Economy
Can AI Startups Predict Ethereum’s Price Rise? DeFi Trading Gets Smarter
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.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange further appreciated by 0.23 per cent on Thursday, April 23, with the Unlisted Security Index (NSI) adding 8.99 points to close at 3,969.96 points against the previous day’s 3,968 points.
The rise in the share price of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc by N2.86 to N69.34 per unit from N66.48 per unit raised the market capitalisation of the NASD bourse by N5.38 billion to N2.380 trillion from N2.375 trillion.
Yesterday, there were two price losers, led by Food Concepts Plc, which lost 29 Kobo to sell at N2.65 per share versus N2.94 per share, while UBN Property Plc dipped by 22 Kobo to N2.03 per unit from N2.25 per unit.
During the session, the volume of securities traded declined by 97.9 per cent to 451,522 units from 21.5 million units on Wednesday, the value of securities depreciated by 52.32 per cent to N23.6 million from N49.5 million, and the number of deals depreciated by 3.6 per cent to 27 deals from 28 deals.
At the close of business, Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc remained the most active stock by value on a year-to-date basis with 3.4 billion units valued at N8.4 billion, followed by CSCS Plc with 59.5 million units exchanged for N4.0 billion, and Okitipupa Plc with 27.8 million units traded for N1.9 billion.
GNI Plc also closed the day as the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis with 3.4 billion units worth N8.4 billion, trailed by Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units transacted for N415.7 million, and Infrastructure Guarantee Credit Plc with 400 million units sold for N1.2 billion.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Fresh foreign exchange (forex) demand pressure saw the Naira depreciate against the United States Dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX) on Thursday, April 22, by N5.46 or 0.4 per cent to trade at N1,353.91/$1 compared with the preceding day’s value of N1,348.45/$1.
It was the same outcome for the local currency in the official market after it depreciated against the Pound Sterling by N4.13 to close at N1,825.88/£1, in contrast to the preceding session’s N1,821.75/£1, and against the Euro, it dropped 72 Kobo to finish at N1,582.72/€1 versus N1,582.00/€1.
But the Nigerian Naira appreciated against the US Dollar at the GTBank FX desk by N2 during the session to quote at N1,361/$1 compared with Wednesday’s closing price of N1,361/$1, and at the parallel market, it closed flat at N1,375/$1.
FX Pressure came as data showed that NFEM interbank turnover was N28.117 million, lower than the N66.084 million recorded the previous day.
Concerns over liquidity pressures, policy transparency, and confidence in Nigeria’s FX market continue to grip the market while the country’s foreign reserve declines further, even as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently said that the recent decline in Nigeria’s external reserves should not be a cause for concern.
Global developments also played a significant role, as rising geopolitical tensions boosted demand for the US Dollar, further weakening emerging market currencies, including the Naira.
As for the cryptocurrency market, there was a mixed outcome as traders reacted to rising geopolitical tensions from the Iran war and fresh inflation data from Japan.
Japanese inflation ticked higher in March, stoking expectations that the Bank of Japan may soon signal rate hikes, which could strengthen the yen and unsettle global risk assets.
The Iran conflict has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, raising energy costs and inflation risks worldwide and potentially complicating efforts by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.
Ethereum (ETH) declined by 1.8 per cent to $2,316.53, Bitcoin (BTC) lost 0.6 per cent to sell at $77,935.53, Solana (SOL) fell by 0.5 per cent to $85.67, and Binance Coin (BNB) dropped 0.4 per cent to sell for $634.85.
However, Dogecoin (DOGE) appreciated by 1.4 per cent to $0.0976, Ripple (XRP) grew by 0.7 per cent to $1.43, Cardano (ADA) expanded by 0.6 per cent to $0.2493, and TRON (TRX) improved by 0.2 per cent to $0.3279, while the US Dollar Tether (USDT) and the US Dollar Coin (USDC) traded flat at $1.00 each.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The resilience shown by Nigerian Breweries Plc in the 2025 fiscal year, despite a volatile macroeconomic environment, which consumed several businesses, has not got without notice.
Shareholders of the brewery giant applauded the board and management for the strong recovery and improved profitability recorded in the year.
At the company’s 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Lagos, they attributed these achievements to disciplined cost management and a significant reduction in finance expenses.
“We are proud of how the company has withstood the ups and downs of a challenging environment. The return to profitability and the reversal of the negative cash position recorded in the previous two financial years are commendable,” a member of the Noble Shareholders Association, Mr Owolabi Opeyemi, said at the gathering.
Also, the immediate past Secretary of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr Eke Emmanuel, noted that the company’s resilience reflects strong leadership and a sound strategic direction.
“It is good news that we have been here for 80 years. There is no reason why we will not be here for the next 80 years with what we have achieved. To return to this level of profitability and cash position shows the Board has done an enormous amount of work,” he said.
Addressing investors at the AGM, the board chairman, Mrs Juliet Anammah, expressed confidence that the company is firmly on a recovery path following the net losses recorded in the past two years due to macroeconomic pressures and fiscal reforms.
She thanked shareholders for their continued support and reaffirmed that the company will build on its 2025 performance as it accelerates growth ambitions.
“We have a solid foundation built over eight decades, anchored on a strong portfolio of brands, an extensive nationwide sales and supply chain network, ongoing digital transformation, and most importantly, our people. These strengths remain critical to sustaining our leadership position,” the former chief executive of Jumia Nigeria said.
Ms Anammah also addressed the company’s dividend position, noting that the decision not to declare a dividend reflects the need to rebuild retained earnings impacted by prior macroeconomic shocks, particularly foreign exchange-related losses.
“We recognise the importance of dividend payments to our shareholders and sincerely appreciate your continued understanding. While we are not declaring a dividend at this time due to negative retained earnings, we are working diligently to restore the company’s financial position and return to dividend payments as soon as it is sustainable to do so,” she added.
She further noted that the board remains vigilant to external risks, including the Middle East crisis and broader macroeconomic challenges, which may impact the pace of improvement in the 2026 financial year.
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