🌟Coinbase International Exchange Launches Spot Crypto Trading

➡️Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) has announced the launch of spot markets on Coinbase International Exchange. The exchange will roll out spot trading in several phases, with a focus on building liquidity and creating a robust foundation.

💼 Expansion of Product and Access

The initial launch will include BTC-USDC and ETH-USDC pairs via API access for non-U.S. institutional clients, with plans to expand the product to include retail users, additional assets, and features for new trading strategies and enhanced capital efficiency in the coming months.

📈 Platform Details and Growth

Coinbase International Exchange, launched in May 2023, is available to non-U.S. clients in select jurisdictions. The platform offers institutional clients access to BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, SOL, and AVAX perpetual futures contracts. Since its launch, the platform has onboarded over 100 institutions, with approximately $10 billion in perpetual futures trading volume in Q3.

🎉 Recent Developments

In October, the exchange launched perpetual futures to eligible retail users on Coinbase Advanced, a platform designed for experienced traders. It has also listed 15 perpetual contracts covering more than 70% of the addressable perpetual futures trading market and increased maximum leverage to 10x for all listed contracts.

🌴Palau Moves Ahead With Second Phase of Stablecoin Pilot

Palau, a beautiful island nation in the Pacific, has officially launched the second phase of its stablecoin pilot. The initiative aims to simplify transactions by providing a digital equivalent to the U.S. dollar. The first phase was a success, with over 700 transactions completed by 200 users.

🚀 Expanding Accessibility and User Participation

In the second phase, the focus will be on building a robust digital ecosystem and expanding accessibility and user participation. The emphasis will be on legal and regulatory compliance.

🔗Ripple as a Tech Partner

Palau will be working with Ripple, a leading technology partner, to leverage Ripple’s carbon-neutral central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform and technical expertise. This partnership will play a crucial role in the success of the stablecoin pilot.

💡Benefits of the Palau Stablecoin (PSC)

Antony Welfare, a CBDC strategic advisor at Ripple, highlighted the benefits of adopting the Palau Stablecoin. Due to Palau's divided geography, fiat transactions were challenging, but the PSC enables offline payments, making transactions possible even during power outages or data loss.

🏝 A Step Forward for Palau

The Palau Stablecoin pilot represents a significant step forward, showcasing Palau's commitment to enhancing innovation and financial modernization. This initiative will have a positive impact on the country's economy and the lives of its citizens.

🌟 Supply of Stablecoins on Ethereum Protocol 30% Lower Than in 2022 — Study

➡️According to Six Degree’s stablecoin study, the supply of stablecoins on the Ethereum chain has dropped by more than 30% from the peak of $100 billion to $66 billion since 2022. The stablecoin supply on the Tron network on the other hand went up by over 57% from $31 billion in 2022 to $48.9 billion.

📉 The study data, which covers the period between December 2022 and December 2023, shows the total market value of stablecoins at $129.5 billion by Dec. 16, 2023. This figure is 31% lower than the year’s peak value of $188 billion, the study report noted. In December 2022, the market value of stablecoins was $139 billion.

💰 With respect to Ethereum stablecoin supply by token metric, the study data shows BUSD and USDC accounting for most of the decrease with -36% and -48% respectively. However, USDT, which is the number one stablecoin, saw an increase of 23%.

📈 When breaking down stablecoin ownership by holders, the study data shows that externally owned accounts (EOAs) accounted for approximately 50%. From the remaining 50%, centralized exchanges owned 30% while decentralized finance (defi) platforms accounted for less than 6%.

🌐 Commenting on the movement of stablecoins on the Ethereum blockchain during the period under review, the study said: The strong influx of stablecoins on Ethereum played a crucial role in driving the last bull market, particularly during the defi summer period. However, the amount of stablecoin supply in defi protocols on Ethereum has been moving in the opposite direction compared to the overall market trend since 2023.

🔍 According to a report, the growing maturity of Ethereum Layer2 solutions has given “a more fertile ground for the development of defi and innovative protocols.” The report also found that around 60% of the stablecoins held by top addresses “are dormant, either being in reserve or inactive.

🔍 Is a Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval on the Horizon? Former SEC Official Sparks Debate

🚀 Could the winds of change be blowing through the high-stakes realm of cryptocurrency regulation? John Reed Stark, cybersecurity wizard and ex-chief of the SEC's Internet Enforcement Division, has cast his seasoned eye on recent developments that might signal a seismic shift in the Bitcoin landscape.

💼 After a notable career policing the digital financial frontier, Stark has kept a watchful, and typically skeptical, gaze on crypto. His years at the SEC have honed his instincts, and now, those very instincts hint at an intriguing possibility: the SEC's green light for a spot Bitcoin ETF.

➡️ A buzz is building after Stark noted "rare" moves by the SEC, which reached out to spot Bitcoin ETF hopefuls, reportedly ensuring that the i's are dotted with cash creations and the t's crossed, free from the taint of in-kind redemptions. This proactive approach has raised eyebrows and questions alike.

💡 Stark remarked, "Interesting. If these posts are true, some iteration of a spot bitcoin ETF seems likely." Though he's careful to hedge his bets about the exact form such an ETF might take, the subtext is clear: this could be the dawn of something big for crypto enthusiasts.

🤔 The irony isn't lost on those who've tracked Stark's views. Once a firm disbeliever in the SEC's ETF embrace, citing overvaluation and a lack of oversight, he's now pondering if SEC Chair Gary Gensle* could ink his legacy with this landmark approval. And with a hint of disbelief, Stark muses, "Strange days indeed."

✨ As anticipation mounts, Stark's change of heart resonates through the crypto world. Could his prediction herald a "mammoth victory for big crypto"? From skeptic to soothsayer, Stark's words leave us on the edge of our seats, watching the horizon for the next big wave in cryptocurrency regulation.

🌐Nobel Laureate Shiller's Alert: Asset Seizure Could Shake Dollar Dominance

🔮 In the financial world, predictions often come from the crystal balls of economists. But when Nobel Prize winner Robert Shiller speaks, people listen. His warning? The potential seizure of $300 billion in Russian assets by the U.S. might lead to unforeseen economic ripples, unsettling the dollar's stronghold.

💣 Shiller's viewpoint is explosive: seize Russian assets, and other nations might fear they're next. This could spark a chain reaction threatening the dollar's sanctuary status, nudging countries towards de-dollarization. In simple terms, the U.S. would be unboxing a geopolitical Pandora's box.

💥 The aftershocks could be catastrophic, undermining the very foundation of our dollar-centric financial system. If countries start doubting the dollar, who knows where they'll turn? Even the rationale of moral righteousness can't fully shield the economic fallout that Shiller anticipates.

🌎 The global economy is a game of trust, and the U.S. holds a delicate hand. With the Biden administration pushing allies to confiscate assets by February 24th, uncertainty looms large. It's a fiscal chess game with high stakes.

🏦 Even the Bank of Russia is pivoting, according to governor Elvira Nabiullina, shifting reserves to assets less vulnerable to U.S. seizure. But those $300 billion won't reclaim themselves, painting a grim picture of the financial landscape.

In conclusion, as Shiller weighs in on the moral versus pragmatic aspects of this move, one thing is crystal clear: when it comes to the global economy, every action has a reaction, and this one might just rattle the very core of the dollar’s dominion.

🚀 Spot On: Cathie Wood Foresees a Bitcoin Bonanza with ETF Approval

📈 Cathie Wood, Ark Invest CEO anticipates an upswing in Bitcoin's value with looming spot Bitcoin ETFs approvals from the SEC, heating up the crypto street with excitement. The deadline looms on Jan. 10, and Wood's fresh interactions with the SEC hint at an optimistic turn.

🤔 Following multiple rejections without feedback, Ark Invest and fellow applicants have recently engaged in a fruitful Q&A with the SEC. "Very positive move," notes Wood. She feels reassured by the SEC's deep dives into their ETF applications, addressing concerns point by point.

🎢 As the crypto community braces for the Jan. 10 deadline, Wood speculates a typical 'sell on the news' dip post-approval. However, she's betting on a long-term bullish horizon anticipating hefty institutional inflow as major players await the SEC's green signal to ride the crypto wave effortlessly through the ETFs.

💡 Wood's analysis isn't just speculation. With Bitcoin's capped supply and 15 million bitcoins cemented in long-term holdings, the stage is set for scarcity to fuel prices. A mere 0.1%-0.2% allocation from institutional assets could trigger a significant uptick in Bitcoin's market price.

In conclusion, the crypto cosmos is abuzz with anticipation as the SEC gears up to potentially green-light multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs, paving the way for institutional investment. If Wood's forecast rings true, we might just see Bitcoin's scarcity coupled with fresh institutional capital work its magic on the price charts. Keep your eyes peeled for January's financial fireworks!

🌟 The Surprising Power of Spot Bitcoin ETFs: A Game-Changer in The Making?

⚡️In the crystal ball of finance, Vaneck's digital guru, Gabor Gurbacs, has a bold vision. While the masses buzz about the here and now of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, he spots a grander future unfurling on the horizon.

💰 "Not just a drop in the ocean," states Gurbacs. We're glued to the immediate ripples, yet he forecasts the eventual tidal waves. Forthcoming spot Bitcoin ETFs might only kickstart with comparatively modest funds, but watch this space!

📈 Drawing parallels with gold's glittering rise post-ETF, he lays down an electrifying trajectory for Bitcoin. Imagine this – a leap from today's $750 billion to a treasure trove of value, painting a future vibrant with excitement and digits.

🚀Holding onto Bitcoin is like clutching a golden ticket—hodlers are poised at the launchpad. Gurbacs envisions these ETFs catapulting Bitcoin into investment stardom, and onto the balance sheets of the big players: nations and investment behemoths.

💡 Revolution or inevitable evolution? Gurbacs bets on a world where Bitcoin's sovereignty extends over its own transformative financial products. Forget following – we're talking about spearheading a movement.

In conclusion, while the immediate splash of spot Bitcoin ETFs may be underestimated, the long-term waves they create could very well redefine the landscape of digital assets. Vaneck's director has us imagine a vibrant future, where gold's past is just a prologue to Bitcoin's booming saga. 🌊

🚀 Spot Bitcoin ETF Buzz: Anticipation Climbs as SEC Decision Looms!

🎢 As the countdown to the SEC's decision on spot Bitcoin ETFs ticks away, excitement shivers down the spines of crypto enthusiasts and investors alike. The deadline buzzes on January 10, but whispers in the financial world hint that the SEC might pull the trigger earlier. Get your popcorn ready!

📈 Asset managers such as Vaneck, Valkyrie, and Grayscale didn't just dip their toes; they plunged into the SEC pool, with forms flying left and right this past Thursday. Not to be left behind, Fidelity joined the paperwork party on Wednesday, and Bitwise was already mingling last week. They're all vying for a prime spot on prestigious exchanges like NYSE Arca and Cboe BZX Exchange.

🤔 Social media detectives seem to think registration filings equate to greenlights. But hold your horses—or should we say bitcoins?—because Bloomberg's very own crypto sleuth, James Seyffart, breaks it down: There's more than one hurdle. A filled-out Form S-1 gets you to the race, but you ain't sprinting without that sweet 19b-4 nod of approval.

🔎 The nitty-gritty of unleashing a spot Bitcoin ETF on the market is a peculiar dance of documents and approvals. Vaneck's Gabor Gurbacs taps the mic and advises: Keep cool, folks. While the registration does its backstage warm-up, the spotlight stays off until the S-1 and 19b-4 duet hits the stage in harmony.

🎬 In conclusion, the plot thickens around the crypto-block as crypto fanatics and the curious onlookers await the SEC's next move. While the filings are a promising step, they're just the opening act of a show that promises high stakes and even higher hopes. So, stay tuned, keep your emotions in check, and let's see if this rollercoaster heads to the moon or takes a dive!

🔮 Bitcoin's Bumpy Ride: Former Bitmex Chief Eyes a Rocky March

📉 Ready for a rollercoaster, crypto enthusiasts? Arthur Hayes, former CEO of Bitmex, shared his crystal ball predictions on Bitcoin. The spotlight's on a potential 30% BTC nosedive, so buckle up!

🤯 In a buzzing Medium post, Hayes pointed to March as the colliding point for three titans. The Fed's repo operations might hit $200 billion, and everyone's asking, "What's next?" You can feel the anticipation; it's like waiting for a Marvel movie twist!

🏦 On March 12, imagine banks in a scavenger hunt for cash due to the Fed's reverse repo games. Add a dash of mystery on whether the Fed will cut rates later in March, and you've got a Wall Street sequel better than the Wolf himself.

🛒 But here's the kicker: spot bitcoin ETFs could stir the pot even more. If Uncle Sam's SEC gives the green light, we might see Bitcoin flirt with its previous highs before a potential rug pull. Drama much?

💰 Hayes isn't just a bystander; he's got skin in the game with a fat portfolio where bitcoin and ether sit cozy at 70%. And what do you do if you want to hedge your bets? You dance with crypto derivatives, even if they have the liquidity of peanut butter in winter.

📅 As March 12th lurks around, Hayes' prophecy sets the stage for a market shakeout. If he's on point, we might watch Bitcoin do the limbo – how low can it go?

🚀 Kiyosaki's Big Bitcoin Bet: $150K Prediction as SEC Greenlights ETFs

📈 BTC to the Moon!
Financial guru and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" author, Robert Kiyosaki, predicts a stellar future for Bitcoin, foreseeing a $150K price tag. With the SEC's nod to Bitcoin ETFs, it's clear that crypto is no longer just a fad but an investment juggernaut.

🤑 Kiyosaki's Strategy: Buy More!
Not content to sit on the sidelines, Kiyosaki's strategy is loud and clear: "I will be buying more Bitcoin, gold, and silver." As someone who termed fiat currency as "fake dollars," he's betting big on Bitcoin, especially with the recent ETF approval.

💰 The Golden Touch
Kiyosaki sees gold and silver as more than just shiny metals—they're hedges against the inflation bogeyman. While he predicts gold taking off, silver might dip, but for him, that just means "Time to buy more."

✨ Crypto Visionaries Align
It's not just Kiyosaki with rosy glasses; heavy-hitters like Tim Draper and Cathie Wood also bet on Bitcoin's explosion, albeit with different numbers. $250K? $200K? The forecasts vary, but the trend is one: upward.

In conclusion, while we orbit around these cosmic financial predictions, remember, making your own investment decisions is key—whether you follow the stars or tread a different path. Keep watching the crypto skies! 🚀

🐳 Blackrock's Bitcoin Behemoth: ETF Swells with 11,439 BTC!

🚀 All Aboard the Bitcoin Train! Blackrock’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust, known as IBIT, is now a heavyweight in the crypto scene with an imposing stash of 11,439.2198 bitcoin. Valued at nearly $498 million, this ETF is nearly all in on Bitcoin, flaunting a 99.99% dedication to the digital gold.

📈 Trading Triumphs! A savvy move by Blackrock, shifting from 50% cash balance to buying back into Bitcoin, sends a clear message – they know how to ride the crypto wave! Remarkably, just a day after this switch, the BTC price shot up to $49,000. Coincidence or whale wisdom? You decide.

💡 Expert Moves in Whale Waters. Martyparty, a crypto enthusiast, shed light on this slick shift - spotlighting how ETF fund managers can flexibly move between cash and crypto. Talk about having your cake and eating it too!

🛠 Official Nod with a Caution. The U.S. SEC, led by Chairman Gary Gensler, might have approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs, including Blackrock's Ishares, but don’t mistake that for an endorsement. Investors, take note – risks abound in the land of crypto.

🏦 SEC's Long-Awaited Leap. Despite the approval, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce isn't thrilled, thinking of the lost decade of opportunities due to delayed ETF approvals. But hey – better late than never, right?

🌐 Ripple Takes the Stage at Davos to Unite Crypto with Traditional Finance

🤝 In a vibrant swirl of anticipation, Monica Long, the president of Ripple, takes a stand at the Davos forum meetings. Ripple is not a newbie here; they're in Davos for the third time, insisting that crypto's voice be woven into the global economic narrative.

💼 Why Davos? Well, Long is compellingly clear: The crypto sphere needs veterans like Ripple to clear the fog around the tech and shine a light on real progress. Plus, with other big players like Coinbase and Circle joining, it's a crypto party not to be missed!

🔗 Last year might have been rough for the crypto world, but Long sees a silver lining as traditional finance cozies up to blockchain, recognizing the tech's vast potential in areas like payments and tokenization.

🤝 True progress, however, demands a union between traditional and decentralized finance. Long stresses, for a wider adoption, compliance with existing laws is not negotiable.

🚨 RBI Chief Rings Alarm Bells: Warns Against Crypto Impact on Rupee

🌐 In the dynamic world of finance, Shaktikanta Das, capitan of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), dropped some bold words at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

⚠️ He highlighted the "huge risk" of cryptocurrencies, especially for emerging markets like India. The stability of our beloved rupee, he says, might just be in for a wild crypto rollercoaster ride.

📉 Touching on the U.S. SEC's nod to bitcoin ETFs, Das sees not a party, but "significant risks." It's about our economic well-being, he reminds with a note of caution.

🏛 Das has long waved the red flag on crypto, urging India to steer clear. Cryptocurrency, he argues, is no financial asset but rather a threat to the RBI's money reins – and he's not ready to give up control!

Remember, at the end of the day, it's all about keeping the financial ship steady as she goes. Keep an eye out and navigate with care!

🚨 Ripple Pushes Back, Says SEC's Demands Are Unjustified!

💪 Ripple Labs is standing its ground, firing back at the SEC's latest discovery jabs in the ongoing XRP case. In a strongly-worded letter to Judge Sarah Netburn, Ripple's legal team made it abundantly clear: they won't play ball!

⌛️ Late to the Game: Ripple's counsel didn't mince words, pointing out that the SEC's demands are way too late in the game. They had every chance to ask earlier, but now it's just a "Hail Mary" pass.

🔍 It's Irrelevant!: Ripple argues that the info the SEC seeks is totally irrelevant, like asking about someone's horoscope at a chess match. It's got no bearing on the crux of the matter!

⚖️ Let's Play Fair!: Ripple claims the SEC is pulling a fast one, skipping the full hearing they deserve. They're not backing down, warning it could turn into a traffic jam of legal jargon.

📉 Wallets Open, Not the Argument: Ripple doesn't shy away from its wealth, but it's not using it as an excuse. They won't cry poor to score pity points. It's about the principle, not the price tag!

🔒 Case Closed, SEC: Ripple wants the judge to toss the SEC's discovery playbook right out the window—it's burdensome and useless, no more digging for now!

As legal blows keep raining down, it seems like this courtroom tussle is far from over. Stay tuned for more dramatic developments in the Ripple vs. SEC showdown!

📉 Bitcoin Bottoming Out Between $30,000 and $35,000, Says Ex-Bitmex Chief

🚨 New Predictions: Arthur Hayes, the former CEO of Bitmex, has made a bold call on the future of Bitcoin. In his latest blog post, he anticipates a local bottom around $30,000 to $35,000.

🧐 What Triggered the Dip?: Hayes dismissed the Grayscale narrative, pointing out the net $820 million inflow into freshly minted spot ETFs. Instead, he sees an ominous sign in the Fed's possible non-renewal of the Bank Term Funding Program.

🗓 March Madness: Brace yourselves for turbulence in March, with Hayes speculating that a mini financial crisis might hit major indices. But he's not all doom and gloom, as he believes Bitcoin will rise before the Fed hits the "Brrrr button."

While volatility remains the name of the game, keeping an eye on whale movements and central bank decisions could help navigate the exciting world of crypto!