Can Hotter Forecasts from NatGasWeather Spark a Rally?
Weather remains a pivotal factor. According to NatGasWeather, U.S. demand is expected to be moderate through Thursday before a hotter pattern emerges. Highs in the mid-80s to 100s across much of the country are forecast for late this week and into next, potentially boosting cooling demand.
However, current conditions remain milder than ideal for strong rally attempts. Traders are weighing whether this upcoming heat will be enough to sustain prices above the psychological $3.00 level, especially with robust supplies still in play.
Production and Storage Oversupply Continue to Undermine Bulls
Monday’s selloff — a 15.1-cent drop to $2.932 — was fueled by a mix of bearish fundamentals. U.S. dry gas production hit 108.1 Bcf/d Monday, up 3.5% year-over-year, while demand fell 8% to 74.2 Bcf/d, according to BNEF.
Storage is another headwind: the latest EIA report showed a +48 Bcf injection, outpacing the five-year average of +24 Bcf, and pushing inventories to 6.7% above seasonal norms. The fall shoulder season also looms, historically a soft period for demand.
Baker Hughes Rig Count and LNG Exports Send Mixed Signals
The Baker Hughes rig count adds further pressure, with gas rigs rising by two to 124 — the highest in two years — signaling continued production strength. At the same time, LNG export flows remain elevated at 15.3 Bcf/d, up 6.8% week-over-week, offering some relief to domestic balances.
Meanwhile, Edison Electric Institute data showed an 8.1% year-over-year increase in power generation for the week ending July 26, potentially supporting incremental gas burn for utilities.
Favoured the world over, the health benefits of a matcha latte depends on how the beverage is prepared and how much of it is consumed. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
It’s a guilty pleasure among foodies all over the world – matcha latte, the soft green-hued beverage made from finely ground Japanese green tea powder and combined with milk.
Its vibrant, photogenic presentation makes it a hit on social media, and its association with an active and “healthier” lifestyle makes it appear to be the preferred choice for many over coffee.
But just how beneficial is this beverage, whose base ingredient hails from the Land of the Rising Sun and is currently facing global shortages?
According to dietitian Nur Adilah Muhammadun Basar, the finely ground powder made from high-quality green-tea leaves may contain plenty of antioxidants, but its effects still depend on how the beverage is prepared and how much of it is consumed.
“Matcha is indeed rich in antioxidants compared to regular green tea, but when it’s made into a latte with sweetened milk, syrups and whipped cream, it reduces the health benefits.
“In fact, it could even encourage unhealthy eating habits and higher calorie intake,” she told Bernama.
Nur Adilah Muhammadun Basar.
She said a glass of latte without added sweeteners contains 90 to 200 calories depending on the type of milk used. Loaded with syrups and flavourings such as caramel drizzle, this can easily spike to about 400 calories – the equivalent of about 1.5 bowls of white rice.
As such, regular consumption could lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart problems and fatigue. These, of course, go against the very benefits matcha is supposed to offer, such as increased energy and mental focus, and support for the immune and metabolic systems.
Nur Adilah also pointed out that a cup of matcha latte is estimated to contain more than twice the caffeine content of regular green tea, reaching up to 70mg. This is still less than the 120mg of caffeine found in a serving of coffee.
Nevertheless, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha makes it a more suitable option for those who wish to stay focused without the jitters or post-caffeine crash associated with drinking coffee.
“The type of milk used in matcha lattes also plays a role. Cow’s milk, for instance, can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants, compared with plant-based milks like soy, oat or almond, which are more matcha-friendly,” Nur Adilah added.
Real, high-grade matcha has a unique identity – a subtle umami taste, slightly bitter but refreshing, with an earthy aroma. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
Meanwhile, academic Hairi Jalis agrees that the use of sugary syrups and additional flavourings not only drowns out the benefits of matcha but can also ruin its authentic taste.
“Real, high-grade matcha has its own unique identity: a subtle umami taste, slightly bitter but refreshing, with a naturally earthy aroma.
“In Malaysia, however, our palates tend to favour sweetness, especially among those who are accustomed to drinks like teh tarik, frappés and boba desserts,” said the senior lecturer from UiTM’s department of gastronomy and culinary arts, .
He noted that oat milk goes well with matcha lattes owing to its natural sweetness and texture: it doesn’t overpower the taste of the green tea and makes it easier to create latte foam “art”, resulting in more visually appealing presentations.
Hairi added that the challenge in preparing the beverage lies in ensuring it is neither too bitter nor too flat, which depends on the quality of the matcha powder and proper mixing techniques.
“The ideal water temperature must be between 70°C and 80°C, and the milk should not be too hot to preserve its natural sweetness. It’s best to use a bamboo whisk, or chasen, to achieve a smooth mixture without clumps,” he concluded.
Dogecoin appears to be attracting renewed attention from market observers, with some analysts suggesting that the meme coin may be positioning itself for a potential price rebound. A pseudonymous analyst known as Cantonese Cat has highlighted what they describe as “great risk-reward” in Dogecoin’s price outlook, pointing to a recent 8% increase over the weekend as a possible sign of a new uptrend [1].
According to the analysis, the price has broken a key bear market trendline that had previously kept DOGE in a downtrend since late July. This development has led to a retesting of a “bull market” support band, which, if confirmed, could act as a catalyst for further gains. Coinglass derivatives data shows that speculative demand is increasing, with open interest rising by 2.43% to $3.15 billion, indicating that traders are becoming more active in the DOGE market [1].
Further analysis from Cantonese Cat highlights a falling wedge pattern, which has now been validated as a potential breakout structure. The analyst noted that a successful retest of the trendline has confirmed it as support, marking a higher low and reinforcing the potential for an upward move. Momentum indicators such as the RSI and MACD also support a bullish bias, with the RSI showing buyers are back in control and the MACD maintaining its lead over the signal line [1].
If the current momentum holds, the price could target the $0.25 level, which would represent a 25% increase from its current price. Should this resistance level be converted into support, the rally could extend toward the mid-July high of $0.2875, a potential 38% gain and a clear indication of a broader bull run [1].
In parallel, the Binance Long/Short Ratio stands at 2.98, with 75% of traders positioning long, reinforcing the bullish sentiment currently observed in the market [1].
However, the market is still navigating macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly with the looming U.S. tariff increases set to take effect on August 7. These developments have tempered enthusiasm for riskier assets, including meme coins like Dogecoin. That said, expectations for a potential September rate cut remain strong, and this could stimulate renewed inflows into risk assets like cryptocurrencies [1].
Cantonese Cat has also indicated their own position in the market, stating that they have increased their exposure to Dogecoin, describing the current price levels as a favorable entry point [1].
Source: [1] Dogecoin Price Prediction: Analyst Calls This the Perfect Entry – Is DOGE About to Explode? (https://cryptonews.com/news/dogecoin-price-prediction-analyst-calls-this-the-perfect-entry/)
Notice that a downward sloping consolidation pattern formed recently, showing a small descending channel. Given its location further into a downtrend and at a key long-term support zone, this pattern might have an impact like a bullish falling wedge. It is too early to say but something to watch as it could help identify a potential bullish reversal signal. Currently, a bullish reversal would be indicated on a rally above Friday’s high of $3.13. While a rise above Monday’s high of $3.08 will show strength, not enough to indicate that the advance might be sustainable.
Price Will Show the Way
The more fight there is between buyers and sellers near the bottom, the greater the potential for a reversal when it comes. Although there are lower targets for natural gas that might be reached, if a low was going to be established, it is in the area to do it. The AVWAP line shows $2.97, and it should be seen as an area of price. If a bullish reversal follows before a new trend low, then a new high swing low will be completed. That would be a bullish sign if it occurs.
AVWAP Has a History of Support
A swing low from April at $2.86 found support and reversed from the AVWAP line. That low is also a monthly low and confirmed by a 20-Month MA, now at $2.85. Therefore, it is potentially significant, either for a bullish reversal or a breakdown. Either way, if $2.86 is approached, a breakdown from two long-term trend indicators will be violated. That would indicate the potential for further downward pressure in prices.
For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.
XRP is once again back in the spotlight. After bouncing off a critical support zone at $2.80, XRP surged nearly 24% in recent sessions, reaching $2.95 today. With growing investor optimism, favorable regulatory momentum, and increasing chatter around XRP ETFs, many are now asking — can XRP hit the long-anticipated $5 mark in August 2025?
XRP price retests $2.80 support and rebounds strongly
The recent bounce from the $2.80 level came at a crucial moment for XRP. After weeks of consolidation and growing pressure from broader crypto market volatility, XRP managed to hold ground — signaling a potential trend reversal. The token is currently trading around $2.95, down about 3.9% in the past 24 hours but still well above recent lows.
This support level is critical because it’s been tested multiple times in the past three months. Holding above $2.80 suggests strong buying interest, especially as bulls eye higher resistance targets in the near term.
XRP price forecast: Bulls now target the $3.67 resistance zone
After reclaiming momentum from the $2.80 level, the next logical target for XRP is the $3.67 resistance, a level it briefly touched during its July rally. Technical analysts believe a close above this level could trigger a broader breakout toward $4.00 and beyond.
If XRP manages to break and sustain above $3.67, analysts expect a fresh bullish wave that could quickly bring it closer to the psychological $5 barrier. A continued uptick in volume and favorable news around Ripple’s ongoing legal clarity could act as key drivers in this push.
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Is a breakout imminent? XRP shows bullish pattern forming
Chart watchers are closely monitoring XRP’s current setup, which is forming a falling wedge pattern — typically a bullish indicator in crypto technical analysis. The resistance trendline currently sits around $3.03, and a breakout above this could act as the first confirmation of renewed upward momentum. Many traders believe XRP is entering a “make-or-break” zone this August. If support at $2.90–$3.00 holds and volume increases, the breakout could come faster than expected.
XRP ETF approval rumors spark investor interest
One of the biggest catalysts currently driving optimism around XRP is growing speculation about an XRP ETF approval in the United States. Reports suggest that with a more crypto-friendly SEC leadership under the Trump administration, the odds of an XRP-based ETF have risen dramatically — some estimating a 95% likelihood of approval by the end of the year.
Such an approval would open the floodgates for institutional capital and could mirror the price surges seen in Bitcoin and Ethereum after their respective ETF greenlights.
Regulatory clarity and Ripple’s momentum could fuel rally
Beyond ETF news, XRP is also benefitting from recent court rulings affirming that XRP is not a security — removing one of the largest regulatory clouds hanging over the asset.
Ripple, the company behind XRP, continues to expand its global partnerships and push for blockchain adoption in cross-border payments. As regulatory clarity improves and institutional demand builds, XRP is emerging as a top altcoin pick for many long-term investors.
Where is XRP headed next? Key predictions for August 2025
Several price prediction platforms and analysts have updated their forecasts for XRP in August 2025:
Short-Term Forecast: Many models suggest XRP could climb to $3.12–$4.45 by the end of August, especially if support continues holding and volume rises.
Mid-Term Outlook: With ETF optimism and regulatory momentum, XRP could realistically reach $5–$5.50 by late 2025.
Bull Case Scenario: Some bullish forecasts project XRP moving toward $6–$8, or even $10+, if broader crypto markets rally and tokenized finance takes off globally.
Bearish Risk: A break below the $2.80–$2.60 zone could invalidate the bullish setup and send XRP back into consolidation or worse, correction territory.
What should investors watch now?
As XRP navigates a pivotal month, here are the most important things to keep an eye on:
$3.03 resistance — A breakout above this could mark the start of the next leg higher.
$2.80 support — Holding this is crucial for maintaining the current bullish setup.
Regulatory headlines — Any news on ETF filings or SEC decisions could spark strong price reactions.
Market sentiment — Bitcoin and Ethereum trends often influence XRP, so broader market conditions remain highly relevant.
Is XRP ready to break past $5?
August 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for XRP. The recent price rebound from $2.80 has re-energized bulls, and with regulatory clarity improving and the possibility of an ETF on the horizon, XRP has a strong case for a breakout.
While nothing is guaranteed in crypto markets, the road to $5 now looks more realistic than ever. Traders and investors would be wise to watch XRP closely this month — it just might be gearing up for its biggest move yet.
FAQs:
1. What is the latest XRP price prediction for August 2025? XRP could climb toward $5 if it holds support and breaks key resistance levels in August.
2. Can XRP really reach $5 after rebounding from $2.80? Yes, strong support at $2.80 and ETF news may drive XRP closer to the $5 mark.
James Howells, a Welsh IT professional, has shifted his focus from recovering a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin—lost in a 2013 office cleanup—to launching a new DeFi project inspired by his 12-year journey. The device, buried in a landfill in Newport, UK, now holds Bitcoin worth approximately $905 million. After multiple failed attempts to secure excavation rights, including a rejected bid by the UK Court of Appeal in March 2025, Howells has abandoned the physical retrieval effort and is now turning to blockchain technology for a new approach [1].
Howells plans to create a DeFi token that symbolically represents the value of the lost Bitcoin, without granting access to the actual coins. This token, built on Bitcoin’s Layer 2 infrastructure, will serve as a digital representation of the inaccessible 8,000 BTC. Howells emphasizes that the project is not a legal claim or a method to recover the hard drive, but rather a conceptual reimagining of the value it represents. “The landfill becomes a vault no one can open, but everyone can see,” he explained [1].
The idea builds on a previous proposal from Howells, which involved tokenizing a portion of the potential Bitcoin recovery for investors. However, this initiative was shelved after local authorities failed to respond to his offers. The new project, in contrast, is designed to be a speculative or symbolic token, drawing on the narrative rather than any legal or financial claim to the Bitcoin [1].
Critics, including Harry Donnelly, CEO of Circuit, have expressed skepticism about the token’s value proposition. “It’s better viewed as a memecoin than a real investment,” he said, noting that the token would likely trade based on story rather than any tangible claim [1].
Beyond the DeFi project, Howells has also attracted interest from the entertainment industry. In April 2025, he signed an exclusive deal with a Los Angeles-based production company, Lebul, to adapt his story into a docuseries titled “The Buried Bitcoin.” The project aims to bring global attention to the unique case of lost digital assets and the broader implications for crypto self-custody [1].
Howells’ pivot from physical excavation to tokenization marks a notable evolution in how digital value is conceptualized and represented. While the token’s future remains uncertain, the project underscores the growing intersection of personal stories, blockchain technology, and speculative finance. For Howells, the journey from lost Bitcoin to a new DeFi experiment reflects the ever-changing landscape of digital assets and innovation [1].
Source: [1] UK Man to start Token to Reclaim Lost 8000 Bitcoins (https://thecurrencyanalytics.com/bitcoin/uk-man-who-lost-8000-bitcoin-in-landfill-pivots-to-tokenizing-ownership-188983)
NutriLeads BV announced in a recent press release that the company, Glory Kingdom Corp., has introduced a new daily dietary supplement called Vit-Gute. The new product offering aims to potentially assist in benefitting gut and immune health and includes natural yeast-derived zinc, Japanese postbiotics, and Benicaros, provided from NutriLeads BV, and is a clinically validated precision prebiotic.
Vit-Gute was created to be used by both children and adults and is made with and was “formulated to enhance digestive and immune in convenient fruit-flavored, water-soluble capsules for easy, enjoyable consumption.”
“Vit-Gute combines three science-backed ingredients that work together to activate the body’s natural immune defenses and deliver lasting gut health benefits,” said Jim Kuo, Marketing Director, at Glory Kingdom, in the press release. “Benicaros, yeast zinc, and postbiotics provide a triple shield of protection.”
The Benicaros product is produces from plant-based prebiotic fiber taken from upcycled carrot pomace and helps support beneficial gut bacteria, as well as assist the immune system and may help with faster and more effective immune response. A 10-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial mentioned in the press release, investigated the benefits of Benicaros through data collected from 146 healthy adult participants. The data showed that Benicaros had potential to raise Bifidobacterium species levels and strengthen immune activity such as, antiviral gene expression and natural killer cell function.
Glory Kingdom’s Vit-Gute product includes LAC-Shield which is a proprietary heat-killed Lactobacillus paracasei strain which may help with immune health via postbiotic effects. The press release mentioned that LAC-Shield was created by Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
The price of Binance Coin (BNB) has gone up by almost 1% since yesterday.TradingView”>
On the hourly chart, the rate of BNB is on its way to the local resistance of $769.79. If the daily bar closes near that mark, traders may witness a level breakout, followed by growth to the $780 area.TradingView”>
On the longer time frame, the price of the native exchange coin is far from support and resistance levels. In this case, one should focus on the interim zone of $770.
If it breaks out, there is a possibility of seeing a test of $790-$800 range.TradingView”>
From the midterm point of view, there are no reversal signals yet. If the weekly candle closes below $740, the decline is likely to continue to the $700 mark.
US President Donald Trump threatened the EU after announcing a deal on Monday.
The US ISM Services Purchasing Managers’ Index contracted to 50.1 in June.
XAU/USD is bullish in the near term, but still needs to conquer $3,400.
Gold price maintains its positive momentum on Wednesday, reaching a fresh weekly high in the $3,390 area during American trading hours. The bright metal surged following the release of the United States (US) ISM Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), as the indicator came in worse than anticipated, barely printing at 50.1 in July, below the 50.8 posted in June and missing expectations of 51.5.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs left and right: following news on Monday indicating massive levies on India, Trump said it would hit the Eurozone with tariffs of 35% if they fail to fulfil their commitments.
Additionally, the personal war between the US President and Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell continues. On the one hand, he said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not a candidate to lead the Fed, as he should remain in his current position. On the other hand, he is working on replacing Fed Governor Adriana Kugler, who unexpectedly resigned, effective on Friday, with a candidate who advocates for interest rate cuts.
The poor performance of Wall Street following dismal US data and higher US Treasury yields reflects the souring mood.
The American macroeconomic calendar has little to offer on Wednesday, while the upcoming Asian session will bring the New Zealand monthly employment report. Later in the day, the EU will publish June Retail Sales.
XAU/USD short-term technical outlook
The daily chart for the XAU/USD pair shows it met buyers around a mildly bullish 20 Simple Moving Average (SMA) for a second consecutive day, with the indicator currently at around $3,347. The same chart shows the 100 and 200 SMAs maintain their bullish slopes below the shorter one, in line with the bulls’ dominance. Technical indicators, however, barely hold above their midlines, lacking directional strength. Overall, the risk skews to the upside, but the momentum is missing.
The near-term picture seems more encouraging for bulls. In the 4-hour chart, the XAU/USD pair bottomed around a flat 100 SMA, while a bullish 20 SMA aims to cross above it, usually a sign of directional continuation. Finally, technical indicators resumed their advances near overbought readings, hinting at persistent upward pressure.
