Daily Brief: October 4, 2025
Crypto Expansion, Bitcoin Surge, 24/7 Futures Trading
TL;DR: Samsung teams up with Coinbase to integrate crypto trading into Galaxy devices, making digital finance more accessible to 75 million users. Bitcoin's price jumps amid the US government shutdown, drawing investors seeking stability and boosting ETF inflows. CME Group plans 24/7 crypto futures trading by 2026, aiming to meet demand for continuous market access and enhance liquidity. These developments highlight the growing mainstream acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies in traditional and digital markets.
🤝 Samsung and Coinbase Join Forces for Crypto Access
Samsung has partnered with Coinbase to bring Coinbase One into the Samsung Wallet app. This integration allows 75 million Galaxy users in the U.S. to trade, stake, and manage cryptocurrencies directly from their devices. The collaboration offers fee-free trading and enhanced staking rewards, making it easier for users to engage with digital assets without needing to switch apps.
Galaxy users will receive a complimentary three-month subscription to Coinbase One, which includes perks like zero trading fees and priority support. Additionally, there's a $25 bonus available after the first trade. This partnership builds on Samsung's previous crypto efforts, such as the Samsung Blockchain Wallet and collaborations with other exchanges.
This integration is a significant step toward making cryptocurrency more accessible to mainstream users. By embedding crypto services into widely used mobile devices, Samsung and Coinbase aim to simplify the adoption process and encourage more people to explore digital finance. The partnership is set to expand globally, potentially reaching over a billion users.
Why it matters: This partnership lowers barriers to crypto adoption by integrating trading and payments into a widely used mobile platform, potentially accelerating mainstream cryptocurrency use.
🚀 Bitcoin Surges Amid US Shutdown and ETF Inflows
Bitcoin's price recently surged past $120,000 as the US government shutdown led investors to seek refuge in digital assets amid economic uncertainty. The shutdown delayed key economic data, fueling speculation about potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, which have historically benefited cryptocurrencies. Analysts, including Cardano's Charles Hoskinson, predict Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by 2026, underscoring its role as a hedge against traditional financial risks.
Institutional interest in Bitcoin is growing, with notable inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. Over $2.2 billion poured into US Bitcoin ETFs in just four days, indicating strong demand despite the shutdown's impact on new ETF launches. Analysts from Standard Chartered and JPMorgan forecast Bitcoin prices could rise to between $165,000 and $200,000 by the end of 2025, driven by its perceived undervaluation compared to gold.
The shutdown has also disrupted regulatory processes, with the SEC missing deadlines for new crypto ETF approvals. Despite this, existing Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have attracted $75 billion in inflows since last year. New SEC standards aim to simplify future approvals, potentially increasing access to digital asset products. This regulatory shift could further enhance institutional adoption and influence market dynamics.
Why it matters: Bitcoin's surge amid a government shutdown underscores its role as a hedge against economic instability, while growing institutional interest and ETF inflows signal its increasing acceptance as a mainstream asset.
🌐 CME Group to Offer 24/7 Crypto Futures by 2026
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (CME) is set to introduce 24/7 trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options by early 2026. This change, awaiting regulatory approval, aims to satisfy the growing demand for continuous market access. Currently, CME pauses trading on weekends and holidays, but the new schedule will allow nonstop trading, with only a brief weekly maintenance break.
CME's move to offer round-the-clock trading mirrors practices in decentralized finance (DeFi) and responds to client demand for uninterrupted risk management. This change is expected to lower volatility premiums and enhance liquidity by eliminating the 'CME gap,' where price shifts during off-hours create chart gaps that traders expect to fill.
This initiative makes CME the first major U.S.-regulated exchange to offer nonstop crypto derivatives trading. It represents a strategic move to attract institutional investors looking for regulated, continuous market access. By expanding its trading hours, CME could gain a competitive advantage over offshore exchanges that operate nonstop but with less regulatory oversight.
Why it matters: This development bridges traditional finance with crypto-native markets, enhancing risk management and liquidity, and setting new standards for regulated crypto trading.
