Bitcoin and ether drop amid grim inflation outlook – tariff uncertainty

Crypto fear factor

Crypto faces market turmoil mid economic concerns

The cryptocurrency market has been rocked by significant declines in two of its flagship assets, Bitcoin and Ether.

This downturn reflects mounting concerns over broader economic challenges, including inflationary pressures and uncertainties surrounding Trump’s global trade tariffs.

Snapshot data from CMC

Bitcoin, often seen as a digital gold and a hedge against traditional financial instability, saw its value dip below $80,000. Similarly, Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, tested the $2,100 threshold, shaking investor confidence.

Cryptocurrency fear and greed index chart from CMC

Cryptocurrency fear and greed index from CMC

The decline comes as central banks continue to grapple with persistent inflation, leading to speculation about further interest rate hikes. These economic conditions have raised fears that tighter monetary policies could dampen the speculative fervour that has long driven crypto markets.

In parallel, ongoing uncertainties about global trade tariffs have added another layer of complexity. Concerns about supply chain disruptions and escalating trade tensions have created a cautious environment for investors, spilling over into the volatile cryptocurrency sector.

While cryptocurrencies are no stranger to price swings, the current drop underscores their vulnerability to macroeconomic trends. As investors await clarity on inflation and tariff policies, the market could remain turbulent in the near term.

The resilience of Bitcoin and Ether will likely be tested as they navigate these economic headwinds.

Gold, however, has recently touched new all-time highs.

One year gold price chart – new all-time high!

The mystery surrounding the origin of Bitcoin

Origin of Bitcoin

Bitcoin’s origin is one of the most captivating mysteries of the digital age. The cryptocurrency was created in 2008 by an unknown individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.

Despite numerous investigations, the true identity of Nakamoto remains shrouded in secrecy.

Story

The story of Bitcoin begins with the release of a whitepaper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” This document outlined a new kind of decentralised digital currency, one that relied on cryptographic principles to ensure security and prevent double-spending.

Nakamoto’s revolutionary vision was to create a financial system free from the control of traditional banks and government interference.

Genesis block

In January 2009, Nakamoto mined the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the ‘genesis block,’ marking the birth of the cryptocurrency. Over the next couple of years, Nakamoto continued to work on the project, communicating with other developers via email and online forums.

The mystery surrounding the origin of Bitcoin

However, by 2011, Nakamoto had largely stepped away from active involvement in the project, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the financial landscape.

Speculation

Speculation about Nakamoto’s true identity has been rampant. Some believe Nakamoto is a single, exceptionally talented individual, while others theorise that it could be a group of developers working under a collective pseudonym.

Over the years, various names have been proposed as possible candidates, including renowned cryptographers, developers, and even eccentric entrepreneurs. Yet, none of these theories have been definitively proven, and Nakamoto’s identity remains a closely guarded secret.

Intrigue

The intrigue surrounding Nakamoto is not just a matter of curiosity but also of financial significance. As the creator of Bitcoin, Nakamoto is estimated to own around one million Bitcoins. At current market values, this makes Nakamoto one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Bitcoin chart from inception as of 7th November 2024 touching $75,000

Bitcoin chart from inception as of 7th November 2024 touching $75,000

However, these Bitcoins have never been moved or spent, adding to the enigma of Nakamoto’s motives and intentions.

Myth?

The myth of Satoshi Nakamoto has taken on a life of its own, becoming a symbol of the power and potential of decentralized technology. The anonymity of Nakamoto also serves as a reminder of the core principles behind Bitcoin: privacy, decentralisation, and freedom from traditional financial systems.

In a world increasingly dominated by surveillance and control, the mystery of Nakamoto provides a compelling counter-narrative, one that continues to inspire and intrigue both technologists and libertarians alike.

In the end, the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto may never be revealed, and perhaps that is as it should be. The enduring mystery adds to the allure of Bitcoin, ensuring that its origins will forever be a topic of fascination and debate.

Bitcoin and altcoins rocket to new highs hot on the heels of Trump win!

Bitcoin new high!

Bitcoin, which could benefit from relaxed regulation, soared to an all-time high and topped $76,000.

Bitcoin rallied Wednesday 6th November 2024, hitting all-time highs as former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to win the election an become the 47th U.S. president.

The price of Bitcoin touched a fresh record of $76,493.86.

Bitcoin one-month chart as of 6th November 2024 – New high!

Bitcoin hits new all-time high of $76,493.86 6th November 2024

Trump’s support for crypto

The ‘noises’ around the Trump trade for crypto are reportedly of deregulation, potential tax cuts for an asset that is both held long term but also day traded, less dependency on government financial institutions and the Fed and maybe seen as an alternative as a decentralised currency. Trump has previously indicated support of risk assets and the growth of crypto.

Ether surged 11%, while Solana, rocketed 13%. Payment system token XRP jumped more than 5%. Meanwhile, Meme coins soared, with Dogecoin up more than 15%.

Shares of Coinbase surged around 31%%, posting its best day on record since its first day of trading. MicroStrategy, which has a high correlation play on the price of Bitcoin, advanced 13%.

Bitcoin and Ether sink as $270 billion wiped off Crypto

Crypto sell-off

The cryptocurrency market experienced a significant plunge on Sunday/Monday, 5th August 2024, losing approximately $270 billion in value within a 24-hours.

Both Bitcoin and Ether underwent substantial declines as investors moved away from high-risk assets. This downturn followed the Nasdaq’s worst three-week performance in two years and occurred as the Nikkei 225 reached a low not observed since the Black Monday crash of 1987.

Bitcoin chart – CoinMarketCap – 5th August 2024

Nikkei chart – one year

Nikkei index
Nikkei index one year chart

Ether ETFs launched in the U.S. on 23rd July 2024 with BlackRock, Grayscale and others

Ethereum ETF in U.S.

Bitcoin is often likened to a type of digital gold, but Ether is seen more as a native cryptocurrency on the Ethereum blockchain.

It is generally seen as a trade or bet on the growth and of the development of the blockchain and of crypto more widely.

Many of the funds set to launch this week have temporarily waived fees in an attempt to attract buyers.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has historically been wary of cryptocurrencies. However, the regulator was defeated in a legal battle last year concerning Bitcoin ETFs, which aided their launch in January 2024.

Given that both Bitcoin and Ether have regulated futures markets, the introduction of ether ETFs was viewed as the industry’s subsequent rational progression.

Bitcoin ETFs have attracted about $17 billion in net inflows since their launch in January 2024.

What is An Ethereum ETF?

An Ethereum ETF, or Ether ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of ether (ETH), the cryptocurrency with the second-highest market capitalization following Bitcoin. Unlike purchasing Ethereum on a cryptocurrency exchange, an Ethereum ETF is bought and sold on traditional stock exchanges.

How an Ethereum ETF works

An Ethereum ETF contains futures contracts linked to Ethereum’s price movements. These contracts enable investors to speculate on Ethereum’s future price without the need to own the cryptocurrency directly.

Investing in an Ethereum ETF offers exposure to Ethereum’s price volatility while eliminating the need to handle wallets or navigate the intricacies of cryptocurrency exchanges. Such ETFs offer traditional investors a practical avenue to engage with the cryptocurrency market, leveraging the conventional environment of stock exchanges.

Ethereum one year price chart as at: 16:10 BST 23rd July 2024 from CoinMarketCAP

Ethereum one year price chart as at: 16:10 BST 23rd July 2024 from CoinMarketCAP

SEC approves rule change to allow creation of ether ETFs

Ethereum crypto

On Thursday 23rd May 2024, the SEC sanctioned a rule amendment that clears the path for ETFs investing in ether, one of the largest cryptocurrencies globally.

This move occurs less than half a year after the Securities and Exchange Commission greenlit Bitcoin ETFs. These funds have been a significant triumph for the industry, with net inflows reportedly exceeding $12 billion.

May was widely anticipated as a likely verdict time for the ether funds, aligning with the SEC’s deadline to determine the fate of the VanEck Ethereum ETF.

Numerous firms that back Bitcoin ETFs – such as Bitwise, BlackRock and Galaxy Digital – have been reported to have initiated the process to launch their own ether ETF.

Ether’s value saw a modest increase following a 20% climb earlier in the week in anticipation of the SEC’s ruling. However, some investors might be holding back, considering the SEC’s approval of the rule change doesn’t ensure the launch of all proposed funds.

Ethereum one year chart (CoinMarketCap)

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs debut in Hong Kong – first in Asia

Bitcoin ETF in China

Cryptocurrency Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have been issued by three Chinese companies: Bosera Asset Management, China Asset Management and Harvest Global Investments, all on the Hong Kong exchange.

These are the first ETFs to be issued in Asia.

ETFs enable investors to gain exposure to the price movements of the underlying assets without direct ownership.

In January 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the creation of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., although an ether ETF has not yet been approved.

Bitcoin jumps above $49000 only to fizzle out

Bitcoin ETF

Bitcoin rose in volatile trading on Thursday 11th January 2024 after the Securities and Exchange Commission gave the green light for the first-ever spot Bitcoin ETFs to trade in the U.S.

Approval

The Bitcoin ETF approval is a massive achievement for the crypto industry as a whole, which first attempted to launch a Bitcoin ETF some 10 years ago.

Grayscale’s big legal win against the SEC in August 2023 over the regulator’s refusal to let it convert its popular Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into an ETF breathed fresh optimism into the idea.

Volatile

Following the SEC’s decision, Bitcoin’s value fell then gained some traction, as expected by traders. However, the volume of inflows into the new funds remains to be seen, Bitcoin ETFs are still widely expected to increase demand for the cryptocurrency and drive Bitcoin higher.

It would be unwise to make too much of these Bitcoin price moves in the short-term, but the approval is likely going to lead to some longer-term price increases. Now that the bitcoin ETF speculation has come to fruition it looks like traders may rotate to alternative cryptocurrencies such as Ether to prepare for future market developments.

Altcoin ETFs

The SEC is due to give decisions on spot ETH ETF applications beginning in May 2024. BlackRockInvesco and Ark Invest are among the firms in line for approval, as well as Grayscale.

The opportunity to be in at the beginning will not want to be missed by these companies.

Bitcoin 7-day chart 6th January – 12th January 2024

Bitcoin 7-day chart from 6th January – 12th January 2024

Bitcoin demonstrates its volatility after early December rally

Bitcoin

A $5000 fall in 24 hours.

Bitcoin fell 7% Monday 11th December 2023 after touching $45,000 demonstrating its aptitude for volatility. A $5000 fall in 24 hours.

The move comes after a 12% tear for Bitcoin in December 2023 as expectations grew that the U.S. could soon approve its first spot bitcoin ETF.

Bitcoin has been on a steady climb in recent weeks, following a long period of market apathy that witnessed the price trade in a narrow range for months.

Bitcoin price as of Tuesday 12th December 2023

Bitcoin is a volatile investment – be VERY careful.

The sudden pullback triggered a spike in liquidations. Bitcoin: $146 million in long liquidations on Monday, and Ether: $100 million.

Other Altcoins such as: ADA, XRP fell in unison.

Bitcoin’s volatility will likely see it climb back to the $45,000 level quite quickly.

NOTE: Bitcoin can damage your wealth. Do your research!

Remember: RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!