The Monero Moon (Issue 87)
The Monero Moon is a curated newsletter covering all the latest news within Monero (XMR). We are driven by a compelling need to champion both freedom and financial privacy!
Table of Contents:
Development, Releases, and Technology
General News
Events and Meetings
Exchanges and Merchants
Community Crowdfunding
Trading and Speculation
Network Metrics
Entertainment
Development, Releases, and Technology
Rucknium has shared an update from Monero Research Lab introducing a new spy node ban list after a large cluster of suspected surveillance nodes moved to fresh IP ranges in late 2025. Node operators can opt in by manually enabling the list to reduce the chance of connecting to clustered spy nodes that could weaken Dandelion++ transaction privacy. The ban list is cryptographically signed by multiple Monero developers and researchers and is offered as a voluntary privacy defense rather than a default network level block.
The Monero Research Lab has been quietly making steady progress across several core upgrades, with no drama and no major setbacks. Work on RandomX v2 is nearing completion, aiming to keep Monero friendly to CPU miners while reducing the effectiveness of specialized ASIC hardware, with a potential activation window around August 2026. Major privacy upgrades like FCMP++ and CARROT continue to move forward through audits and testing, with a beta stressnet close to launch after recent stability fixes. Alongside this, a small research proposal is gaining support to significantly speed up Bulletproofs, which could improve performance across wallets in a future update. More in-depth info can be found here.
Luke Parker announced that monero-oxide, an audited set of Rust libraries used to build Monero wallets and services, has shipped a major upgrade to its RPC system. Monero-oxide provides the low level building blocks that let apps create Monero transactions, talk to nodes, and manage wallet data safely. The new RPC design is faster, safer, and more modular, making it easier for developers to plug Monero into different backends or future services, with the whole project backed by an active Immunefi bug bounty and open to community feedback. More information can be found here.
MoneroDroid has pushed a new update with v1.0.11, fixing a crash related to Orbot on Android 14 and newer, making it more stable for users running Tor alongside their node. MoneroDroid is an Android app that lets you run a full Monero node directly on your phone, with support for pruned mode, external storage, background syncing, and automatic monerod updates. It’s a simple way to contribute to Monero’s decentralization without needing a desktop or server, especially for users who want a always on node in their pocket.
SirJamzAlot shared a sneak peek of Monero Superbrain, a new P2Pool mining app built for Umbrel that aims to unlock dormant CPU power across tens of thousands of home servers. The app makes it trivially easy for Umbrel users to point idle machines at P2Pool, aggregate hashpower across local networks, and strengthen Monero’s decentralized mining while earning XMR, with early tests already producing payouts. Still in development with audits to come, it’s a promising step toward turning everyday infrastructure into real network security for Monero.
Monero One is a new non custodial iOS wallet aiming to make using Monero feel simple without compromising on privacy. Built by Joe IO, the app focuses on self custody, no tracking or analytics, background sync on iOS, and a clean UI, with the full code released as open source. Monero One is currently available via TestFlight for early access, positioning itself as a privacy first, user friendly option for sending, receiving, and storing XMR on iPhone.
Skylight Wallet v1.0.4 has been released for Android and Linux, bringing new Tor configuration options, editable light wallet server settings, and auditable builds via GitHub Actions. Skylight is a self custody, open source light wallet developed by MAGIC Grants that syncs instantly across devices by relying on a light wallet server you run yourself, trading convenience for stronger control and privacy. The update also notes that iOS builds are in progress and will be announced once approved, continuing the project’s focus on transparency and user run infrastructure rather than third party reliance.
Cake Labs has released v5.8.0 of Cake Wallet and the Monero.com wallet, continuing its steady focus on improving the Monero experience while expanding broader multi coin tooling. The update includes performance and stability improvements, refinements to Zcash support, expanded EVM compatibility, and new swap options via Arbitrum and Solana’s Jupiter, giving Monero users more flexible onramps and swap routes without leaving the wallet. For Monero purists, the Monero.com wallet remains a Monero only option.
PerpetualCow’s wagyu.xyz bridge has kicked off a lot of discussion across Reddit and X, with people debating whether it’s a useful stopgap or something to treat very carefully. Critics point out the obvious risks around a trusted setup, synthetic XMR1 exposure on Hyperliquid, unclear reserves, and some marketing lines like “zero risk” that raised eyebrows. Supporters argue the swaps do work, rates are sharper than most instant swap services, and that PerpetualCow has said the bridge is custodial for now, telling users to withdraw their XMR immediately. He’s since acknowledged the concerns, explained the launch was about proving demand first, and outlined plans to move toward a multisig design with trusted Monero developers. As with any new and evolving service, exercising caution and limiting exposure remains the sensible approach.
Rumours have been circulating after a THORChain Community Weekly Recap video suggested Monero support could be added if a former core developer returns to work on the integration. While nothing is official yet, the idea has gained traction, with parts of the community openly hoping to see the developer come back and make it happen.
It is highly recommended you run a node to help secure the Monero network. You can also solo mine via the official Monero GUI wallet which can be found here or partake in the decentralized and permissionless P2Pool. The official Monero website GetMonero.org or SethForPrivacy.com are fantastic places to find help to get started running a node or mining. You can also check out the YouTube videos below.
General News
Ungovernable Misfits have released a new Freedom Tech Friday episode, sitting down with Riccardo Spagni for a wide ranging, live discussion on privacy, Bitcoin, Monero, and broader cypherpunk ideas around digital sovereignty. Episode 26 keeps the show’s loose, unscripted format, touching on freedom tech, financial privacy, and where BTC and XMR overlap and diverge, making it a solid listen.
They also dropped a fresh Monero Monthly episode, again joined by Riccardo Spagni, this time narrowing the focus to Monero itself. Episode 13 revisits the chaotic Bytecoin origins, the early forks that shaped Monero, and the almost accidental formation of the Monero Research Lab, before moving into delistings, antifragile culture, and why Monero has stayed centered on usable privacy rather than price narratives.
Monero Talk recently streamed Monerotopia episode #248, featuring special guest Daniel from PirateChain alongside the regular Monerotopia crew. The show covered a full Monero price update, a broad roundup of the week’s news, and community discussion, with segments led by Bawdy and Tux.
The latest episode of Anti Moonboy News is out, taking a wide ranging and characteristically blunt look at crypto culture in 2025. Hosted by Xenu, Episode 57 covers Monero price discovery, the sudden Zcash core team resignations, AI related controversies, and wraps up with tongue in cheek awards like Moonboy of the Year, Cypherpunk of the Year, and Crypto Publication of the Year. As always, it mixes sharp commentary with community interaction, superchats, and plenty of Monero centric takes. The bloke loves his mom so give it a listen!
A new Monero magazine has launched. Monero Magazine has released its first issue with a beginner friendly introduction to Monero, and it’s already seeing organic traction. You can read the first issue right now via screenshots shared on X, and for those who prefer something tangible, physical copies are also available to buy on XMRBazaar. Future weekly editions are planned to go deeper into Monero development and the wider ecosystem, with longer term plans for a dedicated web or app hub to host all issues.
CypherGoat published a new issue of This Week in Monero, covering the latest news across the Monero ecosystem. You can check out the latest issue here.
It was reported that a $282M social engineering theft drove Monero’s recent price spike, alleging the attacker swapped large amounts of BTC and LTC into XMR, but the claim has since been heavily disputed. On chain analysts and Monero contributors argue most funds instead moved through THORChain into assets that ultimately settled on major exchanges like Binance, with critics saying there is no evidence of the scale of Monero buying implied, while ZachXBT maintains those critics are misreading cross chain flows and arbitrage mechanics. Either way, it highlights why Monero continues to be seen as the reference standard for on chain privacy.
A new Monero and privacy themed board game is in development, designed to introduce players to Monero and privacy concepts through gameplay set in a dystopian surveillance state where in game transactions happen using XMR. The creator is currently looking for writers and video creators to help produce content around the project, with a press kit available outlining the concept and plans, and potential interest in expanding to a web based version if the game gains traction. More information here and here.
Events and Meetings
MoneroTopia 2026 is just around the corner, and will be held from February 12–15, 2026, at Huerto Roma Verde in Mexico City, bringing four days of talks, workshops, and hands-on Monero use focused on privacy, freedom, and real world adoption. Alongside a stacked speaker lineup including Monero Research Lab contributors, wallet builders, and OG cypherpunks, the event features an open air XMR bazaar where vendors accept Monero for food, drinks, and merch, creating a live circular economy. The conference also includes Spanish language talks, covers topics like opsec and travel freedom, and offers standard and VIP tickets. Get your tickets from the Monerotopia website before it sells out!
MoneroKon 2026 is officially on, with OrangeFren stepping in to organize this year’s event after earlier plans fell through. MoneroKon is the annual meeting of privacy advocates, cypherpunks, researchers, and developers focused on sharing scientific and technical work on Monero, privacy enhancing technologies, and distributed systems. MoneroKon will run June 5 to 7 in Warsaw, alongside the Bitcoin Film Fest next door. The call for presentations, panels, workshops, and artworks is now open, with submissions due by April 24, 2026. Tickets and more information can be found on the MoneroKon website.
The next Monero Research Lab meeting should take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 17:00 UTC in the #monero-research-lab channel on Libera IRC and Matrix. Logs from the previous meeting should be found here soon.
The next Cuprate Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 18:00 UTC in the #cuprate channels on Libera IRC and Matrix. Agenda items can be suggested on GitHub, and logs will be posted there after the meeting.
Exchanges and Merchants
Monerica just turned four years old, growing into the largest directory of merchants, services, and nonprofits that accept Monero and support a circular economy. The project started as a community effort, is now listed on the official Monero site, and continues to expand with guides and videos showing how to actually use XMR in everyday life. Worth a look if you’re wondering where you can spend your Monero.
The team behind XMRBazaar has launched a new multi coin spin off called AnonBazaar, expanding the original concept beyond Monero only listings. AnonBazaar is a peer to peer marketplace for privacy coins like XMR and FIRO, letting users buy and sell goods, services, and even rentals directly with each other, Craigslist style, without the platform holding funds or acting as a middleman. Check it out here.
Mynymbox shared updated payment stats showing Monero firmly holding the top spot, accounting for 42% of all payments on the platform. According to Mynymbox, Monero’s lead has been consistent for months, reinforcing its role as the preferred payment option for privacy focused users.
Monero closed out 2025 as the most used coin on ShopinBit, taking the top spot for six months in a row and finishing number one in eight months overall, ahead of Bitcoin and USDT. Note the 69.69% for XMR.
As briefly discussed earlier in this newsletter, Wagyu is a decentralized orderbook exchange built on Hyperliquid, aiming to offer native XMR deposits and withdrawals with CEX style liquidity and execution. PerpetualCow says Wagyu 3.0 is already handling large XMR volumes and withdrawals, positioning it as an alternate way to acquire Monero, though as always it’s worth doing your own research, exercising caution, and choosing the exchange or swap service that best fits your needs.
It was reported recently that fake Casascius coins were listed for sale on XmrBazaar, with a scammer using low quality AI generated images to try and pass them off as genuine collectibles. Community members quickly spotted visual inconsistencies and highlighted another major red flag with the seller refusing to use a known, trusted escrow.
Community Crowdfunding
Several crowdfunding proposals are awaiting community feedback before they can start accepting funds through the Community Crowdfunding System (CCS). For now, they are just proposals, but if they receive some positive feedback from the community they will be moved to a “Funding Required” stage so that they can accept Monero donations through the CCS.
All approved proposals have been fully funded.
Trading and Speculation
Monero pushed to a new all time high last week, briefly trading up to $799 USD on Kraken. It has since pulled back and is now retesting the previous all time high around $500, with traders watching to see if this level can flip into support before the next move higher.
The weekly chart paints a strong picture for the XMR/USD pair, with continuation looking likely.
Network Metrics
Total Monero in Circulation : 18,703,540 XMR
Monero Total Marketcap: $9,654,771,421
Coinmarketcap Ranking: #12
XMR ‘street price’ from RetoSwap: $550 (+6.84%)
XMR/USD Price: $515
XMR/BTC Price: 0.005768 BTC
Monero Network Hashrate: 6.76 Ghash/s
Monero Mining Pools Hashrate Distribution:
Entertainment
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This piece really made me think about Monero's relentless focus on privacy and decentralisation, especially with the new spy node ban list and ASIC resistance efforts, though I sometimes wonder how these technical advancements balance with the need for broader accessibility for non-tech users, beyond just the privacy aspect.