News
Gox About to Unload $9 Billion in Bitcoin – What This Means for BTC
- In just a few days, failed Tokyo-based bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox will begin paying thousands of users approximately $9 billion in tokens.
- The payment comes more than 10 years after the platform went bankrupt following a series of heists that cost the exchange up to 950,000 bitcoins.
- While this is good news for victims of the hack who have spent years waiting to be cured, the price of bitcoin has fallen to $59,000 in the second-worst weekly decline of the year for the crypto market.
Omer Taha Satin | Anadolu | Getty Images
A Bitcoin The exchange that collapsed 10 years ago after being hacked is expected to return billions of dollars in tokens to users – and that worries investors.
In just a few days, failed Tokyo-based bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox will begin returning nearly $9 billion in tokens to thousands of users. The platform went bankrupt in 2014 after a series of robberies which cost in the range of 650,000 for 950,000 bitcoin, or more than $58 billion at current prices.
The payment follows a protracted bankruptcy process that involved numerous delays and legal challenges.
On Monday, the court-appointed administrator overseeing the exchange’s bankruptcy proceedings he said distributions to the company’s roughly 20,000 creditors would begin in early July. Disbursements will be in a mix of bitcoin and bitcoin cash, an early offshoot of the original cryptocurrency.
While this is good news for victims of the hack who have spent years waiting to be cured, bitcoin price fell to $59,000 last week in the cryptocurrency market second worst weekly decline Of the year.
CNBC spoke to half a dozen analysts to get their take on what to expect when about 141,000 bitcoins — or roughly 0.7% of the total 19.7 million bitcoins in circulation — are returned to Mt. Gox victims this week.
Mt. Gox — short for “Magic: The Gathering Online Exchange” — was once the world’s largest spot bitcoin exchange, claiming to handle about 80% of all global dollar-for-bitcoin trades.
When it closed in February 2014, bitcoin was worth about $600.
Today, the world’s largest cryptocurrency is trading at around $61,000 per coin. This means that users who opted to be refunded in kind — that is, in the cryptocurrency itself, rather than the cash equivalent — have seen the value of their coins increase by more than 10,000% over the past decade.
John Glover, chief investment officer at crypto lending firm Ledn, told CNBC that the windfall for Mt. Gox users would likely translate into huge bitcoin sales as investors look to make gains.
“Many will clearly cash out and take advantage of the fact that having their assets trapped in the Mt. Gox bankruptcy was the best investment they ever made,” said Glover, who was previously a managing director at Barclays. “Some will clearly choose to take the money and run,” Glover added.
James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, told CNBC that the nearly $9 billion glut of bitcoin to be released “has long been a concern for those with bullish views on bitcoin.”
“Consequently, the market is highly sensitive to any related news. With the announcement that the Trust will begin selling in July, investors are understandably concerned,” Butterfill said.
Read more about technology and crypto on CNBC Pro
It wouldn’t be the first time bitcoin has moved in reaction to large redemptions of funds blocked on centralized trading platforms.
Last month, exchange Gemini returned more than $2 billion in bitcoin to users with funds that were trapped in its Earn lending program, marking a 230% recovery after bitcoin prices more than tripled since Gemini suspended Earn withdrawals on November 16th.
JPMorgan analysts linked this to the negative price action, saying in a research note last week that it is “fair to assume that some of Gemini’s lenders, which are mostly retail clients, have taken at least partial profits in recent weeks.”
Similarly, JPMorgan analysts expect Mt. Gox customers to be similarly inclined to sell some of their bitcoins to cash in on the cryptocurrency’s seismic gains.
“Assuming most of the liquidations of Mt. Gox creditors occur in July, [this] creates a trajectory where cryptocurrency prices come under greater pressure in July but begin to recover from August onwards,” they wrote.
Separately, last month, the German government sold 5,000 — valued at roughly $305.8 million at Thursday prices — of a pile of 50,000 bitcoins seized in connection with the Movi2k movie piracy operation.
The funds were sent to several cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase, Kraken and Bitstamp, according to blockchain intelligence firm Arkham Intelligence.
Analysts say these cryptocurrency sell-offs have also put pressure on the price of bitcoin.
Most analysts agree that bitcoin losses are likely to be contained and short-lived.
“I think the Mt. Gox sell-off concerns are likely to be short-term,” said Lennix Lai, chief commercial officer at cryptocurrency exchange OKX.
“Many of the early adopters of Mt. Gox, as well as lenders, are long-time bitcoin enthusiasts who are less likely to sell all their bitcoins immediately,” he said, adding that previous sales by law enforcement agencies, including the case of the Silk Roaddid not result in a sustained catastrophic fall in prices.
Butterfill suggested there is enough market liquidity to cushion the blow from any potential mass-market selling action.
“Bitcoin has maintained a daily trading volume of $8.74 billion on reputable exchanges this year, suggesting that liquidity is sufficient to absorb these selloffs during the summer months,” Butterfill said.
According to CCData research analyst Jacob Joseph, markets are more than capable of absorbing the selling pressure.
“Additionally, a healthy portion of creditors will likely take a 10% reduction in their holdings to receive early repayment, and not all holdings will be liquidated in the open market, reducing overall selling pressure,” he said.
Recent price movements suggest the temporary impact of Mt. Gox refunds may already be priced in, Joseph added.
Galaxy Digital’s head of research, Alex Thorn, believes that fewer coins will be distributed than people think, meaning there will be less selling pressure than the market expects.
However, he also wrote in May that even if only 10% of the distributed bitcoin is sold, “it will have an impact on the market.”
“Most individual lenders will have their coins deposited directly into a trading account on an exchange, making it extremely easy to sell,” Thorn said.
Vijay Ayyar, head of consumer growth for Asia-Pacific at cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, said the overall impact of the Mt. Gox disbursement is likely to be “dissipated” as the recipients of the funds are varied.
On the one hand, there are individual holders who will receive their bitcoins immediately. Then there is the “significant amount” of bitcoins that will be disbursed to claims funds, Ayyar said.
“These funds would then need to distribute them to their LPs [limited partners]so the whole process can take some time, adding a time element to the price impact,” he told CNBC.
It is important to note that there are many other reasons behind bitcoin’s recent declines.
The cryptocurrency made an impressive recovery earlier this year, exceeding $70,000 shortly after the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first spot bitcoin ETF.
See the chart…
Bitcoin price performance in US dollars, year to date.
But investors remained anxious amid outflows from bitcoin ETFs and sizable market sell-offs. The broader macro environment has also left investors worried.
Earlier this month, the Federal Reserve suggested it plans to cut rates just once this year, down from several previously indicated cuts.
Cryptocurrencies, which are inherently volatile, are particularly sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment.
CoinShares’ Butterfill said the Fed’s new rate forecast was among “the likely culprits for the recent price decline” of bitcoin.
This, along with other issues, “will likely weigh on prices in the lower volume summer months,” Butterfill said. However, “the fundamental investment picture remains largely intact,” she added.
News
Is Shiba Inu a good buy while trading below $0.01?
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and innovative new drugs in the weight loss market were major contributors to stock market gains for much of the past year.
While investors have reaped generous returns from owning mega-cap technology and some pharmaceutical stocks, it’s human nature to wonder what else is out there and where additional value can be found.
Investment alternatives how cryptocurrencies have gained massive popularity over the past decade or so — and one of the most curious cryptocurrencies, Shiba Inu (SHIB 2.08%), it may seem very tempting, as trades below a penny.
Let’s take a look at the Shiba Inu and find out if it’s a good buy right now.
What is Shiba Inu?
The first thing to know about cryptocurrency in general is that not all cryptocurrencies are created equal. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies out there include Bitcoin, EthereumIt is Solana. While each of them still carries some degree of speculation, all of these currencies have achieved some form of real-world application.
For example, Bitcoin is now accepted as a means of payment in some online stores and retail establishments. In addition, many projects that revolve around non-fungible tokens (NFT) tend to rely on Ethereum, Solana, and other major cryptocurrencies.
Shiba Inuin turn, is in a totally different category.
That is, Shiba Inu is often affiliated with Dogecoin. Although Dogecoin has experienced some fleeting volatility in the past — largely thanks to some irreverent support from high-level personalitiesincluding Mark Cuban and Elon Musk — cryptocurrency is largely seen as a joke.
In investing, non-serious investments tend to fall under the category of a meme. Shiba Inu is no exception here. With little to no real-world utility, Shiba Inu is widely seen as a meme coin.
Should you buy Shiba Inu while it is selling for less than a penny?
Shiba Inu’s price dynamics closely follow the rules of supply and demand. At the moment, Shiba Inu has a total supply of 589 trillion tokens, and the coin is trading at just $0.000017.
With such an abundance of Shiba Inu coins available, the asset is anything but scarce. In other words, pretty much anyone can buy Shiba Inu if they want to. For this reason alone, it doesn’t have much appeal for investors looking to spot a profitable opportunity.
Given the lack of demand, it is not surprising to see that the Shiba Inu is trading for less than a penny. Unless a large number of institutional investors invested billions of dollars in purchasing Shiba Inu, I can’t imagine a world where the currency starts to gain traction in the market.
Since cryptocurrency is still considered a speculative investment, I consider it highly unlikely that large fund managers will buy Shiba Inu en masse.
Instead, I think Shiba Inu will continue to be the favorite among a small group of retail investors — specifically, inexperienced traders who follow the advice of online influencers or fake financial gurus.
If you are looking for exposure to cryptocurrency but can’t decide which coin to buy, there are many cryptocurrency stocks that could serve as a decent proxy. Companies like Coinbase, Robinhoodand even Microstrategy each offers investors some exposure to the cryptocurrency landscape, but with some degree of isolated risk.
So while Shiba Inu may seem cheap, there are many reasons why the coin’s value remains depressed. I think investors are better off moving on from Shiba Inu and considering more established cryptos or individual stocks operating in the crypto space.
Adam Spatacco has positions in Coinbase Global. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Coinbase Global, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
News
AI meme Raboo and crypto newbie ZRO
Disclosure: This article does not constitute investment advice. The content and materials presented on this page are for educational purposes only.
Raboo and ZRO are outperforming Dogecoin with unique features and growing investor interest.
In the evolving cryptocurrency market, Raboo (RABT) and ZRO are emerging as standouts, gaining significant traction among investors. These new coins are not only on the rise but are also outperforming the established meme coin, Dogecoin (DOGE).
Raboo’s unique integration of AI into meme culture and ZRO’s fresh approach are attracting a growing community of enthusiasts. This article delves deeper into the unique features of Raboo and ZRO, exploring how they are shaping the future of the crypto landscape and why they may offer compelling investment opportunities. Read on to discover the potential of these rising stars.
DOGE: The veteran memecoin
DOGE has a market cap of over $19 billion as of July 2024 and in this circulation, there is a supply of 145 billion DOGE. The price of the coin jumped 6% in the last 7 daysechoing the trend — increased investor interest and market recovery.
Although Dogecoin was initially created as a joke, it has still held up quite well, probably due to the fact that it has had a huge community since its inception and periodic endorsements from important people like Elon Musk, thus keeping this cryptocurrency relevant and moving.
Dogecoin’s current rise could also be driven by events such as increased institutional adoption and favorable developments around the Dogecoin Foundation. These events are generating more interest, with a halving likely in 2025. Analysts project that Dogecoin will trade within the $0.15 and $0.25 range in the near future.
ZRO: A Rising Star in the Crypto Universe
ZRO is the native token of LayerZero, a robust and promising newcomer to the cryptocurrency market, which has been attracting attention recently for its intrinsic value and recent market performance. LayerZero is a cross-chain interoperability protocol that allows blockchains to communicate seamlessly with each other, literally being a “blockchain of blockchains.” Ultra Light Nodes (ULNs) power this new development, verifying transactions and messages in a way that brings security and efficiency to chains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Avalanche. ZRO is up over 80% in the last 30 days, reaching $4.63 with a market cap of over $509 million.
While Dogecoin has been showing improved performance in the crypto scene recently, ZRO’s growth is very fast. Its strategic partnerships, such as the latest cooperation with Flare Network, extend it to 75 blockchains, greatly increasing its market position.
Analysts are bullish on ZRO and are pricing in long-term growth in the forecasts. While Dogecoin enjoyed community support and some celebrity endorsements, the focus that ZRO has placed on its technology development and practical applications gives it a distinct advantage in this increasingly competitive cryptocurrency landscape.
Raboo: Changing Memecoins with AI
Raboo (RABT) has quickly emerged as a significant player in the memecoin market, leveraging advanced AI technology to stand out from its competitors. The token’s unique approach includes a “Post-to-Earn” platform where users are rewarded for creating and sharing content, fostering dynamic community engagement. Raboo’s presale has been particularly successful, with tokens currently priced at $0.0048, representing a significant 233% increase since the presale began.
Despite Dogecoin’s established presence and recent price stability, Raboo’s rapid rise is remarkable. Analysts predict that Raboo could outperform Dogecoin, with expectations of a 100x return upon launch. This optimism is driven by Raboo’s unique technological capabilities and the growing appeal of its SocialFi features, which set it apart from more traditional memecoins.
Conclusion
Raboo and ZRO are emerging as strong contenders in the cryptocurrency market, outperforming the established Dogecoin with their unique features and strong community engagement. Raboo, with its AI-powered meme creation and “Post-to-earn” platform, offers a unique investment opportunity, especially for those looking to diversify their portfolios in the dynamic memecoin sector. ZRO’s focus on cross-chain interoperability also positions it well for future growth.
These developments highlight the evolving cryptocurrency landscape, where technological creativity and community-driven models are becoming increasingly important for success. Investors should consider Raboo for its high potential returns and innovative features.
For more information, visit the Raboo Pre-Order Website or follow the project at Telegram or X.
Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any products mentioned on this page. Users should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.
News
The Rise of Cryptocurrency ETFs: How to Invest in Digital Currency Without Buying Coins
The introduction of spot cryptocurrency ETFs offers a new and easy way for investors to gain exposure to digital currencies.
For much of crypto’s existence, those interested in purchasing digital assets would have to do so through cryptocurrency exchanges. But now, that’s starting to change.
If you’ve been hesitant to dive into crypto due to what can sometimes be a daunting and technical task when navigating cryptocurrency exchanges, now might be the perfect time to explore the new spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available to investors.
What are spot ETFs?
A spot ETF is a financial instrument that allows investors to gain exposure to the price movements of an underlying asset – in this case, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC -1.63%) and Ethereum (ETH -1.36%) — without directly owning the asset. These ETFs are traded on traditional stock exchanges, and their value is directly tied to the current (or spot) price of the cryptocurrency.
One of the main differences between owning a spot ETF and owning the actual cryptocurrency is the responsibility of custody. When you own cryptocurrency, you need to manage its storage and security, which involves using digital wallets and understanding private keys. With spot ETFs, the responsibility of custody falls on the fund manager, making it easier for investors to gain exposure to the asset without worrying about the complexities of secure storage.
In many ways, you can think of spot ETFs as gold ETFs. When people buy a gold ETF, they don’t actually receive gold coins or bars. Instead, they own shares that track the price movement of gold.
Another important distinction is trading hours. Cryptocurrencies can be traded 24/7, while spot ETFs are subject to the stock exchange’s trading hours. This means that you can only trade ETFs during market hours. These limited hours can lead to potentially missing out on significant price movements that occur outside of the market’s designated trading hours.
Options available today
Currently, the only options for investors looking for spot cryptocurrency ETFs are Bitcoin and Ethereum. These two cryptocurrencies stand out due to their significant value and established track records, positioning them as attractive options for integration into the stock market via ETFs. Bitcoin, often referred to as digital gold, was the first cryptocurrency (created in 2009) and the first to gain approval for a spot ETF. With nearly seven months of trading now under its belt, the approval of the 11th Spot Bitcoin ETFs was touted as one of the most successful ETF launches in history.
More recently, nine Ethereum spot ETFs have gained approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to begin trading on July 23. As the second most valuable cryptocurrency and the backbone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) economy, Ethereum was the next best candidate for a spot ETF launch.
While limited to two cryptocurrencies, as investors become more comfortable with digital currencies and ETFs continue to prove popular, we can expect to see more cryptocurrencies gaining ground as ETFs. The early stages of this expansion are already visible, with applications for Solana Spot ETFs starting to come in.
How to buy an ETF outright
Buying a spot ETF involves several steps and considerations, just like any other ETF investment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
- Start by researching the available Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Compare their fees, assets under management (AUM), and performance. ETFs with lower fees and higher AUM are generally more attractive, as they may offer better liquidity and lower costs.
- To buy ETFs, you need a brokerage account. If you don’t already have one, choose a brokerage that offers a wide range of ETFs, low fees, and a user-friendly platform.
- If you’re new to the brokerage, you’ll need to provide personal information and fund your account with money from your bank. Most brokerages offer multiple funding methods, including ACH transfers, wire transfers, and check deposits.
- Once your account is funded, use your broker’s search function to find the Bitcoin or Ethereum ETF you’ve decided to invest in. ETFs are usually identified by their ticker symbols, so knowing them can make your search easier.
- Decide how many shares of the ETF you want to buy. You can place a market order, which buys the ETF at the current market price, or a limit order, which sets a maximum price you are willing to pay. Review your order carefully before submitting it.
- Once you’ve purchased the ETF, monitor its performance and keep an eye on any news or developments related to cryptocurrencies and the ETF itself. Regularly reviewing your investment ensures that it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
An evolving landscape
The introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency investing. These financial instruments offer a simpler and more accessible way to gain exposure to digital currencies without dealing with the complexities of cryptocurrency exchanges and direct ownership.
By following the steps to purchase these ETFs through a brokerage account, investors can seamlessly integrate digital currencies into their investment strategies. As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, the availability and acceptance of spot ETFs is likely to expand, providing even more opportunities for investors to participate in this dynamic asset class.
RJ Fulton has positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
News
Trump raises over $4 million in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald J. Trump holds a campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 20, 2024.
Bill Pugliano | Getty Images News | Getty Images
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former President Donald Trump is heading to Tennessee this weekend to deliver a keynote speech at a major bitcoin conference. It looks like he’ll be in front of a supportive crowd.
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has raised more than $4 million from a mix of digital tokens, a campaign aide told CNBC. Contributors have donated bitcoin, etherRipple’s XRP token, the stablecoin pegged to the US dollar USDC and several memecoins, according to a Federal Election Commission filing.
The more than 1,000-page report shows totals for the joint fundraising committee “Trump 47” from April 1 to June 30. The committee raised more than $118 million during that period, with payments going to the Trump campaign, the Republican National Committee and other parties, according to the filing.
At least 19 donors have contributed more than $2.15 million in bitcoin to the committee, the lawsuit shows. The contributors hail from 12 states, including some battleground states. Their professions include homemaker, U.S. military officer, missionary, painter, pizza sales representative and State Department security technician.
Crypto billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss led the charge, each contributing 15.57 bitcoins, or just over $1 million at the time of the donation. Since their contributions surpassed the $844,600 limit, the lawsuit indicates that the money was partially refunded. Mike Belshe, CEO of digital asset security firm BitGo, contributed $50,000 worth of bitcoin.
Tyler Winklevoss, CEO and co-founder of Gemini Trust Co., left, and Cameron Winklevoss, chairman and co-founder of Gemini Trust Co., speak during the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami, Florida, U.S., on Friday, June 4, 2021.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | Bloomberg | Getty Images
In recent months, Trump has positioned himself as the pro-crypto candidate for president, a reversal from his previous stance during his time in the White House. Trump launched his latest collection of non-fungible tokens on the Solana blockchain in April and has since been making increasingly optimistic crypto commentary. Along the way, he has gained the support of several influential tech and crypto investors, including venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz.
Trump will be in Nashville on Saturday to deliver the keynote address at The Bitcoin Conference, which is being held at the Music City Center. He will also host a campaign fundraiser in the city on the same day, where tickets cost up to $844,600 per person.
Front-row tickets include a seat at a roundtable with Trump and cost the maximum donation amount allowed for individuals. the Trump Committee 47. The next tier includes a photo with the former president for $60,000 per person or $100,000 per couple, according to the invitation.
Brian Hughes, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said that of the more than $4 million in cryptocurrency raised, most of it came in bitcoin.
“Crypto innovators and others in the tech sector are under attack from Kamala Harris and the Democrats,” Hughes said, referring to the de facto Democratic nominee. “While the Biden-Harris Administration stifles innovation with more regulation and higher taxes, President Trump stands ready to encourage American leadership in this and other emerging technologies.”
Trump, the first major presidential candidate to accept donations in digital tokensYou can receive contributions in a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, Shiba Inu coin, XRP, USDC, and Ether.
Kraken founder and former CEO Jesse Powell has donated nearly $845,000 worth of ether. Stuart Alderotylegal director of Curlinggave $300,000 in XRP token. Alderoty recently attended a Trump fundraiser organized by venture capitalist David Sacks in San Francisco.
Former Messari CEO Ryan Selkis, who resigned last week from the company he co-founded after posting about “literal war” against Trump opponents, donated $50,000 in USDC.
So far, it appears that the Trump campaign is converting these contributions immediately to USDC and then liquidating the donations. In some cases, however, the campaign has chosen to keep the USDC.
Trump has personally promised to defend the rights of those who choose to self-custody their currencies, meaning they are not dependent on a centralized entity like Coinbase and instead use cryptocurrency wallets, which are sometimes beyond the reach of the IRS.
Trump also vowed at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington in May to keep Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, and “her henchmen” away from bitcoin holders. Warren is a vocal critic of cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, after a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida with about a dozen bitcoin mining executives who pledged their support, Trump declared that all future bitcoins will be minted in the US if he returns to the White House.
Trump has named Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, a move seen by many as a victory for the cryptocurrency sector. Vance has advocated for looser regulation of cryptocurrencies and revealed in 2022 that he personally holds bitcoin.
The Biden White House has stepped up regulation of cryptocurrencies, with the SEC stepping up its crackdown on the sector in recent years.
Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO
-
Tech9 months ago
The Latest Tech News in Crypto and Blockchain
-
DeFi9 months ago
🪂EigenLayer Airdrop Claims Go Live
-
News6 months ago
AI meme Raboo and crypto newbie ZRO
-
Altcoins6 months ago
Altcoins Are Severely Undervalued, Awaiting Ethereum Move | Flash News Detail
-
Altcoins6 months ago
Altcoins Correct Amid ETH Decline, Grayscale Outflows | Flash News Detail
-
DeFi9 months ago
🥛 The “war on DeFi” continues ⚔️
-
DeFi6 months ago
If You Missed BONK and PEPE This Year, This Viral New Crypto Might Be Your Salvation
-
News6 months ago
Donald Trump vows to make the US a ‘Bitcoin superpower’ and create a national stockpile of tokens
-
DeFi9 months ago
TON Network Surpasses $200M TVL, Boosted by Open League and DeFi Growth ⋆ ZyCrypto
-
DeFi8 months ago
🏴☠️ Pump.Fun operated by Insider Exploit
-
DeFi6 months ago
If You Missed BONK and PEPE This Year, This Viral New Crypto Might Be Your Salvation
-
Tech6 months ago
Logan Paul Offers Partial Refund for Failed CryptoZoo Game