Ethereum News Today: Crypto investors bypass ETH for MUTM's secure DeFi surge

Ethereum (ETH) holders are increasingly shifting their attention to altcoins as the crypto market navigates a transition phase, with Mutuum Finance (MUTM) emerging as a top contender. Priced at $0.035, MUTM has captured investor interest due to its rapid presale progress, robust security measures, and a clear roadmap toward a decentralized lending protocol. The token's Phase 6 presale is now 95% allocated, with the current price set to rise to $0.06 at launch-a 71% potential upside. This momentum positions MUTM as a high-velocity opportunity for investors seeking explosive growth.

The broader crypto landscape is marked by Ethereum's recent rebound, with its price testing key support levels around $2,850 and showing signs of a potential all-time high. However, many traders are pivoting to altcoins like MUTM, which offers a more tangible utility-driven model. Unlike ETH's reliance on market sentiment and ETF approvals, Mutuum Finance is building a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol designed to automate interest rates, liquidations, and collateral management via smart contracts. This approach aims to eliminate intermediaries, a feature that aligns with DeFi's core principles and attracts users seeking transparency.

MUTM's development progress has further fueled optimism. The project recently confirmed that its Halborn Security audit is underway, a critical step for a project in its roadmap's Phase 2. Halborn, a leading blockchain security firm, is reviewing the protocol's smart contracts and architecture, signaling a commitment to robust security before the testnet launch. Additionally, the V1 version of the protocol is slated for Q4 2025 on the Sepolia testnet, where users will be able to test core features like liquidity pools and automated liquidators. These milestones reinforce investor confidence, particularly as Phase 6's presale nears exhaustion.

The presale itself has demonstrated strong demand, with over $18.9 million raised from more than 18,200 holders. The token's price trajectory-from $0.01 in early 2025 to $0.035 in Phase 6-reflects a 250% increase, and analysts project a 12x–15x return post-launch. This growth is supported by MUTM's tokenomics, which allocate 45.5% of its 4 billion supply to the presale, creating scarcity as each phase sells out. A 24-hour leaderboard reward system, offering $500 in MUTM to top contributors, further incentivizes participation.

While Ethereum and other major cryptos like XRP face uncertainties tied to regulatory and macroeconomic factors, MUTM's decentralized stablecoin, backed by over-collateralized reserves, adds another layer of value by creating a closed-loop ecosystem. This design ensures the stablecoin's utility is intrinsically linked to MUTM's lending activity, enhancing long-term demand.

As the crypto market eyes 2026, MUTM's imminent testnet launch and presale momentum make it a standout for investors prioritizing both security and scalability. With Phase 6 nearing completion and the next price increase on the horizon, the window for discounted entry is rapidly closing.