Category Archives: Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin (BTC) Inches Closer to Historic Golden Cross, Analysts Reveal Next Moves By U.Today – Investing.com

U.Today - In a historic development for the world's leading cryptocurrency, (BTC) is on the verge of achieving its first weekly golden cross, to market analysis provided by financial data provider Barchart. This milestone has generated significant excitement and speculation among crypto enthusiasts and investors alike.

Barchart, a reputable source for financial market data and analysis, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the imminent occurrence of a weekly golden cross for Bitcoin. The golden cross is a that occurs when an asset's short-term moving average crosses above its long-term moving average, indicating a potential bullish trend.

The ascending triangle is another technical analysis pattern that suggests a potential upward breakout. Adding to the chorus of optimism, Crypto Rover, a renowned crypto analyst, optimism by stating that Bitcoin was bouncing back and cautioned against falling for the bear trap. This tweet reflects a common sentiment among traders who anticipate a reversal of the recent trend.

As of the latest update, the current price of Bitcoin stands at $43,089, representing a 1.21% increase in the last 24 hours and a substantial 16.10% gain over the last 30 days. The positive momentum observed in the short term and the approaching golden cross have fueled speculation about the potential for in the coming weeks.

Investors and market participants are closely watching Bitcoin's movements, particularly in the context of the broader cryptocurrency market. The significance of Bitcoin's golden cross, if realized, could have a cascading effect on overall market sentiment, influencing trading strategies and investment decisions.

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Case study of cryptocurrency suggests many do not trust its transparency and privacy – Tech Xplore

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A trio of economists and financial analysts, two from Yale University and the other the University of Chicago, has conducted a case study of a nationwide cryptocurrency experiment to better understand why such a monetary system might or might not work as intended. In their paper published in the journal Science, Fernando Alvarez, David Argente and Diana Van Patten, describe their analyses of an attempt by the government in El Salvador to make cryptocurrency a popular choice for the people of that country and what they found by doing so.

Over the past half century, it has become apparent to some that established banks and the banking system in general do not always deal favorably with people on the lower spectrum of the economic scale. Because of that, various alternatives have arisen.

One such alternative is cryptocurrency. It has been championed as a currency for the poor because of its anonymitypeople who use it do not have to give up their personal information or credit history. Unfortunately, that same positive attribute has led to accusations by some that cryptocurrency systems (such as Bitcoin) allow criminals and terrorist organizations to move money around without being traced.

In this new study, the researchers wondered how average people view such systems and if they are willing to embrace them. To that end, they conducted a case study of the history of Bitcoin in El Salvador.

In 2021 the government of El Salvador formally recognized Bitcoin as legal tender throughout that country, hoping to give it credibilityas part of that effort they began allowing citizens to pay their taxes using the system. The government also ordered all businesses across the country to begin accepting Bitcoin as a payment methodincluding debt collectors.

Then, to make it easier for everyone in the country to use the new currency system, they introduced Chivo Wallet, a phone app that could be used to exchange and trade Bitcoinand U.S. dollars. One thing the government did not do was stop the use of the U.S. dollar as a legal exchange mediumthe official currency of the country, the coln, is seldom used and has largely passed out of circulation.

To learn more about the acceptance or lack of adoption of the new currency system, the researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with people living in 1,800 households across the country. They were also given access to transaction numbers for Chivo Wallet.

The research team found that use of Bitcoin in El Salvador has remained low, and its use has been declining since the government began its push. The reason given for refusing to embrace the new currency system, the team found, was mainly transparency and privacy issuesregular people do not trust the people running the cryptocurrency system. Because of that, most still preferred cashU.S. cash. They also found that most of the people who use Bitcoin in El Salvador are wealthy people who also continue to use the regular banking system.

More information: Fernando Alvarez et al, Are cryptocurrencies currencies? Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.add2844

Journal information: Science

2023 Science X Network

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Worst performing crypto of 2023 – crypto.news

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Despite the high performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum, certain cryptocurrencies lagged, emerging as the crypto biggest losers of 2023.

The 2023 crypto market experienced a mix of highs and lows, with some coins emerging as cryptocurrency losers. Market data suggests that while most cryptocurrencies traded in green, notable exceptions ranked as the worst-performing crypto of the year.

For example, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) reached yearly highs in December 2023, showcasing resilience amid fluctuating conditions. This surge was partly fueled by expectations of a spot Bitcoin ETF, which could draw institutional investors and increase market confidence.

On the other hand, data highlights coins that suffered more than others, contributing to the category of cryptos biggest losers. Regulatory and legal challenges, particularly those involving key crypto companies like Binance and Celsius, significantly undermined investor confidence.

Lets delve into the top five losers in crypto of 2023. By analyzing the trajectories of these cryptocurrency losers, you can refine your strategies for the upcoming year.

In 2023, Blur (BLUR), an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency focused on the NFT space, experienced significant challenges.Starting with high hopes in the NFT market, BLUR faced a steep downturn, categorizing it as one of the biggest cryptocurrency losers of the year.

Despite some optimistic developments, such as a price increase following its listing on Binance and the completion of its Season 2 airdrop, BLURs performance for the year was disappointing.

Initially, the coin garnered attention for its novel features, like zero fees for NFT sales, but shifting trends in the NFT market soon led to a decline in its value. Hence, BLURs yearly drop of almost 90% makes it one of the worst-performing crypto assets of 2023.

Sui (SUI), a cryptocurrency on the Sui Network platform, experienced a significant downturn in 2023 despite its advanced technology and strong potential.

With its object-centric model, the Sui platform is designed for parallel transaction processing, sub-second finality, and diverse on-chain assets. Its native token, SUI, serves roles in gas payments and staking within a Delegated proof-of-stake framework. Suis approach to storage organization, focusing on objects rather than accounts, aims to facilitate efficient transaction processing and versatile asset ownership.

However, despite these technological strengths, SUI has faced challenges in holding its market position, leading to its classification among the worst-performing crypto assets and one of the years biggest crypto losers. The coin lost more than 84% in price during 2023.

ApeCoin (APE), linked to the well-known Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, left investors questioning its future after a downturn in 2023.

Beginning 2023 on a high note, ApeCoin surged from $3 to $6.5 in the first week of January, only to lose momentum and fall to $1 by October. This yearly decrease of over 50% classifies ApeCoin as one of the cryptos biggest losers of the year.

Despite initial excitement over its role in various ecosystem projects and its integration into the ApeCoin DAO, the token couldnt sustain its value, ultimately landing it among the worst-performing crypto of the year.

In 2023, Terra (LUNA) struggled with challenges following its dramatic crash in 2022.

That years drop, which wiped out most of Terras value, led to the introduction of Terra 2.0 as a replacement for the original Luna, now called Luna Classic. However, Terra 2.0 faced more problems, including legal troubles and market instability.

All of this resulted in a significant price loss of 20%, cementing its place as one of the biggest cryptocurrency losers of 2023.

Zcash (ZEC), known for its privacy-centric capabilities, faced a tough 2023.

Created in 2016 by Zooko Wilcox-OHearn, Zcash distinguished itself in the privacy coin sector through its scientifically supported technology, emphasizing decentralization and user privacy.

Zcash employs a zero-knowledge-proof method called zk-SNARK, which secures transaction privacy while upholding network integrity.

Nevertheless, even with these innovative features, Zcash has encountered challenges in the competitive crypto market.

After dipping to about $23 in June 2023 from an all-time high of $6,000 in 2016, it experienced a temporary rally where bulls drove the price up, yet it met resistance near the $30 level.

Despite indications of recovery from its earlier lows, Zcashs price has struggled to consistently stay above the $31-32 range, categorizing it as one of the top five losers in crypto of 2023.

As we look toward 2024, the crypto market could be bracing for a period marked by significant developments and challenges.

A looming recession in the U.S. in 2024 is expected to test the resilience of the crypto sector. However, this could be counterbalanced by the anticipated introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could attract considerable investment inflows, potentially stabilizing Bitcoin prices despite the broader economic downturn.

Alongside these macroeconomic shifts, the crypto landscape is gearing up for the Bitcoin halving event in May 2024. Historically, this has been a bullish signal for the market, spurring interest and investment. However, there are no guarantees in the crypto market.

Moreover, regulatory clarity will be crucial in shaping the crypto market in 2024. Governments and financial authorities will likely establish clearer rules to enhance market legitimacy and stability.

However, this increased regulatory scrutiny might bring challenges, particularly for major exchanges and crypto companies.

Trade and invest wisely, and never forget the golden rule of investing: dont invest more than you can afford to lose.

In 2023, various factors contributed to the loss in value of many cryptocurrencies. Key among them were global economic uncertainties, which led to reduced risk appetite among investors. This scenario saw many shifting their investments from volatile assets like cryptocurrencies to more stable ones. Regulatory challenges also played a role. Moreover, technological issues, such as security breaches and scalability problems, further worsened the situation, leading to a decline in the value of many cryptocurrencies, including some of the worst-performing crypto assets.

The list of the biggest crypto losers of all time is extensive and changes every year due to the volatile nature of the market. Some notable examples include Terra (LUNA) and FTX (FTX), both facing catastrophic crashes. These cryptos, among others, were heavily impacted by factors ranging from internal management issues to market dynamics.

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Heres How a Crypto Investor Turned His $500K to a Whopping $13 Million! – Coinpedia Fintech News

The cryptocurrency world is as giving as it is harsh, and stories of rapid success are common. However, a distinct narrative emerges, showcasing the power of patience and strategic investment. Consider an investment of $500,000 growing to an impressive $13 million in just three and a half years. This is the remarkable journey of an investor with Aave, leading name in decentralized finance (DeFi).

Fascinating, right? Heres how they did it.

The journey started when Aave was named EthLend. Recognizing its potential early on, the investor committed $500,000, acquiring 12.5 million LEND tokens at a value of $0.04 each. By 2020, Aave underwent changes, with LEND transitioning to AAVE at a conversion rate of 100:1. This transition increased the investors holdings to 125,000 AAVE tokens. Rather than selling immediately, the investor chose a patient approach.

Recent data highlights a significant move. Utilizing the Cumberland platform, the investor sold 30,000 AAVE tokens, realizing a substantial $3 million, marking a 500% profit on their initial investment. Importantly, they continue to hold over 100,000 AAVE tokens, currently valued at approximately $10 million.

While the investors approach proved fruitful, an intriguing scenario arises. If they had sold their tokens at AAVEs peak value of $666 in May 2021, their 30,000 AAVE tokens could have been worth nearly $20 million.

With Aaves current value at around $101.4, showing an 80% rise since the beginning of the year, the future looks promising. Should Aave reach its previous high, the investors holdings could approach an impressive $100 million. This story emphasizes the importance of patience and strategic investment in the crypto landscape.

This Might Interest You: Top 10 Altcoins to Invest in 2024 : Heres Our Picks Ready For Moonshot

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Heres How a Crypto Investor Turned His $500K to a Whopping $13 Million! - Coinpedia Fintech News

Hackers Stole $2B USD in Crypto in 2023, According to Data – HYPEBEAST

Hackers made away with $2 billion USD in cryptocurrency in 2023, according to data from the cryptocurrency portfolio tracker and security firm De.Fi, TechCrunch reported.

De.Fi publishes a database that ranks the worst cryptocurrency thefts throughout the year. In 2023, the company says that those attacks amounted to a total of $2 billion. Among some of the worst attacks listed was a September attack against Mixin Network, a blockchain security consultancy, that resulted in the loss of over $200 million USD in assets.

Another hack targeting NFTswas carried out against HXA Token Exploit in December, where attackers made out with nearly $30 million USD worth of tokens. These make up only a portion of the numerous attacks this year.

This amount, though dispersed across various incidents, underscores the persistent vulnerabilities and challenges within the DeFi ecosystem, De.Fi wrote in its report, per TechCrunch. 2023 stood as a testament to both the ongoing vulnerabilities and the strides made in addressing them, even as interest in the space was relatively muted by the ongoing bear market in the first half of the year.

TechCrunch also cited another report from earlier this month from TRM Labs, whose data showed that $1.7 billion USD in crypto assets had been stolen since the beginning of the year. Tack on a few weeks since that data was reported and it essentially serves to back up the $2 billion USD claim.

While crypto being susceptible to cyber theft isnt entirely surprising, the data draws into question the security firms that many trading platforms use. It seems that web3 security, as an industry, still has a lot of issues that need ironing out before it can safeguard crypto and NFTs.

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XRP vs Cardano: Which Cryptocurrency Ruled 2023? – Analytics Insight

XRP and Cardano are two of the most prominent cryptocurrencies in the market, with different visions and use cases. XRP focuses on facilitating fast and cost-effective cross-border payments, while Cardano aims to establish a sustainable and scalable platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications. The year 2023 has been pivotal for both cryptocurrencies, marked by significant developments, challenges, and opportunities. This analysis delves into the performance of XRP and Cardano throughout the year, examining their price movements, key catalysts, and achievements in the crypto market.

Over the past two years, XRP and Cardano exhibited similar price behavior, both reaching their all-time highs in September 2021. XRP achieved a peak value of $3.40, while Cardano reached $3.09. However, both cryptocurrencies underwent substantial corrections thereafter, with losses exceeding 80% of their peak values. As of December 2023, XRP is trading at $0.4583, and Cardano is priced at $0.3614.

The primary driver of XRPs price movements in 2023 was the outcome of the legal battle between Ripple, the company behind XRP, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple in December 2020, alleging that XRP constituted an unregistered security and accusing Ripple of conducting an illicit sale of XRP totaling $1.3 billion. The lawsuit had severe repercussions on XRP, leading to numerous exchanges delisting or suspending XRP trading.

However, the turning point came in June 2023 when Ripple and the SEC reached a settlement. This agreement clarified XRPs status as a non-security, providing regulatory clarity and enabling Ripple to resume its operations and partnerships. The settlement triggered a significant rally for XRP, as the cryptocurrency regained market share and popularity.

For Cardano, the key driver of price growth in 2023 was the successful implementation of major updates and features for its platform. Cardano completed its transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, enhancing energy efficiency and security. The platform also launched smart contracts, empowering developers to create and deploy decentralized applications on Cardano. Additionally, the introduction of native tokens allowed users to create and transfer custom tokens within the Cardano ecosystem.

These substantial developments bolstered Cardanos functionality and scalability, attracting a growing user base and increased investor interest. The successful integration of these features showcased Cardanos commitment to innovation and positioned it as a viable contender in the competitive landscape of blockchain platforms.

In evaluating the performance of XRP and Cardano in 2023, its crucial to consider their percentage price changes over the year. XRP exhibited a 18.75% increase, outperforming Cardano, which experienced a 14.29% increase. This indicates that, from a price perspective, XRP had a slightly better performance in 2023.

In conclusion, both XRP and Cardano navigated the challenges and opportunities of 2023, demonstrating their resilience and innovation in the cryptocurrency space. XRPs legal victory and subsequent resurgence underscore the importance of regulatory clarity in shaping the trajectory of cryptocurrencies. On the other hand, Cardanos successful platform upgrades and innovations position it as a formidable player in the smart contract and decentralized application ecosystem.

Looking ahead, both XRP and Cardano have significant room for growth and improvement. The cryptocurrency landscape is dynamic, and new developments, challenges, and surprises are likely to shape their trajectories in the future. As we move into 2024, the XRP vs Cardano rivalry remains an intriguing aspect of the cryptocurrency market, with each project poised to contribute uniquely to the evolving blockchain ecosystem.

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XRP vs Cardano: Which Cryptocurrency Ruled 2023? - Analytics Insight

Coinbase Responds to Senator Warren: A Call for Balanced Cryptocurrency Regulation to Protect National Interests – Coinpedia Fintech News

In a recent and highly publicized exchange, the cryptocurrency industry, represented by Coinbase, has responded forcefully to Senator Elizabeth Warrens concerns about the sectors employment of national security veterans. The debate centers on the potential influence of these hires on legislation concerning digital assets.

Senator Warrens letter, dated December 18, 2023, pinpointed the trend of cryptocurrency entities hiring ex-defense and national security officials, suggesting this could hamper regulatory efforts. While hinting at a potential link between cryptocurrencies and groups like Hamas, Warrens claims faced strong opposition from analytics firms like Elliptic, which found no substantial evidence to support such connections.

Also Read Senator Warren Raises Crypto Red Flags, Coin Center Slams It as Publicity Stunt

Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, addressed Senator Warrens accusations head-on. Shirzad emphasized the companys commitment to combating illicit activities and its robust partnerships with law enforcement agencies. Contrary to the Senators assertions, Shirzad highlighted Coinbases advocacy for clear industry rules, citing their support for legislation like FIT21.

Coinbases full letter to Senator Warren presented a firm stance on their recruitment strategy. The company takes pride in its team of national security experts, asserting that their expertise is crucial in protecting Americans from terrorist financing and other threats. Coinbase also rebuffed the claim of attempting to undermine bipartisan legislation, arguing that their actions have always been in favor of responsible regulation in the cryptocurrency space.

Central to Coinbases defense is the argument that maintaining leadership in digital asset innovation is vital for Americas national security. Drawing parallels with the decline of the U.S. in semiconductors and mobile phone technology, Shirzad warns of the dangers of losing ground in the digital assets sector.

Coinbase has expressed a willingness to engage in detailed discussions with Senator Warren, offering to brief her on their efforts against terrorist financing and the global steps being taken in digital asset adoption.

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Coinbase Responds to Senator Warren: A Call for Balanced Cryptocurrency Regulation to Protect National Interests - Coinpedia Fintech News

Grayscale and Harris Poll unveil cryptocurrency’s role in 2024 election – crypto.news

According to a Dec. 21 post, Grayscale and Harris Poll have teamed up to get the read on the role of crypto in the 2024 election.

As stated inthe report, for the first time in history, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies were all mentioned in the American Presidential primary debate, resulting in the release of2024 Election: The Role of Cryptoa survey administered by Grayscale on behalf of The Harris Poll, an American market research and analytics company.

From this study, key findings included 46% of likely voters being said to hold off on cryptocurrency investments, waiting for additional policies and regulations before diving into the digital asset space.

Simultaneously, data showed that 40% of respondents anticipate incorporating cryptocurrency into their future investment portfolios, signaling a growing acceptance of this emerging financial frontier. Equally noteworthy is that nearly half of the surveyed voters, 48%, expressed that implementing additional policies or regulations around cryptocurrency would make them more inclined to invest. The survey also unveils a generational trend, with Gen Z and Millennials displaying a keen interest in the candidates understanding of crypto.

A substantial 59% from both demographics express a likelihood of voting for a candidate well-versed in cryptocurrency matters, and an additional 50% and 48%, respectively, consider a candidates stance on crypto a decisive factor in their vote for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

In alignment with an earlier report from Nov. 9, Galaxy Digital Holdings CEO Michael Novogratz expressed reservations about the progression of cryptocurrency regulations in the United States leading up to the anticipated 2024 presidential elections.

In the third quarter earnings call for the company, Novogratz predicted a delay in U.S. crypto regulation until post-2024 elections. With many likely voters interested in cryptocurrency regulation, Novogratzs prediction will likely check out.

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Cryptocurrency Investment Options for Students In 2024 – Analytics Insight

Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies that rely on encryption to ensure safe and regulated transactions. They are decentralised, meaning that they are not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or a bank. Cryptocurrencies offer many benefits, such as low fees, fast transactions, transparency, privacy, and global accessibility.

However, investing in cryptocurrencies also involves risks, such as volatility, hacking, scams, and regulatory uncertainty. Therefore, students who are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies should do their research, understand the risks, and choose the best options for their goals and budget.

Some of the most popular and widely used cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. These are considered the blue-chip cryptocurrencies, as they have high market capitalization, liquidity, and adoption. They are also relatively stable and secure, compared to other cryptocurrencies. However, they also have high prices, which may not be affordable for students with limited funds.

Therefore, students may want to explore other alternatives, such as altcoins and tokens. Altcoins are cryptocurrencies that are derived from or similar to Bitcoin, but have different features, such as faster transactions, lower fees, or more privacy. Some examples of altcoins are Bitcoin Cash, Dash, and Monero. Tokens are cryptocurrencies that are built on top of another platform, such as Ethereum, and have specific functions, such as utility, governance, or reward. Some examples of tokens are Chainlink, Uniswap, and Aave.

Altcoins and tokens may offer higher returns, as they have more room for growth and innovation. However, they also have higher risks, as they are more vulnerable to hacking, scams, and regulatory issues. Therefore, students should be careful and selective when investing in altcoins and tokens, and only invest what they can afford to lose.

Another option for students is to invest in cryptocurrency funds or platforms, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds, or robo-advisors. These are products or services that allow investors to diversify their portfolios, reduce their risk, and access professional management. For example, a cryptocurrency ETF is a fund that tracks the performance of a basket of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. A cryptocurrency index fund is a fund that follows a specific index, such as the Crypto 20 or the Bitwise 10. A cryptocurrency robo-advisor is a service that uses algorithms and artificial intelligence to create and manage a customized portfolio for investors, based on their risk profile and preferences.

Cryptocurrency funds and platforms may offer convenience, simplicity, and efficiency for students who want to invest in cryptocurrencies without having to deal with the technical and operational aspects. However, they also have drawbacks, such as fees, regulations, and limitations. Therefore, students should compare and evaluate different options, and choose the ones that suit their needs and expectations.

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Cryptocurrency miner Phoenix Group acquires 25% in Dubai-based Lyvely – ZAWYA

Cryptocurrency mining and blockchain company Phoenix Group PLC is set to acquire a significant shareholding in Dubai-based social networking and content monetisation platform Lyvely.

Phoenix INV Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Group, entered into a subscription and investment agreement on December 26 to acquire a 25% stake in Lyvely, according to a disclosure on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

The subsidiary is currently completing all required procedures to complete the transaction.

Lyvely is a UAE homegrown platform that helps content creators monetise their online presence. It also offers consumers exclusive access and personalised experiences.

Last August, the platform secured an undisclosed amount in seed funding from Cypher Capital that will be used to develop a cryptocurrency token.

The acquisition will solidify Phoenixs commitment to drive innovation that will empower creators and redefine the future of social interaction, the company said in a separate statement.

With Lyvely, we are not just acquiring a stake in a company, were investing in the future of the digital and creator economy, which has huge potential and is on exponential growth trajectory, said Bijan Alizadehfard, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Phoenix Group.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)seban.scaria@lseg.com

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