In an unexpected surge, the native token of decentralized ledger platform Hedera, HBAR, experienced a significant price increase of over 100% driven by initial confusion regarding the tokenization of a BlackRock fund on the Ethereum blockchain.
HBAR Soars 100% on Misinterpreted BlackRock News, Analysts Highlight Hedera's Underlying Strength
In a remarkable market surge, HBAR, the native token of the Hedera decentralized ledger platform, soared by over 100% in the early hours of Tuesday, reaching a high of $0.1821 by Wednesday. The astronomical rise was fueled by the announcement of BlackRock's tokenized fund, BUIDL, sparking speculation of a potential collaboration between the asset management giant and Hedera.
However, upon closer scrutiny, it emerged that BlackRock and Hedera were not directly connected. The tokenized fund, BUIDL, was launched on the Ethereum blockchain, not on the Hedera network. This revelation led to a price retracement, with HBAR settling at $0.1199 as of writing.
Despite the correction, HBAR remains up 8% over the past 24 hours and has gained an impressive 60% in the past seven days. This sustained momentum reflects the underlying strength of the Hedera platform and the positive sentiment surrounding its future prospects.
Cryptocurrency analysts, such as the pseudonymous CrediBull, have played a crucial role in unraveling the confusion surrounding the BlackRock announcement. CrediBull emphasized that third parties can tokenize funds without explicit permission from the fund manager, highlighting the accessibility of the Hedera network for such initiatives.
Moreover, it has been revealed that Archax, the company behind the tokenized BlackRock fund on Hedera, is a portfolio company of ABRDN Investments, the largest asset manager in the UK. Notably, BlackRock is the fourth-largest shareholder of ABRDN. This connection suggests a potential endorsement of the tokenization product by BlackRock.
An interview with the Head of Digital Assets at ABRDN further clarified their involvement in the tokenization process on Archax. A distribution agreement was signed, permitting Archax to proceed with the tokenization. This agreement, if replicated with BlackRock, could imply the asset manager's support for the product.
The surge in HBAR's trading volume, which increased by over 1,100% in the past few days, is a testament to the widespread speculation and interest surrounding the initial news announcement.
While the direct connection between BlackRock and Hedera may have been misinterpreted, the incident has inadvertently highlighted the growing adoption and utilization of Hedera by significant players in the financial industry. The platform's robust infrastructure, scalability, and security features continue to attract attention and contribute to its long-term growth prospects.