🪙 Peter Brandt Predicts Bitcoin Could Reach $125,000 by New Year

📈 Veteran trader Peter Brandt has expressed a bullish outlook for bitcoin, projecting that it could soar to $125,000 by the New Year. This prediction comes after the cryptocurrency recently surpassed its all-time highs. Brandt highlighted that between March and October 2024, bitcoin has consistently provided buying opportunities during dips. He emphasized,

When BTC decides to ‘Mark-Up,’ it never looks back. Throughout its history, when BTC runs – it runs.

📊 To support his prediction, Brandt utilized a “time/price” Bayesian probability model. He noted,

Based on Jan-Mar ’24 run as only one ‘time/price’ Bayesian probability ‘priors,’ price could hit $125K by New Years.

In Bayesian analysis, “priors” refer to initial data points that help predict future outcomes based on past events. Brandt considers bitcoin’s price action from January to March 2024 as a baseline pattern for future behavior.

🔄 Last week, Brandt reiterated that bitcoin is currently in the “sweet spot” of its halving cycle, which is historically associated with significant price growth. He explained that halving events tend to divide bull markets into two phases, creating predictable timing patterns. Based on this cycle, he forecasts that bitcoin’s price could peak between $130,000 and $150,000 by August or September 2025.

📉 Other analysts have also shared their predictions for bitcoin's future price. Vaneck, an asset management firm, projects that BTC could reach $3 million by 2050 if it becomes a reserve asset for global central banks. Bernstein analysts predict BTC could hit $200,000 by the end of 2025, while JPMorgan analysts have stated,

We are positive on bitcoin into 2025.

💰 Wyden Secures $16.4 Million in Series B Funding for Expansion

🚀 Wyden, a provider of digital asset trading infrastructure, has successfully raised $16.4 million in a Series B funding round led by Truffle Capital, a fintech investment firm based in France. The round also saw participation from new investors like Postfinance, SBI-Sygnum-Azimut Digital Asset Opportunity Fund, and Fivet Fintech, along with existing investor C3 Venture Capital.

🌍 The company plans to utilize this investment to accelerate its expansion into the sell-side market for banks, brokers, and exchanges. Wyden aims to enter markets where digital asset operations are regulated similarly to traditional financial services. This includes integrating 20 more banks, brokers, and exchanges and enhancing its development hubs in Poland.

We are thrilled to solidify our position as a global leader in institutional digital asset trading infrastructure with this Series B funding,

said Andy Flury, founder and CEO of Wyden. He emphasized that the funding, combined with their flagship product Wyden Infinity, equips them to meet the growing demand for secure trading infrastructure.

💼 Alexis Le Portz from Truffle Capital noted that Wyden's client base and unique platform position it as a leader in digital asset infrastructure services. Denis Lenz from Postfinance highlighted Wyden’s ability to align with institutional client needs as a key differentiator for banks and brokers.

📈 Wyden has been actively expanding its clientele among regulated banks and brokers in Europe. It has already secured clients in France, Germany, and Switzerland and is seeking further partnerships with banks and brokers pursuing crypto licenses across various European countries.

😍 SEED x OKX 🪙: The 1st NFT Collection of a TON project!

📣 Historic Milestone: We proudly introduces the 1st TON NFT Collection, supported by OKX Wallet! Seamlessly trade and enjoy an enhanced NFT experience like never before.

🥁 To celebrate it, here is a chance for you to earn a share of 1M SEED and enjoy free mint with OKX Wallet in @seed_coin_bot. Owning a Bird NFT will also boost your SEED airdrop bonus.

🔗 FULL GUIDELINE

✨ Don’t miss your chance to make history with SEED and OKX. Start minting and trading SEED Birds NFT now!

MINT MY 1ST BIRD NFT 🦉

🔥 Goldman Sachs Bets $700M In Bitcoin ETF As Institutional Interest Soars 🌐

Goldman Sachs invests $700 million in Bitcoin ETFs, signaling soaring institutional interest. Here's what it means for the crypto market.

👉 Read more

🇳🇬 Nigeria's Proposed Investments and Securities Bill: A Step Towards a Cleaner Crypto Sector

📰 Nigeria's proposed Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2024 has garnered support from crypto industry players who believe it could improve the sector's reputation. The bill suggests imposing jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of $12,000 for operators of Ponzi schemes, aiming to combat fraud in the digital asset space.

💬 Nathaniel Luz, CEO of Flincap, emphasized the importance of the bill, stating,

It’s one way to clear out bad actors from the industry so we can have a vibrant finance and investment ecosystem.

Another industry advocate, Ophi Rume, expressed that the law could deter potential scammers by making them think twice before exploiting crypto investing.

📉 Despite being a major player in the global crypto market, Nigeria has struggled with a reputation for scams. The absence of strict laws against investment fraud has allowed Ponzi schemes to proliferate, often with the involvement of celebrities endorsing fraudulent digital assets. Rume noted that the bill's enactment could help shift the narrative that crypto is synonymous with Ponzi schemes.

📈 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria believes that passing the bill would not only enhance investor confidence but also promote transparency and modernize the country's financial markets. While some concerns have been raised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Finance Ministry, Senator Osita Izunaso praised the bill's potential to boost Nigeria's capital competitiveness if approved.

🚀 Howard Lutnick: A Game Changer for U.S. Cryptocurrency Policy

🌟 President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as the next Secretary of Commerce. Lutnick is known for his leadership in traditional finance and his progressive views on cryptocurrencies. He sees bitcoin as a transformative asset that could reshape the global financial system.

💰 Under Lutnick's leadership, Cantor Fitzgerald has ventured into the digital asset sector, acting as a custodian for tether’s reserves and launching a $2 billion bitcoin financing initiative. This initiative aims to bridge traditional finance and digital currencies. Lutnick predicts that within five years, major U.S. banks will incorporate BTC into their services, highlighting his vision for mainstream adoption of digital assets.

📈 Lutnick’s appointment could indicate a shift in U.S. economic policy towards greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies. He advocates for treating bitcoin as a commodity, similar to gold, which could influence future regulatory frameworks. He stated,

Bitcoin should trade the same as gold everywhere in the world without exception and without limitation.

🔄 As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation could redefine U.S. engagement with this rapidly evolving sector. His combination of Wall Street expertise and crypto advocacy could lead to policies that balance growth, regulation, and global competitiveness in the digital era.

🌍 Trump aims to position the U.S. as a global leader in the cryptocurrency sector. His proposed policies include establishing a national bitcoin reserve and appointing crypto-friendly regulators. This favorable stance has already impacted the market, with BTC prices reaching new highs and boosting optimism among crypto investors.

⚖️ BTC and XRP Challenge Securities Classifications: A Call for Regulatory Clarity

🗣 John E. Deaton, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community, has voiced strong objections against the equation of crypto assets with securities in investment contract cases. In a recent statement on social media, he criticized the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for its new guide on classifying crypto assets as securities, asserting that

the underlying asset utilized in an ‘investment contract’ is never itself the security.

📜 Deaton, an attorney specializing in cryptocurrency law, gained recognition for representing XRP holders in the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs. He illustrated his point by citing various examples where physical or tangible items have been marketed within investment contracts but remain distinct from securities. He stated,

Gold has been packaged, marketed, offered and sold in an investment contract (security) but it still remained gold that could be melted into jewelry and never itself a security.

He further emphasized that bitcoin (BTC), GRAM tokens, and XRP have also been part of investment contracts yet are not securities themselves.

⚖️ Deaton pointed out that courts have ruled that XRP is not inherently a security. He referenced the case of SEC v. Ripple, where Judge Torres stated that

although XRP could be offered as a security under certain circumstances … XRP itself is not a security.

This highlights the ongoing debate within the cryptocurrency community regarding the classification of digital assets.

📢 Gary Gensler, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has classified bitcoin as a commodity but has been non-committal about ether’s status. This lack of clarity has fueled ongoing discussions about the appropriate regulatory approach for ethereum and other digital assets.

📝 Deaton urged SEC leadership to address the misrepresentation of crypto assets. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between the underlying assets and the contracts used to market them, calling for regulators to provide clear guidelines and avoid categorizing all assets within such arrangements as securities.

🚀 Iran's Digital Rial: A Step Towards Financial Modernization

🇮🇷 Iran's Central Bank is set to launch the digital rial, a central bank digital currency (CBDC), aimed at enhancing payment systems and improving international financial ties despite ongoing sanctions. Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin emphasized the significance of this move during the 11th annual conference on modern banking and payment systems, marking it as a pivotal moment in the country's financial evolution.

🗣 Farzin stated,

Developing innovative banking systems is a central bank’s responsibility worldwide, and we are determined to fulfill this duty in Iran.

He also acknowledged the importance of the conference in shaping banking policies, assuring that the insights gained would influence future strategic decisions.

💳 The digital rial has already undergone a pilot program on Kish Island since June, allowing users to conduct transactions through digital wallets without relying on physical cash or bank cards. This currency is designed to function independently of traditional bank accounts, enabling direct transfers between users and streamlining payment processes.

🌍 Addressing the challenges posed by sanctions, Farzin mentioned the implementation of the “ACU-MIR” system, which facilitates financial transactions with countries like India and Pakistan. He noted,

Sanctions remain a significant hurdle, but we’ve made notable strides in recent years … We’ve replaced SWIFT with this platform and strengthened our ties with BRICS.

🤝 Furthermore, efforts are underway to integrate Iran’s Shetab network with Russia’s MIR system to enable cross-border payments. Farzin revealed,

Recently, Shetab connected with Russia’s MIR, and several banks are now operational on the system.

Future plans include allowing Russian tourists to use Iran’s payment systems this winter and providing Iranian tourists access to Russian point-of-sale systems by 2025. Farzin expressed optimism about these initiatives as crucial steps towards enhancing international financial integration.

💰 Ethena's USDE Surges: A Shift in the Stablecoin Landscape?

📈 The stablecoin market is experiencing significant growth, with Ethena's yield-bearing token, USDE, recently reaching a valuation of over $4.12 billion. This positions USDE as the fourth-largest stablecoin after Sky’s DAI, Circle’s USDC, and Tether’s USDT. USDE maintains its peg through a combination of spot crypto holdings and short positions in margined perpetual contracts.

💸 Holders of USDE benefit from funding rates linked to perpetual contracts and staking rewards on the Ethereum network. As of November 28, 2024, the annual percentage yield (APY) stands at an impressive 29%, significantly higher than its competitors. This attractive APY has led to a surge in holders, pushing USDE's supply to an all-time high of $4.12 billion across 19,174 unique addresses.

🔍 In contrast, competitors like Circle’s USDC offer a modest 4.7% APY when stored in a Coinbase Wallet, while Sky’s USDS provides an 8.5% APY. However, USDE's APY is approximately 6.17 times higher than USDC’s, 3.41 times higher than USDS’s, and 3.87 times higher than Blast’s USDB which offers a 7.5% APY.

📊 It's important to note that USDE's distribution is highly concentrated; the top 100 addresses control 99.72% of the supply. Most of this supply is not used for transactions but is held to earn staking rewards, indicating that USDE is primarily utilized for yield generation rather than for payments. Since its inception, USDE has recorded only 686,155 transfers.

💱 On the other hand, USDC has a broader reach and is actively used for transactions despite offering lower yields. Circle’s USDC boasts a market valuation of $39.32 billion, significantly surpassing Ethena’s USDE. Meanwhile, Sky’s USDS has a market cap of $911 million and USDB holds a market cap of $411 million.

🔄 Ethena’s USDE illustrates a shift in the stablecoin market where some users prioritize high-yield opportunities over transactional capabilities. This trend suggests a diversification in stablecoin usage, with USDE’s appeal linked to its attractive APY.

🤔 While transactional leaders like USDC and USDT continue to dominate in terms of accessibility and flexibility, USDE’s strategy seems to cater to yield seekers, especially in bullish market conditions. However, the critical question remains: can USDE sustain its attractiveness amidst growing competition and changing market dynamics?

💰 Michael Saylor Critiques Berkshire Hathaway's Cash Strategy and Advocates for Bitcoin

📉 Michael Saylor, co-founder of Microstrategy, recently criticized Warren Buffett's cash management strategy during an interview. He pointed out that Berkshire Hathaway's massive $325 billion cash reserve generates a meager 3% after-tax yield while incurring a 15% cost of capital. This results in a 12% negative real yield that erodes $32 billion in annual shareholder value. Saylor emphasized,

That $325 billion is destroying $32 billion a year. They are destroying $3 billion a month in capital.

💡 Saylor advocates for bitcoin as a treasury asset, arguing it offers protection against inflation and currency debasement. He encourages companies with excess cash to consider it in their treasury strategy. However, he acknowledges that each business has unique financial goals and risk tolerances.

📊 Microstrategy has been aggressively accumulating bitcoin, with holdings reaching 386,700 BTC. Saylor speculated that even traditionalists like Warren Buffett could be persuaded to adopt BTC. He stated,

I’d be willing to bet you that if I had an hour alone with Buffett in a calm environment, I’d walk out and he would say this bitcoin thing is a pretty good idea. Charlie [Munger] would have liked it. We’re going to buy some.

🤝 Saylor also expressed his willingness to advise others who hold significant cash reserves without exploring alternatives like bitcoin. He said,

I’m happy to go visit anybody that has a hundred billion of cash that’s sitting and burning $10 billion of shareholder value a year. I will go visit you and provide you with all of the information you need in order to be convinced that you should flip to the bitcoin standard.

🎄 Moonlit Christmas — End 2024 On The Moon with SEED! 🌙

🎅 Chill vibes, big rewards, no more star store. This final event is all about thanks and giving for all Seedizens who’ve been with us through this incredible journey.

From tomorrow until the mining phase ends, just chill and enjoy:
⚡️ x2 Mining Speed
🦜 x2 Hunting Rewards
🎯 x2 Mission Earnings
🎁 Random SEED drop in Happy Hour

We know you’re counting the seconds, dreaming of big airdrop. What can we say? It’s your final chance to boost your SEED balance.

🎶 No stress, no rush, be a chill Seedizen and let’s end this year on the brightest note together! 🚀

I'm just a chill Seedizen 🤟

🔄 Foundry Restructures: Job Cuts and AI Spin-off

💼 Foundry, a prominent player in the bitcoin mining sector, has recently reduced its workforce by nearly a third (27%) as part of a larger restructuring initiative. This decision affects more than half of the laid-off employees based in the U.S. CEO Mike Coyler confirmed the layoffs, leaving the company with a total of 200 employees.

As part of this realignment, we made the difficult decision to reduce Foundry’s workforce, resulting in layoffs across multiple teams. We’re grateful for the contributions of all our employees, including those impacted by these changes

the miner reportedly said.

🔄 The layoffs are part of Foundry's ongoing restructuring process, which also includes spinning off its artificial intelligence (AI) division, Bittensor, into a new subsidiary called Yuma. This move aims to refocus on Foundry's core business of bitcoin mining and site operations.

📉 Before the official confirmation of the layoffs, a report from Blockspace estimated that up to 60% of employees might be affected. However, Foundry disputed this figure and also denied rumors about shutting down its hardware and ASIC repair business lines, clarifying that it is merely deprioritizing the hardware segment.

📈 Interestingly, Foundry's decision comes at a time when other crypto mining stocks like Marathon Digital Holdings, Hut 8 Mining, and Riot Platforms are experiencing growth in stock prices and revenue. This is despite the recent Bitcoin halving event that reduced the block reward to 3.125 BTC.

🔄 Additionally, Foundry's parent company, DCG, is undergoing its own restructuring efforts following the bankruptcy of its subsidiary Genesis. DCG had invested heavily in Genesis to repay creditors but faced a dispute over a $1.7 billion loan. This issue was resolved in August, with DCG agreeing to pay Genesis $482.5 million in cash and cryptocurrency.

🚀 Ripple's Race to Launch Its U.S. Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin

⏳ Ripple is in a race against time to launch its highly anticipated U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), by the end of the year. The company's Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, expressed cautious optimism about meeting this timeline during The Block’s Emergence crypto conference in Prague. Although there were speculations about a launch on December 4, Ripple clarified that it is still in discussions with the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). Schwartz stated,

I’m still hopeful that we’ll launch by the end of the year.

🌐 The stablecoin, first announced in April, is designed to operate on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks. Since August, Ripple has been testing the stablecoin extensively and has built a wide network of partners. Key exchanges supporting the launch include Uphold, Bitstamp, Bitso, Moonpay, Independent Reserve, Coinmena, and Bullish. Market makers B2C2 and Keyrock will provide liquidity to ensure stable trading conditions.

🎄 However, Schwartz acknowledged potential challenges as the holiday season approaches. He mentioned,

The annoying part for us is we’re getting close to the holidays, and we have partners that want to hit the ground running.

📜 Regulatory compliance is also a critical factor in the stablecoin’s rollout. Schwartz explained,

There’s a lot of moving parts involved, and the big one is the stablecoin is launched through a New York state trust, and it’s regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

He noted that the NYDFS is conducting a thorough review of Ripple’s processes and compliance. Schwartz concluded,

Very much looking forward to having the launch headaches behind us, but we will get there.

⭐️ Welcome to the world of $PEDRO - a new innovative global memecoin, symbolizing strength, confidence, and adventure with big ambitions!

⚡️$PEDRO aims to become The Leading Meme Token on the market by launching a powerful viral 💵1,000,000 marketing campaign, leveraging the unique $PEDRO brand, building a strong and active community around it! 🌎

🚀 Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for, is here: $PEDRO Presale is officially LIVE✔️

This is your chance to become part of the revolutionary project at the very start.⚡️Join the movement and secure your place in history!

Certified and Secure – $PEDRO has passed the SolidProof audit🛡

The Pre-sale is open for a limited time! Don’t miss your chance to invest in a project that’s changing the game!💰

🔥Join the Pre-sale now: https://www.realpedro.com

🛡Audit: Pedro | SolidProof TrustNet
🔠 X: https://x.com/realpedroeth
✔️ TG: https://t.me/realpedroeth