Greed 11

#BinancePizza Laszlo Hanyecz, the programmer who famously made the first real-world Bitcoin transaction!

On May 22, 2010, Hanyecz offered 10,000 Bitcoins to anyone who could get him two Papa John's pizzas delivered to his doorstep. Someone took him up on the offer, and the transaction was recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain.

This event has become a legendary milestone in Bitcoin's history, often cited as one of the first practical uses of cryptocurrency. Today, that 10,000 BTC would be worth a substantial amount!

#MastercardStablecoinCards Mastercard is launching stablecoin payment cards through a partnership with MoonPay, enabling users to make transactions at approximately 150 million merchants worldwide. These cards will automatically convert stablecoin payments into fiat currency at the point of sale, removing volatility from the merchant's experience ¹.

*Key Features:*

- *Stablecoin Conversion*: Automatic conversion of stablecoins to fiat currency for seamless transactions
- *Global Reach*: Support for transactions at over 150 million merchants worldwide
- *Partnership*: Collaboration between Mastercard and MoonPay, leveraging MoonPay's acquisition of Iron, a stablecoin payment firm
- *Regulatory Environment*: Launching amid ongoing regulatory developments, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's guidance on stablecoins

*Benefits:*

- *Convenience*: Enables users to spend stablecoins like cash
- *Security*: Provides a secure way for businesses to accept stablecoin payments
- *Growing Adoption*: Stablecoins have processed over double the volume of Visa in the past year, with a growing user base of approximately 20 million people conducting stablecoin transactions monthly

This partnership aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology, allowing for faster and cheaper transactions, particularly for cross-border payments ².

#EthereumSecurityInitiative The Ethereum Foundation has launched the "Trillion Dollar Security" initiative to enhance the security of the Ethereum blockchain. This ambitious project aims to make Ethereum secure enough to handle trillions of dollars in assets and support billions of users. Here's what you need to know about the initiative ¹:

*Key Objectives:*

- *Boost Security*: Strengthen Ethereum's security to support large-scale institutional adoption and protect user assets.
- *Global Adoption*: Enable Ethereum to become a civilization-scale infrastructure that securely underpins the internet and global economy.
- *Comparison to Legacy Systems*: Ensure Ethereum's security standards are comparable to or surpass those of traditional financial systems ².

*Three-Phase Approach:*

- *Phase 1: Mapping*: Identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses across Ethereum's technology stack, including smart contract security, wallet UX, and consensus security.
- *Phase 2: Execution*: Address high-priority issues, implement technical solutions, and invest in security infrastructure.
- *Phase 3: Communication*: Educate users and developers about Ethereum's security properties, enabling them to compare and evaluate its security standards ¹ ².

*Leadership and Collaboration:*

- The initiative is led by Josh Stark and Fredrik Svantes from the Ethereum Foundation, in collaboration with industry experts, including samczsun, Mehdi Zerouali, and Zach Obront.
- The Ethereum community is encouraged to participate and provide input on security concerns and suggestions ¹ ³.

The Trillion Dollar Security initiative is a significant step towards establishing Ethereum as a secure and trusted financial infrastructure, capable of supporting trillions of dollars in value.

$USDC USD Coin (USDC) is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar on a 1:1 basis. Here are some key details about USDC today ¹ ² ³:
- *Current Price*: $0.9997-$0.9987 USD, with a slight variation depending on the source
- *Market Capitalization*: $60.57-$60.61 billion USD
- *24-Hour Trading Volume*: $11.42-$11.94 billion USD
- *Circulating Supply*: 60.63-60.65 billion USDC
- *24-Hour Price Change*: -0.01% to +0.00%, indicating stability

USDC is widely used for various purposes, including:
- *Stable Store of Value*: Providing a safe haven for crypto traders during times of volatility
- *Digital Payments*: Enabling businesses to accept payments in digital assets
- *Decentralized Finance (DeFi)*: Supporting various DeFi applications and protocols

You can find USDC on multiple exchanges and blockchains, such as Ethereum, Binance, and Solana ² ¹ ³.

$ETH Ethereum's current price is $2,620.00, with a closing price of $2,589.99 on May 16, 2025. If you're interested in learning more about Ethereum or other cryptocurrencies, here are some key details ¹:
- *Current Price*: $2,620.00
- *Closing Price (May 16, 2025)*: $2,589.99
- *Exchange*: Binance
- *Currency*: USD
- *Ticker Type*: Crypto

You can find real-time updates on Ethereum's price, charts, and news on Binance. They also offer an ETH to USD converter for easy calculations.

#CryptoRegulation Cryptocurrency regulations vary globally, with some countries embracing crypto and others imposing strict rules. Here's a breakdown of key regulations:

# Global Regulatory Landscape
- *International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)*: Laid out 18 recommendations for global rules on managing crypto and digital assets, emphasizing consistency in regulation and oversight.
- *World Economic Forum (WEF)*: Advocates for a global approach to crypto regulation, highlighting the need for international alignment to maximize benefits and manage risks.

# Regional Regulations
- *United States*: Has a multi-agency approach, with the SEC governing crypto-related securities, IRS handling taxation, and FinCEN overseeing anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
- *European Union*: Introduced the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), requiring companies to obtain licenses and adhere to AML and KYC rules. The EU also has strict rules for transactions over €10,000.
- *Asia*:
- *Japan*: Recognizes crypto as a payment currency, with strict regulations on customer information sharing between exchanges to prevent money laundering.
- *South Korea*: Passed the Virtual Asset Users Protection Act, strengthening user protections and transparency.
- *China*: Has strict regulations, banning exchanges, trading, and crypto mining.

# Key Regulatory Areas
- *Taxation*: Tax laws vary by country, with some treating crypto as property (US, Australia) or income (Japan).
- *Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC)*: Regulations require exchanges and service providers to monitor transactions, verify customers, and report suspicious activities.
- *Consumer Protection*: Rules aim to protect investors from fraud and unethical practices, with requirements for risk disclosures and transparency in crypto projects ¹ ².

$BTC Here's the current Bitcoin stats:
- *Current Price*: $104,028.39
- *Market Cap*: $2.06 trillion
- *Open Price*: $102,867.66
- *High Price*: $104,466.01
- *Low Price*: $101,383.07
- *Percent Change*: 1.13%

Keep in mind that cryptocurrency prices can be volatile and fluctuate rapidly ¹.

$BTC Bitcoin's current price is around $103,702.29, with a 1.27% increase from the previous close price of $102,399.99. Here's a quick look at its current stats:
- *Market Cap*: Approximately $2.08 trillion
- *Open Price*: $102,400.00
- *High Price*: $104,976.25
- *Low Price*: $102,333.33
- *Percent Change*: 1.27%

These prices are current as of May 13, 2025, at 02:25 PM PST, according to Finnhub. For the most up-to-date information, you can check reliable sources like Finnhub or Binance ¹.

$BTC Bitcoin's current price is around $102,619.04, with a 1.97% decrease from the previous close price of $104,675.95. Here's a quick look at its current stats ¹:
- *Market Cap*: Approximately $2.05 trillion
- *Open Price*: $104,675.95
- *High Price*: $105,819.45
- *Low Price*: $100,718.37
- *Percent Change*: -1.97%

Keep in mind that cryptocurrency prices can be volatile and fluctuate rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking reliable sources like Finnhub or Binance.

#TradeWarEases The US-China trade war has eased with a landmark deal between the two countries. Here's what's happening ¹:
- *Tariff Reduction*: The US will cut tariffs on Chinese imports to 30% from 145%, while China will reduce its levies on US imports to 10% from 125%. This 90-day agreement aims to ease tensions and promote trade.
- *Joint Statement*: Both countries recognize the importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship. They've agreed to establish a mechanism to continue discussions on economic and trade relations.
- *Future Discussions*: The two sides will hold working-level consultations on relevant economic and trade issues, potentially in China, the US, or a third country.
- *Currency Impact*: The US dollar and Chinese yuan have risen significantly after the trade deal announcement, with both currencies valuing up against the euro and Japanese yen.

This development has also positively impacted the stock market, with tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta experiencing a rally. Chip stocks have also soared due to reduced pressure on AI supply chains ².

#AltcoinSeasonLoading The anticipation for altcoin season is building! Altcoin season typically refers to a period when alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) experience significant price increases, often outperforming Bitcoin.

Some factors that might contribute to an altcoin season include:
- *Increased adoption*: Growing interest in specific altcoins or use cases
- *Market sentiment*: Positive market sentiment and investor enthusiasm
- *Technological advancements*: Upgrades, new features, or partnerships that enhance altcoin ecosystems

Keep an eye on market trends, and consider factors like:
- *Market capitalization*: Smaller-cap altcoins might have more room for growth
- *Trading volume*: Increasing volume can indicate growing interest
- *Development activity*: Updates and improvements to altcoin protocols

What's your strategy for navigating potential altcoin season?

$XRP XRP's current price is around $2.42 to $2.45, with a 3.45% increase over the last 24 hours. Here's a breakdown of its current stats ¹ ² ³:
- *Market Cap*: Approximately $136.78 billion to $143.29 billion, ranking #4
- *24-hour Trading Volume*: Around $4.65 billion to $4.66 billion
- *Circulating Supply*: 58.55 billion XRP
- *Total Supply*: 99.98 billion XRP
- *Max Supply*: 100 billion XRP

Some sources also report ⁴:
- *All-time High*: $3.84 (January 4, 2018)
- *All-time Low*: $0.002802 (July 7, 2014)

Keep in mind that cryptocurrency prices can be volatile and fluctuate rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking reliable sources like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or Finnhub ² ³ ¹.

#BTCBackto100K Bitcoin has indeed surpassed the $100,000 mark, reaching $101,293, a 5.3% increase in the past 24 hours. This milestone marks the first time Bitcoin has breached the $100,000 threshold since February. Several factors contribute to this surge ¹:
- *Growing Investor Confidence*: Investors are becoming more confident in riskier assets, such as cryptocurrencies.
- *Trade Agreement*: The announcement of a new trade agreement between the US and the UK has positively impacted the cryptocurrency market.
- *Geopolitical Sentiment*: Improving geopolitical sentiment is driving the surge, with investors welcoming signs of de-escalation in trade tensions.

Some analysts predict Bitcoin's momentum could continue, while others caution that it may face selling pressure from less committed investors at the $100,000 level. However, surpassing this threshold could attract new investors ².

The current market data shows ³:
- *Current Price*: $101,206.05
- *Market Cap*: $1.93 trillion
- *Percent Change*: 5.05%

Keep in mind that cryptocurrency markets can be highly volatile, and prices may fluctuate rapidly.

#BTCBreaks99K Bitcoin has indeed broken the $99,000 mark, reaching a high of $99,406 earlier today, and is now trading at $101,206.05, with a 5.05% increase. This surge is attributed to growing investor confidence, particularly among institutional and high-net-worth investors, who have added over 81,300 BTC to their holdings in the past six weeks.

Several factors contribute to this momentum:
- *Growing Institutional Interest*: Addresses holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC have accumulated 81,338 BTC over six weeks, signaling renewed confidence.
- *Market Sentiment*: Analysts expect Bitcoin to break its all-time high of $109,000 if the $95,000 support holds.
- *Federal Reserve's Steady Interest Rates*: The US Fed's decision to hold interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.5% has positively impacted the market.
- *Increased Trading Activity*: Over 17,400 BTC exchanged hands in the last 24 hours, indicating significant interest and renewed involvement from traders.

Some predictions suggest Bitcoin could reach $150,000 by the end of the year, driven by factors like ¹ ²:
- *Money Printing*: According to Arthur Hayes, former BitMex CEO, monetary authorities resorting to money printing amid market uncertainty could fuel Bitcoin's rally.
- *Favorable Government Policies*: The US government's shift in policies, such as establishing a Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile, may broaden Bitcoin's investor base.

#StripeStablecoinAccounts Stripe has launched stablecoin accounts, enabling businesses to hold, receive, and send US-dollar stablecoin balances in over 100 countries. This service supports USDC and USDB stablecoins, providing a stable financial infrastructure for regions with volatile currencies or limited banking access.

*Key Features:*

- *Multi-currency accounts*: Hold and manage USD, EUR, and GBP funds without unnecessary foreign exchange costs
- *Stablecoin-powered accounts*: Send, receive, and hold US-dollar stablecoin balances, similar to traditional fiat bank accounts
- *Global reach*: Access to businesses in over 100 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Turkey, Colombia, and Peru
- *Partnerships*: Collaborations with Visa and Ramp to streamline stablecoin use and broaden its reach

*Benefits:*

- *Faster settlement times*: Reduced transaction costs and increased efficiency
- *Protection against currency fluctuations*: Stablecoins offer a safeguard against local currency depreciation
- *Increased security*: Stripe's stablecoin accounts provide a more secure way to store value

*Stripe's Vision:*

Stripe aims to create a seamless, borderless global financial system, leveraging stablecoins and AI to transform business finance. The company has also introduced an AI foundation model for payments, enhancing fraud detection and authorization rates ¹ ².

$BTC Bitcoin's current price is around $101,334, with a 5.2% increase over the last 24 hours. This surge is part of a broader trend, with Bitcoin's price increasing by 31.2% over the past month and 61.9% over the past year.

*Key Statistics:*

- *Current Price*: $101,334
- *24-hour Change*: 5.2% increase
- *Market Cap*: $2.012 trillion
- *24-hour Trading Volume*: $55.238 billion
- *Circulating Supply*: 19,862,059 BTC

*Recent Trends:*

- Bitcoin's price has fluctuated between $95,967.46 and $101,784 in the last 24 hours
- The cryptocurrency has outperformed the broader crypto market, with a 31.10% increase against the US Dollar over the last month
- Analysts expect Bitcoin to break its all-time high of $109,000 if the $95,000 support holds ¹ ²

$USDC USDC, or USD Coin, is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, maintaining a consistent value. Here are some key details about USDC today ¹ ² ³:
- *Current Price*: $1.00, with a 0.00% change over the last 24 hours
- *Market Cap*: $61.05 billion, with a circulating supply of 60,911,667,966 USDC
- *24-hour Trading Volume*: $760,280,330,636 in Philippine Peso, with a 0.3% increase in value against PHP
- *PHP Conversion Rate*: 1 USDC = ₱55.56, with a 0.3% increase since yesterday
- *Blockchain Support*: USDC operates on multiple blockchain platforms, including Ethereum, Solana and Avalanche

USDC aims to provide stability and efficiency in transactions, serving as a medium for peer-to-peer transactions, cross-border remittances and a safe haven for crypto investors. Its value is backed by equivalent US dollar-denominated assets held in regulated financial institutions ³.

$BTC Bitcoin's current price is $97,094.77 with a 0.08% increase. Here's a breakdown of today's market data ¹:
- *Current Price*: $97,094.77
- *Open Price*: $97,020.37
- *High Price*: $97,732.00
- *Low Price*: $95,784.61
- *Previous Close Price*: $97,020.36
- *Market Cap*: $1.88 trillion
- *Percent Change*: 0.08%

Keep in mind that the data is current up to 8:16 AM PST, May 8, 2025. For the most up-to-date information, you can check Binance or other reliable cryptocurrency exchanges ¹.

#BTCPrediction Bitcoin's current price is around $97,068, with a 0.07% increase in the last 24 hours. Here's a breakdown of predictions for the near future:
- *Short-term predictions:*
- May 8, 2025: $96,774.46 (potential low), $96,796.28 (average price), $96,912.78 (potential high)
- May 2025: Potential highs could reach $100,150.71 by May 28
- *Long-term predictions:*
- *2025:* Average price of $115,000, potential high of $200,000, and a low of $87,000
- *2026:* Average price of $178,147.02, potential high of $218,845.09, and a low of $137,448.95
- *2030:* Average price of $1,234,974.26, potential high of $3,067,278.35, and a low of $405,810.89

Some analysts predict Bitcoin will hit ¹:
- $150,000 in 2025 (Deepwater Asset Management)
- $180,000 in 2025 (VanEck)
- $200,000 in 2025 (Bitwise, Standard Chartered)
- $225,000 in 2025 (H.C. Wainwright)
- $1 million by 2030 (Jack Dorsey)
- $1.5 million by 2030 (Cathie Wood)

#MEMEAct The MEME Act, or Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement Act, is a proposed bill aimed at preventing federal officials, including the President and Members of Congress, from profiting off digital assets like meme coins. This legislation was introduced by Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Sam Liccardo in response to former President Donald Trump's $TRUMP meme coin, which raised concerns about corruption and pay-to-play politics ¹.

*Key Provisions:*

- *Prohibited Activities*: The bill prohibits federal officials from issuing, sponsoring, or endorsing digital assets, including meme coins, and from engaging in promotional activities that could benefit them financially.
- *Penalties*: Violators would face criminal and civil penalties, ensuring accountability and deterring potential abuse.
- *Scope*: The bill applies to a wide range of digital assets, including securities, commodities, and other financial assets, not just meme coins.

*Background:*

The $TRUMP meme coin was launched in January 2025, and its value surged after limited release, temporarily increasing Trump's net worth to over $50 billion. The coin's trading fees generated over $100 million for Trump and his family. Critics argue that this scheme undermines the legitimacy of the crypto industry and creates opportunities for corruption ¹ ².

*Support and Progress:*

The MEME Act has gained traction in both the House and Senate, with over a dozen representatives cosponsoring the bill. Senator Murphy and Representative Liccardo are pushing for its passage to prevent further exploitation and ensure accountability among federal officials ³ ².