Moon5labs

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his own coin, which is set to take place on Wednesday. While some people speculated that it might be a cryptocurrency, Trump’s project is more of a traditional product than a digital asset.

 
New Coin to Support Presidential Campaign
Donald Trump, who is running for the presidency of the United States again, announced the launch of a new coin to raise funds for his election campaign. The project, titled "Silver Medallion First Edition President Trump," aims to distribute physical silver to Americans who support his political vision and want to see him back in office. Although many of his supporters expected Trump to release a cryptocurrency, this new coin is something entirely different.
 Launch of Limited Edition Coin
Trump announced that the coin will be sold for $100 each through the website RealTrumpCoins.com. The coin will be made of 99.9% pure silver and will only be available in a limited edition. One side of the coin will feature Donald Trump’s likeness, while the other side will display the White House accompanied by the phrase "In God We Trust."
 This coin is expected to be one of several activities that Trump undertakes to secure the necessary funding for his campaign ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S. The coin comes at a time when Trump is actively seeking new ways to bolster his campaign and ensure he has the resources he needs. He stated that this silver coin is the "ONLY OFFICIAL coin" he has designed and that was minted in the U.S. under his leadership.
 Cryptocurrency Expectations Unfulfilled
In recent months, several meme coins featuring themes related to Donald Trump have appeared in the market, capitalizing on his popularity. However, Trump has distanced himself from these unofficial tokens and emphasized during the introduction of his silver coin that:
"I’ve seen a lot of coins using my beautiful face, but they’re not official. RealTrumpCoin.com is the only place to purchase the official Trump coin."
 At first glance, Trump’s announcement of a new official coin might seem related to cryptocurrency, as many of his fans have been expecting him to introduce a digital asset. For instance, last week, 84% of bettors on the Polymarket platform believed that Trump would come out with his own cryptocurrency. This anticipation was fueled by the launch of the World Liberty Financial project, which was speculated to potentially include an official Trump cryptocurrency.
 World Liberty Financial and the True Purpose of the Coin
The World Liberty Financial project does contain a token called WLFI, but this token lacks the key characteristics of a classic cryptocurrency as many had envisioned. Although WLFI has been presented as a type of digital asset, it is not the classic cryptocurrency that Trump fans hoped for. While speculation continues regarding whether Trump will eventually come up with his own cryptocurrency project, the silver coin remains his current official product and focuses more on traditional investment in precious metals.
Thus, Trump continues to favor physical, tangible assets rather than joining the wave of digital assets that currently dominate the financial world.
Trump's fondness for cryptocurrencies.
Donald Trump also commented on the Fatty token before the presidential campaign. #Fatty caught Trump's attention because one of the characters in the game mimics Donald Trump, and they are also counting on Don's participation in their new video clip. The first episode featured UFC Champion Jiří Procházka and world-famous beauty contest winners. Fatty.io is still in presale, and it is expected to be one of the best launches of this period.
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, widely seen as Donald Trump’s top pick to replace Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve, is now facing mounting resistance from advisors, lawmakers, and financial markets. The main concern? His perceived closeness to Trump and the fear that it could jeopardize the independence of the Fed.

🔹 Trump eyes replacing Powell, but Hassett’s nomination triggers controversy
According to inside sources, several of Trump’s close aides fear that appointing a loyalist like Hassett may erode trust in the central bank’s autonomy. Ironically, it was this loyalty that initially made him a strong contender. But now, skepticism is rising fast.
Trump recently declared that he has already made up his mind on who will lead the Fed next. In addition to Hassett, Kevin Warsh, a former Fed Governor and current economic adviser to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), has emerged as a top contender. Warsh also serves on the board of UPS.

🔹 Prediction markets show fading confidence in Hassett
On prediction market Kalshi, Hassett’s odds of becoming the next Fed chair have dropped from over 80% to 51%, while Warsh’s chances surged from 11% to 44%. Analysts suggest that this shift reflects growing support for Warsh rather than direct criticism of Hassett. Sources also mention that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon prefers Warsh, even though he speaks positively about both candidates.
Despite the resistance, Hassett remains slightly ahead. He reportedly took on some of Powell’s responsibilities at the end of November, further reinforcing his frontrunner status. Powell’s term officially ends in May 2026.

🔹 Concerns about bond market reactions and inflation policy
Critics warn that appointing someone too closely tied to Trump could shake confidence in the bond markets. Investors might fear that Hassett wouldn’t act aggressively against inflation, potentially causing long-term yields to spike.

🔹 Hassett defends Fed’s independence
Responding to criticism, Hassett reaffirmed the importance of central bank independence during a weekend interview on Face the Nation.
“President Trump has strong and well-reasoned ideas,” he said. “But the Fed must act independently and work with the Board of Governors and FOMC to reach consensus on rates.”
When asked whether Trump’s opinion could influence Fed policy, Hassett emphasized that the president has no formal role in rate decisions and that his views “only matter if they are backed by data.”

#TRUMP , #Fed , #KevinHassett , #FederalReserve , #fomc

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The Bitcoin offensive linked to Donald Trump's inner circle is gaining momentum. American Bitcoin Corp, a company with strong ties to the former president’s family, has just announced the purchase of an additional 261 BTC, bringing its total holdings to 5,044 BTC—nearly pushing it into the top 20 corporate Bitcoin holders worldwide.

🔹 Led by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, American Bitcoin Corp positions itself as a symbol of U.S. political and economic independence.

🔹 With Bitcoin trading at around $89,700, the company’s holdings are now worth over $450 million.

🔹 In the well-known Bitcoin 100 ranking, the firm now sits at 21st place, just behind Semler Scientific, which holds 5,048 BTC.

Ambitions Running High
ABTC is not just a Bitcoin miner—it’s a long-term accumulator aiming to build a “Bitcoin capital of America,” independent of the Federal Reserve’s reach. In practice, this means building alternative digital reserves under the influence of the conservative political sphere.
The company’s shares rose slightly in pre-market trading on Monday, according to Yahoo Finance. This comes despite previous volatility, especially after shares from a private placement entered the public market, which led to a 64% price drop over the past month.

Nearing the Top 20 – Will ABTC Surpass Semler Next?
If this trend of aggressive accumulation continues, American Bitcoin Corp could break into the top 20 corporate BTC holders in the coming weeks—a symbolic and strategic move that not only strengthens its market position but also aligns with Trump’s broader vision of building a “Bitcoin-powered America.”

#AmericanBitcoin , #BTC , #TRUMP , #USPolitics , #bitcoin

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Donald Trump is once again grabbing the attention of the crypto community. On Monday, the former U.S. President stated during a meeting in the Oval Office that he intends to review the possibility of granting a pardon to Keonne Rodriguez, one of the founders of the Samourai Wallet. Rodriguez is scheduled to report to prison in just four days.
"I’ve heard about it. I’ll look into it," Trump said when asked by reporters. He also requested Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was present at the time, to investigate the matter. "I don’t know anything about it, but we’ll look into it," he added.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM4kfzEaoiE&t=1s

Samourai Founders Face Money Laundering Charges
Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill developed Samourai Wallet, a Bitcoin wallet focused on privacy and anonymous transactions. One of its key features was crypto mixing, which made it more difficult to trace the origin and destination of funds.
During Joe Biden’s presidency, both founders were arrested by the U.S. Department of Justice and charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Prosecutors claimed the duo encouraged users to launder millions of dollars in illicit funds through Samourai.
Last month, Rodriguez was sentenced to five years in prison, while Hill, who served as the project's CTO, received a four-year sentence. Authorities held them responsible for providing a tool used in criminal activities.

Follows Pardons for Ross Ulbricht and Binance’s CZ
Trump’s comments about potentially pardoning Rodriguez come shortly after he pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, a darknet marketplace that played a significant role in Bitcoin’s early adoption. Ulbricht had been serving two life sentences for running the illegal online platform that enabled anonymous purchases of drugs and other illicit items.
Earlier in October, Trump also pardoned Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, declaring that “Biden’s war on crypto is over.” When later asked by CBS who Zhao was, Trump replied that he didn’t know him personally — the White House later clarified he meant they had never met in person.

Rodriguez Responds and Thanks Supporters
Rodriguez responded to Trump’s comments on the social platform X (formerly Twitter): “I’ve always said the hardest part of getting a pardon for me and Bill would be getting [Donald Trump’s] attention,” he wrote. “President Trump knows all about Biden’s weaponized DOJ going after political opponents. If he looks at our case, it’ll be déjà vu — and I believe he would do the right thing.”
He also thanked Trump and his supporters for backing his clemency request and noted that he has just four days left before reporting to FPC Morgantown federal prison.

#TRUMP , #SamouraiWallet , #CryptoNews , #CZ , #CryptoRegulation
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Although President Donald Trump is promising Americans a “big tax refund” next year, regular employees relying on W-2 wages won’t see much benefit from the new tax reforms. According to economic experts and recent data, the impact on middle-income earners is minimal — and for many, nearly negligible.

Working-Class Gains Are Marginal, Wealthy Benefit Most
Adam Michel from the libertarian Cato Institute points out that “a typical W-2 worker without children will see very little year-over-year change.” And these workers make up the majority of taxpayers in the U.S. — more than half. That sharply contrasts with the promises from the White House.
While Trump continues to claim his policies will improve affordability, reality paints a different picture. Consumer sentiment is near historic lows, confidence in personal finances is at its worst since 2009, and the job market is cooling off. Many Americans are feeling the economic pressure more than ever.

Wealthy States Like California and New York Reap the Rewards
The greatest tax breaks are flowing to high-income households. Those earning more than $376,000 annually will see their tax burden reduced by an average of $2,585, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model. Meanwhile, households making between $49,000 and $90,000 will gain just $650 post-tax.
More granular data reveals the imbalance:
🔹 Around 25% of taxpayers will receive a higher child tax credit (up to $200 per child)

🔹 13% can claim a new senior deduction for those over 65

🔹 12% will qualify for deductions on tips, overtime, or auto loan interest
But for the average household, the benefit is modest and won’t offset rising prices or inflation.

New Deduction Caps Help Only the Few
One major change is the new $40,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions — a fourfold increase from the previous $10,000 limit. However, this change primarily benefits the ultra-wealthy, especially in states like California, New York, and New Jersey.
Andrew Lautz from the Bipartisan Policy Center confirms that most taxpayers will save only a few hundred dollars due to the higher standard deduction. In contrast, those who qualify for the new specialized deductions will see significantly larger refunds.

Refunds May Rise — But the Average is Misleading
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently claimed that “refunds could be about a third higher than usual.” But experts warn that this statement is misleading — averages are skewed by a small group of high-income filers.
Moreover, employees won’t see these savings in their paychecks throughout the year. The IRS left outdated withholding tables in place, so no tax savings were reflected in monthly income. As a result, any benefits will arrive as a lump sum during tax season.

A Political Move Before the Election?
The timing of the tax reform suggests a calculated political strategy. Delivering a larger refund just months before midterm elections could leave voters with a favorable impression — even if their overall financial reality hasn’t changed.
According to Brendan Novak of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, the structure of the tax bill is designed to benefit higher earners. The $3.4 trillion in cuts are built on deductions rather than credits, which gives the greatest advantage to those who pay the most taxes.

#TRUMP , #USPolitics , #USGovernment , #economy , #usa

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, continues its relentless Bitcoin acquisition strategy—even as the crypto market faces mounting pressure from global macroeconomic headwinds. The company’s latest purchase comes at a critical time: the Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates, which could strengthen the dollar and deepen the decline of risk assets like BTC.

$980 Million Bitcoin Purchase
According to a fresh SEC filing, Strategy acquired 10,645 BTC last week for a total of $980.3 million, at an average price of $92,098 per BTC.
This brings the company's total holdings to 671,268 BTC, acquired for $50.33 billion at an average cost of $74,972. The company’s year-to-date (YTD) BTC return now stands at +24.79%.

Funded by Stock Sales
The acquisition was financed through the following share offerings:

🔹 STRK: $600,000 raised

🔹 STRD: $82.2 million raised

🔹 MSTR: $888.2 million raised
Together, these proceeds covered the entire BTC purchase.

Doubling Down Despite Market Risks
This latest buy follows another major acquisition just weeks ago, when Strategy bought 10,624 BTC for $962.7 million. Combined, these two deals mark the largest BTC purchases since July, when the company acquired $2.46 billion worth of Bitcoin.
Despite falling prices and rising volatility, Strategy continues to expand its Bitcoin treasury. Meanwhile, index providers like MSCI are considering excluding companies with high crypto exposure from global indices. In response, Strategy formally requested MSCI to reconsider this proposal.

MSTR Stock Hit by Bitcoin Correlation
Strategy’s stock (MSTR) remains tightly correlated with Bitcoin’s price. In the past month alone, MSTR has dropped over 24%, mirroring Bitcoin’s fall below the $100,000 mark.
According to TradingView, the stock is currently trading flat in pre-market hours at $177, only slightly above last week’s closing price of $176.

Summary: Strategy reaffirms its unwavering belief in Bitcoin. Even as the Bank of Japan prepares to hike interest rates and pressure on crypto assets grows, Michael Saylor continues building the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin treasury.

#MichaelSaylor , #strategy , #bitcoin , #MSTR , #BTC

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The Bank of Japan (BoJ), one of the world’s most influential central banks, is preparing a historic shift: starting in January 2026, it will begin selling off its massive ETF portfolio worth 83 trillion yen (about $534 billion). The move comes just as markets brace for the country’s first major interest rate hike in two decades — and the crypto world is watching closely.

A Slow and Strategic Exit From ETFs
According to official plans, the BoJ will gradually offload its ETF holdings to avoid shocking markets. The current roadmap sets a pace of 330 billion yen per year, meaning the process could stretch out over decades.
This shift is significant — the central bank holds unrealized gains after a sharp rise in Japanese equities over the last two years. With such a dominant position in the domestic stock market, BoJ’s unwind, even if slow, will impact global liquidity flows far beyond Asia.

Interest Rate Hike Expected: Highest Since the Early 2000s
Markets widely expect BoJ to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at its December 18–19 meeting, taking the benchmark rate to 0.75% — the highest in nearly 20 years. On Polymarket, there’s currently a 98% probability of that hike being confirmed.
This move could reshape global capital flows. For decades, the Japanese yen has been the top funding currency for carry trades, where investors borrow yen and invest in higher-yielding assets — including cryptocurrencies. That dynamic is now breaking down.
“For years, the yen was the go-to currency for cheap leverage. But with Japanese bond yields rising rapidly, the carry trade is shrinking fast,” notes crypto analyst Mister Crypto.

Bitcoin Feels the Pressure
Markets are already reacting. Bitcoin has slipped below $90,000, currently trading near $89,700. Still, analysts say the reaction has been relatively muted. With BoJ’s policy shift widely anticipated, many traders have already adjusted their positions.
However, the pressure is real. As yen-based leverage contracts, risk assets like Bitcoin are increasingly exposed — especially in an environment of tightening global liquidity.

ETF Market Under the Microscope
ETFs have become a critical part of global investing, covering everything from stocks to digital assets. BoJ’s exit from this space comes at a time when Bitcoin ETFs are gaining traction in Western markets, marking a generational shift in how investors access crypto.
While Japan pulls liquidity back, investors in the U.S. and elsewhere are watching closely. For the crypto sector, one thing is clear: 2026 may be a year of survival for only the most resilient players.

#BankOfJapan , #etf , #CryptoLiquidity , #DigitalAssets , #BTC

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

As 2025 draws to a close, the cryptocurrency market is bracing for a series of macroeconomic triggers that could strongly influence its future trajectory. Bitcoin is trading near $89,000, Ethereum holds steady around $3,100, and total crypto market capitalization has stabilized above $3 trillion. However, sentiment remains cautious, with most altcoins moving sideways as traders anticipate heightened volatility in the days ahead.
Let’s explore three of the most important events this week that could shift market sentiment and kick off a new crypto cycle in 2026.

1. U.S. Jobs Report: Could Weak Data Boost Bitcoin?
On Tuesday, December 16, the long-delayed Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report will finally be released after a 36-day government shutdown. Forecasts predict just 50,000 new jobs — a sharp drop from last month’s 119,000.
A weaker-than-expected report could increase the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in early 2026. In turn, this may prompt a renewed flow of capital into assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as investors seek growth in alternative markets amid signs of labor market weakness.

2. CPI and Unemployment Claims: Thursday's Double Punch
Thursday, December 18, brings two crucial data points — the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and weekly unemployment claims. In October, inflation came in below expectations, sparking a brief rally in Bitcoin. A repeat performance could push markets to price in a more dovish Fed stance.
Any signs of inflation easing could breathe new life into risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, unemployment claims will be scrutinized for labor market stress, which would reinforce the narrative of upcoming rate cuts.

3. Global Central Banks Move In
The Bank of Japan will announce its interest rate decision on Friday, December 19. Economists expect a 0.75% hike — potentially the highest rate Japan has seen in over a decade. If confirmed, the decision could strengthen the yen and put downward pressure on Bitcoin priced in fiat currencies.
At the same time, both the Bank of England and the European Central Bank are expected to issue policy updates. Any signal of tightening or hawkish sentiment may dampen risk appetite across global markets and impact capital flows into crypto.

Coinbase Rolls Out Prediction Market: Institutions Embrace Web3
Beyond macro events, structural shifts are taking place in the crypto space. Coinbase is launching a new internal prediction market — a sign of growing institutional adoption of Web3 services and experimental financial instruments.
This development signals increased confidence in the long-term stability of digital asset markets and reinforces the trend of regulated exchanges innovating within the crypto economy.

Outlook: Will Optimism Return Before Year-End?
As markets digest incoming macroeconomic data and platform innovations, sentiment could pivot sharply. Weak labor numbers, softer inflation, and cautious central banks may collectively set the stage for renewed momentum in crypto markets. Investors should stay alert — the final weeks of 2025 may well define the tone for all of 2026.

#CryptoMarket , #bitcoin , #CryptoNews , #Fed , #altcoins

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a major step toward potentially approving tokenized stocks and securities for trading on the Nasdaq exchange. The regulatory process has entered a new phase, with the SEC officially requesting public and industry feedback before making a final decision.

What’s Happening?
The SEC has launched a formal review process for Nasdaq’s proposal to allow listing and trading of tokenized versions of traditional securities. If approved, this would enable equities to be represented as digital tokens and traded on blockchain infrastructure, with all settlements handled tokenized via DTC’s clearing system.
“Given the legal and policy questions raised by the proposed rule change, initiating proceedings is appropriate at this time,” the SEC stated.

Who’s for and who’s against?
Several institutions, including the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), expressed support for the proposal. However, others — such as Cboe Global Markets, Better Markets, and Ondo Finance — have raised concerns about market stability and investor protection.

Nasdaq Is Already Testing Tokenization
While the SEC is evaluating the rule changes, Nasdaq is not standing still. Galaxy Digital has become the first Nasdaq-listed company to tokenize its common stock, choosing the Solana blockchain as the underlying infrastructure.
Tokenization is expected to accelerate settlement times, enhance transparency, and reduce operational costs — benefits that appeal to both issuers and investors.

SEC Seeks Key Answers
The commission is now gathering input on crucial questions:
🔹 How will market integrity be maintained?

🔹 What measures will protect investors from fraud and manipulation?

🔹 Will the tokenization technologies adhere to regulatory standards?

DTCC Already Cleared to Tokenize Custodied Assets
Alongside its review of Nasdaq, the SEC also issued a formal letter to DTC (part of DTCC) authorizing the tokenization of selected custodial assets. DTCC states its mission is to bridge TradFi and DeFi, aiming for a more resilient, inclusive, and efficient global financial system.
If the SEC approves Nasdaq’s proposal, it’s expected that all trading and settlements will be conducted through tokenized processes via DTC.

Derivatives Markets Join the Movement
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has also shown support for tokenization. It recently launched a pilot program that allows certain tokenized assets to be used as collateral on U.S. derivatives markets. The move signals broader regulatory openness to digital finance integration.

Summary
The SEC’s decision to formally evaluate tokenized securities brings Nasdaq a step closer to enabling blockchain-based trading of traditional financial assets. If approved, it could become a defining milestone in the convergence of legacy markets and decentralized technology.

#SEC , #NASDAQ , #RWA , #Tokenization , #DigitalAssets

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

YoungHoon Kim, officially recognized as the person with the highest IQ on the planet, has stirred the crypto community with a stunning prediction: the XRP token could reach $100 by 2030. That would imply a market cap of over $5.5 trillion, far exceeding the current total value of the entire crypto market.

Where Does This Bold Prediction Come From?
YoungHoon Kim, who holds a verified IQ of 276, shared his thoughts on X. He believes that XRP’s massive rally over the next five years could be driven by:
🔹 Rising institutional interest – U.S.-based XRP ETFs have recorded 30 consecutive days of net inflows, while Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have seen periodic outflows.

🔹 Ripple’s expanding ecosystem – The new RLUSD stablecoin is gaining traction via Gemini and XRP Ledger.

🔹 Limited token supply – A significant amount of XRP remains locked in escrow, potentially amplifying price swings when demand spikes.

🔹 New tech integrations – The upcoming Wrapped XRP on Solana, powered by the LayerZero standard, will allow XRP to be used across DeFi platforms.

Institutional Money Is Fueling the XRP Narrative
Institutional appetite for XRP is growing rapidly. In just a few weeks, XRP ETFs in the U.S. have attracted nearly $1 billion in net inflows, and assets under management have climbed to $1.18 billion.
This momentum further accelerated after the fifth officially approved XRP ETF product went live on the Cboe exchange last week.

Why Does Kim Believe in XRP?
According to Kim, the combination of growing institutional exposure, limited supply, and increasing utility across blockchains could trigger a long-term bullish breakout. On-chain data backs this up:
"When the market dips, large investors often accumulate silently — and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with XRP right now."

But Don’t Forget the Risks
While the prediction sounds exciting, analysts are urging caution:
🔹 A $5.5 trillion market cap is extremely ambitious

🔹 XRP’s historical performance still lags behind Bitcoin and Ethereum in terms of both risk and returns

🔹 Volatility remains a key obstacle — to reach $100, XRP would need a far more stable market environment

Summary
YoungHoon Kim’s forecast injects a new dose of optimism into XRP’s future, fueled by tangible ecosystem growth, surging institutional demand, and intriguing on-chain signals. Whether or not the $100 milestone becomes reality, one thing is clear — XRP is back in the spotlight like never before.

#xrp , #CryptoPrediction , #altcoins , #Ripple , #priceprediction

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Crypto markets are bracing for a significant supply wave this week as seven major projects prepare to unlock a combined total of nearly $200 million worth of tokens. The timing is crucial—just days before traders will see whether the highly anticipated “Christmas rally” emerges or vanishes into the ongoing crypto winter.

Weekly Overview: 568 Million Tokens Entering Circulation
Between December 15 and 21, over 568 million tokens will be released into circulation. The largest share of that comes from Aster DEX, which is unlocking more than $75 million in tokens—making it the biggest single unlock of the week.
This wave of token releases comes amid muted market reaction to recent Fed interest rate changes. Despite some relief in monetary policy, the crypto market remains in correction territory. Total crypto market cap fell 0.5% in the past 24 hours, and this new surge in token supply could exert downward pressure if demand doesn’t keep up.

Aster Leads With $75M Unlock and New Incentive Campaign
Aster, a decentralized platform for spot and perpetual trading, is unlocking 78.41 million ASTER tokens worth $75.36 million. This accounts for 3.41% of its market cap, making it the largest release in both dollar terms and token count.
The unlock coincides with the launch of Phase 5 of Aster’s “Double Harvest” incentive campaign, also running this week. To qualify, users must continuously hold at least 444 ASTER tokens throughout the campaign and maintain daily trading volume on markets excluding BTC and ETH.
In Phase 4, 6,895 participants qualified and split a $1 million reward pool, according to Aster’s official X account. Rewards from the previous phase are set to be distributed within seven business days.

LayerZero, Arbitrum, and Others to Release Over $120 Million
Here’s how the rest of the week shapes up:
🔹 LayerZero (ZRO) – Unlocking 24.68 million tokens worth $37.4 million, or 2.47% of supply and nearly 10% of its market cap.

🔹 Arbitrum (ARB) – Set to release 92.63 million tokens worth $19.78 million (0.93% of total supply).

🔹 Vana (VANA) – Unlocking 6.12 million tokens worth $17.41 million on December 16.

🔹 Yooldo Esports (ESPORTS) – Unlocking 41.91 million tokens worth $17.22 million on December 19.

🔹 STBL – Releasing 288.39 million tokens valued at $16.12 million, making up 57.7% of its market cap—the largest relative unlock of the week.

🔹 Merlin Chain (MERL) – Unlocking 36.14 million tokens worth $16.11 million on the same day as Yooldo, representing 1.72% of supply.

ASTER Struggles After 3% Weekly Drop
The ASTER token has seen a 3% decline leading up to this major unlock, trading at $0.93 at the time of writing. After hitting a high of $1.41 on November 19, it corrected down to $0.88 by early December.
Since then, bulls have defended the $0.92 zone, keeping the token from dropping to deeper support around $0.85–$0.88. Still, ASTER has struggled to climb above $1.00, often retreating toward $0.97.

Summary
This week’s mass unlock event is set to test the resilience of multiple ecosystems, including Aster, LayerZero, Arbitrum, and others. With hundreds of millions in new tokens entering the market, investor sentiment and demand will be critical. Without strong buying pressure, this wave of supply could further weigh down prices during an already fragile period.

#CryptoNews , #altcoins , #crypto , #ASTR , #CryptoAnalysis

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

A recent investigative report by The New York Times accusing Donald Trump of favoring certain crypto companies in regulatory decisions has drawn heavy criticism from the crypto community. Leading industry figures argue the article is misleading and question the credibility of its claims.
According to NYT, Trump’s administration allegedly returned to the White House in 2024 with a clear goal: to shift the SEC’s stance on digital assets and roll back aggressive enforcement — particularly benefiting companies tied to his donors and allies. The report claims the SEC dropped or eased multiple high-profile enforcement actions, including a lawsuit against the Winklevoss twins’ Gemini exchange, a major case against Binance, and a substantial fine imposed on Ripple Labs.

Galaxy Digital: NYT Is Distorting Reality
Alex Thorn, Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy Digital, fired back at the article, accusing NYT of pushing a biased narrative. “The entire framing of this story is based on a false premise — that the previous administration’s anti-crypto stance was normal. It wasn’t. It was widely condemned by Congress, the courts, and experts across the political spectrum,” Thorn posted on X.
He also criticized the Biden administration for embracing an ideologically driven war on crypto, alleging that many regulators were aligned with Senator Elizabeth Warren’s agenda. According to Thorn, several former officials later joined nonprofit groups funded by Warren’s allies and continued their anti-crypto advocacy.
“It’s insane to claim that the regulatory pivot is based on Trump’s personal interests,” he added. “The real issue is that the previous regulatory framework was extreme and harmful to the industry.”

Coinbase GC: NYT Headline Misleads Readers
Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal echoed Thorn’s critique, highlighting inconsistencies within the article itself. “Even the reporters admit in the online version that there is no evidence firms tried to influence cases through donations or Trump family ties. Yet the whole article leans on this,” Grewal wrote.

SEC Denies Political Interference
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rejected claims that its enforcement decisions were politically motivated. In an official statement, the agency insisted that all actions are based on legal standards and are free from political influence.
Newly appointed SEC Chair Paul Atkins confirmed the agency's new direction, stating it would "end regulation by enforcement" — a clear rebuke of Gary Gensler’s leadership during the Biden era.

White House: America to Become Crypto Capital of the World
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded to claims that the Trump family used the Oval Office for personal financial gain. She emphasized that the president’s crypto policy “fulfills his promise to make the United States the crypto capital of the world and bring economic opportunity to all Americans.”

Summary: Community Defends Reforms, Criticizes NYT
While The New York Times paints a picture of corruption and favoritism, prominent crypto leaders argue the opposite. They claim the Trump administration is merely correcting years of overregulation that stifled innovation and harmed the digital asset industry.

#TRUMP , #crypto , #SEC , #CryptoNews , #CryptoCommunity

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

iRobot Corporation, best known for its Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The move follows a restructuring support agreement with its key lender and manufacturing partner, Shenzhen Picea Robotics.
The company’s stock plunged over 82% in pre-market trading on December 15, 2025. Once valued at $3.56 billion in 2021, iRobot’s market cap has now fallen to around $140 million.

Full takeover plan: Picea to acquire 100% and erase debt
Under the restructuring agreement, Picea Robotics will acquire 100% equity in iRobot. In return, it will forgive debts totaling over $260 million, including:

🔹 $190 million from a 2023 loan

🔹 $74 million in unpaid manufacturing contract obligations
The bankruptcy process is expected to conclude by February 2026, according to court filings.

From tech innovator to insolvency
Founded in 1990 by three MIT roboticists, iRobot launched the Roomba in 2002, quickly becoming a leader in consumer robotics. However, increasing competition from Chinese firms like Ecovacs Robotics forced the company to cut prices and invest heavily in tech upgrades.
Adding to the pressure, a 46% tariff was imposed on imports from Vietnam—where iRobot manufactures its vacuums for the U.S. market—raising costs by $23 million in 2025 alone.

Business continuity plan
Despite the bankruptcy filing, the company announced that:

🔹 Operations will continue without disruption

🔹 The app, customer services, and global partnerships remain active

🔹 Supply chain relationships stay intact

🔹 Vendors and creditors will be fully repaid under the restructuring plan
iRobot currently has 274 employees and is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Failed Amazon acquisition
Earlier, Amazon walked away from a $1.4 billion deal to acquire iRobot, after facing intense scrutiny from European antitrust regulators.

Market performance
In 2024, iRobot still managed to generate:

🔹 Around $682 million in revenue

🔹 A 42% market share in the U.S.

🔹 A dominant 65% share in Japan’s robotic vacuum market

Conclusion
iRobot’s downfall reflects how even pioneering tech companies can fall victim to global competition, trade tensions, and failed mergers. With Picea Robotics stepping in, the future of one of the most iconic names in smart home technology is now in Chinese hands.

#TechStocks , #MarketUpdate , #USmarket , #GlobalMarkets , #technews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

American rapper Soulja Boy, famous for hits like Crank That, has officially apologized for promoting dozens of crypto and NFT projects that were later flagged as scams by blockchain sleuth ZachXBT.

“I Didn’t Know What I Was Getting Into”
Posting on X early Monday morning, Soulja Boy — real name DeAndre Cortez Way — admitted to promoting paid projects between 2021 and 2023 without properly vetting them. Many of these projects either collapsed, disappeared, or were blatant rug pulls.
“I want to be honest. I had no idea someone named Sahil was behind this or that I was promoting anything fraudulent. Back then, I did paid promos without understanding the crypto/NFT space like I do now,” the rapper-turned-crypto-enthusiast said.
He added:
“I’m genuinely sorry to my fans. It was never my intention to support scam projects. I take full responsibility for not doing deeper due diligence back then. Growth means learning from mistakes.”

ZachXBT: “This Wasn’t Just a One-Time Thing”
According to well-known blockchain investigator ZachXBT, Soulja Boy promoted at least 73 crypto and NFT projects during that two-year window. Of those, 16 NFT collections were later deemed scams or failed ventures.
🔹 RAPDOGE – A token Soulja hyped in 2021 alongside rappers Lil Yachty and Quavo. The project rug pulled within hours of their promotions, and investor liquidity vanished overnight.
🔹 Orion & The Life Token – Both projects used sensitive topics like cancer and suicide prevention to artificially inflate interest. Orion’s Twitter was deleted within a month, and Life Token was abandoned by early 2022.
🔹 Flokinomics – This project falsely claimed ties to Elon Musk and paid for media coverage to appear legit. It eventually rugged, leaving investors with losses.
ZachXBT estimates that Soulja Boy made over $730,000 from these promotions.

SEC Scrutiny Over TRX and BTT Promotions
Soulja Boy also faced legal trouble with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for unlawfully promoting TRX and BTT tokens without disclosing he was paid to do so. The SEC also named Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, Akon, and Ne-Yo in the complaint.

Logan Paul Clears Cryptozoo Case
While Soulja Boy tries to clean up his crypto image, another celebrity — Logan Paul — has recently closed the chapter on the infamous Cryptozoo NFT scandal. A U.S. district judge dismissed a lawsuit that accused Paul of misleading investors in a failed NFT game promising profits from digital animal breeding. The court ruled the claims lacked sufficient legal grounds.

Summary
Soulja Boy has admitted his mistakes, apologized to fans, and vowed to act more responsibly in the crypto space. But many in the community warn: in the age of paid promotions, “sorry” isn’t always enough. Dozens of projects collapsed, and thousands of investors were left with nothing.

#Cryptoscam , #CryptoFraud , #nft , #SEC , #CryptoRegulation

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has introduced a bold idea that could transform how social media platforms operate. His proposal uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZK proofs) to verify that algorithms behave according to declared rules — without exposing sensitive data or proprietary code.
The idea emerged from a broader debate on algorithmic amplification, coordinated online manipulation, and the responsibilities of platforms that brand themselves as defenders of free expression.
The discussion was sparked by comments from David Crapis of the Ethereum Foundation, who argued that platforms committed to free speech should at least disclose the optimization goals behind their algorithms.

Vitalik took this further:

every ranking, recommendation, or engagement-weighting decision could be backed by a ZK proof, ensuring correctness without revealing internal logic.

ZK Proofs as a Framework for Algorithmic Accountability
Under Buterin’s model, platforms would generate cryptographic evidence showing that algorithmic outputs follow predetermined goals.
He proposes recording key metadata on the blockchain, such as:
the time content is created,timestamps of interactions,and related contextual data,
to reduce the risk of shadow censorship, downranking, or retroactive content manipulation.
To protect intellectual property, Vitalik suggests delaying the release of full algorithmic code by one to two years, allowing audits without immediate exposure to security risks.
The discussion gained momentum after Buterin commented on what he described as coordinated attacks against Europe taking place on major social platforms.

He warned that if a platform positions itself as a global champion of free speech while simultaneously allowing widespread coordinated harassment, it could provoke long-term backlash against open discourse itself.
Participants also pointed to the rising threat of automated amplification — especially AI-driven botnets capable of generating enormous volumes of synthetic engagement.

As one participant noted:
“More speech is not always the cure when harmful narratives are being pushed by machines.”

Combining ZK Proofs With Other Cryptographic Systems
Vitalik didn’t limit his ideas to social media. He also suggested layering ZK proofs over other cryptographic tools, including:
MPC (multi-party computation)FHE (fully homomorphic encryption)TEE (trusted execution environments)
He highlighted voting systems as a key use case, where anonymity and resistance to coercion are crucial for blockchain-based governance.

ZK-based voting models are already gaining momentum among privacy-focused communities, and a multi-layered cryptographic architecture could mitigate the risks that arise when these tools are used in isolation.

Adoption Is Accelerating: ZK Tech Reaches Tens of Billions
Zero-knowledge technology has expanded rapidly. By 2025:
more than $28 billion in value was locked in ZK-based protocols,major institutions including Goldman Sachs, Sony, and Deutsche Bank adopted ZK rollups for secure transactions, NFT verification, and compliance workflows,ZK rollups processed over $100 billion in stablecoin transactions, driven largely by USDT and USDC.
Vitalik’s own technical work played a major role. His GKR protocol code streamlined verification of complex computations and enabled everyday users to run full nodes on standard hardware.

Conclusion: ZK Proofs Could Define the Future of Responsible Algorithms
Vitalik’s proposal has drawn significant attention because it blends:
transparency,privacy protection,cryptographic accountability,
into a single coherent framework.
If adopted, this approach could usher in a new era of social platforms where algorithms cannot act in the shadows — and users finally understand what drives their feeds.

#VitalikButerin , #ETH , #CryptoSecurity , #Web3 , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Speaking at the Central Economic Work Conference on Monday, President Xi delivered one of his sharpest economic messages of the year. He openly criticized inflated statistics, “paper-only projects,” and growth that exists only in reports — not in the real economy.
According to People’s Daily, the Chinese president Xi warned top leaders against “reckless planning,” announcing that the system will now hold officials accountable when they chase hype instead of meaningful development.
Xi said that all future national strategies must:
be based on facts,aim for real, sustainable growth,avoid polished reports that simply hide deeper issues.
He singled out several examples of wasteful or artificial projects, including:
giant industrial parks with no real use,chaotic expansions of local expos and forums,inflated economic statistics,and staged “construction kick-off ceremonies” created only for publicity photos.
Xi wants economists to follow real-time data, not curated narratives
President Xi said that officials who make “unreasonable demands” or burn through resources without careful thinking will face strict consequences. He emphasized that China’s fiscal space is far tighter than in the past — rising local government debt limits what Beijing can spend, making short-term GDP manipulation dangerous and unaffordable.
He also acknowledged that access to economic data inside China is sensitive and heavily controlled, making it difficult for outside analysts to see the true state of the economy.
Because of this, Xi declared a major shift:

GDP will no longer be the main metric used to evaluate officials.

Instead, their performance should be judged by how well they protect people’s well-being, maintain stability, and build a foundation strong enough to support long-term growth.
His remarks came at a tense moment. Fresh data showed that China’s investment activity has declined for three consecutive months:
Fixed-asset investment Jan–Nov: –2.6% YoYAnalyst expectations: –2.3%October result: –1.7%
The slide increases pressure on policymakers to stop the downturn before it drags the wider economy with it.
Last week, the Central Economic Work Conference announced that Beijing plans to stabilize and revive investment, including an increase in central-government spending — a move many consider the first open admission that China’s investment engine is losing momentum.

Weak demand, falling AI stocks, and cautious consumers
Retail figures added to the concerns:

last month’s retail sales were the weakest in three years, showing fatigued consumers and households still nervous about the prolonged property downturn, now entering its fifth year.
The IMF also urged Beijing last week to implement stronger measures to boost demand and combat persistent deflation.
Even China’s tech sector felt the pressure.

Shares of the AI chipmaker Moore Threads Technology Co. fell after the company revealed that:
it will move 90% of its IPO funds (about 7.5 billion yuan) into safe deposit products like time-locked deposits and certificates of deposit,instead of using the money for chip development as initially promised.
Traders took this as a clear sign of caution.
This came after the stock soared 613% over six trading days following its debut — before dropping as much as 6.9% on Monday.

Conclusion: Xi calls for a return to reality — and China stands at a crossroads
President Xi’s message was unusually tough:

China can no longer afford projects built only for show or economic reports that distort reality. The country is facing weak demand, falling investment, deflationary pressures, and a tech sector that is turning cautious.
Beijing now faces a monumental task:

to shift from “growth on paper” to genuine productivity and stability, even if the transition is painful.

#china , #economy , #AI , #worldnews , #deflation

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Over the weekend, the crypto community split into two camps once again. A heated debate erupted on social media about an extreme — yet fascinating — scenario: what if a quantum computer became powerful enough to break into the original Bitcoin wallet belonging to Satoshi Nakamoto and access his legendary stash of roughly 1.1 million BTC?
And even worse — what if an attacker immediately dumped all those coins on the market?
The discussion began after documentary creator and YouTuber Josh Otten posted a satirical chart showing Bitcoin crashing all the way down to $3.

He suggested that such a collapse could occur if a quantum attack stole and liquidated Satoshi’s million BTC.
The idea was hypothetical, but the debate exploded almost instantly.

Veteran Bitcoiners: “The network would survive — the panic wouldn’t”
Well-known on-chain analyst Willy Woo stepped in to calm the waters.

He argued that a sudden price crash would likely attract a wave of long-term investors who would aggressively buy the dip — and that the Bitcoin network itself would survive the incident.
However, Woo openly acknowledged a significant vulnerability:

around 4 million BTC sit on P2PK (pay-to-public-key) addresses — including Satoshi’s original wallets.
These older addresses expose their full public key directly on-chain.

If a sufficiently advanced quantum computer ever existed, it could theoretically derive the private key from that public key. And that would give an attacker direct access.

Old addresses are exposed, new ones are far more secure
Several analysts expanded on Woo’s point. They explained that the risk mainly affects early Bitcoin wallets where the public key was revealed with the very first transaction.
Modern BTC address formats work differently: the public key remains hidden until the coin is spent.

And as long as the public key is not exposed, a quantum computer has nothing to calculate from.
This is why many experts emphasize the need for Bitcoin users to continue migrating toward modern, quantum-resistant address formats. Only a very small portion of all BTC would be at risk.

Adam Back: Bitcoin has decades of lead time
Legendary cryptographer Adam Back, inventor of Hashcash and CEO of Blockstream, also jumped into the discussion.

He believes the panic around quantum attacks is overstated.
According to Back:
No practical quantum computer capable of breaking Bitcoin exists today,a real threat may appear only in 20–40 years,and cryptography will evolve long before then — post-quantum standards already exist.
In short: Bitcoin has plenty of time to upgrade.

The real danger? Not the network — the price
Market analyst James Check highlighted a crucial point:

the greatest risk of quantum computing is psychological, not technical.
According to him:
the Bitcoin network will likely transition to quantum-resistant addresses long before a quantum attack becomes possible,quantum computing does not threaten the fundamental Bitcoin infrastructure,but it could shake market confidence, especially if dormant early-era addresses were targeted.
Sentiment has broken markets many times before — it wouldn’t be the first.
Check added that the Bitcoin community has no mechanism to freeze Satoshi’s coins preemptively.

If a quantum attacker ever accessed them, the coins could be moved — and re-introduced into circulation — instantly.

Conclusion: The quantum era is coming — the question is how (and when) we prepare
The debate around quantum threats shows that Bitcoin isn’t facing an immediate crisis, but rather a long-term technological challenge.
Key takeaways:
Historical addresses are vulnerable,modern addresses already include quantum-resistant properties,developers have decades to implement full post-quantum cryptography,and the biggest impact would come from market psychology, not protocol failure.
A Bitcoin crash to $3 is an extreme scenario — but the discussion reminds the crypto world that security is a continuous race, not a finished task.

#bitcoin , #satoshiNakamato , #CryptoSecurity , #CryptoMarket , #BTC

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Kevin Hassett, one of the top contenders to become the next chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has once again emphasized a clear message: the Fed will remain fully independent, even if he ends up leading it. According to him, no president — not even Donald Trump — will be steering the path of interest rates.
Hassett acknowledged that Trump has “strong and often well-supported views,” and that he is always willing to listen.
However, the authority to set the direction of monetary policy lies exclusively with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) — the group of policymakers who vote on the federal funds rate.
His comment responded directly to Trump’s recent statement that he should “have a role” in conversations with whoever becomes the next Fed chair. Hassett made it clear: the president’s opinion cannot outweigh the votes of FOMC members.
He also pointed out that he already speaks with Trump daily in his role as head of the National Economic Council, and monetary policy often comes up in those talks. But these conversations, he stressed, carry no formal weight — and that would remain true even if he became Fed chair.
If Trump’s view were ever to be brought inside the committee, Hassett said it would need to be backed by hard data. “The president’s voice has no weight compared with voting members,” he emphasized.

Inflation, Spending & Data: What’s the Real Picture?
Moderator Margaret Brennan pressed Hassett on the administration’s claim that “prices are falling.” She pointed out the official numbers:
CPI up 3% year over year,Personal Consumption Expenditures index up 2.8% year over year.
Hassett responded that during a Pennsylvania speech, Trump displayed detailed item-level charts. According to Hassett:
prescription drug prices rose 9% under Biden but are down 0.6% this year,gasoline fell sharply from record highs,eggs were another example Trump highlighted, with prices driven by shocks like avian flu.
Hassett said inflation was fueled by a mix of micro shocks (e.g., supply disruptions) and macro drivers, such as large budget deficits and an overly accommodative Fed. Tariff effects, he added, are “mixed.”
He said:
the federal deficit is on track to come in $600 billion lower than last year,the trade deficit is now half of what it used to be.
These trends, he argued, push inflation closer to the Fed’s 2% target.
Brennan then asked: when will voters actually feel the improvement?

Hassett said consumer sentiment usually declines during government shutdowns or political crises.
He noted that the economy is growing around 4%, household incomes are up about $1,200 this year, and that stronger wallets helped fuel “the biggest Black Friday ever.” He said real purchasing power — which he claims fell about $3,000 under Biden — is now up $1,200 this year.
On groceries, Hassett said that monthly household food spending jumped from $400 to $525 under Biden. This year, prices are easing, but still have room to decline. Some tariffs on food items have been reduced, adding: “If we don’t make it here, then we don’t tariff it.”

Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gBh89C6nRRQ&t=3s

Oil, Venezuela & Sanctions: Room to Maneuver
Hassett emphasized that current oil prices are low enough for the administration to act more aggressively against Venezuelan crude flows.
He argued that black-market oil shipments keep sanctioned countries afloat, but the U.S. is slowing these fleets. Global oil prices, he said, shouldn’t react much — because those nations “are already on the ropes.”

Labor Market, Hiring Outlook & the Fed
Next came questions about the Fed’s recent statement that job gains are slowing and about CEOs expecting weaker hiring in 2026. Hassett insisted the Fed still sees stronger growth ahead, and that upcoming data releases will be critical.
He said surveys can be unreliable, and that he places more trust in the household survey. The October survey was missing, but the November release will be essential for understanding the labor market’s true condition.

Finalists for Fed Chair: Hassett vs. Warsh — and Trump’s Comments
Brennan noted that Trump listed Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh as finalists for the Federal Reserve chairmanship. She also played Trump’s remark that he should “have a role” in speaking with the Fed.
Hassett reiterated that he talks with Trump daily and enjoys those conversations — regardless of whether he becomes Fed chair. And if Warsh gets the job instead, Hassett expects Warsh would maintain the same level of communication with the president.
He ended with two clear points:
No president can override the votes of FOMC members.The Fed makes decisions based on data — not politics.
Hassett summed it up simply: the role of any Fed chair is to bring strong arguments to the committee and let the panel decide.

#TRUMP , #Fed , #TRUMP , #interestrates , #fomc

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Bitcoin has rebounded from its November lows, but its recent rise looks fragile. Both on-chain signals and technical patterns point to a scenario that could push the price significantly lower — potentially toward $75,000, analysts warn.

Technical Indicators Suggest the Rally May Not Hold
After bottoming at $80,637 in November, Bitcoin climbed roughly 13%. Some experts, however, believe the current move resembles a dead-cat bounce — a short-lived recovery during a broader bearish trend.
On the daily chart, BTC was rejected at the 50-day EMA, a key resistance level. The price also remains below the Supertrend indicator, showing that bullish momentum has not been confirmed.
The biggest warning comes from a clear bear flag pattern. Historically, this formation often precedes a strong downward breakout. BTC has already completed the “flagpole” phase and is now moving inside the flag — which appears close to its conclusion.

A breakdown could drag the price first toward $87,500, a key reaction level identified by the Murrey Math system. If Bitcoin loses this barrier, the market could quickly retest the November low at $80,637.
In a deeper bearish scenario, selling pressure may push BTC to $75,000, a target that analyst Ted Pilows previously identified as a potential spring low.
This bearish outlook becomes invalid only if BTC manages to close firmly above $100,000, which would reopen the path toward a sustainable recovery.

Institutional Demand Has Largely Dried Up
Beyond technical concerns, the market is facing another problem: weakening institutional interest.
Although spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen $237 million in inflows this year, the momentum has slowed dramatically. Since November, these funds have actually lost more than $3 billion, a sharp reversal from earlier months when inflows were accelerating.
Corporate interest in Bitcoin is also fading. According to CryptoQuant, only 9 companies reported adding BTC to their holdings this quarter — a steep decline from 53 companies in Q3, a drop of 83%.
While a few exceptions stand out (such as Strategy and American Bitcoin with recent large purchases), many firms have paused accumulation. There are growing concerns that some companies may soon begin selling, as their net asset values decline or as they need liquidity to repay obligations.

Summary: The Market Is at a Crossroads
Bitcoin is facing a sensitive moment:
Technical indicators lean toward further downsideInstitutional demand is weakeningETF inflows have slowed and turned negativeMarket sentiment is pressured by profit-taking and fears of forced selling
Unless BTC regains the $100,000 resistance level, the path toward $75,000 may become increasingly likely.

#bitcoin , #CryptoMarket , #etf , #crypto , #DigitalAssets

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

A large-scale crackdown on unauthorized cryptocurrency mining is underway in southwestern Russia. More than one hundred illegal mining operations have been uncovered this year across the North Caucasus, causing multimillion-dollar losses to regional energy providers.

Dagestan at the Center of the Crackdown
The republic of Dagestan has become the biggest hotspot, with 79 illegal mining farms discovered — over 80% of all identified sites in the region. According to the regional branch of Rosseti, these operations caused damages exceeding 89.5 million rubles (about $1.1 million).

Another 14 mining setups were found in nearby Ingushetia, where financial losses surpassed 455 million rubles (about $5.7 million). Smaller clusters of illegal miners were also found in Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia–Alania, and Stavropol Krai.
Investigators discovered that many of these operations were connected to the grid illegally, bypassed electricity meters, or interfered with proper metering systems. Energy companies warn that such setups overload infrastructure not designed for high industrial consumption, causing short circuits, outages, and reduced reliability of electricity supply.

A Growing Problem
Rosseti reports that illicit miners are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Some operations are hidden in underground facilities, abandoned buildings, improvised mobile units — and in several cases even underwater installations designed to mask heat and noise.

Dagestan alone has recorded 147 cases of illegal mining since 2023, with three-year losses exceeding 277 million rubles (nearly $3.5 million).

Rising Energy Consumption Forces Stricter Measures
Russia officially legalized crypto mining in late 2024 with hopes of leveraging its abundant energy resources and cold climate. However, the rapid expansion of both legal and illegal mining operations has strained electrical grids in several regions.

Areas such as Tatarstan, Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai, and Khabarovsk Krai recently reported record-high electricity consumption, prompting temporary or seasonal mining bans.
Moscow is now considering criminal penalties for illegal mining and administrative fines for minor violations, aiming to bring the sector out of the grey economy and reduce stress on regional grids.

Drones and Smart Meters: The Hunt Continues
Authorities are increasingly relying on advanced tools to locate hidden mining farms. Smart meters help detect unusual consumption patterns, internet service providers assist in tracking suspected operations, and drones equipped with night-vision systems are used to locate remote or mobile setups.

Just last month, officials intercepted a mobile crypto-mining truck after locating it with a night-vision drone.

#russia , #CryptoMining , #DigitalAssets , #CryptoNews , #crypto

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“