Flagship indices posted double-digit increases: The CF Smart Contract Platforms Index surged 31.84 % MTD, leading gains, while Ultra Cap 5 and Diversified Large Cap advanced about 27 %. Even traditionally defensive gauges like the Free-Float Broad Cap added 17 %, confirming risk-on sentiment across market segments.
Pro-innovation policy fuels broad rally: The SEC’s green-light for in-kind ETF creations and new listing rules, together with the GENIUS Act’s stable-coin framework and a White House crypto roadmap, have fostered a friendlier regulatory climate, catalyzing renewed investor confidence and a broad upswing across major tokens.
Historic fund inflows signal deepening adoption: Digital-asset funds attracted $10.6 billion, an all-time monthly record. Bitcoin captured $5.3 billion, while Ethereum drew $4.9 billion.
Regulated Derivatives markets set new highs: CME Ether futures traded nearly $118 billion with open interest climbing to $5.21 billion, eclipsing prior peaks. Alt-coin contracts followed suit: Solana volume jumped to $8.1 billion with open interest above $400 million, and XRP futures hit $125 million in turnover, highlighting rising institutional market participation.
On-chain activity rebounded sharply: Total value locked in DeFi protocols rose 20.6 % to roughly $340 billion, fueled by borrowing-and-lending growth on Ethereum. Aggregate layer-1 fees across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana climbed to $108.4 million, underscoring higher network usage and fee demand.
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The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell any of the underlying instruments cited including but not limited to cryptoassets, financial instruments or any instruments that reference any index provided by CF Benchmarks Ltd. This communication is not intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. Please contact your financial adviser or professional before making an investment decision.
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Our market recap offers a concise overview of key blockchain categories and their recent price action within the broader market context, providing valuable insights for investors and industry practitioners.
Gabriel Selby
This Research Bytes episode offers a top-level summary of CF Benchmarks’ Q3 2025 Market Outlook report. From multi-token ETFs to corporate treasuries stacking digital assets, discover what’s reshaping investment strategy in today’s evolving macro landscape.
CF Benchmarks
Ether is up 14.30% YTD despite a 0.67% weekly dip. Diversified benchmarks fell ~4%, trimming gains. Free-float indexes dropped ~1.9%, signaling small-cap caution. Bitcoin implied volatility rose 2.84% while realized volatility declined.
CF Benchmarks