Bitcoin Defends $114,800 Support While Altcoin Interest Surges

**Crypto ETF applications are flooding in** as institutions rush to expand digital asset offerings. The surge reflects growing institutional appetite for diverse crypto investments beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. **But there's a catch** - a potential US government shutdown threatens to pause this momentum. The SEC's approval process could face delays, putting pending applications on hold. **Key developments:** - Multiple new crypto ETF filings submitted recently - Institutional expansion into digital assets accelerating - Government shutdown risk creates regulatory uncertainty - Market timing becomes critical for pending applications **What this means:** The crypto ETF landscape is at a crossroads. While institutional demand remains strong, regulatory processes could face disruption. [Read the full Bitfinex Alpha report](https://blog.bitfinex.com/bitfinex-alpha/bitfinex-alpha-btc-hits-new-ath-as-october-starts-strongly/) for detailed analysis on filings and market implications.

**Bitcoin is showing strong momentum** as October begins, with historical data supporting potential gains ahead. **Key seasonal patterns:** - October delivered positive returns in **9 of 11 years** since 2013 - Average October gains of **+20.7%** make it Bitcoin's second-strongest month - Highest median return at **14.71%** occurs in October **Current market conditions:** - Bitcoin recently hit new all-time highs - Dips are being absorbed with renewed demand - September's correction appears to be fading **Q4 outlook strengthening** as institutional interest returns and macro conditions remain supportive. The combination of historical seasonality, current momentum, and market structure suggests potential for continued strength. Detailed analysis available in [Bitfinex Alpha report](https://blog.bitfinex.com/bitfinex-alpha/bitfinex-alpha-btc-hits-new-ath-as-october-starts-strongly/).

**Bitfinex has completed its transition to USDT0 on Polygon**, marking the end of bridged USDt support on the network. **Key updates:** - USDT0POL deposits and withdrawals now fully operational - Users can convert USDT0POL balances to USDt using the Currency Conversion tool - USDT0POL currently available for deposits/withdrawals only (no trading yet) This follows Bitfinex's recent expansion of USDT0 support across multiple networks, including **Plasma blockchain integration** in September. [Full details available here](https://www.bitfinex.com/posts/1142/)

**Tokenisation is transitioning from concept to reality** across Latin America, with concrete developments emerging in multiple countries. Pedro J. Sols from LQDmanzana discusses **El Salvador's Bitcoin framework** and how it's being implemented in practice. The conversation also covers **Colombia's on-chain pilots** and real-world use cases taking shape. Key developments include: - Practical tokenisation applications moving beyond theoretical discussions - El Salvador's regulatory framework providing structure for Bitcoin adoption - Colombian pilots demonstrating real use cases for blockchain technology The discussion highlights how **tokenised real-world assets** can distribute ownership, create new income streams, and connect global capital with local opportunities throughout the region. [Watch the full Bitfinex Talks conversation](https://youtu.be/SO4PFoxmoes)

**Bitcoin's Q4 prospects are improving** as key market dynamics shift in favor of the cryptocurrency. **Supply constraints are tightening:** - Bitcoin supply continues to fall - Whale selling activity is decreasing significantly - Institutional demand remains robust and growing According to Bitfinex Alpha analysis, these **structural tailwinds** are creating a supportive environment for Bitcoin heading into the fourth quarter. The combination of reduced selling pressure from large holders and sustained institutional interest suggests **strengthening market fundamentals**. [Read the full Bitfinex analysis](https://news.bitcoin.com/bitfinex-analysts-say-bitcoins-q4-tailwinds-are-structurally-strong/)