rewrite this title with good SEO [LIVE] Crypto News Today, October 1: Bitcoin Holds $114K as Shutdown Fuels Volatility, Traders Hunt Best Meme Coins to Buy – 99Bitcoins

October opened with tension in both politics and crypto. The U.S. federal government officially shut down for the first time in six years after Congress failed to agree on a budget deal. The deadlock has rattled global markets, and digital assets are no exception. Bitcoin

Bitcoin
BTC

$114,376.14


0.55%

is holding around $114,355, while Ethereum

Ethereum
ETH

$4,129.53


1.27%

trades at $4,128 and XRP

XRP
XRP

$2.84


1.49%

at $2.83. Despite Bitcoin’s relative stability, most top altcoins are struggling to gain traction, leaving traders to scout for resilience in smaller caps and even among the best meme coins to buy.

Shutdowns historically have limited direct economic impact, but they tend to heighten volatility. This time, the risk-off sentiment is amplified by $300 million in liquidations and the fact that markets are closing out both monthly and quarterly cycles. The next 48 hours could bring sharp swings in Bitcoin and altcoins as headlines drive sentiment.

Kaitlan Collins: The last two government shutdowns that happened came during President Trump’s first term in office. The last shutdown, which was also the longest in modern American history, did cost the U.S. economy $11 billion. pic.twitter.com/8cv0MPT0tk

— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 1, 2025

Despite macroeconomic stress, institutions continue to quietly accumulate. On September 30, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $430 million in net inflows, while none of the 12 ETFs recorded outflows. Ethereum ETFs also closed strong, with $127 million in inflows and no redemptions. Japanese firm Metaplanet revealed it now holds 30,823 BTC, worth $3.33 billion at an average price of $107,912. Its position has returned nearly 500% year-to-date, underscoring institutional conviction even in volatile conditions.

EXPLORE: Best Meme Coin ICOs to Invest in 2025

Where to Find Strength: Best Meme Coins to Buy Amid Volatility

While large-cap tokens struggle, pockets of momentum remain. AI and launchpad projects are showing strength: Alchemist AI and Quack AI gained 12% in the last 24 hours, while LAUNCHCOIN and PUMP surged nearly 20%. Meme coins are also staging a cautious comeback. Ribbita (TIBBIR)

Ribbita by Virtuals
TIBBIR

$0.2713


1.89%

has climbed 30% over the past week, now boasting a $271.9 million market cap.

(Source: Coingecko)

Traders looking for higher-risk, higher-reward plays are increasingly turning to meme coins as they attempt to spot the best meme coins to buy before a potential Q4 rebound.

Seasonality offers a silver lining. October and November have historically been strong months for Bitcoin, with average gains of 19% and 43% respectively. If history rhymes, today’s cautious sentiment could set the stage for a broader recovery later this quarter.

Why you can trust 99Bitcoins

10+ Years

Established in 2013, 99Bitcoin’s team members have been crypto experts since Bitcoin’s Early days.

90hr+

Weekly Research

100k+

Monthly readers

50+

Expert contributors

2000+

Crypto Projects Reviewed

Follow 99Bitcoins on your Google News Feed

Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now!

Subscribe now

Fatima is a rising crypto journalist with a sharp eye for hidden gems and technical analysis. When she’s not charting the next big breakout or diving into onchain data, a firm believer that alpha is where you least expect it,…
Read More