Crypto markets surge as Coinbase launches futures and Pepeto draws $8M in funding
Crypto markets have seen fresh activity this week, with new launches and bold price predictions. Coinbase rolled out stock perpetual futures for global traders, while analysts tipped Pepeto—a new exchange from the original Pepe creator—as the next major mover. Meanwhile, oil prices dipped after a political proposal aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. On March 25, former US President Donald Trump unveiled a 15-point plan to resolve the conflict with Iran. The announcement triggered a drop in oil prices, pushing them below $100 per barrel. Bitcoin responded with a slight recovery, climbing 1.2% in line with Nasdaq 100 futures as market volatility eased.
Coinbase expanded its offerings by introducing stock perpetual futures for non-US traders. The new product includes exposure to tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, alongside crypto assets. The exchange aims to boost revenue by capturing trading fees from the expanded service.
In the meme coin sector, Pepeto—a decentralised exchange built by the anonymous founder of the original Pepe token—has drawn attention. The platform has raised over $8 million during a period of extreme market fear. It also offers a 193% annual staking yield and zero-fee trading, along with a cross-chain bridge and a risk assessment tool for new tokens. Analysts now predict a 100x surge from its current price of $0.000000186.
Elsewhere, real-world asset (RWA) and AI-related tokens have outperformed Bitcoin, according to data from Phemex. Investors appear to be shifting capital into projects with clearer use cases, moving away from speculative assets. Coinbase's new futures product broadens access to traditional and crypto markets for international traders. Pepeto's rapid funding and high-yield staking have positioned it as a standout in the meme coin space. With oil prices retreating and Bitcoin showing modest gains, markets are reacting to both political developments and shifting investor priorities.
