the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis with 5.8 billion units traded for N16.4 billion, trailed by Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc with 1.2 billion units sold for N420.7 million, and Impresit Bakolori Plc with 536.9 million units exchanged for N524.9 million.

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Economy

NGX Index Crosses 150,000 points as Market Cap Nears N96trn

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All-Share Index NGX

By Dipo Olowookere

The All-Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has again crossed the 150,000-point threshold on Thursday as the demand of for local intensifies.

The market was up by 0.35 per cent during the session, with the NGX index inching higher by 520.23 points to 150,363.05 points from the previous day’s 149,842.82 points and the market capitalisation climbed by N332 billion to N95.857 trillion from N95.525 trillion.

During the session, the consumer goods index grew by 1.23 per cent, the banking counter expanded by 0.56 per cent, and the energy sector appreciated by 0.05 per cent.

However, the insurance industry went down by 0.23 per cent, while the commodity and the industrial goods sectors closed flat.

Nestle Nigeria gained 10.00 per cent to trade at N1,958.00, Guinness Nigeria improved by 9.98 per cent to N289.70, Aluminium Extrusion Industries rose by 9.76 per cent to N11.25, DAAR Communications soared by 9.20 per cent to 95 Kobo, and Mecure Industries surged by 9.13 per cent to N55.00.

On the flip side, Stanbic IBTC lost 9.33 per cent to settle at N95.20, Lasaco Assurance went down by 9.09 per cent to N2.50, Africa Prudential slipped by 8.82 per cent, Austin Laz depreciated by 8.82 per cent to N12.40, and Sterling Holdings crashed by 6.12 per cent to N6.90.

There were 35 price gainers and 26 price losers yesterday, implying a positive market breadth index and bullish investor sentiment.

During the session, a total of 839.8 million equities valued at N32.8 billion exchanged hands in 23,211 deals compared with the 5.9 billion equities worth N216.2 billion traded in 25,205 deals a day earlier, indicating a decline in the trading volume, value, and number of deals by 85.77 per cent, 84.83 per cent, and 7.91 per cent apiece.

The day’s busiest stock was First Holdco with a turnover of 385.6 million units sold for N15.6 billion, FCMB traded 76.0 million units worth N805.3 million, Lasaco Assurance exchanged 43.6 million units valued at N111.8 million, Access Holdings transacted 29.6 million units worth N616.8 million, and Chams sold 24.8 million units valued at N75.4 million.

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