4.8 AI Daily Crypto Market Turmoil: Ethereum Innovations, New Regulations, and Global Economic Turmoil

1. Headline

1. Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin elaborates on long-term goals: to achieve native L1-L2 communication within 12 seconds.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin elaborated on Ethereum's long-term goals at the "We Scholars Summit 2025" in Hong Kong. He stated that Ethereum will achieve 12-second-level native asynchronous communication between L1 and L2, reducing bridging latency and costs. To this end, he proposed a "four-step" plan: including a "ZK+TEE+OP choose two" design, asynchronous reading of L1 through L1SLOAD, a unified proof integration mechanism, and the deployment of low-latency validators.

Buterin emphasized that in the future, users will still be able to use intent-based models to achieve faster or more cost-effective experiences, but the underlying communication system will tend towards lower costs and higher coupling. This goal aims to address issues such as the one-week withdrawal period currently existing between L2 and L1, enhance user experience, and promote greater integration within the ecosystem. Industry insiders believe that Ethereum's evolution will help enhance its capabilities, meet market demands, and prepare for future development.

In addition, Buterin revealed that Ethereum is researching a "blob fee" mechanism to address data availability issues. Analysts pointed out that this mechanism could become key to Ethereum's future development and is worth ongoing attention.

2. The U.S. government plans to appoint a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer to promote the application of AI technology.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has asked federal agencies to appoint chief AI officers to push the government to expand the use of AI. The White House issued two revised policy memos to guide federal agencies in accelerating the adoption and procurement of AI technologies. Driven by President Trump's Executive Order, the policy aims to remove bureaucratic barriers and increase efficiency while protecting citizens' privacy and rights.

Analysts say that this move reflects the U.S. government's realization of the importance of AI for national competitiveness. By appointing dedicated AI officials, it helps accelerate the deployment of AI technology in government systems and improve decision-making efficiency. At the same time, it will also promote the formulation of relevant regulations to standardize AI applications and avoid risks of abuse.

However, some scholars express concerns about this. They believe that government-led AI development may be affected by bureaucracy, limiting innovation. At the same time, there are privacy and ethical issues that require corresponding protective measures. Overall, the U.S. government's decision aims to seize the high ground in AI technology, but the specific implementation effects remain to be seen over time.

3. The cryptocurrency market experiences great ups and downs again as tariff news triggers violent fluctuations.

On April 7, a fake news about Trump's 90-day suspension of tariffs caused an uproar in the market. The news caused US stocks to soar for a while, but it was quickly confirmed as a rumor, and the market immediately retreated sharply. The incident once again exposed the uncertainty of Trump's tariff policy and raised concerns about the future.

The cryptocurrency market has not been spared either. Major currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum briefly surged when fake news emerged, only to plummet shortly after. Analysts point out that this extreme volatility reflects investors' high sensitivity to the trade war. Changes in tariff policies not only affect the real economy but will also impact the crypto market.

At the same time, some institutions hold an optimistic view on the long-term prospects of Bitcoin. Billionaire Tim Draper has stated that Bitcoin can resist inflation, represents the forefront of innovation, and is beneficial for Bitcoin buyers regardless of tariff situations. However, in the short term, the cryptocurrency market is expected to continue to experience significant volatility, and investors need to remain cautious.

4. Crypto lawyer sues the US government to reveal the identity of Bitcoin's creator.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been indicted for finding the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto (Satoshi Nakamoto), the anonymous creator of Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency lawyer James A. Murphy filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, demanding documentation regarding Satoshi Nakamoto's identity. Murphy said his Freedom of Information Act request went unanswered.

This move has once again sparked speculation about the identity of Bitcoin's creator. Satoshi Nakamoto has long been a mystery in the cryptocurrency world, with their true identity being regarded as the "Holy Grail" of the industry. Some analysts believe that revealing their identity could impact the trajectory of Bitcoin's development.

However, there is also an opinion that even if the identity is exposed, it will not change the decentralized nature of Bitcoin. Bitcoin's value lies in its underlying technology and community consensus, not from individuals. Therefore, the mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto's identity, while intriguing, is not a priority.

Overall, although this lawsuit has attracted attention, the likelihood of unraveling the mystery is low. The identity of the Bitcoin creator may continue to be an eternal topic in the crypto world.

5. Blockchain company Starpower recognized by top journals, progress made in decentralized research.

According to reports, the number of devices connected to the blockchain energy company Starpower has surpassed one million. Its co-founder Dr. Jia and his team had their research paper on nanostructured new energy accepted by the international top journal "Nature Nanotechnology" in March 2025, marking a substantial advancement in their technology development in the decentralized research field (DeSci).

Starpower's proposed three-stage "Proof" incentive mechanism is regarded as the core highlight of its system design. In the first stage, "Proof of Connection", users only need to connect their devices to the network and stay online to receive rewards, aiming to quickly scale the network. After entering the second stage of "capacity proof", the system begins to require the device to provide data on energy storage or power generation capacity to form a real energy contribution curve; Finally, in the "Proof of Response" phase, the user device must respond based on the real-time dispatch signal in order to receive the reward.

Analysts believe that this mechanism design from shallow participation to deep collaboration makes Starpower one of the most incentivized and sustainable representatives of the current We energy project, which is expected to promote the development of decentralized scientific research.

2. Industry Data

1. BTC

The recent trading price of Bitcoin is 75176.2000 USD, with a daily decline of -9.50%.

2. ETH

The recent trading price of Ethereum is $1462.4500, with a daily decline of -18.70%.

3. XRP

The recent transaction price of XRP is 1.6813 USD, with a daily drop of -19.70%.

4. SOL

The recent trading price of Solana is $97.3300, with a daily decline of -18.40%.

5. GT

GT was last traded at $20.2800, down -9.70% on the day.

3. Industry News

1. Trump's tariff policy has triggered market turmoil, causing Bitcoin to briefly fall below $80,000.

Bitcoin prices experienced wild swings on April 8. Bitcoin plummeted below $77,000 after the Trump administration announced a 34% tariff on imports, hitting a nearly two-month low. Analysts believe that the tariff policy has exacerbated market concerns about the global trade outlook, and investors have dumped risky assets, causing cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin to suffer heavy losses.

However, Bitcoin quickly stabilized around $80,000 and rebounded. At press time, Bitcoin has retested $81,500. Analysts point out that although Bitcoin may continue to be volatile due to the impact of tariff events in the short term, in the long term, Bitcoin's value reserve function as a decentralized digital asset will allow it to gain more attention in turbulent times.

At the same time, major altcoins such as Ethereum have also fallen sharply on the back of tariff news. However, they rebounded relatively weakly compared to Bitcoin. Analysts have warned that the crypto market could face more downward pressure if the trade dispute escalates further. Investors need to pay close attention to subsequent developments and prudently grasp the risks.

2. The cryptocurrency market sentiment is polarized, and the AI sector is gaining attention.

Despite the adverse impact of the tariff incident, the overall sentiment in the cryptocurrency market has diverged. The data shows that on April 8, the AI track sprung up, leading the entire market. Among them, AI-related tokens such as Render, tensor, and Fartcoin rose by 9.39%, 12.85%, and 27.69%, respectively.

According to analysts, the application of AI technology in the field of cryptocurrencies is promising, attracting the attention of a large number of investors. At the same time, the development of some traditional popular tracks, such as DeFi and NFT, has slowed down, and investor sentiment has cooled.

However, some analysts have warned against the hype surrounding the AI sector. They believe that most AI projects are still in the early stages and lack real use cases to support them, urging investors to remain rational and participate cautiously.

In general, there has been a new divergence in the sentiment of the cryptocurrency market, and the sudden emergence of the AI track has attracted widespread attention. However, investors also need to be wary of potential bubble risks and rationally look at the true value of the project.

3. Institutions hold an optimistic view on Bitcoin's long-term prospects, with significant buying triggering rebound expectations.

Despite some pressure on Bitcoin in the short term, institutional investors remain optimistic about its long-term prospects. According to the data, after bitcoin briefly fell below $80,000, at least two whale addresses increased their holdings of 15,191 bitcoins.

Analysts believe that this increase reflects the recognition of the long-term value of bitcoin by institutional investors, and is also expected to bring a new round of rebound momentum to bitcoin. They expect bitcoin to re-break the $85,000 mark in the short term.

At the same time, some analysts are cautious about Bitcoin's recent performance. They noted that bitcoin is currently experiencing a decline in trading volume and network activity, reflecting weak investor sentiment. If the trade dispute escalates further, Bitcoin could face more downward pressure.

Overall, institutional investors remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of Bitcoin, but there is still considerable uncertainty regarding Bitcoin's short-term trends. Investors need to closely monitor market dynamics and prudently manage risks.

4. Cryptocurrency market sentiment is worsening, analysts warn of potential systemic risks.

On April 8, the panic sentiment in the cryptocurrency market further intensified. According to Alternative data, the cryptocurrency fear and greed index for the day was 24, indicating an "extreme fear" state.

Analysts say that the market turbulence caused by the tariff events has intensified investors' panic. Meanwhile, some issues in the cryptocurrency market itself, such as high leverage and lack of regulation, have also been exposed during this turmoil, which could trigger systemic risks.

However, some analysts believe that the current panic sentiment may indicate that the market is approaching the bottom region, providing investors with a good layout opportunity. But they also warn that if the trade dispute continues to escalate, the market may face greater downside potential.

Overall, panic in the cryptocurrency market intensified further on April 8, with analysts warning about potential systemic risks. But at the same time, some investors are also looking for opportunities. Investors need to remain vigilant and prudently grasp the risks.

4. Project News

1. Vitalik elaborated on Ethereum's long-term goal: to achieve L1-L2 native asynchronous communication in 12 seconds

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin ethereum elaborated on Ethereum's long-term goals at the "We Scholars Summit 2025" in Hong Kong. He said that Ethereum aims to achieve 12-second native asynchronous communication between L1 and L2, reducing the latency and cost of cross-layer communication. To this end, Vitalik proposed a "four-step" scheme: the first step is to adopt the "ZK+TEE+OP three-choice" design to achieve more efficient verification; The second step is to support L2 asynchronous reading of L1 status by L1SLOAD opcode; The third step is the Unified Proof Integration Mechanism, which allows validators to submit proofs to an integrator; The fourth step is to deploy a low-latency verifier to further optimize the verification efficiency.

Vitalik emphasized that although future users can still use the intent model for a faster or more cost-effective experience, the underlying communication system will tend towards low-cost and high-coupling. This goal aims to advance the unity and integration of the Ethereum ecosystem, laying the foundation for applications to deploy components simultaneously on L1 and L2.

Multiple analytical firms have expressed their approval of Vitalik's speech. Messari analysts stated that the roadmap proposed by Vitalik is practical and will significantly enhance Ethereum's scalability and user experience. Delphi Digital analysts believe that this vision will drive Ethereum towards a unified modular system, which is beneficial for the long-term development of the ecosystem.

2. Starpower exceeded one million users, and the paper was accepted by Nature

The energy DePIN project Starpower recently announced significant progress: the number of devices connected to the entire network has exceeded one million, and the team's paper has been accepted by the top journal "Nature Nanotechnology."

Starpower is committed to building a global distributed computing power sharing platform. Users can get incentives by contributing idle computing resources and participate in ecological governance. The project combines AI resource scheduling with a decentralized physical facility network to optimize the efficiency of the computing power market.

Starpower adopts a phased incentive mechanism, from shallow participation to deep synergy, making it one of the most sustainable representatives of current We energy projects. In the first stage, "Proof of Connection", users only need to connect their devices to the network to receive rewards; After entering the second stage of "capacity proof", the system requires the device to provide energy storage or power generation capacity data; Finally, in the "Proof of Response" phase, the user device must respond based on the real-time dispatch signal in order to receive the reward.

Messari highly praises Starpower in its latest report. The report suggests that Starpower's innovative design is expected to drive the computing power market towards decentralization, laying the foundation for the future energy internet. Furthermore, the team's groundbreaking research achievements in the field of nano-new energy will also inject new momentum into the project's long-term development.

3. Warlus raised US$1.4 billion at a valuation of US$2 billion

The storage track new star Warlus project recently secured $1.4 billion in financing, with the latest valuation reaching $2 billion. This project, based on a "error correction code technology + low replication factor" modular architecture, is seen as a leader in the future development of the storage track.

Warlus is committed to building a high-performance, low-cost distributed storage network. The innovation lies in the use of error correction code technology, which spreads the data across multiple nodes, thereby reducing the cost of redundant storage. Compared to traditional 3x replication, Warlus' storage efficiency is higher and is expected to drive a significant reduction in storage costs.

The project has received support and investment from well-known institutions such as Solana Ventures, Alliance DAO, and Framework Ventures. Analysts believe that Warlus is expected to occupy a strategic position in the Sui ecosystem, with a market value likely to reach 5-10 billion USD.

A number of research institutions have expressed optimism about Warlus. Analysts at Delphi Digital said that Warlus' innovative technical architecture can effectively solve the pain points of the industry with high storage costs, and has broad development prospects. Messari analysts believe that Warlus represents the future development direction of the storage track, able to integrate dynamic data processing and compliance innovation.

4. CertiK Public LiDO Model, Breaking Through Consensus Protocol Challenges

At the 2025 We Scholars Summit, Professor Shao Zhong, co-founder of CertiK, unveiled the LiDO model and the LiDO-DAG extension framework for the first time. This achievement provides a mechanically verifiable proof of security and activity for a complex Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus protocol through a three-layer refined verification framework, aiming to improve the reliability and large-scale development of the We ecosystem.

The LiDO model consists of three layers: the security abstraction layer, the activity assurance layer, and the DAG extension layer. The security abstraction layer formally verifies the security of the protocol. The viability assurance layer proves the viability of the protocol in various situations; The DAG expansion layer extends the traditional chain structure to the DAG to support higher throughput.

Professor Shao Zhong said that LiDO has been successfully applied to industrial-grade protocols such as Jolteon, and more than 10,000 lines of Coq code have been verified. This model is expected to promote the rapid iteration of consensus algorithms and bring higher performance and stronger security to the We ecosystem.

A number of institutions have recognized the LiDO model. Analysts at Delphi Digital believe that LiDO fills the gap in the formal verification of consensus algorithms and will greatly improve the trustworthiness of the new protocol. Messari analysts pointed out that the LiDO-DAG extension framework lays the foundation for the large-scale application of DAG structures in the future.

Overall, today's project dynamics reflect the continuous breakthroughs of the We ecosystem in various aspects such as underlying technology and application innovation, which will inject new momentum into the long-term development of the entire industry.

5. Economic Dynamics

1. Trump's tariff policy triggers global chain reactions of countermeasures, causing turmoil in financial markets.

The overall trend of the current economic environment is not very optimistic. The latest data showed that US GDP grew by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter, lower than expectations of 2%, and inflation also continued to be at a high level. Although the unemployment rate has fallen, there is still uncertainty in the job market.

Recently, the Trump administration suddenly announced a 10% tariff on all imports, triggering a global chain of countermeasures. Major economies such as China, the European Union, and Canada have all indicated that they will take the same level of countermeasures. This policy upheaval has exacerbated global trade tensions and poses a serious threat to economic recovery.

Investors reacted violently. On Monday, global stock markets suffered a heavy turn, with the Dow falling more than 1,000 points at one point. Bond yields soared, the dollar index soared, and commodity prices such as crude oil plummeted. The cryptocurrency market was also hit, with bitcoin briefly falling below the $80,000 mark.

Goldman Sachs Group analysts said that if trade tensions continue to escalate, the probability of a recession in the United States will rise sharply. They warn that the stock market could enter a long-lasting, cyclical bear market.

Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, pointed out that the current turmoil is just the beginning of a larger transformation. He believes that we are in a "classic period" of the collapse of monetary, political, and geopolitical order, where various forces are reshaping the global landscape.

2. BlackRock CEO warns: The United States may have fallen into recession, and policy should return to growth-oriented

The pace of the U.S. economic recovery is slowing, inflation remains high, the labor market is weak, and volatile trade policies have intensified downward pressure on the economy. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink recently stated, "We may already be in a recession."

Fink pointed out that the current economic policy in the United States is inflationary in the short term and may also be undermining economic stability. He called on the Biden administration to return to a growth-oriented policy of "pre-election commitments," including tax cuts, deregulation, and accelerated construction, to help the U.S. emerge from economic gloom.

Investors reacted strongly to Fink's comments. U.S. stocks fluctuated sharply on Monday, with the S&P 500 plunging more than 2% at one point before rebounding on hopes of a tariff delay. Bond yields soared, the dollar index soared, and commodity prices such as crude oil plummeted.

Goldman Sachs analysts believe that if trade tensions continue to escalate, the probability of a recession in the United States will rise sharply. They warn that the stock market could enter a long-lasting, cyclical bear market.

Dalio, founder of Bridgewater, pointed out that the current turmoil is just the beginning of a bigger change. He argues that we are in a "classic period" of the collapse of the monetary, political and geopolitical order, and that the interplay of various forces is reshaping the global landscape.

3. The Federal Reserve is facing a policy dilemma, and the crypto market may become a safe-haven option

High inflation, escalating trade tensions, and economic slowdown have put the Federal Reserve in a difficult policy dilemma. Continuing to raise interest rates may further suppress the economy; while lowering rates could potentially fuel rising inflation.

Goldman Sachs analysts believe that if trade tensions continue to escalate, the likelihood of a recession in the U.S. economy will significantly increase. They warn that the stock market may enter a prolonged cyclical bear market.

Against this backdrop, crypto assets such as Bitcoin may re-emerge as an inflation-resistant and safe-haven investment option. Research firm UNIX analysis pointed out that if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to stimulate the economy, the price of bitcoin may be supported as a result.

Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Funds, also believes that cryptocurrencies may play a more important role in the big cycle of the collapse of the monetary, political and geopolitical order. He called on investors to pay attention to the interplay of forces, rather than focusing too much on short-term events.

Goldman Sachs analysts said that even if trade tensions ease, inflationary pressures and risks of an economic slowdown remain. In this environment, gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, is likely to gain more attention.

4. Experts: Trade wars may trigger a new round of financial crisis, and investors should remain cautious.

The recent escalation of the trade war has triggered severe fluctuations in the financial markets and intensified the downward pressure on the global economy. Some experts warn that if the trade disputes continue to escalate, it could lead to a new round of global financial crisis.

Goldman Sachs analysts believe that if trade tensions continue to escalate, the probability of a recession in the United States will rise sharply. They warn that the stock market could enter a long-lasting, cyclical bear market.

Dalio, founder of Bridgewater, pointed out that the current turmoil is just the beginning of a bigger change. He argues that we are in a "classic period" of the collapse of the monetary, political and geopolitical order, and that the interplay of various forces is reshaping the global landscape.

In this context, experts generally advise investors to remain cautious and control their risk exposure. Former Goldman Sachs partner Peter Oppenheimer stated that investors should reduce their holdings in risk assets and increase their allocation to cash and safe-haven assets.

On the other hand, some experts believe that the current turmoil presents a good opportunity for investors. BlackRock CEO Fink stated that the current low levels may represent a long-term buying opportunity. However, he also warned that the market could fall further by 20%.

6. Regulation & Policy

1. The White House has released a new policy to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence by federal agencies.

Background: The U.S. government attaches great importance to the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. To maintain its global leadership in AI, the Trump administration has introduced new policies aimed at removing bureaucratic barriers and improving efficiency while protecting citizens' privacy and rights.

Policy Content: The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued two revised policy memoranda to guide federal agencies in accelerating the adoption of AI technologies and the procurement process. The policy, driven by President Trump's executive order, calls on federal agencies to strengthen public-private partnerships, talent development, and accelerate the adoption of AI technologies and the development of regulatory frameworks. The MOU emphasizes the need to balance innovation and risk management to ensure the safety, reliability, and fairness of AI systems.

Market Reaction: Tech giants and AI startups welcomed this policy. They look forward to the government creating a favorable environment for AI innovation, removing regulatory barriers, and promoting technological development. However, some are concerned that overly lenient policies may pose risks, and there is a need to establish clear ethical and privacy protection standards.

Expert opinion: Michael Littman, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said the policy provides guidelines for federal agencies to adopt AI, but further specifics are needed. He stressed the need for governments to work closely with industry to ensure transparency and explainability of AI systems and avoid algorithmic bias and unfair treatment.

2. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will convene its first roundtable on cryptocurrency regulation

Background: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) has long been cautious about crypto regulation, but has recently shifted to favor sound regulation. The roundtable aims to clarify crypto regulations for the benefit of the public.

Policy content: The SEC's Crypto Working Group will hold a roundtable to discuss customized regulation of cryptocurrency transactions. The conference will invite industry representatives, academics, and regulators to discuss how to develop an effective and reasonable crypto regulatory framework. SEC Commissioner Pierce, who has been advocating for clear regulations for cryptocurrencies, will lead the initiative.

Market reaction: The crypto industry generally welcomes this and expects regulatory clarification to inject new impetus into the development of the industry. But there are also concerns that over-regulation could stifle innovation. Crypto exchange Coinbase said it would actively participate in the discussions, calling for the development of regulatory policies that would benefit the development of the industry.

Expert opinion: Jack Yates, an expert on crypto law, believes that the SEC's move is a step in the right direction. He noted that clear regulation would provide investor protection while leveling the playing field for compliant businesses. But he also warned that regulation should not be too rigid and need to be adjusted with the times.

3. The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has issued new regulations allowing crypto platforms to offer staking services.

Background: Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has been working hard to establish a regulatory framework conducive to the development of the crypto industry to attract more crypto companies to set up operations in Hong Kong. The new rules are part of its roadmap.

Policy Content: The SFC has issued guidelines allowing licensed cryptocurrency platforms and funds to provide staking services in Hong Kong. The new regulations clarify the operational requirements for staking services, including adequate risk disclosure, appropriate anti-money laundering measures, and effective investor compensation mechanisms, among others. The SFC emphasizes that platforms must take appropriate measures to manage related risks.

Market reaction: Hong Kong crypto companies welcome this, believing it will promote industry development. Companies like XREX and Amber Group plan to launch staking services in Hong Kong. However, some are concerned that overly loose regulation may bring risks.

Expert Opinion: Assistant Professor Chen Jiawei from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology stated that the new regulations bring new opportunities to the cryptocurrency industry, but there is also a need to balance innovation and risk. He suggests that regulatory agencies closely monitor industry dynamics and adjust policies in a timely manner. Hong Kong financial law expert Zhang Wei emphasized that staking services require strict risk control measures to protect investors' interests.